Koonung Heights Uniting Church
Service of Worship at Home
14 July 2024 – 10 am 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.
Today’s service is led by Ray Michelle – Chair of Koonung Heights Church Council
Introit: The Lord has Given a Land of Good Things
The Lord has given a land of good things,
I will press in and make them mine.
I’ll know His power, I’ll know His glory,
And in His kingdom I will shine.
With the high praises of God in our mouth
And a two-edged sword in our hand,
We’ll march right on to the victory side,
Right into Canaan’s land.
Gird up your armour, ye sons of Zion,
Gird up your armour, let’s go to war
We’ll win the battle with great rejoicing,
And so we’ll praise Him more and more
With the high praises of God in our mouth
And a two-edged sword in our hand,
We’ll march right on to the victory side,
Right into Canaan’s land.
We’ll bind their kings in chains and fetters,
We’ll bind their nobles tight in iron,
To execute God’s written judgement;
March on to glory, sons of Zion!
With the high praises of God in our mouth
And a two-edged sword in our hand,
We’ll march right on to the victory side,
Right into Canaan’s land.
Acknowledgement of Country:
As we joyfully gather today,
I acknowledge the Wurundjeri WoiWurrung People of the Kulin nations,
Traditional Custodians of this unceded land.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present, and all future leaders and generations.
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:
Children of God,
It’s time to take off your shoes,
step out of your comfort zone, and
Wade with trust into the stream of God’s mercy.
Stand still for a moment, barefoot, on holy ground.
Let the healing waters wash your feet.
Take a deep breath as Love soaks into your soul.
Be silent and listen for God’s word to us today.
He has showed you, O human, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
How shall we worship our God?
We have heard what the Lord requires of us.
Leave empty talk and pride behind.
We must walk the walk.
Prepare to step out in faith, even into troubled waters.
Only God knows where we might need to go.
Don’t be afraid.
Jesus will guide our steps along the way,
Teaching us to walk humbly,
To love boldly,
To serve God with body, soul, mind, and strength.
Let us pray for the humility and courage
To follow where the Spirit leads
We Sing: Be thou my Vision – Tis 547
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought in the day and the night,
waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, be Thou my true Word;
Thou ever with me and I with Thee, Lord;
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battleshield, my Sword for the fight;
be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower,
raise Thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
be Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only the first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, Thou heaven’s bright Sun,
O grant me its joys, after victory is won;
Great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be Thou my Vision, O Ruler of all.
Prayer of Adoration and Confession:
Let us not rush to the language of healing, before understanding the fullness of the injury and the depth of the wound.
Let us not rush to offer a band-aid, when the gaping wound requires surgery and complete reconstruction.
Let us listen for the deeper story, for the many stories, even if they are painful to hear.
Let us believe one another when we talk about our pain, even if it is not a pain we know.
Let us see that systems are broken, that relationships are broken. Let us be willing to be the healing we wish to see in the world.
Let us not rush past the loss of this mother’s child, this father’s child…someone’s beloved son.
Let us not value property over people; let us not protect material objects while human lives hang in the balance.
Let us not value a false peace over a righteous justice.
Let us not be afraid to sit with the ugliness, the messiness, and the pain that is life in community together.
Let us not offer clichés to the grieving, those whose hearts are being torn asunder.
Instead…
Let us mourn black and brown men and women, those killed extra-judicially every 28 hours.
Let us lament the loss of life, whether at the hands of suicide bombers, officers of the law, those who break the law.
Let us call for the mourning men and the wailing women, those willing to rend their garments of privilege and ease, and sit in the ashes of this nation’s original sin.
Let us be silent when we don’t know what to say.
Let us be humble and listen to the pain, rage, and grief pouring from the lips of our neighbours and friends.
Let us decrease, so that our brothers and sisters who live on the underside of history may increase.
Let us pray with our eyes open and our feet firmly planted on the ground.
Let us listen to the shattering glass and let us smell the purifying fires, for it is the language of the unheard.
Words of Assurance:
God, in your mercy…
Show me my own complicity in injustice.
Convict me for my indifference.
Forgive me when I have remained silent.
Equip me with a zeal for righteousness.
Never let me grow accustomed or acclimated to unrighteousness.
In the name of Christ, you are forgiven.
In the name of Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God
Thanks be to God.
Passing the Peace:
The peace of Christ has been given to us, not as a gift of the world which will pass away but as a gift from heaven which is eternal.
The peace of Christ be with you …
and also with you.
Shoes for every occasion
Share the story of the shoes you are wearing with your neighbour.
Why did you wear them today?
Where did you buy them from?
Why do you like them?
Are shoes important to you?
