Life and Peace

Rev. Charissa Clark Howe

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Prelude

03/29/2020

Gathering

Prelude: Tom

Welcome, Announcements, Joys, and Concerns

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Jesus, Remember Me

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.

Preparing our Hearts

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.

Psalm 130 NRSV

A Song of Ascents. 1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. 2 Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! 3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered. 5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; 6 my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. 7 O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. 8 It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

Call to Worship

Prayer of Invocation

Psalm 130 ESV

A Song of Ascents. 1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! 2 O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! 3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. 5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; 6 my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. 7 O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. 8 And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires, known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer of Invocation

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father; there is no shadow of turning with thee. Thou changest not; thy compassions they fail not. As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning, new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning, new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow: blessings al mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning, new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Confession

We cannot come before God unless we are first honest with ourselves about who we are, about the mistakes we make, and about how well or poorly we care for others. In this spirit, let us offer our prayers to God. Let’s read together our community prayer of confession, followed by our silent prayers of individual confession.

Corporate Prayer of Confession (Followed by silent prayers of confession)

God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost. We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth. Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Take comfort in the assurance that even those things that are hidden from memory, or are too deep for our words, are not beyond God’s forgiving love. God, who knows us completely, bestows pardon and peace. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Gloria Patri

*Gloria Patri #581 PRERECORDED

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, it is now and ever shall be: world without end. Amen, amen.

Musical Meditation

Witnessing God's Work

Witnessing God's Work Submissions from congregation

Hearing the Word

Please pray with me: Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that we may hear your Word with joy. Amen.

: Heather

Ezekiel 37:1–14

Ezekiel 37:1–14 NRSV

1 The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. 3 He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. 6 I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.” 7 So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8 I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” 10 I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude. 11 Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ 12 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. 14 I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act,” says the Lord.

Romans 8:6–11 NRSV

6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed it cannot, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.

“Life and Peace”

Sermon Charissa “Life and Peace”

I want you all to know, before I start preaching this morning, that it’s ok to talk back to the preacher when you’re watching at home, just for the record. I know that not many of you do when we’re in person together, but maybe this is a good chance for some practice. I like it when people say, “Preach!” or “Amen!” and laugh at my jokes. It’s how I know you’re awake out there. I encourage you to practice talking to me while I preach in the security of your own home this morning so when we’re all back together again in person, you’ll be practiced and ready to go.

So, that said. . . Ezekiel!

Whew, our brother the Prophet Ezekiel has a vision for us today. Here’s the great thing about the prophets: they are timeless. What God speaks to a broken and hurting world never changes. So in times like this, that means that we can look back on the prophet Ezekiel and in many ways, understand the words far better than we’ve been able to in the past.

How many of you feel like you’re in a valley full of bones right now?

Breathe on Me, Breath of God

Ezekiel was originally writing to an audience of people who were in exile. They were living in a foreign land missing home.

I miss home. Not my literal home. I’m sort of tired of that place right now. Aside from wandering out to check on the churches once or twice a week, I’m not going anywhere else and it’s making me a little stir crazy. I started an instagram account for my dog the other night because I’m bored and he’s adorable. Pecas_the_pitbull, in case you’re wondering and want to follow him.

What I miss is driving all over the city for meetings - something I never thought I’d say. I miss seeing you all in person every Sunday morning. I miss teaching classes at the jail and getting to know the women there. I miss Presbytery committee meetings, you guys. I miss things I didn’t expect to miss like driving over bridges and through tunnels and making unreasonable numbers of Target runs per week. And for those who don’t already know this. . . you will soon. . . I’m not a natural redhead. I definitely miss getting my hair done.

There is a grief and an exile and a wandering that we are all doing right now. We had the initial shock of being thrown into exile - learning how to get to the church service online, figuring out how to use virtual conferencing, getting ourselves into some sort of new routine in our homes, our church family, the world.

Now we’re in that time of wandering in exile - no idea when it will end. Just hanging out here in the strange new place full of the relics of the past.

*Hymn #Breathe on Me, Breath of God

That’s what this valley of dry bones in Ezekiel represents - that feeling of loss over the past, the way things were.

One of my commentaries put it so eloquently:

So, that said. . . Ezekiel!

Whew, our brother the Prophet Ezekiel has a vision for us today. Here’s the great thing about the prophets: they are timeless. What God speaks to a broken and hurting world never changes. So n times like this, that means that we can look back on the prophet Ezekiel and in many ways, understand the words far better than we’ve been able to in the past.

How many of you feel like you’re in a valley full of bones right now?

The dry bones represent the dusty sense of hopelessness that the exiles would ever find their way home.

Ezekiel was originally writing to an audience of people who were in exile. They were living in a foreign land missing home.

Kelton Cobb, “Theological Perspective on ,” in Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary: Year A, ed. David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor, vol. 2 (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010), 122.

The dry bones represent the dusty sense of hopelessness that the exiles would ever find their way home.

Now we’re in that time of wandering in exile - no idea when it will end. Just hanging out here in the strange new place full of the relics of the past.

That’s what this valley of dry bones in Ezekiel represents - that feeling of loss over the past, the way things were.

“The dusty sense of hopelessness. . .” That seems so fitting for what we’re living right now.

And it’s so difficult when you are wandering around in a valley of bones to see anything other than the death and decay and sorrow. It’s hard to find feelings that aren’t that “dusty sense of hopelessness.”

