The keys to the kingdom of heaven are in your hands now

12 Pentecost/Year A/August 23, 2020

Back to school Sunday & Uncommon Music Festival Guests

Psalm 138; Isaiah 51:1-6; Matthew 16: 13-20 

The keys to the kingdom of heaven are in your hands now

It’s back to school time, all over the country now…And with this time of year, it is natural to have lots of questions…questions marked with perhaps fear and anxiety, but also questions full of hope and excitement….

Parents may be asking…what kind of school supplies their child will need? What will the bus schedule be like? Will their kids be able to keep up with schoolwork this year? Who will be their child’s teacher?  Will their child have friends and be a good friend to other kids?

Kids may be wondering, too….who their teacher will be… Who will ride the bus with them? Will school be too hard or too easy this year? Will any of their friends be in their class? Will they make new friends this year?

Teachers might be asking themselves if they have all the supplies they need for their classroom…Does the classroom look and feel like a place of welcome for the students and parents? Will the kids come ready and eager to learn? Will they be able to make a difference in the lives of the children entrusted to their care and teaching this year?

So many more questions….That is certain.

So many more unanswered questions….That is certain.

Especially, as we are set to begin a new school year…in the midst of a pandemic…A pandemic that changed the end of school lessons and plans last spring, and is changing the landscape of what school is going to look like this year…in many ways…

So many questions…with so many uncertain answers…or clear direction…yet choices, decisions are needing to be made every day…

The good news, in the midst of so many uncertainties…is that we need not believe that we have to navigate these ever-changing, difficult decision making times, alone…we are not left to wrestle with life’s questions – big and small…alone…

God is with us always…and Jesus, came among us, to live as one of us…to reveal to us…the certainty of God’s love, living in us, and among us, uniting us to God, and one another, here on earth…and as we envision in heaven…

In today’s gospel…It is Peter who affirms this good news for us when he tells Jesus, that he believes…that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. It is Jesus who affirms this good news for us, in his response to Peter….

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Jesus, came among us, as the living God…and placed the keys of the kingdom of heaven, in Peter’s hands…and is eager to place them in ours too…

Keys of the kingdom of heaven…that will open the doors and windows of our hearts and our minds… to follow the light of Jesus, and the way of love that Jesus taught and showed others throughout his lifetime…and as we learn today, and every time, in the hearing of the scriptures…

Keys of the kingdom of heaven, that help us to love one another, and reach out to one another, to offer companionship, compassion, friendship, kindness, encouragement, and joy-filled moments with one another…

Keys of the kingdom of heaven, that help us to seek justice and peace, among all people…and to seek Christ, in all persons, respecting the dignity of every human being…

Keys of the kingdom of heaven…that will assist us with all the questions, and unanswered questions, in our daily lives, and the choices and decisions we are faced with every day…

Throughout our entire lives, there will always be questions….many unanswered questions…

But that shouldn’t discourage us to stop asking questions, to stop seeking answers, to stop learning new things, or to give up hope…that the answers will ever come…ot that the dream of God’s beloved community will ever be realized…

I invite you today, to imagine Jesus, standing in front of you, asking you, Who do you say that I am?

Will we be as bold as Peter with our answer? “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

I pray that you will take a bold stand, and step out in faith and with a hope…that affirms this good news today….and open up your hands to receive this gift of the keys of the kingdom of heaven, that Jesus is eager to place in your hands….

And whether you are starting school soon, or starting something new, or just beginning a new day…. Give thanks to God with your whole heart for this gift, and use this gift, use these keys to open up your heart, to let God’s light shine in you…all around you…and wherever you go…

***Video of St Peter’s children/This Little light of Mine/Kathi Jones/Piano

Rev Julie Platson

St Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church

Sitka, Alaska

*The Blessing at the end of the service… August 23

A Back to School Prayer (by Kimberly Knowle-Zeller)

Bless the school year ahead –

fill it with compassion for those making difficult decisions,

comfort to parents wondering how to manage home, work, and school,

and strength to teachers navigating new ways of learning.

Bless the school year ahead –

reminding us to see our neighbors as ourselves

and Christ in all that we meet.

Bless the school year ahead –

remembering that God always goes before us

and claims us as beloved children of God.

Bless the school year ahead –

trusting your grace in our lives

and hope for what is to come.

Be with us this year.

grant us your wisdom, Lord,

that we continue to seek it,

and look for signs of your love all around us. 

