MEDITATION:         Noise


Ahab came to his palace and told Jezebel how Elijah had called down fire from heaven and proved that Jehovah is God. He also told her how all the prophets of Baal had been slain. He was greatly shaken himself, and perhaps he thought that those things which had occured would convince Jezebel, too. What a triumph that would be, to convert the queen who upheld Baal and Ashtoreth, and make her a servant of Jehovah!
Jezebel, however, had no such thought. She was filled with anger. She sent a messenger to Elijah with a terrible threat. The messenger came, awoke him, and told him that the queen, Jezebel, said: "You have slain my prophets. The gods do so to me
and more also, if I don't make your life as one of theirs by this time tomorrow!"
Suddenly, Elijah s faith failed. He knew what the terrible wrath of Jezebel could do. He was worn out, tired and felt faint. His spirit was extremely low. Instead of meeting the threat as he had bravely met all other dangers before, he took his servant and fled for his life. He headed south, through Israel and Judah. He came to Beersheba at the edge of the desert, and there he left his servant and fled into the wilderness. All his work and sacrifice and all God's great works had come to nothing! Israel had not been converted — he was the only one left, so he thought. He lay down under a tree and asked that he might die. "It is enough," he said. "Now, 0 Lord, take away my life, for am not better than my fathers." And then he fell asleep.
Elijah was awakened by a touch upon his face. He was startled, thinking it might be an enemy. But it was an angel, beckoning him to get up and eat. He looked, and there on a bed of live coals was a baked loaf of bread and some water. So he arose and ate and drank, and lay down again to sleep.

After a while the angel came again and wakened him, saying, "Arise, and eat some more, for there is a long journey ahead of you." So Elijah ate and drank, and in the strength of that food, he went for forty days into the wilderness, to Horeb, the mount of God. And there he went and lived in a cave.
The Lord came to him and said, "What are you doing, Elijah?" Elijah answered, "I have worked very hard for the Lord God of heaven, but the people of Israel have broken their covenant with You. They have torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets, and only I am left, and now they are trying to kill me, too."
"Come out," said the Lord, "and stand upon the mountain before Me."
As Elijah came out of the cave, the Lord passed by, A mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. Then, there was a great earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake, there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper.
And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his scarf. And the Lord said to him in that still, small voice, "Go back by the desert road to Damascus, and when you arrive, anoint Hazael to be king of Syria. Then anoint Jehu to be King of Israel and Elisha to be prophet in your place. And, for your information, there are 7000 men in Israel who have NEVER bowed down to Baal."
So Elijah turned back and went through the wilderness to the land of Israel. There he found Elisha, the son of a wealthy farmer. The Lord knew that Elisha was fit to be Elijah's successor.

Elijah went by and silently threw his scarf over the shoulders of Elisha. Elijah never said a word, and went on his way. But Elisha knew that by that act he was called to take up the work of Elijah. And when he had caught up with him, he said, "Let me go and say goodbye to my father and mother, and then I'll go with you."
To test him. Elijah appeared cold and distant. "Go back," he said, "why all the excitement?" But Elisha knew that he had heard his call, and nothing would turn him aside. He did go back, but not to stay. He offered a burnt sacrifice to the Lord, said good bye to his father and mother, and then he followed Elijah and became his servant.
This story of Elijah and Elisha is found in I Kings, chapter 19. Perhaps you've been asking yourself what in the world does it have to do with the title "Noise". Well, the inspiration actually comes from verse 12: "And after the fire, a still, small voice."
Let's take a moment to think of all the noisy things we can — thunder, explosions, guns, the rushing wind of a tornado. Now, think of things that move quietly — growing grass, a flower blooming, the stars. Now, I want you to think about both lists. Do you notice that the noisy things are destructive, while the quietly moving ones are things which help us along. This shows us that many important things are quiet and many good deeds are quietly done.
Some people make the mistake of thinking if they make a noise, that they are actually doing something, but that isn't always the case, is it? Think of this — which makes more noise on the road, and empty wagon or a wagon that is loaded? Which is more dangerous, the noisy thunder or the quiet lightning? Which motor can do the better work, a noisy, rattling one or a quiet one?

