Koonung Heights – Surrey Hills Uniting Church
Service of Worship at Home
Easter 4 – 11 May 2025 – 10am or whenever possible
You may like to light a candle during your time of worship.
Feel free to text the Peace to other members of the congregation.
Introit: “Bless the Lord, my soul” – (TiS 706)
Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s holy name.
Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.
Lighting the Christ Candle:
This day is a joyous day!
We gather this morning in the presence of the risen Christ,
whose love and peace gives light to our paths
and hope to our days!
In the light of our Christ candle,
the joy of our hearts is rekindled.
Acknowledgement of Country:
The Ancient of Days breathed life into this Land
and her Peoples.
From time beyond our reckoning
the Wurundjeri WoiWurrung People
of the Kulin nations,
have blessed this place through their care and life.
I pay my respects to the elders and leaders,
past and present,
and pray for the future of their communities.
May we walk gently and respectfully on this Land.
Call to Worship:
Let us travel beyond our walls –
crossing borders to others,
meeting people in their place,
and hearing their story.
We are the people of God
across the world and,
wherever we are,
together we worship.
We Sing: “Glory to God above!” – (TiS 94)
Glory to God above! Heavens declare his love;
praise him, you angels, praise him all you high and heavenly host.
Worship him, sun and moon; stars, complement their tune;
grounded in God’s good purpose let his grace become your boast.
O sing hallelujah and praise God for evermore!
Glory to God below let depths of ocean show;
lightning and hail, snow, wind and cloud perform at his command!
Let every mountain range, forest and grove and grange,
creatures of earth and air and sea praise God in in every land.
O sing hallelujah and praise God for evermore!
‘Glory to God your King!’ leaders and people sing;
women and men of every age unite to praise the Lord.
Worship God’s holy name and let our lives proclaim
God’s saving power extends to those who love and serve his word.
O sing hallelujah and praise God for evermore!
Prayer of Adoration and Confession:
Healing God,
in the world’s pain you invite us to be part of your work,
bringing restoration and wellness to human life.
In the stories of the early Church we see
the continuance of grace and the life-giving Spirit at work.
If Jesus was the start,
then the disciples and faithful followers
of this time were the continuation.
Under the energy of your life-giving Spirit,
the work does not stop.
Today, we are those recruited and called to be disciples of love.
We are the ones endowed
with gifts of perception, and talents of sensitivity.
We are the ones whose hands and heart, minds and voice,
can bring healing to your world and to your people.
We might not always see the dramatic results of stories of old,
yet in significant and life altering ways we, your people,
hold in our grasp the possibility of transformation and new life.
Merciful God,
forgive us when we do not do enough to help a stranger,
speak for the voiceless, assist the vulnerable,
console the grieving, campaign for justice.
Forgive us for seeking easy, quick-fix solutions,
instead of lasting revisions and compound change.
Forgive us for disbelieving that within each of us
we have the power of your life-giving energy,
to enforce change, and bring desired peace to the lives of others.
We thank you for sticking with us.
You grant us mercy despite the faults of our living.
For the second chances and the unending love,
we are grateful and commit now to faithful service in your name.
Amen.
Words of Assurance:
Friends, hear this good news,
you are forgiven, you are free to go
and live in the light of God’s love.
Thanks be to God!
The Peace:
May the Peace of God dwell with you
and also with you.
Time for All:
I thought today we might share a little quiz together. I’m going to mention the names of some different people one by one, and I’d like you to tell me what this person changed their name to before they became famous. I’m pretty sure that you will know some of these people, even if you don’t’ know their names.
Let’s see how we go!
1. Norma Jeane Baker – Marilyn Monroe.
2. Issur Danielovitch – Kirk Douglas.
3. Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra – Meg Ryan.
4. Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson – Katie Perry.
5. Reginald Kenneth Dwight – Elton John.
What about people in the Bible who have changed their name? You might think of Simon who became Peter, Saul who became Paul or Abram who became Abraham.
