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July 26 - Equipped For Mission

7/25/2020

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SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
July 26, 2020
 
Gathering
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.
  • Attendance was taken by ushers as you entered.
  • Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
  • The bulletins were placed specifically for social distancing, one household per pew. Please sit exactly where you found your bulletin.
  • Please keep your masks on and remain seated through the whole service.
  • There will be no singing, and no physical contact.
  • You may read along silently, but today there will be two questions at the end to which I will direct a short out loud response.
  • Today, we will listen to the whole postlude before leaving one pew at a time allowing you to come past the pulpit area if you wish, so we can bid each other farewell.
 
Schedule reminders:
  • The office and the rest of the building remain closed, but you can contact Karla during her office hours.
  • I will be here for meetings with Karla and Syd on Tuesday, but that is my last as I continue to use up vacation days.
  • Session, you are meeting with the governing board of First Congregational Church next Sunday followed by your own meeting. The joint meeting is for the purpose of getting acquainted and sharing ideas for potential partnerships in future ministries. That may include educational ministries as we have shared with them in the past or joint special services as we started for Lent this year. I’m sure there are many other possibilities for local churches to help each other in ministry.
 
PRELUDE
 
WORDS OF WORSHIP                                                                      Psalm 100, NRSV
1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.
 
3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
 
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
    Give thanks to him, bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations.          
 
GATHERING PRAYER                                                                                                     
Almighty God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, we your people come before you with our praise and thanksgiving, just as you ask us. We bring our prayers and our offerings, our needs and our burdens, our hopes and our dreams. We bring an openness not only to hear your Word, but to ponder it, to apply it, and to live it as best we are able. Lord, may your Holy Spirit hover among us this hour, that we might go home refreshed and inspired, ready to do your will. Amen.
  
CONFESSION AND PARDON                                                     Ephesians 2:1-5, CEV
1 In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. 2 You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn’t obey God. 3 Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else.
 
Merciful God, forgive us for the times we have gone back to our old ways and sinned against one another, against your creation, and against you. As humans both our minds and our bodies can lead us far from your intentions for us. Give us the strength to resist those temptations. Teach us to walk ever more closely in the pathways you set before us. Lord, in your mercy, hear the silent sins we confess before you…
 
4-5 But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God’s wonderful kindness is what saves you. In the name of Jesus you are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
 
OFFERING PEACE                                       
May the peace of Christ be with you.
 
INTERLUDE
 
Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION                                                                      Psalm 119:
Lord, may “Your word [be] a lamp before my feet and a light for my journey.” Amen.
 
SERMON                                     Equipped for Mission
As I did last week, I’ll read a section of scripture and comment on it before going on to the next section. You have the scriptures printed in your bulletin to follow along. This week’s chapter fours are from Luke and Ephesians.
 
SCRIPTURE LESSONS                                                                               Luke 4, CEB
4 Jesus returned from the Jordan River full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. 2 There he was tempted for forty days by the devil. He ate nothing during those days and afterward Jesus was starving. 3 The devil said to him, “Since you are God’s Son, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.”
 
4 Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread.”
 
5 Next the devil led him to a high place and showed him in a single instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 The devil said, “I will give you this whole domain and the glory of all these kingdoms. It’s been entrusted to me and I can give it to anyone I want. 7 Therefore, if you will worship me, it will all be yours.”
 
8 Jesus answered, “It’s written, You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him.”
 
9 The devil brought him into Jerusalem and stood him at the highest point of the temple. He said to him, “Since you are God’s Son, throw yourself down from here; 10 for it’s written: He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you 11 and they will take you up in their hands so that you won’t hit your foot on a stone.
 
12 Jesus answered, “It’s been said, Don’t test the Lord your God.” 13 After finishing every temptation, the devil departed from him until the next opportunity.
 
Sermon: Luke 4 begins where Matthew 4 did, as the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tested by the Tempter. The scene is written with similar details. The one thing that caught my attention came at the end of Luke’s version. Did you catch the spoiler that there will likely be a sequel? The Devil waited for another opportunity to trip Jesus with temptation. Some believe that came during Jesus’ final days on earth as he prayed in Gethsemane.But in the meantime, this three-part test was like passing three stages in an interview process. Jesus did not fall for the traps. He answered the questions well. He was ready to move fully into his ministry on earth. 
Jesus announces good news to the poor14 Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news about him spread throughout the whole countryside. 15 He taught in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
 
16 Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been raised. On the Sabbath he went to the synagogue as he normally did and stood up to read. 17 The synagogue assistant gave him the scroll from the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
 
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
    because the Lord has anointed me.
He has sent me to preach good news to the poor,
    to proclaim release to the prisoners
    and recovery of sight to the blind,
    to liberate the oppressed,
19     and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
 
20 He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the synagogue assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the synagogue was fixed on him. 21 He began to explain to them, “Today, this scripture has been fulfilled just as you heard it.”
 
22 Everyone was raving about Jesus, so impressed were they by the gracious words flowing from his lips. They said, “This is Joseph’s son, isn’t it?”
 
23 Then Jesus said to them, “Undoubtedly, you will quote this saying to me: ‘Doctor, heal yourself. Do here in your hometown what we’ve heard you did in Capernaum.’” 24 He said, “I assure you that no prophet is welcome in the prophet’s hometown. 25 And I can assure you that there were many widows in Israel during Elijah’s time, when it didn’t rain for three and a half years and there was a great food shortage in the land. 26 Yet Elijah was sent to none of them but only to a widow in the city of Zarephath in the region of Sidon. 27 There were also many persons with skin diseases in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha, but none of them were cleansed. Instead, Naaman the Syrian was cleansed.”
 
28 When they heard this, everyone in the synagogue was filled with anger. 29 They rose up and ran him out of town. They led him to the crest of the hill on which their town had been built so that they could throw him off the cliff. 30 But he passed through the crowd and went on his way.
 
Sermon: In Matthew’s Gospel we noted that Jesus’ ministry was teaching, preaching, and healing. Matthew did not include this scene of Jesus reading the scroll from Isaiah at his hometown synagogue. From the scroll handed to him, Jesus chose to read the first few lines of Isaiah 61. I think Jesus saw in these verses his own call and definition of ministry.
 
Jesus knew he was fulfilling God’s mission. Jesus understood himself to be God’s anointed, the Messiah, the Christ. Jesus would bring good news to God’s people. God had once delivered them from Egypt and later from Babylon. Jesus came to release them not from Rome, but from their own sin. He came to bring sight to the blind, not only in terms of physical healing, but also new insight. Jesus came to liberate the oppressed, to bring real justice, but also to set us free from the burden of our own flawed thinking and self-deprecation. Jesus came to proclaim a year of Jubilee, like the Old Testament call every 50 years to cancel debt, free indentured slaves, and restore land ownership, to reconcile families and give rest to cultivated lands. Jesus’ fulfillment of this was to cancel our sin debt and buy us back just as a kinsman redeemer could buy back the family land in the time of Ruth and Naomi. Jesus reconciled us back into God’s family. Isaiah 61:1-2a became Jesus’ mission statement as he claimed to be its fulfillment.
 
While it is said that everyone was impressed with Jesus’ gracious words (v. 22), they could not accept that this hometown boy claimed to be the answer to Isaiah’s prophecy, in short that he was the Messiah. Jesus anticipated their skepticism. He referred to two stories from the Old Testament, Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, Elisha and Naaman. In both cases, Jesus pointed out that the blessing and healing were given where it might not have been expected. This is because in spite of their hesitancy, both the widow and Naaman chose to do as they were asked; in spite of doubt they acted on faith. Jesus knows well enough that sometimes our human brains cannot see the potential of what is being presented to us. But Jesus asks us to have faith, not in human leaders or institutions, but in himself, in the One God sent to us.
 
Indignant at the hinted insult, that those in Nazareth did not have enough faith, they rose up against Jesus, attempting to do away with him over a cliff. To us that may seem a violent reaction to a sermon, but there was more going on here. Jesus’ was essentially claiming to be the Messiah, perhaps even that he was God. To those present that day, it was taken as blasphemy, the punishment for which was death according to Leviticus 24:16. Yet in spite of their angry intentions, Jesus walked away unharmed.
 
Jesus in Capernaum31 Jesus went down to the city of Capernaum in Galilee and taught the people each Sabbath. 32 They were amazed by his teaching because he delivered his message with authority.
 
33 A man in the synagogue had the spirit of an unclean demon. He screamed, 34 “Hey! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are. You are the holy one from God.”
 
35 “Silence!” Jesus said, speaking harshly to the demon. “Come out of him!” The demon threw the man down before them, then came out of him without harming him.
36 They were all shaken and said to each other, “What kind of word is this, that he can command unclean spirits with authority and power, and they leave?” 37 Reports about him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.
 
38 After leaving the synagogue, Jesus went home with Simon. Simon’s mother-in-law was sick with a high fever, and the family asked Jesus to help her. 39 He bent over her and spoke harshly to the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and served them.
 
40 When the sun was setting, everyone brought to Jesus relatives and acquaintances with all kinds of diseases. Placing his hands on each of them, he healed them. 41 Demons also came out of many people. They screamed, “You are God’s Son.” But he spoke harshly to them and wouldn’t allow them to speak because they recognized that he was the Christ. 42 When daybreak arrived, Jesus went to a deserted place. The crowds were looking for him. When they found him, they tried to keep him from leaving them. 43 But he said to them, “I must preach the good news of God’s kingdom in other cities too, for this is why I was sent.” 44 So he continued preaching in the Judean synagogues.
 
Sermon: The first healing presented by Luke, the physician, was calling a demon out of a man. Luke’s placement of this story sets up a contrast between the hometown folk who couldn’t accept that Joseph and Mary’s son was the Messiah, and an “unclean demon” who immediately recognized Jesus as the Son of God. It accepted Jesus’ authority and left the man unharmed.
 
The second healing was Peter’s mother-in-law. Simon Peter’s family at Capernaum was hosting Jesus when she became ill. Jesus called the fever out of her body as he had called the demon out of the man. She recovered quickly enough to serve the meal.
 
Healings continued to be part of Jesus’ ministry in that region, and as the stories were told others brought their suffering family members to him. If I think about our ministry, the good news still spreads as we tell others what God has done in our lives, the healing or blessing we have personally received. In this way we bring our family or friends to Jesus, by telling our story, then at some point inviting them to learn more or to seek healing and blessing themselves. 
 
The time came when Jesus needed to move on and continue preaching and teaching in other communities.  Jesus was at the beginning of his ministry. It started well in Capernaum, but there were other peoples who needed the scriptures interpreted, who needed to hear the message of God’s kingdom and favor, who needed healing and release from various burdens. Jesus had to minister to them, too.
 
Given what else we are celebrating today, I have to note my time to move on. My ministry came as a surprise 33 years ago when Jessika was a baby. Her dad’s first full time appointment came with a half time pastoral appointment for me at Wyanet United Methodist. Tali was born while I served there. Eventually God led me to a second seminary degree and the ordination process. After four and a half years at Wyanet, I was moved to Ohio and Red Oak Churches. I remember giving the D.S. a hard time about moving me when the church and I had both requested that I stay another year. However, God had his reasons. I served those churches for six years, then Christ UMC, Elmhurst for three years. I came to Albany UMC in 2001 as a single mom with two daughters. In 2005, it was time to move again, but this time to a leave of absence.
 
