Koonung Heights Uniting Church – Service of Worship at Home
9th July – 10am or whenever possible
You may like to light a candle as you prepare for this service
You might also like to view this via the church website or Live stream
Today’s service is led by Ray Michelle – member of Koonung Heights Church Council
Worship Preparation:
Be Still for the presence of the Lord
Be still for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here
Come bow before Him now, with reverence and fear
In Him no sin is found, we stand on holy ground
Be still for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here.
Be still for the glory of the Lord, is shining all around
He burns with holy fire, with splendor He is crowned
How awesome is the sight, our radiant King of light
Be still for the glory of the Lord, is shining all around
Be still for the power of the Lord is moving in this place
He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister His grace
No work too hard for Him, in faith receive from Him
Be still for the power of the Lord is moving in this place
Be still for the power of the Lord is moving in this place
Acknowledgement of Country:
As we meet to worship today,
I acknowledge the Wurundjeri WoiWurrung People of the Kulin nation,
the first inhabitants and custodians of this place
from time beyond remembering.
I pay my respects to their elders,
past and present
and all future generations.
I also remember and pay my respects
to those who have faithfully worshipped,
and shared their gifts and lives with us at Koonung Heights.
I pray the God of love will continue to speak to us all.
Call to Worship:
Let us pause, hold silence,
find the peace of this place.
Let us draw breath,
centre ourselves and wait.
Let us be here as we are, willing grace.
And in such a place of wonder and hope worship God
We Sing: O for a thousand tongues
O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of our God and King, the triumphs of his grace!
Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease;
such music in the sinner’s ears, is life, and health, and peace.
He speaks, and listening to his voice new life the dead receive,
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe.
Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, you dumb,
your loosened tongues employ;
you blind, behold your Saviour come;
…and leap, ye lame, for joy!
My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim
to spread through all the earth abroad
the honours of your name.
Prayer of Adoration and Confession:
God,
you surprise us when we least expect it.
A simple offer of water an act of hospitality, yes,
but one any good person would do and yet this was the sign
of something so much more.
You surprise us when we look back
upon our lives, seeing the chance encounters
that became life-long companions, the invitation accepted
that brings a new opportunity, the reluctant decision
that becomes life-changing.
From small moments, small decisions,
small offers of grace, flow rivers of experience,
shaping our lives, and bringing us closer to you,
as we trust and rejoice.
Amen.
Words of Assurance:
They said God hears all our prayers.
They said God will answer
YES, NO or WAIT
but …
God listens to your prayer through your ears.
God looks out for you through your eyes.
God touches you through your hands.
God goes with you through your feet.
God speaks to you through your lips.
God loves you through your heart.
God thinks of you through your mind.
God is always with you through your soul
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.
Bible Reading: Genesis 24: 10-21
10 Then the servant left, taking with him ten of his master’s camels loaded with all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim and made his way to the town of Nahor. 11 He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water. 12 Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.
13 See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14 May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” 15 Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. 16 The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. 17 The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” 18 “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. 19 After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” 20 So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. 21 without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful.
Bible Reading: Acts 21:7-15
7 We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day. 8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. 10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
15 After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem.
A Time for All: – Closer To God
Andy: Hey, Ada, I am perplexed!
Ada: Wow, perplexed Andy, that sounds strange coming from you. What are your perplexed about?
Andy: Well, God, really.
Ada: God is a big subject, Andy. Anything in particular?
Andy: Aye, well, let’s start with today’s bible readings.
Ada: Well, if you must start somewhere, maybe they are a good place to start?
Andy: Well, do you remember how we met?
Ada: Aye, at the Youth Fellowship dance.
Andy: And you were wearing that wee white dress.
Ada: And you had red shoes and a red tie on.
Andy: And we danced to the Bay City Rollers, ‘Give a little love, take a little love’.
Ada: And then you asked me to the pictures?
Andy: Aye, and I remember walking you home that night, and your dad was peeking out of the curtains, watching for you coming home, because the curfew time he set was ten o’clock, and we had to run the last hundred yards to get you home on time.
Ada: That’s right, Andy, I am amazed you remember all that.
Andy: I could never forget it, Ada, but have you read the Old Testament story?
Ada: Many times, Andy.
Andy: It was not like our courtship at all. Poor Rebekah seems to have been bought and sold for twenty camels and some money! That cannot be right!
Ada: Well Andy, they didn’t have dating apps like Tinder in those days, and marriages were arranged.
Andy: Aye, but Abraham, Isaac’s father, was a bit choosy. Wanting someone from his own country and who belonged to his own religion, is that not a bit racist?
Ada: It may appear so to us. Abraham wanted the best for his son.
Andy: Aye, but he sent his servant to find Isaac a wife, like he was some kind of fixer or marriage broker.