Today’s story is about a lady called Dorcas or Tabitha. Dorcas is the Greek for the Aramaic Tabitha. Her name means Gazelle, and the fact she was known by two different names probably tells us a few things – that she lived in a place where different languages were spoken and people from different communities knew her.
In the same way we might call each other by different names. My name is Heather, but I’m also called Mum, Matey, Reverend, Heads, Mrs Honny, Auntie, Chair and even Vicar of Dibley by my brother-in-law. These names share a little bit about the different relationships I have with people.
Jesus was also known by different names – and we will hear some of them in the song we are about to sing. It is a gentle, meditative song which we will sing through a few times. Today is Mother’s Day so, as we sing, you are invited, if you wish, to light a tea-light candle and place it to remember or give thanks for a woman who has been important in your life or faith journey. It might be your mum, but it might not. It could be any woman who has been significant for you.
We Sing: Jesus, name above all names – (The Source 291)
Jesus, name above all names, beautiful Saviour, glorious Lord;
Emmanuel, God is with us, blessed Redeemer, Living Word.
Mother’s Day Prayer:
Mothering God,
On this Mother’s Day, we thank you for all mothers, grandmothers, step-mothers
and mother-like figures in our lives – for all those we have lit a candle for.
We thank you for the women who have supported and encouraged us in many ways,
including in our faith journeys.
May they know your blessing.
We pray for those who are longing to be mothers, for those who have lost their mothers,
and for mothers and children who struggle with difficult relationships.
We also pray for those for whom motherhood is not easy because of financial hardship.
May they know your peace.
We pray that all women in our society will be respected,
and thank you for those organisations who support women when they most need it.
May they know the difference they make.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Bible Reading: Revelation 7:9-17
– The Multitude from Every Nation
9 After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne and to the Lamb!”
11 And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 singing,
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 For this reason they are before the throne of God
and worship him day and night within his temple,
and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.
16 They will hunger no more and thirst no more;
the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat,
17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Bible Reading: Acts 9:36-43
– Peter in Lydda and Joppa
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. 37 At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter got up and went with them, and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. 42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 Meanwhile, he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
Reflection:
Let us hear another exert from Peter’s diary …
He did tell us.
He did say we would do even greater things than he had done.
It’s happening.
He was right, though I hardly believed him.
It’s a long time since that day on the beach, asking his questions and soon leaving us.
And yet, not leaving us; never leaving us.
He promised us that too. He was right again.
Well, today in Joppa I was confronted with death.
A woman, Tabitha they called her, a real champion of her community it seemed.
A follower of Jesus—helping the poor and doing so much good work.
But she fell ill and died, and what a commotion that caused.
It reminded me of the young girl years ago, who fell ill, right at the age of growing up,
and her father Jairus came begging for Jesus’ help,
but we got waylaid by another sick woman,
healed by touching Jesus’ coat, and the time he took with her cost the young girl her life.
But today I remembered what Jesus did next and I thought,
if I can do anything here for this community champion, let me try following Jesus’ example.
Jesus had stayed calm in all the fuss and wailing at Jairus’ house,
so first I tried to steady myself as I got to Tabitha’s.
Next, Jesus put everyone out of the room where the girl was lying,
only her parents and me, James and John stayed with him.
So today I put everyone out and only stayed myself by the body.
Next, Jesus knelt down, took the girl’s hand and prayed,
commanding her to get up!
So I knelt down and prayed beside Tabitha,
then commanded her in just the same way,
to get up!
I spoke her name: “Tabitha! Up you get!”
And she opened her eyes, just as the young girl had.
She sat up and looked at me.
I took her hands and helped her to her feet.
I’m not sure I got the next bit right.
Jesus had immediately told us all not to make a fuss.
But maybe that’s because the girl was still young and it was to be fair on her.
Tabitha’s friends weren’t going to stay quiet!
But many others put their faith in Jesus when they heard and saw what had happened.
What a day.
It’s not all miracles of course, this trying to follow him.
