Koonung Heights Uniting Church
Service of Worship at Home
Pentecost 23 – 27 October 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: “Sing Amen” – (TiS 704)
Sing Amen: Amen, we praise your name, O Lord.
Sing Amen: Amen, we praise your name, O Lord.
Sing Amen: Amen, amen, amen, amen,
amen, we praise your name O Lord.
Candle Lighting:
We light this candle as we gather,
knowing that you are present with us.
Help us to see you, through word and song and story,
so that we might be people who shine with your glory,
and bear your image in this world that you love.
Acknowledgement of Country:
As we come together for worship,
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 to all future 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:
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
We will praise the Lord all our lives;
we will sing praises to our God as long as we live.
Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings who cannot save.
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
The Lord gives sight to the blind;
He lifts up those who are bowed down.
The Lord watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow.
The Lord reigns forever, your God,
O Zion, for all generations.
Come, let us praise the Lord,
our healer and our hope!
We Sing: “Holy, holy, holy!” – (TiS 132)
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God almighty,
early in the morning to you our praise shall be;
holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty
God in three persons, blessed Trinity.
Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore you,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before you,
God everlasting through eternity.
Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide you,
though the sinful human eye your glory may not see,
you alone are holy, there is none beside you
perfect in power, in love and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God almighty,
all your works shall praise your name in earth and sky and sea;
holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty
God in three persons, blessed Trinity.
Prayer of Adoration and Confession:
Gracious and loving God,
We praise You because You see us,
even when we feel lost or in need.
You hear us when we cry out and show us mercy.
You are the One who gives sight to the blind
and heals those who are hurting.
We love You, Lord Jesus,
for Your kindness, strength, and faithfulness.
You are always close to those who call out to You.
We worship You because You don’t pass us by.
Instead, You stop, You listen,
and You bring us into the light of Your presence.
All glory and honour to You, our Saviour.
Amen.
Merciful God,
We confess that we often don’t notice
the people around us who need help.
We are quick to silence others and slow to bring them to You.
Forgive us for the times we don’t see
our own need for Your grace,
and for ignoring others who need Your love and care.
Lord, we haven’t always trusted Your power to heal and restore,
and we’ve relied on ourselves instead.
Have mercy on us, Lord.
We come to You, saying, “Lord, have mercy on us.”
Open our eyes so we can see You clearly and follow You faithfully.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Words of Assurance:
As disciples of Christ, we are called to follow Him,
knowing that He walks with us every step of the way.
Even when we feel weak or uncertain,
Jesus strengthens us with His grace.
He teaches us, forgives us, and guides us in love.
We can trust that He equips us for the journey ahead,
and His presence is always with us.
Thanks be to God.
We Sing: “I want to walk as a child of the light” – (TiS 643)
I want to walk as a child of the light, I want to follow Jesus.
God set the starts to give light to the world: the star of my life is Jesus.
In him there is no darkness at all; the night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God; shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
I want to see the brightness of God, I want to look at Jesus;
clear sun of righteousness, shine on my path and show me the way to the Father.
In him there is no darkness …
I’m looking for the coming of Christ; I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the face we shall know the joy of Jesus.
In him there is no darkness …
The Peace:
May the peace of Christ,
who calls us to follow Him as His disciples, be with you
and also with you.
A Time for All: A Reflection on Service and Love
Recently, I had a conversation with my supervisor from last year’s placement. She told me some sad news. One of the congregation members had passed away. She was in her early 80s and had been in a wheelchair for nearly 10 years. She also suffered from cognitive disabilities, which made her life even more challenging. Her husband took care of her with so much love. The husband’s dedication to his wife left a deep impression on me.
Today, I’d like to share a few memories I have of them.