Exodus 3: 1-6
Moses and the Burning Bush
3 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” 4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” 5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father,[a] the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
Ephesian 6: 10-20
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
John 13: 1-10
Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet
13 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”
Most you know I am a Royalist, and if you didn’t, as you may not if you only attend online, I am ….
However, do you know the connection of Angela Kelly and Royalty?
Well, she is the daughter of a dockworker, however was employed by the late Queen Elizabeth’s household, to break in the Queen’s shoes. She had identical feet and walked around all over the place etc to break them in, so the queen didn’t need to carry packets of band aids in the obligatory handbag.
You may also be surprised I chose to talk on shoes this morning. I am fond of shoes.
So, Shoes …
What shoes are you wearing this morning?
How did you choose them, comfort, usual ones you wear to work, colour, style?
Do you remember when you bought them?
When you put on your shoes this morning which one did you put on first?
Feel your shoes and feet become aware of them.
How many times in the Bible are shoes mentioned? Well according to Google 36 verses contain shoes.
Types of shoes described in the bible.
Types of shoes worn in biblical times included sandals and leather shoes. Sandals were the most common footwear, consisting of a sole held to the foot by cords or thongs. They were practical for the hot and dusty climate and were worn by both men and women. Leather shoes were also worn, typically made of goatskin or calfskin, and were more durable and protective than sandals.
The significance of biblical footwear lies in its cultural context, as footwear was a symbol of social status and protection in ancient times. The act of removing one’s shoes in certain settings signified reverence and respect, as seen in Moses’ encounter with the burning bush (Exodus 3:5) and Joshua’s meeting with the army commander of the Lord (Joshua 5:15).
Spiritually, footwear symbolizes readiness and preparedness for the journey of faith. Examples of this symbolism can be found in Ephesians 6:15, where believers are encouraged to have their “feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” The types of shoes worn in biblical times reflect the importance of being spiritually grounded and prepared for the journey of faith.
In the Bible, the symbolic meanings associated with shoes highlight the themes of reverence, preparation, submission, and servanthood. The Bible’s historical and cultural context of shoes underscores their practical importance and symbolic significance in spiritual and social settings.
Importance of Shoes for Protection and status
Shoes hold significant importance in the Bible, serving as a means of protection and a status symbol. In the Old Testament, shoes are used to symbolize power and authority. For example, in the story of Ruth, removing a sandal symbolized transferring property rights, indicating the importance and authority associated with shoes.
In the New Testament, shoes symbolize readiness for the gospel of peace, representing spiritual preparedness and equipping oneself to spread the message of peace. This emphasizes shoes’ dual significance in physical protection and spiritual status.
The symbolic meanings of shoes in the Bible encompass physical protection, authority, and spiritual readiness. In this way, shoes represent the practical aspect of protecting one’s feet and the metaphorical concept of spiritual preparedness and positioning oneself for a higher status of peace and authority.
Shoes As a Representation Of One’s Spiritual Journey
In the Bible, shoes symbolize one’s spiritual journey, with different colours representing various spiritual meanings. For example, white shoes symbolize purity and holiness, while red shoes represent sacrifice and martyrdom. The mention of shoes in the Old and New Testaments sheds light on the importance of being prepared, humble, and obedient in one’s walk with God.
In the New Testament, the significance of shoes is linked to the idea of obedience. In Ephesians 6:15, the apostle Paul urges believers to put on the “shoes of the gospel of peace” as part of the armour of God. This emphasizes the need to be prepared to share the message of peace and obey God’s calling.
The symbolic meaning of shoes in the Bible serves as a reminder of the spiritual journey, the need for humility, preparedness, and obedience in walking with God.
So, what is it like to walk in your shoes…People often say walk a mile in someone else’s but today I am suggesting we stop and think what is it like to walk in your shoes.
What do you experience each day that is different to others?
Where do you walk? What do you see?
What experiences have your shoes had that others haven’t?
Over the years your shoes have served you in good times and bad, hard times and joyous times, hold the moment, even close your eyes, as you reflect on your shoes and the places they have been.
Think too of the places they will go, the times they have held you and held someone else.
How do your shoes share your faith?
How do your shoes act out your faith?
How do your shoes find comfort in time of hardship?
For each of us that is unique, sometimes we get a stone in our shoe. It irritates us to the point we have to stop and chuck it away.
Today I would like us to again hold the moment and think what stones in my shoes do I have?
What comfort are my shoes providing?
If I was to tell others about walking in my shoes what would that story be?
If my shoes could talk, what would they say?
Come back into your space and honour your shoes.
Walk gently into the week ahead, allow stones in but get rid of them also, and ensure they provide comfort and represent who you are.