Scripture Walk in the Park

Scripture Walk in the Park

Reflecting on scriptures/prayers as we walk with God in nature

1 - Opening Prayer:  For Joy in God's Creation

O heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your  Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Walk….

  2 – For the Conservation of Natural Resources
Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Walk….

3 – For Agriculture 

Almighty God, we thank you for making the earth fruitful, so that it might produce what is needed for life: Bless those who work in the fields; give us seasonable weather; and grant that we may all share the fruits for the earth, rejoicing in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Walk….

4 – For the Right Use of God's Gifts
Almighty God, whose loving hand has given us all that we possess: Grant us grace that we may honor you with our substance, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Walk…

5 – For the Harvest of Lands and Waters

O gracious Father, who opens your hands and fills all things living with plenteousness: Bless the lands and waters, and multiply the harvests of the world; let your Spirit go forth, that it may renew the face of the earth; show your loving-kindness, that our land may give her increase; and save us from selfish use of what you give, that men and women everywhere may give you thanks; through Christ  our Lord. Amen.

Walk…

6 – For the Beauty of the Earth
We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers. We praise you for these good gifts, and pray that we may safeguard them for our posterity. Grant that we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation, to the honor and glory of your Name, now and for ever. Amen.

Walk….

7 -  A Litany of Thanksgiving

Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so
freely bestowed upon us.

For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and
sky and sea.  We thank you, Lord.

For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women,
revealing the image of Christ,   We thank you, Lord.

For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and
our friends,  We thank you, Lord.

For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve,
We thank you, Lord.

For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play,
We thank you, Lord.

For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering
and faithful in adversity,  We thank you, Lord.

For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice,
We thank you, Lord.

For the communion of saints, in all times and places,
We thank you, Lord.

Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and
promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord;
To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the
Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Walk….

8 –  For the Future of the Human Race
O God our heavenly Father, you have blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes for the human race, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in accordance with your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Walk…

9– For Knowledge of God's Creation
Almighty and everlasting God, you made the universe with all its marvelous order, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and the infinite complexity of living creatures: Grant that, as we probe the mysteries of your creation, we may come to know you more truly, and more surely fulfill our role in your eternal purpose; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Walk…

10 - Closing Prayer: For the Good Use of Leisure
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Walking throughout the rest of the week:

Choose a few of these collects and prayers to include in your prayer time throughout the week…

(all prayers & Litany of Thanksgiving are from the Book of Common Prayer)

St Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church

611 Lincoln St/P.O. Box 1130  Sitka, AK

stpeters-sitka.org

Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior

11 Pentecost/Year A

August 16, 2020

Isaiah 56:1,6-8; Psalm 67; Matthew 15: 21-28

Opening Prayer: Lift Every Voice and Sing II - #139 Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior

1          Pass me not, O gentle Savior, Hear my humble cry;

While on others thou art calling, Do not pass me by.

            Savior, Savior, Hear my humble cry;

            While on others thou art calling, Do not pass me by.

2          Let me at thy throne of mercy Find a sweet relief;

    Kneeling there in deep contrition, Help my unbelief.

     Refrain

3          Trusting only in thy merit, Would I seek thy face;

            Heal my wounded, broken spirit, Save me by thy grace.

Refrain

4          Thou the spring of all my comfort, More than life to me,

            Whom have I on earth beside thee? Whom in heav’n but thee?

Refrain

*Play the hymn recording…

In today’s gospel reading…I don’t think it’s too hard to imagine, hearing the words of this hymn, flowing from the lips of the Canaanite woman…

Pass me not, O gentle Savior, Hear my humble cry;

While on others thou art calling, Do not pass me by.

I don’t think it’s too difficult to notice in today’s gospel, that the Canaanite woman was probably used to being passed by…passed by and ignored by many….she was a woman, she was of the wrong class and culture and lived in the wrong part of town…

Savior, Savior, Hear my humble cry;

While on others thou art calling, Do not pass me by.

It even seemed, at first, as if Jesus, was about to pass her by…

She cried out to him…“Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all.

The disciples were even urging Jesus to send her away…and dismiss her…

But she knelt before him, and prayed with all her heart and soul and body and mind… perhaps with a tinge a doubt, but with a persistence of faith and hope, that he would not pass her by…

Saying to Jesus, “Lord, help me.”

Savior, Savior, Hear my humble cry;

While on others thou art calling, Do not pass me by.