There are some quiet places in our lives which are more important than the noisy ones. Those times when we are alone, away from family and friends, or when we're dreaming about things we want to do or want to have. These are the times that are going to be either helpful or dangerous to us. What's in our daydreams — wonderful things or sneaky little things? These daydreams can crop out in deeds and manners after awhile. Then, they'll be out in the open where people can see them. Do we really want people to know about some of the daydreams we have when we're alone?
Then, there are those times when we have to work alone. If we work well, then those times are good for us. All inventors, all great musicians and artists, all great doctors, preachers and teachers, have worked much of their time alone. But beware of poor work when you're alone, for thieves, counterfeiters, embezzlers and even terrorists have worked alone, but theirs is the wrong kind of work!
Your quiet times are largely the times which will advance you or set you back. The quiet times are your test times. In those test times remember these words: "Be still and know that I am God." Be still. God can see the real you, the one underneath all the dark clouds and disappointment in your life. Be still.
If we are bound, if we are hiding in fear, if we are sitting under a tree, like Elijah, wishing our lives could be over, remember, no matter what is going on in our lives, God is with us. God knows us, and God calls us to be still and know that we belong to Him. Our lives are part of something larger than what we can define or see. God has the power to release us from whatever our 'something' is, in order for us to live the abundant life Jesus came to give us. May this be so for each of us!

Let us pray: Dear God, we've heard how you cared for Elijah when he was running for his life. We pray to know Your presence and Your power now. Some of us have wandered a long way, and wonder how to get back. Some of us have squandered our lives and wonder if they have lasting meaning. Some of us find ourselves overwhelmed by anxiety or pain. Please help us to hear Your voice call our name. Help us to put our lives into Your hands; and help us to trust that You will give back just what we can handle. In Your name, we pray, Amen.


BENEDICTION & CHORAL AMEN:
  
Blessed is the path on which you travel.
Blessed is the body that carries you upon it. Blessed is your heart that has heard the call. Blessed is your mind that discerns the way. Blessed is the gift that you will receive by going.
Truly blessed is the gift that you will become on the journey.
May you go forth in peace.


The Holy Spirit whispers  With a still. small voice

Kevin Harvey

Title/vanity of vanities.
​
The keyword in the book of Ecclesiastes is "vanity" the futile emptiness of trying to be happy
apart from God.
Introduction/ If there is no God. Defined as "Everything under the sun".No absolute truth.
No higher meaning to life, then just being here, or just "being". Then the introductory statement
found in the book of Ecclesiastes is absolutely true.
And the end result should be, "Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die"
And I don't say that lightly, because as one could argue that, we must , That is it is reasonable
to" manufacture" so to speak,meaning "in order to find purpose. A sort of well,we're here, we
need purpose,so let's make the best of it. Let's find a new higher purpose,. Maybe we can
"Evolve" purpose and meaning ourselves.… that is apart from God of course!
That's a sad, desperate and unnecessary kind of reasoning!
But if there is a God, and miracle of miracles he has made himself known to His creation.
And if he indeed loves us. Then the end result must be," to know Him " to love Him!, to worship
Him!
Then the whole thing makes sense, and as we will see in this book. We will find purpose and
meaning and True satisfaction!
Chapter 1 verse 9. That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done,
and there is nothing new under the sun.
Here then is a good argument for "a bleak outlook on life". That is if that's all there is.
This book was written by Solomon. Famed to be the wisest of all.
So let's see what Solomon has to say, and what we can learn from his wisdom.
Ch 1 vs 3 The vanity of labor.
Ch 1 vs 12'13 The vanity of wisdom.
Ch 1 vs 16 greatness
Ch 1 vs 17 madness and folly
Ch 2 vs 1 pleasure
vs 2 laughter
vs 3 drunkenness
vs's 4,ff 8 stuff
vs 10 through 16 all kinds of self indulgence and his Observations...vs 17 therefore I hated life
because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and
grasping at wind.
Then ,a ray of sunshine. Ch 3 vs 1-12.
vs 14,15.
Then if you are to read the remaining chapters of this book, which I recommend you do. You will
find many great life lessons, great wisdom and insight.
However, I wish to stay on track, and stick to a main point.
The main points that Solomon eventually gets to is this.
Ch 12 vs 1. Remember now your creator in the days of your youth. Before difficult days come,
and the years draw near when you say I have no pleasure in them.
vs 6. Remember your creator before the silver cord is looseD
vs 13. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter,. Fear God and keep his
commandments, for this is man's all. vs 14. For God will bring every work into judgment,
including every secret thing, whether good or evil.
This is the conclusion that Solomon came to. And we could not only take advantage of what he
said and has written, but even more, much more. Think on this !
We each one of us, has this holy book, both the old and New Testament, and in it we see who
our God and Creator Sustainer is.
It is the Lord Jesus Christ, who loves us, died for us, gives us purpose and meaning. And it is
Him who we worship and obey.
To conclude. Nothing can fill the God shaped void in man's life but God himself! For God has,
"Placed eternity in their hearts"
But,,, once seen from God's perspective,it takes on meaning and purpose, causing Solomon to
exclaim, eat… Drink… Rejoice… do good… Live joyfully… Fear God… Keep his
commandments,
Then skepticism and despair melt away when life is viewed as a daily gift from God.
Therefore, be found "in Christ" there is nothing greater.
God bless…

