Lent 2 - Sunday 28th February 2021

 BURTON JOYCE 

COMMUNITY CHURCH

Sunday 28^th February 2021 

The Second Sunday in Lent

With Nottingham North East Circuit 

Adapted from the service prepared by the Revd John Wiseman. 

Spend a few moments with God, as others share with you. 

Songs of Fellowship (SoF) 

The hymns are chosen mostly from the church hymnbook Songs of Fellowship (SoF). If you don't have a copy of the hymnbook at home, you can often find a video of the hymn on Youtube with the words displayed on video. Also, you can find the Bible readings online at several websites. Search for the specific chapter and verse (e.g. Exodus16, 1-15)

Let’s begin by singing SoF 1120: 

Will you come and follow me

Opening prayers

Father God, you are faithful and kind. You are near to all who call. Your love draws us and your mercy & grace bring us to repentance. Forgive us for not loving you wholeheartedly and for failing to be salt & light in the world; for caring about our own pleasure while ignoring those in need.

Lord Jesus Christ, we come to your cross. By your blood, we are cleansed and by your stripes we are healed. In your love, we are forgiven. 

Holy Spirit, create in us a clean heart. Give us a hunger for your words. Convict and convince us as we come to worship. Strengthen us for the journey. 

Glory be with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Psalm 66:1-9 & 16-20: 

Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth

Bible reading Mark 2:13-17: 

The call of Levi, a tax-collector

Hymn SoF 593: What a friend we have in Jesus 

Today’s message with audio link 

https://app.box.com/s/fwrm1159lubegvs03gdnxo37ny ywsx3x 

It’s not a job for the easily offended or faint hearted: working as a tax collector in the border town of Capernaum on behalf of Herod Antipas, an unpopular ruler who was a puppet of the hated Roman Empire. Customs officer might be a better description and, as such, the job offered plenty of opportunities for shady dealing and exploitation. Tax collectors had a bad reputation. 

So how could the supposed Messiah, the one people expected to free them from the shackles of Rome, take one of Rome’s very own oppressors into his inner circle? Given his association with Rome, his occupation, his contact with Gentiles and doubts about his honesty, Levi was not the kind of man pious and devout Jews wanted anything to do with. But Jesus invites Levi to follow him, to come and be part of his inner circle, to be one of his disciples and despite having what one must assume was a steady job, that’s exactly what Levi does: making an immediate, spur of the moment, life changing decision. 

As Jesus cures, he also heals. He restores. He makes things straight, cleanses, and reintegrates people back into society. Here, right at the start of his public ministry, Jesus declares that this new Kingdom will be for the least, the lost and the lonely. What better way to demonstrate this than to sit down to a meal with Levi and a houseful of tax collectors and sinners. Having received the call and love of Jesus into his own life, Levi turns round and extends the invitation to others just like him. Rather than drop his friends and associates, like he did his job, Levi invites them to share the encounter with Jesus in their own lives. 

Jesus doesn’t attempt simply to avoid those classified as ‘unclean’, he actually seeks them out, actively engages with them, actively shares in God’s provisions with them. After all which one of us, to paraphrase Jesus response to the scribe, would want a doctor to be available to see us only when we were healthy? Jesus extends grace to us, acceptance and an open armed welcome, before we have even repented or changed anything in our lives. 

Who do you identify with in this story? 

• Do you find it difficult to believe that God would want to spend time with you? 
• Are you quick to judge, condemn and criticize? 
• Do you extend the invitation to family, friends, colleagues and strangers? 

What are we waiting for? 

The table is set, the food is ready and there are plenty of spaces available! 

Let’s sing SoF 738: 

Go forth and tell

Prayers of Intercession 

• Pray for the stories and situations foremost in our thoughts this week 
• Pray for all those who feel excluded from God’s great banquet 
• Pray for all fearful of offering or accepting the invitation for fear of rejection 

Pray for the for Women’s World Day of Prayer (5 March)

Pray for the people of Wales with St David’s Day tomorrow (1 March)

Pray for our local family of faith in these strange times

Let’s keep a time of silence before God 

We join together to say the words of the Lord’s prayer: 

Our Father

Let's sing S0F 1583: 

We have a gospel to proclaim

A blessing... 

Having received from around God’s table, let us offer that same invitation to come and dine to all we meet. And may the God of grace go with us, leading us in the way, walking beside us, and keeping us safe on the journey, in Jesus name. Amen

Sunday 21st February 2021

 BURTON JOYCE 

COMMUNITY CHURCH

Sunday 21st February 2021

 

With Nottingham North East Circuit :

Adapted from the service prepared for us by the Revd John Wiseman. Spend a few moments with God, as others share with you. 

