Sermon for 31 October 3021

Sermon Ministry Carries On
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZjwwJj8X_A

When it comes to churches making decisions it is always difficult because there are so many people and understandings to consider. In the United Church there are many views on theology and progress. I like the rendition of this popular poem.

Two roads diverged in the woods and I;
I took the fork cause we can always agree over food.

We are not just at a divergence of roads; we are at a crossroad of many avenues coming together.
For me personally, I am moving. Two days ago I left the family farm, probably for the last time. Tomorrow I will leave the manse. (Although I am going to return next week long enough to get the stuff I forgot.) I have been packing and sorting and tossing for several months. (Don’t tell me we don’t live in a materialistic society).

For me professionally, I will be retiring. I have been ordained for 42 years. There have been a lot of changes. Theologically the traditional understanding of Christianity has changed. Our practices have changed. When I started there were 20% cremation and now there is 80% cremation. Weddings were almost always in the church and the average age was 22. Now it is rare to have a church wedding and the average age is 32. When I started it wasn’t uncommon to have 30 kids in the youth group. However it was very uncommon to have the service put out on Youtube.
At this point I don’t have a job lined up, but I will continue in some type of ministry and I think that is the key phrase for all of us.

When I look at this pastoral charge, there are many changes and crossroads that come to mind. This community is changing. It is one of the fastest growing areas in Canada. At one time the accepted norm was that 10% of the population was potential United Church members. That is certainly no longer the case. That has an impact on church decisions. What happens to these beautiful old buildings? What happens to the manse? There are 4 United Churches nearby. What happens to them? Will there be a new building? These are questions that we have been dealing with but we haven’t got answers. They are still before us. Whatever happens to the look of this church, or the style of worship service, the ministry needs to continue.
Whatever happens on this Charge, the ministry needs to continue.

I found it humorous the other day when I heard that Mark Zuckerberg wanted to rebrand Facebook because the average user was 57 years old and he is hoping for a younger audience. Sounds like the church, yet there is nothing wrong with an older audience. People are people. But there is a constant drive to welcome new people into the faith.

The Christian religion, as I have said before is a victim of its own success. Generally speaking the church started hospitals, schools, recreation centers, food banks, social justice initiatives and much more. That has been taken over by other groups and that is ok, but it leaves the church wondering what is next.

Many times interest groups get together to protest some issue. Finally the issue is sorted out, but the group keeps meeting. They have various excuses but the real reason is they have formed a common bond and have found fellowship in their concerns. The church is the same. Many of the issues have been absorbed by other groups but there is a common bond of fellowship and a concern to spread the gospel in whatever way the world turns.

Right now there is a tremendous growth in the interest of spirituality. Christianity is all about spirituality. Maybe we let go of some of the “religion” and venture into the world of spirituality.

We are at a crossroads in many ways

Not sure if you know the story of George Washington axe. It was up for sale at an auction. The Auctioneer said “This is the same axe that George Washington chopped down the cherry tree with” A person in the crowd challenged him saying it was in far too good shape to be that old. The Auctioneer replied that it had had 4 new handles and 3 new heads but it was the same axe and it could still chop wood

The church has gone through a lot of changes but hopefully it is still the Church of Jesus Christ. Hopefully it still spreads the message of love.

I have great respect for Jesus. Sure he was divine. And yes he could do all sorts of miracles like healing and walking on water and, some people’s favourite; changing the water into wine but he must have been a great preacher. I have preached over 3300 times and I know other ministers who can match that but Jesus only preached for 3 years and he changed the world. His message was and is powerful.
It was not a message of fear, but a message of love

That is the message this world needs to hear.

Finally I want to thank you for allowing me to carry on my ministry here in these communities. You allowed me to reach out to people who will never walk through the door of the church; people who will never contribute to the finances but people who need that message
.
It is a great compliment to answer the phone in the middle of the night because someone is in a crisis and needs some care. To have the hospital or the hospice, or the long term care homes, or even the police (that’s can be the scary one) call because I can minister to someone: or even when an individual calls and I know I have the complete support of this church – that is amazing.

Today we are at a crossroad. In many ways
Thank you for accepting me. Thank you for allowing me to minister.
Your ministry and my ministry are the same. It must continue
PRAYER

We pray in silence for those who especially need your strength this day….

Now we pray in the way Jesus taught us.
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. lead us not into temptation. but deliver us from evil. for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. forever and ever Amen

SERVICE October 31, 2021
Announcements
Etransfer info at bottom of page
Opening Prayer
Hymn 222
Scripture Matthew 22: 34-39
Reflection
Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Hymn 651 Guide Me
Benediction

Go now in Peace
Go now in peace, Never be afraid
God will go with you, each hour of every day
Go now in faith, steadfast strong and true
Know God will guide you in all you do,
Go now in love and show you believe
Reach out to others so all the world can see
God will be there, watching from above
Go now in peace, in faith and in love
Amen, Amen, Amen

Info about contributing

The traditional way is to send a cheque via mail to one of the treasurers.
Make the cheque out to:
Churchill United Church
send to Agnes Cole at 226 Valleyview Dr. Churchill, Ont L0L1K0
or Gilford United Church
send to Doris Coborn at 1468 Gilford Rd, Gilford. L0L1R0

An Alternative (and better) way is Etransfer
(This method is faster, cheaper and cleaner. If you don’t know how to do it, the bank or some young kid has instructions)

Send the Etransfer to
churchillchurch2020@gmail.com
The security question is – What is the name of your church
Answer – Churchill

or panddcoborn@gmail.com
No security question

Another option is contact us and we will pick it up from your porch. Thanks