I walked through the doors of this church at the end of July 2005. I was greeted by Charlene who took very good care of me that day. I met Pastor Connie, and Cheri and Gene. I applied for the teaching staff of your Wednesday Early Out program and was the craft leader my first year. In October I filled in the office for Diane. That month you became First UNITED Presbyterian Church as First and Riverside joined together. In November I was offered the position of secretary. Back in those years I joked that my job description changed about every six months, but that was pretty accurate. When this became my appointment to Ecumenical Shared Ministry as a United Methodist clergywoman, I took the title Administrative and Spiritual Life Director as kind of a mini job description to help my bishop understand the range of what I did here. My job continued to shift as your needs changed. I know why God brought me here 15 years ago. I had some skills you would need, but I would also find growth and healing for myself while here. In 2009 I helped New Hope Lutheran when they met upstairs in the Great Hall. It was Advent 2014 when I became your regular pulpit supply in addition to my paid position. I’m still surprised that I have been here nearly half my ministry and in your pulpit for so long as well.
 
However, it’s time for me to move on, not to a new church, but into the next chapter of my life, my retirement years. There will still be ministry, mostly online. I’ll still do worship at Sarah Harding. I still have weddings to complete. I’ll do pulpit supply again. I don’t feel like I’m leaving entirely, because I may still preach for you in months to come. But I am leaving the office and most of the Bible Studies that have defined my life for so long. I look forward to taking up hobbies that have been shelved for several years. I anticipate the healing of enjoying my home and yard.
 
Today I want to share with you some of what has been meaningful for me in my years of ministry by looking at Ephesians 4.
 
                                                                                                              Ephesians 4, CEB
4 Therefore, as a prisoner for the Lord, I encourage you to live as people worthy of the call you received from God. 2 Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, 3 and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. 4 You are one body and one spirit, just as God also called you in one hope. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all.
 
Sermon: Paul had a sincere love for the people of the churches he worked with, just as I have. While Paul relied on friends to help write and distribute his letters to his beloved congregations, I have the modern ease of Facebook to see what’s going on in the lives of people I have known from churches and retreats and youth groups over the years. I can still reach out to them offering my sermons or Bible studies, etc. by posting links there.
 
What Paul wanted for his Christian family I also want for you, that you would continue in the fruits of the spirit including “humility, gentleness, and patience,” accepting each other and those God will send your way in the love encouraged by Christ. (v. 2) That includes praying for each other, caring for each other, forgiving each other, working together willing to compromise when needed. Make it your mutual aim to do God’s will to the best of your ability as a congregation.
 
Verses 3 – 6 are especially important to me with the theme of unity. My time here began as you united. In the Early Out program I appreciated teaching staff that represented several churches in the area. I love bragging about how many denominations participate in my Bible Studies. I think Deb and Bonnie’s favorite line has become a defining statement for my ministry here. They enjoy telling everyone they are Lutherans who come to a Presbyterian church to hear a United Methodist preach.
 
I have known the word ecumenical since childhood. It has become a significant principle of my ministry to work ecumenically. I encourage you to maintain that unity in Christ as you cooperate with other local ministries, because regardless of our varying rules or practices, what makes us Christian are the things Paul emphasized here: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God. (v. 4-6)
 
Gifts7 God has given his grace to each one of us measured out by the gift that is given by Christ. 8 That’s why scripture says, When he climbed up to the heights, he captured prisoners, and he gave gifts to people.
 
9 What does the phrase “he climbed up” mean if it doesn’t mean that he had first gone down into the lower regions, the earth? 10 The one who went down is the same one who climbed up above all the heavens so that he might fill everything.
 
11 He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. 12 His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ 13 until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son. God’s goal is for us to become mature adults—to be fully grown, measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we aren’t supposed to be infants any longer who can be tossed and blown around by every wind that comes from teaching with deceitful scheming and the tricks people play to deliberately mislead others. 15 Instead, by speaking the truth with love, let’s grow in every way into Christ, 16 who is the head. The whole body grows from him, as it is joined and held together by all the supporting ligaments. The body makes itself grow in that it builds itself up with love as each one does its part.
 
Sermon: Talking about and helping people recognize their spiritual gifts has also been an important theme in my ministry not only here but in every congregation I served. I firmly believe that everyone who chooses to serve God is given gifts by the Holy Spirit to be used in ministry. All are called and all are equipped! I was the right person here for a particular time in your ministry because of the gifts with which God had equipped me. Others came with skills and experience and gifts that we needed here, and the rest of you have continued to grow into your gifts. If I give you examples, I’ll leave someone out, but let’s look at it this way. Among those who regularly participate in the life of this congregation there are those whose gifts, skills, and experience include hospitality, teaching, leadership, organizing details, planning ahead, human relations, generosity, welcoming strangers, compassion for the suffering, prayer, faith, encouragement, art, music, cooking, various repairs and maintenance: electronics, mechanics, engineering, gardening, plumbing. All of these gifts and others, God has used to keep you going and support the ministries to which God has called you. That is the point I want you to recognize. All of your talents, spiritual gifts, and life experiences serve God’s purpose. That’s ministry!
 
Just as Jesus claimed Isaiah 61:1-2 for his mission statement, early in my ministry here, Ephesians 4:12 became my mission statement: “to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ.” Honestly, the gist of that goes back to something I contemplated on my swing set in my grandparent’s backyard and refined further as I considered ministry. I was clear that helping others discover and grow in ministry was my calling. I think that is why there has been a teaching emphasis even since my teen years.
 
One of my greatest pleasures here has been seeing many of you grow using your gifts to serve our God. I am excited to watch from the sidelines and observe your continued growth and ministry, your potential partnerships with others in the community as you reach out in mission, your deepening faith in your personal lives and how that will ripple out to touch others. Remember above all else that your ministry is not just about you. You are one part of a much larger whole Body of Christ. Your direction should always be set by Christ, who is the head of the Church, in cooperation and partnership with others as Christ invites you to work together. The Holy Spirit will continue to guide you, gift and equip you for ministry, if you are open to her leading. So pray frequently for the Holy Spirit to work in each of your lives and to inspire your ministry together.
 
The old and new life17 So I’m telling you this, and I insist on it in the Lord: you shouldn’t live your life like the Gentiles anymore. They base their lives on pointless thinking, 18 and they are in the dark in their reasoning. They are disconnected from God’s life because of their ignorance and their closed hearts. 19 They are people who lack all sense of right and wrong, and who have turned themselves over to doing whatever feels good and to practicing every sort of corruption along with greed.
 
20 But you didn’t learn that sort of thing from Christ. 21 Since you really listened to him and you were taught how the truth is in Jesus, 22 change the former way of life that was part of the person you once were, corrupted by deceitful desires. 23 Instead, renew the thinking in your mind by the Spirit 24 and clothe yourself with the new person created according to God’s image in justice and true holiness.
 
25 Therefore, after you have gotten rid of lying, Each of you must tell the truth to your neighbor because we are parts of each other in the same body. 26 Be angry without sinning. Don’t let the sun set on your anger. 27 Don’t provide an opportunity for the devil. 28 Thieves should no longer steal. Instead, they should go to work, using their hands to do good so that they will have something to share with whoever is in need.
 
29 Don’t let any foul words come out of your mouth. Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say. 30 Don’t make the Holy Spirit of God unhappy—you were sealed by him for the day of redemption. 31 Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander, along with every other evil. 32 Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.    
 
Sermon: In that first paragraph, Paul is clear how not to live as a Christian. It is easy to get swept up in the ways of the world, including how some of the world thinks. I find myself exposed to it on Facebook, but you also see it on the news or hear it in conversations. We may go overboard on material things or get caught up in political debates; we are tempted to judge others or gossip; we might choose convenience over compassion or caring for creation. The attitudes and accepted practices of the world affect our own expectations and priorities. However, we can daily ask ourselves what Jesus would say about the things that hold our minds captive. Are they worthy of Christ? If not, ask God to help you focus on the better path.
 
Verse 23 echoes another favorite of mine, Romans 12:2. Both urge us to renew our minds by letting the Holy Spirit work within us. Becoming a new person by changing our thought habits doesn’t happen by flipping a switch or turning a page. It takes repeated practice to form healthy new habits, but it is also the work of the Holy Spirit to guide that process. As you face the need to change, begin with prayer!
 
The next paragraph continues to talk about the need for changed lives. I wonder if Paul had particular people in mind as he named some common sins. Kindly, he did not call out those names. We may think it easy to avoid lying or stealing, though there are shades of each that might tempt us. I suspect the one we wrestle with the most is anger. I have most often heard verse 26 as advice to newlyweds, but it is good advice to us all. You may need a cool down period before you talk to someone who has triggered an angry response in you, but don’t let it take forever. Pray about it; ask for God’s help to deal with your anger. Then, make an effort to be reconciled with that person as soon as possible, even if that means agreeing to disagree. Angry tension between peoples is not healthy for either party or anyone else around you.
 
I think this leads into the final paragraph of chapter 4, which lists several behavioral concerns. I would sum them up as Paul encouraging Christians to set a good example. Put away behaviors that would turn others away from Christ. Instead exhibit behaviors that demonstrate the mercy and grace Christ extends to you.
 
I like the reminder that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. We ritually enact that in baptism, confirmation, and ordination. But whether or not such ceremony has occurred, the Holy Spirit has claimed you for Christ as soon as you believed. If you affirm that God in love sent Jesus to save God’s people from their sin and this includes you, then the Holy Spirit is already at work in you in all the ways this chapter names.
 
Finally, Paul encourages us to forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us. Both Presbyterian and United Methodist rituals for saying goodbye to a pastor include forgiving each other for any mistakes made. My appointment here was administrative and teaching rather than being your pastor. But I’ve made more mistakes than I can name over the past 15 years, and there are still some I regret. Today we will offer each other forgiveness for any mistakes or misunderstandings between us. This is important to do not only as we formally end my employment and appointment here. It is something Christians should do with one another on a regular basis and demonstrate to the world.
 
Summary: For some of you, it feels odd that we have arrived at my retirement. I’ve been in your office corridor for so long! One or two of you may have separation anxiety, but God will get you through this. I did start warning you a few years ago, and I’ve tried to prepare you as best I could. Today I really wanted to tell you one more time that you are more than capable of doing ministry without me. What you need is God far more than you need me.  I was just one of the ways God helped you for a while. It has been a privilege to do so. But God will send others your way as you need them.
 
Today and last week, I shared a bit from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and letters from the later years of Paul’s ministry. I can resonate with what Jesus wanted to do, how he taught his disciples, what he and they must have felt when his time on earth was complete. But let’s remember that they did carry on equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit. So will you. I can appreciate the love and care Paul had for his churches, what he wanted for them and from them. I also want the best for you, and for you to do your best to serve our God.
 
You have been a blessing to me, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to bless you. We remain united as family in Christ, even if we don’t see each other for a while.                                   
 
AFFIRMATION                Apostle’s Creed, Ecumenical Version                                     
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
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,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and 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.
    
