YOU ARE WITNESSES OF THESE THINGS

The words "you are witnesses of these things" come to us as part of Christ's final words before his ascension and form part of what we call the Great Commission.  


January 18th through 25th is what we have come to know as the "week of prayer for unity among Christians" and following these final words of Jesus this years theme is "Witnessing to Christ Today".  The following information is taken from the resources provided on the website: www.oikoumene.org entitled "The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity".  


Also please note that there is a link on the right hand side of our blog which will take you to the World Council of Churches resource inviting you to participate in a prayer circle.  


Enjoy!!


FROM "The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity"  ...



... From Jerusalem, Jesus sent the apostles to be his witnesses “till the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
In their mission, they encountered many and rich languages and civilisations and started
proclaiming the gospel and celebrating the Eucharist in these many languages. As a consequence,
Christian life and liturgy acquired many faces and expressions that enrich and complete each
other. From early times, all these Christian traditions and churches wanted to be present together
with the local church in Jerusalem, the birthplace of the Church. They felt the need to have a
praying and serving community in the land where the history of salvation unfolded, and around
the places where Jesus lived, exercised his ministry and suffered his passion, thus entering into
his paschal mystery of death and resurrection. In this way the church in Jerusalem became a
living image of the diversity and richness of the many Christian traditions in the East and the
West. Every visitor or pilgrim in Jerusalem is, in the first place, invited to discover these various
and rich traditions.


Unfortunately, in the course of history and for various reasons, this beautiful diversity has also
become a source for divisions. These divisions are even more painful in Jerusalem, since this is
the very place where Jesus prayed “that they all may be one” (John 17:21), where he died “to
gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad” (John 11:52), and where the first
Pentecost took place. However, at the same time, it must be said that not a single one of these
divisions has its origin in Jerusalem. They were all brought to Jerusalem by the already divided
churches. As a consequence, almost all the churches around the world bear their part of the
responsibility for the divisions of the church of Jerusalem and therefore are also called to work
for its unity together with the local churches.


... What is also significant is that the church in Jerusalem continues to live in a political climate that
is in many ways similar to the life of the early Christian community. Palestinian Christians have
become a small minority facing serious challenges that threaten their future in many ways, while
they are longing for freedom, human dignity, justice, peace and security.
In the midst of all of this, the Christians of the Jerusalem churches address their brothers and
sisters around the world through this week of prayer for Christian unity to pray with them and for
them in order to reach their aspirations for freedom, and dignity and the end of all kind of human
oppression. The Church lifts up its voice in prayer to God in anticipation and hope for itself and
the world so that we all may be one in our faith, in our witness, and in our love.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: DOROTHY DAY - 1963"

"In a world of enslavement through installment buying and mortgages, the only way to live in any true security is to live so close to the bottom that when you fall you do not have far to drop, you do not have much to lose."

Thanksgiving: Offering Is Worship

Dear Friends and Members of Sparling:

I recall a conversation with the late Ken Todd some years ago about an article written by author Rev. Ralph Milton.  Our conversation centered around the following quote:

“The offering in church is an act of worship, an expression of our love of God, just like communion or prayer.  We feel so strongly about money because it is such a powerful symbol of our self worth.  That is why giving our money to God, as an act of worship, is so important.  It is a way of giving ourselves to God.”

I believe, as did Ken, that these are wise words.  Indeed, offering of our financial resources to the mission and ministry of the church is an act of worship – one that comes directly from the heart because in order to let go of our hard earned dollars,  we have to really believe that it is being used for the purposes of God. 

It is our custom that every Thanksgiving we send out a letter and envelope asking for an “extra” financial contribution for the ongoing life and work of our Congregation.  I invite you this year to take some time before returning your envelope to allow your contribution to be a worship experience – an expression of your love of God.  Take a few moments to think of the things about Sparling Congregation for which you are thankful; a few moments to think about the many ways our Congregation touches the lives of those in our community; and take a final moment to Thank God for the work of Sparling United Church. 

Even though the financial burden we carry as a Congregation is always before us, we are nonetheless a Congregation that is blessed with abundance – we have a place to meet on Sundays due to our partnership with the Brooklands Seniors; we have a place to study and meet the community through our presence at Church House; we have the staff and volunteers to be present to the ongoing work of the larger community of Brooklands, Weston and all of North West Winnipeg by being present at critical meetings, working with other organizations and thereby spreading the name of Sparling United Church; and we of course have our outreach initiatives, the pinnacle of which is the Sparling Food Bank.