Jesus answered her, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”

 Did you hear that? Did you listen closely to what the woman was saying?

Something happened in that moment, in that exchange of words between Jesus and the Canaanite woman…something happened….that changed the direction of what would happen next…

Jesus heard another part of the story that perhaps he hadn’t heard before….a new story that had not been told….or I should say…a story that had not been listened to…a story spoken by a woman, whose words and worth, and social status, most likely meant nothing to those in the room…at the time… a perspective and a voice that had been silenced for too long, missing from the conversations,  because of the powerful religious and government forces who controlled every aspect of life.

But what Jesus said next…most likely surprised the disciples…who were sure they were doing all the right and holy things, following the religious laws of the days….

Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

His words, and his next steps affirmed that her faith and persistence in living out her faith….was seen and heard…I hear you….God hears your prayers too…your hopes…your desires…your needs…your story matters…your prayers matter, your life matters…you too are a beloved child of God…Great is your faith!

It was a moment that revealed a new way of understanding the wideness of God’s love and mercy…a love that does not pass anyone by…a love people can trust in, and believe in, especially when the people of this world seem to be passing them by…ignoring their cries for help, their cries for healing, their cries to be loved and respected for who they are….

In the dream of God’s beloved community…in the kingdom of heaven here on earth…there are no “others”….all are beloved children of God…all are called upon by God, blessed by God,  looked upon with love and compassion and mercy and grace upon grace….

No one… should ever have to worry…that God is only calling on others…or to have to pray, that God would not pass them by…

But they do worry…we worry at times…but thank you, God…that none of us, need to worry…that God would every desire to pass us by…Jesus reminds us of that…Jesus…assures us of that…and as followers of Jesus…we are called to bring that same hope and assurance to those we share this great big world with…to those, whose nightly prayers still persist, with hope and great faith…that they will be seen and heard…that someday…all people will truly be free to live a life, in the fullness of God’s love, and joy and peace…

This gospel story hits close to home today…It’s not just a story from the scriptures, about something that happened thousands of years ago.

There are important voices and perspectives that have not been listened to for many, many years…the voices of our siblings who have been crying out for justice and equity and respect for the dignity of every human being, for far too long…

In this time of the pandemic…it has been increasingly evident…that these cries have been there are along….and the cries seem to be getting louder…maybe because much of our lives have become quieter in many ways…and we are just now noticing them…and listening to them…in a new way…

We tell ourselves we’ve already heard the stories, we’ve listened long enough…we’re ready to move on…there aren’t any issues anymore…

But the social and political unrest in our country right now is revealing something different…. As a society, we have not always been listening well…we have not been listening deeply to the cries of our siblings, whose stories keep being pushed aside…we have not always been listening with an open mind and an open heart…in a way, that has moved us to a new way of loving our neighbors…and living with our neighbors, as it moved Jesus, in today’s gospel reading…

Yet the noise level and the conversations that are popping up everywhere right now…are also signs of Good news and hope, that people are indeed striving to listen in new ways! There are many who are intentionally gathering to listen and learn new ways of being with one another…there are people working together to help feed the hungry and shelter the homeless, there are those who are working closely with women and children seeking safety, there are those reaching out through social media to lead people to circles of support for substance abuse and mental health needs…

There are many others, working behind the scenes, who go unnoticed everyday….who are striving to help others know, through their words and their actions…that their cries are being heard…their voices are being heard… their prayers, their hopes…their desires… are being heard now…They are being assured that their story matters…their prayers matter, their lives matter…and that they, too are a beloved child of God.

So, in these days of a mix of quiet and noisy, and the mix of many different voices crying out….let’s all strive to listen more deeply to one another, and learn to love one another more fully, and in ways that leads us to new actions, that lift up and respect the dignity of every human being…actions that will lead to the day…when no one… would ever have to worry or pray, that God would not pass them by…

May God be merciful to us and bless us, show us the light of his countenance and come to us. May God give us his blessing… (psalm 67)     All of us…

Rev. Julie Platson

St Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church

Sitka, Alaska

Jesus withdrew in a boat to a deserted place….

9 Pentecost/Year A/August 2, 2020

Psalm 145: 8-9, 15-21; Isaiah 55:1-5; Matthew 14: 13-21

Jesus withdrew in a boat to a deserted place….

I wonder how many of us are longing to do just that?... right now…  to just step away from the news of how the Covid-19 pandemic is continuing to cause great suffering among people of all walks of life; to just step away for a few moments from the reports of violence and unrest…that has left no community untouched….

