Sunday Service for 2 June 2024
Sunday 2 June 2024
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
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: from Isaiah 61 (NRSV) and our mission statement
All: God has called us the Body of Christ,
chosen and anointed in the long line of God’s servants:
1: to bring good news to the oppressed,
to bind up the broken-hearted,
2: to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and release to the prisoners;
3: to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour
All: God has called us the Body of Christ,
a family gathered in love, striving for justice and joy:
1: Standing up for what’s fair and right,
2: challenging systems that harm,
3: working toward a world that sustains us all,
joining our creativity with creation’s joy.
All: The Holy Spirit has work for us to do!
*Sanctuary Hymn 685: For Everyone Born (text rev. Dan Damon/Hope Publishing)
Prayer
You are the Source of all, Breath of Life,
Word that creates and inspires.
Every syllable you utter is active,
setting the world in motion.
You call us to be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to anger…
we confess we are slow to listen and slow to speak, but quick to anger.
We listen only for what we want to hear,
and we tune out when someone’s story is inconvenient or challenges our worldview.
We keep silent when we ought to speak up.
And so our tempers flare because we chose not to try to understand,
we sought offence and found it,
we let our frustrations fester into resentment and passed our grudges down the generations.
We admit that it is hard for your word to get through, O God,
and when it does sometimes it’s in one ear and out the other.
We confess that we love to talk of listening to you,
but we don’t often move to action.
Forgive us, we pray,
and remind us once again of what it means to be made in your image:
to breathe your Spirit of life,
to be creators of justice and joy,
to act on the word you speak
that all the world may know the truth of your love that changes everything.
We ask in the name of your Word made flesh,
Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Online Hymn 685: For Everyone Born
Sanctuary Children’s Time
Song:
The kingdom of God is justice and peace,
and joy in the Holy Spirit!
Come, Lord, and open in us
the gates of your kingdom.
Scripture Reading: James 1.19-27 (New Revised Standard Version)
You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.
But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.
If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
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: Striving for Justice and Joy
I used to read this line about looking in the mirror and then immediately forgetting what we saw there and think “that’s silly…who forgets so quickly?” I still think it’s a strange metaphor for our modern world where most of us know what we look like because we have not only better mirrors but photography, but aside from that I also now have much more experience with instantly forgetting things that seemed so clear a moment ago. I’m sure we’ve all wondered why-did-I-come-into-this-room, lost our train of thought mid-sentence, or met someone and then forgotten their name seconds later. Some of that we laugh off as age, and some is because the way the world runs now, we are being asked to hold a lot more information than before, with the constant global news cycle and social media. And some is the basic brain structure that James is getting at: simply hearing or seeing is rarely enough to truly learn. It’s those who do that remember. It’s doing that changes us, doing that changes situations, doing that changes the world. We can listen all we like, but if we do nothing, then nothing happens. Doing can rewire our brain circuits, doing can train our muscle memory, doing can bring about new opportunities for our neighbours and neighbourhoods, doing can open possibilities that were never there before — both inside and outside ourselves.
So be doers of the word, not only hearers.
I know we aren’t really joking when we joke about how no one remembers the sermon as soon as they go through for coffee — sometimes even I don’t remember my own sermons! But…surely we listen for God’s word together because we believe it can make a difference, right? Not just to whether we feel happy today or not, but a difference in the world, because we want to see the kingdom of God, we want to see lives made better, we want to see love and peace and justice and joy…not only because it would be nice but because we believe that is God’s promise for the world.
If we believe that…why is it so easy to instantly forget the word we have heard? Why is it so hard to put it into action, to change our behaviour, to practice what we preach once we leave this hour together?
Part of the reason, I think, is simply because there’s a lot going on. Too many calls on our energy, time, attention, and resources.
And part of it is because we have actually bought another lie and it has displaced the truth. We have been conditioned to believe that things are the way they are, and we are too small and insignificant to change that. Whether that’s economically because we’ve been told to believe that people who hoard obscene amounts of wealth deserve to keep it and deserve the power that comes with it; or politically because the systems have been in place for generations or even millennia and how could one voice be heard; or environmentally because after decades of household recycling it turns out that while individual efforts matter, corporations and governments are the ones who really need to change, and how could we possibly affect something so massive?
When James says at the end of today’s reading that true religion is to care for orphans and widows and to keep oneself unstained by the world, I actually think this lie is what he’s talking about.
The systems of this world want us to believe we can’t change them, that it is impossible and naive for followers of Christ to bring the kingdom of God to fruition in this world. The systems of this world want us to believe that our religion belongs in our hearts but not in our hands or our voting booths or our pocketbooks. The systems of this world want us to believe that God’s justice and joy are for the afterlife but not this life.
