Koonung Heights Uniting Church
Service of Worship at Home
Pentecost 10 – 28 July 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.
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.
Candle Lighting:
As the Christ Candle is lit this morning,
may it be a reminder of the light of Christ
that defeats all darkness.
May this light shine in us and through us,
this day and always,
for Christ is with us.
Acknowledgement of Country:
As we gather together, I acknowledge
the Wurundjeri WoiWurrung People
of the Kulin Nations,
Traditional Custodians of this land.
I pay my respects to Elders, past and present,
and all future leaders and generations.
As First and Second Peoples walking together,
we commit ourselves to be
people of the covenant,
listening, truth telling
and seeking justice for all.
Call to Worship:
Come, come and follow Jesus,
across the waters of our fear,
where we will find peace.
Come, come and follow Jesus,
up the mountain of our longing
where we will be fed in abundance.
Come, come and follow Jesus,
where every fragment will be gathered
so that nothing may be lost.
Spirit of life, be with us in this time.
Awaken our senses to your presence
and our lives to your unfailing love.
We Sing: “Come as you are” – (TiS 693)
‘Come as you are: that’s how I want you.
Come as you are; feel quite at home,
close to my heart, loved and forgiven.
Come as you are: why stand alone?
‘No need to fear, love sets no limits;
no need to fear, love never ends;
don’t run away shamed and disheartened,
rest in my love, trust me again.
‘Come as you are; that’s how I love you:
come as you are, trust me again.
Nothing can change the love that I bear you;
all will be well, just come as you are.’
Prayer of Adoration and Confession:
God of generosity and mystery,
we come before you this day
to worship, learn and fellowship together.
We thank you that you call us to come,
to come just as we are,
and it is just as we are that you meet us here.
God of generosity and mystery,
we come before you kneeling,
in our minds, if not our bodies,
because you name us as your children
and claim us as your own.
We praise you and bless you for
the riches of wonder we notice around us:
billowing clouds, roaring seas,
magnificent rainbows and lashing rain.
Flights of migrating birds in the sky
and whales breaching in the ocean
remind us that it is warmer elsewhere.
Once dormant bulbs burst into flower
with the fragrant promise that Spring is coming.
Sunrise paints pinks and oranges
that return at the end of the lengthening day.
We pause in wonder and gratitude
at the awesome abundance of life.
(time of quiet)
God of generosity and mystery,
in the middle of all this wonder,
we bring our confession.
When our actions have been driven
by fear instead of love,
Giver of life: Forgive us.
When we have failed you
by refusing to share what we have,
Giver of life: Forgive us.
When we have limited your work
by our own stubborn resistance,
Giver of life: Forgive us.
We pause in confession
to bring you the things we need to lay down.
(time of quiet)
Giver of life: Forgive us.
Continue to hold us in your steadfast, enduring and faithful love.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Words of Assurance:
Siblings in Christ, we make wrong choices and take wrong turns,
but be assured we are grounded in grace and growing in love.
That grace brings us back and give us the power to try again,
to live the way of unimaginable love.
We are forgiven.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
The Peace:
We are the family of God.
May the Peace of God dwell with you:
and also with you.
A Time for All: Stone Soup
Today I’d like to share a story with you called ‘Stone Soup’. It is a traditional European folk tale, with slightly differing versions coming from France, Hungary, Russia, Portugal and Germany, and it goes like this.
A group of tired, hungry travellers arrive in an unfamiliar village one evening. They ask the local people if they can have something to eat, or somewhere to stay. Their requests are denied, as they are strangers to the village, and the villagers do not feel that they have enough to spare.
Realising they may need to use a different strategy, one of the travellers says loudly, ‘If only we had a pot of water and a fire to put it on, then we could make some delicious stone soup.’
Hearing this, a villager’s curiosity is piqued, and so both a cooking pot filled with water and the necessary items for building and lighting a fire are brought out to the travellers.
After making a fire, and using it to heat up the water, one of the travellers takes a clean, round stone from a pocket, and plops it into the pot.
By now, quite a few people from the village have assembled. One of the travellers dips a finger into the warming pot of stone and water, tastes it thoughtfully, and proclaims it delicious, but in need of a little onion. Someone from the crowd of villagers remembers that they have a single onion to spare at home, and brings it down to give to the travellers to add to the soup.
After adding the onion and tasting the soup again, the travellers agree that the soup is good, but could do with some carrot. Lo and behold, there is a villager with a spare carrot to add to the pot.
Throughout the evening, this process repeats itself, until all sorts of things are added to the stone soup, like potatoes, salt, cabbage, butter, meat, tomatoes, and celery. The smell is wonderful, and the pot is very full. Tasting the soup again, the travellers declare the stone soup to be ready.
The villagers and the strangers enjoy the magical stone soup together. To repay them for cooking, the villagers put the strangers up for the night.
