youtu.be/VVBR8LyKzRs
Mission slide
GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Moment of Silence to Prepare Our Hearts for Worship
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O LORD, you know it completely.
How Majestic is Your Name CCLI 11259100
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, we praise your name.
O Lord, we magnify your name:
Prince of Peace, mighty God;
O Lord God Almighty.
Call to Worship
Marty: Listen on the stillness of the morning, in the hush of this moment.
Pastor Melody: Listen for the Spirit of God.
M: God searches to find you and calls you by name.
P: Speak, O God, for your servant is listening.
M: God hems you in and lays the hand of blessing upon you.
P: Here I am, Lord, willing to serve.
M: Christ calls to you now: “Follow me.”
P: Here I am, Lord. Lead on!
Shout to the North CCLI 11259100
1 Men of faith rise up and sing
Of the great and glorious King
You are strong when you feel weak
In your brokenness complete
Shout to the north and the south
Sing to the east and the west
Jesus is saviour to all
Lord of heaven and earth
2 Rise up women of the truth
Stand and sing to broken hearts
Who can know the healing power
Of our awesome King of love
Shout to the north and the south
Sing to the east and the west
Jesus is saviour to all
Lord of heaven and earth
We've been through fire, we've been through rain
We've been refined by the power of His name
We've fallen deeper in love with You
You've burned the truth on our lips
shout to the north and the south
Sing to the east and the west
Jesus is saviour to all
Lord of heaven and earth
3 Rise up church with broken wings
Fill this place with songs again
Of our God who reigns on high
By His grace again we'll fly
Shout to the north and the south
Sing to the east and the west
Jesus is saviour to all
Lord of heaven and earth
He is Lord of heaven and earth
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
O God, you have searched us and know us. When we are following you with confidence and when we are hiding out of fear, you are with us. Your knowledge is too wonderful for us, and yet it is your knowledge that we so desperately need.
Speak to us now. Reveal our sins, that we may truly repent and repair the damage we have wrought upon others. Cover our shame with the robe of your love and acceptance.
Hear us as we confess our personal sins silently (time for silent prayer). . . Empower us with the wisdom of your ways. Strengthen our courage and commitment to follow you in service to others. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Change My Heart O God CCLI 11259100
Change my heart, O God
Make it ever true,
Change my heart, O God
May I be like you.
You are the potter;
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me;
this is what I pray.
Assurance of Pardon
God has formed our very being, making even our bodies members of Christ. We are united to God in Christ’s love and grace. Celebrate God’s forgiveness for you and me! Praise God for Christ’s death and resurrection have given us forgiveness!
Gloria Patri
Passing the Peace
L: Since God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Let us pass the peace of Christ to one another.
Children’s moment
Prayer of Illumination
O God who searches and knows us and calls us by name. You speak in the hope that we are listening. Forming us and shaping us for service, help us to be still and hear the Word of God Amen
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
O LORD, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O LORD, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it.
For it was you who formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.
In your book were written
all the days that were formed for me,
when none of them as yet existed.
How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
I try to count them — they are more than the sand;
I come to the end — I am still with you.
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.
At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Then the Lord said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering forever.”
Samuel lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” He said, “Here I am.” Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.” So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, “It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him.”
As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the Lord.
Sermon “Accountability” Your life lies before you like new fallen snow.
Be careful how you go, because every step will show!
