Koonung Heights Uniting Church
Service of Worship at Home
Epiphany 5 – 4 February 2024 – 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.
During the service we will share Communion so you might like to have the elements ready.
Introit: “As the deer pants” (TiS 703)
As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you.
You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship you.
You alone are my strength, my shield, to you alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship you.
Candle Lighting:
As we light the Christ candle today,
may we be assured that Christ’s light shines
for each of us, illuminating our path.
May we sense this light surrounding us
and even when the storms of life assail
may we know that we are never lost to God.
Acknowledgement of Country:
This morning I would like to acknowledge
the Wurundjeri WoiWurrung People of the Kulin nations,
traditional custodians of this land.
I pay my respects to elders past and present,
and to all future generations and leaders.
As First and Second Peoples walking together,
may we commit ourselves to be people of the covenant;
listening, truth telling and seeking justice for all.
Call to Worship:
Here, there,
near, far,
at home,
far away,
high, low,
the deep, the sky,
anywhere,
wherever,
home,
away.
No matter where we are,
whatever storm we are in,
whatever squall,
whatever uproar,
whatever commotion,
God is there,
God is here now
holding us in worship.
We Sing: “The Lord’s Goodness” – (TiS 183)
Sing of the Lord’s goodness, Father of all wisdom,
come to him and bless his name.
Mercy she has shown us, her love is for ever,
faithful to the end of days.
Come then, all you nations, sing of your Lord’s goodness,
melodies of praise and thanks to God.
Ring out the Lord’s glory, praise God with your music,
worship God and bless the name.
Courage in our darkness, comfort in our sorrow,
Spirit of our God most high;
solace for the weary, pardon for the sinner,
splendour of the living God.
Come then, all you nations …
Praise him with y our singing, praise her with the trumpet,
praise God with the lute and harp,
praise him with the cymbals, praise her with your dancing,
praise God till the end of days.
Come then, all you nations …
Prayer of Adoration and Confession:
Loving God,
in hope and faith,
through doubt and fear,
with love and joy,
we come this day in worship, to you.
Hear us as we offer the prayers of our hearts.
God of land and sea,
of calm and storm,
of bad days and good days,
we come in thanks,
praising your name and seeking greater understanding
of you and your presence in our lives.
God of grace and hope,
through every down and every up,
we strive to see your wishes for us,
your gifts given to us,
and your love poured out on us.
God of mercy,
we come together today,
united but different, unique and connected,
each searching for truth and guidance in our lives.
We strive for faith in you,
but we do not always succeed,
so we ask for your love and understanding,
your care and guidance as we try to live better.
Forgive us for all that we have done and know we shouldn’t,
and all that we haven’t done and that we know we should.
Forgive us for all that lies heavily on our hearts.
(Silence)
God of calm and storm, God of doubt and faith,
God of all …
we give thanks for every chance,
for your understanding and your love
today and all days.
Amen.
Words of Assurance:
God hears our prayers and forgives us in love and grace.
Accept this gift.
May it transform us, each one of us, and through us, our world.
The Peace
The God of all justice, the God of all peace, be with you all,
and also with you.
A Time for All:
It’s the first Sunday in February and it seems that in the last week everything has suddenly started back. There is more traffic on the roads and people seem to be moving at a quicker pace. The things that we took a break from after Christmas are now all getting back into gear. Even in our congregation this is true as our weekly Community News leaflet appears today. Some are returning to work or school or regular activities, and others of us are beginning new things for the first time. As things get going again and the busy-ness of the year starts, it seemed appropriate that we should mark this time.
Whether you are starting a new thing, or going back to something you have done before, I have no doubt that you will learn new things this year. I’m sure that I will too, for we learn new things all the time. Sometimes we set out to learn something new. If I decide to learn Spanish I might enrol in classes or if I want to become a better tennis player I might join a club so that I can practice and play the sport. But sometimes we learn things that we are not expecting. God is the great educator and is always ready to teach us new things if we are ready to listen and learn. And God’s always got our back. No matter if we are doing something we feel confident about, or if we are learning something new, God is with us and supporting us always.
Our communities can support us like that too, and one of the ways we can do this is by praying for one another and blessing the activities that we are going to move into this year. A blessing is something that we give and receive. It is a way of letting people know that they are in our thoughts and that God is with them too.
