Sunday Worship -12th May 2024 – Easter 7

(All our songs this morning are from Singing the Faith (StF) numbers will be given where available)

Call to worship

Come to God and be ready to listen.
Come to God and be willing to hear.
Bring your gifts and talents.
Bring your hearts and minds.
Come and find a way to serve today.

Song – StF 668 – Teach me my God and King

Prayers

Generous God, We thank you for the good gifts we receive from you: For skills and abilities, for opportunities to serve. We ask for the gift of discernment that we may know our own gifts and recognise the potential in others.

Lord God, we come into your presence as individuals. We do not always realise how special we are, especially to you. You believe in us with your whole heart; We believe in you with our whole heart.

There is so much more to each one of us than we ever believe. Put us together and we are even more amazing! You believe in us with your whole heart; We believe in you with our whole heart.

May we come to understand our distinctiveness, the things that make each one of us special.

All with our own talents, traits and quirks. You believe in us with your whole heart; We believe in you with our whole heart.

Lord God, where would we be without your Spirit? It moulds us, teaches us, fills us. When we hear your Word, we realise what a great God we have. What a privilege it is to follow you.

We want to learn so much more about you, to know you more intimately. As a butterfly becomes a caterpillar, so you enable us to become the person you want us to be: Like you.

Lord, we might think that casting lots isn’t a very spiritual way to make decisions. But the important thing was that the apostles prayed first. They knew these men well. They recognised their gifts and experiences. But they needed your insight and guidance.

Lord, forgive us for the times when we don’t pray before we act. When we don’t pray before the big decisions, or the small decisions, or anytime really. Forgive us for the times we do not

see ourselves as special. When we don’t let you use our unique talents. When we don’t even realise we have talents. Forgive us, dear Lord, and help us to put our trust in you.

Assurance of forgiveness

‘Whoever has the Son, has life.’ (1 John 5:12)

Father God, you have given us eternal life in your precious Son, Jesus. Thank you for the assurance of your new life in us, and the blessing of your love and compassion. Forgiving God, we come to you and you make us whole. Thanks be to God.

We thank you, God, for all our experiences. Painful or pleasant, they make us as we are.

May we allow them to be used for your glory. We thank you for our ministers, who have responded to your call To share their gifts and experiences with us. Help us all to draw closer to each other and to you. Amen.

Song – StF 482 – There is no moment of my life

Readings Acts 1: 15-17 & 21-26

Monologue: Second place

My name is Barsabbas – no, not Barrabas – not that one, the one who was freed instead of Jesus – no, my name is Barsabbas. Some people know me as Justus. You’ve never heard of me? It’s not surprising really. Who ever takes notice of a runner-up? It’s the winners that people all flock to. They’re the top of the tree, the ones whose names are well known and sound familiar – even if you’re not sure who they are. And I was the runner-up to end all runners-up. Second in the race. Gone and forgotten. Never mentioned again. Sent into oblivion. I suppose, if you’ve got to lose a contest it’s better to make sure it’s one that people won’t remember for long anyway. Not one that will be written into history forever. But that’s what happened to me. I came second in a two-man race – and what a race! No one else will ever get the chance to run that one again. After all, there can only be one occasion when one of those specially chosen men is replaced. It will never happen again exactly like that. And I don’t hold anything against my opponent, in fact we have been friends for several years now. We’ve travelled together, talked for hours, swapped tales about our families, had wonderful discussions, worked tirelessly as a team and have laughed a lot too. Jesus saw to that. We’d become devoted followers of his over the years and were glad to share in his work and listen to his teachings, even if we didn’t always understand exactly what he was saying to us. Then, of course, there was all the agony of that last week of his life and the uncertainty of what would happen next. But we were there when Jesus came back and we could gladly share the stories of resurrection and the promise of new life. But then came the business with Judas. We had all felt that dreadful sense of betrayal by his actions, but I’m not sure that any of us could have predicted that he would end his own life – even though I’m sure some thought it was the best solution to the problem. Matthias and I had shared all these things, alongside the eleven remaining disciples that Jesus had chosen himself. So, when it came to replacing Judas, we were the prime candidates for the job. But Matthias was the one who came first. As I said, I have no sense of resentment for him. He was chosen in the usual way and I’ll abide by the vote. But my name will not be the one that’s remembered. His will. I suppose that all I can do is to try my best to work for Christ in my own way. We can’t all be winners, but we can all be witnesses. I’d better get out there and get on with it. (c) Marjorie Dobson.

Song – StF 312 – The head that once was crowned with thorns

Sermon

Peter preaches to a crowd of believers about who should replace Judas as one of the twelve. He recommends that it should be someone who has been with them from the beginning and who is a witness to the resurrection. Two names are proposed. After praying for the Lord’s guidance, lots are drawn and Matthias becomes the new apostle.

Today we consider the roles we fulfil in different areas of our lives. We are all different in temperament, gifts and abilities, yet we all have something to offer – to others and to God. How do we know if we are called to a particular role? How do we identify potential in others?

In choosing a twelfth apostle the believers prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart’. Judas’ replacement with Matthias echoes Saul’s with David. Saul could no longer hear God’s voice, in dreams, prophecy, or lots (1 Samuel 28:6). Samuel, reminded that ‘The Lord looks on the heart’ (1 Samuel 16:7), anointed David in his place. The Lord alone knows everyone’s heart. Since we are tempted to harden our own hearts, it is best that we too put prayer at the centre of recognising other’s gifts, praying particularly for those who annoy, anger or perplex us.