This couple lived not far from the church. Every week, the husband would push his wife’s wheelchair to bring her to church. One day, it was raining heavily. When they didn’t show up for the service, I didn’t think much of it. I assumed the weather kept them home. But about five minutes into the service, I saw the husband arrive, wearing a black raincoat and pushing his wife’s wheelchair under a rain cover. They were both soaked from the rain. I was so moved to see them. Even though I was in the middle of the service, I ran to open the door for them. It was a small gesture, but the husband was incredibly thankful.
Another memory I have is when I visited their home for pastoral care. I was busy, but I decided to make some pumpkin soup and take it with me. When I arrived, the husband was overjoyed. He showed me his freezer, which was full of frozen food, and told me how happy he was to have fresh homemade soup. He immediately warmed it up and began feeding it to his wife, spoon by spoon. His love and care for her were so genuine and touching.
In their home, there were paintings on the wall that his wife had made. The husband proudly showed them to me, telling me how talented she was. But what caught my eye the most was their wedding photo. In the photo, they were young and smiling. The husband shyly said that his wife was the most beautiful woman in the world.
When I heard she passed away, I felt sad, but I was worried about her husband. He once told me that he exercised every morning, swimming to stay strong, so he could take better care of his wife. He even showed me his muscles with a proud smile. His dedication to his wife was truly inspiring.
I prayed for him, that he would find peace and comfort in Jesus after losing his beloved wife.
This story makes me think about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Being a disciple isn’t just about calling ourselves followers of Jesus. It’s about loving and serving others, just as Jesus did.
The way this husband cared for his wife is a beautiful example for all of us.
Jesus said, “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
When we love and serve others, people will know we follow Jesus.
Even small acts of kindness can show Jesus’ love to others.
Amen.
Bible Reading: Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22
– Praise for Deliverance from Trouble
1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 O magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Look to him, and be radiant,
so your faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor soul cried and was heard by the Lord
and was saved from every trouble.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him and delivers them.
8 O taste and see that the Lord is good;
happy are those who take refuge in him.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the Lord rescues them from them all.
20 He keeps all their bones;
not one of them will be broken.
21 Evil brings death to the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Bible Reading: Mark 10:46-52
– The Healing of Blind Bartimaeus
46 They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” 50 So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” 52 Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
Reflection:
Today, I’d like to introduce one of the people who became a disciple of Jesus. Last week, we talked about how some of Jesus’ disciples asked Him for special places of honour. Jesus asked them, “What do you want me to do for you?” James and John wanted to sit at His right and left sides in His glory. They had been with Jesus for a long time and had seen many miracles, but they didn’t really understand who He was. Their request showed that they were spiritually blind. They didn’t understand the real meaning of Jesus’ glory or what it means to serve and sacrifice like He taught.
Today, we’re going to learn about a different kind of disciple of Jesus. His name is Bartimaeus. Even though Bartimaeus was physically blind, his spiritual eyes were already open. He had heard that Jesus was healing many sick people and even giving sight to the blind. Hearing this, Bartimaeus came to believe that Jesus was truly the Son of God, the Messiah. One day, when he learned that Jesus was passing through Jericho, he wanted to meet Him. Bartimaeus was confident that Jesus could heal his blindness.
However, meeting Jesus was not an easy task for Bartimaeus. He couldn’t see where Jesus was because he was blind, and many people were surrounding Jesus, making it difficult for him to get close. On top of that, many people were trying to silence him, telling him to be quiet. They tried to stop him, saying he was being too loud. But Bartimaeus didn’t stop. Instead, he cried out even louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” His cry wasn’t just a simple request for help—it was a desperate shout of faith, based on his belief that Jesus was the only one who could save him.
Bartimaeus knew that Jesus was his last hope, and he couldn’t hold back his cry for help. Jesus heard his cry, stopped on His way, and told the people to bring Bartimaeus to Him. Bartimaeus was able to meet Jesus, and that encounter completely transformed his life. The Bible tells us that Bartimaeus regained his sight through Jesus and became His disciple. He was no longer a beggar sitting by the roadside, but a man who decided to walk the path of discipleship.