Katie McKay

I grew up in the Chateauguay Valley, and as a teenager and as a young adult I remember struggling. I struggled with not having two parents at home; I struggled trying to fit in throughout high school and later, into the world. I struggled as a girl searching for love, and I struggled with always feeling empty. However, I also remember a turning point. I realized I had been running away from God, but I knew that I couldn’t make it without Him. I knew what I had to do. I remember praying, “Lord, I need you. Take my life and use it”. I believe it was from that moment on that God began to change me.  I have found confidence I never thought I’d have. I found a voice where I used to be shy. I found love that filled where I was empty.

I realize there are many others in similar situations. Growing up we all struggle with different things, yet not all of us realize that God is right there waiting to help us. My vision is to reach out to the youth of the Chateauguay Valley, sharing with them the love and peace God has for them. If the youth of this generation are tended to and strengthened, what kind of effect could they have on the future generations of the Chateauguay Valley? 

The question is, how do we reach these youth? How do we help them to grow in their faith? Very few young people are still coming to church, and when they do, it is difficult for the already small congregations to offer them anything extra to meet their specific spiritual needs. Limited budgets have no room for a youth minister. I would like to help fill this gap. I want to make sure there is something available to help with the spiritual development of the youth in all the churches of the Valley. I would like to work with the churches to help them provide for and tend to their young people, as well as offer fun events where they can meet other Christians and invite their friends.

I’m working with Montreal Youth Unlimited to help see this vision through. My vision is to share God's transformational love with the youth of the Chateauguay Valley and help them learn to apply it to all aspects of their lives.

The match with Montreal Youth Unlimited is perfect because their vision is to see the youth of Quebec transformed though the love of God and effecting positive change in their world. Their mission statement is that they empower the youth of Quebec to attain their full life potential... by responding to their relational, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs and by encouraging them to pursue a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Each kid is reached in a different way, so to be effective in ministry we must be sensitive to all the individual ways of learning and relating. I plan to first connect with the local churches, and help them in a plan of action with their youth. Already I am working with one church and within the next few weeks we will be starting a Questions and Answers group for their youth. Whether it be a Q&A or an organised Bible study, every church should be offering something to help with the spiritual growth of their youth. Church needs to be fun too though. For the past couple years I have been organizing activities inviting the youth various churches to come together for a fun event. I plan to continue organising these events with the goal of having them once a month.

Many youth also need a chance to talk to someone one on one. I am excited to be available to kids in this way. I realize not every young person will connect with me personally, so I plan to do my best to connect them with some who will be able to be a mentor to them.
As I am able to be full time in ministry, I plan to also do local movie nights to help with church growth, allow individual youth groups organize the monthly activities, offer a summer life skills program, be present in CVR, and eventually be able to offer for youth to go on missions trips.

