Koonung Heights Uniting Church
Service of Worship at Home
Pentecost 26 – 17 November 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: “Holy, holy, holy” – (TiS 723)
Holy, holy, holy.
My heart, my heart adores you!
My heart knows how to say to you:
Holy are you, 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:
Sing to the Lord, a new song;
Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise His name;
Proclaim His salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations;
His marvellous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
He is to be feared above all gods.
We Sing: “Let all creation dance” – (TiS 187)
Let all creation dance in energies subline,
as order turns with chance, unfolding space and time,
for nature’s art in glory grows, and newly shows
God’s mind and heart.
God’s breath each force unfurls, igniting from a spark
expanding starry swirls, with whirlpools dense and dark.
Though moon and sun seem mindless things,
each orbit sing: ‘Your will be done.’
Our own amazing earth, with sunlight, cloud and storms
and life’s abundant growth in lovely shapes and forms,
is made for praise, a fragile whole, and from its soul
heaven’s music plays.
Lift heart and soul and voice: in Christ all praises meet
and nature shall rejoice as all is made complete.
In hope be strong, all life befriend
and kindly tend creation’s song.
Prayer of Adoration and Confession:
Gracious and loving God,
We praise You because You are close to us.
Though You are high and holy,
You are with us even in our lowliest places.
We praise You because You hold us through our fears and worries,
granting us true peace and joy.
We thank You for sending the Holy Spirit
to empower us to love and serve one another.
Help us not to be swayed by the empty voices of this world,
but to hold firmly to the peace found in You.
May Your light and love shine through our lives and reach all around us.
Today, Lord, we desire to grow in humility and love,
becoming more like You.
We lift You up and give thanks for Your grace and steadfast love.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Merciful God, we seek Your grace,
for we have not been faithful to you,
even as You remain ever faithful to us.
You reveal Your wisdom, yet we often choose our own paths.
Our broken relationships with You and others have left us and our neighbours in need.
In Your mercy, restore us to unity with You and one another,
that we may work together for justice, peace, and love, through Jesus Christ, our redeemer. 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: “Lord, I come to you” – (TiS 685)
Lord, I come to you; let my heart be changed, renewed,
flowing from the grace that I found in you.
And, Lord, I’ve come to know the weaknesses I see in me
will be stripped away by the power of your love.
Hold me close, let your love surround me; bring me near, draw me to your side:
and as I wait I’ll rise up like the eagle, and I will soar with you;
your Spirit leads me on in the power of your love.
Lord, unveil my eyes, let me see you face to face,
the knowledge of your love as you live in me.
Lord, renew my mind as your will unfolds in my life,
in living every day in the power of your love.
Hold me close …
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:
Have you ever regretted a choice in life? It might sound like an obvious question because we all have moments of regret. Especially when faced with two options, we often feel stuck between choices. We want to do both, yet we have to choose just one, and that’s rarely easy. I recently found myself in such a situation. About three weeks ago, I had a final lunch with the students and faculty from my formation program. It was a busy day, with a big exam to prepare for and assignments due, so my mind was already full. But knowing this might be my last meal with everyone at the school weighed on me. While I felt happy to be nearing graduation, I also felt a bittersweet sadness. I wanted to make something special to share with them at lunch, but realistically, I just didn’t have enough time. Inside, I felt stuck between two choices. However, I realised that if I let this moment pass by, I might regret it later. So I decided to go ahead with my plan. I prepared all the ingredients the day before, and after my exam, I cooked just in time for lunch. The dish I made was Japchae, a Korean dish some of you might have tried. Two years ago, during my field education, I’d shared this same dish with others in a cooking class. Japchae takes time to make, so I usually prepare it only for special occasions. Now, with graduation approaching, it felt important to make it for my friends.
During lunchtime, I watched my friends and faculty enjoy the Japchae along with the salad and Lasagna provided by the school. Seeing everyone enjoy it filled me with happiness. A friend jokingly asked, “Shouldn’t you have studied more for the exam?” but I just laughed. I ended up scoring 86 on that test. Through this experience, I learned a valuable lesson. When we’re stuck between two choices, which voice should we listen to? As Christians and followers of Jesus, I realised that we’re called to listen not to the voices of the world but to the voice of Jesus. Even if it feels like a small sacrifice, following Jesus’ teaching is the right path. Today, I hope we can practice the love of Christ in our daily lives. Amen.