But before we share the blessing, I wonder if anyone has brought their backpack to church this week. Maybe you don’t have a backpack, but you might have your handbag or a set of keys … something that you carry with you during the week. If you have one, and would like to bring it out the front, please do so. I have my computer bag here … what do other people have?
Today I’d like to invite each of you to take a special tag. We will pray over these tags together, and then they will be passed around. You can attach them to your bag, your keys, anywhere that you will see them and be reminded that God is always with you. As you sit and stand, as you learn and play, in all the sad things and every celebration, may you know that God, your friend, is always there.
Let us share in the blessing prayer together …
God of fresh starts and new beginnings,
we bring ourselves, our feelings and our bags, keys and backpacks to you.
We pray that the year before us will be filled with wonder
and that even in the simple, ordinary moments,
we will feel your presence with us.
We thank you for all students and teachers
and we pray that the year ahead
will be filled with your life-giving rhythms of grace and light.
Let us go into the beautiful world that God has made
to play, learn and love others,
sustained by God’s love and the prayers of our church community.
Amen.
We Sing: “Aaronic Blessing” – (TiS 776 (ii))
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious unto you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace, and give you peace.
Bible Passages: Psalm 139:1-12 and Luke 8:22-25
Let’s hear today’s bible passages in a retelling which merges them together. The words of the psalm are written in italics.
Wind. Storm. Chaos.
Like the dawn of creation.
Gale. Wet. Disagreeable. Twisting.
The rain is God’s way of cleaning cows!
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
The boat: getting thrown.
Jesus: asleep.
The boat: shaken, unsteady, insecure.
It’s a good strong wind of a storm.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
The boys: panicky, going daft!
The boat: tipping, fickle, unsure in the water.
“Master! Master!
We’re wet through and drowning!
We’re takin’ in huge bucketloads of water!”
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
“Be quiet!”
He cried to the storm in a calm kind of way.
And you know, there was a stillness,
the breath taken out of the gale.
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
Turning to the boys Jesus asked, “Do you not trust me?”
And the lads mumbled:
“What’s this that even a strong gale obeys him?”
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Reflection:
Storms have long held a mythic status. The Roman god Jupiter, Greek got Zeus, Egyptian god Horus and Canaanite god Ba’al are just some of the gods associated with storms and weather patterns. In Genesis 1 we hear of the wind of Yahweh which sweeps over the waters, bringing control and order. The Psalmist also writes of God covering “the heavens with clouds, preparing rain for the earth”.
As a group of people who were not seafarers in the manner of some other cultures, the Israelites did not have the same bonds that others had to the sea. Instead of seeing its potential for produce and trade, for the Israelites there was some anxiety about the chaotic nature of water amidst a storm. People would think twice before embarking on a crossing of a body of water.
Storms and their effects are sourced in the water of this planet. Hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons are formed over oceans as energy is released by the condensation of moisture in rising air creating a positive feedback loop. Warmer oceans due to climate change are creating more powerful storms. The devastation of such cyclonic systems does not, of course, stay over the seas, as our northern neighbours are well aware of in this country. As these storms reach landfall they can cause massive devastation and flooding, even though their power will often reduce as they move away from the warm water that energises them.
We know a huge amount more today about how storms are created and sustained, and how they reduce their intensity and cease, than was the case in times past. However, the awesome power of a storm is still as relevant and life-changing as it ever was. Anyone who has been on a boat during a storm will know the helpless feeling that can arise, particularly if the boat is unpowered.
In the book ‘God Speaks Our Language’ we read part of Pastor Bill Camden’s report, written after having being caught in a small boat during a hurricane. ‘I and the three New Hebrideans who were with me gave thanks to God that we are alive. The centre of the storm, with winds in excess of 80 mph passed over us at sea. As we rounded the point, we crossed the largest swells I have ever met. They were over thirty feet high, but not breaking. The air was filled with flying spray from the sea, the surface of which was white with foam, and with twigs and leaves stripped from the mainland bush to be carried many miles out to sea. Details of the night are not too clear but in the dark, we managed to rig the jib to cover the gaping hole in the cabin while the boat was shaking.’