I cannot do this alone. As the ministry grows I will need a strong base of volunteers to help me. Already, it is my prayer that I am able to find one person in every church who is able to work with me to get a Bible study group started. I will need help this fall for a cookie dough fundraiser, to both sell and make the dough. Let me know if you would be interested in helping.  I will need people willing to pray for this ministry. There is great power in prayer. I am also in need of financial partners. Youth Unlimited is a raise your own support ministry. This means that the only salary I am able to receive comes from people who agree with my vision and want to help make it possible. I’m looking for people to partner with me financially to be able to move forward with all of these plans. If you have felt in your heart today that you would like to be a part of this, please come talk to me after todays service. I will be excited to have you as part of my team.
​
Please talk to me today, or call me (514-778-4134) if you are interested in learning more or interested in helping to make a difference for the youth of the Chateauguay.    
 
Katie McKay
Program Coordinator-Chateauguay Valley
Youth Unlimited      

Prelude:               Cheneniah 

PROCESSIONAL:          “Thy Word”   
    
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid, 
And think I've lost my way.
Still, you're there right beside me.
Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near; 
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.


CALL TO WORSHIP: (Joe) 

   One:  Let us be in harmony with you, Oh Lord, and let us sing   

               your praise.   
   All:     Let us be in harmony with you, Oh Lord, and let us sing your

               praise.   
   One:  Let us be in harmony with our neighbor, Lord, and may

               we sing together in prayer. 

   All:     Let us be in harmony with our neighbor, Lord, and may we

              sing together in prayer.

   One:  Let us be in harmony with our whole world, Oh Lord, 

               that we may all be one in praise, in prayer, in love, and

               in peace.  
   All:     Let us be in harmony with our whole world, Oh Lord, that

              we may all be one in praise, in prayer, in love, and in 

              peace.  Amen.
  

HYMN:     Abide With Me

 Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847) and his wife Ann were faithful pastors of a little fishing town in Devonshire England, for 23 years. Although Henry's health was compromised, he worked tirelessly ministering to his parish, taking care of his family, and writing poems and hymns.

In 1844, Henry was diagnosed with Tuberculosis. Over the next three years his physical condition deteriorated until finally on September 4, 1847, at the age of 54, he stood in the pulpit for the last time to deliver his farewell message. 

That same afternoon, after taking a walk on the beach, Henry retired to his room. He emerged about an hour later with a written copy of Abide With Me. He left soon after for a trip to Italy, to get away from the cold, damp coastal weather. While en route to his destination, he mailed a revised copy of Abide With Me to his wife. A few days later while resting in a hotel on the French Riviera, Henry went home to be with Jesus. A fellow clergyman who was with Henry during his final hours reported that Henry's last words were Peace! Joy!

Abide With Me was put to music by William H. Monk (1823-1889), and made its debut at Henry's memorial service.

The hymn has since been popular within many Christian denominations. It was reported to have been a favorite of King George V, and of Mahatma Gandhi. It was sung at the weddings of King George VI and of Queen Elizabeth II. As He often does, God took the sad ending of a life and made something lasting and beautiful.

1. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
   The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
   When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
   Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
2. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
   Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
   Change and decay in all around I see--
   O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
3. I need Thy presence every passing hour;
   What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
   Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
   Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
4. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
   Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
   Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
   I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
5. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
   Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
   Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
   In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. 

OPENING PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER

Father, thank you that you have brought each of us safely to this place.
We gladly surrender our lives to you in worship and praise and song.
As we gather we remember those who have gone before us -                                

For those who are sick we ask for healing -
For those in troubled lands, we invite your Holy Spirit to move freely amongst them and bring them comfort -
Come dwell in each of our hearts.
We ask this in the name of Jesus who taught us how to pray with the words…

Our Father, who art in heaven……

HYMN:       Just As I Am

Just As I Am has been around since 1835. It was made especially popular in the 20th century as the 'official' altar call song of the Billy Graham Crusades.
When poet Charlotte Elliott (1789-1871) was 46 years old, an elderly man approached her at a dinner party and asked if she was a Christian. She considered him rude and unkind, and that his question was inappropriate. After the man walked away, Charlotte could not get his question out of her mind so she went to find the man, and to ask how to become a Christian. That night she received Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Soon thereafter she wrote Just As I Am as a testimony to her newfound faith, and as a tribute to the man who had told her that she could come to Christ, 'just as she was'. Over the remainder of her life Charlotte wrote 150 hymns…

1. Just as I am, without one plea, 
but that thy blood was shed for me, 
and that thou bidst me come to thee, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

