In Jeff’s reflection he mentions a story with Itzhak Perlman – so – in case you do not know him or his music, here are a couple of short videos as an introduction.
We continue to be so grateful for those who continue to financially support the ministry of TMUC, through your donations on PAR, through www.canadahelps.org and in cheques mailed to the church. You are making a difference. Thank you.
Even though we cannot be together in one place, let’s continue to be a community at prayer together. On Sunday at 10:00, let’s think about the gifts we have in our lives, and needs of our world, and then let’s all pray the Lord’s prayer (you can pray silently, or out loud).
And, sometime, when you want to have a longer worship time, we are including some words and videos for your use.
Once each week, the Prayer List will arrive in the ‘Inbox’ of those who want to read the names of those we know need and want our prayers. If you want to add a name to the weekly Prayer List, please do – ask for a person’s permission if you are adding their last name – and let us know by sending a note to tmuc@shaw.ca And, if you want to receive the list, please be in touch with that request as well.
We are gathered for worship and work in Treaty One territory, which is the traditional land of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dené peoples and the homeland of the Metis Nation. For thousands of years Indigenous Peoples walked this land and knew it to be the centre of their lives and their spirituality. We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
Worship for Sunday, August 9, 2020
We come to worship with ‘Spirit God, Be Our Breath’ (which is 150 in More Voices if you have a hymn book and want to sing along):
We gather together although we are apart.
We gather in community although we are alone.
We gather asking for God’s blessing on our lives, and on our world.
We gather knowing God is with us.
Our opening hymn is a recording by the Common Cup Company – of which TMUC’s Jim Uhrich was a member. They wrote and recorded My Love Colours Outside the Lines which is now in the More Voices hymnbook. Here is their recording:
Carol has a story about golf ball prayers. You don’t need golf balls as a tool for prayer – you could use Lego bricks – bottle caps – anything that comes in a few colours. Write a list of what those colours could be for your prayers that day – drop them in a bag and as you reach in and find a colour, let your prayers flow.
Matthew 14:22-33
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Jeff offers a reflection:
Printable Version
Reflection on Matthew 14_Aug9
Let us pray:
God, we live immersed in Your presence.
You are present in the emptiness,
in the gaps between dreams and existence.
You are present during the storms of life:
the chaotic times of uncertainty and disruption,
the times when we have lost our vision and our way,
the times of diminished hope,
the times of fear.
You are present as the companion who comes to us in the storm – who assures us that we are still encircled by shores, that we are not abandoned, that we are not alone in these times.
You assure us that we are held in an amazing grace that offers peace of spirit, hope of joy and promise of life.
Thank you, God, for Your ongoing creation of new creation, of beloved community, of the Great Economy of harmony and reconciliation and affirmation.
Thank you, God, for the stories that tell of Your faithfulness, and Your presence during all the times of celebration and all the times of storms.
We pray that those experiencing storms in this world experience Your love with them.
We pray for all humanity as we continue to live with COVID-19.
We pray for the emotional well-being of all who find times of lockdown stressful and isolating.
We pray for all who have contracted the virus.
We pray for all the medical people offering care and support.
We pray for those working to develop a vaccine.
We pray that all people have the patience and compassion to participate in keeping everyone safer by wearing masks, frequently washing their hands and physically distancing.
We pray, God, for those facing financial storms of unemployment, of business closures, of poverty that existed long before this pandemic.
We pray for the people of Beirut, for those who grieve the deaths of loved ones, those injured in this week’s explosion, those searching amongst the rubble, those trying to bring healing in the midst of devastation.
We pray for all the communities that have experienced Tropical storm Isaias – communities in the Caribbean, and in the eastern United States and Canada.
We pray, God, for peace in this world.
We pray for reconciliation and healing in this world.
We pray for all who struggle with physical disabilities and illnesses, all who struggle with mental health conditions, all who seek freedom from addictions, from anger, from fear, from the wounds of personal experiences and histories.
God, the storms can seem so overwhelming, but nothing can overwhelm Your love, nothing can remove us from Your love.
Give us courage, give us faith, give us hope, give us love and allow us to recognize Your love in the Christ figure who finds us in all life’s storms, and who will carry us back home into Your grace and love.
In Christ’s name we pray. AMEN
Our closing hymn is “You Raise Me Up”
May God bless you and keep you.
May God’s face shine upon you.
May God grant you peace and joy.
Be in the peace of Christ, this day and always. Amen
We keep you in our prayers,
Carol and Jeff