Sunday service for 5 March 2023, second Sunday in Lent

Sunday 5 March 2023, NL1-32, 2nd Sunday in Lent
Gourock St. John’s Church of Scotland
Service prepared by Rev. Teri Peterson
Manse: 632143 
Email: tpeterson (at) churchofscotland.org.uk

Prelude Music

Welcome and Announcements

Call to Worship
One: Come in, come in, there’s room for us all.
All: Lifelong members and first time visitors, we come.
One: Wherever you have been, and whatever you’ve been doing, come.
All: We come, some who have a lifetime of service and some who are eager to begin.
One: Come in to God’s kingdom where there is enough for everyone.
All: First and last, last and first, we come.

Sanctuary Hymn: We Rejoice to Be God’s Chosen

Prayer
We do not understand the politics of your kingdom, O God,
other than to understand you are the One whose will is done.
You hold the power to do what is right,
and you call us to trust your goodness and generosity,
then to do as you do
and so make your kingdom visible on earth as in heaven.
Show us how to value the right things
and to put those values into action.
Loving God, you are endlessly generous, giving to all according to your love.
We confess that we are envious of your generosity
because we want you to follow our understanding of what is fair
even if it clashes with your vision of what is right,
and so we begrudge others the daily bread we think they did not earn.
We confess that we see people in terms of what they can contribute,
or what value their work has to us,
rather than seeing them as made in your image and beloved, our equals.
And we admit that we worry that new people and new ideas
will eclipse the hard work we have done for years, leaving us behind,
and so in our fear we disparage the newcomers as unworthy,
insisting our traditions should have pride of place.
Forgive us, O God,
and let your forgiveness turn us around, change our hearts and minds,
to recognise the gifts of those who join us in your work,
and to see that the presence of different gifts doesn’t mean ours have been in vain.
Your love extends to all —
may your forgiveness make us as generous as you are.
We ask in the name of Jesus who truly saw people,
and gives us eyes to see as well.
Amen.

Sanctuary: Tell Me A Story about seeing God at your work (Alison Ralston)

Online Hymn: We Rejoice to Be God’s Chosen (words: John L Bell; tune: Nettleton)
We rejoice to be God’s chosen
not through virtue, work or skill,
but because God’s love is generous,
unconformed to human will.
and because God’s love is restless
like the surging of the sea,
we are pulled by heaven’s dynamic
to become, not just to be.

We rejoice to be God’s chosen,
to be gathered to God’s side,
not to build a pious ghetto
or be steeped in selfish pride;
but to celebrate the goodness
of the One who sets us free
from the smallness of our vision
to become, not just to be.

We rejoice to be God’s chosen,
to align with heaven’s intent,
to await where we are summoned
and accept where we are sent.
We rejoice to be God’s chosen
and, amidst all that we see,
to anticipate with wonder
that the best is yet to be.

Sanctuary Children’s Time

Reading: Matthew 20:1-16 (New Revised Standard Version)
‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the market-place; and he said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, “Why are you standing here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard.” When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, “Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.” When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” But he replied to one of them, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” So the last will be first, and the first will be last.’

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: Keep Going Out
Whenever I tell this story to school children, they start out gasping in horror at the unfairness of it. And if we’re honest, we probably do too. Like the story of the prodigal, where in all honesty we are often more like the older brother who is annoyed that the younger brother seems to have just gotten away with everything, here we often sympathise with the workers who worked diligently the whole day only to find that those who were hired late in the day were paid the same. And when the landowner says “are you envious because I am generous?” our answer is “yes, yes we are.”

Because the parable seems to go against our sense of fairness or else to be either complicated enough to set aside or to spiritualise entirely, it seems a good opportunity to explore the ways a parable is not the same as an allegory, where each element of the story equates to something else in a sort of secret code.

One way this story has often been explained is as an allegory where the landowner is God, and the vineyard is Christian life, the workers are people, and the wages are heavenly reward. God goes out and gets more and more people, and no matter what time God brings calls them into faithful living, they get the same heavenly reward. So it might be interpreted to mean that if God called you to faith in Christ when you were a baby and you spent your whole life in the church, or if God called you to confess Christ on your deathbed after a lifetime of apparently doing nothing for him, you get the same heavenly reward. Or it could be interpreted to say that those who followed Jesus first, like the first twelve disciples, and those of us who come thousands of years later, receive the same heavenly reward.

