Sunday service for 21 April 2024, fourth Sunday of Easter

Sunday 21 April 2024, Fourth Sunday of Easter (NL2-42)
Gourock St. John’s Church of Scotland
Service prepared by Rev. Teri Peterson
Manse: 632143 
Email: TPeterson (at) churchofscotland.org.uk
Email Charlene, Parish Assistant: CMitchell (at) churchofscotland.org.uk
Email Rob, student minister: RThomson (at) churchofscotland.org.uk

Prelude Music (praise band)

Welcome & Announcements

We Gather As God’s Family (As the Bible is brought in, we stand and sing)
A family gathered in love,
striving for justice and joy,
blessing the broken-hearted,
and sharing the hope of God’s kingdom.

Call to Worship
One: Grace to you, and peace
in the name of God our Maker and Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Grace to you, and peace.
We give thanks to God for you!
One: Together, we come to learn from the Spirit and each other
All: and to pass on what we have heard,
so together we may grow in Christlikeness.
One: We are one link in the chain, one ripple moving outward,
All: embodying our faith so all may see and know God’s love.

Sanctuary Hymn 422: Christ is Alive and the Universe Must Celebrate

Prayer
You have turned the world upside down, O God,
bringing life out of death.
Still you shake things up, disturbing our uneasy “peace”
by showing us a more excellent way.
Open us today to be persuaded by your word that changes everything.
Strengthen us by prayer,
empower us by your Spirit,
orient us by your truth,
that we may confidently live lives worthy of your calling,
changing the world with your love.
We pray this fervently, Living God,
because sometimes it’s really hard to live in your kingdom now.
You have shown us what is possible,
given us glimpses of your glory,
and yet still we are seduced by the rewards of this world.
We confess that we withhold hospitality,
afraid of what others will think.
We give weight to voices that praise us for doing good,
and so feed our egos instead of focusing on your call.
We give up your way when it seems to have few benefits,
forgetting that you call us to be a witness and encouragement to others, too.
We protect the status quo that is comfortable for us,
not wanting anyone to rock the boat,
not even you.
Forgive us, O God,
when we have valued our place in the social systems of our world
more than your call to radical love, grace, justice, and hospitality.
Forgive us when we have enforced our vision of calm
rather than pursuing your peace.
Forgive us for choosing the rewards of here and now
over the abundant life of your kingdom.
Turn us once again to your Way.
Set our eyes on those whose example we might follow,
that in turn our living faith may be an example to others,
and so together we might persevere in love that holds us fast
even through all the challenges of this life.
We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn: Blessed Be Your Name (praise band)

Sanctuary Children’s Time

Scripture Reading: Acts 17.1-9
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1.1-10
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace.
We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

For the word of God in scripture
for the word of God among us
for the word of God within us
thanks be to God.

Sermon (Rob Thomson)
Quite a few weeks ago now we celebrated Palm Sunday, and we reflected on the crowds, who wanted nothing more than for Jesus to declare Himself king and lead Israel back in to a glorious and violent kingdom capable of competing with Rome. In the weeks before and since I have spoken about the disciples and their inability, despite their proximity to Christ, to really comprehend what He was doing. It was one of my first sermons here, in which I covered the brothers James and John and sympathetically put forth the case that their blusterous demands for places of honour in the kingdom, were actually pretty understandable from their perspective. I said then that a change in perspective so great, that one starts to understand God kingdom is incredibly uncomfortable for us humans. I gave the example of someone’s world being turned upside down and how seldom that is an easy or enjoyable process.

The resistance Jesus faced from His closest friends, His nearest and dearest, His most trusted companions, in the time of His ministry was not minor. The resistance He faced from the established order in Jerusalem, led to His violent execution. We find ourselves this week having fast forwarded a fair bit in Church history, as promised the knowledge of the kingdom of God is spreading. The reaction of the religious establishment in Thessalonica is to run to the civil authorities and shout (as the ESV translation has it) “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also”. The Church empowered by the Holy Spirit is a disruptive force, one which stands in opposition to the established order of things.