2. Just as I am, and waiting not 
to rid my soul of one dark blot, 
to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

3. Just as I am, though tossed about 
with many a conflict, many a doubt, 
fightings and fears within, without, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; 
sight, riches, healing of the mind, 
yea, all I need in thee to find, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

5. Just as I am, thou wilt receive, 
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; 
because thy promise I believe, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

6. Just as I am, thy love unknown 
hath broken every barrier down; 
now, to be thine, yea thine alone, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

 SCRIPTURE READINGS:   (Joe)

Nehemiah 12:46

For in the days of David and Asaph, in ancient times, there were leaders of the singers, songs of praise and hymns of thanksgiving to God.

1 Chronicles 15:16

Then David spoke to the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their relatives the singers, with instruments of music, harps, lyres, loud-sounding cymbals, to raise sounds of joy.

Psalm 144.9

I will sing a new song to you, O God; upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you

Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26

After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

 

Acts 16:25

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;
 

HYMN:   Blessed Assurance

Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) is heralded as one of the world's most prolific and talented hymn composers. Blind from shortly after birth, Fanny nonetheless wrote 8,000 hymns.
One day Fanny overheard her friend and fellow musician Phoebe Knapp playing a new composition on the organ. Phoebe told Fanny the tune was called Assurance. Fanny replied: 'Blessed Assurance! Jesus is mine!' And so began the collaboration that was to become one of Christendom's most beloved hymns. Blessed Assurance was published in 1873.

1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
   Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
   Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
   Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
   • Refrain:
     This is my story, this is my song,
     Praising my Savior all the day long;
     This is my story, this is my song,
     Praising my Savior all the day long.
2. Perfect submission, perfect delight,
   Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
   Angels, descending, bring from above
   Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
3. Perfect submission, all is at rest,
   I in my Savior am happy and blest,
   Watching and waiting, looking above,
   Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. 

MESSAGE:        “Sing a New Song” 

Yesterday, Sue and I attended the funeral of her Uncle Huntley in Shawville. I didn’t know him very well, only met him 5 or 6 times in all. But to my shame I never saw anything remarkable about him. I came to realize after listening to people who spoke of him kindly, and a niece who wrote of her wonderful childhood with him, that this simple, hard-working, honest man was indeed special. 

And so was the minister who conducted the service. He spoke of Huntley as a man who stood straight and tall, all 5’9” of him. He was a crane operator with a deft and sensitive touch when dealing with heavy equipment. He visited farm neighbors regularly, often sloughing through rainy and muddy fields to get there, but always making it a mission to visit. 

He had two daughters and one son, Huntley Jr., who died tragically at 37 in a truck accident. He had a wife of 30 years who died untimely of cancer. But Huntley kept soldiering on until finally his mind and body let go and at age 81 he met his Maker who must have greeted him with open arms. 

As part of his funeral tribute, his family put together 4 hymns that resonated with portions of Huntley’s life:

The Church In the Wildwood…”No spot is so dear to my childhood as the little brown church in the vale.”

Be Still My Soul…”Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.”

How Great Thou Art…”When through the woods and forest glades I wander and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.”

And, of course, the great finale…Amazing Grace…”How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.” 

These hymns, these songs, these poems, are based on all our life experiences. Celebration, love, loss, hardship, they are all described so wonderfully when our poets merge with our musicians to create a lasting legacy that can only be described as gifts of God. And in singing them, we return those gifts to Him. 

Yet sometimes, we grow tired of them, chalking them up to the same old, same old. Sometimes we just go through the motions, not bothering to dwell on their meaning, or who or what circumstances gave them birth. Sometimes, we get titillated – I like that word? – by new sounds and want to hear new voices, new versions of the old, or even brand new creations. And I think that’s understandable.  

This is why I provided a very brief introduction to each of the hymns we have chosen to sing today. That we can gain new insight and new appreciation for even older songs. And I encourage you to do the same with all the hymns your praise leaders will offer you on future occasions.

Take a few minutes before every service to read the poetry in the hymns. I know, I know, you want to catch up on current events with your neighbours. And fellowship is a fine thing. But 2-3 minutes is all it takes to read those words that others have crafted and set to music. Like Psalm 23…The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.  