Prayers
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Those who have been ill or in the hospital.
For Gary Iverson, Ellen Miller, Judy Welcher, Bonnie Pillers with ongoing needs.
For those who choose to stay home during this pandemic
 
Many who will become homeless as COVID-19 protections expire
Those affected by unemployment and other benefits running out soon
Those around the world coping with not only the health concerns
But also the financial realities to be faced as COVID-19 is not ending anytime soon
 
Those finding creative ways to express the justice needs of our world
Cities with ongoing protests and concerns raised by federal interventions
Continued tensions related to China and elsewhere in the world
 
The future of this congregation
The Session as it meets next week
The women coming to preach the next several Sundays
 
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING
For this congregation and the years we have shared together
For the beauty of creation, time outdoors, gardens and greenery
For the basics of life: water, air, oxygen, food, clothing, shelter, family and friends
For visual and performance arts from photography, drawings, and paintings
To dance, music, and dramas, for literature and humor,
For athletics to observe and to participate, including Olympians training an extra year
For the grace and mercy of Christ, for God’s abiding presence through the Holy Spirit
 
THE LORD'S PRAYER
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 debts as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
 
 
Sending
RECOGNITION OF RETIREMENT AND APPRECIATION OF MINISTRY
     Whatever they have to say or present - Mike
 
     Dissolution of appointment adapted from UMC Book of Worship:
 
I thank you, the members and friends of First United Presbyterian Church,
for the love and support you have shown me while I have ministered among you.

I am grateful for the ways my leadership has been accepted.
I ask forgiveness for the mistakes I have made.
As I leave, I carry with me all that I have learned here.

If you are willing to accept my “thankfulness, offer forgiveness,
and accept” my retirement, please say, “We do.”
 
If you wish to express gratitude for our time together.
You may say, “We do.”

I also accept your gratitude and forgiveness, and I forgive you,
trusting that our time together and our parting are pleasing to God.
I release you from turning to me and depending on me.
I encourage your continuing ministry here
and will pray for you and for Karla, for your leadership and your future.

Let us pray.

Eternal God, whose steadfast love for us is from everlasting to everlasting,
we give you thanks for cherished memories and commend one another into your care as we move in new directions. Keep us one in your love forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Through my years of ministry I have used some form of this benediction most Sundays:
 
CHARGE & BLESSING                                                           2 Corinthians 13:14, NIV
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
 
Go forth in peace and serve the Lord.
 
Please remain seated today for the entire postlude, then I will dismiss one side at a time. You are welcome to come up to the front on your way out if you wish to exchange a farewell for now.
 
POSTLUDE
 ​
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July 19 - Living our Call

7/18/2020

0 Comments

 
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
July 19, 2020
 
Gathering
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Welcome to worship! A special welcome to our guests today.
 
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.
  • The bulletins were placed specifically for social distancing, one household per pew. We will remain seated through the whole service.
  • Please keep your masks on, and greet each other with a nod and smile with your eyes. This is a no contact service.
  • There will be no singing. You may read along silently.
  • You will be dismissed one pew at a time during the postlude.
  • Attendance was taken by ushers as you entered. Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
 
Thank you!
 
Schedule reminders:
  • The office and the rest of the building remain closed, but you can contact Karla during her office hours.
  • I am using up my vacation days, but I can be reached by text, messenger, or email on Tuesdays and Wednesdays or make a phone appointment to talk.
 
PRELUDE
 
WORDS OF WORSHIP                                                                           Psalm 117, GW
1 Praise the Lord, all you nations! Praise him, all you people of the world!
2 His mercy toward us is powerful. The Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.
Hallelujah!
 
GATHERING PRAYER                                                                                                     
God of mercy and grace, we gather to worship as your faithful and faith filled people, not only here but in worship centers and homes around the world. We bring our praise and our prayers. We offer our gifts and our service. But above all we need your healing and your grace. We need to hear your Word and be encouraged. We need to be reminded of your plan and our call to be part of it. For all this we give you thanks as we eagerly await what you have for us today. Amen.
    
CONFESSION AND PARDON                                                   Hebrews 4:13-16, NCV
13 Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. Everything is clear and lies open before him, and to him we must explain the way we have lived. 
 
Gracious God, we confess to you the struggles we have faced this past week. We confess the times we were tempted and gave in to those temptations. We confess the times our faith was weak, and we gave in to despair. We confess the times we tried to hide our unkind thoughts, or we pretended not to notice someone in need. We confess the ways we have contributed to hatred or prejudice or gossip, and the ways we failed to care for the earth by contributing to pollution and waste. Lord, in your mercy, we need Your forgiveness. But Lord, we also need Your teaching, Your wisdom, and Your help to change our ways and live more in line with Your will.  
 
14 Since we have a great high priest, Jesus the Son of God, who has gone into heaven, let us hold on to the faith we have. 15 For our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin. 16 Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.
 
In the name of Jesus you are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
 
OFFERING PEACE                                       
May the peace of Christ be with you.
 
INTERLUDE
 
Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
As we listen to your Word for us today, O God, may we hear the message You would speak to each of us, to our churches, our community, and our world.
 
SCRIPTURE LESSONS & SERMON                                                      Living Our Call
 
Introduction: It took a while to hear what God wanted me to preach as I retire this month, but God gave me four chapter fours. So, today Matthew 4 and Philippians 4 on our call and how we live it. Next week Luke 4 and Ephesians 4 on our mission and how God equips us for it. Each time I’ll be reading one section of scripture at a time and then commenting on it before going on to the next section.  This week I’m using the Common English Bible.  You have the text to follow along in your bulletins.
                                                                                                                Matthew 4, CEB
Temptation of Jesus4 Then the Spirit led Jesus up into the wilderness so that the devil might tempt him. 2 After Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights, he was starving. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “Since you are God’s Son, command these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread, but by every word spoken by God.”
5 After that the devil brought him into the holy city and stood him at the highest point of the temple. He said to him, 6 “Since you are God’s Son, throw yourself down; for it is written, I will command my angels concerning you, and they will take you up in their hands so that you won’t hit your foot on a stone.”
7 Jesus replied, “Again it’s written, Don’t test the Lord your God.”
8 Then the devil brought him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 He said, “I’ll give you all these if you bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus responded, “Go away, Satan, because it’s written, You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” 11 The devil left him, and angels came and took care of him.
 
Sermon: Two things stand out: the role of the tempter and how Jesus responds. Jesus is being tested before entering into ministry. The Hebrew word means both tempt and test. I thought back to the role of the tempter given permission to test Job, whether he really was a righteous man as claimed or could be tempted away from God. I wonder if our loyalty to God is also tested at times or if our readiness for ministry is tested.
 
We have three names for the one testing Jesus: the devil, the tempter, and Satan. Devil is Greek and Satan is Hebrew, both meaning accuser. They are a title not a personal name. Another recognized role is deceiver seen in the way the devil reinterprets God’s intentions. Talking to Eve in the Garden or Jesus in the wilderness the devil tempts by slightly misquoting or taking God’s Word out of context. He is a master of misdirection.
 
Jesus is not deceived; he rightly quotes and interprets passages to which the devil has hinted from another wilderness experience, the Exodus. To stay right with God, to not be led astray by temptation, to pass the tests that come our way, we need to be steeped in scripture. Read, learn, know, understand, memorize scripture passages that will help you stand strong and make the right decisions in a time of testing.  Since it is the work of the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, when you are stuck facing a problem, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the right passage, to the right answer for your circumstance. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reads, “No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.”
Move to Galilee12 Now when Jesus heard that John was arrested, he went to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and settled in Capernaum, which lies alongside the sea in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This fulfilled what Isaiah the prophet said:
15 Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
        alongside the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
16     the people who lived in the dark have seen a great light,
        and a light has come upon those who lived in the region and in shadow of death.
17 From that time Jesus began to announce, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!”
 
Sermon: This section begins and ends with transition. Jesus had been baptized in the Jordan River probably somewhere between Jericho and Jerusalem. Then the Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness to be tested. Jesus left that area and headed back toward home in Galilee, but passing Nazareth he continued on to Capernaum, a fishing town of one to two thousand residents and home to some of the disciples. The location which had been assigned back in Joshua’s day to the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali reminds Matthew of a prophecy from Isaiah which he quotes here. It is the opening to a messianic prophecy we commonly read during Advent. This move and quote were meant to point toward Jesus as the Messiah.
 
The second transition begins “From that time” a phrase which appears twice in Matthew neatly dividing the gospel into three major sections. We are entering the ministry chapters.  Verse 17 gives us two major themes of that ministry. First, repentance to “change your hearts and lives” as preached by John the Baptist. Second, the Kingdom of God, reflecting a concept already present in Old Testament theology and the daily prayer life of Jews. Many of Jesus’ parables will relate to this theme with its fulfillment beginning in Jesus’ ministry.
 
Calling of the first disciples18 As Jesus walked alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, because they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.” 20 Right away, they left their nets and followed him. 21 Continuing on, he saw another set of brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father repairing their nets. Jesus called them and 22 immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
 
Sermon: The four fishermen receive a three-part call: to follow (“come, follow me”), to be disciples (“I’ll show you how”), and to ministry (“to fish for people”). Our call is the same.
 
We are called first to be followers of Jesus. Though we may not change our location or occupation as these fishermen did, following Jesus means leaving behind our old way of life to live more in tune with Jesus.
 
To be disciples means to be students with Jesus as our teacher. Our text is the Bible and the Holy Spirit could be seen as our guidance counselor. Even though we live now and not when Jesus physically walked the earth, we can still learn from everything he said and did, and his Spirit is still with us. Think about how school is being conducted in many places this year. The classroom may be in our homes, and the teacher may reach us online, but there are still lessons and assignments and learning still happens.
 
We learn not only to benefit our own lives but others as well. That is ministry. For some it will be “fishing for people” through our witness and invitation. For others there is more emphasis on teaching or equipping. For some ministry is encouraging others or caring for others with compassion. For some it is leadership, and for still others it is supporting behind the scenes with physical help or financial assistance. Whatever your gifts and specialty, whatever your occupation or hobbies, whatever role you play in family or society, you are called by Jesus to follow, to disciple, and to be in ministry!

Ministry to the crowds23 Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues. He announced the good news of the kingdom and every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread throughout Syria. People brought to him all those who had various kinds of diseases, those in pain, those possessed by demons, those with epilepsy, and those who were paralyzed, and he healed them. 25 Large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from the areas beyond the Jordan River.
 
Sermon: Jesus’ ministry was all about teaching, preaching, and healing. The disciples are on the ultimate field trip learning by observing everything Jesus did and listening to every word Jesus spoke. In their private, small group sessions, they ask all their questions. It’s like having the adult class after worship to discuss the day’s scriptures and message. Healing was also a major part of Jesus’ early ministry and partly responsible for the crowds following him. God’s authority was affirmed in Jesus’ teachings by the miraculous healings.
 
We study Jesus by observing and listening to him in the Gospels. We are then called upon as were the early disciples to enter into ministries that share what we learn. Remember also that Jesus is still in the business of healing. That is why we lift the needs of others to him in prayer.
 
