Wednesday of Holy Week     APC 31st March 2021 ‘Betrayal’
Introduction and Welcome
Good morning and welcome to the opening reflection in our Holy week series.  Today is entitled ‘Betrayal’ as together we will imagine ourselves in the Upper Room as Jesus announces to his disciples that one of them will betray him.  But before we reflect on this and how we might find God’s comfort for our own betrayals, let us take a moment to talk to God.  Let us pray…
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, once more we remember that last week before you faced the cross- your pain and hurt as you faced betrayal, denial, rejection and abandonment, and we confess that we have added to your pain.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us.
Through our thoughts, words and actions, so often we have deserted you when you needed us most.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us.
Through our lack of thought, our failure to speak, and our reluctance to act, so many times we have denied the faith and love we declare.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us.
We have cared too much for the good opinion of others.  We have been fearful to contemplate the true cost of discipleship.  Like lost sheep we have gone astray.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us.
Yet you have called us to be your church.  You have forgiven us, cleansed and restored us, giving your own life for our sakes.
Receive our thanks.  Receive our praise.  And help us to follow you more faithfully.
Join with me as we say the Lord’s Prayer, thoughtfully and sincerely together…
 
Our Father, which 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 trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil,
For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever, AMEN.
 
Matthew 26 v 14-16
14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
 
Matthew 26 v 20-24
20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”
23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
Matthew 26 v 47-50
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”[a]
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
 
Mathew 27 v 1-5
Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. 2 So they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor.
3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”
5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
 
Reflection for Holy Week               “Betrayal”
On Sunday we listened to the crowds of people lining the streets of Jerusalem.  On that day they shouted “Hosannah!”  It means “Rescue me!”  A cry for help but also an exclamation of worship to the only one who could really save them.
Yet just a few days later, most of those people would change their cry to “Crucify Him!”
All of us know what it feels like to be betrayed.  A confidence shared, a promise broken, a friendship abandoned.  As we enter Holy week for another year, it’s this aspect of Jesus’ final days that has grabbed my attention.  I’ve been particularly inspired in my thinking by Philip Yancey in his book, “The Jesus I never knew.”
For one thing, His betrayal was something that Jesus already knew.  Dramatically, in the middle of their final meal together Jesus calmly drops the bombshell to the group… “Tonight one of you will betray me.”
What a conversation stopper!  Or perhaps it was a starter, as the disciples stared at each other and exclaimed indignantly, “Well, it won’t be me!”  The truth is, it could have been any one of them. Who knows how many of them had already been approached by the authorities probing for information?
Did any of them feel suspicious when a few minutes later Judas left the room?  Probably not.  It would be normal for the treasurer to excuse themselves to purchase supplies or run a charitable errand.
The truth is, knowing the rest of the story, we do judge Judas in a different light to all the others.  I mean, who even thinks about naming their child after the greatest traitor in history?
But if we read the gospels honestly, it’s the ordinariness, not the evil of Judas that stands out.  Like the rest He was selected by the Master after a night of prayer.  They must have trusted Him to appoint Him treasurer.  At the last Supper he sat near Jesus, a place of honour.  There’s no hint in all the gospels that Judas was a double agent.
So, how could he betray Christ?
Society has posed many answers to that question throughout the years.  Was it his love for money?  Had he become disillusioned, feeling that Jesus was too soft or misguided in His belief that His martyrdom would bring about the revolution they needed?  Was he simply wanting to save his own skin?  Perhaps he was hoping to kick start the revolution by arranging an arrest.
The bible says simply, “Satan entered him.”
But the truth is Satan had entered them all.  When it became clear that Jesus’ kind of Kingdom would lead to a cross and not a crown, all of them left the table and vanished into the shadows.  One of them even swore blindly in public on several occasions that he had never been associated with Jesus.
It’s easy to point the finger at Judas, harder to point it at the disciples, but even more difficult to look in the mirror and say – “Well, actually, I did that too.”
The truth is we’ve all betrayed Him at times.  In the right circumstances, under enough pressure, we’ve all abandoned our Lord. 
So can I ask you, gently, where are you at the moment in your relationship with Christ?  Have you abandoned the table?  Are you hiding in the shadows?  Do you publicly not even care?
Over the Christmas break I watched a fascinating movie called “Silence” which did indeed leave me speechless.  It’s based on the book of the same name written by Shusaku Endo one of Japans most renowned novelists.
Starring Liam Neeson, it describes the true story of how Japanese Christians, including world respected priests renounced their faith under severe torture at the hands of regional Shoguns.  Endo wrote his book because he could only find books written about famous martyrs.  His inspiration came from his understanding that the most powerful message of Jesus was his unquenchable love for people who betrayed him.
When Judas opened the gate for the authorities in the garden, Jesus called him his Friend.  When all but his mother, 3 other women and John deserted him, Jesus continued to love them all.  When leaders of His own religious denomination and nation hung him naked on a cross, His only words were, “Father forgive them.”
You know, the real question is not, how could Judas betray the Son of God?  The real question is how could the Son of God love you and me despite all that He knows about us?
The saddest thing for me about Judas is not his betrayal of Jesus.  It’s the fact that he failed to understand how much the Lord still loved him.  It’s the fact that Judas couldn’t find the courage to say sorry and forgive Himself.  Peter, somehow grasped this mystery and became a leader of the church.  Judas took his own life.
Listen, in one sense it really doesn’t matter how you or I have betrayed the Lord.  What matters is that we understand how much He loves us.  What matters is that we come out of the shadows, return to the table and commit to caring once again about how we represent Him.  What matters is that we learn to love as He loves…even those we consider to be our Judas.  Let us pray….
 
Prayer for ourselves and others
Dear God, we thank you for always being faithful to us.  We can always count on you to love us completely and unconditionally. Thank you for being perfectly trustworthy. We can always rely on you to do what's best for us and help us with whatever we need. Please help us to remember that you are here for us even when we feel betrayed by other people.
Lord, you know all of the painful thoughts and feelings we have to deal with after being let down. We find it so hard to understand how people or institutions we felt we could trust have let us down so badly.  God, when these things happen, we feel we need a miracle to find real inner peace again after what we've been through. Please give us that peace so that we can think about our betrayals from your perspective.  Give us the strength to be able to control our emotions rather than allowing them to control us.
Loving Father, we know you agree that betrayal is wrong and are just as upset as we are about what has happened to us. But we also know that you want us to forgive those who have hurt us. If we’re honest, we may not want to forgive, but we don't want to hurt ourselves more by holding onto bitterness or pursuing revenge. In a few moments of silence we bring those people or organisations who have betrayed us to God now….
Lord, empower us to forgive by letting go of the offense and trusting you to bring justice to the situation in the right ways and at the right times.
Please free us from the burden of holding onto a grudge and help us move on with our lives well.
God, we confess that this betrayal has damaged our confidence. We feel insecure and blame ourselves for mistakes we have made. We wonder what we could have done differently to prevent this betrayal from happening. Please steer us away from wasting our time and energy living in the past, and help us to focus now on how we can best move into a better future. Remind us of how valuable we are, and let us sense your love for me in tangible ways.
As we move forward with the other relationships in our lives, help us not to punish those who have goodwill toward me by assuming that they will betray me too. Help us to trust the people we know who are treating us well.  Help us even to rebuild relationships with those who have hurt us but who have been willing to change and be reconciled to us.
Show us the people who can support us as we recover from this betrayal.  Thank you for them all.  Please bless them for their help.
And Lord, forgive us for the times when we have betrayed you and for times that we too have betrayed other people, even those closest to us.
Take a moment to pray for a few people who you know who have been betrayed and are feeling angry and hurt at this time…
 
Closing Words
I just want to say a huge thank you to Alison, and all those who took part in the RTE service on Sunday.  It was a very special, if nerve wrecking experience for us all.  Thank you also to everyone who watched the service and all those people who have contacted us with words of support and encouragement.  We thank God that the service has been such a blessing to so many people throughout Ireland and we give the glory to Him.
No word yet on when we can return to church but do tune in again on Friday as we join together for a very special virtual service of Tenebrae as we reflect on the death of our Lord.  This will include readings and songs from lots of people within our church family.
And don’t forget that Sunday is the high point of our Christian year as we celebrate that Christ is alive. That service will also include a couple of nice surprises and many familiar faces from our congregation.  So I do hope you can join us for worship on both of those occasions.
In the meantime, as always, let me close with the benediction after which I will invite you to share I the words of the grace together…
 
Benediction
May Christ, who accepted the cup of sacrifice in obedience to
the Father’s will, keep you steadfast as you walk with him the
way of his cross.  And
 
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all now and for evermore,
Amen.
​

Arklow Presbyterian Church are really excited to announce that we will be celebrating the Palm Sunday Service, this coming Sunday, live on RTE.   

The Service will be led by  Rev. Michael Anderson and Music Director, Alison Crammond.  

We have chosen some beautiful hymns for this very special occasion which will be sung by Tara Crammond & Holly Prestage; Sharon, Kate & Laura O’Sullivan; and Elaine & Rebecca Kearon.   

Some younger members of the Arklow Shipping Silver Band, with their teacher Mr Artur Bosy will be in attendance, adding a lovely dimension to the worship of the King of Kings.  🏻 

The Service will be televised on the 28th of March at 11:00 am on RTE 1.  The service will have a link at 11:00am on Sunday, if you click on rte.ie/live.  The service will be available on the  RTE player for the next 3 weeks following the broadcast. 

RTE Palm Sunday Service Order  TRANSCRIPT
 
INTROIT     To be in your presence (Sharon and Elaine)         2 min 32 secs
WELCOME and INTRODUCTION            Michael      1 min 40 secs
OPENING PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER            2 min 12 secs
INTRODUCTION TO KING OF KINGS                      1 min 10 secs
 
PRAISE           King of Kings (All)                 2 min 40 secs
READING Mathew 21 v 1-11        Tara                     1 min 45 secs
INTRODUCTION TO ‘SING HOSANNA’           Michael      45 secs
 
PRAISE   Give me joy (All, Instruments only v 3)   2 min 40 secs     (Artur, Rebecca, Kate and Laura accompany)
TALK       ‘Hosanna’ (Part 1)                 Michael               5 mins 30 secs
PRAISE       The Lord’s my shepherd Tara and Holly    3 mins 26 secs
TALK       ‘Hosanna’ (Part 2)                 Michael               5 mins
PRAYER FOR OTHERS          Michael              2 mins 40 secs
PRAISE           It is well with my soul (All)    3 mins 44 secs
CLOSING WORDS                  Michael                         50 secs
BENEDICTION Michael                         30 secs
RECESSIONAL       Oh Lord my God (All)  4 min 54 secs
 
 
INTROIT     To be in your presence (Sharon and Elaine)         2 min 32 secs
To be in your presence
To sit at your feet
When your love surrounds me
And makes me complete
This is my desire, O Lord
This is my desire
This is my desire, O Lord
This is my desire
To rest in your presence
Not rushing away
To cherish each moment
Here I would stay
This is my desire, O Lord
This is my desire
This is my desire, O Lord
This is my desire
 
WELCOME and INTRODUCTION            Michael      1 min 40 secs
Good morning everyone and welcome to our very special, Palm Sunday service.  Thank you Sharon and Elaine for your beautiful introduction to our service.
Today marks the beginning of Holy Week- that time of the year when Christians throughout the world pause to reflect on Jesus’ final week on earth before his crucifixion. 
Holy week begins by focusing on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem when Jewish crowds waved palm leaves to celebrate their belief that Jesus would become their new King.  That’s why today is called ‘Palm Sunday’.  This week, many churches will provide special online prayers to help us reflect on significant events in Jesus’ final days.  This will end on Friday, Good Friday as we remember the ‘Passion’ or death of Christ on the cross.
Then next Sunday morning, ‘Easter Sunday’, we will gather to celebrate the truth that Christ is alive and to reflect on the significance that can have for our lives.
But today our focus is on the amazing, if somewhat bizarre story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey.  This event is obviously a very significant one because it is recorded by each of the four gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  This morning we will look at this event as seen through the eyes of Matthew.  But before we do, let’s take a moment to pause and talk to God, let’s pray…
 
OPENING PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER            2 min 12 secs
Gracious God thank you for this new day and for another opportunity to worship you together.
As we remember this day how Jesus entered Jerusalem to cries of celebration, help us to welcome Him afresh into our own hearts and lives.
Lord God, whether we are here in the studio or sitting at home, accept the praise and worship we bring you and give us a very real sense of expectation as we look forward to the coming of Christ’s Kingdom.
Hosanna to the Son of David,
Glory in the Highest heaven.
Gracious God, like your people long ago, we do not always see clearly.  At times our faith is shallow and self-centred; we do not understand as we should, our praise short-lived and superficial.
But we ask- take the faith we offer, weak though it may be, and deepen it through this day, so that we may truly welcome Christ as our King and worship Him with joyful praises and obedient lives, now and always.
Hosanna to the Son of David,
Glory in the Highest heaven.
Join with us now as we share in the Lord’s Prayer, thoughtfully and sincerely together…And so we pray…
The Lord’s Prayer
 
Our Father, which 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 trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil,
For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever, AMEN.
 