Ahhh. He restoreth my soul. What can be more powerful, more beautiful? By the way, the ancient Hebrews sang the psalms. They were the hymns of the Old Testament. This was their Book of Praise. 

Music is such a powerful gift. It’s like dipping your toes in the waters of the spirit world. Once you are entranced by a song, you may end up as I do singing it over and over again until it drives those around you to prayer…that you please, Lord, make him stop. What strength it has! Sometime, I think God invented the shower stall for men like me who like to sing. 

Even those who claim to be non-musical can attest to its power. My now oldest friend, as in longest lasting, is a very bright gentleman by the name of Sean Harrington. I met Sean in grade 3 in a school I first attended in the middle of the school year. We had two-person bench desks and one spot was empty beside Sean. Mrs. Bushel, our teacher, looked me straight in the eye and said, “Now, Joseph, I’m going to seat you beside the smartest boy in the class. Hopefully, this will not be a big mistake.” 

Well, Sean and I became good friends, and we still communicate today, despite the fact we live in different provinces. But every once in a while back in grade school, I would out-do Sean on a monthly report card. When that happened he made sure it didn’t occur two months in a row. And it never did. But one time it was close. If Sean had any kind of Achilles heel it was music. You, see, he sang like a bird. Unfortunately, the bird he sang like was not a canary,or a nightingale. No, Sean sang more like a crow. And this particular month, the final subject for the report card was…yes…it was singing. And I had beat him out last month. And threatened to do it again. The only thing that could save him was a perfect 100% in singing. I figured it was in the bag.

So, what did Sean do? He got up in front of the class and proceeded to sing The Ballad of Davy Crockett, all 20 verses, all perfectly memorized, all sung like a crow. The teacher couldn’t stop him. Our groaning couldn’t stop him. Sean got his 100%, and he beat me out. The power of music. Today, Sean is a federal judge, so all that school performance certainly paid off. 

In another example of the power of music, consider John Lennon’s song, “Imagine.” 

Imagine all the people living life in peace

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people sharing all the world

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one 

Yes, music is sublime, it’s powerful, it’s a gift from God, and every time we sing, we sing to the Lord. And we can make it a new song every time we sing to the Lord. We can take the old songs and sing them with fresh voices and see the lyrics with new-found sight.

Songs can persuade us, sway us, woo us, convince us. My good friend, Karol Baranowski called me one day and said, “I have a song for you, for one of your sermons.” I reminded him I don’t do sermons since I’m not a minister, I merely do messages. “OK, so do one of your messages and include this song.”  I said OK, I’ll find it on YouTube. And I did. The song is by George Strait, a country/western singer, and is called “Three Nails and a Cross (Equal Forgiveness.)” It obviously made a deep impression on Karol.

Listening to it once is not enough. Listening to it twice is better. Listen to it three times, and I think you’ll appreciate how it moved Karol. Randy Barrington, the Nazarene minister, explains it this way. I’ll paraphrase what he said because I don’t recall his exact words. “I decided to dedicate my life to Christ when it came crashing in on me that he gave his life for me. And by that glorious act, He forgave me my sins. He pardoned the way I lived my life till now. And he did it by dying like a common criminal.”

It’s told in George Strait’s new song. It’s also told in an older song which can be made new the next time you sing it:

And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,

Sent him to die I scarce can take it in

That on the cross my burden gladly bearing

He bled and died to take away my sin

Then sings my soul my savior God to Thee

How great Thou art, How great Thou art. 

Some time ago, when I sang those words, I choked a bit. I scarce could take it in. I saw and sang it like a new song and I believe I always will. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

“3 Nails + A Cross” – George Strait CD                                  


PRAYER…

Lord, we thank you for the gift of music. In this troubled world of ours, your gift gives us the insight into your world that helps us to salve our sorrows and rejoice with ever new song in praise of your love for us.  

HYMN:       Sing A New Song Unto the Lord

Dan Schutte was a Jesuit priest who along with a fellow seminarian, began to write music for worship in a changing Catholic world. Historically it was a time when many people were asking for more contemporary musical expressions of their faith. In 1970 Dan began attending St. Louis University.It was there that he first met and worked with four other Jesuits who played and sang for university liturgies and were drawn to write music that connected with people’s lives of faith. They turned to Scripture for much of the inspiration. It was here that they came to know and treasure the images of God’s relationship with human beings. It was almost like a second Reformation, but set in music. Amongst the 100’s of songs written by these inspired men are Sing A New Song and Is It I Lord. Dan Schutte left the Jesuit order in 1986, but he did not leave his faith nor his love of music composition. I believe he is currently composer in residence at the University of Minnesota.