When we are beginning a new chapter in our lives, or, perhaps, a new year, I wonder how much we think about the imprint we are making on our own lives, on the lives of others and on the world. As we age, we might be more likely to think about our legacy, just like Eli. In today’s scripture, Eli is the old priest who is teaching Samuel. As he looks back on his life, he sees that he was not the best father; maybe too wrapped up in work to be fully present to his sons. Or, maybe there was another reason that his grown sons are so sinful, sinning against God and others. Whatever the reason, God was angry; God had spoken to Eli about tending to his family; and apparently Eli had not done that. Young Samuel was the messenger between God and Eli. No wonder Samuel did not want to tell Eli what God had said. But Eli knew it would be bad news and he prepared himself to hear it. Looking back on his life, Eli probably remembered certain days that he chose to go to work; or he chose to let his boys do whatever they wanted, just hoping that their actions wouldn’t catch up to him or them. Alas, we hear that those terrible actions did catch up and would cause Eli and his sons, great tragedy in the end. Like all of us, Eli learned that his life’s work lies clearly behind him, showing him every step and misstep he took; every good thing and every not so good thing that he did. Just like a new fallen snow usually shows our every footprint.
We’ve had some different snows already this winter. One of our snows was what I called every 10-year-old’s dream – snow covered by ice! It’s the best kind of snow to use to make a snow fort! If you were light enough and fast enough, you could walk over that snow without falling in. It was like snow-shoeing without the big, clumsy snowshoes. Fun! If you wanted to, you could walk up to someone’s house and ring the doorbell. Then hurry away and leave no evidence; no footprints to give away your size or the direction you went. Not that any of the kids we know would do that! But, imagine, to be able to walk here or there and not leave any footprints in the snow! That’s pretty cool!
Makes me wonder if there are things that we do that we’d prefer to keep to ourselves; actions we don’t want to “take credit or receive blame” for doing. For example, this month, we will receive the end of year, 2020 statements from banks, church and other businesses. When we look at these statements, we can see how much we saved; how much we spent and how much or how little we financially gave to God and the church. These balance sheets won’t show our gifts of time and talent. In today’s scripture, we are reminded of Hannah, Samuel’s mother, who gave up her son, so that he might learn to be God’s prophet. Eli, the old priest, also gave up a lot to be a man of God. And, Samuel, as a young child, stayed committed to serving God. As we might remember, Samuel was God’s faithful servant, his whole life. These are costly and sacrificial gifts, given to the glory of God. How might we step up our giving, financially, if we are able and, giving of our time and talent? The Covid-19 virus and the pandemic have caused chaos in our lives; and in some lives, that financial uncertainty was extreme. Many were grateful for the stimulus checks that we have received. Those checks, along with food banks, might have been the only ways they have been able to continue meeting life’s expenses. Yes, for some, those stimulus checks were life preservers. And, for others, the stimulus check was needed less, so perhaps those people gave money to places, like the church, which does much to help those in need. As we go forward into 2021, and hear of more financial assistance from the government, perhaps we who are comfortable financially, could give more to the church; more than pocket change. Because as Christians, we have pledged; we have promised to God and to ourselves, that we WOULD give. We are called to live into that covenant promise, that we give as a thankful response to the blessings we received.
I imagine that some might be surprised at how much or how little they have given. If you are in a better place now than in 2020, you still have time to send your donations in for 2020. Of course, anything sent in January or later will show as a donation for 2021. But, don’t let that stop you. Send in any donations you want. And, to all of you who gave what you pledged or more, THANK YOU! This isn’t really a sermon about financial stewardship; but it is about accountability. Each of us is accountable for what we do and don’t do; just like Eli was in the Old Testament reading.
I think we do need to respect Eli that he insisted on hearing exactly what God said; knowing that it would be unpleasant. We know what God calls us to do and to be. We are to be loving, and we are to forgive others. We are to treat everyone with respect, just like we want to be treated. Everyone includes our children and all children; taking time to listen to them and acknowledging their pain and joys. Everyone includes all people, even those who don’t look like us, don’t think like us and don’t live like us. All we need to do is to remember the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son; stories that Jesus told so we could learn how we are to love and to forgive everyone. When we do less, when we ARE less than we could be, we are robbing ourselves and the world of goodness. When we skimp on our offerings to church, we might think that no one will notice, but we are just kidding ourselves. God knows. God has given us much; we are to give back, according to our blessings. When we skimp on kindness, time, energy and attention to our children, they suffer. And, in the end, others will experience the negative consequences of our stinginess.