 
INTRODUCTION TO KING OF KINGS              1 min 10 secs
 
Recently there has been much debate over the pros and cons of the Monarchy.  It’s a debate that also raged throughout the history of the Nation of Israel.  Over the years that spanned the record of the Old Testament there many good Kings and some that were not so good.  During that time God promised that one day He would send a final King, someone who would fulfil all His people’s dreams for a society filled with kindness, fairness, peace and happiness.  They expected that King to be a military or political leader.  But God had other plans.  Today looking back, as Christians we believe that Jesus Christ is God’s promised King.  We worship Christ as the King of Kings and look forward to the day when His Kingdom will come in all its fullness.  Let’s do that now as we join together in the beautiful hymn “King of Kings, Majesty.”
 
PRAISE           King of Kings (All)                 2 min 40 secs
King of kings, Majesty
God of Heaven living in me
Gentle Saviour, closest friend
Strong Deliverer, beginning and end
All within me falls at Your throne
Your Majesty, I can but bow
I lay my all before You now
In royal robes I don't deserve
I live to serve Your Majesty
Earth and Heaven worship You
Love eternal, Faithful and True
Who bought the nations, ransomed souls
Brought this sinner near to Your throne
All within me cries out in praise.
Your majesty, I can but bow
I lay my all before You now
In royal robes I don't deserve
I live to serve Your Majesty
 
READING Mathew 21 v 1-11 (NIV         )        1 min 45 secs     Tara
Our reading today comes from Mathew Chapter 21 reading from verses 1 to 11… Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King…
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
“This is the word of the Lord”
Thanks be to God.
 
 
INTRODUCTION TO ‘SING HOSANNA’           Michael    45 secs
 
Every town and region has its own special genre reflected in its history and the clubs and societies that have evolved over the years.  Founded in 1968, The Arklow Shipping Silver Band has provided enormous enjoyment for its musicians and for all of us who have had the pleasure of experiencing their performances.  They have become one of the premier brass bands in Ireland achieving multiple awards over the years.  We’re privileged to have 3 of its youngest members in our church family (that’s Rebecca, Kate and Laura) and I’m delighted that along with their teacher, Artur Bosey and members of our church choir, they will lead us in worship now as we ‘Sing Hosanna’ to the King of Kings!
 
PRAISE       Give me joy (All, Instruments only v 3)       2 min 40 secs
Rebecca, Kate and Laura accompany on Cornet, Baratone and Trombone
 
1       Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
Give me oil in my lamp, I pray
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
Keep me burning till the break of day


Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna to the King of Kings
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna, to the King


2       Give me joy in my heart, keep me singing
Give me joy in my heart, I pray
Give me joy in my heart, keep me singing
Keep me singing till the break of day


Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna to the King of Kings
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna, to the King


VERSE 3 INSTRUMENTS ONLY
4       Give me love in my heart, keep me serving
Give me love in my heart, I pray
Give me love in my heart, keep me serving
Keep me serving till the break of day


Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna to the King of Kings
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna, to the King
 
TALK       ‘Hosanna’ (Part 1)                 Michael               5 mins 30 secs
Hosanna! means, “Rescue us, now!”
That’s what the crowds of people lining the streets shouted all those years ago as Jesus rode into Jerusalem. 
Knowing who He was and why He’d come, Jesus had deliberately chosen a donkey as his mode of transport.  This would fulfil the promise of the prophet Zechariah-
“Rejoice, people of Zion! Shout for joy, you people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you! He comes triumphant and victorious, but humble and riding on a donkey...”
The whole incident bears all the signs of being prearranged and stage managed.  A way of advertising his identity to the masses.  Friends had been tipped off to release the donkey on the agreed password, “The Master needs it.”
Still reeling with excitement over the resurrection of Lazarus, a group from Bethany gathered around Jesus.  No doubt pilgrims from Galilee who had witnessed other miracles made up another large portion of the crowd.  Matthew tells us that further support came from the blind, the lame and children.  Then others lining the streets for the Passover Festival joined in with the drama, spreading their clothes on the road and breaking into spontaneous cheering!
Hosanna! – “Rescue us, now!”
The scene is almost comical.  You can imagine a Roman officer galloping up to check on the disturbance.  He laughs when he compares it with the processions that he’d attended in Rome.  The conquering general sitting in a golden chariot, stallions straining at the reins, wheel spikes flashing in the sun.  Behind him marching officers carry the captured banners of vanquished armies.  At the rear comes a ragtag procession of slaves and prisoners in chains, proof of what happens to those who defy Rome.
As his mind returns to the ragtag bunch of the poor, the needy and the youngest and their forlorn general, weeping on the back of a donkey, he concludes, “No threat here.”  Perhaps he even joins in with the crowd,
Hosanna! – “Rescue us, now!”
It seems so ironic to call it, “The Triumphal Entry.”
But for those who had eyes to see, and ears to hear – the understated procession, was the whole point!  Yes, Jesus was indeed the King, God had sent to rescue them.  But not as they imagined…
The events of this past year have been devastating for us all but particularly for all those who have lost their lives and their families.  Perhaps like at no other time in our lives, we have all been brought to the point of literally shouting out loud, Hosanna! – “Please, somebody, rescue us, now!”
People have cried out to government.  Government have cried out to scientists.  Scientists have cried out to one another. Hosanna! – “Rescue us, now!”
The response has been amazing.  We thank God today for every frontline worker, for every researcher and manufacturer, for every government minister who has worked long into the night, for every teacher who has zoom taught our children, for every person that has taken time to pick up the phone and ask, “How are things?” 
All of these people and so many others have tried their best to answer our cries and in so many ways it has helped.
But at the same time, there has been such loss- loss of employment, loss of freedom, loss of education, loss of sleep and loss of life.
Any pride that we had about our abilities, achievements and security has been punctured by a microbe so tiny that 100,000 of them will fit on the head of a pin.
We’ve all felt vulnerable, anxious, isolated and afraid.
This Pandemic has made us realise how fragile we really are; and  how broken this universe really is.  This world needs rescued from disease and natural disasters and the effects our lifestyles are having on its climate.
We need rescued from our own innate instincts which cause us at times to do and say things or adopt attitudes which cause deep hurt to ourselves, to one another and to our world.
Even many of us who wouldn’t class ourselves ‘religious’ have been left looking skyward and crying out, Hosanna! – “Rescue us, now!”
For those of us who are Christians it’s a genuine comfort to know that God is our Shepherd, the one in whom we can shelter, the one in whom we can trust.  So let’s worship Him again as Tara and Holly lead us in the song, “The Lord’s my Shepherd”.
 
PRAISE       The Lord’s my shepherd Tara and Holly    3 mins 26 secs
The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters,
His goodness restores my soul.
And I will trust in You alone,
And I will trust in You alone,
For Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.
He guides my ways in righteousness,
And He anoints my head with oil,
And my cup, it overflows with joy,
I feast on His pure delights.
And I will trust in You alone,
And I will trust in You alone,
For Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.
And though I walk the darkest path,
I will not fear the evil one,
For You are with me, and Your rod and staff
Are the comfort I need to know.
And I will trust in You alone,
And I will trust in You alone,
For Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.
 
TALK       ‘Hosanna’ (Part 2)                 Michael               5 mins
The fantastic news is that God has heard and answered our cries, Hosanna! – “Rescue us, now!”
Only, not in the way we expect, or in the timescale that suits us best.
Naturally, we want rescued now.  We want healed now.  We want our lives back to normal now.  Those of us who believe that God is real want Him to intervene now! 
Sometimes He does.  Any consultant in the country will tell you that at times the unexplainable happens, and strangely, often in answer to prayer.  But even those of us who regularly pray can sometimes get frustrated because it feels as if God is simply sitting on His Hands.  We know He could do this or that in an instant.  So why doesn’t God rescue us, now?
After years of theological reflection and interaction with hundreds of people in all circumstances of life and death, my answer to that question is simply, “I don’t know”. 
What I do know is that God cares deeply about the reality of our suffering.  In fact, He cares about it so much that from the very moment sin entered this world God set in motion a long term plan that would eventually remove all sin and all suffering by restoring this universe to its original perfection.
Part of that rescue plan is personal and something we can experience now.  That’s why God came to earth in Jesus Christ- to offer Himself on the cross to take the judgement that we deserve for all the ways that we have grieved His heart and hurt each other.  By acknowledging our guilt and by trusting in His death we can receive forgiveness and be reconciled to Him forever.  Every time we pray, God comes near to help us in our times of greatest pain.
God’s plan is also cosmological.  Not only does God wish to restore our relationship with Himself, He also desires to restore this entire universe to the perfection that existed at the beginning of creation.
God could complete this plan in an instant.  Instead, for reasons only He knows, He has chosen to roll it out over time.  And as He does so, He invites us to be part of His rescue.  That means we must continue to search for cures for cancer, we must continue to reduce our carbon footprint and do all we can for the environment, we must champion the cause of the poor, the migrant, and all who suffer injustice, and do everything we can to stop the spread of this virus and return our lives to what we miss so much. We must tell people the good news that if they turn away from wrong and believe in Jesus they can become God’s friends forever.  In all these ways, to some degree, God answers our cry, “Hosanna!  Rescue me now.”
In the meantime, I just don’t know why God doesn’t come now and do all this immediately.  I don’t know why His plan for the redemption of the universe is still just a promise and not yet a reality.  I don’t know why he calls us to be part of His great rescue
plan when He could easily do a much better and quicker job Himself.
But what I am certain of is that God has promised that one day the current heaven will come to earth and the new perfect universe will be formed.  All who trust in Jesus will receive a new resurrection body and will live happily forever in this transformed land without any hint of suffering, pain or sorrow. 
“Yes there is sin, yes there is suffering but my goodness, in Christ there is hope!  Hosanna!”    Let us pray…
 
 
PRAYER FOR OTHERS          Michael            2 mins 40 secs
Lord Jesus Christ, you entered Jerusalem in quiet humility, taking the form of a servant, even to the point of death on a cross, emptying yourself, so that we might be filled.
Come afresh to our troubled world, with all its needs, its tensions, its problems and its evil.
Bring healing where there is division, love where there is hatred, hope where there is despair, joy where there is sorrow, confidence where there is fear, strength where there is weakness, healing where there is sickness. Life where there is death.
Lord, we thank you for all those who have followed your example, even without knowing it, over this past year.  Thank you for the humility and the sacrifice made by so many people to keep one another safe and to prevent the spread of the Corona virus.
We remember especially today all those who have lost family members to this illness and ask that you will comfort them deeply.  We ask that you will continue to give wisdom, strength and encouragement to all who are in positions of leadership and who are tasked with making difficult decisions that impact us all.
We pray for all those who are struggling emotionally at this time and ask that through family, friends and other networks, each one will find the care and the support that they need. 
We pray that in your mercy, the vaccination program will continue to roll out effectively and as a consequence that soon the levels of infection will reduce to an extent that will enable us to return to our normal way of living. 
Take a moment now in quiet to bring your own prayers for others to the Lord…(Count to 15)
Lord Jesus Christ, reach out to your church and to your world, despite the weakness of our faith and the rejection of so many.  May your will be done on earth even as it is in heaven.  Come again now and establish your Kingdom, for it’s in your name that we pray.  Amen.
 