Now we move on to living out our call as followers, disciples, and ministers in the name and power of Christ with advice from the Apostle Paul.
 
                                                                                                             Philippians 4, GW
Paul’s Advice4 So, brothers and sisters, I love you and miss you. You are my joy and my crown. Therefore, dear friends, keep your relationship with the Lord firm!
2 I encourage both Euodia and Syntyche to have the attitude the Lord wants them to have. 3 Yes, I also ask you, Syzugus, my true partner, to help these women. They fought beside me to spread the Good News along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
 
Sermon: Most scholars consider Philippians an authentic letter from Paul, probably written while he was imprisoned in Rome. It was written to the first church he established on European soil. There is a tender close relationship between Paul and this congregation. It may be something like the affection I have felt here.
 
Notice that the reference to Eudia and Syntyche is among the evidence that Paul did support women in church leadership. The Philippi church started with Lydia and her women’s prayer group. These women worked alongside Paul and Clement to teach others about Jesus.
 
However, these brave and diligent leaders didn’t always agree with each other. I’ve worked in churches either as a volunteer or staff my entire life since Junior High. That well intentioned good Christian people who sincerely love the Lord might disagree about the best approach to ministry or some minor detail of a particular project is not news to me. We are human after all! Every one of you can probably think of an example in your church life when two or more people disagreed.
 
The problem isn’t the disagreement; what matters is what you do with it. Paul asked a trusted co-worker in Christ to help the women resolve the issue as amicably as possible. This is important for three reasons: to restore the relationship between these two women, to mend any rift this has caused in the rest of the church, and to improve the church’s witness to outsiders. I know personally that life is miserable and ministry is affected when I don’t work well with another leader, but I have also been blessed when someone helped me learn to get along with that person instead. I encourage you when this happens to work through things prayerfully and wisely for the sake of your friendships, your church, and your witness to the world. As Paul wrote to the Romans, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, NIV)
 
Always Be Joyful4 Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful! 5 Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. 6 Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. 7 Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.
 
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. 9 Practice what you’ve learned and received from me, what you heard and saw me do. Then the God who gives this peace will be with you.
 
Sermon: This section is jam packed with good advice. Every verse is a gem worthy of memorizing or placing where you will see it often. Several of these verses can be found on items you might see in a Christian gift shop.
 
“Rejoice!” If you look back to the previous section, perhaps Paul is suggesting that these believers should focus on the joy of serving Christ and all his benefits rather than on their disagreement. Sharing joy can bring harmony. If we remember where Paul is and look ahead to the next section, it is significant that Paul says to rejoice always and everywhere, no matter what your circumstance. It’s a challenge to find joy in the midst of COVID-19 and justice concerns and other bad news. Deep Christian joy isn’t found by ignoring the realities around us, but by clinging to Christ in the midst of them. Make it a daily challenge to find reasons to rejoice, no matter how small they may seem. It is a healthy spiritual practice that will sustain you through the tough times.
 
The key word of verse 5 is translated so many ways: consideration, gentleness, kindness, generosity, modesty, moderation, graciousness. The Greek word praus can be used of anything from mild words or soothing medicine to tame animals or benevolent people according to the New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology. It indicates friendliness and is associated with the reign of Christ.  This is the attitude Paul invites us to display to the world, that others might see Christ in and through us. It’s what Jesus suggested, to let our light so shine before others that they will see our good works and give praise to God. (Matthew 5:16)
 
“Never worry.” Jesus also commanded this. Anxiety is a real daily concern for many people, but that is not the life Christ wants for us. I’m not saying to blindly put yourself in danger. Jesus didn’t jump off the pinnacle of the Temple! But doing the best you can with what is within your control, let go and trust God for the rest. Rather than worry, tell God your needs, and give thanks trusting that God will care for you in every situation. It may help to visualize placing the concerns in Jesus’ hands or God’s lap. Prayer is a path to peace replacing worry.
 
To maintain that peace Paul encourages us to keep our thoughts on what is good. A song written by Johnny Mercer/Harold Arlen in 1944 advised, “accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative.” That’s what Paul had in mind. If we practice these things learned from Paul and from Jesus, we will be more aware that the God of peace is with us.
 
Thanks for Your Gifts10 The Lord has filled me with joy because you again showed interest in me. You were interested but did not have an opportunity to show it. 11 I’m not saying this because I’m in any need. I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. 12 I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. 13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, it was kind of you to share my troubles.
 
15 You Philippians also know that in the early days, when I left the province of Macedonia to spread the Good News, you were the only church to share your money with me. You gave me what I needed, and you received what I gave you. 16 Even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs twice. 17 It’s not that I’m looking for a gift. The opposite is true. I’m looking for your resources to increase. 18 You have paid me in full, and I have more than enough. Now that Epaphroditus has brought me your gifts, you have filled my needs. Your gifts are a soothing aroma, a sacrifice that God accepts and with which he is pleased. 19 My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus. 
 
Sermon: Paul sincerely thanked the Philippians for their care and interest. Their gifts were similar to missionary support we might send. But rather than mail a check, they had to wait for someone they trusted headed in Paul’s direction. I understand Paul’s gratitude. When I receive notes of appreciation or gifts, they are such a blessing. I also thought of the Mexican students this congregation has supported. Their letters were always filled with gratitude for our tuition help.  
 
The key point of this passage is to be content in any circumstance. Paul summed it up in verse 12, but the whole section carefully appreciates what was received without complaining about the times they couldn’t help. To learn to be content with little or plenty reminds me that Paul sincerely gave his best in God’s service. He endured because Christ was his strength. Christ also holds and sustains us when times are tough.
 
The NIV Jesus Bible suggests, “People are needy by design—physically, socially, emotionally and most importantly, spiritually.” God never intended us to be self-sufficient but to help each other and to depend on God. The notes go on to say, “The more we grow in our faith in Christ, the more our needs are satisfied by the riches he offers.” This is what Paul experienced, and we can as well.[i] Just as Paul was blessed by the Christians at Philippi, so I have been blessed many times by those I have met in my years here. You have always met my needs whether or not you knew what they were.
 
Paul adds one more aspect we might easily miss. While their gifts enriched Paul’s life, he prays that God will enrich their lives. He declares their gifts are pleasing not only to himself but also to God. Paul is trusting God to repay what he cannot. When we dare to be generous, God is honored in our giving, and God has his own way of rewarding our sincere efforts.
 
Final Words
20 Glory belongs to our God and Father forever! Amen.
21 Greet everyone who believes in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings to you. 22 All God’s people here, especially those in the emperor’s palace, greet you. 23 May the good will of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
 
Sermon: Paul closes his letter with three sentiments that sum up his relationship with God and with the Church. First, Paul gives glory to God and sets the example that we are to worship and honor God in all things above all else. Second, Paul sends greetings from his co-workers. I am reminded that we are meant to be connected one to another. We can worship together, eat together, work together, learn together when we have opportunity, but even when we are apart, we are still connected through Christ, and we can continue to encourage one another in the faith. Third, Paul offers a blessing. It is common to end worship, as Paul ended this letter with words of benediction that ask for God’s presence with God’s people. It is one of my favorite privileges as a preacher to offer such a blessing as I conclude worship.
 
Conclusion: As Jesus once called the fishermen, so he still calls us to be followers and disciples and to share in the ministry of building God’s Kingdom. As Jesus was tested, there will be times when we are tested by circumstances as well. Paul, who was called to share Christ and build up the body of believers, was often tested in various ways: disagreements, hunger, imprisonment, and yet Paul persevered trusting in Christ to give him strength. As Jesus relied on God’s Word and Paul relied on Christ’s presence, we will be given what we need to endure and carry out our mission. We are not in this alone, we are in this together with one another and with Christ. Focused on what is good, let us move forward together in Christ’s name, blessed with Christ’s peace. Amen.
      
AFFIRMATION                Apostle’s Creed, Ecumenical Version                                     
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
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,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and 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.
    
Prayers
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
For Gary, for Ellen, for Joy and Tim.
For others who have been ill.
For California and Florida and other states with a rise in COVID-19 cases
For those dealing with new surge of cases in India
For those who continue to go about their jobs in difficult circumstances
And those who have lost their work because of COVID-19
For all of us continuing to adjust to new procedures
For the search for cures and for preventions
For states making decisions about restrictions
And communities and colleges deciding about school this Fall
For individual decisions toward everyone’s safety
For those who mourn deaths related to corona virus and otherwise
For the families and communities of children killed in shootings this past week
For the child who is missing and others who have been taken
For continued tensions related to China and other areas of tension around the world
 
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING
We give you thanks for Family and friends
Beautiful weather, Gardens and nature
Arts, music, and stories,
The privilege of worship, for God’s presence and Grace.
 
THE LORD'S PRAYER
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 debts as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
 
Sending
CHARGE & BLESSING                                                                         Philippians 4:23
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
 
POSTLUDE

[i] Notes found at https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippia
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July 12 - Hope

7/11/2020

0 Comments

 
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
July 12, 2020
 
Gathering
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
PRELUDE
 
WORDS OF WORSHIP                                                          Psalm 147:2-5,11-12, NIV
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
    he gathers the exiles of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars
    and calls them each by name.
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
    his understanding has no limit.
11 the Lord delights in those who fear him,
    who put their hope in his unfailing love.
12 Extol the Lord, Jerusalem;
    praise your God, Zion.                              
 
GATHERING PRAYER                                                                                                     
Gracious God we gather back in this sanctuary for the first time in four months. It seems like a very long time, yet we are aware that your people in the time of Jeremiah missed their Temple for seventy years. We give you thanks for allowing us to return in body to this worship place, but more importantly God, may our hearts and minds return fully to you as we offer our worship, hear your word, then go forth to live our daily lives. Amen.
 
CONFESSION AND PARDON
Jeremiah gave God’s message to the people, “24 They do not say from the heart, ‘Let us live in awe of the Lord our God, for he gives us rain each spring and fall,    assuring us of a harvest when the time is right.’ 25 Your wickedness has deprived you of these wonderful blessings. Your sin has robbed you of all these good things.” Let us confess our sins and return fully to the Lord our God who longs to be in fellowship with us.
 
Merciful God, “we have erred and strayed like lost sheep…by what we have done and what we have left undone” just as the classic prayers of confession admit. We are not always consciously guilty of chasing after other gods, but we are often guilty of letting other things take priority or causing us concern while unaware that we have let you slip from first place in our lives or that we have failed to trust you to meet our needs. We struggle to make decisions without consulting your wisdom. We ignore your holy nudges while pursuing our own comfort and convenience. We fail to set an example for others of a life fully committed to the Lord our God while still expecting you to keep your end of the covenant. Lord, forgive us and help us change our hearts and lives to better follow and serve you.
 
Paul wrote “56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:56-57, NLT) In the name of Jesus we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God!  
 
OFFERING PEACE                                       
May the peace of Christ be with you.
 
INTERLUDE
 
Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Give us the grace to see your vision of hope, that it might be a light shining in our darkness giving us the faith and strength to endure our present darkness.  Amen.
 
SCRIPTURE LESSONS                                                            Jeremiah 29:10-14, NLT
10 This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
                                                                                          Jeremiah 31:1-14, 31-34, CEB
31:1 At that time, declares the Lord,
    I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.
 