Jesus is in the boat with his disciples – some of whom are experienced fisherman. They would have known the lake well and so I can’t imagine they would have gone out if they thought it would be dangerous. But the ferocity of the storm comes out of nowhere and they are scared, scared for their lives. The disciples think they are about to sink. And, in the midst of all the problems, Jesus stays asleep in the back of the boat. He was exhausted!
There were so many demands on Jesus to teach, to heal, to show compassion and kindness with every person he met, hour after hour, minute after minute. So much was demanded of Jesus that it is not really surprising that when he eventually got the chance to rest, he fell into a very deep sleep. So in their fear and anxiety the disciples shook Jesus to wake him, shouting ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ Jesus woke, got up and ordered the wind and the waves to cease and, immediately, they die down and a great calm comes over the waters. Of course, this miracle leaves the disciples amazed and questioning who Jesus really is after seeing him in action.
This text is often used to point out the lack of faith of the disciples but in reality they are still working out who Jesus is, and I think something else might be going on here. Yes, the response from Jesus illustrates that he is one with God, having the power to control even nature. But it seems to me that the story is also a reminder that God is with us in the storms of life, no matter what’s going on we are not alone. The God-one didn’t stay sleeping when the disciples needed him, and God does not slumber on us either.
At times it does seem that God is sleeping and we can start to wonder why God is so far away from us. We can wonder where God is and whether we matter but I think this has more to do with us than God. I can’t say how it is for you but I know that when God seems far away from me, it is because I have moved away. God is still close just waiting for me to reach out.
What’s more, just like Jesus stilled the waves, God is the One who is able to still the chaos and disorder in our lives and bring us the peace that endures. When life seems tough it is right and appropriate to cry out to God, to be persistent in prayer. We can continue to call on God in the difficult times because we know that God hears us, and is with us always.
When we journey through a storm (whether meteorological or otherwise) it is good to do so with someone we trust. The calming voice of a pilot as a plane enters turbulence, or the assurance of a ship’s captain steering steadily into the waves is reassuring to us. Knowing the Spirit of Jesus’ presence is with us through the storms of life is also reassuring. This is the promise that we hear in the well-known words of psalm 139 – the promise that ‘even if I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.’ The psalmist wanted their readers to know the assurance that God is with us wherever we are, whether on a small boat rolling on the tumultuous Sea of Galilee or in the hull of the boat fleeing to a new land looking for asylum, or facing whatever storm is raging in our lives.
There are many storms raging in the world at present. There are wars and natural disasters, violence and conflict, poverty and displacement, and we see these happening both abroad and in our own backyard. So what are we called to do with the storms?
I believe that we are called to pray, and I wonder if the Spirit is also calling us to be a community that brings a presence of calm as we bear witness to the storms, and stand in solidarity with those who are experiencing them.
Amen.
We Sing: “When trouble strikes” – (TiS 184)
When trouble strikes and fear takes root, and dreams are dry and sense unsound,
when hope becomes a barren waste, then doubts like mountains soar around.
Our wandering minds believe the worst and ask, as faith and fervour fade,
‘Had God now turned his back on us, forsaking those he loved and made?’
God says, ‘See how a woman cares. Can she forget the child she bore?
Even if she did, I shan’t forget: though feeling lost, I love you more.’
‘My dearest daughter, fondest son, my weary folk in every land,
your souls are cradled in my heart, your names are written on my hand.’
Then praise the Lord through faith and fear, in holy and in hopeless place;
for height and depth and heaven and hell can’t keep us far from his embrace.
Prayer for Others (prepared by Rob Fenton):
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, and we give thanks for the care and spiritual leadership she provides to our congregation. We also pray for the many who contribute to make our church such a caring, devoted and well-organized community. We also give thanks for our fabulous musicians and choir, who, under Philip’s leadership, never fail to inspire and uplift us.
We pray for the many young people who will be starting primary school, starting secondary school, or starting university or TAFE, at this time of year. We pray that they settle in well and are off to a good start on this stage of their life journey.
We also pray for those who are reaching the pointy end of their schooling, including those who are studying VCE subjects. We pray that they will study hard and remain focused, but will also have time for leisure and fun.
We give thanks for the many wonderful and hardworking teachers, and we pray for them to have resilience in their tiring vocation.