The story of Bartimaeus that we’ve encountered today gives us a great challenge. He was a blind man, living in despair as a beggar on the roadside, but through his desperate faith in Jesus, he regained his sight. Furthermore, he went on to live a new life as a disciple of Jesus. I began to wonder how he found the courage to become a disciple and how he overcame the obstacles, especially when people told him to be quiet.
To better understand this, I’d like to explore his story with you by asking Bartimaeus some questions. Let’s invite Bartimaeus to share his story with us.
Interviewer: Bartimaeus, it’s wonderful to meet you. Many people have been deeply moved by your story. Could you start by telling us about your situation before you met Jesus?
Bartimaeus: My name is Bartimaeus, and I used to be a blind man, sitting by the roadside begging. People thought I was blind because of my sins, which led to my rejection and isolation. Blind individuals like me were considered the lowest in society. I depended on others for survival and lived each day without hope. But one day, I heard that Jesus was passing through our town, and in that moment, I felt a spark of hope. I was convinced that Jesus was the true Messiah who could open my eyes.
I had heard stories of Him raising the lame and even the dead, and what touched me most was hearing that He opened the eyes of the blind. So, when I learned that He was passing by, I was filled with joy and excitement. With a desperate heart, I began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Interviewer: How did you feel when many people told you to be quiet?
Bartimaeus: In that moment, it felt like my heart was breaking. Those people were the ones I depended on for help, so their words shocked me. I felt discouraged and wanted to give up. I was embarrassed to be crying out in front of others and felt completely alone. But deep inside, I had one belief I couldn’t abandon: that only Jesus could heal me. I decided to shout even louder, thinking this might be my last chance. I focused only on Jesus and ignored what others said.
Interviewer: When Jesus asked you, “What do you want me to do for you?” how did you respond?
Bartimaeus: Without hesitation, I replied, “I want to see.” I was already certain that Jesus could heal me. Then Jesus said, “Your faith has healed you,” and my eyes were opened.
Interviewer: I’ve heard that some people helped you on your journey to Jesus. Can you tell us more about them?
Bartimaeus: Yes, that’s right. I couldn’t have approached Jesus on my own. My neighbours helped me because I was blind. They told me that Jesus and His followers had arrived in our town, which made me so happy. When Jesus called me, they shouted, “Get up! He’s calling you!” Their voices were filled with joy. Without their support, I might not have had the courage to get up. Thanks to them, I was able to run to Jesus.
Interviewer: How did your life change after meeting Jesus?
Bartimaeus: After I met Jesus, I decided to follow Him. This decision was crucial for my life and changed everything for me. I no longer needed to live in despair. Following Jesus meant more than just regaining my sight; it was a complete change in the direction of my life. At that time, Jesus was on His way from Jericho to Jerusalem, heading toward the cross. I witnessed His entry into Jerusalem, His suffering, death, and resurrection.
As you’ve heard today, Mark knew my name well enough to write it in the Gospel. Many people were healed in the Bible, but their names are rarely recorded. My name is mentioned because I followed Jesus to the end. I was with the other disciples during His suffering, death, and resurrection, becoming a witness to those incredible events.
Interviewer: One last question, Bartimaeus. What does it mean to you to be a disciple of Jesus?
Bartimaeus: When I regained my sight, I knew I had to follow Jesus. In that moment, I understood the depth of His love for me. Before, no one really noticed me—a blind beggar on the side of the road. People felt sorry for me and might have thrown a coin, but they didn’t see me as a person. But Jesus did. He didn’t walk past me or ignore me. He stopped, called for me, and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” He listened to my plea and healed me. I chose to follow Him because He did more than restore my sight—He transformed my heart. His love gave my life meaning, a new purpose, and a calling. Being His disciple means everything to me—it’s about sharing the love I’ve received from Him and spreading the good news of His grace and mercy.