But maybe this is what he meant about taking care of his sheep.
Both the readings we have heard today are pretty amazing. The book of Revelation is a little like a multi-media show, with different ways of seeing that give a glimpse of what is, in the case of today’s reading, heaven. The picture painted is of a great multitude from every nation, from all tribes, people groups, languages and genders. They are clothed in white, which symbolises the new transformed life that they are living – a little like anyone who is baptised is able to wear the white alb, just like I do each Sunday. This gathered throng are worshipping Jesus – the shepherd who also knows what it is like to be a lamb; Jesus who became what he wanted to redeem. In heaven this transformed life is free from tears, pain and suffering.
The story of Tabitha, from Acts, is no less amazing. Tabitha (or Dorcas in Greek) is explicitly named as a disciple of Jesus. There is no apology or surprise in this description, but it is a rarity in scripture. Female disciples are not named in the gospels, but here is one woman for whom a whole story is told. She is someone who is obviously important and significant to the church. She is someone who is doing good work in the community; engaged in a ministry which revolves around caring for the poor. We don’t know that much more about Tabitha, but we do know that she is a widow, a widow who has enough income to survive on and some left over. Knowing the fragility of life for those who have lost their husbands in that time, Tabitha uses the wealth that she has, as well as the gifts she has, to support and care for other widows. These are the most vulnerable people in society and Tabitha uses her skills and gifts to care for them. When the widows show Peter the clothes Tabitha has made them, these are not fancy dresses, but clothing for those who have had nothing.
It is the everyday-quality of what Tabith does that stands out. It is not miraculous. It is not clever. It is not breaking boundaries. It is not new thinking. Rather, it is everyday kindness. It is quite remarkable in its ordinariness, practical and focused on need. Yet, her kindness is life giving to those she is helping.
This story is also the story of Peter. Peter is being obedient to God’s call, and finds himself in Joppa (part of modern-day Tel Aviv). Tabitha is such a significant person that when she dies, Peter is sent for, and also ends up as a central figure in this narrative. Filled with God’s power, Peter raises Tabitha from the dead, and through him abundant life is given back to Tabitha, and through her to the women she will continue to care for. How amazing is that!
As Peter finds his way to Tabitha’s house, the widows tell him stories about her. She has gathered around herself a plethora of stories of care and kindness. I wonder if this is the good news of the gospel? Surely this is how the gospel lives and comes to life and is passed on, not just in the stories of Jesus, but in how these stories become our own stories. Surely the good news is shared as we tell our stories.
I wonder, too about the story Peter might have told at that moment. He is surrounded by widows who hold together the story of Tabitha, the pressure is on as he asks them to leave. As he is left alone with a lifeless body I wonder whether he takes a deep breath, and reminds himself of what Jesus did when he was faced with this. He retells the story of Jesus in his actions, and allows it to become a new story. What happens is not ordinary, but it takes place in the ordinary surrounds of everyday life, because Peter takes on the role that of shepherd Jesus’ gave him.
So what does any of this mean for us? What is the message in these texts? I think it’s all about life! Revelation shows us a vision of the ultimate transformed life – life where sorrow and pain are no more. As disciples, Tabitha and Peter are both engaged in transforming life. The transformation Peter brings to Tabitha is amazing, and seems out of reach for any of us. Yet, the transformation Tabitha brings is no less amazing. Tabitha’s example reminds and invites us to be present in the ordinary, and able to respond to the everyday needs of the least in our communities.
Maybe this is the way that we need to be thinking in the church: kindness with a response to need rather than clever thinking; practical awareness and generosity rather than theological superiority. Are we open to discover once more the miraculous power of the ordinary that brings abundant life?
Amen.
We Sing: “When I needed a neighbour” – (TiS 629)
When I needed a neighbour, were you there, were you there?
When I needed a neighbour, were you there?
And the creed and the colour and the name won’t matter, were you there?
I was hungry and thirsty, were you there, were you there?
I was hungry and thirsty, were you there?