Last week I spoke about how the Holy Spirit empowers us. As Christians, we have one foot in this world as it is and one foot in the world as it could be. Let’s be accountable to God and to each other. We have been blessed mightily. Let us be a mighty blessing! Let us give our best, faithfully, as we pledge. If we haven’t pledged, then let us pledge and give; or just give faithfully as we know we should give – of our time, talent and finances so that together we are working with Christ to bring God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.
On Wednesday, we saw President Biden and Vice-President Harris sworn into office. Today, we are installing our new Elders. I know both groups have plans to improve some things and to continue with other things. We might say, their whole job lies before them like new fallen snow. They need to be careful, because, every step will show! We will hold our President accountable. We will work alongside the Elders to help them be successful. Maybe we can do the same for the President; work alongside him to improve lives and to make a difference in the world. Let’s assume all will be successful; and then, let’s all work for the good of the world. It’s easier and more pleasant to assume success, then work toward that success, than it is to assume failure, burn with resentment and keep score. Besides, the lesson of Samuel and Eli tell us that whenever anyone successes, we all succeed. We might not fully agree on specific plans, but let’s allow some wiggle room, some breathing space, for the possibility of success; success, which is described as God’s righteousness; that is, where there is peace; and where all people are loved, forgiven and acknowledged as being worthy of God’s love. As we work on projects in 2021, let’s hold each other accountable as well as holding ourselves accountable – that we make a positive difference in this world; and, that it doesn’t matter if there is snow on the ground, because our footprints go to God; to bringing God’s kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. Now and forevermore. Amen.
Spirit CCLI 11259100
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.
1 You moved on the waters, you called to the deep,
then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep,
and over the eons you called to each thing:
Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.
2 You swept through the desert,
you stung with the sand,
and you gifted your people with a law and a land,
and when they were blinded with their idols and lies,
then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes.
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.
3 You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill,
then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still,
and down in the city you called once again,
when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind.
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.
4 You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes,
from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams,
our women see visions, our men clear their eyes,
with bold new decisions your people arise.
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.
Installation of Elders
Offering
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication: Let us pray.
God of seeing and knowing, thank you for seeing so many possibilities within us. Use our gifts and offerings to transform possibilities into realities, that others may come and see your grace. Speech through us and through these gifts, that others may hear and respond as you call them by name.
The Prayers of the People
“Creator God: as our troubled nation inaugurates a new administration, please be at the heart of this year. Be at the center of all the ceremonies, all the parties and celebrations. Lord God, protect and bless us all and forgive our sins as individuals, as community, as church and as a nation divided. Let no one return evil for evil or hatred for hatred. Renew and refresh our minds that our focus may be on you and only you. Guide our spirits. Give us words of LOVE and KINDNESS and not words of condemnation. Forgive us Lord.” (Church of the Bayou Presbyterian Church, FL)
God our father, fill our lives with your compassion; may we live in the generosity of forgiveness. For those who cannot believe and give their lives in the service of others, Lord we pray. For the church, make your light shine upon her. O Christ, light from above, come and visit all those who are in darkness; show them the way of love. Support those who are going through times of difficulty and discouragement, O source of confidence and life. Guide us by your Spirit so that we may accomplish the will of your love; give us new hearts.
Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Here I am, Lord CCLI 11259100
1 I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save
I who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
2 I, the Lord of snow and rain
I have borne My people’s pain
I have wept for love of them
They turn away
I will break their hears of stone
Give them hearts for love alone
I will speak my word to them
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
3 I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide
'Til their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
I will hold Your people in my heart
Charge
Even at the end, God is with us. Even as God has spoken, God is still speaking. Go forth – listening and seeing, learning and growing. Following Christ, read to serve the world.