2 The Lord proclaims:
The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness.
As Israel searched for a place of rest,
3     the Lord appeared to them from a distance:
I have loved you with a love that lasts forever.
    And so with unfailing love, I have drawn you to myself.
4 Again, I will build you up, and you will be rebuilt, virgin Israel.
Again, you will play your tambourines and dance with joy.
5 Again, you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria;
    farmers will plant and then enjoy the harvests.
6 The time will come when the watchmen shout from the highlands of Ephraim:
“Get ready! We’re going up to Zion to the Lord our God!”
7 The Lord proclaims: Sing joyfully for the people of Jacob;
    shout for the leading nation.
Raise your voices with praise and call out:
    “The Lord has saved his people, the remaining few in Israel!”
 
8 I’m going to bring them back from the north;
    I will gather them from the ends of the earth.
Among them will be the blind and the disabled,
    expectant mothers and those in labor; a great throng will return here.
9 With tears of joy they will come; while they pray, I will bring them back.
I will lead them by quiet streams and on smooth paths so they don’t stumble.
I will be Israel’s father, Ephraim will be my oldest child.
 
10 Listen to the Lord’s word, you nations, and announce it to the distant islands:
The one who scattered Israel will gather them
    and keep them safe, as a shepherd his flock.
11 The Lord will rescue the people of Jacob
    and deliver them from the power of those stronger than they are.
12 They will come shouting for joy on the hills of Zion,
    jubilant over the Lord’s gifts: grain, wine, oil, flocks, and herds.
Their lives will be like a lush garden; they will grieve no more.
13 Then the young women will dance for joy; the young and old men will join in.
I will turn their mourning into laughter and their sadness into joy;
        I will comfort them.
14 I will lavish the priests with abundance
    and shower my people with my gifts, declares the Lord.
 
31 The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. 32 It won’t be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant with me even though I was their husband, declares the Lord. 33 No, this is the covenant that I will make with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my Instructions within them and engrave them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 They will no longer need to teach each other to say, “Know the Lord!” because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord; for I will forgive their wrongdoing and never again remember their sins.
                                                                                                Romans 8:1-4, 35-39, NLT
8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
 
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
 
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
                                                                                                                                           
SERMON                                             Future Hope
 
What represents hope for you? I played with images of hope this week.  Most of us have goals in mind, a future we want to see happen. We might define that as what we hope for, but I think for me, that is the target and hope is what I launch toward it or what pulls me in that direction. If my goal is represented by a literal target, say in archery, then hope is the arrow I shoot longing to get as close as possible to the bullseye. Or if my vision for the future is a destination, then hope is like a cable pulling me in some moving compartment toward that intended destiny.
 
Jeremiah found hope in the midst of desperate and difficult circumstances by relying on God’s promises.  They were the trusted cable, though he was being pulled along an unfamiliar track unable to see the future destination with his own eyes or know how long that journey might take.  At some point during and certainly beyond Jeremiah’s time, the people began to focus on a particular set of promises of a Messiah who would save them.  That was very much the focus of hope into which Jesus was born, and for many, Jesus became the fulfillment of that promise. As Paul and other Jews who became Christians looked back at their history, Jesus was indeed God’s anointed, the Christ, the Messiah though he did not fill that role in quite the way some expected.
 
In each era hope resided in God’s promises. As we face difficult circumstances yet again in our time, it makes sense to look to God’s promises as a source of hope. I see in my readings in Jeremiah, not only the warnings of destruction and exile, I also see the promise and hope of restoration. Isn’t that exactly what we are longing for in the midst of pandemic and other national and global concerns? It is also what many of us need in the midst of personal and local circumstances whether that is health or finances, employment or retirement, family or friendships, and more. Even if we can’t go back to what we once considered normal, we at least want to figure out and settle into whatever is going to be the new normal.
 
For us gathered at First United Presbyterian Church today, this is represented in the fact that we are worshipping in person. We are in the familiar building, in the familiar sanctuary. You are listening to a familiar preacher and hearing familiar music. But it is not exactly the same. You are sitting apart, wearing masks, and not everyone is here. The things you are used to seeing in front of you in the pew racks are missing (safely stored away upstairs). You aren’t singing hymns or reading prayers. You can’t give your friend a handshake or a hug. You can’t see each other smile except by the eyes. You won’t have a cup of coffee or a snack until you get home.  It may feel like hope has brought you part way toward your goal, but you aren’t there yet, and like Jeremiah, you don’t know how long the journey will take.
 
Let’s look at some of the promises and outcomes in Jeremiah and see what encouragement they might offer us for our own journey of hope.  Today I read for you from my favorite chapters in Jeremiah, the ones I knew even before this study.  I’ve been reading the familiar Jeremiah 29:11 at the end of worship each week to leave you with a word of hope and encouragement after the depressing or at least sobering content in my sermons and prayers.  Let’s take a closer look at the context of that verse and its surrounding passage.
 
In Chapters 29 to 31, Jeremiah is writing a letter to his countrymen who were already exiled to Babylon in 597 BCE. A final exile is yet to come in 586 with the destruction of the Temple. God had warned of this earlier, “They will all be carried away to Babylon and will stay there until I send for them,’ says the Lord. ‘Then I will bring them back to Jerusalem again.’” (Jeremiah 27:22) A seventy-year period of exile is mentioned several times in Jeremiah and elsewhere in the Old Testament. It marks roughly the time the first exiles were taken to the first of those who return. Though God has told Jeremiah it will be this long, God is also clear in his promise that the faithful will be brought back home.
 
Keep in mind that Jeremiah wrote to encourage those who were now living in a foreign land. In the meantime those who remained in Jerusalem and Judah, who had not yet been exiled to either Babylon or run away to Egypt, continued to ignore God’s warnings, disobey God’s Law, disrespect God’s covenant, and harass God’s prophets. God’s plans for the future would not be lived out by these, but by those who were exiled for the seventy years.
 
Please note that seventy is a rounded figure possibly representing the span of one’s life, while the exact figure maybe in the upper sixties or lower seventies depending on how you choose the start and stop dates for the Exile.  I would also point out that the factors of seventy, both seven and ten, represent a sense of completeness or fullness in Jewish tradition and Hebrew writings of the Old Testament.
 
The restoration suggested in verses 10 – 11 sounds wonderful. Even in the midst of punishment, God reaffirms the relationship and promises that punishment will not last forever. There is a better future coming and the relationship will be restored. It’s as if a parent encourages the child in time out by saying “When the clock says 7 we can read a story together before you go to bed.” That suggests a couple of things to the child.  Yes, you have to stay in that chair in that corner until 7:00 just as I said.  So did the exiles have to stay in Babylon the full seventy years.  But it also says, “I still love you; I’m watching you, and when your time is up, we can do something together. I have good plans for both of us.”
 
The promise of good for the future in verse 11 is a favorite for many people and often applied to confirmands, graduates, (perhaps I can take it for retirees), but the form of “you” in the Hebrew text is plural not singular. It was a message to God’s people as a whole, not just to the individuals within that whole. The NIV Jesus Bible Notes, “Although believers may want to take this verse and apply it to their own life as an assurance of God’s individual plan for them, it is much bigger than the everyday decisions modern-day believers often apply it to…[these] are all trivial matters when compared to the future hope that God promises to all of his people.”[i]
 
It also needs to be noted that the promise of verses 10-11 is accompanied by some instructions in verse 13-14, and the two cannot be separated. “When you seek for me, you will find me.” (v.13) Hint, hint, while you are there, you need to diligently be looking for me, turning toward me, praying to me, living as I have taught you. The future restoration is for those who listen to God’s Word and seek to live in God’s Way.
 
This concept and commandment to seek the Lord is found throughout scripture:
 
  • “Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)
  • “Now seek the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.” (1 Chronicles 22:19)
  • David’s words to his son, Solomon: “For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” (1 Chronicles 28:9)
  • And many more examples from Chronicles in the Old Testament
  • “But if you pray to God and seek the favor of the Almighty, and if you are pure and live with integrity, he will surely rise up and restore your happy home.” (Job 8:5-6)
  • “All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.” (Psalm 22:26)
  • “The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.” (Psalm 69:32)
  • “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5)
  • God speaking through Isaiah, “I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found.” (Isaiah 45:19)
  • “Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you— protect you from his anger on that day of destruction.” (Zephaniah 2:3)
  • And in the New Testament: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33)
  • “For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:8 and Luke 11:10)
  • “It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
 
This long sample list suggests this is an important message God wants to be sure we do not miss.  Our future hope lies within a path that seeks God and God’s will for our lives. 
 
I especially like the notes I found related to Jeremiah 29 in Max Lucado’s Encouraging Word Bible.  “In the midst of trouble and chaos, God is working to design a future for us that is full of hope, peace, and success.”[ii]  Lucado refers back from Jeremiah to the Exodus and God redeeming his people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. But I have to point out that only the two who had faith in God’s plan, Joshua and Caleb, actually entered the Promised Land from the original generation. Lucado points forward to God working out His plan in the future as envisioned in Revelation. “A great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9) Lucado goes on to describe our future hope envisioned by God, “This dream drives the heart of God. His purpose from all eternity is to prepare a family to indwell the kingdom of God.”[iii]  In spite of all setbacks and calamities, God’s intention is for our good. “Everything in your life is leading to a climactic moment in which Jesus will “reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Col 1:20).[iv] These are the plans God has ultimately for us.
 
For those hearing Jeremiah’s message while exiled in Babylon, the hope is a promised restoration. Jeremiah 31 is one of the places that describes this. “Those who survive the coming destruction will find blessings even in the barren land,” (Jeremiah 31:2). We don’t often think of blessing and barren as going together, but no circumstance is so dire that God cannot find a way to bless us in the midst of it, if we are turned toward God to receive those blessings. Perhaps you have found small blessings even in the midst of dealing with our strange new reality. It may have been someone’s effort or kindness, contact with family and friends by phone or video chat, a lovely view out your window, or the grocery store actually having what you wanted to buy! These are not trivial; they are God’s way of saying, “Yes, I know it’s tough right now, but hang in there. I’ll get you through this if you trust me.” I’m not naïve enough to say that everyone will survive this, no matter how strong their faith; but even if I die, I trust that God is with me, and God’s ultimate plan for me is new life. My trust is in the love Jeremiah communicates in verse 3. “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”
 
The next several verses are filled with promises and images that would bring comfort to a distraught people far from home. They are familiar scenes, back in a familiar place, like a glimpse of the future homecoming to hang onto through the long days and years ahead. Perhaps some of you had such images of coming back here together to worship. Perhaps you have other pictures in mind of the homecomings and get togethers you are looking forward to when it is safe again. That gives you a glimpse of what the exiles felt as they read Jeremiah’s letter. With a heavy sigh they longed for home, and tucked that picture away in their hearts and memories until it could come true.
 
Again, I like these words from Max Lucado,
“Jeremiah assured the Jewish people that they wouldn’t be captives forever. God would free them to return to their land and restore their fortunes. He would repay their enemies for their wickedness.
 