Blessings
Ray
Lord the light of Your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining;
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth You now bring us,
Shine on me, Shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine, Fill this land with the Father’s glory;
Blaze, Spirit, blaze, Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow, Flood the nations with grace and mercy;
Send forth Your Word, Lord, And let there be light.
Lord, I come into Your awesome presence
From the shadows into Your radiance;
By the blood, I may enter Your brightness,
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me, Shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine, Fill this land with the Father’s glory…
As we gaze on Your kingly brightness
So our faces display Your likeness,
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story.
Shine on me, shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine, Fill this land with the Father’s glory…
Lord,
we bring to you our offerings:
our money, our time and ourselves,
not as payment for something given
but out of adoration and thanksgiving
for all we have received.
Take what we offer and who we are,
bless them to the work of this church
and your kingdom.
Amen.
Prayers for others – Written by Paul Tonson
STANDING ON HOLY GROUND
Our prayer this morning draws on the one TiS hymn No 651 that embodies the theme of shoes, from James Manley (1940- ) preacher’s kid and UCC minister in the USA. The hymn reflects on the story of Moses in Exodus 3 where he encounters GOD in the burning bush and learns that he is standing on holy ground.
Manley writes: “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof from the waters beneath to the heavens above, so take off your shoes, you’re standing on my holy ground.”
By wearing shoes we cut off the one direct sense we have of our environment. So let us remove them now for our prayer as a sign of our desire to appreciate what is holy around us.
Through the eyes of James Manley, on the eighth day of creation, we look around and see how poorly humanity has ‘filled the earth and subdued it’.
– Our earth is polluted by things humanity has produced for our own comfort. Fertilizer has had many benefits but not been good for waterways. Weedkiller has enhanced production but harmed human life. Domestic animals on which we feed have degraded the land. Introduced species have totally wrecked habitats of our natural wildlife
So we pray for the restoration of holy ground – for the work of those restoring habitats and reproducing endangered animals, those managing forests and those saving native timbers, farmers committed to organic production, local government councils setting rules for land use and rules for housing developments.
– Our oceans are awash with huge accumulations of plastic, harmless fish are caught in deadly nets, damaged tankers have polluted vast coastlines and killed sea life.
So we pray for the restoration of holy seas, for those trying to protect their ancient fishing grounds from the encroachment of unwelcome developments, for those developing ways to salvage ocean rubbish, for government and big business responsible for seaside installations related to energy production.
– Our atmosphere has been partially wrecked and made dangerous by CFC sprays we have used on our bodies and in our bathrooms; burning fossil fuels is slowly cooking our earth to death, nuclear bombs and accidents have devastated huge areas, inner space is filling up with space junk.
So we pray for the restoration of holy skies, for effective control of vehicle emissions, for people with capital to invest in the development of renewable energy, for steady transition away from fossil fuel use, for airline passengers to gladly pay their carbon emissions surtax.
– We turn to our own domain – where also we stand on holy ground.
In God we live and move and have our being. We cannot avoid ”taking care of the sheep” – our predictable and necessary work, but much of our time we are unaware of the Spiritual and the Divine that is all around.
So we pray that we will be aware of the burning bush nearby. May we hear with our inner ears the voice that calls us into new and challenging endeavours. Like Moses may we realise the power in our own hands to lead a liberating life, to speak truth to power, and to make a difference in our world.
And we pray that we will deeply sense the burning of the spirit in lives around us, in people who need our loving companionship and wise insights of faith. Through the Spirit may we know how to burn with them, to inspire each other’s passion, and to be transforming agents, following in the way of our Lord Jesus, Amen
Let us now join in the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples:
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,
your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in Heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
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 for ever. Amen
We Sing: One more step. Words by Sydney Carter
One more step along the world I go,
one more step along the world I go,
from the old things to the new,
keep me traveling along with you:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me traveling along with you.
Round the corner of the world I turn,
more and more about the world I learn;
all the new things that I see,
you’ll be looking at along with me:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me traveling along with you.
As I travel through the bad and good,
keep me traveling the way I should;
Where I see no way to go
you’ll be telling me the way I know:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me traveling along with you.
Give me courage when the world is rough,
keep me loving though the world is tough,
leap and sing in all I do,
keep me traveling along with you:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me traveling along with you.
You are older than the world can be,
you are younger than the life in me,
ever old and ever new,
keep me traveling along with you:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me traveling along with you.
Sending
Let us walk proudly in our own shoes each day
Walk with God each day in your shoes
Walk with others in your shoes
You shoes protect your feet
Shalom to you now, shalom my friends
May God’s full mercies bless you, my friends
In all your living and all your loving
Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom
(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 35)