REFRAIN:)
SING A NEW SONG UNTO THE LORD
LET THE SONG BE SUNG FROM MOUNTAIN HIGH
SING A NEW SONG UNTO THE LORD
SINGING ALLELUIA

YAHWEH'S PEOPLE DANCE FOR JOY
O COME BEFORE THE LORD
AND PLAY FOR HIM ON GLAD TAMBORINES
AND LET YOUR TRUMPET SOUND


RISE, O CHILDREN, FROM YOUR SLEEP
YOUR SAVIOUR NOW HAS COME
HE HAS TURNED YOUR SORROW TO JOY
AND FILLED YOUR SOUL WITH SONG

GLAD MY SOUL FOR I HAVE SEEN
THE GLORY OF THE LORD
THE TRUMPET SOUNDS THE DEAD SHALL BE RAISED
I KNOW MY SAVIOR LIVES 

“Sing, Sing, Sing” – Norm Rennie

 A song by Hank Williams.
          

​BENEDICTION –

And now may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. And may God give you His peace in your going out and in your coming in, in your lying down and in your rising up, in your labor and in your leisure, in your laughter and in your tears... Until you come to stand before Jesus in that day in which there is no sunset and no dawning. Amen.

 

THREE FOLD AMEN  

“A MEMORIAL TO GLEN CLARKE”                                          

WELCOME:

If Glenn could speak, I think this what he would say to us:

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an after flow of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways.
Of happy times and laughing times with bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun.
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

Today is a special service celebrating the life of our brother Glenn      Clarke--The hymns  Ann selected —were Glenn’s favourites

 
Let join together in the opening Hymn welcomes everyone to our worship service.  

    HYMN:   COME IN, COME IN AND SIT DOWN 


COME IN, COME IN AND SIT DOWN

 

                    Chorus     Come in, come in and sit down,
                                      you are a part of the family.

We are lost and we are found,
And we are a part of the family
 

--You know the reason why you came,
 --yet no reason can explain.
so share in the laughter

And cry in the pain,
for we are a part of the family.

 

--God is with us in this place,
--like a mother’s warm embrace.
--we’ve all forgiven by God’s grace,
for we are a part of the family.

 

There’s rest for the weary
and health for us all.
There’s a yoke that is easy,
and a burden that’s small.

 

So come in and worship
and answer the call,
for you are a part of the family.


 

    CALL TO WORSHIP:

One:   Clap your hands all you people,
            Cry out to the God with shouts of joy.
All:      Sing songs to God, sing out!
             Sing to our King, sing praise!
One:   God is Lord over the earth,
            so sing your best songs to God.
All:      God is Lord of all nations.
One:   The powers of earth our God’s,
            He soars over all.
All:      Let us worship God.

 OPENING PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER

                        Loving Lord, may our worship this morning glorify your name and let this service be a witness to our everlasting love. We ask your blessing as we celebrate the memory of our friend Glenn Clarke. We give thanks for his life and his commitment to serving his community. We pray that in the months ahead you will bring comfort and peace to Ann and to all who have lost loved ones.  Bless all of us as we raise our voices singing hymns of praise and as we share personal memories of Glenn’s life. Let us feel your presence among us and open our hearts to your healing power. Let join in saying the prayer Jesus taught…Our Father

HYMN:    “GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS”  # 56    Mary’s Songbook

ANTHEM:   “I was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”  Choir 

HYMN:  “WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE”  #  41  Mary’s Songbook

DOWN MEMORY LANE
             HARLEY BYE
              GORDON FUREY   “Give Me Just a Little More Time”  







REFLECTION:

The first time I met Glenn, he was at the Source Blue Residence- in Ormstown and after getting over the awkwardness of my first visit, you know the feeling
-- what to say
    -how long to stay
     -do I say a prayer
       --how to say goodbye to someone strapped to a wheel chair –who couldn’t move—hardly talk-

Without saying a word Glenn always put me at ease.