Benediction
Now may the love of God, the peace of Christ and the community of the Holy Spirit be with you, with your family and with all of God’s family. Amen
Mission slide
GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Moment of Silence to Prepare Our Hearts for Worship
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O LORD, you know it completely.
How Majestic is Your Name CCLI 11259100
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, we praise your name.
O Lord, we magnify your name:
Prince of Peace, mighty God;
O Lord God Almighty.
Call to Worship
Marty: Listen on the stillness of the morning, in the hush of this moment.
Pastor Melody: Listen for the Spirit of God.
M: God searches to find you and calls you by name.
P: Speak, O God, for your servant is listening.
M: God hems you in and lays the hand of blessing upon you.
P: Here I am, Lord, willing to serve.
M: Christ calls to you now: “Follow me.”
P: Here I am, Lord. Lead on!
Shout to the North CCLI 11259100
1 Men of faith rise up and sing
Of the great and glorious King
You are strong when you feel weak
In your brokenness complete
Shout to the north and the south
Sing to the east and the west
Jesus is saviour to all
Lord of heaven and earth
2 Rise up women of the truth
Stand and sing to broken hearts
Who can know the healing power
Of our awesome King of love
Shout to the north and the south
Sing to the east and the west
Jesus is saviour to all
Lord of heaven and earth
We've been through fire, we've been through rain
We've been refined by the power of His name
We've fallen deeper in love with You
You've burned the truth on our lips
shout to the north and the south
Sing to the east and the west
Jesus is saviour to all
Lord of heaven and earth
3 Rise up church with broken wings
Fill this place with songs again
Of our God who reigns on high
By His grace again we'll fly
Shout to the north and the south
Sing to the east and the west
Jesus is saviour to all
Lord of heaven and earth
He is Lord of heaven and earth
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
O God, you have searched us and know us. When we are following you with confidence and when we are hiding out of fear, you are with us. Your knowledge is too wonderful for us, and yet it is your knowledge that we so desperately need.
Speak to us now. Reveal our sins, that we may truly repent and repair the damage we have wrought upon others. Cover our shame with the robe of your love and acceptance.
Hear us as we confess our personal sins silently (time for silent prayer). . . Empower us with the wisdom of your ways. Strengthen our courage and commitment to follow you in service to others. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Change My Heart O God CCLI 11259100
Change my heart, O God
Make it ever true,
Change my heart, O God
May I be like you.
You are the potter;
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me;
this is what I pray.
Assurance of Pardon
God has formed our very being, making even our bodies members of Christ. We are united to God in Christ’s love and grace. Celebrate God’s forgiveness for you and me! Praise God for Christ’s death and resurrection have given us forgiveness!
Gloria Patri
Passing the Peace
L: Since God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Let us pass the peace of Christ to one another.
Children’s moment
Prayer of Illumination
O God who searches and knows us and calls us by name. You speak in the hope that we are listening. Forming us and shaping us for service, help us to be still and hear the Word of God Amen
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
O LORD, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O LORD, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it.
For it was you who formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.
In your book were written
all the days that were formed for me,
when none of them as yet existed.
How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
I try to count them — they are more than the sand;
I come to the end — I am still with you.
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.
At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Then the Lord said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering forever.”
Samuel lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” He said, “Here I am.” Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.” So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, “It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him.”
As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the Lord.
Sermon “Accountability” Your life lies before you like new fallen snow.
Be careful how you go, because every step will show!