                                                                                                                                               
Yes…God has blessed us in many ways and so I encourage you to continue to live out of your abundance and not scarcity.  May your gift in support of Sparling this Thanksgiving be an offering that is truly an act of worship.

May the grace of God be with you and may the Spirit of the Risen Lord assist us all to be faithful and thankful witnesses of God from whom all good things flow. 

Sincerely in Christ,

OCT/NOV INFO

GENERAL INFORMATION Sunday Worship 11 A.M. at the Brooklands Pioneer Seniors 1960 William Ave West. Church House 1490 Burrows Avenue 694-2845 www.sparlingunited.com sparlingunited@mts.net

ONGOING PROGRAMS and STUDIES Choir Meets select Wednesdays at Fred Douglas Lodge.  Please contact Church House for more information Bible Study Thursdays at Church House 7pm.

GROUPS Women Without Borders If you are concerned with women’s justice issues of equality, safety and economic development this group may interest you.  Contact Church House for more information. Men’s and Women’s Spirituality Chat There will be upcoming breakfasts for the men and for the women sometime in November.  Watch our website for date announcement and/or contact Church House to be notified by email.

WANTED!!! EVANGELISTS Love Sparling United Church?  Want to see us grow?  Invite a friend or family member to Sunday Worship, a Bible Study, Women Without Borders or one of the upcoming breakfasts.

UNDERSTANDING THE ORDER OF SERVICE

Many people have asked questions like: "what is a prayer of approach" or "what do we mean by call to worship"?  Moreover, it seems confusing at times when words and titles switch from one church bulletin to the next and in some cases our when our own bulletin uses different terms and titles from week to week.


First off, there is no ONE way to word or design a church order of service.  The order of service, however, DOES have a specific flow.  Though the words and phrases may change from time to time, the general flow should remain the same.  Generally speaking the flow goes something like this:


Gather and Praise
Confession of Sin
Assurance of Pardon
Proclamation of the Word of God
Sermon/Homily/Reflection
Thanksgiving

• Offertory
• Communion
• Intercessions

Sending Forth

• Benediction and Commission

Each aspect of this flow might be worded a little differently but they combine to accomplish something very important in our worship, namely, mission.


Here's a more comprehensive look at Sparling's order of service:

ORDER OF SERVICE

Gathering and Celebration of Community                                                 

Call to Worship and Prayers of Approach

Prayers of Confession

Words of Assurance

Celebration of Assurance

Proclamation of the Word

Sermon

Prayers of Thanksgiving

-          Offertory

-          Communion (3^rd Sunday of every month)

-          Prayers of Intercession and Lord’s Prayer

Sending Forth

-          Benediction and Commissioning

The gathering is a celebration of community.  We gather to sing songs of praise to God in celebration of the Word God has spoken to us and the mission God has given to us as a people.  At a designated time in our songs of praise, the presiding minister calls the Congregation to worship and leads the prayers that begin our community’s approach to enter into the presence of God.  It is within this divine presence that we are aware of our sinfulness and weakness and through the prayer of confession we ask God for pardon and strength.  The words of assurance are an affirmation that God does not look on our sin and weakness but rather sees the divine image we carry.  Mindful of this image of God each of us has been created in, we celebrate the knowledge of the assurance that our sins are forgiven and our weaknesses turned into strengths.    Now, as a community bound together by the Holy Spirit, we are fully prepared to worship God the Creator revealed to us in Jesus Christ.  The Word of God revealed to us in both the Old and New Testaments is proclaimed to us and the presiding minister applies that word to our daily living through the Sermon.  All the components of the Worship service to this point lead us to make a joyful response of thanksgiving to God.  We offer God the first fruits of our labours by financially supporting the work of the Church.  This offering is called the offertory because it combines our financial gifts along with the gifts of bread and wine for communion (every 3^rd Sunday) and our commitment to volunteer in the life and work of God’s church.  Once a month we celebrate communion which the early church called Eucharist, a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”.  Communion brings us into the very presence of Christ in a way that is both a real and beyond our comprehension.  Through communion Jesus comes to us in a way like no other.  As a community we pray for the Church, the world, and our needs.  These prayers are known as prayers of intercession because they are representative of the community of faith interceding on behalf of the needs of others.  We gather these prayers together into the great prayer Jesus taught us known as the Our Father or Lord’s Prayer.  From Abraham, through Moses, Jesus and the people of God today, an encounter with the divine changes our lives.  God has a mission for us and that mission is to be the Church in the world.  We are given this mission to care for one another, seek justice, resist evil and proclaim Jesus crucified and risen.  The worship service reminds us of this calling and sends us forth to be the people of God in the world.  The words of Benediction (blessing) may seem like a closing prayer, but they really represent a new beginning – a commissioning to go out and proclaim the Good News.  Our Worship for the week has therefore not ended, but just begun! 

