“Trusting in God’s Presence to Guide Us”
“Trusting in God’s Presence to Guide Us”
Reflection for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost
Churchill Gilford Pastoral Charge
by Krista Moore, M.Div.
September 10, 2023
Based on Scriptures:
Exodus 12:1-3; 6-8, 11-14 and
Matthew 18:15-20
Introduction to the Scriptures
In our Exodus reading today…
The Israelites were oppressed in the land of Egypt for 400 years.
Then God told Moses to go tell Pharaoh to let his people go.
Pharaoh refused.
So God brought 10 plagues on Pharaoh because he wouldn’t listen to God. Then God decides to strike all the firstborn of Egypt but spare the Israelites and lead them to the Promised Land in Canaan.
But first, God tells the Israelites to prepare a Pass Over meal and stay in their houses. God will pass over their houses and will protect them from the calamity if they listen to his commandments.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus was teaching them about the Kingdom of Heaven. In Heaven, God is at the helm, and all things work for good. On earth, all things do not always work for good – the Romans oppress the Israelites, and they will put Jesus to death. His followers needed guidance to not be afraid and keep going even through persecution.
Then Jesus tells his disciples wherever two or more of are gathered in my Name, there I will be in your midst. He reassures them he will be with them even after his death to help them keep going as a community of faith.
Will they keep going when times get tough?
Will we keep going, and remember Jesus is with us, even after two thousand years?
Sermon
- STORY about Rev.
I was going through the filing cabinet in the manse the other day, in preparation for one of my many SME learning goals on governance)… When I happened upon an interesting document. (and of course, I got distracted and started reading it!)
It was a work, called “New Wine in Old Wineskins” by the Rev. Eilert Frerichs for the Interim Ministry Steering Committee in 1998, intended to help the Churchill Gilford Pastoral Charge grow its members.
In it he makes a startling statement:
He says, most people live their lives as if there were no God.
Some may believe in God, but they live as if there were no God. It basically means they go about their day doing what makes sense to them. They don’t ask God for guidance or help. They may be good people, but they are unaware of all the good that God does for them.
This is a very disturbing thought.
MY STORY
Given my experience at West Hill United with atheism, I can say that life without God sucks. I and others I spoke to felt less hope and more stress and instability in that environment. It was very disheartening and confusing to be in a church where God’s presence was NOT acknowledged or honoured. In the end, I had to leave.
In contrast, when I came to Churchill Gilford, I felt God’s presence leading me there, through Rev. Linda Butler, and in the people I met here.
I felt invited to embrace my faith openly and share my love of Jesus and encourage others in their faith.
I did this through preaching, and Bible Study and pastoral care, and I heard your stories too. This encouraged me that God is with us, as I witnessed our faith grow and blossom in new ways.
Life with God for me is GOOD. It is full of purpose, joy, peace, enthusiasm, and love. It can also be challenging at times. I may still worry at times, but then I remember God is with me, and I let go and relax a bit. I remind myself (or Steve reminds me), everything will work out in the end.
SCRIPTURE
Jesus knew the early Christians were worrying, too. They started bickering with one another about the future.
Jesus told them where two or more are gathered in my Name, there I am.
What does he mean?
Jesus is not talking about his physical body. He is talking about his SPIRIT. He will be with them and guide them after his death. He will help through all their challenges. And there would be many challenges!
He told them so they would be accountable to him when he was no longer on earth. He gave them power to do what they need to do – to love and forgive. To overcome persecution. To keep going when the going gets tough.
He knew they would feel lost without him as their leader. Their Shepherd.
He was telling them; I will still be with you. Do not be afraid. Keep going. I will help you.
We need to be aware of God because…
We need God’s Love to nurture and protect us
We need Jesus to be with us, so we will love each other and forgive. So he can lead us where we need to go.
But we don’t always like being led, do we?
- STORY – DOGS
Some of you may not know this, but Steve and I just accepted two rehomed dogs. They are very big 9-year-old Labrador shelties, brothers from the same litter, named Puck and Loki.
They are adorable, so well-behaved, happy, and obedient most of the time – but they have their moments.
Most parents, or dog owners will tell you that children or pets behave differently when you are present with them. Or if they know you are about to be present! (Who had a party as a teenager when your parents were away? or broke the rules a bit when the parents were not watching?)