PRAISE           When Peace like a river          3 mins 44 secs
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well (it is well),
With my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, if trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And has shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well (it is well),
With my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought,
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well (it is well),
With my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.
But Lord it’s for you- For your coming we wait,
The sky not the grave is our goal:
O trump of the angel!  O voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
It is well (it is well),
With my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.
 
CLOSING WORDS          Michael                    50 secs
It has been a joy and privilege for us to lead you in worship this morning.  Special thanks to Alison Crammond our Musical Director for all her encouragement and support, thanks to all our musicians, readers and singers for taking part and a big thanks to all the staff at RTE for their kind invitation, help and advice.  Most of all thanks to you at home for tuning in.  We really hope you’ve enjoyed the service and found this time to be encouraging.  Please remember to tune in again next Sunday, as we celebrate the amazing and powerful reality that Christ is alive!
In these challenging times do keep everyone in your prayers and look out for anyone you can help.  But for now, let me close with a benediction after which, I invite you to join me in saying the grace together…
 
BENEDICTION         Michael                    30 secs
My sisters and brothers.  As we enter this holy week, let us keep our eyes on Jesus.  He will show us where we need to go and what we ought to do. 
 
And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all now and for evermore, Amen.
                            
RECESSIONAL       Oh Lord my God (All)  4 min 54 secs
O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all
The works Thy Hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout
The universe displayed,
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze,
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; 
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; 
That on a Cross, my burdens 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!
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come,
With shouts of acclamation,
And take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim,
"My God, how great Thou art!"
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!

​APC 24th March 2021
“Lessons in Lent – The Mount of Reassurance”
Welcome and Introduction
Good morning everyone and welcome to our Midweek worship.  Today we conclude our ‘Lessons in Lent’ as we pause and reflect on the story of the transfiguration.  But before we do that, let’s take a moment to be still and talk to God.  Let’s pray…
 
Opening Prayer
Holy God,
We come before you,
many of us feeling like we have already climbed the mountain,
and yet there is so much more of a climb left before we can be dazzled by your creation and inspired to worship.
 
Our loads are heavy,
with worry, with regret,
with fatigue, with illness,
with despair for all in the world
that is hurting, in danger, in bondage and more.
 
We trudge ahead, following you,
stumbling, hoping, praying...
breathing hard, hearts pounding, longing to find you.
Lead us Lord,
to the top of that mountain,
where we might be dazzled by your Light,
lifted by what is Divine,
and filled by the sheer delight
of your presence.
 
We pray this,
for ourselves, for one another,
and for the world in which we live.
 
Join with me in the words that Jesus taught us, saying…
Our Father, which 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 trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil,
For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever, AMEN.
 
Reflection       “Lessons in Lent – The Mount of Reassurance”
Today finds us in that strange interim period leading up to Palm Sunday and Holy Week.  Since Christmas, we’ve followed Jesus by eavesdropping on various fascinating moments in his life and ministry.  Most recently we’ve seen how, as the hour of his death draws closer, Jesus begins to spend more time explaining to His disciples why His death is necessary.  Like a life-changing diagnosis from a doctor, nothing could have prepared the disciples for the shock of realising that the one they had put all their hopes in was soon going to die.  In His humanity it may be that even Jesus Himself had his doubts…
Which is why the next intriguing episode in his life is so significant and so important.  I’m referring of course to the mysterious mountain hike we call the transfiguration.
Jesus selects 3 of his closet companions and takes them on a walk up a nearby hillside.  The suggestion of a ramble would not have struck any of them as strange.  Jesus often took retreats in quiet places to spend time in prayer.  Little did they realise the unbelievable events they were about to experience.  Let’s listen as it’s described for us by Mark in his gospel…
 
Bible Reading Mark 9 v 2-9            The Transfiguration
2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
 
There’s so much that could be said and learned from this spectacular event but today I simply want to draw your attention to the wonderful reassurance both Jesus and the disciples would have received at a time when that’s exactly what they needed.
Jesus had taken the decision to go to Jerusalem.  He knew that would mean arrest and execution.  It was vital to know for certain that He was right before he could go on.  So He did what He always did when he faced significant crossroads.  He went to the mountain to pray.  At some point during His devotions, mysteriously and miraculously Moses and Elijah appeared.  There were no greater figures in the history of Israel than these two giants.  To Moses they owed the law of God.  Elijah was the first and greatest of all the Prophets- the one who brought to people the very voice of God.  Luke tells us that their conversation centred largely around Jesus’ Exodus or departure.  To have these two giants tell you to “Go on” would have reassured Jesus that he was right to set His face towards Jerusalem.
As if that wasn’t enough, suddenly the presence of God descended in a a cloud and a voice from heaven spoke, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”  Echoing the reassurance he had received at His baptism Jesus would have been left in no doubt that His heavenly father loved Him and that the path to glory was the way of the cross.
But Jesus wasn’t the only one who received reassurance in this emotionally charged worship experience.  The disciples had been shattered by Jesus announcement that he was going to Jerusalem to die.  It was the complete opposite of everything they understood about the Messiah.  Not only were their minds baffled, their hearts were broken.  What they experienced on that mountain would give them something to hold on to even when they couldn’t understand.  Cross or no cross, they had heard God’s voice, acknowledging Jesus as His Son.
I don’t know about you but I can’t seem to resist the temptation to peek at the daily Covid update hoping for some good news.  But every day I’m left without much reassurance other than the reality of history that all pandemics eventually come to an end.  Of course that’s not the only part of our lives where we need reassurance.  For some of us it’s our kids, for others it’s our health, for some of us it’s our finances and for others its questions of how our exam results are going to turn out and where we’re going to be next year.  In what areas do you feel insecure?
Where do you go when you feel like that?  People we trust can often be a great source of help.  But ultimately I’m learning more and more to climb the mountain by falling to my knees and laying it all out before my heavenly Father.  I don’t often leave those times with a miracle or every problem resolved, but I do often receive the reassurance and the courage that I need to face the day.
 
What is it that’s keeping you awake at night?  What big decision do you feel you need to make?  What problem are you facing that needs some wise advice?  Let me encourage you to talk to God about it deeply and honestly.  You may just be surprised at the insight and reassurance He will give you.  Let us pray…
Prayers for others
“And while he was praying the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.”  (Luke 9.29)
 
Lord Jesus, as we pray to you this morning, help us to know the glory of your presence among us and to see more clearly the beauty of your holiness.
 “Suddenly they saw Moses and Elijah, talking to him.” (Luke 9.30)
 
Lord Jesus, you are the fulfilment of the law and the prophets of Israel and in you the hopes and fears of all people are met.  Give us grace to receive from you all that we need for today and the coming week.  Bring rest and refreshment when we’re exhausted; hope and faith when we’re despondent and doubt you; and the assurance of your love and forgiveness when we’re overwhelmed by our own weaknesses and failures.
Inspire your church today with a renewed vision of your glory so that we and all your people may walk as children of light and, by your grace, reveal your presence in the world.
 “To Jesus are given dominion and glory and kingship that all peoples, nations and languages should serve him.”  (based on Daniel 7.14)
 
Lord Jesus, we pray to you for the life of our nation with its joys, its sorrows and its wrong doing.
We pray for all those who are involved in the administration of justice.  Give wisdom to all those who are in authority over others especially members of the police force, those who sit in judgment, prison and probation officers and those who support the victims of crime.
We pray for all who walk in the darkness of crime whether as perpetrators or as victims living in the shadow of the wrong done to them.  Reveal among them your glory and power to bring resurrection and new life out of even the deepest evils and sufferings.
 “They saw his glory and heard a voice that said ‘This is my Son, my chosen, listen to him’”  (Luke 9.parts of vv32&35)
 
Lord Jesus, as we go about our daily routines this week help us to see your glory in the people we work with, our neighbours and friends and in those we fear or find hard to get on with.  In all our conversations help us to listen carefully not only to what others are saying but also to what you are saying in each encounter.
 “They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” (Luke 9.31)
 
Lord Jesus, you know what it is to experience the joy and wonder of God’s presence and then to go down into the depths of despair and to suffer rejection and pain.
In a moment of silent prayer we give thanks for your compassion and bring to you the needs of those who are in our thoughts and hearts today……..SILENCE……
Help them and us to know that you are with us when we descend from the mountain top and that although your presence may be hidden from us you are still there with the power to bring comfort and healing of body, mind and spirit.
 “They appeared in glory” (Luke 9.31a)
 
Lord Jesus, we pray for those who are now with you in your eternal glory.  As we rejoice in the fellowship of those who  now see the fullness of your glory, be with us in our journey and transform our lives with the promise that you will grant us, with them, a share in your eternal kingdom.
Lord Jesus, we give you thanks and praise because the greatness, the power, the glory, the splendour and the majesty belong to you and you reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God for ever and ever.  Amen.
 
Closing Words
It’s been a joy and privilege to share in worship with you this morning.  Thanks for tuning in.  I hope you’ve enjoyed it and found it to be encouraging. 
I’ve still no further confirmation of when our church can reopen for services but as vaccines continue to roll out we hope it won’t be too long until we can meet together. 
One piece of exciting news is that we will be leading worship on the RTE One Sunday morning service next Sunday at 11am.  This will be a special Palm Sunday service.  Please do pray for all those taking part as we head down to RTE studios next Sunday at 8am.  Pray that God will give us all courage as we record live and that our message will be a great blessing to all who hear.  And please tune in on TV at 11am or livestream on your phone on RTE player.
Please continue to pray for Father Padraig as he continues to recover in hospital.
We’ve done a lot of work behind the scenes as a Kirk Session over the last number of months updating all our policies and procedures as part of our first year of recording for the Charity Commission.  As part of that process in the coming weeks we will be emailing every family a Consent form to ensure that we are fully compliant with Data Protection Legislation.  This Consent form will enable you to see all the information that we currently hold on file about your family.  Please amend the information in case there is anything you don’t want us to hold or if there is other information like an email address or phone number that you would like us to have so that we can contact you.  Please make sure that anyone in your family over 16 sees the form, amends it accordingly and then signs it.  If you require any additional forms then please do let us know and we can email one out to you.
I’m conscious that many of us are weary and really struggling the longer the lockdown restrictions continue, so please do continue to keep in touch with one another to encourage and reassure one another. 
But for now, let me lead you in a Benediction after which I invite you as always, to say the grace together…
 
Benediction
May God now send us back down the mountain of our worship. 
We have been changed. We can’t be silent anymore. 
We have seen the Light of the World. Go and share the radiance of His love!
And may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy spirit be with us all now and forever more,  Amen.

APC 21st March 2021             “Why Jesus?”
 
PART 1
Welcome and Introduction
Good morning everyone and welcome to our Sunday morning worship.  Today we’ll be looking at an interesting conversation between Jesus and his disciples full of strange metaphors and intrigue.  As we dig into its meaning we will find the answer to one of the most important questions we can ever ask, “Why Jesus?”
But first, sit back as we turn our eyes upon Jesus and worship Him together…
(End Part 1)
 
Opening Song                “Turn your eyes upon Jesus”
 
 
PART 2
It’s amazing that when we turn our eyes and hearts towards Jesus He always sees and listens to us.  Let’s do that now, let’s pray…
 
Opening Prayer
Great and wonderful God, we come before you in humility, in awe, in faith, in hope, in love, in worship.  In your mercy, hear our prayer.
 
