NEXT SUNDAY – 14 February 2021   Worship Together Face to Face   The Sunday worship will reopen face to face. Please come join the Sunday worship at Boronia Park Uniting Church starting at 930am.      Bible Readings – Jean Boyd  2 Kings 2:1-12 and Mark 9:2-9    Children’s Talk – Alan Keast    Prayers of the People – Rosemary Brook         Local churches’ Prayer Cycle: GladesHill Presbyterian                                    Church and Kalos Korean Presbyterian Church         World Cycle of Prayer: Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland

 

[Click to download the pdf version of worship resources]

 

 

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

 

 

 

Preparing for worship

 

Welcome to our online worship service today with the People of Boronia Park Uniting Church!

 

To you, joining and participating in both online and face to face worship service requires a great commitment during your busy days. So we should value it so much. To you, saying and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, whatever you may call him, challenges you in daily life of doing so many things for living. So we believe that God values it so much because of its lifegiving power in the good news of Jesus Christ.

 

Have you ever said the good news to others or those nearby? Simply saying of who Jesus Christ means for you or what Jesus Christ has done in your life can be a good way. Living the good news of Jesus Christ every moment would be great because in that living you may live the Life in Jesus. Thus how would we live the good news today? Let us explore in this time of worship and communion.   

 

 

Acknowledgement for the First Peoples

 

We would like to begin by acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet today and pay my respects to their Elders past and emerging. We extend that respect to them with our faithful prayer in this worship.

 

 

Call to worship (inspired by Isaiah 40:28-31)

 

Have you not known?

Our God is the everlasting God,

Creator of the ends of the earth.

 

Have you not heard?

God does not faint or grow weary.

 

Have you not known?

God’s understanding is unsearchable.

 

Have you not heard?

God gives power to the faint

and strengthens the powerless.

 

Have you not known?

Those who wait for God will renew their strength

they shall mount up with wings like eagles.

 

We come to hear.

We come to know.

Thanks be to God.

 

Attributed by Joanna Harader

 

 

Hymn: Thanks to God whose Word was spoken

 

 

 

Thanks to God whose Word was spoken

In the deed that made the earth.

His the voice that called a nation,

His the fires that tried its worth.

 

God has spoken, God has spoken:

Praise him for his open Word.

 

Thanks to God whose Word incarnate

Human flesh has glorified,

Who by life and death and rising

Grace abundant his supplied.

God has spoken, God has spoke …

 

Thanks to God whose Word was written

In the Bible’s sacred page,

Record of the revelation

Showing God to every age.

God has spoken, God has spoke …

 

Thanks to God whose Word is published

In the tongues of every race.

See its glory undiminished

By the change of time and place.

God has spoken, God has spoke …

 

Thanks to God whose Word is answered

By the Spirit’s voice within.

Here we drink of joy unmeasured,

Life redeemed from death and sin.

God has spoken, God has spoke …

 

Words: R. T. Brooks

CCLI #260394

 

 

Opening Prayer

 

Let us pray:

 

God of life

God of hope

God of all

 

Lift us

on your love

like eagle's wings

 

Sustain us

Guide us

Heal us

 

Then send us

forth into

the world

 

 

That we

may love

as you love.

Amen.

 

Retrieved from revgalblogpals.blogspot.ca

 

 

Song: On Eagles’ Wing

 

 

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,

who abide in his shadow for life,

say to the Lord: “My refuge,

my rock in whom I trust!”

 

And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings,

bear you on the breath of dawn,

make you to shine like the sun,

and hold you in the palmof his hand.

 

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,

and famine will bring you no fear:

under his wings your refuge,

his faithfulness your shield.

And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings …

 

You need not fear the terror of the night,

nor the arrow that flies by day;

though thousands fall about you,

near you it shall not come.

And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings …

 

For to his angels he’s given a command

to guard you in all of your ways;

upon their handsthey will bear you up,

lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings …

 

Text and Music: Michael Joncas ©1979

CCLI Licence # 260394

 

 

 

Kids Talk     Rosemary Brook

 

Where could you find this information?