Songs of Fellowship (SoF) 

The hymns are chosen mostly from the church hymnbook Songs of Fellowship (SoF). If you don't have a copy of the hymnbook at home, you can often find a video of the hymn on Youtube with the words displayed on video. Also, you can find the Bible readings online at several websites. Search for the specific chapter and verse (e.g. Exodus16, 1-15)

Let’s begin by singing SoF 1381: Jesus Christ is waiting 

Opening prayer: Psalm 102 

Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face from me in my distress. My days pass like smoke. My bones burn like a furnace. My heart is stricken. I am too wasted to eat. I lie awake; like a lonely bird on a housetop. But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever, your name endures to all generations. You will rise up and have compassion on Zion. The LORD will appear in his glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and will not despise their prayer. 

Bible reading Mark 2:1-12 

Today’s message with audio link 

https://app.box.com/s/sxs2uy7e89n8tqbg9lgvfcs0tq4i0 gmb 

Whose house was it? We don’t know, although a careful re-reading of the text ... he returned to Capernaum ... he was at home ... some people came … might make us think it was Jesus’ house. Be that as it may, here, at the start of Mark’s gospel, it is already the fourth healing and the first of five incidents, in quick succession, of opposition to Jesus, right at the start of his ministry.

The interruption provides an opportunity, and the mayhem becomes part of the message. Jesus doesn’t see foolishness, he sees faith. Faith in action; perhaps better translated as ‘commitment’, ‘trust’ or ‘loyalty’. In Mark, it is often also associated with overcoming obstacles put in someone’s way in order to get to Jesus. So, rather than condemn, Jesus commends this group who have literally dropped in, turning them from unexpected intruders to welcomed guests.

Jesus addresses the man in the most intimate of terms, ’Son’, as part of a family, drawing him in who might otherwise have been ostracised and marginalised. Visible and invisible barriers are dismantled with a single word. But Jesus’ most stunning words are yet to come making the hole in the roof seem insignificant compared to the one he is about to tear in the theological structure of his faith. And those words are: 

The son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins.

This term, ‘son of man’, is a term Jesus uses more than any other describing himself. In the book of Daniel, it is used for the true representative of God’s people, who will oppose evil, granted authority to dispense God’s judgement and forgiveness, and who is destined to share in God’s eternal kingship forever. In this moment, Jesus lays claim to who he is and what his mission will be but, to the religious leaders there, to claim to be able to forgive sin is blasphemy.

We feel paralysed by Covid19: health, financial pressures, loss of employment, mental health, the inability to meet with family, worrying about where the next meal is coming from, the children’s education, protection for frontline workers. Paralysed by grief. 

But it is not just the pandemic. 

Self-doubt, lack of confidence, peer pressure, lack of opportunity, uncertainty, fear, guilt, all paralyse. We don’t associate ‘sin’ with these things but how many of us, by deliberate choice, do things we know are not conducive to physical, mental or emotional health? And we can get ‘stuck’ too in our understanding of scripture, in our relationship with God and in our mission and outreach. 

What might it take for us to be able to take up our mat and walk a path of faith? How can we remove ‘the roof’ that is preventing access to all that Jesus offers? Who can we help to ‘carry’ towards such an encounter with the living God, rather than standing in the way? 

Maybe, to know ourselves acknowledged as sons and daughters of God and then to know that with forgiveness comes freedom; freedom to fully be the people God knows we can be. 

Let’s sing again, an old Sunday school favourite 

Jesus' hands were kind hands, doing good to all, healing pain and sickness, blessing children small, washing tired feet and saving those who fall. Jesus' hands were kind hands, doing good to all. 

Take my hands, Lord Jesus, let them work for you; make them strong and gentle, kind in all I do; let me watch you, Jesus, till I'm gentle too, till my hands are kind hands, quick to work for you. 

Prayers of Intercessions 

Pray for the stories and situations that have dominated our news over the past week and stories that no longer appear to be news 

Pray for Church Action on Poverty Sunday today & for Fairtrade Fortnight 

Pray for any who feel paralysed by the pressures of life 

We join together to say the words of the Lord’s prayer: Our Father

We sing Sof 519: Take my life & let it be

A Blessing

Knowing that you are forgiven, freed and forever loved, throw off all that paralyses you, take up your mat and walk. Amen 

EcoChurch & Climate Sunday - URC news

 The latest issue of the United Reformed Church newsletter has information about EcoChurch, Climate Sunday and more ...

Newsletter

...

The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Group (JPIC) is seeking to build a network of Commitment for Life Advocates and Green Apostles across the Synod. 

To find out more about JPIC or becoming an Advocate or Green Apostle, please email: training@urc5.org.uk

JPIC is here to promote crucial aspects of Christian Mission: to transform unjust structures of society, pursue peace and reconciliation, sustain and renew the life of the Earth. We meet regularly on Zoom and have supported, among other things, the Synod's new Environmental Policy and congregations wanting to become Eco Churches.

...

Of special note this year is the call for ALL churches to hold a special Climate-focused service on any Sunday before 5 September. Then a nation-wide Climate Sunday will be observed on Sunday 5 September 2021, prior to COP26 (the international conference to be hosted by the UK government in Glasgow this year). You may well be waiting for some semblance of normality to return to arrange your service! 

For details please visit: www.climatesunday.org  or for resources go straight to: Climate Sunday | Resources | Worship | Commit | Speak Up . There is an excellent range of resources including inspiring sermons and ideas for services.

....

Ends/

 Ash Wednesday

Midweek Worship from the Nottingham North East Methodist Circuit this week will be a special service for Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. 

The service begins at 10am.

Find the link to the service here

A Journey through Lent

Come with us over the next six weeks 

A Journey with Jesus through Lent

with Nottingham North East Circuit of the Methodist Church

Readings, reflection and prayers day by day

A journey in the company of Jesus and the disciples

• Readings from Mark's gospel
• Reflections from Circuit staff
• Prayers to prompt and inspire

Link to the journey here 

Transfiguration Sunday 14/02/21

  

BURTON JOYCE 

COMMUNITY CHURCH

Sunday 14th February 2021

With Nottingham North East Circuit of the Methodist Church 

This act of worship has been adapted from one prepared by Rev Yanyan Case. Spend a few moments with God, knowing that others share with you. 

Hymn: SoF 425: 

How Great Thou Art 

Call to worship Psalm 50:1-6 

The mighty one, God the LORD, speaks.

Father God, faithful and kind, the eyes of all creation look to you. You are near to all who call. Your steadfast love draws us and your mercy & grace bring us to repentance. 

Forgive us for not loving you wholeheartedly and so failing to be salt & light and for caring about our own pleasure while ignoring those in need.

Lord Jesus Christ, we come to the cross & to your sacrifice for our sins. By your blood, we are cleansed and by your stripes we are healed. We are forgiven. 

Holy Spirit, create a hunger in us so we are eager for your words. Convict our heart as we come to worship. Strengthen us for the rest of our journey. 

Glory be with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Bible reading: Mark 9:1-9 

The Transfiguration 

Reflection 

This Sunday is the Transfiguration Sunday. It is a pivotal moment when, for the first time, human eyes glimpse the true glory of God in Jesus. Jesus appeared in a completely different form. But he is fully human and fully divine. Jesus did not change. This is more an “unveiling”, or “revealing”, of the nature of Jesus. 

The disciples’ perception is transfigured. Jesus had been hanging out with them, helping the poor like a kind-hearted and compassionate rabbi. Now, they are terrified to see another side of Jesus. How often do we see Jesus as our compassionate friend & take his deity for granted? How often do we stand in awe before him? Perhaps our perception of Jesus needs to be transfigured too.

The transfiguration is the turning point of Jesus’ earthly journey. Up until now, Jesus has been teaching and healing but, from now on, he will begin his journey towards Jerusalem to be crucified. It shows that Jesus’ prediction of suffering and death is not the whole picture. Suffering is not the purpose. There is glory ahead. The cross is not the purpose, resurrection is! 

May our perspective on this pandemic be transfigured by the dazzling light of Jesus. On the mountain, God affirms: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Seek the voice of Jesus amidst the cacophony that surrounds us. His words are a lamp of our feet. By his words, the world came into being. 

He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. 

Listen to him. 

How many broken hearts and lives could be avoided if we would just listen to him?! My dear friend, listen quietly: 

When we say: “I am anxious and tired”, 

Jesus says: “Come to me” (Matt 11:28) 

When we say: “I am not good enough”

Jesus says: “You are wonderfully made” (Psa 139)

When we say: “I cannot go on anymore”

Jesus says: “I am your strength” (Psa 28:7)  

When we say: “I feel alone”, 

Jesus says: “I am with you always” (Matt 28:20) 

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she has no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” (Isa 49:15) 

Hymn: SoF 357: 

Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us

Intercession (If you can, find a penny to hold in your hand) 

Father God, we hold this little penny in our hands; you hold the whole world in your hands. As we see the details, you see the conflicts, violence & suffering around the globe. Stretch out your hands to remove evil, defender of the weak. Let justice run down like a river. Cover the earth with Your peace.

In your mercy, hear our prayer. 

King of all kings, we pray for our country. As the queen’s image is engraved on the penny, let Your image be engraved in the heart of Britain. Set your throne in our schools, universities, and in politics & economy, now, during the pandemic. 

In your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Lord of the Church, we pray for the Body of Christ. Although each of us is as small as a penny, when you gather us together, we can be worth millions. Unite us so that your Church can do its life transforming work in the society. 

In your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Lord, we pray for ourselves & for friends and families who are in need of your healing touch. No matter the penny in our hand is clean or dirty, new or aged, it is still a penny and worth the same. We know you love us all equally regardless. 

In your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Let’s finish with the Lord’s prayer

Hymn: SoF: 412 

O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise

Closing prayer 

Father God, transfigure our hearts by your love; Lord Jesus, transform our minds by your word; Holy Spirit, translate your passion into our action. Amen. 

May the Lord bless you and keep you, and give you peace. Amen. (Num 6:24-26)