As we scan our local and national news feeds…and look around in our various communities where we live…we are being reminded daily…that there is so much suffering and so many hurting people among us,  who are grieving, longing for things to change… longing for relief for themselves and their family members…longing for comfort…for love…for mercy…longing for equity….for justice…longing for compassion….for peace…in the midst of so much uncertainty…

Jesus gets it…we are not alone in this.

Jesus withdrew in a boat to a deserted place…just after he received the news of John (the Baptist) death. He withdrew for a moment, to be alone with the God of abundant love and compassion….The One who hears every cry, who hears every longing for an end to such grief…and acts upon it, even now… with a love and compassion that feeds and nourishes one’s soul…with a love and compassion that has no limits… in bringing healing and a peace that surpasses all of our understanding….in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in…

When Jesus, emerges from this moment alone with God, and looks out at the crowds who had followed him, as soon as they heard Jesus was nearby, we are told Jesus had compassion for them.

I imagine that Jesus’ heart was breaking with compassion for the crowds gathered…for he could see them now, through the heart of God’s abundant love and compassion that was a healing balm for his soul…he could see they were longing for something, he could see that they were searching for answers to questions that maybe they weren’t even sure what they were…they were hungry for something…they were hurting…they were longing for some measure of hope and peace…in the midst of so much uncertainty that was present in their daily lives…

And it was in the actions of what happened next, ..after Jesus saw them, and had compassion on them…that they were provided a measure of hope and peace….Not just because Jesus saw them…but that he helped the disciples to see them and act with compassion and love too…

When the disciples complained that evening to Jesus, and wanted to send the crowds away for them to fend for themselves, Jesus reminded them of their neighbors they were called to love and care for, and said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”

But, but, but…the disciples say. We don’t have enough…only five loaves and two fish, that we can see around here…no way that would be enough to feed the thousands who are gathered here today…

Jesus tells them…to bring him what they have…and he tells the crowds to sit down…

After all this frantic worrying by the disciples, Jesus invites everyone to sit down…to sit down together….to just begin…by acknowledging one another, being present to one another…seeing one another, as God sees all of us…

Then Jesus prays, and the disciples and all who were gathered, were empowered to feed one another, care for one another, love one another….

Taking the five loaves and the two fish, (Jesus) he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full.

All were filled that day with a measure of hope and peace, through love and compassion for one another, through a love and compassion, grounded in the love of God, that fed and nourished souls in a time of great need, and in a time of so much uncertainty…

These days, reaching out to love and care for one another, can feel overwhelming. We can barely keep our own emotions in check these days. Perhaps it’s a good time to ask ourselves – what our spiritual diet is looking like these days? Are we taking time to feed and nourish our souls...so that we can be strengthened, ourselves and to be able to reach out in love to others?

Jesus reminds us, in today’s gospel…that we are not called to do any of this alone….we are called to navigate all the suffering, the beauty and the joys of this world together….and with the love and the presence of a gracious God in the midst of all we seek to be and to do…

We are all a broken people, at times, and we are all in need of a love and compassion, that begins and ends with God….that begins with time away, by ourselves to a deserted place, a time of prayer and stillness,  to connect with a gracious God of abundant love and compassion….the one who feeds and nourishes our souls…

It is from that place of prayer, that our hearts, and our minds are refreshed, and encouraged, once again, to not only care for ourselves, with the blessing of God’s love and compassion,  but to look up and around to our neighbors, who we share this world with…and offer that same blessing of God’s love and compassion to them, through our words and in our actions…on behalf of the whole human family…

For today: Be filled with a measure of hope and peace.

Pray with God and with one another.

Love and serve one another with compassion.

Bless one another.

Do this again tomorrow, and the next day…and all the days after that…

Be filled with a measure of hope and peace.

Pray with God and with one another.

Love and serve one another with compassion.

Bless one another.

Hymn after the sermon: (LEVSII) - #146 Break Thou the Bread of Life

Rev Julie Platson, Rector

St Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church

Sitka, Alaska

The kingdom of heaven is like...

8 Pentecost/Year A

July 26, 2020

Psalm 105:1-11, 45b; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33,44-52

Let’s begin with a moment of silence….as we get ready to listen and wonder along with the voices who will share their reflections and insights on what the kingdom of heaven is like…in Jesus’ parables today…

Be silent, be still, aware; for there in your own heart the Spirit is at prayer; Listen and learn, Open and find, Heart-wisdom, Christ.