Ada: Maybe, he had done this before, and he knew Isaac well, and would choose the right person.
Andy: Aye, but it was a bit random, hanging about the watering hole, hoping that God would send the right women.
Ada: But according to the story, God does send the right woman for Isaac, and Rebekah was perfect.
Andy: Aye, but it still doesn’t seem right, not much romance in it is there? I mean it’s not how we do things in Australian Cities We don’t have any camels to sell here.
Ada: Och, Andy, you need to remember it was a different culture, a different century, but nevertheless, God was at the heart of the story.
Andy: I guess that he was.
Ada: And if we put God at the centre of our lives, we are more likely to make the correct choices and do the right thing. That’s what matters most, not the way people get into relationships.
Andy: Okay, Ada, but what is the New Testament story telling us?
Ada: Well, Andy, once more Paul puts God at the centre of the story, rather than the prophets, pointing out that no matter the situation we find ourselves in, we need to put God at the centre of it, and follow what God asks of us, rather than trying to make sense of it, and explain it all away. It reminds us that God knows what to do, much better than we ever will.
Andy: Ada, you always talk sense, and make life simple. I wish more people could get what you get.
Ada: Andy, its simply about trusting in God. You might want to try it!
Choir
Fill us, Lord
Like when Israelites needed the manna to come down from heaven
Oh Lord, we Fill us, lord.
Fill us Now with your love
And your power
Like when the power
Need you to feed us and guide us, for we are your children,
Oh Lord, we Fill us, lord.
Fill us Now with your love
And your power
Like when the power
Reflection:
Today’s theme is hospitality. When I first discovered it, I thought that’s obvious: we are in the church, hospitality is something we do just as people and that is irrelevant what faith you express.
I did however think it was good to stop and think about the why, maybe the history and why it’s so important to us.
I mean was the snake offering the apple to Eve being hospitable? I am always pleased that the first recorded miracle of Jesus is turning the water into wine at the wedding as where would be without it? The poor with so little always were able to find a way to make food for guests and of course the disciples are said to have travelled without food etc. We have the fatted calf for the returning son, the meal in the garden the night Jesus was arrested and so it goes on. Jesus also ate with not only his people or the right people but also the sinners and tax collectors.
Today’s story links into how Rebekah’s hospitality enabled her to be chosen by the servant of Abraham, and taken back to become Issacs’s wife.
So you could say all Rebekah had to do was provide water to the servant and of course the 10 Camels.
It actually was a big job and hard work, but the thought is that she would be a good wife because she was able to provide good hospitality. Oh and by the way she was good looking and I am sure they would have expected someone that could reproduce.
You have to put this story in context of the time as it does conjure up views of the 1950’s house wife hints in the Woman’s Weekly.. that I googled this week …
1. Have dinner ready
2. Prepare yourself for him coming home
3. Be a little gay and show interest in him
4. Clear away the clutter
5. Run dust cloth over
6. Cooler months prepare fire
7. Prepare the children
8. Be happy to see him
9. Greet him with a smile
10. Listen to him
11. Make the evening his
12. Make your home a place of peace
13. Offer to take off his shoes
14. A good wife knows her place.
We can say thank goodness for how far we have come and have a giggle, yet we know in some parts of the world women are treated as possessions, have violence metred out to them, are unsafe and it’s all endorsed by the law of the land, and I’m sure it causes you anger and its hard at times to find Christ in these situations. Of course it is happening in our neighbourhood too, and we only have to think of the one person a week killed in domestic violence.
I did take time also this week to think of the arranged marriages that happened and still do. We can even be blinded to it, I was thinking that, say even with Princess Dianna that a 20-year-old girl set up for what was not right and yet we were all pleased. Those set up to marry the in the right class, and for us that are parents we always want our offspring to marry someone that fits in our family. If we can be honest there is a part of us inside that drives this.
I do think of those that are forced into a marriage where their partner’s gender is not their sexual preference and the unhappiness this brings for all. Yet at the same time I know of arranged marriages where both partners feel they grew in love as time went by.
We move on to the new Testament and yes a party for those that love one like me. Paul continued the voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, and they celebrated and for the day shared hospitality. Paul was pleased to see the message was getting out. I wonder how much of the message had been shared by providing hospitality and sharing with others.
As I said it’s a system since time began, we share food, often wine and the process of prep whether for our families, friends or strangers is an act that invokes many emotions and that’s not just for the receiver but also the giver. Often when people are going through hard times, or ill health, we feel helpless so we can often deal with this by the act of giving food. It’s also a time we can share the love of Jesus.
When we first want to get to know someone we often start off with let’s catch up for a coffee, even if you drink tea or hot chocolate we suggest a coffee. It’s a time where you can just spend quality time getting to know people and yet has a pre-determined time, ie when coffee etc is completed you can leave, move on, perhaps set another time, or never see them again.