We come to praise you, to bless you, to adore you, to acknowledge you, to thank you.  In your mercy, hear our prayer.
We come recognizing your power, your authority, your wisdom, your faithfulness, your goodness, your love.  In your mercy, hear our prayer.
We come confessing our weakness, our unworthiness, our faults, our failings, our faithlessness, our lack of love.  In your mercy, hear our prayer.
We come seeking your mercy, your guidance, your strength, your renewal, your inspiration, your word.  In your mercy, hear our prayer.
We come to commit ourselves to your service, your purpose, your Kingdom, your will, your people, your world.  In your mercy, hear our prayer.
Great and wonderful God, we come to you now in the name of Christ.  Receive the worship we offer this day.  In your mercy, hear our prayer.
Join with me now as we say the Lord’s Prayer thoughtfully and sincerely together…
 
Our Father, which 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 trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil,
For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever, AMEN.
 
Introduction to Kids Video
We come now to the part of our service that’s especially for the younger members of our church family.  So if your kids aren’t beside you right now, why not pause the recording, and call them in to watch a short video explaining why Jesus is such good News for all of us.   And at the end of this video I’ve a few words to say to the children so don’t let them rush away.
 
(END Part 2)
 
Kid’s Video     Crossroads Kids Club - “God’s Story the Good News”
LINK        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nleiAfrp2kY
 
 
PART 3
Kid’s Talk Summary
Hey boys and girls, I hope you enjoyed the video today.  You know, we all make bad choices and do or say things that are wrong.  The good news is God still loves us and Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment we deserve for all the wrong things we do.  I hope you really believe that, and that you say thank you to Jesus every day.  I hope you have a really good week in school and I hope to see you again next Sunday.  But the big surprise is that I’ll see you on Television!  So don’t forget to tune in to the RTE service next Sunday and see if you can spot anyone that you know from our church.  Don’t forget to ask your mum or dad to download the colouring sheet from our Facebook page to help you remember today’s lesson.  But Bye for now!
 
Colouring Sheet
https://kidadl.com/free-coloring-pages/bible/jesus-died-for-us
 
Introduction to Bible Reading
In today’s reading a group of Greek pilgrims seek out Jesus to hoping to find answers to their questions about the deep purpose of life.  His answer is full of fascinating metaphors and cryptic language.  Let’s listen to that now as Paddy Purser reads for us from John Chapter 12 v 20 -33.
 
(End Part 3)
 
Bible Reading Video       John 12 v 20-33     Paddy Purser
 
PART 4
Paddy, thank you so much for reading for us this morning.  Pass on our best wishes to Lesley Anne, Ollie and Luke.
 
Reflection               Why did Jesus have to die?...
 
One of my favourite songs of all time is the Neil Diamond song, “I am, I said.”  It’s hard to know for sure what exactly the song means.  Neil Diamond says he wrote the song during a difficult time in his life when He was questioning everything, including himself, after failing to secure the part for a film for which he had auditioned.
The song itself describes the turmoil of an artist on the road.  He likes LA but his home is New York.  Yet it’s been so long since he’s been there, it doesn’t feel like home anymore.  It’s a lonely life, at times his only company is an empty chair.  Like the frog who fulfils his dreams by becoming a prince, he had made his fortune and fame, but he still feels an emptiness deep inside that causes him to cry out, “I am.”
I love this song for many reasons, but particularly because the cry, “I am” is the name for God that we find in the Old Testament.  It means the one who has always existed.  Who just is and will always be and can be relied upon.  Whether Neil Diamond, who was raised as a Jew, used this as a spiritual reference to describe His cries to God at a time of crisis I can’t be sure.  What I do know is that if we’re honest, all of us at times, and especially over this last year, ask deep questions like – what’s it all about?  Why am I here?  What’s the purpose of life? 
We’re just like the Greek tourists who had travelled to Jerusalem to experience the Jewish Passover.  Sensing a connection with Philip because of his Greek name, they asked him, “Would you bring us to see Jesus?”  Fascinated by philosophy and religion, they had seen and heard of Jesus on their travels.  Could He be the one who would provide them with the meaning and purpose that they were looking for?
Jesus reply to their question was indirect but clear in its implications.
“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”
In other words, if they were looking for the meaning of life, they’d come to the right place at exactly the right time, because Jesus, who He was and why He’d come, was about to be revealed in all His glory. 
The hour had come, the reason for His entire life and mission – yet bizarrely it was the hour of His death.
How could this be the answer to all their questions?  How could this give these pilgrims true meaning and purpose to their lives?  And how can Jesus’ death still do the same for us all these years later?
Jesus moves on to explain using an illustration from the farming world.  “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies it remains only a single seed.  But if it dies it produces many seeds.”
If a seed remains in the warm, dry security of the granary, it will never reproduce itself.  It has to be buried alive in the cold, dark, grave of the soil.  There it has to die.  But when Easter comes, it springs to life and produces a multitude of new grain.
Here, looking back, we know that Jesus was speaking about His death.  If He had clung to His life, the world would have died.  But because He gave His life on the cross, there is hope of life for the world.
But why is this so?  Why do we need Jesus and particularly how can his death fill the emptiness that at times we all feel inside and give us that spark of life that we all desire?
Well, again, this is something that this Pandemic points us towards.  It has taught us that above all things we need relationships.  Our relationships with our parents, our school friends, our grandchildren, our church family, our work colleagues and so on.  Relationships are the most important aspect of our lives.  Take that away and what are we left with?  We are left with a life without any real meaning or purpose.
But even when we have the freedom to enjoy these things, it is still common for people to feel like something is missing in their life.  We try to fill this gap with money, hard work, music, family or sport.  These things do give us much pleasure but ultimately they do not satisfy the deep hunger that exists inside our human soul.  Even the closest human relationships, wonderful as they are, do not in themselves satisfy this “emptiness deep inside”.  That’s because you and I were created to live in a relationship with God.  Until we find that relationship there will always be something missing in our lives. 
As we read the New Testament, we discover that the reason for this emptiness is that all of us have turned our backs on God.  In other words, we all have two books.
What I mean by that is this.  If I was to write a story about the life of any one of us, including myself, I would have to write two books.  One of the books would be entitled – “All the good things I have said, thought and done”.  For most of us this book would be really thick with many examples of how we had worked hard or been kind to others.
 
But the other book would be entitled – “All the wrong things I have said, done or thought.”  For most of us this book would be quite thin because over a lifetime we have hopefully done and said more good things than bad.
 
But the point is this - it doesn’t matter who we are, we all have two books- one recording the good things we have done, and the other recording the wrong things. 
 
You may say to me, “Well sure, everyone’s the same, so it doesn’t really matter if I have a bad book.”
 
Or you may say, “Well I know I have a bad book, but it’s pretty thin.  I certainly haven’t done as many bad things as such and such a person.”
 
My response would be to say to you, “It does matter, that you have a book of wrongs.”  It matters because you might still feel guilty about some of those things.  It matters because you may have hurt someone else’s feelings through some of those wrong things you have done.  But above all, it matters because your book of wrongs is stopping you from being God’s friend and enjoying a relationship with Him.
 
That’s because God is perfect and He hates everything that is wrong. Your book of wrong things, however thin it may be, proves that you have disobeyed God.  It proves that you are a sinner.  That means that you are guilty of breaking God’s commands and that you deserve to be judged by Him.  It doesn’t matter how thick your good book is.  No amount of good actions can take away the reality of your book of wrongs.
 
Your book of wrongs, matters.  That’s because it is the one thing that is stopping you from being best friends with the God who loves you because He made you.
 
Let me ask you – Have you ever stopped to think about the reality that you have a book of wrongs?
Have you ever stopped to think about how serious that is?
Do you realize that no amount of good deeds can remove that book?
Do you realize that your book of wrongs is stopping you from being friends with God?
 
Until you have thought through these things you will never understand why you need Jesus.  And if you don’t understand this you are very unlikely to ever reach out to Him for help.  Until you do that you will never experience a deep peace and contentment and sense of purpose in your life.
 
These were the sorts of questions that the Greek tourists in today’s gospel reading were asking.  Despite all their travels, all their knowledge and all their discoveries, they still felt empty and were searching for true meaning and purpose.
 
Here Jesus says to them that He is the answer to their quest.  They will only find satisfaction if they give their life to a greater cause than living for themselves.  If they follow Him, however difficult that may prove, they will ultimately find deep contentment in this life and in the life to come.  “Whoever loves their life will lose it but whoever hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  Whoever serves me must follow me and where I am my servant will also be.  My Father will honour the one who serves me.”
 
He becomes visibly distressed as he reasons with Himself- “Should I ask father to rescue me from this hour, no, this is the very reason I came.  Father bring glory to yourself!”
 
The conversation is suddenly interrupted by what sounded like thunder.  Yet within the rumblings many people heard the words, “I have and will glorify my name.”  Some thought it was an angel.  Jesus knew it was God.
 
“Now is the time for judgement on this world now the prince of this world will be driven out.  But I, when I am lifted up, will draw all men unto myself.”
 
The gospel writer adds a note of explanation – Jesus was talking about His death.
 
Putting all the pieces together, in today’s reading, Jesus seems to be saying that just like a seed He must die and that will somehow just as miraculously make a way for many new seeds to be produced, for people to be drawn to Himself, for judgement to fall and the prince of the world to be defeated.  What on earth does He mean and what’s the significance for you and me?
 
Well, it’s the answer to our book problem that I mentioned earlier.  If you remember, I explained how we all have two books.  One is a record of all that’s good about us.  But the other is the book of all the thoughts, attitudes, words and actions that we don’t want anyone else to know about.  The problem is God sees.  He knows that we are guilty. 
 
He is also right and just which means he can’t just turn a blind eye.  To be true to Himself and to His own laws, God must judge all wrongdoing, including yours and mine.  That means we are in danger of God’s judgement.  In fact, we only deserve His punishment rather than His friendship.  But He wants us to be His friends.  So how can this circle be squared?  Some people think if they just try really hard to be good that will fix their problem.  But you see, no matter how thick your good book gets, you still have a bad book.  So how can God be true to Himself, judge our bad book, and at the same time restore our broken relationship? 
Well, that’s why God in Christ came from heaven to earth 2000 years ago.  You see Jesus Christ is completely God and completely human.  That means he was able to live a completely perfect human life.  In fact Jesus Christ is the only human who ever lived who only has one book – a good book. 
 
His greatest act of goodness was that when He was 33 years old He willingly died on a cross for you and me.  When He died, He took the punishment for all the wrong things that we have ever done.  What that means is that when He died, Jesus took your book of wrongs and my book of wrongs, upon Himself.  (ACTION – MOVE BOOK FROM ONE HAND TO THE OTHER).  In doing that, Jesus has removed the barrier that is stopping us from being God’s friend.  The prince of this world has tried his best to entice us away from God and to destroy our relationship with Him.  But through His death and later resurrection Jesus Christ has defeated this plan of the enemy.
 
So let me ask you?-  Have you been questioning what life is really all about?   Despite all that you have tried, do you find an emptiness deep inside and it won’t let you go?  Only a living relationship with God can fill that gap.  Only God in Christ can take away your book of wrongs and open up the way for you and God to be friends?
 
Have you come to Jesus and handed your book of wrongs over to Him?  Have you asked Him to forgive you?  Have you thanked Him for dying on the cross for your sins?  Have you asked Him to give you the gift of His Holy Spirit to live within you?  Are you willing to follow and serve Him?
 
If not, then don’t leave it any longer.  Call out to Him, today, even during a quiet moment in this service knowing that He promised, “Whoever comes to me I will never turn away.”
 