In today’s first reading we see how this newly formed Church reacts to persecution of Paul and his mission team, the crowd is unable to find Paul and the others and are forced settle for second best. They instead drag his host Jason and some others before the civil authority, we aren’t told exactly how but they manage to hide the missionaries and put themselves in the firing line instead. It is no wonder that the opening of Pauls letter to them, our second reading today, is so flattering.

There is a story, which is almost certainly not true, about a man who went looking for the perfect Church. He asked a Pastor for help finding this perfect Church and pastor responded, “my Church is not what you are looking for, but please if you find it – don’t join, you are certain to ruin it”.
There is of course no such thing as the perfect Church, yet. There will be no such thing as the perfect Church in this age, while humans run it. But we can find in Pauls glowing praise of the Thessalonians in today’s epistle reading some attributes the Apostle considered hallmarks of a good Church.

The first hallmark of a good Church is work. In verse three of today’s epistle Paul says he remembers in his prayers the Thessalonian Churches works in faith and love. This coming from the Apostle who is perhaps most famous for his teachings against works-based salvation. However, the proper response to the grace and love of God – is to put faith in to action. The Thessalonians were in the eyes of the Apostle putting their love in to action.

The Scottish Church census, available in book format by the way – if anyone is looking for a bit of light reading, shows that Churches that are growing are ones that have strong social programmes at the local level. Ensuring people are fed, clothed, and looked after. But more than that they are Churches where individuals have a strong commitment to living out their faith in practical ways.

The second hallmark of a good Church is steadfastness. In the same verse Paul notes that the Thessalonians were steadfast in their hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. In our reading from Acts today we already witnessed some of that steadfastness, they weren’t having an easy time of things. Yet they protected Paul and the missionaries at great personal risk and endured in their faith. The persecution didn’t stop when Paul and his team left, but the Thessalonian Church would not be diverted from the truth of the Gospel.

It is common in Church of Scotland congregations to stand for the Bible as it enters our worship gatherings. If we want to be a good Church, each of us needs to learn to stand up for the good news contained within Gods love letters, the values, and lessons He has preserved for us. Even when, especially when, we are in situations where doing so is uncomfortable.

The third hallmark of a good Church is imitation. In verse 6 Paul writes “You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction.” In imitating Paul by being faithful servants even in the face of persecution, they were also imitating Jesus. None of us can ever truly be like Jesus but we can try to be more like Him.

There is a fairly popular cliché, which you can get on mugs and little wristbands that asks “what would Jesus do?”. I both love and hate this particular saying, because while it is great to encourage ourselves to be more Christlike, I fear we forget what Christ actually did. Christ did not just eat with low level sinners; He shared meals and conversations with the worst of the worst. Tax collectors in His day were fairly vicious traitors to their own people, who made a living by enforcing the civil taxes of Rome and skimming extra off the top. Can we really claim, I know I struggle with this, that we have time for those whose politics or lifestyle we find abhorrent? That is what Jesus did, He made time for those who were outcast, not just those unfairly outcast but those whose behaviour had made them so.

In the same verse Paul celebrates the Churches imitation of Christ he celebrates another hallmark of a good Church. This is the one that I think we as Presbyterians are most known for struggling with! They don’t just receive the Word in the face of persecution, they receive it “with Joy, inspired by the Holy Spirit”.

Joy is not the same thing as pretending to be happy all the time, happiness is a fleeting thing, and we will all face things that push us to our very limits. But we are a people have been forgiven of every sin through Jesus, we have a Father who loves us and hears our prayers, we have a home in God closer presence when this life is no more. That is a cause for unshakeable joy, even while we grieve. I personally have noticed that I have become a grumbler and complainer of late. That is not who we are called to be, we are the people of hope and joy in the knowledge of Gods Kingdom.

By living out these attributes of working, steadfastness, imitation of Christ and joyfulness – Paul tells the Thessalonians in verse 7 that they have become an example to the Churches around them. What an incredible compliment from a man who I feel, having read all the letters attributed to him, does not give out compliments easily. By living out their faith they have become not just a good Church, but a Church that sets the example for those around them, a model Church which others seek to emulate.