When we are beginning a new chapter in our lives, or, perhaps, a new year, I wonder how much we think about the imprint we are making on our own lives, on the lives of others and on the world. As we age, we might be more likely to think about our legacy, just like Eli. In today’s scripture, Eli is the old priest who is teaching Samuel. As he looks back on his life, he sees that he was not the best father; maybe too wrapped up in work to be fully present to his sons. Or, maybe there was another reason that his grown sons are so sinful, sinning against God and others. Whatever the reason, God was angry; God had spoken to Eli about tending to his family; and apparently Eli had not done that. Young Samuel was the messenger between God and Eli. No wonder Samuel did not want to tell Eli what God had said. But Eli knew it would be bad news and he prepared himself to hear it. Looking back on his life, Eli probably remembered certain days that he chose to go to work; or he chose to let his boys do whatever they wanted, just hoping that their actions wouldn’t catch up to him or them. Alas, we hear that those terrible actions did catch up and would cause Eli and his sons, great tragedy in the end. Like all of us, Eli learned that his life’s work lies clearly behind him, showing him every step and misstep he took; every good thing and every not so good thing that he did. Just like a new fallen snow usually shows our every footprint.
We’ve had some different snows already this winter. One of our snows was what I called every 10-year-old’s dream – snow covered by ice! It’s the best kind of snow to use to make a snow fort! If you were light enough and fast enough, you could walk over that snow without falling in. It was like snow-shoeing without the big, clumsy snowshoes. Fun! If you wanted to, you could walk up to someone’s house and ring the doorbell. Then hurry away and leave no evidence; no footprints to give away your size or the direction you went. Not that any of the kids we know would do that! But, imagine, to be able to walk here or there and not leave any footprints in the snow! That’s pretty cool!
Makes me wonder if there are things that we do that we’d prefer to keep to ourselves; actions we don’t want to “take credit or receive blame” for doing. For example, this month, we will receive the end of year, 2020 statements from banks, church and other businesses. When we look at these statements, we can see how much we saved; how much we spent and how much or how little we financially gave to God and the church. These balance sheets won’t show our gifts of time and talent. In today’s scripture, we are reminded of Hannah, Samuel’s mother, who gave up her son, so that he might learn to be God’s prophet. Eli, the old priest, also gave up a lot to be a man of God. And, Samuel, as a young child, stayed committed to serving God. As we might remember, Samuel was God’s faithful servant, his whole life. These are costly and sacrificial gifts, given to the glory of God. How might we step up our giving, financially, if we are able and, giving of our time and talent? The Covid-19 virus and the pandemic have caused chaos in our lives; and in some lives, that financial uncertainty was extreme. Many were grateful for the stimulus checks that we have received. Those checks, along with food banks, might have been the only ways they have been able to continue meeting life’s expenses. Yes, for some, those stimulus checks were life preservers. And, for others, the stimulus check was needed less, so perhaps those people gave money to places, like the church, which does much to help those in need. As we go forward into 2021, and hear of more financial assistance from the government, perhaps we who are comfortable financially, could give more to the church; more than pocket change. Because as Christians, we have pledged; we have promised to God and to ourselves, that we WOULD give. We are called to live into that covenant promise, that we give as a thankful response to the blessings we received.
I imagine that some might be surprised at how much or how little they have given. If you are in a better place now than in 2020, you still have time to send your donations in for 2020. Of course, anything sent in January or later will show as a donation for 2021. But, don’t let that stop you. Send in any donations you want. And, to all of you who gave what you pledged or more, THANK YOU! This isn’t really a sermon about financial stewardship; but it is about accountability. Each of us is accountable for what we do and don’t do; just like Eli was in the Old Testament reading.
I think we do need to respect Eli that he insisted on hearing exactly what God said; knowing that it would be unpleasant. We know what God calls us to do and to be. We are to be loving, and we are to forgive others. We are to treat everyone with respect, just like we want to be treated. Everyone includes our children and all children; taking time to listen to them and acknowledging their pain and joys. Everyone includes all people, even those who don’t look like us, don’t think like us and don’t live like us. All we need to do is to remember the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son; stories that Jesus told so we could learn how we are to love and to forgive everyone. When we do less, when we ARE less than we could be, we are robbing ourselves and the world of goodness. When we skimp on our offerings to church, we might think that no one will notice, but we are just kidding ourselves. God knows. God has given us much; we are to give back, according to our blessings. When we skimp on kindness, time, energy and attention to our children, they suffer. And, in the end, others will experience the negative consequences of our stinginess.