WHERE IS YOUR TREASURE?

"Do not be afraid little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  Sell your possessions, and give alms.  Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."


Luke 12:32-34

Today's gospel invites us to consider how we might enjoy the kingdom of God.  At first glance it would seem that in order to enjoy the kingdom we must give away all our possessions and wealth to those in need.  Without a doubt SOME Christians are called to do exactly this - give it all away.  Mother Theresa gave it all away and made the world a better place and we can think of many others who found happiness and challenged the world to be better by living simply and embracing poverty.

This call to "give it all away" obviously doesn't involve EVERY Christian, so what are those of us who can't give it all away to do?

I believe the point here is that the Christian disciple is not be DOMINATED by possessions.  The question at hand is: "Where do we put our trust?"  Do we trust in God or our own works and accumulations?

Simply put, trusting in earthly riches prevents us from trusting God.  

So the question we must ask ourselves daily is: what do I trust?  Are there things I trust MORE than I trust God?  Do I realize that earthly things are the things Jesus speaks of when he says: "things that moth and rust can destroy."

Where the treasure is so too is the heart.  Where we place our trust is where we place our allegiance.  Where is your treasure?  Where is your heart?  

EASTER POSSIBILITIES

Author and theologian N.T. Wright wrote:

"What Easter does is open windows of the mind and heart to see what really, after all, might be possible in God's World". (Surprised by Hope pg.69)

The hope he speaks about is the Easter message that God is bringing us to life even now. Our common purpose is rooted in Jesus, who teaches us, walks with us, eats with us and sends us out into the world.

Our Gospel for the second Sunday in the Easter season speaks of locked rooms and closed doors. This was the initial response of the disciples after the death of Jesus. They locked themselves in a room - likely for fear of further persecution from the Roman authorities. Here with the doors bolted the disciples stayed in fear and depression. Fear that they too would be caught and punished; and depression in that the death of Jesus meant, for them, a wasted 3 years. All their hopes and dreams for Israel's Messiah were gone.

Not a great way for the Church to begin - closed up behind locked doors in fear and depression.

John's gospel, however, demonstrates that it is in this exact moment - the height of their fear and depression, that Jesus draws them together once more. Into this locked room, Jesus appears and says: "Peace be with you!" Then he breathed on them and said: "Receive the Holy Spirit". In that moment, the disciples changed and the church was born. Disciple means to be taught, this life they now leave behind. They have become apostles - ones who have been "sent".

Their living behind locked doors was a sign of death - that they themselves were already dead. It is a reminder of the 19th century poem The Buried Life, by Matthew Arnold which states:

"But often, in the world's most crowded streets,
But often in the din of strife,
There arises an unspeakable desire
After the knowledge of our buried life;
A thirst to spend our fire and restless force
In tracking our true, original course;
A longing to inquire
Into the mystery of this heart which beats
So wild, so deep in us - - to know
Whence our lives come and where they go!"

The buried life - that life which we live but is dead already - dead because we miss the significance and power of the moment - living lives built on "getting to where we want to be in life" and "creating the life we want to have". While we focus on making our lives to be what we want, we miss the life we have. We miss living in the moment - in the now. It seems we, like the disciples, get caught between the now and the not yet. The disciples looked to the day that God's kingdom would set Israel apart from the other nations once again and because they focused so heavenly on what they wanted the kingdom of God to be like, they missed the kingdom that Jesus had brought into their midst. And so they sit behind closed and locked doors, with the knowledge of their buried life.

But Jesus changes this. Locked doors will not keep him from coming in or his good news from going out- it was time for the Church to be born.