 
Introduction to Song
Let’s respond to what we’ve been thinking about as we worship God through the song “Jesus is able to save.”
(End Part 4)
 
Song of Response         “Jesus is able to save.”
 
PART 5
What a beautiful song.  What a wonderful Saviour.  Let’s pray…
 
Prayers for others
Living God, we pray for all those who witness for you, all who preach and proclaim the message of Christ, who challenge people with the message of the gospel.  Give them inspiration, courage and sincerity, so that their witness may lead others to know Jesus for themselves.
Lord in your mercy hear our prayer.
We pray for all those who hear, all who in different ways are confronted with the challenge to respond to Christ.  May those who earnestly seek find faith, those who are undecided be convinced, those who glimpse a little see more clearly, those whose faith is shallow be led to deeper understanding, and those who refuse to listen be challenged to think again.
Lord in your mercy hear our prayer.
Take a moment now to pray for one or two people who you would love to find faith in Jesus…
All this we ask in the name of the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  Amen.
 
 
 
Closing Words
It’s been a joy and privilege to share in worship with you this morning.  Thanks for tuning in.  I hope you’ve enjoyed it and found it to be encouraging. 
I’ve still no further confirmation of when our church can reopen for services but as vaccines continue to roll out we hope it won’t be too long until we can meet together. 
One piece of exciting news is that we will be leading worship on the RTE One Sunday morning service next Sunday at 11am.  This will be a special Palm Sunday service.  Please do pray for all those taking part as we have our final zoom practice on Monday night and them as we head down to RTE studios next Sunday at 8am.  Pray that God will give us all courage as we record live and that our message will be a great blessing to all who hear.  And please tune in on TV at 11am or livestream on your phone on RTE player.
Thank you for all your prayers for Bev who is now hone from hospital.  Please continue to pray for Father Padraig.
I’m conscious that many of us are weary and really struggling the longer the lockdown restrictions continue, so please do continue to keep in touch with one another and encourage one another. 
But for now, let me lead you in a Benediction after which I invite you as always, to say the grace together…
 
Benediction
Go now and proclaim the gospel, not just through words but deeds through what you say, what you do and who you are.  May others as they meet with you, meet with Christ, and know His living presence for themselves. And
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all now and for evermore, Amen.”  
 
 

​APC 17th March 2021     “Lessons from St. Patrick”
Welcome and Introduction
Good morning and welcome to our service of worship.  Let me begin by wishing you a very happy St Patrick’s Day.  St Patrick is one of the most famous Christian missionaries of all time.  Today we’re going to be reflecting on his life and thinking about some of the wonderful lessons he has to teach us.  But let’s begin with a short prayer using words from one of the prayers attributed to St. Patrick…
Opening Prayer
We arise today, through God's strength to pilot us, God's might to uphold us, God's wisdom to guide us, God's eye to look before us, God's ear to hear us, God's word to speak for us, God's hand to guard us and God's shield to protect us… 
Heavenly Father we praise you for the gift of another St Patrick’s Day and for this opportunity to worship you.  As we draw near to you now, we ask that you will draw near to us.  Teach us something new today or remind us of something we’ve forgotten or neglected.  Rekindle our love for you.  Comfort and strengthen us to endure our present trials.  Join with me as we say the Lord’s Prayer together…
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 trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil,
For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever, AMEN.
 
St. Patrick knew his bible
Before he died, Patrick wrote his ‘confessions’.  In these writings he describes some of the main events in his life.  He also gives praise to God for His goodness, His help and His faithfulness at every stage during his life.  There are over 300 direct references in these confessions to the Holy Scriptures.  This shows us just how important St Patrick considered reading the bible and committing it to memory.  What about us?  You know it’s easy for us to forget just what a privilege it is for us to have the bible in our own language and to be able to access it in so many ways.  The question is, are we taking full advantage of these privileges? 
 
REFLECT        How might I find more time in my life to read Holy Scripture?
The more I’ve read about St Patrick, the more he reminds me of St. Paul.  Like Paul, Patrick was very conscious that everything he had and everything he accomplished was only because of the grace and mercy of God shown to Him in Christ Jesus.  Echoing St Paul’s words, Patrick begins his confessions with these humble words, “My name is Patrick.  I am a sinner, a simple country person and the least of all believers.” 
In his lifetime Patrick endured many things that we would consider unimaginable by today’s standards.  He was stolen from his family in Cumbria and forced to look after sheep in the glens of Antrim for 6 years.  He eventually escaped and found refuge on a ship bound for Gaul, which is modern day France.  Eventually he was reunited with his family.  Patrick must surely have identified with the many persecutions Paul endured as he journeyed from country to country telling people about Jesus.  Patrick must also have taken great comfort from Paul’s testimony that Christ gave Him the strength and courage to endure. 
After over twenty years of waiting, training and preparation Patrick finally returned to Ireland to share the love of God with those who had treated him so cruelly.  He knew their culture, he understood their customs, he spoke their language, and by the time he died at the age of 76, God had used him to turn the hearts of the Irish people from fear and brutality to the way of Christ and of peace. 
I am sure Patrick was also inspired by Paul’s words that He didn’t care what people did to him as long as he remained faithful to his God-given task of telling people that God loved them through Christ.  That’s why I want to take a few moments to read some of these words of St. Paul.  These would have been words St. Patrick read over and over again until they became the very heartbeat of his soul.  You can find them in Chapter 8 of Paul’s letter to the Romans in verses 28-39.
 
Reading: Romans 8: 28-39
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[b]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[c] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
These are words that bring us much comfort as we continue to battle with the current restrictions.
 
St. Patrick Prayed often
Like any true Christian, Patrick was humbly aware of his own failings.  I’m sure on a regular basis he spent time confessing His sins to God.  But He was also someone who was full of joy and overflowing with thankfulness because of God’s kindness and help to Him in answer to his prayers.  He writes, “This I know for certain, that before I was brought low, I was like a stone lying deep in the mud.  Then He who is powerful came, and in His mercy pulled me out and lifted me up and placed me on the very top of the wall.  That is why I must shout aloud in return to the Lord for such great good deeds of his, here and now and forever, which the human mind cannot measure.”  Patrick’s example of confession and thanksgiving is a good one to follow.  So we’re now going to take a few moments to say sorry for the ways we may have offended God and also to thank Him for His kindness to us.  Let us pray-
 
Prayer of Confession and Thanks
Dear Lord, forgive us when we have loved other things more than you.  Forgive us when we have been too proud to admit that we need your help.  Forgive us when we have failed to give you thanks.  Forgive us when we have been too busy to make time for you.  Forgive us when we have accumulated wealth without being willing to share with those in need.  Forgive us when we have shied away from sharing our faith.
Take a moment to bring your own confessions to God…
Thank you for your patience.  Thank you that you never stop loving us.  Thank you for sending Jesus to die for our sins.  Thank you that through His death and resurrection we can be set free from the guilt and power of our sins.  Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit.  Help us through His presence and power to change our bad habits and wrong attitudes into attitudes and actions that are right and good. 
Take a moment to bring your own thanks to God…
Lord, help us, like St Patrick, to love you, to forgive those who have hurt us, and to share your love with the people we rub shoulders with each day.  This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
 
St. Patrick was humble and gave all the credit to God
I think if Patrick came back to Ireland during one of our normal St Patrick’s Days, he would be a little bit embarrassed that we were throwing a huge party in his honour.  That’s because throughout his writings, Patrick is very clear to point out that he takes absolutely no credit for anything he accomplished.  In his mind everything he had become and everything he was able to accomplish was only possible because of the grace and help of Jesus Christ.  As St Paul says in Ephesians, our salvation from start to finish is a gift from God to us in Christ Jesus.  It is only through the help of God’s Spirit that we can become more Christ-like in our attitudes and actions every day. 
 
Reflect    How do you feel when you think about Christ dying for you?  In what practical ways are you relying on the Holy Spirit and giving God the credit in your life?
 
St Patrick looked to God for help in life’s battles
St. Patrick's Breastplate is a popular prayer attributed to St. Patrick.  According to tradition, he wrote it in 433 A.D. for divine protection before successfully converting the Irish King Leoghaire and his subjects from paganism to Christianity. The term breastplate refers to a piece of armour worn in battle.  Here again we see the influence of St. Paul on Patrick.  For in chapter 6 of his letter to the Christians in Ephesus, Paul reminds them that the Christian life is a spiritual battle.  He encourages them to put on spiritual armour in order to withstand the attempts of the enemy to get them to turn away from Christ.  Let’s listen to this passage that was obviously such an inspiration to St. Patrick and can be a great encouragement to us.
Reading: Ephesians 6: 10-20
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
 
Reflect    This Pandemic has created many battles for us all.  What battles are you facing right now and how might the armour of God help you?
 
St. Patrick spent His whole life sharing God’s love
In response to God’s grace and call, Patrick gave his whole life to the task of sharing the love of God with the people who had treated him as a slave.  There is no greater example of the Christian way of caring for others as Christ did.  One of the ways we can follow in Patrick’s footsteps is by bringing other people and their needs to God in prayer.  That’s what we’re going to do now.  Let me encourage you to include a few people you know who need God’s help.  Let us pray:
 
Prayers for others
God of all comfort, we bring to you the people we know who are sick or in hospital.  We pray for those who despite this being St Patrick’s Day will find this a day of sorrow, of loneliness and of pain.  We pray that through the help of medical staff and the support of friends and family that people may find the hope and the encouragement that they need.  We remember all those who are struggling financially.  Watch over each one and provide for people even in miraculous ways as you did for Patrick.
We thank you that many of our children have returned to school and for all the continued efforts of all the staff.  Give them continued wisdom, energy and enthusiasm.  Protect each one, and grant that soon our other children and young adults will also be able to return to school and university.  In the meantime grant them the emotional and physical strength that they need to keep going.
We pray that any issues around the vaccination program may be able to be resolved and that soon the most vulnerable in our societies throughout the world will be protected.
Lord we pray that soon our churches will be reopened for worship and that in the meantime like St. Patrick may we even find that these adversities enable us to cling to you more closely.
We pray that the legacy of St Patrick will continue to lead people throughout our world to consider the message of Christ.  Fill us afresh this day with your Holy Spirit.  May we know you like St. Patrick knew you and may our lives be a blessing to those around us just as his life was a blessing to so many.
We pray especially for our children, our family members, our friends and the people we work with.  Lord may all these people see Christ in the way that we live.  May we in some way be enabled to help them to come to know you as their heavenly Father…
Take a few moments now to bring one or two people or situations in your own mind to God in prayer… 
All these prayers we offer in the name of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.
Closing Words
Again, it’s been a joy and privilege to share in worship with you this morning.  Thanks for logging.  I do hope that despite our restrictions you have a very special St Patrick’s Day with your family and get a chance to relax in each other’s company.
Do join us again on Sunday when we’ll consider one of the most intriguing statements of Christ as he reflects on the reality that the hour of His death draws nigh..
But for now, let me lead you in a Benediction after which I invite you as always, to say the grace together…
 
Benediction
As we come to the end of our service we are reminded that our worship has not ended it has only just begun, for all of life is worship…So as you go into another week to serve your Lord may you know what Patrick knew- Christ is with you, Christ is before you, Christ is behind you, Christ is in you, Christ is beneath you, Christ is above you, Christ is on your right, Christ is on your left, Christ is there when you lie down, Christ is beside you when you sit, and Christ is at your shoulder when you stand….And
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be wit us all now and forevermore, Amen.