Last week I spoke about how the Holy Spirit empowers us. As Christians, we have one foot in this world as it is and one foot in the world as it could be. Let’s be accountable to God and to each other. We have been blessed mightily. Let us be a mighty blessing! Let us give our best, faithfully, as we pledge. If we haven’t pledged, then let us pledge and give; or just give faithfully as we know we should give – of our time, talent and finances so that together we are working with Christ to bring God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.
On Wednesday, we saw President Biden and Vice-President Harris sworn into office. Today, we are installing our new Elders. I know both groups have plans to improve some things and to continue with other things. We might say, their whole job lies before them like new fallen snow. They need to be careful, because, every step will show! We will hold our President accountable. We will work alongside the Elders to help them be successful. Maybe we can do the same for the President; work alongside him to improve lives and to make a difference in the world. Let’s assume all will be successful; and then, let’s all work for the good of the world. It’s easier and more pleasant to assume success, then work toward that success, than it is to assume failure, burn with resentment and keep score. Besides, the lesson of Samuel and Eli tell us that whenever anyone successes, we all succeed. We might not fully agree on specific plans, but let’s allow some wiggle room, some breathing space, for the possibility of success; success, which is described as God’s righteousness; that is, where there is peace; and where all people are loved, forgiven and acknowledged as being worthy of God’s love. As we work on projects in 2021, let’s hold each other accountable as well as holding ourselves accountable – that we make a positive difference in this world; and, that it doesn’t matter if there is snow on the ground, because our footprints go to God; to bringing God’s kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. Now and forevermore. Amen.
Spirit CCLI 11259100
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.
1 You moved on the waters, you called to the deep,
then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep,
and over the eons you called to each thing:
Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.
2 You swept through the desert,
you stung with the sand,
and you gifted your people with a law and a land,
and when they were blinded with their idols and lies,
then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes.
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.
3 You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill,
then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still,
and down in the city you called once again,
when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind.
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.
4 You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes,
from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams,
our women see visions, our men clear their eyes,
with bold new decisions your people arise.
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.
Installation of Elders
Offering
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication: Let us pray.
God of seeing and knowing, thank you for seeing so many possibilities within us. Use our gifts and offerings to transform possibilities into realities, that others may come and see your grace. Speech through us and through these gifts, that others may hear and respond as you call them by name.
The Prayers of the People
“Creator God: as our troubled nation inaugurates a new administration, please be at the heart of this year. Be at the center of all the ceremonies, all the parties and celebrations. Lord God, protect and bless us all and forgive our sins as individuals, as community, as church and as a nation divided. Let no one return evil for evil or hatred for hatred. Renew and refresh our minds that our focus may be on you and only you. Guide our spirits. Give us words of LOVE and KINDNESS and not words of condemnation. Forgive us Lord.” (Church of the Bayou Presbyterian Church, FL)
God our father, fill our lives with your compassion; may we live in the generosity of forgiveness. For those who cannot believe and give their lives in the service of others, Lord we pray. For the church, make your light shine upon her. O Christ, light from above, come and visit all those who are in darkness; show them the way of love. Support those who are going through times of difficulty and discouragement, O source of confidence and life. Guide us by your Spirit so that we may accomplish the will of your love; give us new hearts.
Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Here I am, Lord CCLI 11259100
1 I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save
I who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
2 I, the Lord of snow and rain
I have borne My people’s pain
I have wept for love of them
They turn away
I will break their hears of stone
Give them hearts for love alone
I will speak my word to them
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
3 I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide
'Til their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
I will hold Your people in my heart
Charge
Even at the end, God is with us. Even as God has spoken, God is still speaking. Go forth – listening and seeing, learning and growing. Following Christ, read to serve the world.
Benediction
Now may the love of God, the peace of Christ and the community of the Holy Spirit be with you, with your family and with all of God’s family. Amen
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