Often in interview situations now days, people say, let’s have a coffee catch up with the potential employer to see how you could fit and see the real person.
We have two planned coffee mornings each month in our church, and of course coffee and tea after church each Sunday. I’m sure you will agree this really builds connection and fellowship. Remember the challenge during covid when we were not having after church coffee?
Food can represent the biggest expression of our culture as a way to enjoy and socialise around a nice meal, a festival, a family celebration, or an event.
When we ask friends to a dinner you often ask why type of food do you like ie Italian, Greek, Thai, Indian, Chinese etc. The expression of the culture of the county.
The Nona or grandparent passing on recipes is a real gift of love across the generations.
So what does hospitality look like for us from God? Through the generosity of God through the Holy Spirit, the gift of hospitality includes the supernatural ability to warmly welcome and receive people who are unknown to the individual or community.
How do we give it back in the name of Christ? I give thanks for the fellowship and hospitality of this congregation, the way we support each other, however it is always important we don’t let people fall through the cracks.
The amazing work done each week by those involved with BCO, I just admire your passion and commitment to those less fortunate, and there are many organisations doing this each night, from provide showering, cleaning clothes and a listening ear.
All are examples of how Christ asked us to live and return the hospitality shown to us.
Finally, hospitality doesn’t matter how luxurious a place is; what matters is the experience you get. That is the key to good hospitality without counting the cost.
This week remember to draw water for yourselves, those you love and of course don’t forget the Camels.
We Sing: Make me a Channel of your Peace
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring your love
Where there is injury, your pardon Lord
And where there is doubt true faith in You
Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness let me bring your light;
And where there’s sadness ever joy
Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul
Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving of ourselves that we receive,
and in dying that we’re born to eternal life.
Prayer of Dedication:
Wise God,
what you offer us in Christ is worth far more than money,
and we have warnings a-plenty that money is more likely to hinder
than to help us in our search for what really matters.
Today we think of the hospitality these gifts will offer
always to being surprised
by your wisdom and your grace.
Amen.
Prayers 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 minister Heather, for our Church Council, and for the many in our congregation who provide leadership and encouragement. We pray that Heather is having a relaxing break.
We pray for all those who are struggling to make ends meet with rising costs of food, rising rent and rising cost of other essentials.
We pray for parents, including single parents, who are doing their best to provide for their children, but who are unable to give their children all they require for a healthy life, despite their best intents.
We pray for the increasing numbers of people who have found themselves homeless, due to many different reasons and circumstances. We pray for more social housing, and for more affordable housing in general.
We give thanks for the many volunteers who provide hospitality for those in need, including our own volunteers who cook and deliver meals for Boroondara Community Outreach, and who pack and deliver hampers. Seeing a friendly welcoming face from the volunteers would be very uplifting for the recipients, doing almost as much good as the food and hampers.
We give thanks for those who give their time to make new migrants welcome in our community, and to assist them to learn conversational English. Here again, it is the hospitality which will be appreciated as much as the learning opportunities.
We pray for all those who teach our young people, from kindergarten teachers, primary and secondary school teachers all the way through to TAFE and University teachers and lecturers. We give thanks for the dedication of so many great teachers, who must often feel that their work is under appreciated and undervalued. We also pray for the many others who encourage and inspire our young people, including sports coaches, scout leaders, and other youth leaders, including in our church.
We pray for safety on our public transport system. We pray for PSOs and for the police who are responsible for maintaining safety for the passengers. We pray with concern at the increasing incidences of senseless unprovoked violence, some of it on the public transport system, but also on the streets in general.
We pray for our health system. We pray for the many dedicated cancer researchers who are making amazing breakthroughs in the treatment of various cancers, including being able to hold terminal cancers at bay with amazing new drugs, and without operating.
We continue to pray for peace in the world, and an end to war and conflict. We pray for continuing peace in our region.
We continue to pray for all in our church community, and give thanks for the warm and caring fellowship which it provides to us, and the focus which it provides to our lives as Christians.
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: Lift High the Cross
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.
Come, people, follow where our Captain trod,
Our King victorious, Christ the Son of God.
All newborn servants of the Crucified
Bear on the brow the seal of him who died.
From north and south, from east and west they raise
In growing unison their song of praise
O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
Draw all to you, let all the nations see
From farthest regions let their homage bring,
And on his Cross adore their Savior King.
Sending
As we go from here,
may we seek to be an answers
to the prayers of our world.
May we strive to play our part in
bringing about a fair, just and loving world
in our words and actions.
And may the blessing of God almighty,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
challenge, comfort and sustain us
today, tomorrow and forever more.
We Sing: One more step along the road I go
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 corners of the world I turn
More and more about the world I learn
And 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
(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 47,