That’s certainly one way of looking at it, and it has some appeal…but it also has some issues. For one thing, it makes the whole story about something that happens after we die, whereas Matthew’s gospel has been about the kingdom of heaven coming on earth. And for another, why are we jealous of people who God calls to faith later than us? Of course the version where it’s reassuring us as latecomers, historically speaking, is attractive because it allows us to be welcomed without challenging us by association with the people who complain. In this interpretation of the story, who is the manager? Is it that God is the landowner, and Jesus is the manager, paying everyone? Or is Jesus the landowner going out to get people, and God is the manager paying people’s rewards? How would it work if one member of the Trinity was giving instructions to another? And if that’s the case, how come they don’t just gather everyone in at the same time? Why are there workers left standing in the marketplace until later on? Why not just call everyone together and thus avoid all this drama? Was God the landowner not paying attention and just…missed some people the first time, and the second time, and the third…? Could Jesus not see them standing there? Were they left there on purpose to see if they would wait or if they would go off to some other field? And so we begin to see how parable and allegory don’t fit easily together!

Another possible explanation is that the parable is an allegory of the church. In this interpretation, the vineyard itself is the church, and the workers are those who are called into the church family. And then those who have been part of the church for a long time, volunteering and giving and keeping the place going, end up resentful of the new people who join, and believe that they are better and should get more, or have more say, than those new people. And sometimes it’s true that the church ends up preferring tradition and long-standing members and programs and ministries, the way we’ve always done it, and we get jealous of the fresh energy and new ideas that come in and seem to be given equal weight even though we have put blood, sweat, and tears into this place for so many years. And it is also true that we are meant to follow the instructions of the landowner and treat everyone equally, whether they joined the church yesterday or have been here for 100 years.

While that explanation does challenge us to look at our own church community and to consider how we work together across generations and how we value one another and the contributions we bring at different stages of our life together, it also has some issues. Who exactly are the landowner and manager in this version of the secret code of the story? And what are the wages? Is it God who brings people in at different times, and then the leaders of the church who reward everyone with…what…the same thank you in the Kirk Session minutes? It’s definitely not a perfect fit here either.

What if, instead of the parable being an allegory where each part is a code for something else, either in the afterlife or in the church, we were to take Jesus at his word: the kingdom of heaven — which remember he says is at hand, and we are supposed to be praying for it to come on earth — is like this. When the world reflects God’s vision and purpose, this is what it will be like: those with wealth and status, those who hold opportunity, will keep going out to look for more people to bring in, even when it isn’t economically practical. And every person will be afforded the dignity of being seen and called in, and every person will be paid enough for their daily needs. After all, we pray “give us this day our daily bread,” and we remember that in the wilderness the Israelites all had the same amount of manna, no matter how much they collected — isn’t that what happens here?

I always ask the children when I tell this story whether the people who waited all day looking for work have fewer needs than the people who got lucky enough to be hired first, and they always decide that everyone has the same need and expenses for food and shelter and their families. Then I ask them if there are any people in the story who are just worth less as human beings than the others. Are the ones who worked all day better than the people who waited all day to be hired? Because that’s the complaint they make: “you have made them equal to us.” And the children decide that all of them have the same value as human beings.

The landowner pays them according to their value, rather than according to the value they produce for him, which is not the same thing. The kingdom of God is like this: a world where people are valued for who they are, not for what good they can do for me.