How did you find Bartimaeus’ story? Through it, we see how much Jesus values each soul. We witness His endless love and grace. Jesus heard Bartimaeus’ urgent cry and stopped, even while on an important journey to Jerusalem. He did not ignore the plea of one soul; instead, He paused to meet, heal, and transform Bartimaeus’ life.
Let’s remember that Jesus hears our cries and comes to us with His love. Just as He stopped for Bartimaeus, He stops for us today to show His love.
Amen.
We Sing: “The Blind Man” – (TiS 579)
The blind man sat by the road and he cried;
the blind man sat by the road and he cried;
the blind man sat by the road and he cried:
O show me the way, show me the way, show me the way, the way to go home.
The crippled man sat by the road and he cried …
O show me the way …
We all sat by the road and we cried …
O show us the way …
Jesus stood by the road and he cried …
O, I am the way,
I am the truth,
I am the life, the way to go home.
Jesus (claps), Jesus (claps), Jesus (claps)
O, you are the way,
you are the truth,
you are the life, the way to go home. Jesus!
Prayer for Others (prepared by Margaret Lord,
adapted from a prayer by Di Atkinson):
As we pray
may we see ourselves in the prayers we share!
May we respond with compassion and love.
We wake most mornings to a dose of bad news from around the world. These days our focus is mostly on the terrible situation in the Middle East.
We want to speak about our despair and helplessness for the people of all the countries involved. Our response is paralysed by the enormity of the situation as we hear and see again of so many devastated people living in constant fear and trauma!
We pray for the work of diplomacy and cooperation between nations; for those who strive for freedom and justice, bringing God’s wisdom; for peace that transcends differences.
There are many countries where ancient grudges are responsible for violence, rape, abduction, death, where fear and anger dominate human hearts.
Can we imagine a world when anger will no longer be a motive, when fear will no longer be the reason for brutality?
Can we imagine a world when power will no longer be found in armaments, when strength will not be found through oppression?
When anger and fear will give way to healing – to wholeness – to God!
When armaments and oppression will give way to justice – to freedom – to God!
Can we imagine a world when people will no longer be suspicious, when terror will no longer control us?
When suspicion and terror will give way to community – to love – to God!
Can we imagine a world when children, women and men will no longer cry out from abuse, when life is seen as precious, and people will no longer suffer needlessly?
When abuse and suffering will give way to care – to harmony – to God!
We pray for those in our own community who yearn to be fully included – those who feel different, for whatever reason.
We pray for those we know who always seem to be in a cycle of trouble. For those who have no safe place to live.
Can we imagine a new world where we are ready to make a creative difference?
We pray for the weak and frail among us, who can easily be forgotten or disregarded!
Those struggling in the darkness of depression!
Can we imagine a time when wounded-ness, isolation, loneliness will give way to mercy – to compassion – to God!
May these visions be seen more fully in us?
We pray for those we know personally who are suffering today.
Those who are in grief. Especially Jim Beggs and his family coping with the loss of Tui, and Heather, Tony and Elizabeth Hon as they mourn the loss of Tony’s mother, Nancy.
In all this, we offer our attempts at patience, at loving.
Our attempts to receive those who are different from us.
Our attempts to keep our ears pricked to hear all the voices in our world, to see through inner eyes, and listen to a still, soft voice within.
May we be courageous in our action!
May we be faithful in our loving!
May we be transformed as we pray!
Amen.
Let us join together in repeating 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: “Here I am, Lord” – (TiS 658)
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 light, 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.
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 hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord …
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
till their hearts are satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord …
Blessing:
Darkness has been banished.
Sight has been restored.
Your lives are reformed in Christ’s love.
Go now in peace to serve with great joy.
Bring the love of God with you
so that the light which has brightened your life
may shine for others.
Go now, beloved, to serve.
Amen.
Thanks to all those who have assisted in preparation for this liturgy with encouragement, prayers and conversation. This worship liturgy has been put together by Jane Yun.