But then look at what Ezekiel sees next: God begins to put flesh back on those bones.

First, the tendons and ligaments and other bits that hold the bones together start to regrow.

Then, muscles - the parts that make us move - start to form back over the sinew and bones.

Soon after, skin starts to cover over all those pieces and keep all of the bones and sinew and muscles and fat and blood inside and all the dirt and dust outside. No longer dusty dry old bones - these bones are now full of life and vitality.

One of my commentaries put it so eloquently:

And then God breathes LIFE into this new creature, made from the dusty old bones of exile that have been left out to dry and rot in the valley.

Can you imagine the surprise on Ezekiel’s face at this point in the vision? Imagine the excitement with which he goes and tells people about what he’s seen!

This exile will end!

God has not forgotten us!

Look to the new life and growth in store on the other side!

In Romans, too, we are told to look ahead. Don’t fret over the empty sanctuary, the bones of the past it feels like we can see everywhere, the lack of toilet paper in the stores. Don’t get so caught up on the what was, the comforts of the physical world we’re used to. Look to the what will be - the life and peace and renewal that we are promised in scripture.

This is our chance to really live out our role in the world as Christians. I was just telling my spouse earlier today that preaching this Lent is really weird. Usually during Lent, I’m trying to remind everyone of why we need Jesus.

It’s been easy to get really comfortable as Americans in the past few decades. We’ve been living in a really stable country. And I think that’s been bad for the church as a whole. Who needs God or community or a word of hope when everything is fine?

This shake up, this change in what’s normal, this valley of dry bones - God can really work with this! This Lent, I’m working overtime to remind everyone that He is coming!

Easter will be here, regardless of if it’s safe to meet in this place yet on April 12 because Easter is not a date. (That’s a statement that once upon a time would have had me stoned or burned for heresy.)

Easter is not a time or place. Easter isn’t the flower garden or frilly dresses or a packed sanctuary. Easter is new life. And at the end of this exile, whenever that is, we’re going to have such exciting opportunities to come together as a church and to experience and share new life in ways we couldn’t ever imagine.

Picture it, picture this sanctuary. It’s a bit of a valley of bones right now. There are so many reminders of the past. I can look around and see each of your faces looking at me from where you usually sit. But you’re not there. I can picture Sundays past when we have laughed together in this place, meals we have shared, hymns we have sung.

Yet, like Ezekiel prophesying over dry bones, we are called to keep worshiping together, keep proclaiming the Word of God over the dry bones. Because it is through that witness that these bones will live again.

I imagine that it’s uncomfortable to grow new sinew and muscles and skin and organs and all that. Think about how much healing from a wound hurts. Think about how exhausting recovering from an illness or surgery is. It’s not easy.

We’ll have to go to physical therapy and follow up appointments and really think about our health and priorities. But it’s going to be worth it. If we as a families and faith communities and nations and humanity as a whole put forth the work of healing from this, having let go of what doesn’t really matter - all that worldly stuff that Romans talks about - It’ll be like a Phoenix rising out of the ashes.

Think of the power in that image from Ezekiel again:

Something that was left for dead begins to figure out how to stick together. Then it starts to get stronger. Then it finds itself clothed in a totally new skin. And then BOOM! The valley is filled with new life!

As we continue to look forward, setting ourselves on God and on our mission to love one another, rather than on the “dusty sense of hopelessness” so many seem to be leaning into right now,

These

Bones

Will

Dance

Again!

Your bones are not dried up, people of God!

You hope is not lost, sisters and brothers!

You are not cut off completely!

God’s Spirit will move in you and through you and will bring NEW LIFE!

Breathe on Me, Breath of God

Kelton Cobb, “Theological Perspective on Ezekiel 37:1–14,” in Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary: Year A, ed. David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor, vol. 2 (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010), 122.Breathe on Me, Breath of God

Breathe on me, Breath of God; fill me with life anew, that I may love what thou dost love, and do what thou wouldst do.

Declaration of Faith

Breathe on me, Breath of God, until my heart is pure, until with thee I will one will, to do and to endure.

Breathe on me, Breath of God, till I am wholly thine, until this earthly part of me glows with thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, Breath of God, so shall I never die, but live with thee the perfect life of thine eternity.

Apostles’ Creed

As we come together, we do so remembering the things that hold us together as a church. So let’s take this time to recite together what the church declares to be true in the words of the Apostles’ Creed.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Prayers of the People

After each petition, the leader will say, “Lord, in your mercy” and the people shall respond, “Hear our prayer.”

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us. Lead us, not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Sharing of our Tithes and Offerings: www.emsworthstandrews.com

Offertory

Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessing flow! Praise God, all creatures here below! Praise God above, ye heavenly host! Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Amen!

*Prayer of Thanksgiving

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Abide With Me

*Hymn #Abide With Me

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, O abide with me.

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.

I need thy presence every passing hour; what but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power? Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless; ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death’s sting? Where grace, thy victory? I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Charge and Benediction

Amen

Postlude

Heather

Clip 1:

(After some silence - about a Lord’s prayer worth of silence)

Clip 2:

Please pray with me: Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that we may hear your Word with joy. Amen.

Our Hebrew scripture reading comes from the prophet Ezekiel, chapter 37, verses 1–14. This is the New Revised Standard Translation of the Bible.

1 The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. 3 He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. 6 I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.” 7 So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8 I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. 9Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” 10 I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude. 11 Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ 12 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. 14 I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act,” says the Lord.

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