Thinking about it this way, perhaps we are being invited to learn primarily not from the workers, but from the landowner — who never sits back and assumes everyone is in or that the work is done, but keeps going out to see who we missed the last time, until everyone is included in this community of equity and justice, where everyone has enough. And sure, at first it might feel odd and unfair to some; but the kingdom of heaven isn’t interested in our human rules of fairness, because they are not based on love but on gain. The landowner may or may not economically gain anything from those latter workers, but he does build a community based on the kind of love where everyone is called in and provided for. We may or may not “gain” anything from continually going out seeking those who have been overlooked. The ones still there at the end of the day are probably those who were overlooked for a reason — maybe they were less physically able, maybe they were less attractive or lower on the social ladder or less educated, maybe they were invisible because we thought of them as beneath us. Maybe we were moving too fast and they needed help to get up and take the step toward the vineyard, or maybe they just didn’t fit our traditional timetable for whatever reason. But the landowner goes out again and again, to make sure that even the least desirable, even the last standing, even the loneliest one left there, is brought in and valued for their worth. If we were to learn from him, we too would be so generous that no one would left behind or left out, not just spiritually but economically too.

That’s what it means to love your neighbour as yourself, to treat others as you want to be treated…and when we choose to participate in this kingdom life, that’s when we’ll see God, even in our work, here and now.

May it be so. Amen.

Online Hymn: Thrive (Casting Crowns)
Sanctuary Hymn 555: Amazing Grace

Offering (Sanctuary only)
The ministry we currently do here at St John’s costs over £10,000 per month, which is actually a bit more than our current income. But we believe God is calling us to serve this community, and we can only do that because of your generosity which helps God’s kingdom grow and flourish in this place. Your morning offering will now be received.

Sanctuary Offering Response 680 v. 4 (tune: Picardy)
May the One whose love is broader
than the measure of all space
give us words to sing the story,
move among us in this place.
Christ be known in all our living,
filling all with gifts of love.

Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
Gracious God, we give you thanks for calling us to labour for your kingdom,
for tasks great and small, difficult and simple,
all move the vineyard toward your purpose.
We are grateful that you are not a harsh taskmaster,
but rather a generous Lord who gives us all we need to thrive.
We pray this day for those whose work is difficult and dangerous,
for those who are not paid enough to meet their daily needs,
for those at the mercy of unethical employers.
May your protection and abundance surround and fill them.
And we ask that your generosity may be reflected
in the way we treat those who work for us and around us.
We pray this day for those who control resources,
that they may empathise with those who worry about their daily bread,
and that they may use their resources well for the benefit of the whole community.
May your goodness extend through their hands.
And we ask that your generosity may be reflected
in the choices we make as consumers and owners in this world.
We pray this day for those who have been overlooked,
and only recently allowed into our community,
for those who bring fresh energy and joy at being welcomed.
May your courage sustain them through the challenges of living by faith.
And we ask that your generosity may be reflected
in the way we include and respect others.
Help us, O God, to do whatever is right,
even when it is challenging.
We ask these and all things in the name of Jesus the Christ,
who turned the systems of this world upside down that the last may be first,
and 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: Thrive (Praise Band, song by Casting Crowns)

Benediction
Go to be generous as God is generous, sharing the blessing that has been given to you so that all may come in.
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 God go before you to show you the way, and behind you to push you into places you might not go alone. And 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.

Sanctuary Postlude Music

Announcements

* We worship in the sanctuary on Sundays at 11am, and all Sunday worship is also online (or on the phone at 01475 270037, or in print). 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.

* The choir rehearses in the sanctuary immediately after the service, and finishes before 1pm. All who enjoy singing are welcome!

*We are looking for a new Property Convenor — the role mainly involves keeping track of contracts (ie utilities/works) and contacting and following up with contractors to get works done in accordance with the Kirk Session’s instructions, plans, and budget. The administrative/reporting duties have thus far been done entirely using Microsoft Word, so no particular technological skills required. If you might be interested in volunteering for this role, please speak to Cameron, Donald (the current convenor), or Teri to learn more. 

* Did you know that it costs us about £10,500 per month to do the ministry we currently do at St. John’s? That includes heating and lighting the building and keeping it in good repair for church and community groups, programming, events, and pastoral care for people of all ages, our contribution to minister’s stipends, and other ministry costs. The Kirk now has online giving! If you have not already 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 Peter Bennett, our treasurer, or Teri and she can give you his details. You can also send your envelopes to the church or the manse by post and we will ensure they are received. 

* 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. All are welcome as we continue reading through the Bible in somewhat more than a year!