I wonder what type of example we are setting? When I have a particularly grumpy day, sometimes my wife will remind me that I am a trainee Minister in the Church of Scotland. She doesn’t do this to shame me or make me feel bad but to lovingly remind me that what I do reflects on how people see the Church. This is particularly true for those of us who work for the Church, but it is true for all Christians. The example we set not only reflects on what people think of the Church but how people view the head of the Church. The example we set, is the only thing some people will know about Jesus, we want them to see that example and want to know more about who Jesus is.

That sets us up nicely for the last hallmark of a good Church that I have for you today. A steadfast, joyful, hardworking Church, that imitates Christ and is an example to others around them; that Church is a missional, evangelical Church. In verse 8 the Apostle tells the Church, that the word of their faith in the Lord has gone forth everywhere. The Church in Thessalonian is fulfilling the last command of Jesus to be “witnesses to the end of the Earth”. By living out their faith in the ways the Apostle has so passionately commended them, they have become a Church that people listen to.

While learning about psychology to be the best youth pastor I could, I was told that people often won’t remember what you teach them, but they will remember how you treat them. If they feel like they can trust you, that is when they start listening. My good friend sums up his ministry style in a mission statement (that he stole from elsewhere) that statement says, “they won’t care what we know, until they know that we care”. If we want to be a good Church, a model Church, a growing Church – I think we would do well to follow the example of the Church that arguably the ultimate evangelist so readily praised.

Now I invite you to join me, in a moment of silent prayer, listening for the Holy Spirits guidance as we reflect on how we can adopt the hallmarks of the good Church. So close your eyes if you wish, let’s ask God for guidance.

Lord what work do you have for your Church? Where can we stand steadfast for your Gospel? Help us to be joyful in all circumstances. Show us how can we imitate Christ.

[Take a minute to listen and reflect]

May we follow the example set by Christ and become an example to others. May it be so, Amen.

Online Hymn 430: Christ Has Risen While Earth Slumbers

Sanctuary Hymn 561: Blessed Assurance

Sanctuary Offering and Response 410 v. 4
Sing we to our God above: Alleluia!
Praise eternal as his love: Alleluia!
Praise him, all you heavenly host: Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: Alleluia!

Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
God of community, we are so grateful
for the people you have placed in our lives,
the people with whom you call us to be your Body,
the people who have taught us your word and showed us your way,
who have lived your good news every day and been an example for us.
We praise you for those
who offer hospitality,
who speak your truth even when no one seems to be listening,
who persevere in hope that you will use their faithfulness for your kingdom,
who stand up for what is right
and who do so with joy in the midst of the difficulty.
May they be encouraged by your Spirit,
and know they are seen and valued,
inspiring us as we seek to follow your way together.
God of community, we hold in prayer today
those communities that are fractured, wounded, pulling apart,
those places where relationships are damaged by violence, hatred, or fear,
the neighbourhoods where buildings have been bombed and people scattered,
the families and fellowships that can no longer find common ground.
We lift up in our prayers those who have been attacked for welcoming the wrong people,
those who were in the wrong place at the wrong time,
those who have been indiscriminately targeted for practicing their faith,
those who have been caught up in a broken justice system.
And we pray especially for those who are so threatened by change
that they see no peaceful way forward with their neighbour
and no problem with collateral damage,
and for those who are so insistent about justice
that they cannot stand by in the status quo any longer.
May all people so love their neighbour as themselves
that they desire a better world,
and develop the willingness to work for it,
to let go of habits that harm,
to turn from idols to serve you, our true and Living God,
and to seek peace and pursue it.
God of community,
wherever and whenever we, your people,
are tempted to put your kingdom second,
prioritising the law and order of the empire over your world-changing resurrection life,
set us right,
give us strength,
and encourage us in your way,
until all creation lives in harmony
by the power of your gracious mercy
every day.
And on this 21st day of April, we join our hearts as your St John’s church family to pray:
*For local community groups — for the Community Council, our locality Communication & Engagement Group, and other voluntary organisations (such as the Bothy, the Shore Street Garden, Literati, Scouts, Bookbug, the Bunny Park, Library, etc). We pray for the community to be strengthened and built up in friendship as we get to know one another and work together for the common good.
*For the staff of St John’s: for the minister, the organist, the parish assistant, and our student minister.
*For the land, people, and governments of the nations of Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Australia, New Zealand, and the continent of Antarctica.
May we all know the joy of your resurrection life.
We ask these and all things in the name of our risen Lord, Jesus the Christ,
who taught us to pray together
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.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Sanctuary Hymn 430: Christ Has Risen While Earth Slumbers