And the creed and the colour and the name won’t matter, were you there?
When I needed a shelter, were you there, were you there?
When I needed a shelter, were you there?
And the creed and the colour and the name won’t matter, were you there?
When I needed a healer, were you there, were you there?
When I needed a healer, were you there?
And the creed and the colour and the name won’t matter, were you there?
Wherever you travel, I’ll be there, I’ll be there,
wherever you travel, I’ll be there.
And the creed and the colour and the name won’t matter, I’ll be there.
Prayer for Others (prepared by Rob Fenton):
Let us pray …
Dear Lord,
We thank you for hearing the prayers of your people. We pray for our congregation, and that it continues to grow in its understanding of your ways for us.
We pray for our wonderful minister Heather. We give thanks for the care and spiritual leadership Heather provides to our congregation. We also pray for the many in our congregation who contribute in so many ways, including elders, pastoral care contacts, the choir and musicians, the Property Committee, and all those on the various rosters.
The federal election result was an overwhelming vote of support for Labor. We pray that Anthony Albanese and his team will use their majority to instigate positive outcomes in the many important aspects for our country and for our lives. This includes caring for the environment, increased funding for medical, and improving life for those doing it tough.
We also pray for Peter Dutton, who lost his own seat as well as losing the election, and for the many other members who lost their seats in Parliament. We pray that Peter and the others will see it as an opportunity to try something different, but also satisfying, in the next phase of their lives.
We give thanks for the life of Pope Francis. We pray for the cardinals who are in the conclave tasked with selecting a new pope. We pray that the new pope will not reverse the many progressive changes instigated by Pope Francis, but will instead continue with the process of making the Catholic Church more relevant to the modern world.
We continue to pray for peace in the world and for an end to war and bloodshed. We pray that the war between Russia and Ukraine will finally end. We also pray for an end to the relentless Israeli bombings of Gaza, and for the return of the remaining Israeli hostages.
We pray for Boroondara Community Outreach as it continues to provide meals and other assistance to the needy in our community. We give thanks for the many volunteers, including from our congregation, who make this possible. We pray that the many bags of items donated by our congregation will bring comfort to the recipients to know that we care for them.
We pray for our families and friends, and for all in our church community.
We continue to pray for our new Koonung Heights – Surrey Hills congregation, and give thanks for the enthusiasm with which it has been embraced by both former congregations. We pray for the interim joint Church Council as it works to finalize procedural arrangements for the amalgamated congregation, before a new Church Council will be elected.
We give thanks for the warm and caring fellowship which our church community provides to us, and the focus which it provides to our lives as Christians.
We now join with Christians across the centuries and pray as our Lord taught us:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name;
Your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the Kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and forever.
Amen.
We Sing: “Community of Christ” – (TiS 473)
Community of Christ, who make the Cross your own,
live out your creed and risk your life for God alone:
the God who wears your face, to whom all worlds belong,
whose children are of every race and every song.
Community of Christ, look past the Church’s door
and see the refugee, the hungry, and the poor.
Take hands with the oppressed, the jobless in your street,
take towel and water, that you wash your neighbour’s feet.
Community of Christ, through whom the word must sound –
cry out for justice and for peace the whole world round:
disarm the powers that war and all that can destroy,
turn bombs to bread, and tears of anguish into joy.
When menace melts away, so shall God’s will be done,
the climate of the world be peace and Christ its Sun;
our currency be love and kindliness our law,
our food and faith be shared as one for evermore.
Blessing and Sending:
Each of us are called by God,
and sent to offer comfort,
love and renewal in all our living.
So let us go beyond our walls,
reaching out to others with love.
Let us tell the Good News of the gospel
in the stories of Jesus
and in our stories.
Go to bless and be blessed in the name of God:
Shepherd, Son and Spirit.
Amen.
Thanks to all those who have assisted in preparation for this liturgy with encouragement, prayers and conversation. I have also utilised the following resources:
Fig Tree Worship, Ministry Matters and Spill the Beans (Issue 54).