* Young Adult Bible Study meets in the manse on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 7pm for a meal and discussion of the gospel according to John. Everyone in their 20s is welcome!

* Our Lent study is with all of Connect, meeting in the Lyle Kirk on Thursday evenings. We gather at 7pm for tea and coffee and then start at 7:30pm. We are studying “Another Story Must Begin” based on the musical Les Miserables. All are welcome, no experience necessary.

* The next Bowl & Blether is next TOMORROW Monday, 6 March. The doors open at 11:30 and soup & toasties are served from noon. We also have board games, tea and coffee, and friendly chat! Why not invite a neighbour or friend? The next Bowl & Blether in St Margaret’s is on Saturday 11 March, also from 11:30.

* The Contact Group meet on Tuesday, the 7th of March at 2pm, with guest speaker Isabel Lind’s topic being ‘My Holiday in Thailand’. The Group would like to thank the congregation for the excellent response to their Smalls For All appeal.

* The Stated Annual Meeting of the congregation will be held immediately after morning worship on Sunday, 19th March. The minute of last year’s meeting will be available next Sunday. You can download a copy of the Annual Report by clicking here.

* March 2023 marks the 125th anniversary of the 2nd Gourock Boys’ Brigade. Tickets are available now for two anniversary events: the Reunion Dinner Saturday 18th March 6.30 for 7pm in Masonic Hall John Street — this is now sold out but there is a waiting list so please contact Alan for more information. Our anniversary Grand Charity Ball will be Saturday 9th September 6.00 for 6.30pm in Greenock Town Hall. Tickets priced £50 or £500 for a table of 10 will be available soon. The benefitting Charities have been selected and will be announced shortly. We are delighted to announce that every penny raised from ticket sales and our charity auction on the evening will go directly to our chosen charities. This event is open to all so please spread the word, book your table, put the date in your diary and look forward to what we are sure will be a Second To None evening of enjoyment and celebration.

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

* The Stedfast Silver Band is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is keen to contact as many former members as possible. To launch a year of festivities the Band is hosting a Birthday party at 2pm NEXT Sunday the 12th of March in Westburn Parish Church hall for all members past and present and would like as many people as possible to attend. There will be displays, photos, music and birthday cake and a chance to reminisce and catch up. If you are, or you know, any former members of the band, please let them know. For more information or to RSVP, please contact stedfastbandsecretary@outlook.com or find them on Facebook: Stedfast Silver Band: Greenock.

* Greenock Philharmonic Choir’s Spring Concert will be on Saturday 25th March in Lyle Kirk, Union Street, Greenock at 7-30pm.  They will perform ‘Elijah’ by Mendelssohn. The conductor is Andrew McTaggart, and the choir will be accompanied by the Glasgow Chamber Orchestra.        Soloists are Catriona Hewitson, Penelope Cousland, William Searle, and Ross Cumming. Tickets, priced £15, including refreshments, are available from Calum Harbison on 07847 250529,  or by emailing  info@greenockphilharmonic.co.uk.

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The Presbytery of Clyde will meet in Inchinnan  Parish Church, Old Greenock Rd, Inchinnan, Renfrew PA4 9PE  on Saturday 18th March  2022 at 10.a.m.

At a Special Meeting constituted for the purpose of finalising the Presbytery Mission Plan, Presbytery will discuss the draft Mission Plan proposals for the Cluster in which your congregation is located.

Your congregation sits within Cluster A and we anticipate that consideration of this cluster will commence at 2.p.m. on the 18^th. March. 

Your congregation is cited to attend in its interest and is entitled to respond to the report through the contribution of one person representing the congregation.

Indications of a desire to contribute to the debate should be made to the Presbytery Clerk, Rev Dr Peter McEnhill, by email at clyde@churchofscotland.org.uk prior to the meeting. 

Please return a copy of this citation digitally signed indicating that it has been intimated to the congregation at public worship on Sunday 5^th and 12^th of March respectively. Alternatively table a signed hard copy to the table at the Presbytery meeting itself.

Rev Dr Peter McEnhill
Presbytery Clerk