~ posted on the Malling Abbey website.  http://www.mallingabbey.org/index.htm

SILENCE

I love today’s gospel lesson you are about to hear…I love how the parables, have a way of drawing us into the wonder and mystery of what the kingdom of heaven, what the kingdom of God is all about…I love how the parables, through the help of the Holy Spirit in us, has the power to help us listen and learn, search for meaning and purpose, look for the marvels God has done….and is doing, still…I just love…that we can take the time today, to imagine together…what the kingdom of heaven is like…and to encourage one another to see that the kingdom of God….God himself, is right here in the midst of our everyday lives, and most especially to be reminded that there is nothing, in this world…pandemics, violence, death, oppression by others, nothing…that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

So, let’s begin…and listen with the “ears of our hearts” to what these parables are saying to us today…

GLENDA

Jesus put before the crowds another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

KIT

Many years ago, I gave a message on this gospel at the family service. It seemed right to use a visual aid, so I brought a bottle of mustard seeds and asked one of the children to give everyone a few seeds. Did you know mustard seeds on the floor are like little ball bearings?

I don’t remember what I said that day, but I do remember the children in the pews, some of them so small they would swing with the bell pull as they rang the bell. And I remember feeling a sense of hope and wonder at the potential in front of me. Those children are adults now, with degrees and careers, homes and businesses, some with children of their own.

When Jesus spoke of the kingdom of heaven, he didn’t describe halos and wings, or puffy clouds and choirs. No, he spoke of things of the earth – of hard work and planting, dirt and seeds, shrubs, and trees sheltering birds. Jesus described the kingdom of heaven as what we can see and hear and touch, right here and now.  I realize the feeling of hope and wonder I felt all those years ago was the recognition of the kingdom of heaven as it really is - right here on earth, in the children who have now grown, who are spreading out their branches and nurturing children and all of Creation as they continue to build and renew the kingdom of heaven.

And I feel more hope and wonder when I see all the potential as the new ‘mustard seeds’ grow up, learning to love God’s creation and starting to spread their own branches as they find their ways to build and renew the kingdom of heaven. Right here. Right now.

GLENDA

(Jesus) told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

Kevin Keating/professional bread baker in NYC (read by Julie)

To me the key thing I find amazing is how yeast (in that time it would've been leaven/levain/sourdough starter) is just a collection of tiny microorganisms that through the work of reproduction and fermentation manage to cause the dough (in this case three measures of flour is the equivalent of over 50 pounds, which means a total dough weight of over 100 pounds!) …

This tiny collection of microorganisms, through the work of reproduction and fermentation, would manage to cause the dough to double, even triple in size AND, most importantly, they are responsible for transforming the flour into something that can nourish our bodies - without that process we can't easily digest flour nor absorb its nutrients into our bodies. So it's the work of these tiny single-celled organisms all working in tandem that all of the nutrition and flavor and aroma and pleasure (and relatedly, the cultures and communities built on top) of bread is made available to us.

(JULIE’s words – How amazing it is to think about all God’s people working in tandem so that the fullness of God’s love, joy and pleasure would be experienced by everyone..)

GLENDA

Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

KATHRYN

I walk around the path that meanders through my side yard as I ponder this parable of Jesus’ - about a treasure hidden in a field. A treasure so valued that it is worth giving up all else to obtain it. That is what the Kingdom of God is like, he tells the crowd.

My side yard, has many hidden treasures, like the little volunteer holly bush I found growing, hidden among the berry bushes.

If we think of the Kingdom of God as treasure, what do we do to obtain it? Do we, with joy, sell all we have like the man in the parable? Visions of St. Francis walking around buck naked come to mind. Oh, my! But God knows what is necessary for us to live in this world and looks on the heart not the outside of a person, right?

So, what is it for us to “sell all that we have”? Is the Kingdom even something to be obtained? Or is it more something to live in to?  And not keep hidden but rather to cultivate? We all find the Kingdom of God in our own field when we seek it. And we find it far greater than we can imagine. Yes! It is worth putting first in our lives. No! It is not easy, don’t expect easy, but do expect joy and transformation.

GLENDA

Jesus said, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

NANCY JO

“Pearls are formed inside the shell of certain mollusks as a defense mechanism against a potentially threatening irritant.” (wikipedia)

How irritated are we with our fellow human beings with all the unrest and pandemic concerns? 