​APC 14th March 2021             “Mother’s Day”
PART 1
Welcome and Introduction
Welcome to our Mother’s Day Service. Today is a special time to thank God for mothers and all who help our families to flourish and grow well. It’s also a time to celebrate our church family where we are all united together as brothers and sisters in Christ, with God as our perfect heavenly parent.
Call to Worship
We gather together to worship
our loving, nurturing God,
who, like a mother,
knows us intimately,
loves us unconditionally,
teaches us the way we should go,
and comforts us in times of need.
This is our God. 
What a blessed assurance to know that God our Father loves us and cares about all our concerns and sadness in these difficult days…Let’s worship Him now as we sing together, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine”.
(End Part 1)
 
Opening Song                “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine”
 
 
PART 2
Because God is our loving Father, we know we can come to Him anywhere, at any time and pour out our hearts to Him.  Let’s take a moment to do that now.  Let’s pray…
 
Opening Prayer
Gracious God, as a mother loves her child, so you love us.  For that great truth we praise and thank you.
We owe our very lives to you.  You have watched over us from our birth, tenderly nurturing us, showering us with love.  When we have needed you, you have been there.  For that great truth we praise and thank you.
You have given us strength in times of need, comfort in times of distress, encouragement in times of despair, guidance in times of uncertainty.  Whatever we have faced, you have been with us.  For that great truth we praise and thank you.
Gracious God, we have not always appreciated your love, all too often ignoring what you would teach us, disobeying your instructions, taking you for granted and wandering far from your side.  Yet through it all your love has remained constant.  For that great truth we praise and thank you.
Gracious God, caring for us more than you care for yourself, sacrificing your all for our sakes, loving us with unquenchable love, you have called us all to be your children.  For that great truth we praise and thank you, in the name of Christ…
Join with me now as we say the Lord’s Prayer thoughtfully and sincerely together…
 
Our Father, which 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 trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil,
For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever, AMEN.
 
Introduction to Kids Video
We come now to the art of our service that’s especially for the younger members of our church family.  So if your kids aren’t beside you right now, why not pause the recording, and call them in to watch our friend Douglas tell us about what he does on Mother’s Day and how we can honour our mums and dads.  And at the end of this video I’ve a few words to say to the children so don’t let them rush away.
 
(END Part 2)
 
Kid’s Video             “Douglas Talks – Mother’s Day”
Link         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydFnKt3TSBg
 
 
 
 
PART 3
Kid’s Talk Summary
Hey boys and girls, I hope you enjoyed the video today.  I hope you have been able to something nice for your mum already today.  Mums are really special.  They do so much for us every day.  So don’t forget to give your mum a big hug and kiss and tell her how much you love her toady.  And don’t forget to listen to her and to live in a way that will make her proud of you every day.  If you ask your mum or dad they can download and print off a colouring page for you from the church Facebook page to help you remember today’s story.  I hope you have a really good week in school and I hope to see you again next Sunday.  Bye for now!
 
Colouring Sheet
https://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/mothers-day-coloring-pages.html
 
 
Introduction to Bible Reading
 
Today’s Lectionary Reading for mother’s day tells the story of a brief interaction between Jesus and his mother Mary as He neared the end of his life.  Although very short it is packed with interesting insights about their relationship with each other.  It will be read for us by Matthew Theron…
 (End Part 3)
 
Bible Reading Video       John 19 v 25-27     Matthew Theron
PART 4
Matthew, thank you for reading for us so well this morning.  I hope you and Josh are managing with your online schooling and that soon you’ll be able to be back in the classroom with all your friends.
 
Reflection                       “The God who sees and cares”
“Can he see us?” “Does he know we’re still here?”  No one knows what conversation was shared between the 4 woman and the disciple whom Jesus loved, as they watched his naked body struggling to find its final few breaths.
It’s testimony to this ‘famous five’ that they were willing to embrace such personal danger to be associated publicly with a man the Roman Government thought was sufficiently dangerous to have him crucified.
Of the 4 women, we know nothing at all about Mary, the wife of Clopas. 
Salome, Jesus’ aunt on his mother’s side, was married to Zebedee.  She was the mother of James and John.  At one point in the past, Jesus had rebuked her strongly for enquiring whether her two sons could be given top jobs in His new Kingdom.  Jesus reminded her that such selfish ambition was the antithesis of His values and would only end in bitterness.  It’s testimony to His gracious way of speaking, and her willingness to accept correction and still love, that she was beside Him in his greatest hour of need.
Then there was Mary, from Magdala.  Jesus had rescued her literally from a life of hell, casting 7 demons from her body.  Such was the transformation, her love for him would never die.
Mary, his mother, must have been deeply confused.  In the eyes of the church and state Jesus had been branded a criminal.  But he was her son and she loved him.  It’s hard to imagine the depth of her grief as she watched him suffer.
The only man, was John, Jesus’ cousin.  The bond between them was so special, the gospel writers describe him as ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’. 
At times like these, it’s never easy to know what to say.  It’s hard to know what to say when your family member or closest friend lies dying.  Hard to know what to say to them or to each other.  But you are anxious in those final moments to know if they can sense that you are there.  You certainly don’ want them to slip away with no one beside them.  So I can imagine the words, “Can he see us?” “Does he know we’re still here?” 
It seems a strange text to have in the Christian Calendar for today, mothering Sunday.  But then, as these imaginary questions are answered (or ‘as the story unfolds’), it becomes clear why this is such a powerful text for this special day.  Momentarily as his pain subsides and He manages a breath, Jesus somehow finds the energy and mental awareness to open his eyes and look down from the cross.  He sees a little group of faithful women, and John.  And then he sees his mother Mary.  In that moment perhaps He recalls many events from the last 30 years.  The meals Mary had set before him.  The time she had bandaged his finger when he’d hit it with the hammer of grazed it with a chisel.  The bedtime stories about Moses and David, Esther and Ruth.  Dropping him off at the synagogue for school each day.  Her prayerfulness, her kindness, her example. Of course, there were times she hadn’t understood him.  They’d had words, like all mothers and sons.  Once or twice he’d had to speak firmly to her when she stood in the way of Him doing His heavenly Father’s will.  But through it all, she was his mother.  The one who loved Him.  And He loved her.
Yes, he could see them.  Yes, he knew they were there!  Looking towards Mary and John, he whispers, “Mum, here is your son, John here is your mother.”
Scholars tell us that even from a cross, a crucified man still had the right to make a last will and testament.  Using terminology from Family law here Jesus legally places Mary under John’s protection and care and also puts John under hers.
Why he did not place Mary under the care of his brothers we can’t be certain.  What we do know is they did not believe in him yet.  Perhaps it was his concern for her faith in addition to her physical and emotional needs that persuaded him to place her in the care of his cousin.
What is staggering, is that even in the agony of the cross, and at the very moment when the salvation of the world hung in the balance, Jesus thinks about His mother and provides for her future needs.
Today we stop to rightly give thanks to God for our mothers and our families.  In most circumstances they are precious gifts to us from God.  We should value and care for them at all times.  It doesn’t matter how busy we are with our own families or how important our position is within our job or the community.  We must care for our families and especially our mothers.
Naturally this causes us to reflect on our lives and ask some questions- Do our mother and fathers and our own families feel loved and cared for?  In what ways do we express that love and care, even in the midst of our current restrictions?
But of course, I’m aware that Mother’s Day isn’t easy for some people.  There are lots of reasons why it’s a painful day for people.  It brings back memories of a loved one who is no longer with us,….EXAMPLES…But as I’ve reflected this week, I’ve been drawn to also consider that for many mothers and women there is often the silent hurt that raises the same question that Mary might have been asking but for different reasons, “Can they see me?  Do they even know that I’m here?”
Many of you who are mothers have given so much, so unselfishly, for so many years, that often there comes a point where you begin to feel that you are invisible. 
In her book, ‘The Invisible Woman’, Nicole Johnson describes it like this,
“It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"  Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.  Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."  I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going ... she's going ... she's gone!”

You are like the people who built so many of the great European Cathedrals.  You have given your whole life to a work that you will never see finished.  You have made huge sacrifices and expect no credit.  But it’s left you feeling Invisible and asking “Does anyone see, does anyone care?”
It is likely that no great cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.  What was it that kept those great architects and masons so dedicated to their task?  A famous story provides the insight.
A rich man came to visit a great cathedral while it was being built.  He saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it."  The workman replied, "Because God sees."
When Jesus spoke to Mary she knew that He had seen.  She knew he’d know she hadn’t deserted him in his final hour.  In what he said, she knew He loved her to the end.
It’s so good to see that things are changing in society and women are starting to receive the fairness and the recognition that they deserve.  Although, as the laws for maternity leave in our Doyle have shown recently, there is still some way to go.  For all women and especially those of you who are mothers there will always be times when you feel invisible.
I want to encourage you from today’s story that God sees.  If you listen carefully you will hear him whisper, "I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No button you've sewn, no lunchbox you’ve packed, no lift you’ve given or dinner you’ve cooked is too small
for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."
Nicole Johnson describes it like this-
“As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the
beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.”
I’m glad, despite its pain that we have mothers’ day for so often woman and mothers can feel invisible.  It’s good that at least one day a year, the rest of us open our eyes and let you know, “We have seen.  And we appreciate all that you do!”
May God help us all to show our gratitude to our mums and our wives today and to all women everyday.  AMEN.
 
Introduction to Song
Over the years, there is a song that has meant a lot to me.  It’s a song that’s full of honesty about the fact that sometimes life can just be really tough.  But it’s also a song full of hope and that encourages us to keep on praising God, even in the midst of darkness.  I think this is a really appropriate song for the times that we are living through.  So join with me as we sing together, “Ten Thousand reasons.”
 (End Part 4)
 
Song of Response   “Ten Thousand Reasons (Bless the Lord)”
 
 
PART 5
What fantastic words.  I hope that has been a real encouragement to you.  Let’s pray…
 
Prayers for others
Loving God, we thank you for this day – this day of remembering, rejoicing and responding.  Lord of all, hear our prayer.
We thank you for our homes and all we associate with them – the joy of family life, the debt we owe to our parents and especially today the love of our mothers across the years.  Lord of all, hear our prayer.
We thank you for the much wider family of which we are a part – the family of humankind, of our church fellowship in Arklow and of the church universal on earth and in heaven.  Lord of all, hear our prayer.
We thank you for the love you show us – the same love a mother feels for her child, the same patience and understanding, the same concern and protectiveness.  Lord of all, hear our prayer.
Loving God, grant your blessing upon all mothers and all families this day; upon the family of humankind the world over, upon the family of your church, here and everywhere.  Lord of all, hear our prayer.
And grant your special care and support to all those deprived of a mother’s love, or whose dreams of motherhood have not been realized.  We pray also for all those who have not yet come to know your love for themselves.  Lord of all, hear our prayer.
Lord we thank you that attitudes to mothers and to all women in many parts of our world are changing for the better.  But we recognize that there are still many places where this is not so and many instances where we too still need to make progress.  So we pray that you will prosper every effort to highlight the value of all women and to ensure equality and fairness in every area of life and in every part of our world.
Take a moment now to pray for one or two people or one or two circumstances where you know God’s help is needed at this time….
All this we ask in the name of the one in whose image we have all been made.  Amen.
 
Closing Words
It’s been a joy and privilege to share in worship with you this morning.  Thanks for tuning in.  I hope you’ve enjoyed it and found it to be encouraging.  If you’re a mum may I wish you a very happy mother’s day. 
I’ve still no further confirmation of when our church can reopen for services but as vaccines continue to roll out we hope it won’t be too long until we can meet together. 
One piece of exciting news is that we will be leading worship on the RTE Sunday morning service on 28th of March, that’s Palm Sunday.  That gives us all something to look forward to!
I’m conscious that many of us are weary and really struggling the longer the lockdown restrictions continue, so please do continue to keep in touch with one another and encourage one another. 
Do join me again on Wednesday as we celebrate the legacy of St Patrick on his special day!
But for now, let me lead you in a Benediction after which I invite you as always, to say the grace together…
 
Benediction
Let us leave this time of quiet contemplation rejoicing in our family on earth and our family the church. As the children of God let us take his love into our world that others may also rejoice and be part of his family….And…
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all now and for evermore, Amen.”  
 