Even though the travellers had to try a different approach to get some food, at the end everyone ends up getting a hot, nutritious meal, strangers and villagers. When different individuals remembered they had a little to share, and were happy to share it, they created something wonderful together. I sense that there was also relationship created … the travellers were now welcomed to stay with the villagers.
In one of the Bible readings for today we will hear about the wonderful things that can happen when we are generous with what we have, even if it seems to be a small offering.
Let us pray:
Loving God,
Thank you for the generosity that you show us, and for all the ways that you bless us. Help us to be generous with what we have and be willing to share with others. May we try and live like Jesus, following his example.
Amen.
We Sing: “Jesus’ hands were kind hands” – (TiS 236 – amended)
Jesus’ hands were kind hands,
doing good to all,
healing pain and sickness,
blessing children small,
washing tired feet,
feeding the crowd who called:
Jesus’ hands were kind hands,
doing good to all.
Take my hands, Lord Jesus,
let them work for you,
make them strong and gentle,
kind in all I do;
let me watch you, Jesus,
till I’m gentle too,
till my hands are kind hands,
quick to work for you.
Bible Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21
– Prayer for the Readers
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and[c] in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Bible Reading: John 6:1-21
– Feeding the Five Thousand
1 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A large crowd kept following him because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. 3 Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. 5 When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” 10 Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place, so they sat down, about five thousand in all. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”
15 When Jesus realised that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
– Jesus Walks on the Water
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.
Reflection:
Often when we read scripture we can be confounded, and yet presented surprised by the way in which the readings can resonate with the way the world is moving around us, or at least how we are moving within the world. I suspect that this might have something to do with our openness and attention to listening for what God might be revealing in that movement, and moment, for each one of us.
With that in mind, it seems to me that it’s no coincidence that when I opened the gospel of John to read this week’s lectionary reading, it was a story of God’s provision, power, presence and peace – some things I have been reflecting on over the last little while as I’ve been travelling overseas and been out of my usual environment.
In John 6:1-21, we are witness to John’s version of the feeding of the five thousand as well as Jesus walking on the water. The feeding of five thousand people is one of only a couple of scripture stories to appear in all four gospels, and the approach John takes to his narrative are to share things that he feels are of most importance. Matthew’s gospel draws our attention to giving detail to the number of people present, noting it was about five thousand men besides any women and children. For Mark, the emphasis is on the vividness of the setting and the gathered crowds, while Luke’s gospel places the emphasis of the disciples interactions, participation and response throughout the event.
For John, however, the heart of the reading is to reflect on the miraculous nature of God’s provision through the way Jesus gathered, blessed and distributed the loaves and fish, enough so that everyone was satisfied and there was an abundance left over. While we see this as a miraculous act, and undoubtedly it was, John actually refers to it as a sign, and for John signs are things that point people to God. So, for John, this story is about the sign that points people to the God-one, Jesus, the One who will later in John’s gospel begin to declare ‘I am’.
When the crowd come to Jesus, there is a concern about how they will all be fed, and a perceived impossibility to achieve this task. Philip comments that ‘Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little. Faced with this dilemma, it would have been easy to decide that this task was too difficult.
It seems pretty obvious that it was just too hard to feed everyone present (well over five thousand people if you count women and children too) and that it wasn’t the business of Jesus or his disciples to feed the multitudes that had gathered anyway. After all, if they didn’t come prepared then surely it was their responsibility to fend for themselves. Yet, what seems to be impossible, is more than possible, and God’s provision is clear and abundantly present.
Often when we see this text presented, it is shown as a miracle of multiplication. Jesus takes the loaves and fish, puts them into a basket and raises it over his head and gives thanks. When he brings it down again the nearly empty basket is suddenly briming over, and the bread and fish become a feast for thousands. Anything is possible so it might be that simple, but I can’t help thinking about the small boy who is generous enough to share what he has.
Imagine for a moment you were there on that day, just one person in a crowd of other hungry people. If you had something to share, would you have handed it over or would you have decided that you didn’t have enough and kept it for yourself. It’s surprising that this one boy with five small loaves and a few fish, was happy to share what he had. Andrew questioned what this generosity could do, ‘five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’, yet Jesus can work with this small offering to provide abundance.
If I keep imagining, I can see Jesus crouching down at the boys eye level and holding out his hands. The boy, who was probably just as hungry as everyone else, might have held on tightly to the little lunch he has. But instead, in an act of radical generosity, he hands over his lunch to Jesus. In an act of radical faith Jesus holds up these five small loaves and two fish and says something like, ‘Thank you father, for providing enough food for all of us to eat’, before he begins to hand the food out so that everyone has more than enough.
God is present in all things. God is present in Jesus, and God is present in the generous act of a small boy who shares his lunch. Through this generosity, there is abundant provision for all who are present as Jesus meets their needs.
As we approach the end of the reading we see Jesus meeting the needs of the disciples again, only this time it is in the way he provides a calm and peaceful approach amidst their distress as the seas become rough and the wind picks up. When Jesus walks on the water and calls out to them to not be afraid, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Immediately their fear leaves them and they want to draw Jesus closer than them and are keen for him to enter to boat. We don’t know if he does, but we are told that the boat safely reaches its destination.