If you leave a dog alone too long, they might start to act up. Some might chew your slippers. One of our dogs likes to dig a hole in my garden! The other chased a skunk at night and faced the consequences.
But as soon as we are present to let them out, and watch over them, they bounce around and play as if they are in heaven. And they gladly come back to greet us or lick down their supper.
If we are not present, they get into trouble.
Dogs need attention. Lots of attention. They need love and security. They need to know who they belong to; they need food and water, exercise, mental stimulation, and love and affection.
We are no different.
Once we’re grown up, and we no longer have parents to look after us, we might be tempted to think we can take care of ourselves. That we don’t need so much attention – but WE DO!
We still need to know that someone cares for us, that we are protected, guided, safe; we need enough space and freedom to become who we are; we need provisions like food and water, shelter, and clothes; meaningful relationships, work or volunteering, and a community to belong to that gives us a sense of purpose.
We still need looking after.
We need someone to watch over us, guide and protect us.
We still need God. But Why? some may ask. Why isn’t our partner, friend, pet, or caregiver enough?
Because people and pets are not permanent. They change. They come and go. And eventually they die.
God is a permanent fixture, always available, reliable, and trustworthy. God is eternal.
God is love. God’s LOVE doesn’t change like people’s do. It is unconditional, Ever PRESENT.
God is love.
God is real.
God is here. Right now.
STORY / US
Rev. Eilert Frerichs report got me thinking. Do we really live as if God does not exist? And if so, what’s wrong with that?
None of us is perfect. Sometimes we forget God is there.
When I forget, I get stressed. I try to do things my way. I get stubborn, or frustrated. I might get worried or fear the future. I try too hard to do everything perfectly all by myself. And that is impossible!
And we all know stress can make us sick. It can affect our relationships and health.
We might even see it on the world stage: conflict, war, anger, greed, despair.
We all forget about God sometimes.
We need God’s love and protection and guidance.
HOW TO GROW THE CHURCH: REV. CONCLUSION
Rev. Frerichs started his paper with most people live as if there is no God. But he didn’t end there.
Fortunately for us, THERE IS A GOD! THANK GOD.
We know this because God makes us stronger. People tend to thrive when they have a strong faith in God. Communities of faith thrive when they nurture the faith of its members.
He says, you grow the church by growing people’s faith. We may need to be encouraged to share our faith with others or invite a family member or friend to church. But churches grow through sharing faith and fellowship. Like at Bible Study!
As we grow our faith together, others may see and want to know more. They want what we’re having!
CLOSING
So how do else can we experience God’s presence and grow our faith more? Here a few ideas to consider:
Krista’s 3 Things:
- Share your faith by going to church or telling someone about it.
At Churchill and Gilford, we come to church as one way to become aware of God’s presence and share our faith with others.
We may do this by
- listening to God’s Word,
- sharing our faith stories
- helping out at a church barbecue.
- Don’t worry. Trust and follow Jesus
We might have to let go of always being in control. In church we may have to learn to be more open and welcoming of new folks or go out into the community and meet people where they are.
For example, we could share our faith with other churches to celebrate God’s Presence together, like at our South Simcoe Cluster Picnic and Worship service in Bradford next Sunday. Please come!
- Experience God’s presence in nature or other spiritual practices
There are many ways to experience God’s presence. You might enjoy walking quietly in nature, meditating on Scripture, writing poetry, listening to music, or singing in a choir, petting your dog, or helping a friend. You might even enjoy Prayer Yoga (this Wed at 2pm!)
CLOSING
I am hopeful, along with the Rev. Frerichs, that Churchill Gilford is a place and a people for whom God DOES exist.
We don’t have to be perfect.
We all get lost sometimes.
But God has our backs.
God is there to guide and protect us and lead us back home, like the Israelites to the Promised Land.
Jesus was with the early disciples, showing them the way. He is with us still when we listen and follow him.
MEDITATION
Let’s take a moment to breathe that in…. and experience the presence of God. Relax and listen to these words from Christ…
CHRIST’S MESSAGE:
My Spirit is in you
My Words, they work among you
You are like angels living your lives on earth
Be as you are
Be as Christ is
Love one another as I loved you
So long ago
Remember to always comfort one another
and walk with love,
healing and purpose
You are doing the work of God
Remember this always.
And that My Love is with you
even to the ends of the earth
Amen.
MUSICAL REFLECTION
Listen as if he is singing to God… filling up with God’s presence.