We also pray for our wonderful Sunday School teachers, who put so much effort into creating an interesting and meaningful Sunday School experience for our group of young children.
Overseas, we pray for peace in the Middle East, and for an end to the conflict between Russia and the Ukraine.
We pray for the Israeli folk who are still anxiously waiting and hoping for relatives who are held hostage in Gaza to be safely released.
We pray for the poor people of Gaza who have had their homes destroyed in the conflict, who have had family and friends killed, and who are now displaced and living in tents with barely any food and water.
There are no winners in this terrible situation, other than maybe the American arms manufacturers, and other arms manufacturers. We pray for sense and compassion to prevail when we hear that it has been a bumper year for the arms manufacturers, as they have been able to sell all their old stock of deadly weapons, and are in full production to keep up with demand for new weapons, as the conflicts continue.
We pray for our wonderful country of Australia, and give thanks for the many blessings we have, which we often take for granted, including being able to live in peace, and for the most part, to be able to live in relative comfort.
However we pray that we do not forget that there are also increasing numbers in our own communities who are doing it tough, and struggling to get by with the increasing cost of living. We pray for the many church groups, service clubs and other organizations, and the many individuals, who give their time and money to improve the lives of those in need.
We continue to pray for all in our church community. 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.
Amen.
Communion:
The Peace
The peace of the Lord be with you and also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
God you have been with us since the beginning.
You have never left us or forsaken us.
Even when the storms rage and we are troubled, you hold us together.
No matter what we do you never abandon us or give up on us.
Your patient grace is always with us, and your love and mercy know no bounds.
You became the Christ,
and set an example in Word and deed of a vision of who we can and could be
and how things can and could be.
You proclaimed the Kingdom of God and shared it with us.
In the greatest act of compassion and grace,
you accepted our brokenness and let it break your body to death,
but not your love.
You died and took with you the way of death, but death did not win.
You rose in hope and healing to carry us into the future,
and when the time came you gifted us with your Spirit to go with us.
For all this we thank you, joining our voices to the song of the Church on earth
and in heaven, singing:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of love and light,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
On the night of Jesus betrayal and arrest, as he shared a meal with his friends,
Jesus took bread; gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his followers, saying:
“Share this bread among you; this is my body which will be broken for justice.
Do this to remember me.”
When supper was over, he took the cup, gave thanks and gave it to his disciples, saying:
“Share this wine among you; this is my blood which will be shed for liberation.
Do this to remember me.”
Invocation
Creating, Redeeming, Sustaining God,
let your Spirit come upon your people gathered here and in their homes.
Spirit of compassion, bless us and this bread and wine.
May this meal be food and drink for our journey –
renewing, sustaining and making us whole.
When we eat and drink may we experience again the presence of the risen Jesus
in our midst.
Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
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.
Distribution
The bread we take is a sharing in the body of Christ.
The wine we take is a sharing in the blood of Christ.
These are the gifts of God for the people of God.
The bread of life – the cup of hope.
May this meal nourish and refresh you, strengthen and renew you,
may it remind you that you are loved. Amen.
(Eat and drink)
Prayer
God of love, we give you thanks for satisfying us with this meal.
Send us from here to reveal your love in the world.
Inspire us to use our words to point others to the Word.
Inspire in us the resolve and the courage, the compassion and passion
to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with you.
Amen.
We Sing: “Great is your faithfulness” – (TiS 154)
Great is your faithfulness, O God my Father,
in you no shadow of turning we see;
You never fail and your love is unchanging:
as you have been you for ever will be.
Great is your faithfulness, great is your faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies we see;
All we have needed your hand has provided:
Great is your faithfulness, Lord God, to me.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in unspoken witness
to your great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Great is your faithfulness …
Pardon for sin and a peace that’s enduring,
your living presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow –
these are the blessings your love will provide.
Great is your faithfulness …
Blessing:
The peace of God
so great we cannot understand it.
The peace of Christ
guard your heart and mind.
The peace of Spirit
be with you all,
now and always.
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: Spill the Beans (Issue 49) and God Speaks Our Language: The Life and Work or Pastor Bill and Sue Camden (Sue Camden with Peter Sinclair, In House Press, 2023).