​APC 10th March 2021             Lessons in Lent- ‘Let us Pray’
 
Welcome and Introduction           
Good morning everyone and welcome to our Midweek worship.  Today we continue with our ‘Lessons in Lent’ as we pause and think about the powerful potential of prayer. Let’s begin by doing that right now.  Let’s pray…
 
Opening Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer
 
Lord of heaven and earth, of all that is and has been and will be- Forgive us for trusting in our own strength rather than in yours.
 
Forgive us for thinking our way is best, for claiming honour that is rightly yours, for seeking ‘our ends’ rather than your Kingdom, for putting our confidence in things which have no power to save or satisfy.
Forgive us for trusting in our own strength rather than in yours.
 
Forgive us for all the challenges we have ignored, the opportunities we have missed, the work we have failed to do, all through refusing to trust you fully.
Forgive us for trusting in our own strength rather than in yours.
 
Forgive us for the people we have let down, the circumstances we have despaired of, the opportunities we have wasted, all because we have trusted our judgement before yours.
Forgive us for trusting in our own strength rather than in yours.
 
Lord of all, teach us that when we feel most weak and helpless you are at your strongest, and what the world counts powerless is often most powerful.  Save us from closing our eyes to your mighty presence.
Forgive us for trusting in our own strength rather than in yours.
Give us renewed faith, greater trust, and deeper confidence in all that you are able to do.
Teach us to trust your strength rather than our own, and so may we attempt new things in your name and fulfil them to your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
Join with me as we say the Lord’s Prayer together….
 
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 trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil,
For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever, AMEN.
 
 
Bible Reading         Exodus 17 v 8-13   ‘The Amalekites Defeated’
 
8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”
10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
 
 
 
 
Lessons in Lent – ‘Let us Pray’.
 
Intro:
 
In his book ‘The Prayer Factor,’ Sammy Tippit recounts the story of how God miraculously changed the life of a community in answer to the prayers of one faithful minister.  He writes,
 
“Pastor Morris shepherded a small Baptist church in Louisiana.  In the late 1960s he asked me to preach in Evangelistic meetings in his church.  A few weeks before the meetings began, I grew discouraged.  Reaching the people seemed impossible.  The church and community possessed little interest in spiritual matters.  The Vietnam War raged on.  Young people were rejecting the values of their elders.  Drugs and Eastern mysticism were capturing young people.  Racial tensions plagued the schools.  Worldly standards were creeping into the churches.  I felt defeated and helpless.” 
 
On the passage that we read earlier, Moses faced a similar, ‘Mission Impossible’.  Since the miraculous victory over the Egyptians at the Red Sea, things had gone from bad to worse.  Despite the fact that God had provided them with food in the shape of manna and quails and had given them water from a rock to drink, the whole Israelite community had started complaining about the hardships of living a nomadic life in the Desert.  Even the slavery of Egypt seemed better than this!  In desperation Moses cries out to the Lord, “What am I to do with these people, they are almost ready to stone me?!”  Then, just as he thought things couldn’t get any worse, they did.  Their enemies, the Amalekites, mounted an all-out assault. 
 
Back in Louisiana, Pastor Morris’ response to the growing crisis was to organise a prayer session with the young people.  He asked the Evangelist, Sammy Tippit to join them.  Sammy writes, “Only a few attended.  I told Pastor Morris, ‘I think we ought to cancel the evangelistic meetings.  There is no interest.  We will be wasting my time, your time and the church’s time.’  I will never forget his response.  With a twinkle in his eye he said, ‘I’ve been praying.  God has given me assurance that He is going to do something special during these meetings.’”
 
Moses’ response to the military crisis was similar to Pastor Morris.  Firstly, he mobilised the troops.  He summoned his right hand man, Joshua and said to him, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites.”  But in addition to putting men on the ground, perhaps with a twinkle in his eye, Moses also took the situation to God in prayer.  We read, “So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill.  As long as Moses held up his hands the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.” 
 
Despite Pastor Morris’ optimism, Sammy Tippit admits that he was still sceptical.  He writes,
 
“I preached the first evening and there was no response.  I looked at pastor Morris as if to say, ‘I told you so.’  He smiled and said, ‘I’ve been praying.  It will be O.K.’  On Thursday night I preached to about 50 people.  There seemed to be no effect on the congregation.  However, at the time of invitation one of the church leaders came forward and prayed with Pastor Morris.  He then came to the pulpit with tears in his eyes and asked the church to forgive him.  He said that he had failed the young people by being a poor example.  He said that God had now freed him from his alcohol problem.  He then asked the church to pray for him.    Something wonderful happened that moment.  A Spirit of brokenness and prayer swept the congregation.  The altar was filled with people confessing sin and seeking God’s righteousness.  On Friday evening the church was nearly full….By Sunday evening there was no room for the crowds.  Pastor Morris said, ‘I’ve been praying and I believe we ought to extend these meetings another week.’  I knew not to argue.  We moved from the church to the university campus.  The first building we secured was also not big enough for the crowds.  We moved to a larger building.  It was not sufficient either.  Pastor Morris said, ‘I’ve been praying.  I think we ought to talk to the former Louisiana governor.  He owns the local T.V. station.  We should ask him for time on television to tell what God is doing in our city.’  I said sceptically, ‘I don’t think he will help us.’  But pastor Morris said, ‘I’ve been praying and God will prepare his heart.’ 
 
The governor gave us two fifteen minute television spots to tell what God was doing in the city.  But more than that he rang the mayor and said, “I have some young men in my office who are doing something positive in our community.  They need larger facilities.  I would like you to donate the civic centre to them free of charge.’  The mayor agreed.   The meetings that began with fifty people concluded with around 3000.  Both black and white students involved in racial tension were converted to Christ and asked each other’s forgiveness.  I walked out of the governor’s office that day humbled at the greatness of God.  I looked over at Pastor Morris.  He said nothing but he had a smile on his face.  I realised in that moment one of the great truths of the Christian life:  Victory does not come through our magnificent schemes, expert publicity, or financial holdings, victory comes from the Lord.”
 
This was the truth that Moses and his friends Aaron and Hur had also learned.  That’s why when Moses was too tired to hold his hands up in prayer to God that his friends got beside him and held his arms aloft.  And while Moses prayed, the Israelites had the victory.  As soon as he stopped praying the enemy began to gain the ascendancy.
 
Today people ask us, “What are you giving up for Lent?”  Often our response is “Chocolate, biscuits, alcohol or cigarettes.”  Whilst there are many benefits to all of these things, it betrays the reality that in many cases we’ve forgotten the original intention of the season.  When people gave up eating treats like butter and eggs or meat, they did so for one reason- So that they could focus their minds on prayer.  Prayer for themselves and especially prayers for other people. 
 
What was true for Moses, for Sammy Tippit, for Pastor Morris and for the city of Monroe Louisiana in 1960, is true for us in Arklow in 2021.  It is true individually in our personal lives and collectively in our family, congregational and community lives.  Whatever difficulties and battles we face, God can give us the victory.
 
Can I ask you- what is it that keeps you awake at night?  What situation?  Which member of your family?   Remember, nothing is impossible for God.  That’s why I want to encourage you to pray.  Pray in your homes, as you drive to work, as you walk around the shops.  Pray as you stroll in the forest or on the beach, as you run along the roadside.  Pray anytime, anyplace, anywhere. 
 
Remember, victory does not come through our magnificent schemes, expert publicity, or financial holdings, victory comes from the Lord.  So pray, pray and pray again.  Amen.
 
In light of that, let’s take a few moments to pray for other people and circumstances…
 
Prayer for Others
 
Lord, we thank you that you are real and powerful.  Thank you that you hear and answer our prayers.  So today we pray for our government and ask that you would continue to give them strength and wisdom for all the work they are responsible for.  We pray that vaccination programs throughout the world would make good progress and that as a consequence vulnerable people would be protected. 
 
We pray that you will guard our mental well-being.  Please give anyone who is struggling emotionally the courage to be honest with those who love them.  Give us wisdom to know how to support one another and especially those who are not sleeping or feel anxious and exhausted. 
 
We pray that our children and young adults will soon be able to return to school and university.  We pray that our elderly will be protected and that family visits to residential homes will soon be permitted. 
 
We ask that those who have businesses would soon be able to resume their normal activities and that in the meantime you will provide financially for their families.  We pray that sporting activities will soon be able to restart and that we will be able to go to the cinema or theatre or enjoy a coffee or a meal with friends. 
 
We pray that soon we will be allowed to meet again in church.  We pray that those who have been on hospital waiting lists will soon be able to have necessary procedures.  We pray that all those working in frontline services especially in our hospitals and care homes would be able to have a period of respite when they can spend time with family and get much needed rest.  We pray that those who have had to postpone their weddings on many occasions will be enabled to get married.
 
We pray especially for those who have been bereaved over this past year.  Lord comfort all who mourn and give us wisdom to know how best to support those who feel they have been unable to grieve in the normal way because of the Pandemic.
 
Lord we pray for those all who are battling with disabilities or chronic illnesses especially those who are elderly or young.  We ask that you will give them courage and strength and enable them to find every help and even healing.  We pray that you will give comfort, wisdom and strength to all those who care for them.
 
Lord, we thank you for all the ways that you have provided for us physically and emotionally during this crisis and for everyone who has encouraged and helped us at some point along the way.  But we admit that we are weary and cry out to you for a turning of the tide and for a real and lasting breakthrough that will bring this Pandemic to an end.
 
 
Take a moment to bring your own prayers to God now…
 
Lord we believe that nothing is impossible for you.  We know that you have told us to ask and we will receive.  So we ask you to hear us and help us in your mercy and according to your promises… Amen.
 
 
Closing Words
 
It’s been a joy and privilege to share with you again today. Thanks again for logging on.  I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s reflection.  Please do spend some time in quiet over the next couple of days reflecting on how you might make more time to pray.
 
One piece of exciting news is that we will be leading worship on the RTE Sunday morning service on 28th of March, that’s Palm Sunday.  That gives us all something to look forward to!
 
Also I’m delighted to say that Bev is back home form hospital so thank you for praying for him and for Sharon.
Please do continue to pray for Fr Padraig whose been in hospital and for all clergy in these difficult days.
 
And don’t forget this weekend it’s Mothering Sunday so do tune in at our normal time as we give thanks to God for our mothers and for all the women in our world.
 
But for now, let me lead you in a Benediction after which I invite you as always, to say the grace together…
 
 
Benediction   
As you go out into this day and the rest of this week don’t try to do life on your own.  God is with you – include Him in the conversation.  You might just be surprised at the results.  And
 
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all now and for evermore, Amen.”  
 

APC 7th March 2021               “Rightness and resurrection”
PART 1
Welcome and Introduction          
Good morning everyone and welcome to our Sunday morning worship.  Today we will be looking at one of the most exciting and controversial incidents in the life of our Lord.  And it happened in church as well!
But first, let’s remind ourselves of why we’ve tuned in again today as Sharon and Elaine lead us in the song, “To be in your presence”.
 
(End Part 1)
 
Opening Song                “To be in your presence”
 
PART 2
Thanks again Elaine and Sharon.  Let’s take a moment now to be in God’s presence.  Let’s pray…
 
Opening Prayer
God of truth, you know us better than we know ourselves.  You search our hearts and minds, seeing us as we really are, and confronting us with our true selves.  Teach us to face the truth, for the truth will set us free.
Forgive us that all too often we shy away from what is hard to accept, refusing to countenance anything which contradicts the image we have of ourselves.  We find it so hard to be honest, closing our ears to truths we would rather not hear.  We avoid those who challenge and disturb us, preferring those who soothe and flatter our egos.  Teach us to face the truth, for the truth will set us free.
God of truth, we thank you today for all those with the rare gift of speaking the truth in love- not spitefully, vindictively or harshly, not from any ulterior motives, but because they genuinely care.  Teach us to face the truth, for the truth will set us free.
We thank you for those who are willi8ng to risk our resentment, our misunderstanding or anger, our retaliation or rejection, to help us grow as individuals.  Teach us to face the truth, for the truth will set us free.
God of all, give us true humility and meekness of spirit, so that we may be ready to listen and examine ourselves, ready to ask searching questions about who we are and to change where necessary.  Teach us to face the truth, for the truth will set us free.
Join with me now as we say the Lord’s Prayer thoughtfully and sincerely together…
 
 
Our Father, which 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 trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil,
For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever, AMEN.
 