• Wikipedia
• Project Seahorses Project Seahorse
• NSW Dept of Primary Industries: Fishing (nsw.gov.au)
• Sydney Uni eg Dr Dave Harasti’s beautiful photos @ Seahorses of the World/Seahorses (daveharasti.com)
• Sydney Aquarium: Could aquarium-bred Sydney seahorses save native species from extinction? - ABC News
• UTS: Endangered Seahorses Released Into Sydney Harbour as Part of Conservation Project (news.com.au)

 

You can start your mission today and we can catch up with all your findings in a short session at our Youth Full service on Sunday 21 February!

To get you started on your Seahorse Mission, here are some questions you might like to investigate. You can choose or make up your own questions:

• Are seahorses actually fish, or something else?
• Do seahorses come in a range of colours?
• Where do seahorses live and what do they eat?
• Are seahorses increasing or decreasing in numbers? Why?
• What is amazing about the birth of seahorses?
• Why are seahorses so interesting to watch?
• Why are marine biologists studying seahorses now?
• Are there really seahorse hotels?
• Why is Clifton Gardens near the Sydney suburb of Mosman important for seahorses?
• Should we care about seahorses?
• What is THE most amazing thing you can discover about seahorses?

 

 

Bible Readings

 

1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (New International Version)

 

¹⁶ For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! ¹⁷ If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.¹⁸ What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel.

 

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

 

¹⁹ Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. ²⁰ To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. ²¹ To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law),so as to win those not having the law. ²² To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. ²³ I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

 

Mark 1:29-39 (New International Version)

 

Jesus Heals Many

 

²⁹ As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. ³⁰ Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. ³¹ So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

 

³² That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. ³³ The whole town gathered at the door, ³⁴ and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

 

Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place

 

³⁵ Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. ³⁶ Simon and his companions went to look for him, ³⁷ and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

 

³⁸ Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” ³⁹ So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

 

This is the word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

 

 

Sermon         Seung Jae Yeon

 

 

The passages today are for me very important reminder of how much all Christian missionaries and evangelists love the gospel of Jesus, living it out and delivering to many people who do not hear before. In the history of Christian faith and its movement, there are always ones who are called by God, trained by other fellow Christians, and sent by church and faith community to the world. I acknowledge that those who commit to bring the good news form and transform many lives. All apostles, teachers, church fathers, monks and nuns, preachers, pastors, ministers of the Word, and maybe all of you have equal status in the work of the good news. There is no greater message than the good news of Jesus Christ. If you own it in your heart to grow, in your hands to deliver and in your mouth to speak, you are the one that today’s passages give praise and honour with God’s blessing. I want to call upon all of us to think of those who brought the good news to you, maybe your parents, friends, Sunday school teachers or colleagues. I also want us to hold a moment to pray for all missionaries and evangelists namelessly living out the good news of Jesus Christ, particularly in Burma/Myanmar today.

 

Let me have a bit serious question to all of us, including myself: If Jesus were here right now in Australia, what would you ask Him for? How do you think He would answer? How would you feel if that happened?

 

The one like an ordinary person, wearing a basic combination of jean and t-shirt presents Himself in front of me. Though His hands keep moving to do something and His mouth is half open to breathe, He doesn’t look busy. He seems calm and gentle. I want to bother Him by asking so many questions such as twelve apostles, Mother Mary and his siblings, journey that he took with many, the boy who brought five loaves and two fish and his transfiguration on the high mountain… and his crucifixion and resurrection. He stops all things that He is doing then begins talking after clearing his throat. “G’day, my name is Jesus from Nazareth. And you Seung Jae from South Korea, right? I already know who you are.” “Gosh, really Jesus!” I shout. He gets me double thumbs. I begins tearing because I have missed Him so long since I confessed that He is the Lord of my life. “May I ask something of you?” He nods. “Could you watch over all my church friends and their families? Wherever they are, they are all now passing through these challenging times due to the Pandemic! I want them to know that You are real, healing and comforting all people in all circumstances. You are here with me. Please.”