And those beliefs are a lie, a stain that spreads and obscures the image of God we are meant to be revealing.
To be unstained by the world, unstained by its systems of greed and domination and power, will require being doers of the word. Because we can hear all we want but pushing back on those beliefs that have become so ingrained will take both the Holy Spirit and OUR effort. And we won’t get there by just thinking about it or talking about it. We will have to act…to do…to live ourselves into a new way of thinking, rather than trying to think ourselves into a new way of living.
We say at St John’s that God calls us together as family, and that part of our task as the family of God is to strive for justice and joy. Striving means putting in effort, not just talking and not just waiting for someone else to do it…actually investing ourselves, our energy and time and resources in doing justice, in creating conditions for joy that transcends shallow happiness, in pushing against the world’s systems that want us to sit back and think it’s all out of our hands. To strive for justice and joy is to stand up, not stand by. To strive for justice and joy is to pursue peace, as well as praying for it. To strive for justice and joy is to not just turn away from those worldly voices that want us to believe this is just how things are, but to speak up and be louder than they are.
In the call to worship today we heard words from the prophet Isaiah about the task God had given the people Israel, words that Jesus quoted when describing his own mission, words that are meant to also be the mission of the body of Christ: to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour. Did you hear how many verbs that was? Not a single phrase there about listening or pondering or thinking…every single word is a doing word. Bring, bind up, proclaim. Do the things that God has promised, and in the doing, God will be present.
Sure, maybe it feels like it’s too big and too difficult. But we are called to try. Striving is about trying, and failing and getting up and trying again.
On Friday afternoon, Gourock Schools and Churches Together hosted an event to share the anti-racism work our schools have been doing. One of the things that came through every presentation, whether it was from the P7 classes at all three primary schools or the high school pupils talking about what they’ve learned, was that it is important to learn but it is not enough to only learn. They have learned about sugar plantations, Windrush, colonialism, and the current experiences of other children in Inverclyde who have been called horrific names. And that is important. They also talked of the need to acknowledge hurt, to speak up when they hear or see that bad behaviour, to decolonise the school curriculum and include more opportunities for everyone to see themselves in books and art and media, to learn compassion and to put it into action. They spoke about ongoing work, not just watching a video or reading a story and then moving on, but practicing what to say and what to do to make sure that everyone feels welcome and included and valued in our community. And that ripples out, from this community to the next, and the next.
It is hard work. But surely if the children can do this, we can too. We don’t have to just sit back and say we’re glad the next generation is taking care of something we’ve long accepted as intractable…we could follow their lead and put in the work ourselves, too. On anti-racism, on creation care, on climate justice, on economic equity, on political reform… God’s word speaks into every aspect of life and many are areas that young people are leading on because they haven’t yet been stained by the world’s insistence on apathy that enables the status quo. What if we joined them?
This is religion that God wants: to care for orphans and widows, the people who are most vulnerable in society. That means reaching out to the people others overlook or brush aside. To open arms and bring together people who normally don’t get a place at the table.
Notice that isn’t just opening the door and passively waiting for people to come looking for us. Not just hearing, but doing. Not thinking about them one moment and forgetting the next, out of sight out of mind. Not seeing an issue but assuming someone else will do it, or that there’s nothing to be done. It’s reaching out, bringing together, offering care, putting our time, money, and effort where we say our faith is.
If we really believe that God changes lives, if we really believe that Jesus makes a difference to us and to the world, if we really believe that the Holy Spirit is still at work today, then there’s still only one way to the kingdom that God has promised: be doers of the word, not only hearers.
And if we don’t believe that…honestly I don’t even know how to finish that sentence, the thought of it makes me so sad.
When you go through for coffee today, I invite you to take a couple of minutes to talk about something you can do to put your faith into action this week — don’t just forget this sermon in the corridor between the sanctuary and hall doors, but discuss together a concrete action or behaviour or task you can AND WILL do to strive for justice and joy, to proclaim good news, bind up the broken hearted, set someone free, stand up for what is right, do something to wipe away a bit of the stain of the lie that we can’t change things…be the Body of Christ and transform the world.
May it be so. Amen.
*Sanctuary Hymn: God, May Our Church Reflect Your Grace (GWA202, words: Ruth Duck; tune: Ellacombe)
Online Hymn: God of Justice
Santuary Offering
*Sanctuary Offering Response: We Are An Offering
We lift our voices; we lift our hands;
we lift our lives up to you:
we are an offering.
Lord, use our voices; Lord, use our hands;
Lord, use our lives; they are yours:
we are an offering.
All that we have, all that we are,
all that we hope to be,
we give to you, we give to you.