But every time I went to visit, Glenn met me with a smile and the twinkle in his eye, letting me know he was glad I had come.

Glenn was “a giver,” All throughout his life Glenn gave to his community—gave to the fire department and gave to his church, now “the wind had changed direction” and he found himself on the receiving end-- I can imagine this must have been frustrating for him and a difficult adjustment. 


 During my visits, I did the talking and Glenn using slight movement of his eyes or his hands--He would nod when in agreement--roll his eyes when doubting and gesture with his hands to continue talking.   At least that’s what I thought.

I’m sure Ann knew of more signals Glenn used to let her know how he was doing.

One thing for sure Glenn had become a great listener—rarely interrupted.   

 But when he really had something to say –words would roll off his tongue with great difficulty-- whatever the method we used-- we seem to be able to talk to each other.   

I remember one particular day, As I we sat facing each other not saying a word  I could sense GLENN WAS SENDING ME A MESSAGE:

“NELSON- I HOPE THIS NEVER HAPPENS TO YOU—BUT IT CAN,-- SO LIVE EACH DAY TO THE FULLEST.-TO BE THANKFUL FOR YOUR HEALTH--KEEP FAITH IN GOD.”

I know-- it sounds like I might be imagining things, but there was that feeling—Body language-facial expression-- I’m sure you know what I mean!

   
 “THIS WAS GLENN’S GIFT TO ME, THE GIFT TO “BE STILL”—TO SIT IN SILENCE BESIDE A FRIEND--TO TAKE A TIME-OUT-- TO REFLECT ON MY LIFE.   

Spending time in silence became an important part of our visit.

*****

You all know how our minds can wander in strange directions, well my visits with Glenn made me think, for some reason, of the story of David and Goliath

As I thought about I found the story is really ABOUT LIFE and gives us a lesson about HOW TO FACE LIFE’S DIFFICULTIES.

Remember David picked up FIVE SMOOTH STONES FROM THE STREAM AND SLIPPED INTO HIS POUCH but he only needed one, the others were --what I call backup. You know the rest of the story.

I have given a name to each of the stones:

FAITH--LOVE—COURAGE—TRUST—COMPASSION

I was thinking of the power Glenn must have received from those five smooth stones.   This story gives us a glimpse of THE RELATIONSHIP GLENN HAD WITH HIS GOD-- of FAITH and TRUST Glenn had in God--

Often these gifts lay dormant within in all of us then suddenly have need to call on one or two of these helpers to overcome a difficulty.

 Glenn  found himself in just such a situation:
--struck down  with PARKINGSIN
      --separated from Ann and his community
          - -confined in a chronic care facility.

 

GLENN’S FIVE  (5) SMOOTH STONES, must have been well used during his stay at the Source Blue as —a prisoner in his own body unable to move-- not able to speak clearly. 

 I can picture  Glenn digging deep into his pouch, searching for the stone for faith, for courage for trust as he adjusted to this new life.   Glenn calling on God just as David did--to help him through the storm that caught him off guard.

Glenn had heard the Psalmist call out, BE STILL AND KNOW I AM GOD.

During his final years Glenn had plenty of time “to be still” and communicate with his Maker.   I’m sure they had many conversations



Glenn may not have been given all the answers to his questions concerning life but having the five stones FAITH--LOVE—COURAGE—TRUST—COMPASSION in his pouch DEATH HAD NO STING--GLENN WENT FEARLESSLY TO MEET HIS MAKER.           

I can hear Glenn, now in his new home, saying to God:  

                 “PUT ON YOUR EARPHONES, GOD, I’VE BEEN QUIET FOR TOO LONG AND NOW I HAVE PLENTY TO SAY!”

THANKS GLENN FOR SHARING YOUR LIFE WITH US AND THE MANY MEMORIES YOU’VE GIVEN US.         AMEN



HYMN:      “MANSION OVER THE HILLTOP”   #  26   Mary’s Songbook

HYMN:      “PEACE IN THE VALLEY”   #  30    Mary’s Songbook

 

BENEDICTION:     “MAY OUR GOD”   Tune of Edelweiss                                              (words in back of hymn book)