 

“Tell them to stay connected with each other in all good thoughts and prayers, and I will see and do what I can do,” Jesus replied so nicely. I feel touched and moved by his words of courage and carefulness. His gentle gesture while he is talking to me caress my body, soul and spirit. I do need Him more, but He walks away. Then He turns around and says, a wide smile on His face, “I, with my Father and the Holy Spirit, appreciate your prayers whenever you do. Do not forget that I listen and I answer. I will help, despite you questioning your faith, even now.” My eyes well up with tears as He turns again. In the blink of an eye, He has gone.

 

While I was writing this wonder-full story, it gave me a very different feeling that I had not had before. I wish I could be with Him Jesus. In writing it, I might feel His presence surrounding my presence. He and I lived for a while in this story. Wow! If you are now like me questioning your faith, what it means to be a church goer, believer, seeker or doubter, I may ask you to hold a moment to think of the questions above. And I ask you think about those whose life is committed to speak the good news and to live it out whatever circumstance they might have. What is really stopping us to tell the truth of Jesus Christ today? And How might we live out the good news of Jesus Christ as a source of thankfulness and a life giving purpose to live with other fellow human beings.

 

Jesus healed many in his ministry. When he touched, commended, whispered and even called by names, all sort of the sick and people unwell were healed. Today’s passage from Mark tells us one of Jesus’ healing ministry or miracles in touching lives. Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever. Nothing worked for her so she just was waiting and waiting till the end of the suffering in her bed. He simply went to see her and take her hand. Then helped her up and she was relieved from the fever. Jesus was there attending Simon’s mother-in-law, touched her and got her up. She was then healed. Furthermore, those who heard that news which is a good news to their sick family members or friends, brought all the sick and even demon-possessed. I wondered how the news of Jesus’ healing of Simon’s household was spread so quickly in the neighbourhood. And I wondered whether they were waiting to pass on or not if Jesus was not there. Anyhow Jesus healed many who were in front of Him. Demons were gone by Him. Maybe the all household of Simon’s neighbourhood celebrated it. What they wanted was that their sick siblings, children or parents get back to their ordinary life – living, loving, eating, drinking, talking, working for living and ultimately living out the life given by God and in His image. For a while the villagers would have had the liminal experiences of living as God’s people within the presence of Jesus Christ, the Healer and the Liberator. I believe that Jesus’ good news in healing and touching many lives was filling them with joy in life and purpose to live as God’s people. This is why we need Him and His good news in our life here and now. Do you now own the good news of Jesus Christ in you? If you own it, how would you describe it in words and acts? If not, what would you ask Jesus for? Let us have a moment to hold in prayers and ask Jesus for His presence in your life.

During the last week, I intended to join six modules of training for Special Religious Education teaching and completed. (Hopefully I will go teach SRE classes at both Boronia Park and Gladesville Public School this term.) All information and discussions were helpful to improve my skillset to teach young ones. Each module brought also issues of use of language, cultural approach, and understanding of how young ones develop their own values in learning. And there were assessment tasks after each module to complete it. I had a scenario to answer –Why did God allow COVID - 19 to come to Australia?I spent time to reflect on the question’s language and background. For me, it was like a prayer of young ones to beg Jesus come to Australia and the entire world to heal. It was not a complaining language but a welcoming invitation for Jesus to be with us. My answer was this:

 

I do want to know too. God does not want us to be suffered from any disease even COVID-19. You may know at this moment hundreds and thousands of people on this planet are suffering from the virus including many children like you. We’d rather think of the patients and medical staff doing harm way than anything less important. Shall we pray when we have time to pray at home?

 

What I was trying to say is that I believe that we all need Jesus here and now desperately. The good news is Jesus Christ, no matter what it is written or confessed. As Simon’s family needed Jesus when they lost their hope for their mother, we today need Jesus as good news to our lives today and beyond. As the villagers brought all the sick to Jesus when there was no way to take care of their family members and friends, we today should come before Him, asking to be our side and our guide and welcoming Him into our existence as joy and purpose.