Are we actively listening and learning to what troubles those different from us?

Are we the “merchant”, the one with all the capital and privilege?

Can the “pearls” represent our faithfulness and discipleship to love our God and love our neighbor?

Today, I am wearing several pearl necklaces and earrings.

Notice there are different colors - blue, pink, yellow and white. 

This reminds me of our human race that we are all different colors, shapes and sizes from different parts of the world; strung together we become beautiful pearls.

GLENDA

Jesus said, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad.  So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

JULIE

The kingdom of heaven, is like a net that spans wider and deeper, than our human minds can comprehend… When God tosses his net of love out into the sea of people everywhere…this net of love, gathers in everyone together… every color, culture, shape, size, friends, enemies… into the embrace and arms of God’s love….It is in this place of love, and with God, that all have the potential to grow in love and compassion for one another…to recognize how our lives are interconnected and dependent upon one another, and to see that even in the midst of so many differences and divisions, and uncertainties, the love of God is in the midst of all our lives, and can transform hearts and minds in ways and at a time, not always known to us… but only to God. That’s all we need to know….we are not called to be the judge of who is in or who is out. In God’s kingdom. In God’s eyes…everyone is worthy…everyone is valued…everyone is loved.

GLENDA

Jesus said, “Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

JULIE

I invite and encourage you this week….to set aside time daily…to pray…to seek a deeper understanding of God’s kingdom of love…and to contemplate more on what the kingdom of heaven might look like for you, and through the eyes and lives of others….call upon the Holy Spirit for guidance, to help you listen and learn, search for meaning and purpose, and to look for the marvels God has done….and is doing, still.

Hymn after the sermon (H) 635  - If Th but trust in God to guide thee Ali/solo

If thou but trust in God to guide thee, and hope in him through all thy ways,

he’ll give thee strength whate’er betide thee, and bear thee through the evil days.

Who trusts in God’s unchanging love builds on a rock that nought can move.

Sing, pray, and keep his ways unswerving; so do thine own part faithfully,

and trust his word, though undeserving; thou yet shalt find it true for thee;

God never yet forsook in need the soul that trusted him indeed.

Shared Gospel/Sermon today by:

The Rev Dn Glenda Quintana, The Rev Dn Kathryn Snelling, Kit Mellema

Nancy Jo Bleier, Kevin Keating, The Rev Julie Platson

O Spirit of Life, O Spirit of God

6 Pentecost/Year A

July 12, 2020

Psalm 119:105-112; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9,18-23

Opening Prayer: O Spirit of Life, O Spirit of God: Open up our hearts and our minds, to listen and understand those things that give life and peace to our mortal bodies. Help us to be strongly rooted in Your Love, as we learn to open our hearts and our minds to Your wisdom, in the hearing of your Word in the scriptures, in the stories, in the parables, in the prayers, in the music and in the silence. O Spirit of Life, O Spirit of God….may it be your Word that is a lantern to our feet and light upon our path…Amen.

Last week, in my sermon…I noted, that in these times of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are lots of voices trying to get our attention these days… often conflicting voices about the best way to address the COVID-19 pandemic; there are other conflicting voices between those crying out for justice and peace for the entire human family and those who continue to oppress and silence the voices of the people who have been trying to tell their stories for years.

I went on to speak about the importance of making time for prayer…especially for our health and well-being, in times such as these… taking time to pray and listen closely for the voice of God… through the one voice, that matters most…the voice of Jesus, whose life-giving Words, are the ones who will strengthen us, teach us, lead us and guide us through all of the ups and downs and mountains and valleys of these turbulent and uncertain times we find ourselves in.

This week… for me…this same core message is at the heart of today’s scriptures.

These turbulent and uncertain times are not going away anytime soon. We need to consider and adopt ways to continue to take care of our hearts and our minds and our bodies for the long journey. And prayer, in its many and varied forms….helps us to take care of our whole selves…our hearts and our minds and our bodies.

Taking time for prayer…is important.

Our hearts and our minds and our bodies are nourished by prayer.

Taking time to spend with the scriptures, is a form of prayer.

Our hearts and our minds and our bodies are informed by prayer.

Taking time to pray for the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and our minds to hear and understand the scriptures, the Word of God….will help us listen for the one voice, in the midst of many, that truly matters…she will remind us of the Spirit of Christ, which dwells in us, and gives life and peace to our mortal bodies…

Our hearts and our minds and our bodies are transformed by prayer.