“Our enemy won’t have the final say, and our testing won’t last forever. God will restore our health, our fortunes, and our relationships.”[v]
 
The verses from Jeremiah that I have known and loved the longest come next. Jeremiah 31:31-34. They refer to what I think is the most important theme throughout the Bible, God’s covenant with us. The covenant intended with Adam and Eve was broken. God gave a sign of covenant after the Flood. God made a formal covenant with Abraham and Sarah and repeated it to their offspring for generations.
God again formalized His covenant with the people through Moses and the giving of the Law during the Exodus. The tablets with the commandments and the Ark built to house them became a symbol of that covenant between God and the people, so when the Ark was carried across the Jordan Riven into the Promised Land, that represented both God’s presence and God’s covenant going with them. When the land was settled, and Joshua asked them to choose whom they would serve, this was in the midst of Joshua formally asking them to renew and reaffirm their commitment to God’s covenant. The centuries of evil that lead up to the Exile were tainted by a failure to keep covenant with God, though God through all of these centuries stood by the people.
 
That is why it is so significant that God’s promises through Jeremiah repeat and reaffirm God’s covenant with His people.  The essence of the covenant has always been “I will be your God, and you will be my people” as it is worded in Jeremiah and elsewhere. The covenant is referred to eighteen times in Jeremiah, and this or similar wording is found at least seven more times, two of which are in chapter 31. The NIV Study Bible Notes that “this passage is the longest sequence of OT verses to be quoted in its entirety in the NT.”[vi] It is referenced twice in the Letter to the Hebrews. It is also worth noting that the phrase “new covenant” in this passage from Jeremiah was translated into Latin as “new testament.” Therefore, the entire New Testament found in Christian scriptures could be understood as teaching us how to live out the covenant renewed and reestablished as promised by God through Jeremiah.
 
The King James Study Bible Notes say this, “Some features of the old covenant are carried over into the new covenant: … There is in the new covenant a stress on the importance of the unchangeable principles of God’s law. However, these will now be written not on stone but in the hearts of God’s people—they will become part of their inward code for living, and will conform in all respects to the moral law of the Scriptures.”[vii] This is now meant to be not just a national relationship, but a more intimate and personal relationship with God’s people. There is also the promise of forgiveness for their past wrongs if they come back to God to live under this covenant. As Christians we see all of this fulfilled through Christ Jesus.  The NIV Jesus Bible suggests, “Jeremiah’s words showed why he had great reason to hope in what was yet to come. When he said, “the days are coming,” he pointed toward a time when the antiquated religion of the past was to be replaced with a greater one that better reflected God’s close and personal relationship with his people. He looked forward to a time when everyone will know the Lord, “from the least of them to the greatest”[viii]
Jeremiah’s hope offered to a people estranged from God in a foreign land was that God’s covenant would be made new and personal for everyone who believed.
 
As I’ve been suggesting thus far, Melissa Spoelstra also writes that, “the practice of living life to please God alone will get us through the tough times.”[ix]  It’s also a question of whom we trust. In the midst of times such as Jeremiah’s or our own, when we don’t know who to trust or where to turn, we are reminded, “The antidote for the fear of people and circumstances is the fear of God.”[x] The fear of God, of course, does not mean terror, but awe and respect.  She continues, “When we follow [God] closely, walk in obedience, and trust [God] with our lives, we have nothing to fear.”[xi]
 
Hope and trust in God and God’s promises does not mean everything will be rosy. It won’t. It’s more like knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel even if it’s around a corner and not in front of you. As Spoelstra affirms, “It is a promise to love and bless us even when times are tough.”[xii] “C.S. Lewis wrote, ‘God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”[xiii] No one likes pain. God doesn’t like pain. But sometimes it is what gets us to turn around and look for God, just like a child who can ignore his parents all day, but cries for mom as soon as he falls down and skins his knee.
 
In spite of their sin and punishment, God reached out to “the remnant of His people with words of hope and compassion…These are the people who have learned to trust
in Him through their struggles. Here we see God gathering His people with promises of rest, peace, and forgiveness.”[xiv]  To me a remnant is the fabric at the end of the bolt often sold at a cheaper price. They are perfect for patchwork, cloth napkins, a pillow, or a bag. To me a remnant is a treasure not a throw away. “The Holman Bible Dictionary defines a remnant as ‘something left over, especially the righteous people of God after divine judgment.’”[xv] It appears more than a hundred times in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament.
 
The people called a righteous remnant are not only those still standing after enduring the punishment for their sins; they are the ones who in the midst of that punishment have turned back to God and chosen to follow where God leads. But Spoelstra reminds us that not everyone makes that choice.  Into that context, God promised not only future restoration, which finally came through the Persian King Cyrus. God also hinted forward to another “anointed” whose righteousness would go so far as to make us right with God. That would be Jesus.
 
I think this particular paragraph from Melissa Spoelstra’s final chapter on Jeremiah is a great summary of Christian truth in realistic terms:
 
“We battle guilt, fear, and condemnation from the enemy, who tempts us to sin and then throws our failure in our faces. God wants us to follow Him wholeheartedly, and when we inevitably mess up, [God] calls us to turn to Him in repentance rather than run from Him in shame. When we understand that [God] sent Christ to be our righteousness so that we can be made right with [God] regardless of our screwups, it protects our hearts from shame.”[xvi]
 
The people sent into exile in Babylon as a punishment for their sin, needed forgiveness and a second chance, as do all peoples of all eras including our own. Jeremiah gave them a glimpse of God’s promised restoration and salvation. There is a theological thread in Christianity that sees those who repented in the Old Testament as looking forward to the fulfillment of those promises in Christ. We live on the other side of Christ’s coming, and have access to that fulfillment right now through Jesus. Spoelstra writes, “Jeremiah looked forward to this new covenant with anticipation. We look backward to Christ’s finished work on the cross with gratefulness.”[xvii]
 
We admit that we live in difficult times. God may be using them to get our attention and call us back to faithfully living out the covenant. God is still our God and longs for us to choose to be God’s people. As Spoelstra claims, “God has not abandoned us. When it seems like all hope is lost, He is still our God.”[xviii]  Let us live as faithfully into that hope as possible each day and give thanks to the God who is the source of that hope, the author of that covenant, and the designer of our future good and well-being.
 
AFFIRMATION                Apostle’s Creed, Ecumenical Version                                     
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
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,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
 
Prayers
 
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Continued concerns between China and Hong Kong
Rise in COVID-19 cases especially US, Brazil, and India
Bubonic plague in Mongolia
Those who are grieving, those struggling
Those still seeking answers for vaccines and cures
Decisions being made about schools reopening
Ongoing work and decisions for the future of this congregation
 
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING
Being here today
Those who worked hard to make it ready for us
Those who continue to serve in many industries behind the scenes
The rain this week
The basics of life we are learning not to take for granted
General Assembly able to meet online
 
THE LORD'S PRAYER
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 debts as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
 
Sending
CHARGE & BLESSING                                                             Jeremiah 29:11, VOICE
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope--never forget that.
 
POSTLUDE 

[i] Study notes found at https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A10-14&version=NLT
[ii] Ibid
[iii] ibid
[iv] ibid
[v] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+31%3A1-14&version=NLT
[vi] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+31%3A31-34&version=NLT
[vii] ibid
[viii] ibid
[ix] Melissa Spoelstra, Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World, p. 3475 (page # is actually location # on Kindle edition)
[x] P. 3514
[xi] P. 3518
[xii] P. 3591
[xiii] Quoted by Spoelstra, P. 3619
[xiv] P. 3720
[xv] Quoted by Spoelstra, p. 3701
[xvi] P. 3831
[xvii] P. 3886
[xviii] P. 3959

Jeremiah lived 2600 years ago, but has as much to say to our world today as he did to Judah then. The Bible Study from which I am taking much of this series is 
Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World by Melissa Spoelstra. A Bible Study to accompany the sermons can be found at Faith Adventures.
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July 5 - Blame

7/5/2020

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SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
July 5, 2020
 
WORDS OF WORSHIP                                                                2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
 
GATHERING PRAYER                                                                                                     
Gracious and Most Merciful God, we gather this weekend, not only for worship, but still celebrating a national holiday. Against that background and aware of national concerns in our time, we recognize the need to humble ourselves, seek You sincerely, and turn as a nation away from those attitudes and actions that are harmful.  Grant us as we worship today, an openness to honestly repent of our sins as a nation and a willingness to see our own role in the changes that are needed.  Give us fresh insight and inspiration for our future.  Amen.
 
CONFESSION AND PARDON
God spoke through Jeremiah to the people of Judah, “Lord, you are searching for honesty. You struck your people, but they paid no attention. You crushed them, but they refused to be corrected. They are determined, with faces set like stone; they have refused to repent.” (Jeremiah 5:3) May we instead be honest and humble as we confess the shortcomings of our own world today.
 
Sovereign God, we sometimes fail to seek what is best for all your children, for all your creation. We are guilty of taking too much pride in our individualism and failing to love one another as fully as we love our individual freedoms. Where we as a people have failed to hear the cry of the needy, the oppressed, and the downtrodden, we seek understanding and insight as well as forgiveness. Where we as a people have failed to meet the concerns of the refugee, the homeless, the orphan or widow, the person who is different from us, Lord, help us to see the world for a moment through their eyes, that our compassion might be kindled and our hearts changed while we ask forgiveness for our past mistakes. Where we as a people have taken concerns too lightly, where we have abused your creation, where we are in a rush to move forward rather than proceed with caution, Lord give us both knowledge and wisdom to see and speak the truth living with honorable actions, and forgive us when we error out of ignorance. Lord, where our pride or negligence, our stubbornness or greed have caused us to harm others, creation, ourselves, or to offend you, we seek mercy. But we also ask you to give us a new heart, one that will honor you and will protect this world you still love. Amen.
 
In Jeremiah 31:20 God says, “’Is not Israel still my son, my darling child?’ says the Lord. ‘I often have to punish him, but I still love him. That’s why I long for him and surely will have mercy on him.’” This is why God sent Jesus into our world as it says in John’s Gospel, “not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17) Through the grace and mercy of Jesus, we are forgiven.
 
Thanks be to God!
 
PASSING THE PEACE
May the peace of Christ be with you.
 
HYMN 
 
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Lord, as we read your scripture today, may we hear what you would say to us not only as individuals but as a people.  Breathe through us your message for our communities, our churches, our nation, and our world. Amen.
 
SCRIPTURE LESSONS                                
                                                                                                      Jeremiah 36:1-26, NLT
1 During the fourth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king in Judah, the Lord gave this message to Jeremiah: 2 “Get a scroll, and write down all my messages against Israel, Judah, and the other nations. Begin with the first message back in the days of Josiah, and write down every message, right up to the present time.
3 Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again all the terrible things I have planned for them. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings.”
 
4 So Jeremiah sent for Baruch son of Neriah, and as Jeremiah dictated all the prophecies that the Lord had given him, Baruch wrote them on a scroll. 5 Then Jeremiah said to Baruch, “I am a prisoner here and unable to go to the Temple. 6 So you go to the Temple on the next day of fasting, and read the messages from the Lord that I have had you write on this scroll. Read them so the people who are there from all over Judah will hear them. 7 Perhaps even yet they will turn from their evil ways and ask the Lord’s forgiveness before it is too late. For the Lord has threatened them with his terrible anger.”
 