 

Jesus did go back to a quiet place to pray. In between ministry opportunities of bringing good news, he prayed to God for the mission he owned. He, Himself brought before God in prayer. He asked God for help and reasons of why He should obey God’s will. Though we don’t know the words in His prayer, we can think how he prayed. Pouring out Himself in prayer, giving Himself up in asking God’s presence and praising God for all things He has done in Jesus’ ministry. Good news of Jesus Christ comes from God by the work of the Messiah who was, is and will be dwelling among God’s people including you and I. You and I pray in Jesus’ name today and there be God’s presence. When we pray in Jesus’ name, the good news of Jesus Christ forms us, healing our wounds and brokenness.

 

I pray that here and now Jesus comes heal us as good news for many. In all our communities and homes, countries and cities, and every individual, I pray that Jesus Christ stands there to hear our cry and sufferings. I ask us to pray for those who commit to the good news of Jesus wherever they are. In our prayer, Jesus Christ is the good news that may bring joy and purpose in life. If you question your faith today, I hope Jesus Christ be there for you.

 

Thanks be to God.

 

 

Prayers of the People       Barnabas Joo

 

Merciful Father,

 

As we continue to worship remotely, we ask you for your loving Spirit to remind us that we are not alone. That we gather in hearts in our praise of you.

 

We continue to pray regarding the coronavirus. Whilst it has fortunately settled in NSW, we know that our neighbouring states have seen re-emergence of the virus. We ask for your continued wisdom and safekeeping as we manage the pandemic.

 

We thank you for all the work which continues through these hard times. For all the frontline health workers. For businesses who have been hit with loss and hardships. May you be with us all and provide guidance.

 

We pray for those who are more vulnerable during times like these. Those without adequate food, shelter or love. May you provide comfort and warmth.

 

In the ecumenical cycle of prayer, this week we pray Andorra, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Vatican City. We pray for the preservation of their natural environments, an end to economic and political turmoil so that stable governments can be instated to end corruption and relieve the disparities between the rich and poor.

 

We remember our brothers and sisters in the Uniting Church congregations, faith communities, chaplains in the City of Ryde Zone in our Inter Church Council Prayer Cycle. We pray that your Spirit guide them this year in their journey with you in the community.

 

We also remember our congregation and for your continued blessing upon us as we aim to walk in your footsteps. May you keep over our congregation, our youth and our minister and his family. Though we cannot gather physically, we always remain thankful and in fellowship. We pray for your everlasting grace.

 

We pray all these things in Jesus name,

Amen.

 

INTERACTIVE ONLINE LITURGY FOR

HOLY COMMUNION

 

 

As we gather here today in the sight of God to join in Holy Communion,

know we are only a screen width apart.

The God of all creation is not bound to the bounds of time or place.

God transcends our physical distances

and parts the veil between us,

so that we may be together in this mystical space.

Through God and the mystery of Holy Communion,

we become one creation, one body, one church.

Join with us now in acknowledging our togetherness.

 

God’s peace be with us all.

Amen.

 

 

The Gathering of the Elements

 

Together, we share a table of enormous width along a horizontal plane,

as it gently forms along our heavenly body.

The table is laid bare, earnestly seeking the providence of God

At the wedding feast, Jesus proclaimed “My time has not yet come.”

Yet encouraged by his beloved mother Mary, he turned water into wine. 

I ask you now to collect what elements you may

to serve as your bread and fruit of the vine,

knowing that creating grace will justify your choices

in the sight of God.

 

 

Thanksgiving

 

God is with you.

It is good to be joyful as we give thanks to You, Holy God.

You created us in your image and gave us life with your breath.

Your love does not fade, even as we neglect that love.

You liberated us from our bondage, and continue to ease our burden.

 

 

Acclamation

 

With joy, and with all of Creation, we proclaim:

 

Holy, Holy, Holy,

God of Power and Grace.

Heaven and Earth are full of your glory,

Hosanna in the highest.

Hosanna in the highest.

 

 

Institution

 

You are Holy God, and blessed is your Child Jesus.

 

Your Spirit descended upon him

so that he could proclaim good news to the poor

heal the sick

feed the hungry

dance with sinners

and liberate the captive.