Through Jesus, God provides for the needs of the gathered crowd, and the needs of the disciples in physical and tangible ways.
As we travelled overseas we visited many churches, some old and others new, some in ruin and other with newer buildings on sites where Christian communities had been worshipping for over fifteen hundred years. As I reflected on the changing face of these places, and the communities that birthed them, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness and constant provision. Irrespective of how times change, and how our communities might begin to look different, God remains faithful. If we can hold that as truth, then it should help to release us from the fear of what could be tomorrow, and live into what God is calling us to this day. How might we be like that small boy who generously gave what he had so God’s abundance could be shared in a wider circle?
Threads of Love was the theme of the 17th Assembly of the Uniting Church, held earlier this month. If we are willing to be faithful to God’s calling and be guided by God’s provision, we should be able to weave the most amazing tapestry of love. Let us try to lift our gaze a little higher and look around to see Jesus moving towards us – Jesus, the gentle reminder of a generous God who provides all that is needed if we are brave enough to ask ‘How might we feed those you send our way?’.
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 is 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 …
Prayer for Others (prepared by Peta Lowe)
When you hear the words: “Lord, hear us”, you are invited to respond: “Hear our prayer”.
Dear God,
Thank you for the abundance with which you have blessed us.
We know that, through your creation, you have provided sufficient resources for everyone to have all they need, but human greed and the unequal distribution of resources cause hunger and disadvantage. It should not be like this. Forgive us, guide us and help us.
Compounding the problem, greed, arrogance and ignorance have led to destructive exploitation of your creation, thus limiting your beautiful earth’s capacity to produce food and supply water. It should not be like this. Forgive us, guide us and help us.
Lord, hear us. Hear our prayer.
Thank you for the story we have of Jesus feeding five thousand people with just five loaves and two fish, a miracle showing us so much about you.
It shows us your desire for everyone to have enough to eat, for everyone to have the things they need, and for no one to go without. Thank you for loving us this much. Forgive us that this situation isn’t happening in our world of inequality. Forgive us, guide us and help us.
At the end of the meal, Jesus asked his disciples to gather up the leftovers so that nothing would be wasted, showing us another aspect of your will for us: to use the resources you give us wisely, and not to waste them. We know that human wastefulness has led to a world of pollution and amplified the problems of inequality. Forgive us, guide us and help us.
Help us not to be wasteful, to respect and value the resources you have provided so graciously, to share and to take care of our precious environment.
Lord, hear us. Hear our prayer.
The five loaves and two fish were provided by a boy in the crowd; we don’t even know his name. Help us to trust that, even when we feel insignificant, and feel we have little to contribute, whatever we offer can be used by you and magnified by your abundance, mercy and love.
We notice that, before Jesus distributed the bread and fish, he gave thanks. Help us to really appreciate the blessings you give us, and forgive us when we neglect to thank you.
Lord, we ask for your grace and mercy to be poured out on those facing hunger and malnutrition. Guide governments, non-government organisations and communities to provide sustainable solutions and resources to address these urgent needs.
Lord, we pray that all communities of faith will do your will and enjoy your blessings. Especially we ask you to strengthen all people of faith who are working for the welfare of people in need.
Lord, hear us. Hear our prayer.
We pray for the Church worldwide. Help us to recognise our errors; the times when we have not followed Christ faithfully and when we have not reflected your love to the world. Lead us to confess and repent, that we might receive your forgiveness and return to your path for us.
Lord, hear us. Hear our prayer.
We pray for our community here at Koonung Heights, especially those members of our congregation who are facing special challenges at this time.
Thank you for the safe return of Rev. Heather, Tony and Elizabeth. Bless them we pray, and bless Heather’s ministry.
We pray for the congregation of Surrey Hills Uniting Church, as they plan and prepare to amalgamate with us. Guide and bless this process, we pray.
We pray for the congregation at Trinity Uniting Church Brighton and their Minister Rev. Dr. Kevin Kim.
Lord, hear us. Hear our prayer.
We pray for ourselves, asking you to bless us and all those we love.
We thank you for each other.
We ask you to give us your Holy Spirit, who will lead us into wisdom and reveal you to us more clearly. Please open our minds to your light, so that we may know the hope to which you have called us, how rich are the wonderful blessings you promise your people, and how very great is your power at work among us. The strength and the power by which you raised Jesus Christ from death is the same power with which you work today, so help us to trust you, as we try our best to follow Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Let us share in the 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.
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
to 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 it’s Sun;
our currency be love and kindliness our law,
our food and faith be shared as one for evermore.
Blessing:
Go in peace,
strengthened in your inner being,
empowered through the Spirit,
to live in the love that surpasses knowledge,
as Christ dwells in your heart.
And the blessing of God the Father,
God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
the One who Mother’s us all,
be with you 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: A Sermon for every Sunday and The Fig Tree Worship Resource.