8 Baruch did as Jeremiah told him and read these messages from the Lord to the people at the Temple. 9 He did this on a day of sacred fasting held in late autumn, during the fifth year of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah. People from all over Judah had come to Jerusalem to attend the services at the Temple on that day.
10 Baruch read Jeremiah’s words on the scroll to all the people. He stood in front of the Temple room of Gemariah, son of Shaphan the secretary. This room was just off the upper courtyard of the Temple, near the New Gate entrance.
 
11 When Micaiah son of Gemariah and grandson of Shaphan heard the messages from the Lord, 12 he went down to the secretary’s room in the palace where the administrative officials were meeting. Elishama the secretary was there, along with Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Acbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials. 13 When Micaiah told them about the messages Baruch was reading to the people, 14 the officials sent Jehudi son of Nethaniah, grandson of Shelemiah and great-grandson of Cushi, to ask Baruch to come and read the messages to them, too. So Baruch took the scroll and went to them. 15 “Sit down and read the scroll to us,” the officials said, and Baruch did as they requested.
 
16 When they heard all the messages, they looked at one another in alarm. “We must tell the king what we have heard,” they said to Baruch. 17 “But first, tell us how you got these messages. Did they come directly from Jeremiah?”
 
18 So Baruch explained, “Jeremiah dictated them, and I wrote them down in ink, word for word, on this scroll.”
 
19 “You and Jeremiah should both hide,” the officials told Baruch. “Don’t tell anyone where you are!” 20 Then the officials left the scroll for safekeeping in the room of Elishama the secretary and went to tell the king what had happened.
 
21 The king sent Jehudi to get the scroll. Jehudi brought it from Elishama’s room and read it to the king as all his officials stood by. 22 It was late autumn, and the king was in a winterized part of the palace, sitting in front of a fire to keep warm. 23 Each time Jehudi finished reading three or four columns, the king took a knife and cut off that section of the scroll. He then threw it into the fire, section by section, until the whole scroll was burned up. 24 Neither the king nor his attendants showed any signs of fear or repentance at what they heard. 25 Even when Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah begged the king not to burn the scroll, he wouldn’t listen.
 
26 Then the king commanded his son Jerahmeel, Seraiah son of Azriel, and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest Baruch and Jeremiah. But the Lord had hidden them.
 
In the New Testament we have this about the ministry of John the Baptist:
                                                                                                                     Luke 3:3, NLT
John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.
 
We have this summary of Jesus’ early message:
                                                                                                             Matthew 4:17, NLT
From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
                                                                                                                                           
SERMON                                                  Blame
When children are playing and something gets broken or someone gets hurt, an adult is bound to ask, “Who did it?” It is not unusual for the answer to be, “He did it!” or “She did it!” pointing physically and verbally to someone else. Rarely does the culprit raise a hand to say, “I did it” with head hanging in apology even if the incident was truly an accident. We could and usually do scold children who don’t own up to their mistakes, but we have to ask ourselves, “Where did they learn this?” Chances are they have witnessed an adult, either in person or on television, who blames someone else rather than admitting a mistake or worse, a crime.
 
We can blame Genesis 3 perhaps, saying that this blame game is all part of original sin going back to Adam and Eve.
 
Listen! When “the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”
 
12 The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.”
 
13 Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?”
 
“The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”
 
That’s the Blame Game in a nutshell. Did you notice that while Adam blamed the woman, he also subtly blamed God for giving him that woman? Of course, the woman blamed the serpent, and therein is the background for Flip Wilson’s famous, “The devil made me do it.” No one in this scenario takes responsibility for their own part in the sin, not even the devilish serpent who is suddenly silent.
 
Melissa Spoelstra referred to this problem in Week Four, which was last week’s message, but it is a big enough concern that she gives all of Week Five to dealing with: “QUITTING THE BLAME GAME – Personal Responsibility.”[i] I want to highlight this week that the blame game is not only an individual issue but also a corporate one. We blame others not only one person to another, but as a society or any structure within society. As mentioned last week, Spoelstra sees blame in epidemic proportions in our world, and I agree with her, knowing that I am as guilty of it as anyone else. We do it just too easily out of habit. It will take intentionality to break that habit and intentional role modeling to influence change in the persons and society around us.
 
My opening illustration was a parent dealing with a child. Scripture deals with this in Proverbs 13:24. You may have grown up hearing it as, “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” To me this has always been a bit bewildering, and as I looked at a plethora of English translations, it is incomplete. To use that old-fashioned language should still say something like, “Those who spare the rod hate their children, but those who love them are diligent to discipline them.” (NRSV) But for generations today I find this even clearer, “If you love your children, you will correct them; if you don’t love them, you won’t correct them.” (CEV) As you put these all together, don’t miss that correction will include punishment.  Whatever your parenting philosophy and style, you likely agree disciple is needed whether it was spanking in the past or time out and loss of privileges today. Correction can also mean paying for damages, or doing service.
 
Now take all of that parent/child disciplinary scenario and realize that this also fits God as parent and humanity as children. Spoelstra writes, “God’s justice and mercy hold hands as He disciplines His children like a good father.”[ii]  Justice goes with righteousness; they are God’s expectation of us. But such justice is also tempered with mercy. Psalms puts all three together:
  • “The Lord loves righteousness and justice. His mercy fills the earth.” (Psalm 33:5)
  • “Righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne. Mercy and truth stand in front of you.” (Psalm 89:14)
As we continually fall short of living out righteousness and justice, let us be grateful for God’s mercy!
 
However, if a child is corrected time and again for the same thing, takes their punishment, listens to correction but does not make the necessary changes in behavior, what should the parent do? It comes down to what we sometimes call “tough love.” Rather than extending mercy to the point of ignoring the sin, there comes a time when children are allowed to suffer consequences for their bad behavior. God treats us the same way. This is what was going on in the time of Jeremiah.
 
Look again at some of the verses I read earlier from Jeremiah 36. 
  • 3 Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again all the terrible things I have planned for them. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings.”
  • 7 Perhaps even yet they will turn from their evil ways and ask the Lord’s forgiveness before it is too late. For the Lord has threatened them with his terrible anger.”
 
I find interesting the response of the officials to whom Baruch first read Jeremiah’s scroll with God’s message. They were alarmed, because they could see the sin and the punishment coming as consequence. They knew the message needed to be carried to the king. But they also knew how that message was likely to be received. They told Baruch and Jeremiah to hide. They weren’t wrong. Rather than receive correction, the King burned the scroll section by section in rejection of God’s message. I wonder how often we are like that as a people, following God when it is convenient or fits our preconceived notions, but rejecting what we don’t like.
 
Perhaps this partially relates to another area of concern noted by Spoelstra. In whom do we trust? Did Judah trust the King more than they trusted Jeremiah as God’s messenger? Did they trust the Temple building and their past history with God more than they trusted God himself? I think the answer to both of those questions is yes. The Judeans had misplaced their trust and hence started living in the wrong direction.
Spoelstra points out the danger, “If we elevate anything or anyone above God in our lives, we will find our perspective of justice becomes warped. When we look to people or circumstances to find our identity, they will ultimately fail to fill our God-shaped hole. When we feel this emptiness, we must be careful to trust God instead of trying to figure out what is ‘fair’ and ‘unfair’ according to our limited view.”[iii] She goes on to say, “When we believe our security is found in relationships, status, possessions, or anything else, God is willing to allow the ground beneath our feet to shake in order to see if we remember where our true foundation lies.”[iv] Isn’t that what is happening?
 
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminded us of the necessity of a stable foundation. This is in Matthew 7:
24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
The only stable foundation for our lives is found in God’s teachings, and all human answers should be measured against these.
 
One of the most common questions asked of God is “Why?”  Why do bad things happen? Why does evil prosper? Why is life so hard? Why does a God of justice and mercy allow suffering? Of course the answers are complicated and require more than half a sermon to address adequately. However, to the extent that we tend to blame God for our problems, let’s take a beginning look at some answers.
 
Jeremiah 12 begins with this question:
“Lord, you always give me justice
    when I bring a case before you.
So let me bring you this complaint:
Why are the wicked so prosperous?
    Why are evil people so happy?
2 You have planted them,
    and they have taken root and prospered.
Your name is on their lips,
    but you are far from their hearts.” (Jeremiah 12:1-2, NLT)
Reading the rest of that chapter, God doesn’t give a complete answer, but God does invite Judah to look at the bigger picture of God’s plans. That prosperity and happiness of the wicked and evil is only temporary. In God’s big picture, more is going to happen to them. 
 
First, God deals with Judah’s own sin and lack of repentance:
“My people have planted wheat
    but are harvesting thorns.
They have worn themselves out,
    but it has done them no good.
They will harvest a crop of shame
    because of the fierce anger of the Lord.” (v. 13)
Judah, in this case, is not innocent.  As Paul wrote to the Galatians, “God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.” (Galatians 6:7, NRSV) To use Jeremiah’s illustration there are thorns harvested along with the wheat, so to speak, because along with any good deeds or worship, Judah has also done evil and worshipped false gods. In consequence and punishment, God allows other nations to overtake them.
 
However, God will not leave it that way forever. Toward the end of Jeremiah 12 we read the bigger picture of God’s plan for those others and for Judah’s restoration.
14 Now this is what the Lord says: “I will uproot from their land all the evil nations reaching out for the possession I gave my people Israel. And I will uproot Judah from among them. 15 But afterward I will return and have compassion on all of them. I will bring them home to their own lands again, each nation to its own possession. 16 And if these nations truly learn the ways of my people, and if they learn to swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the Lord lives’ (just as they taught my people to swear by the name of Baal), then they will be given a place among my people. 17 But any nation who refuses to obey me will be uprooted and destroyed. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 12:14-17, NLT)
What I notice here is that everyone who has sinned will receive just punishment. But anyone who repents and returns to God, whether originally a believer or a newcomer to the faith, they will receive mercy and be restored to fellowship and favor with God.
 
As to the question of why God allows suffering, Spoelstra identifies “three categories of suffering.”[v]
  1. “First, we suffer because we live in a fallen, sinful world.”[vi]
  2. “Other times we suffer because of our obedience to God.”[vii]
  3. “However, suffering can also be the result of bad choices we make.”[viii]
In the case of Judah, God repeatedly answered why they were suffering. It was because as a nation they had continually sinned against God, disobeyed God’s Law, and broken God’s covenant.
 
I dare to suggest that this may be true of any nation today including our own. I firmly believe that good citizenship includes making an honest and regular assessment of our national behavior. Is justice being served? Or does greed run rampant? Are we caring for the least of these among us? Or are we only looking out for ourselves? Are we being good stewards of creation? Or are we allowing our convenience to consume it? Are we a light to the nations as a compassionate people? Or do we sometimes look too much like the nations we scold? I don’t think there is anything wrong with asking such questions. Rather I think it is our duty to do so. The answers may often be some of each, but then the next question will always be, So what are we going to do about it? One of the values we treasure in the United States is that we have the right to ask these questions and hold our governing bodies accountable. But we also need to hold ourselves accountable as citizens rather than going along with the crowd when we believe the crowd is going in the wrong direction.
 