Benediction
Friends, we have received God’s word today — now go out with joy to embody what we have heard. We have learned from Christ and from each other — now go out with peace to grow in faithful living. We have been inspired by the Holy Spirit and by our neighbour near and far — now go out with hope to become an example to those who long to see God’s kingdom. And as you go, may the Spirit of God go above you to watch over you; may the Spirit of God go beside you to be your companion; may the Spirit of Go, go before you to show you the way and behind you to push you into places you might not go alone; may the Spirit of God go within you, to remind you that you are loved more deeply than you can possibly imagine. May the fire of God’s love burn brightly in you, and through you into the world. Go in peace. Amen.

Sung Benediction Response (John L Bell, tune Gourock St John’s)
Now may the Lord of all be blessed,
Now may Christ’s gospel be confessed,
Now may the Spirit when we meet
Bless sanctuary and street.

Postlude Music

Announcements

* We worship in the sanctuary on Sundays at 11am and 5pm, and Sunday worship is also online. If you are able, please enter by the front door in Bath street, and only those who need step-free access should use the back door. If you feel unwell, please worship online, to protect both yourself and others in our community.

* Tonight at 7pm there’s a BIG SING in Port Glasgow New Parish Church, led by the CONNECT+ singers. All are welcome to come along to sing lots of songs from the world church and some Scottish favourites!

* Starter Packs are in need of of Shaving Foam, Soap Powder, Soap and Men’s Shower Gel.
The FoodBank are in need of Diluting juice, Long life juice, Rice pudding, Tinned Ham & Tinned Tuna. You can bring donations to the church and place them into the boxes in the vestibule. Thank you!

* CONNECT churches are hosting a concert by acclaimed folk band Siskin Green — you may have seen them on Reflections at the Quay! The concert will be at the Lyle Kirk on Saturday 11 May at 7:30pm. Tickets are available by clicking here, or speak to Teri to get one if you’re not able to book online.

* Did you know that the ministry we do at St John’s costs about £3000 per week? Everything we do is funded by your generous giving — all our support for young people, older people, bereavement care, community outreach, worship, study, spiritual growth, and community work is because of your offering. If you would like to set up a standing order in order to facilitate your spiritual discipline of giving, or if you would like to make an extra gift to support the ministry St. John’s does in our parish, you can give online by clicking here. If you would like to set up a standing order, please contact Teri and she can give you the treasurer’s details. You can also send your envelopes to the church or the manse by post and we will ensure they are received. 
It is also possible to donate to the work of the parish assistant, speak to Anne Love about how to go about directing new donations to that new item in the budget.

* Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Youtube, and to sign up for our email devotions! Midweek you can watch Wine and the Word on Youtube, pray with video devotions on Facebook, and consider a new angle on something with a devotional email. Feel free to share with your friends, too!

* Free period products are available in the church toilets for anyone who might need them, thanks to Hey Girls and Inverclyde Council.

* Wednesday Evening Bible Study meets in the manse at 7:30pm.

* The Kirk Session will meet on Thursday the 9^th of May 2024, at 7.30pm.

* Why not join us for the 5pm Sunday evening service, where we’ll dive deeper into the morning message through an engaging interview with the preacher, guitar-based music, Bible readings, and prayer in a relaxed atmosphere for reflection and worship.
Did you miss the morning service? No worries! We’ll get you caught up before the discussion.