Judas’ abandonment of Jesus and his disciples was difficult for them to understand, and part of their response was to find in the Scriptures, not least in the psalms of David, a pattern of rejection and acceptance: ‘let another take his position as overseer’ (Acts 4:20, echoes Psalm 109:8). In Acts, this is part of a larger process. The rejection of his message by those in the synagogue leads Paul to preach to Gentiles, and its acceptance by some of them is followed by his convincing more of his own people, even in Rome (21:24). Perhaps God is using our distinctive ways of being disobedient to fulfil his purposes in others. My insecurities may be increasing someone’s empathy, my talking too much may be teaching them patience – even if unintentionally!

All are called. Some are called to specific ministries, some to share gifts in other and more general ways. Joseph and Matthias were willing and open to God’s call – are we? Do you have a gift that could fulfil a role in the church or community? God acknowledges our gifts when he calls us, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be challenged. A calling may be affirmed through a process of application or selection. It may involve training. It may lead to a formal recognition or commissioning (or ordination). It may involve something far less visible. Whichever, while we don’t cast lots these days, the recognition of a calling has recognition and backing from the wider community.

In a football team, only 11 players can be on the pitch at any one time, but substitutes are necessary. What had Matthias been doing while the disciples were doing great deeds? Was he keen to join them, or thinking ‘I’m glad that’s not me’? How might he have reacted to being ‘short-listed’ for the empty position? How do we cope with disappointment at being side-lined, or with the thrill of being chosen? In a football match, players and substitutes alike all wear the same kit, they all belong to the team and are recognisable. What unites us and makes us recognisable as disciples of Jesus?

 One day a church member approached the pastor and began to speak: ‘God has told me…’. The pastor listened patiently and then replied, ‘Well, that’s very interesting, and when I feel that God is telling me the same, perhaps we can move forward’. Stories like that are amusing, but they have a serious undertone. It’s not always easy to discern the way we should go, either in daily life or in church circles –  and we go it alone at our peril. Most of us will have experienced enthusiastic colleagues who put forward ideas without properly considering whether they are feasible or desirable. Such folk may need a kindly mentor to draw them aside and point out some pitfalls and alternatives.

In the reading from Acts, the disciples seemed to understand the need for collaboration between people and God. No doubt they had observed and spoken to likely candidates before short-listing Joseph and Matthias, and before involving God in prayer and trusting in the process of drawing lots. How do we respond if we feel that God might be calling us to something new (in church or in the world)?

If our call is to a formal, recognised form of ministry, lay or ordained, there is almost certainly a recognised process of discernment to go with it. (And selection…and training…and…) Such processes give the assurance of the church’s confidence and protection. The sense of calling is not ours alone; it belongs to the church as a whole.

Of course, not everyone is called to ordained or authorised ministry. However, everyone is called to serve God, the community of believers, and their neighbour. If we are not sure what our calling is, a first step might be to assess our gifts and talents, and to ask what those around us see in us. Gifts of friendship, welcome, hospitality, artistic ability, computer skills (to name just a few) are just as important and necessary as those of a preacher.

In the first place, Matthias and Joseph were willing to be called by God. Then they were prepared to participate in the selection process. Finally, they were obedient to the call of the Church and accepted the roles that were assigned to them. By the power of the Spirit, may we be able to assess our skills and talents and discern God’s call. May we have the grace to seek the counsel of others. And may we joyfully accept our calling, whatever that may be.

Song – StF 550 – Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go

Prayers of Intercession (Response)

 Once again, the tensions between Israel and Palestine have reached the news cycle and the war in Ukraine continues. We pray for the peacemakers in those areas, and others were war continues. Hold them from despair, give them the energy and vision for a better future that will keep them going during these difficult times. Help the local politicians and those in the international community who are trying to mediate and resolve this crisis. Equip them with the skills they need, give them the words that will speak into this situation and help those who need to hear listen to their words and cease their fire.

Leader: Lord, in a dark hour,

All: Let your light shine.

In the aftermath of the local, mayoral and crime commissioner elections we pray for everyone who has either lost or gained a job. Give people who are leaving their posts a sense of closure. Help them as they move on to something new. May they take the experience they gained and find ways to use it to empower and help others.  For those who find themselves with a new job, give them the grace and humility needed to get to know new colleagues and work out what is required of them, and as our towns and cities emerge from coronavirus give us all patience with each other as we re-establish how to work and live with one another.

Lord, in a world of losses and gains,

Let your light shine.

The blossoms on the trees and parks filled with plants and flowers at this time of the year remind us of the wonders of the natural world. But we are well aware of the difficulties facing our planet. The issues around climate change can feel overwhelming but we pray that the church has a voice in the debate and that we face up to our personal responsibilities.

Lord, in a world challenged by the climate crisis,

Let your light shine.

In uncertain times we thank you Lord for the relationships and friendships that have carried us through: for those who have made us laugh, for those who have listened, for those who have stood by us. Thank you for the love, care and attention of others. Help us to learn to pray as Jesus did. As we move through this week and encounter our friends help us to pray for their needs and that they would know your peace in their lives.

Lord, in all of our lives and friendships,

Let your light shine.

Lord’s Prayer

Song – StF 566 – Take my life and let it be

Blessing

Lord, help us to know ourselves better and to reflect on your call to us. Give us grace to use our gifts to honour you and to serve others. Help us to work together for the good of all.

Amen.