We’ve said this before. Not all suffering is our own fault, but we must take responsibility for what we have caused. Spoelstra writes, “God is willing to watch us suffer if that’s what it takes to bring us back into relationship with Him.”[ix]  That’s the tough love. Moses reminded the people of his time, “Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord your God disciplines you for your own good.” (Deuteronomy 8:5, NLT) This ties back to the proverb we looked at earlier. God disciplines us, because God loves us.  When we don’t keep either our personal behavior or our national behavior in check, God will hold us responsible. 
 
In Deuteronomy 30, Moses foreshadows the exile as he gives final instructions to those about to enter the Promised Land. With the context of Jeremiah’s day in mind, listen to Moses words,
“In the future, when you experience all these blessings and curses I have listed for you, and when you are living among the nations to which the Lord your God has exiled you, take to heart all these instructions. 2 If at that time you and your children return to the Lord your God, and if you obey with all your heart and all your soul all the commands I have given you today, 3 then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you back from all the nations where he has scattered you. …
 
15 “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. 16 For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.
 
17 “But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, 18 then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy. (Deuteronomy 30, selected verses, NLT)
 
Now hear how this is echoed by Jeremiah when the people stopped following the Lord’s commands.
“Tell all the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: Take your choice of life or death! 9 Everyone who stays in Jerusalem will die from war, famine, or disease, but those who go out and surrender to the Babylonians will live. Their reward will be life!” (Jeremiah 21:8-9, NLT)
These were hard words to hear, but note that the people were given a choice about how to live, and so are we. 
 
The people of Judah were given a difficult choice to make. Rather than stay in their homeland, God was telling them to accept the circumstance he was allowing, to go live in Babylon. In other parts of Jeremiah God tells them to settle in, to plant crops, to marry and raise children. God wasn’t planning to bring them home any time soon. They were told to pray for Babylon’s welfare, because their own well-being depended on it. This was to be the new normal for seventy years. It would not be until much later that God would bring the refugees home. Think about it, the Exile was nearly twice as long as the Exodus. It’s either most of or more than your lifetime.
 
I want to take one bit of advice from this in regard to COVID-19. While this disease may be attributed to the fallenness of creation rather than a particular sin, I think God is using it to get our attention. We can’t do business as usual. We have to stop and think about things, to make intelligent decisions, to pray for one another’s welfare, to realize that how we choose to behave may affect someone else’s well-being. I think God wants us to cooperate globally. I think God wants us to turn to Him and not just our own human solutions. I know we hate this disease as much as Judah hated the Exile, but it is our new normal for some time yet. It won’t last seventy years, but it won’t be over in seven months either. What God is looking for in the midst of this is our obedience to God’s Way and putting our trust in God above all else.
 
What the people of Judah were about to suffer from Babylon is what it says in Proverbs 1:30-31
“30 They rejected my advice
    and paid no attention when I corrected them.
31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,
    choking on their own schemes.”
This is exactly why John the Baptist and Jesus both urged again in their day for the people to turn away from sin and turn back to God. This is what it means to repent. I like to add to that the way some 21st century translations are putting it, “Change your hearts and your lives.” I think that is the evidence of repentance, that hearts and lives have changed, meaning attitudes and behaviors are back in line with God’s ways.
 
Let’s also point out that “If only…” is another variation of the blame game. It blames circumstances rather than people. I’m guilty of this one. If only I had more time, if only I weren’t dealing with so much stress, if only I felt better. I’ve been using this blame game as my excuse for not taking care of some personal business that is long overdue. The truth I need to admit to myself is that I can take an hour or two aside and just make myself do it. I know, because I finally dealt with some paperwork this week. This is just a simple example, but it highlights the tendency we all have to pass the buck or make excuses. Again, some circumstances are genuinely beyond our control, but for those that are within what we can do, “It’s time to stop blaming others [or circumstances] for our problems, take a good look at our own sin, and begin to walk the road of repentance. We can’t change anyone else, but we can allow God to change us.”[x]
 
A major source of our sin problem is pride. Spoelstra defines it as “an obsession with self.”[xi] She points out that “The nations surrounding Israel and Judah struggled with pride.”[xii] So do most nations today. The struggle is not a sin itself, but the outcome of that struggle may become sinful if we put ourselves first at the expense of others or ahead of God. Spoelstra claims, “God takes pride very seriously because it is a huge barrier to close relationship with Him. We can’t embrace God until we recognize our need for Him.”[xiii]  Another round of honest questions to ask ourselves, but also at social and national levels relates to pride. Scriptures would indicate that if we boast it should be boasting in the Lord. As Spoelstra puts it, “Anything good we accomplish originated in God.”[xiv]  God provided the talents and resources at our disposal. So let’s ask ourselves, Have I boasted of something without giving God credit? Have I judged someone else without taking an honest look at my own faults? Have I blamed God for something without confessing my own part in it? Have I stepped on someone else to put myself forward? Have I looked only to my own needs without considering others? Again, I think these are appropriate, responsible questions to ask not only ourselves but the groups to which we belong and our society and nation. Spoelstra notes, “pride is dangerous…Recognizing our pride and addressing it with God through prayer is critical if we are to stop playing the blame game.”[xv]
 
One more word on blaming God. Spoelstra writes, “Sometimes we assume that God owes us a pain-free life because we have done ‘our part.’ We went to church services twice last month and even dropped a twenty-dollar bill in the offering plate….[we] jumped through all the religious hoops. Then when something bad happens, we are tempted to blame God since we have paid our dues. But it doesn’t work that way.”[xvi]
It’s not hard to blame God when we are in pain or to try to bargain with God to get out of that pain, but blame and bargaining do not constitute a healthy relationship.
 
Part of Judah’s problem was that they just went through the motions of worship. They filled an obligation, but they no longer sincerely loved God with heart, soul, and strength. They were in trouble, because their worship was empty, but this was not God’s fault. It was theirs. “They wanted God’s hand of help without any relationship or repentance.”[xvii]
 
Perhaps you have experienced this in another relationship, that the other person seems to offer you empty words or actions without follow-through, or as Spoelstra puts it, “empty words with no actions to back them up.”[xviii]  It’s uncomfortable isn’t it? Something about the relationship just isn’t right. That’s what it feels like for God when our worship is obligatory or insincere.
 
Jeremiah called his people to come back to God, to obey God’s commands, to worship God with sincerity, to turn away from their sinful attitudes and behaviors, to care for those in need, to put their hope and their trust fully in God. God still calls to us with the same concerns. Let’s not put God to the test as Judah did them. Let’s listen to God’s plea, turn away from anything that is wrong, and follow God’s path as God’s people.
 
Remember the verse with which we began the day, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
 
AFFIRMATION                Apostle’s Creed, Ecumenical Version                             p. 14
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
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,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and 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.
 
PRAYERS
God of all, we pray to you for concerns around the world.
We pray for an appropriate resolution to the tensions in Hong Kong.
We pray for the Uighur peoples living in China and their freedom.
We pray for the safety of officers and citizens in Seattle and elsewhere.
We pray for areas experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths world-wide.
I pray for sensible restrictions to continue to protect us in the US and elsewhere.
We pray for those who are suffering, those who mourn,
For exhausted caregivers and researchers still fighting this disease.
We pray for those dealing with the long-term effects not only health wise
But also financially, for those struggling with the many changes and restrictions.
Most of all, dear Lord, I pray for your people to have patience.
We pray for upcoming elections in the United States.
We pray for your people anywhere who are confused, depressed, or lonely.
We pray for those who are hurting or grieving and those who are abused or scared.
Lord God, give us your mercy and grace to be kind to one another,
That we might also be a blessing to those around us and not a hindrance.
Help us to recognize that everyone may be hurting is some way,
Whether it is visible or not.
 
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Amazing God, even in the midst of difficult times,
We have so much for which to be grateful.
We thank you for family and friends who love and support us,
We thank you for financial furloughs and help to get through tough times.
We thank you for electronics, internet, and wi-fi as well as mail and phones
To keep us connected while in isolation.
We thank you for clean water, and electricity,
For sanitation workers and delivery people.
We thank you for good weather days, a breeze, and outdoor space,
For gardens and animals.
We thank you for food, shelter, rest, and comfort,
For self-care aids, meditation and devotions.
We thank you for education, music, stories, and art.
We thank you for journalists who risk their lives to share the truth.
We thank you for good memories and laughter.
We thank you for privilege and future possibilities.
We thank you if we are able to live in a non-judgmental environment.
Above all we thank you for your providence and your love.
For all of this, O God, we praise you and bless you. Amen.
 
THE LORD'S PRAYER
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 debts as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power
And the glory forever. Amen.
 
CHARGE & BLESSING                                                                  Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
 
Announcements:
 
First, news that will be welcome to many of you, First United Presbyterian will reopen for worship next Sunday, July 12. Here is what you need to know in regard to that.
  • Only the ramp door and the narthex doors to the sanctuary will be open. The rest of the building will remain closed to the public on Sunday morning.
  • You will be required to wear a mask and asked to use sanitizer as you arrive.
  • You may have a temperature check and be requested to answer health screening questions as you arrive.
  • If you have not been feeling well or have been exposed to illness, please stay home that week.
  • The bathroom by the ramp door will be available if needed, but you are asked not only to wash hands thoroughly, you may be asked to wipe down handles, etc. you have touched.
  • Alternating pews will be designated in the sanctuary for social distancing, one household per pew.
  • This will be a no – touch service with no contact allowed for greetings, no passing of the peace, no greeting or fellowship after worship.
  • There will be no singing and no congregational reading out loud.
  • For July 12, 19, and 26, Kolleen will be preaching and Jon will be at the organ or piano if he is able.
 
Second, as a public service announcement, please keep safety precautions in mind for yourselves, and as Christians, to care for others, too.
  • Please, don’t go out in public unless it’s necessary.
  • Always wear a mask in public.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, especially after touching surfaces others have touched. You can also wear gloves or carry wipes for public surface areas such as door handles.
  • Maintain social distancing with anyone not of your own household, at least six feet.
Please keep in mind that while many things have reopened, the pandemic has not slowed down; cases are increasing. Only the vigilance of every individual and every public location, can help turn that increase around.
 
May God help us do what we must in the midst of pandemic, and may God overcome it to restore our world. 

[i] Melissa Spoelstra, Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World, p. 2780. (since I used the Kindle edition, p# are actually location #.)
[ii] P. 2804
[iii] P. 2834
[iv] P. 2842
[v] P. 2894
[vi] P. 2895
[vii] P. 2900
[viii] P. 2906
[ix] P. 2912
[x] P. 3019
[xi] P. 3065
[xii] P. 3078
[xiii] P. 3135
[xiv] P. 3105
[xv] P. 3190
[xvi] P. 3258
[xvii] P.3328
[xviii] P. 3309

Jeremiah lived 2600 years ago, but has as much to say to our world today as he did to Judah then. The Bible Study from which I am taking much of this series is 
Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World by Melissa Spoelstra. A Bible Study to accompany the sermons can be found at Faith Adventures.
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