Bible Reading: Mark 13:1-8 – The Destruction of the Temple Foretold
1 As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” 2 Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” 3 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. 8 For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.
Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:11-25
11 And every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, “he sat down at the right hand of God,” 13 and since then has been waiting “until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.” 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. 15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying,
16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds,” 17 and he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” 18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. A Call to Persevere 19 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Reflection:
In today’s passage from Mark 13:1-8, we find Jesus and His disciples in the Jerusalem temple, surrounded by its grandeur and splendour. The temple was not only a place of worship but also the centre of religious life for the Jewish people. Constructed with massive white marble stones, the temple radiated a brilliant light under the sun. It was also adorned with gold, which shone magnificently and drew the admiration of all who saw it. For the Jewish people, this temple was far more than just an architectural marvel. It was the sacred place where they gathered for worship and offerings, where countless pilgrims came each year to draw near to God.
The temple symbolised the pride, identity, and unique relationship the Jewish people had with God. It represented God’s presence among His people, and it served as a constant reminder of His covenant with them. As they gazed upon this magnificent structure, the disciples were awestruck. One of them remarked, “Teacher, what massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” They saw the temple as something eternal, strong, and unchanging—a place that symbolised their faith and heritage.
But Jesus’ response was completely unexpected. He said, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” Hearing that the temple, a place so central to their identity, would be destroyed must have shocked the disciples. The very idea that this sacred place could fall was unimaginable.
How could the centre of their worship, their connection with God, be dismantled? Yet, Jesus knew that this physical temple was not the ultimate way to reach God. He foresaw a time when the need for a temple, rituals, and sacrifices would end, making way for a new relationship with God through Himself. The fall of the temple symbolised the transition from the old covenant to a new way of approaching God—through Jesus alone.
Theologically, Jesus’ prophecy of the temple’s destruction marked a pivotal shift between the Old Testament traditions and the new promises of the New Testament. The temple was not just a building; it was the focal point of worship, where sacrifices and offerings were made to God. It was the centre of Israel’s faith, identity, and their relationship with God. For centuries, the temple was where people encountered God’s presence and mediated their relationship with Him through priests and sacrifices. Therefore, the temple’s destruction was not merely the loss of a physical structure but a profound transformation in how people would relate to God.
In saying, “Not one stone here will be left on another,” Jesus revealed that the old ways of sacrifices and rituals would be completed through Him. Hebrews 10 explains that Jesus, as the true High Priest, offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, ending the need for repeated sacrifices and temple rituals. His sacrifice on the cross provided the final, perfect offering, making it possible for us to come to God directly, without relying on rituals or buildings. Through Jesus, we are invited into a direct relationship with God, one not bound to a specific location but alive in our hearts and spirits.
In John 2, Jesus referred to His own body as the “temple,” signifying that He was the true dwelling place of God’s presence. In Jesus, the need for a physical temple has been surpassed. We are now able to connect with God anywhere and anytime through Christ, who has opened this new and living way.
When the disciples heard Jesus’ prophecy, they asked, “When will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to be fulfilled?” The disciples wanted to prepare for what was to come. They likely hoped that Jesus would give them some clear signs to look for. But instead, Jesus urged them, “Be on your guard. Do not let anyone deceive you.” Jesus didn’t give them a timeline or specific signs. Instead, He directed them to stay vigilant in their faith and to guard their hearts against deception.
Jesus’ warning about being misled is deeply relevant to us. In this world, there are countless voices and values competing for our attention. Many of them claim to offer happiness, success, and fulfilment. We often hear that success is defined by wealth, status, or self-promotion. People are frequently told that true happiness comes from climbing the social ladder, acquiring more possessions, or seeking personal gain. But Jesus warns us not to be deceived by these worldly values, as they can lead us away from God’s purpose.
Instead, Jesus teaches us that true fulfilment is found in humility, service, and love. He showed us this in a powerful way at the Last Supper. On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus got up, took off His outer garment, and began to wash His disciples’ feet. In that culture, washing feet was a job for the lowest servant, as people walked on dusty roads that left their feet dirty. Most people avoided this task because it was unpleasant and humiliating. But Jesus willingly took it upon Himself, setting aside His position and embracing the role of a servant.
When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, He not only performed a physical act but also demonstrated a profound truth about God’s kingdom. He showed that true greatness does not come from power or authority but from a heart willing to serve others. By washing their feet, Jesus taught that love is best shown through humility and self-sacrifice. He was giving us an example to follow, showing that the path to true joy and fulfillment is found not in being served, but in serving others with a loving and humble heart.