We lift our voices; we lift our hands;
we lift our lives up to you:
we are an offering;
we are an offering.
Sanctuary — This Time Tomorrow: Anne Love
Where will you be this time tomorrow?
What do you do there?
What are your challenges and joys?
How can we pray for you?
Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
The kingdom of God is justice and peace,
and joy in the Holy Spirit!
Come, Lord, and open in us
the gates of your kingdom.
Sanctuary: Pray for Anne
The kingdom of God
Loving and gracious God,
we give you thanks this day for your perseverance with us,
for your continued care and teaching.
We are grateful for your love made visible in our lives,
and for the vision of your justice and joy that we can work toward.
We bring with us today our prayers
for a world that seems so far from that vision.
We beg for justice that leads to peace for our neighbours in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank,
in Ukraine and Russia,
in Nigeria, Sudan, Haiti, Yemen, Myanmar.
The very earth cries out with their pain, O God,
and we join our voices with theirs to ask for help,
for children to be able to go to school without fear,
for enough food and clean water for communities to thrive,
for hope for the future and dignity to pursue it.
May all the world experience your grace
and so learn to love our neighbour — near and far — as ourselves.
The kingdom of God
Healing God,
we pray for the wholeness of our global community
and also for healing close to home, in our own neighbourhood,
our families and our church,
and our bodies, minds, and spirits.
We lift to you those who feel betrayed by their bodies,
those struggling with life-limiting illness or injury,
those whose brains tell them lies and whose spirits feel heavy or broken,
those who grieve and do not yet see how to carry on.
We ask you to bless them with relief and with hope,
with the caring hands of doctors and nurses and carers,
and with your peace that passes all understanding.
The kingdom of God
Almighty and Compassionate God,
in your wisdom you create and call and empower and guide,
and though we do not understand the mystery of your grace
we trust your power and presence,
and pray for the courage to pursue your purpose.
As you have made us in your image and hold us in your care,
we pray that your church, the Body of Christ,
may be a living exhibition of your kingdom of justice, peace, and joy.
Make us doers of your word and not only hearers.
Make us good stewards of your creation that future generations may live in your abundance.
As you have blessed us, make us a blessing to others.
We pray for our community to be strengthened and built up in friendship,
on the firm foundation of your love.
And on this second day of the month,
we join our hearts together as your church family to pray:
*For your Church at Gourock St John’s. For the congregation’s members and friends and visitors and young people, for worship and ministry and mission outreach and fellowship. For all who worship with St John’s online or support St John’s from afar. For our faithfulness and our capacity for growing as Your Body on earth.
*For the Contact Group and other fellowship groups at St John’s, that they may learn and deepen friendships together in your presence.
*For the land, people, and governments of the nations of Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.
The kingdom of God
In all things, we lift our gratitude and praise, our hopes and fears,
our burdens and cares, to your love, trusting in your gracious mercy,
praying in the powerful name of 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: God of Justice (praise band) (by Tim Hughes)
Benediction
Friends, go from this place to stand up for what’s fair and right, challenge systems that harm, working toward a world that sustains us all, joining your creativity with creation’s joy.
The Holy Spirit has work for us to do, so let us be doers of the word, not only hearers.
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
*Bowl & Blether is on TOMORROW, 3 June, doors open at 11:30. We could use extra volunteers if you’re available, because we’ll have special guests from the P2 class at St Ninian’s primary school. All are welcome!
* We worship in the sanctuary on Sundays at 11am, 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.
* Starter Packs are in need of Shampoo, Soap, Shaving Foam, Cleaning Cloths, Teabags and Soap Powder.
The FoodBank are in need of UHT Milk, tinned tomatoes, tinned hotdogs & pasta sauce. You can bring donations to the church and place them into the boxes in the vestibule. Thank you!
* 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!
* Wednesday Evening Bible Study meets in the manse at 7:30pm most weeks.
* Free period products are available in the church toilets for anyone who might need them, thanks to Hey Girls and Inverclyde Council.
* The schedule for the Sunday evening service is changing: after a wee break, it will resume on 9 June and happen on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. We’ll have toasties and sandwiches together from 5:30 and the service will start at the back of 6. All are welcome for this simple meal and time of worship. The Sunday evening service is informal and reflective, with guitar-based music, Bible readings, and prayer for our parish. Come along and discover practical ways to apply the word to your life, in a chilled vibe that fosters connection and reflection.
* Join us at “God’s Kitchen Table” for the summer exploratorium, the week of the 29th of July! Registration for this holiday club for children entering P1 – P7 is now open on the church website. If you’d like to volunteer please speak to Teri, Charlene, or Graham Bolster.
