“Gracious Lord, you
have promised to always be with us wherever we live and work, in times of
drought and flooding rains, in times when we are gathered with those we love
and in times when we are isolated and alone. Hear the praises we bring you as
we gather to celebrate your presence within the congregations, we are part of,
at home and in the places where our Bush Chaplains and volunteers engage with
the people of remote Australia.”
From the rising
of the sun . . .
God speaks, calling out
to the earth.
At the beginning of
each new day . . .
God speaks, calling us
to life and service.
Even with the setting
sun . . .
God speaks, reminding
us that we are not alone.
As we gather for
worship this day
God speaks, inviting us
to love freely and to become true treasure on earth.
Despite God’s
faithfulness and absolute constancy we look to idols. We may not realize that
we have, but instead of worshipping God, we worship the church music, or the minister,
or some Godly person, or even the Bible itself. None of these are God, even
though they may bring us God’s message or even God’s love. Look to God, the
only One.
Opening
Prayer
May the Creator Spirit
continue to hover over this land of many contrasts, cultures and peoples.
May Christ walk
alongside us as we move in His presence. May the cool wind of the Spirit
refresh, replenish and restore our souls.
And may the land speak
to us in such a way that
we may see, feel and
hear God the Creator, God the Spirit and God the Son in the cool evening murmur
of the breeze.
Praise be to God.
The Peace
Let
us share the treasure of love and mercy with one another as we offer the peace
of Christ. Peace be with you! And also, with you!
Announcements
Launch
Quiet Church for this Friday. These are opportunities, among other
things, to sit quietly and seek God, and God alone without any distractions.
Offering
Prayer
As we offer these
earthly treasures back to you, transform these gifts into love and mercy by the
power of your Holy Spirit and the gift of your miraculous love. Turn these
earthly treasures of human currency into heavenly treasures of love and justice
to bring your realm here on earth. Amen
And may these offerings
motivate people to seek your outstretched hand and accept your invitation for
an eternal friendship.
The Service of the Word
The First Reading: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
The Gospel Reading: Luke 12: 32-40
These
readings brought to us by Grahame, tell us of people who had a relationship
with God. May we not look to them but to the Author, not matter how much that
may scare us. Remember, God is ... Love.
Preaching
of the Word– Do
Not be Afraid (the words in quotes are Rev. John’s the others are mine.)
" ‘Don't be
afraid. I will give you the Kingdom. Use your stuff so that you have permanent
benefit from it. You will be happy if you are ready for my return.’ Or, to
paraphrase it in the simplest way, don't be afraid, enjoy your stuff forever
and be happy.
This sounds
wonderful. Our problem is that none of us can do this. Most of our lives are
spent in a never-ending journey, searching for something that we hope will give
meaning to our lives. Most of us are like the characters in the Wizard of Oz.
We look like lions; except we are afraid. We are bright and shiny on the
outside, but don't have any of the internal characteristics that help to bring
fulfilment. We are tin woodsmen. Or, we are most agile but really don't have
wisdom, like the Scarecrow. And some of us, much like Dorothy, are just lost
and trying to find a way home.”
Most of the people who
are reading this have professed some level of following Jesus for some time, if
not all our lives. I think now is the time to step up and look God in the eyes,
face to face. It is that that scares us silly, not sacrificing anything of this
earthly life, but having a mature relationship with our Maker.
" ‘Don't be
afraid.’" A bold person shared a reflection about the cross. The person said
‘I came to understand that the cross is a test for us. We had God right here
with us, in the person of Jesus. God was here to lead and love us out of this
mess we are in. And what did we do? We killed him.’
I wonder if why I
struggle not to be one of those yelling out is that there is something in me
that can't stand absolute love and goodness, even though I crave it. Yet, God’s
answer to my failure is love, forgiveness and presence in my life forever. When
I reflect on my failure in the cross, and God's answer, then I can know that I
need never be afraid of any failure ever again. I have already failed
completely, and God loves me and is present with me, it would be silly and a
waste of time to be afraid.”
Think about these
words: we are afraid, but God has shown us nothing but love. God has been
nothing but amazingly patient with everyone of us. It’s time to look at that
squarely and act upon it, stretching out to take the hand of God who has done
nothing but love and love us for all our lives.
“As we grow in
love, we grow less and less fearful. As we grow in love, we discover
ourselves focused more
and more on eternal relationships. Perhaps, it is scary to think about living
this way, but remember the first thing the angels say, "don't be afraid."”
Hymn TIS 780: May light come into
your eyes. Amen to that!
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