Jesus’ love and humility also provide a model for us as His disciples in a world filled with challenges. He knew that when He left His disciples, they would face hardships, hatred, and trials. He understood that the world is often full of selfishness, division, and hostility. But Jesus called His disciples—and us—to overcome these challenges through love. He gave us a new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
This love is what sets us apart as followers of Christ. When we love and serve one another, we show the world what it means to be His disciples. Jesus demonstrated this love, and He calls us to continue in it. This love unites us with God and with each other, drawing others toward the hope and peace we have in Him.
Jesus knew that we could not fulfil this calling on our own. That’s why He promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower us and walk with us. He assured us that we would never be alone in this journey. When we love each other with humility and compassion, people will see Jesus through our actions. As we serve and care for one another, they will be drawn to the love of Christ in us.
Today, Jesus’ example challenges us to live a life of humility and service. In a world that often values self-promotion and outward success, Jesus invites us to follow a different path—a path marked by selfless love and compassion. When we serve each other with humility, we reveal God’s love to the world, showing that true joy and peace come from giving rather than receiving, from lifting others rather than exalting ourselves.
The message in Mark 13 reminds us to remain vigilant and grounded in our faith, to focus on Jesus and His teachings rather than being consumed by fears about the future or signs of the end. Jesus invites us to be present in the moment, to serve one another, and to live out our faith with authenticity.
Let us hold onto the peace and joy that Jesus offers, always ready to love and serve as His disciples. May we live each day as a reflection of His humility and grace, shining His light through our words and actions. And may Jesus’ love flow through us into the world, drawing others to know and experience the depth of His love. Amen.
We Sing: “Brother, sister, let me serve you” – (TiS 650)
Brother, sister, let me serve you,
let me be as Christ to you;
pray that I may have the grace
to let you be my servant too.
We are pilgrims on a journey
and companions on the road;
we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you
in the night-time of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping;
when you laugh I’ll laugh with you;
I will share your joy and sorrow
till we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven
we shall find such harmony,
born of all we’ve known together
of Christ’s love and agony.
Brother, sister, let me serve you,
let me be as Christ to you;
pray that I may have the grace
to let you be my servant too.
Prayer for Others (prepared by Paul Tonson):
As we reflect on scripture we re-tune our thoughts to the Spirit of God who motivates our praying.
Six key texts from today’s lectionary will stimulate our prayers for ourselves and for others.
Let us focus our love and wisdom on the challenges of living by faith in our world.
Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. (Mark 13:5f)
We pray for authenticity ….
To Hannah, [his second wife] Elkanah gave a double portion because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb. (1Sam. 1:4)
We pray to be more loving ….
In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I have asked him of the LORD. (1Sam. 1:20)
We pray for patience and hope ….
Talk no more so very proudly; let not arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. (A psalm of Hannah’s; 1 Sam. 2:3)
We pray for humility and good judgement ….
And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us saying: “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” (Hebrews 10:16f; from Jeremiah 31)
We pray for personal conviction …
Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24)
We pray for fruitfulness as a community of faith …
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: “Christ’s is the world” – (TiS 677)
Christ’s is the world in which we move;
Christ’s are the folk we’re summoned to love;
Christ’s is the voice which calls us to care,
and Christ is the one who meets us there.
To the lost Christ shows his face,
to the unloved he gives his embrace,
to those who cry in pain or disgrace,
Christ makes, with his friends, a touching place.
Feel for the people we most avoid,
strange or bereaved or never employed.
Feel for the women and feel for the men
who fear that their living is all in vain.
To the lost Christ shows his face,
to the unloved he gives his embrace,
to those who cry in pain or disgrace,
Christ makes, with his friends, a touching place.
Feel for the parent’s who’ve lost their child,
feel for the women whom men have defiled,
feel for the baby for whom there’s no breast,
and feel for the weary who find no rest.
To the lost …
Feel for the lives by life confused,
riddled with doubt, in loving abused;
feel for the lonely heart, conscious of sin,
which longs to be pure but fears to begin.
To the lost …
Blessing:
The blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord and one another. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Thanks to all those who have assisted in preparation for this liturgy with encouragement, prayers and conversation. The liturgy this week was put together by Jane Yun