 

His life gave birth to the church through a new covenant

one born out the Holy Spirit

whose power dwells within us today.

 

On the night in which he gave himself over,

Jesus took bread,

gave thanks to you, God, and said,

 

“Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.”

 

After dinner, he took the cup,

gave thanks, and said,

 

“This is my blood of the new covenant,

poured out for you and for many.

Drink from it in remembrance of me.”

 

In remembering the mighty acts of Jesus,

we offer ourselves as a living witness

proclaiming the mystery of faith:

 

Christ has died.

Christ has risen.

Christ will come again.

 

Pour out your Spirit on all those gathered together in this Holy space,

and on the gift of these elements.

Make them be for us the body and blood of Jesus Christ,

that we may be the body of Christ for the world.

 

 

Intercessions

 

Your Spirit makes us one with Christ and one with each other

It binds, blends, and multiplies us, as we minister to the world,

as one beloved community of faith

singing your praises on Earth and in Heaven

until Christ comes again,

and we feast at the divine table in perfect harmony.

 

All honour and glory are yours God,

now and forever. 

Amen.

 

 

Lord’s Prayer

 

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.

 

Save us from the time of trial

       and deliver us from evil.

 

For the kingdom, the power,

       and the glory are yours

       now and forever.

 

Amen.

 

 

Partaking of the Elements

 

This bread is made from many grains from many fields,

yet was formed into a single loaf.

 

Because there is one God

we, though many, and in many places, are one body

Join us as we partake in the body of Christ, in remembrance of him.

 

The Body of Christ given for you.

 

This fruit of the vine is made by many hands, from many places,

yet pours freely.

Join us as we share in this blessing of the cup of the new covenant.

 

The cup of blessing poured out for you and for all

 

 

Prayer after Communion

 

Eternal God,

thank you for this mystery of faith,

where you have given yourself to us.

May we go into the world

strengthened by your Spirit,

in a spirit of generosity,

in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

 

Copyright 2020 by Wil Ranney under the CC3.0 license

 

 

Offering

 

The offering will be used for the congregation’s continuing mission and ministry in these challenging times. Please make your offering through a Bank Deposit or a personal cheque whichever is convenient to you.

Account Name: Boronia Park Uniting Church

BSB: 634-634

Account: 100023784

Reference: Offering

 

Please contact Robyn Harvey, Treasurer on 0418 783 290 or robyn.49@bigpond.net.au for more information about how to make Direct Debit.

 

 

Song: Lord, I come to you (The Power of Your Love)

 

 

Lord, I come to you: let my heart be changed, renewed,

flowing from the grace that I found in you.

And, Lord, I’ve come to know

the weakness I see in me will be stripped away

by the power of your love.

 

Hold me close, let your love surround me;

bring me near,draw me to your side:

and as I wait I’ll rise up like the eagle,

and I will soar with you: your Spirit leads me on

in the power of your love.

 

Lord, unveil my eyes, let me see you face to face,

the knowledge of your love as you live in me.

Lord, renew my mind as your will unfolds in my life,

in living everyday in the power of your love.

Hold me close, let your love surround me …

 

Geoffrey WilliamBullock

CCLI #260394

 

 

Benediction

 

May you trust in God’s promises to his people:

peace

security

blessing

even when they are difficult to believe.

 

May you know that God’s news is good news,

nourishing

true

even when people tell you it is not.

 

And when you encounter doubt,

may you strengthen your belief

guiding you in his perfect wisdom and counsel.

 

Retrieved from blog.wisch.org/category/benedictions-and-prayers

 

 

NEXT SUNDAY – 14 February 2021   Worship Together Face to Face   The Sunday worship will reopen face to face. Please come join the Sunday worship at Boronia Park Uniting Church starting at 930am.      Bible Readings – Jean Boyd 2 Kings 2:1-12 and Mark 9:2-9    Children’s Talk – Alan Keast    Prayers of the People – Rosemary Brook         Local churches’ Prayer Cycle: GladesHill Presbyterian                                    Church and Kalos Korean Presbyterian Church         World Cycle of Prayer: Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland