Service Sunday July 6, 2025
HIGHLAND HILLS UNITED CHURCH
Minden, Ontario
SUNDAY, July 6th, 2025
All are Welcome!
Worship Leader: Rev. Max Ward
Music Director: Melissa Stephens
Watch a video recording of the whole service using Youtube below.
(For a Printer Friendly PDF version click this link)
The Gathering
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
FOCUSING ON THE LIGHT OF CHRIST:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TERRITORY: In Unison
Jesus Calls us into the world to love one another as we are loved by God. As we came to this land, First Nations people welcomed us, sustained us, and taught us. We did not understand them when they shared their vision. In our zeal to tell them the Good News of Jesus Christ, we were closed to the value of their spirituality.
We confused Western ways of culture with the depth, breadth, length, and height of the gospel of Christ. We imposed our civilization as a condition of accepting the gospel. As a result, the image of the Creator in us is twisted and blurred, and we are not what we are meant by God to be.
In our journey toward reconciliation, we acknowledge, this day, that we gather for worship on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe and the other Indigenous peoples who preceded them—the original nations of this land—and we acknowledge with respect their history, their spirituality, and their culture.
Written by Gord Dunbar, Kincardine, Ont.
Gathering, Pentecost 1 2025, p.34. Used with permission.
THE APPROACH
CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: Come gather in this sanctuary of worship.
ALL: We come to have the Spirit unify and strengthen our faith.
One: Come sing and share in worship.
ALL: We come to worship God, who gifted us with melody and senses.
One: Come this day, which God has made, to worship and be renewed.
ALL: We come grateful for each day God has made, because in each of these days, we can worship and be renewed.
Written by Leigh Sinclair, St. David’s U.C., Beaumont and Leduc, Alta.
Gathering, Pentecost 1 2025, p.36. Used with permission.
HYMN: “I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me” VU #575
1 I'm gonna live so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I'm gonna live so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
2 I'm gonna work so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I'm gonna work so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
3 I'm gonna pray so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I'm gonna pray so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
4 I'm gonna sing so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I'm gonna sing so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
OPENING PRAYER: Read In Unison
Blessed God, all seasons are a season to draw near to you. Every moment of our lives—easy or hard, restful or busy—each is a moment ready for you. So, make us ready, dear God, more ready to notice you, to experience you, to turn to you, to welcome your presence. Help us to be honest about our faults, sincere in our repentance, and committed to fulfilling our purpose. In this summer season, refresh us with your wisdom. Guide us with your power. Renew us with your Spirit. Awaken us again to you, our God. We are yours. Make us yours, in action and intention. Amen
Written by Elaine Bidgood Sveet, Zion Lutheran Church, Minot, North Dakota
Gathering, Pentecost 1 2025, p.40. Used with permission.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC:
HYMN: “Three Things I Promise” MV #176
1. Three things I promise, Holy God,
in age and youth, in life and death:
to bless your Name, and cling to Christ,
and listen for the Spirit’s breath.
2. Your love unfolded time and space,
and life, and all that life became,
and so, with thankful heart and voice,
through good and ill, I bless your Name.
3. I follow, serve, and cling to Christ
amid our culture’s tides and trends,
for here your Name is most revealed:
Majestic Love, and Best of Friends.
4. Enlivened as the Spirit moves
to cleanse, awaken, and renew,
I pray that justice, peace, and truth,
may seed and grow in all I do.
5. If I should live when vigour fades,
and family and friends are gone,
three acts of loving faith remain
when days are slow, and work is done.
6. Revive and guide me, Living God,
as day by day, until my death,
I bless your Name, and cling to Christ,
and listen for the Spirit’s breath.
THE WORD
Scripture: : Luke 10: 1-11, 16-20
Leader: Hear and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE:
“Jesus and Peter by Rev. Janet Norman”
Listen to an audio recording of the the message below or read it at the bottom of this page.
OUR RESPONSE
CANDLE LIGHTING LITURGY
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER: (sung VU #960)
HYMN “Lord, You Give the Great Commission” VU #512
1 Lord, you give the great commission:
'Heal the sick and preach the word.'
Lest the church neglect its mission,
and the gospel go unheard,
help us witness to your purpose
with renewed integrity;
with the Spirit's gifts empow'r us
for the work of ministry.
2 Lord, you call us to your service:
'In my name baptize and teach.'
That the world may trust your promise,
life abundant meant for each,
give us all new fervour, draw us
closer in community;
with the Spirit's gifts empow'r us
for the work of ministry.
3 Lord, you make the common holy:
'This my body, this my blood.'
Let us all, for earth's true glory,
daily lift life heavenward,
asking that the world around us
share your children's liberty;
with the Spirit's gifts empow'r us
for the work of ministry.
4 Lord, you show us love's true measure:
'Father, what they do, forgive.'
Yet we hoard as private treasure
all that you so freely give.
May your care and mercy lead us
to a just society;
with the Spirit's gifts empow'r us
for the work of ministry.
5 Lord, you bless with words assuring:
'I am with you to the end.'
Faith and hope and love restoring,
may we serve as you intend,
and, amid the cares that claim us,
hold in mind eternity;
with the Spirit's gifts empow'r us
for the work of ministry.
AFFIRMING MOMENT
PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Welcoming God, you invite us to share. We give with tender hearts, aware of the need around us. We share these offerings so that your good news might be experienced. Fill us with generous spirits. Amen
Written by Laura Turnbull, Penticton, B.C.
Gathering, Pentecost 1 2025, p.47. Used with permission.
SUNG BLESSING MV #150 vs 4
4 Spirit God: be our breath, be our song.
Blow through us, bringing strength to move on.
Through change, through challenge, we’ll greet the new dawn…
Spirit God, be our song. ©
SENDING FORTH:
A Time of Fellowship
© Music Reproduced with permission under License number A-605748, Valid for: 26/10/2024 - 25/10/2025; One License - Copyright Cleared Music for Churches
Sermon 2025 07 06
“Jesus and Peter by Rev. Janet Norman”
Luke 10: 1-11, 16-20
Gracious God, be with us today in this place, in the Scriptures and in our words.
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts praise your Holy name. Amen.
Today, our reading speaks of Jesus preparing the disciples for ministry.
I’m sure he had many talks like this one and others too.
Surely, many of those conversations were one on one.
I was given this lovely book by Elinor Hamilton entitled, “Encountering Grace”
The book was written by her daughter, the Reverend Janet Norman.
Rev. Janet is now retired, and, in her retirement, she loves to tell of God’s grace through stories.
I will share with you one of her stories entitled, “Jesus and Peter”.
See if you can see yourself in some of Peter’s thoughts and fears.
Listen for God’s grace poured out through Jesus.
JESUS AND PETER
Finally, it was evening, a cool, quiet rest after a long, hot day.
The men were speaking quietly in groups of 2 or 3 while some were just staring into the fire.
Jesus turned to Peter, “You seem very upset Peter, can you tell me what is bothering you?”
They walked into the growing darkness and sat on 2 rocks.
“I am angry about those women you have been healing.” began Peter.
“First that woman in the synagogue... how could you Jesus?
She should never have been there, and you should not have touched her.
She made you unclean.
You called her daughter.
You treated her like a real person.
She is a sinner.
You should know that.
And then my mother-in-law.
That was nice of you, but you touched her.
You know that is wrong.
And then a little girl... a dead girl.
You touched a dead body Jesus.
Do you know what people are saying?
They are saying that you are breaking important rules by touching woman, calling them daughter, even forgiving sins.
These women and the little girl are sinners, and you don’t seem to care.
You put us all in danger with your healing and touching and caring.
Some important powerful people are getting very angry.
How could you Jesus?
I don’t want to be angry with you but how could you break those rules…and just for women?”
“Peter,” Jesus spoke gently, “Why are you so angry?
What is happening in you?”
“I get so angry when you break the rules.
We are going to get in serious trouble.
None of these women asked for healing.
My mother-in-law might have gotten better on her own.
The woman in the synagogue had been bent over for years...why heal her now?
Only Jarius asked for help, and he should never have put you in that position.... for a girl!
Why do you take such risks?
Don’t you care about being unclean?
Are you trying to make the authorities angry?
This is dangerous Jesus.
What would I do if you got in trouble with the law?
And you just keep breaking our important religious rules.
“Yes Peter”, Jesus replied. “I am more concerned about people than religious rules.
I have love and compassion for all God’s creation, even women.
Those women aren’t sinners any more than anyone else.
They have not been possessed by demons.
They are not paying for some deep sin.
They are wounded souls who need healing, they are lonely, and life is difficult for them.
Why should I not heal them and return them to health and wholeness?”
“l am afraid Jesus” Peter replied.
“I am afraid of you and the authorities,
And I am tired.
Tired of trying to understand you.
I am trying to learn from you, but you never do what I expect - you bless children and touch women and feed hundreds.
You seem tireless and perfect, and I am so tired of trying.
But I keep trying Jesus.
Each morning, I say to myself, today I will be more like Jesus, I will pray more, I will let go, I will trust you, I will trust God.
I will be fearless.
And each day I fail.
I am so tired of trying to be like you...brave and strong.
I just can’t do it.”
ln frustration Peter pounded his fist into his thigh and stood up.
He walked a few paces and took some deep breaths.
He returned to sit beside Jesus.
“Peter, I know how hard you are trying.
I see it in your face, your jaw
is set, your eyes are intense, you are scowling, your shoulders are tight.
And when I see your determination, it is then that my heart overflows with love and with pain for you.
Peter, you are trying to be perfect, but you cannot be human and perfect at the same time.
You were designed to be imperfect.
Failing does not mean that you are broken or a tool to be fixed, it means you are learning.
Peter, you have been enough since you were a babe at your mother’s breast.
You are enough now.
Don’t try to be someone you are not.
Don’t try to be like me.
Just be yourself and follow me.
“But Jesus,” Peter asked, “How do I not try so hard?
What do I do when I am overwhelmed or afraid or just plain tired?”
“Peter, I get tired too.
And overwhelmed and even afraid.
There are many times when I am surrounded by people, and I would rather be on a quiet lake fishing with you guys.”
“You would rather be fishing?” Peter was surprised, “But you always fall asleep in the boat.”
“Peter” Jesus said with a big smile nudging Peter with his elbow,
“that’s why I like fishing.
When I am tired or afraid or overwhelmed that is when I look to God - My Father - my Abba.
And I ask one question, Abba,
How do I love in this moment?
I don’t ask what do I do?
I don’t ask what should I say?
I ask how do I love?
I ask that question for the people in front of me, and I ask that question for myself.
How do I love them in this moment?
How do I love myself in this moment?
And then I wait.
That is what I am doing when I fold my hands in front of me and remain silent.
I am waiting and listening.
And when God answers I act or speak as directed and I never know what that action or word will be.
When you are tired, afraid or overwhelmed Peter, look at me...Look to God, ask How do I love in this moment?
Then wait.
The answer will come.
It is Ok to be human Peter, not easy but OK.
You are enough just as you are.
You are being healed and transformed by God.
That healing takes time and patience.
It does not happen on your schedule but in God’s perfect time.
And even as you are being healed, God will take all of your many gifts and show you how to use each one with love.
You will never be me...you can only be Peter.”
Jesus stood up and looked at Peter “Abba, How shall I love Peter, in this moment?”
Jesus paused and folded his hands in front of him and waited.
“Ahhh, Like this.”
And Jesus placed his hands on Peter’s head in a silent blessing and walked into the darkness.
And Peter wept.
(pause)
The question of, “How shall I love in this moment?” is a really good one.
One that we all can strive to ask each day or each time we are faced with one of life’s challenges.
It is a question that we can use to be disciples too.
The disciples in today’s reading were learning and preparing to be a blessing to others.
Peter wasn’t perfect; he was learning and preparing to be a blessing to others.
Let me leave you with this…we too are not perfect.
We are learning and preparing too.
How can you be a blessing for someone else today?
How shall you love in this moment?
Thanks be to God. Amen.