In smaller churches, we often wonder where the people are? Why don't they come to church? Truth be told, we spend all our energies on fundraising events to meet the church budget, clawing back on expenditures that seem unnecessary and frivolous and we miss the moment. Sometimes we complain that people stay away from the United Church because we're too wishy washy with our moral teachings, too controversial on our social teaching, or too liberal in our theology. That is not the case. We are losing members because we don't know how to spread the good news - we're living behind closed and locked doors - nothing in - nothing out. We have the most fantastic news - news as N.T. Wright says shows us what is possible in God's world.

We are a lot like the early disciples, living in fear behind locked doors. Do we trust God? Do we trust God enough to open the doors? Do we trust that in being Lord of the world, Jesus is also Lord of the church budget, the hymn book, the Council meeting, the worship service, the presbytery? Do we really believe what we say in the creed: "We are not alone, we live in God's world"?

The Easter challenge, for all of us, is to open the doors of our minds and hearts so that we might open the doors of our churches. The Easter challenge is new life in the midst of death and destruction. The Easter challenge is that we might take one more step forward in our lives of faith and really believe that something new is happening in the world - something that began that first Easter long ago - and we are called to be a part of the ongoing transformation of God's good earth.

BURNING BUSHES AND FIG TREES: THE TIME IS NOW!

BACKGROUND

Around the time that Israel is in slavery under Egyptian domination, the prevalent belief was the existence of a pantheon of gods. Almost every element of nature, every breathtaking place, and every human emotion was personified in a god. There were gods of war, gods of love, god's of holy mountains, agriculture, fertility and so on. It is is in the midst of this religious environment that Moses, while tending the flock of his father-in-law, encounters the burning bush. Intrigued by the fact that while the bush appeared to be on fire, it appeared to not be consumed by the flames. Moses draws near to it and encounters the God of Israel, who sends him on a mission. "And who shall I say sent me" asks Moses. This is a reasonable question given that Moses, a former prince of Egypt, expects that there is a pantheon of gods. The God of Israel, however, will not play into this question. "Tell them I Am who Am sent you", says God.

IMPLICATIONS

The divine answer, "I Am who Am", reveals to us that God is not a creature and God is not one among many gods. "I Am who Am" tells us that God is pure being itself. St. Thomas Aquinas described the God of Israel as "Ipsum esse", which is Latin for "to be".

God, the creator of all things is not "a" being, but rather pure "being". Our very existence as creatures is possible because we participate in the ultimate reality of this God of pure being.

The significance of the burning bush not being consumed by the flames lies in the fact that when the God of Israel draws near to us, we are not diminished. The stories of the Egyptian, Greek and Roman gods always result in some diminishing of human life - human beings are hurt, tricked, seduced, and ignored by the gods. When the God of Israel draws near to us, we radiate - that is to say we are set aglow without being consumed. We become more fully human the more God draws closer to us. St. Ireneus said: "The glory of God is the human person fully alive". The more we are alive, the more glory we give to God and the more glory we give to God, the more fully alive we become.

THE FIG TREE

In our Gospel Jesus tells the parable about the unfruitful fig tree. This is an often used symbol in biblical writing - the fruitless tree being a sign of the person who produces no spiritual fruit. St. Paul tells us that if we truly live in the Spirit then we will demonstrate the fruits of the spirit: love, compassion, mercy and justice. We human beings fool ourselves when we think that we do not need God; when our freedom is based on decisions that do not take the "fruits" of the spirit into consideration. This has been the cross of humanity since the time of Adam.

While many would have us believe that if we are unfruitful we will be cut down, Jesus tells us that we are given a second chance. The season of Lent calls us into a time where we can till the soil of our faith; seek the source of life which is God; and turn our hearts from selfishness into selflessness.

To know that we have a second chance in God's eyes is quite a relief, but notice that there still remains a sense of urgency in the parable. The gardener argues for ONE MORE YEAR. Though its hard for us to accept, we must understand that we really can run out of time. If we leave our faith untended eventually we will shrivel up and die - or, be cut down. This is why the parable is urgent.

SUMMARY

Our scriptures call us to live in the radiant love of God and to reflect that radiance back on to the world around us through fruitful living - acts of mercy, justice, love and compassion. God is in our presence seeking to make us more fully human - to light us on fire without consuming us. The parable of the fig tree, while calling us to urgency, invites us not to be afraid. God will not consume us; we are always given a second chance and we must work to bear fruit. But remember....it is urgent to always be at work on our spiritual lives lest we run out of time!