 
 
 
Introduction to Kids Video
We come now to the art of our service that’s especially for he younger members of our church family.  So if your kids aren’t beside you right now, why not pause the recording, and call them in to watch a sheep and a puppet tell us about the day Jesus told a group of people to get out of church!  And at the end of this video I’ve a few words to say to the children so don’t let them rush away.
 
(END Part 2)
 
 
Kid’s Video     K and K-  “Jesus clears the temple”
Link         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxb8c11ISw8
 
PART 3
 
Kid’s Talk Summary
Hey boys and girls, I hope many of you have had a good week back at school.  I hope you enjoyed the video today.  I can’t wait until we can all meet together again in church to sing and pray and learn more about God together.  That’s what church is for and everyone is welcome there.  If you ask your mum or dad they can download and print off a colouring page for you from the church Facebook page to help you remember today’s story.  I hope you have a really good week and I hope to see you again next Sunday.  Bye for now!
 
Colouring Sheet
Link https://www.kidssundayschool.com/preschool/coloring-pages/jesus-cleansing-the-temple
 
Introduction to Bible Reading
 
Gentle Jesus meek and mild, that’s not exactly what we find in today’s exciting episode in the life of Jesus.  Sit back as our new Clerk of Session Mrs Edna Crammond reads John’s account of this fascinating story for us now…
 
(End Part 3)
 
Bible Reading Video       John 2 v 13-22                Edna Crammond
 
PART 4
Reflection               “Rightness and resurrection”
Today I want to begin with a few questions to test your general knowledge.  Do you know the name of the world’s most expensive painting?  Do you know who painted it?  Finally how much is it worth?
Well, it’s a portrait painted around the year 1500 called ‘Salvator Mundi’ which means ‘Saviour of the world’.  It is credited to Leonardo da Vinci, although the art world is still divided whether it’s Divinci’s real work or the work of one of his skilled students.  It was sold in Christie’s auction in 2017 for the sum of $450 million and was bought by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
The painting depicts Jesus Christ dressed in a blue and gold tunic with pale skin, fine features, long hair and rouge cheeks.  There is both a masculinity and femininity about the image. His right hand is raised with his index and middle fingers crossed and in his left hand he holds a glass orb. 
As I looked at that picture recently the question entered my mind – What’s my image of Christ?  What’s yours?  When we think of Jesus what thoughts and pictures come into our minds?
Today’s gospel reading paints a portrait of Jesus that is as far removed from Davinci’s image as it’s possible to imagine.  Here Jesus, the healer, the teacher, the good shepherd, becomes the radical militant, voicing his anger at corporate religious corruption in very public and equally destructive terms.
We read that he goes into the temple and in an angry rage he overturns the benches of the people who are selling pilgrim sacrifices in the area of the temple known as the ‘Court of the Gentiles’.  As money scatters, tables thud against the floor and terrified animals noisily scramble to escape, Jesus screams, “It is written, my house will be called a house of prayer but you have made it a den of robbers!” 
What on earth is going on here?  And what can we learn from it?  To understand this passage and what it teaches us about Jesus we need to look at the historical background of this situation.
According to OT law, each year, every male Jew had to pay a Temple Tax of half a shekel.  That money was to pay for the running of the temple.  That was equivalent to about two day’s pay.  One month before the Passover, booths were set up in all towns and villages to give people a chance to pay.  However, most people chose to pay it on the day of their annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival.  In Palestine all sorts of currencies were in use but the temple tax could only be paid in Shekels.  That meant that money exchangers were needed to help people change their currency into Shekels.  This was all part of God’s laws for maintaining the temple.  So in principle there was nothing wrong with exchanging money even in the temple courts to facilitate people.  What Jesus was so angry about was that in practice, many of these money changers were notorious swindlers.  They were charging the pilgrims, many of whom were poor, an exorbitant rate of interest in order to exchange their money.
Then there were people who were selling animals.  This too was in one sense a necessity.  People could bring their own animals.  The problem was any animal brought for sacrifice first had to be inspected by a temple authority to ensure that it was without blemish.  The easiest way for people to be certain that their animal would be acceptable was to buy one that had already been inspected and was being sold in one of the temple booths. 
Again, the principle of selling ‘ready-to-go’ animals in the temple courts wasn’t the issue here.  What Jesus was so angry about wasn’t that things were being sold or money exchanged in the temple, but that the animals that were sold inside the temple were over 10 times the price of those being sold outside!  In other words, Jesus wasn’t condemning the holding of a church bazaar or the renting of church premises.  What he was condemning was the deliberate exploitation of vulnerable people by others, especially those who claimed to be religious!
Make no mistake about it.  If Jesus was here on earth today He would have been outraged and publicly vocal about the abuses that have been perpetrated by the church in his name over the centuries.  Some of those abuses are only beginning to come to light.  They must be acknowledged, repented of, apology given and restitution made with those who have been affected and lessons learned for the future.  We who claim to have Christ’s Spirit within us must speak out about these things just as Christ did.
But the passage today also leaves you and I facing an uncomfortable question… “Are we unfair or discriminatory or do we exploit people in any way?”  Our immediate reaction to that question might actually be to feel quite offended.  But the older I get, the more I realise that without God’s help and our constant watchfulness there is nothing that any of us are incapable of. 
The truth is, without God’s help, it isn’t easy to be fair.  We all have our favourites.  We can all take advantage of other people or use our own connections for personal gain despite an obvious conflict of interests.  We are all tempted to think we are just that bit better than someone else.  We are all prone to ignore certain sections of society or leave certain people out of the loop.  It’s easy for us to use people to our own advantage no matter what the cost might be to them.  We can all overcharge or underpay to suit our own pocket.  So let me ask you the question that I’ve asked myself this week, “In all honesty, in what ways do I sometimes discriminate between people?  Am I being unfair to anyone or is there someone that I am somehow exploiting?  Am I aware of any of these things in work, in church or in society?  Do I just turn a blind eye to them or am I willing to be unpopular by speaking up for what is right?
But there’s another reason why Jesus displays such righteous anger in this incident.  The part of the temple precincts known as the ‘Court of the Gentiles’ was the only part of the temple into which Gentiles could come.  Along with Jewish pilgrims there would have been many Gentile sight-seers just as there are in Israel today.  Some of them would also have come with deep longings in their souls to worship and to pray, if happily they might find God.  But in the uproar of buying and selling and bargaining and auctioneering, prayer was impossible.  Those who sought God’s presence were being debarred from it by the very people of God’s House.
This leaves us with a few more equally searching questions… “How well do we welcome outsiders?  Are we doing all we can to invite other people to our church services and events?  Are the doors of our church opening wider to our community?  Do we want our church to be a place that embraces all types of people no matter how different they are to us or no matter how society perceives them?”
I love the way the Presbyterian minister Scott Hoezee puts it.  He writes,
“Jesus came into Jerusalem dragging the world...behind him. He'd spent most of his ministry with what the Pharisees regarded as all the wrong people in all the wrong places. He'd befriended women of dubious reputations, touched lepers, dined with tax collectors, done favours for despised Roman soldiers, held up Samaritans as heroes even as he turned Pharisees into villains. When Jesus entered Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, he had all of these folks in tow. But when he got to the Temple, he found no place for his new friends. So he left. He pondered. He prayed. And he returned…to make room for them…..But Palm Sunday is not just about Jesus’ first entry. We need to wonder what Jesus sees when he enters our church each week and looks around at everything.  Will he find that our courtyard is broad and our doors wide open so that those who are at a vastly different place in life can enter and find room?”
Sadly as on many occasions throughout the years, Jesus words and actions fall on deaf ears.  Instead of shame and repentance the Jewish leaders turn on him indignantly, “If you’ve got authority to say and do all this, then show us a sign!
“Destroy this temple and I’ll raise it again in 3 days,” he replied.
In a single breath Jesus sums up where their attitude and action will lead and where His would end.
“It took us 46 years to build this temple, you think you’ll build it in 3 days?” they laughed.
But of course as he explained to his disciples then and as we know looking back today, Jesus wasn’t talking about the temple made of stones, but about His body made of flesh.  The religious and Roman authorities would put Him to death, but 3 days later God the Father would bring Him back to life.  Undeniable proof that he is who He says He was.
Sadly as the world looks at much of what has happened in the past in the name of Christ, it turns away in disbelief.  Like the Jewish religious leaders they too cry, “If your Christ is real, then show us a miracle or at least the amazing difference you claim He makes in your lives!”
And so we must cry out to God to fill us with His Holy Spirit so that we might let our lights shine in the hope that some may turn and be attracted.
But even so, even when our light at times is dim, the greatest miracle of all is still on record for those who decide to have eyes to see and ears to hear.
He is not dead, he is risen!  Have we the faith to believe and tell?
 
Introduction to Song
One lesson from this pandemic is that often in life we’re just too busy or too noisy to really be still and to worship God in a way that really makes a lasting difference in our lives.  Jesus cleared the temple so that outsiders might be able to do just that.  So let’s slow the pace, bow down and worship as we listen to this beautiful acoustic version of the famous hymn “Be still my soul”.
 
(End Part 4)
 
Song of Response                 “Be still my soul”
 
PART 5
Prayers for others
 
Sovereign God, we pray for the weak and vulnerable in our world – those who feel powerless in the face of the massive problems that confront them.  Help of the helpless, reach out to strengthen and support.
 
We pray for the poor, the hungry, the diseased, the dying.  Help of the helpless, reach out to strengthen and support.
 
We pray for the oppressed, the exploited, the abused, the tortured.  Help of the helpless, reach out to strengthen and support.
 
We pray for the frightened the lonely the hurt the depressed.
Help of the helpless, reach out to strengthen and support.
 
We pray for those who live in lands racked by tension, those who face famine and starvation, those who are unemployed, those who are homeless.  Help of the helpless, reach out to strengthen and support.
 
Sovereign God, you have expressed special concern for the bruised, the needy and the weak of our world.  May that concern bring strength to all in such need, and may it inspire people everywhere to work for a more just society, standing up for the needy, and working for that tie when there will be an end to suffering, mourning and pain; that time when your Kingdom will come and your will be done.  Help of the helpless, reach out to strengthen and support.
Take a moment now to pray for one or two people you know who need God’s help at this time….
 
All this we ask in the name of the one who came to heal the sick and comfort those who mourn.  Amen.
 
 
CLOSING WORDS
 
It’s been a joy and privilege to share with you again today. Thanks again for logging on.  I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s reflection.  Please do spend some time in quiet over the next couple of days reflecting on what God wants you to learn from the story of Jesus clearing the temple…
 
One piece of exciting news that I’ve known for some time but wanted to wait until now to share with you…no I’m not pregnant! is that we will be leading worship on the RTE Sunday morning service on 28th of March, that’s Palm Sunday.  That gives us all something to look forward to!
 
Please do keep me in your prayers because I’m just as human as you and at times it can be quite isolating spending every day ion the office and as one person who wrote a weekly column for a newspaper once said, “A blank page every week is not for the faint hearted!”
 
But above all the greatest encouragement you can give me is to keep tuning in and stay close to God during these difficult days.
 
But for now, let me lead you in a Benediction after which I invite you as always, to say the grace together…
 
 
Benediction   
Lord just as you cleared the temple, clear our lives of everything that would distract us from prayer and clear our hearts from attitudes of greed, unfairness, and mistreatment of others.  And
 
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all now and for evermore, Amen.”