Let’s take some time right now to pray with today’s gospel reading…as written in the Good News translation…

That same day Jesus left the house and went to the lakeside, where he sat down to teach. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it, while the crowd stood on the shore. He used parables to tell them many things.

“Once there was a man who went out to sow grain.  As he scattered the seed in the field, some of it fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.  Some of it fell on rocky ground, where there was little soil. The seeds soon sprouted, because the soil wasn't deep.  But when the sun came up, it burned the young plants; and because the roots had not grown deep enough, the plants soon dried up.  Some of the seed fell among thorn bushes, which grew up and choked the plants.  But some seeds fell in good soil, and the plants bore grain: some had one hundred grains, others sixty, and others thirty.”

And Jesus concluded, “Listen, then, if you have ears!” (Matthew 13: 1-9)

Next, Jesus explains the parable of the sower…verse by verse…

“Listen, then, and learn what the parable of the sower means. (Matthew 13:18 )

Those who hear the message about the Kingdom but do not understand it are like the seeds that fell along the path. The Evil One comes and snatches away what was sown in them. (Matthew 13:19)

Silence

O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God…we pray to you…

We pray to you, in this time of stillness, in the attentive listening of Jesus’ parable today…to quiet our minds and our hearts to hear your words  and understand them, and hold fast to them, in hope, so that nothing can snatch away the love of God, the Spirit of Christ, which dwells deep in our hearts.

“Listen, then, and learn what the parable of the sower means. (Matthew 13:18 )

The seeds that fell on rocky ground stand for those who receive the message gladly as soon as they hear it.  But it does not sink deep into them, and they don't last long. So when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, they give up at once. (Matthew 13:20-21)

Silence

O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God…we pray to you…

We pray to you, in this time of stillness, in the attentive listening of Jesus’ parable today…for us to be rooted deeply in God’s love and God’s fullness of joy….so that we are not easily wearied, swayed or blown astray by the many changes and chances of this life…and instead learn to rest in your eternal changelessness…

“Listen, then, and learn what the parable of the sower means. (Matthew 13:18 )

The seeds that fell among thorn bushes stand for those who hear the message; but the worries about this life and the love for riches choke the message, and they don't bear fruit. (Matthew 13:22)

Silence

O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God…we pray to you…

We pray to you, in this time of stillness, in the attentive listening of Jesus’ parable today…to inspire us to turn our hearts back to you, to repent of the sins of greed and selfishness that mark our mortal lives, and to place all of the cares and worries of this world, into your forgiving and merciful, loving hands…

“Listen, then, and learn what the parable of the sower means. (Matthew 13:18 )

And the seeds sown in the good soil stand for those who hear the message and understand it: they bear fruit, some as much as one hundred, others sixty, and others thirty.” (Matthew 13:23)

Silence…

O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God…we pray to you…

We pray to you, in this time of stillness, in the attentive listening of Jesus’ parable today…and we give thanks…we give thanks for the times we can pause and dwell in the scriptures…and listen for the one voice which truly matters… Jesus’….knowing, that in this time of praying with the scriptures, our hearts and our minds and our bodies…are nourished, informed and transformed by the love of God for us, and we are strengthened, encouraged and sustained by this love, to go out into the world…to bear the fruits of God’s love with all those we meet….and to share the fruits of God’s love with a world who is starving and hungry to know that…all shall be well…and all shall be well…and all manner of thing shall be well…

Prayer…..in all of its forms is important for the health and well-being of all of God’s beloved human family…it nourishes us, informs us, and transforms our hearts, our minds and our bodies, so that we can go out into the world – to love one another, as Christ has loved us and taught us.

This week…I encourage you to consider setting aside a time of prayer…daily….for reading or listening to the scriptures….Pray for the Holy Spirit to open your heart and your mind to hear and understand the Word of God….Pray, in remembrance, that the Spirit of Christ, already dwells in you… and will help you listen for the one voice, in the midst of many, that truly matters…The voice of God,  the Word of the Lord, the lantern to your feet and the light upon your path…

Let us pray in the words of this hymn, vs 3 & 4:

O Spirit of Life, O Spirit of God (H 505 – 1982 Hymnal)

O Spirit of Life, O Spirit of God,

make us to love thy sacred word;

the holy flame of love impart,

that charity may warm each heart;

O Spirit of Life, O Spirit of God.

O Spirit of Life, O Spirit of God,

enlighten us by that same word;

teach us to know the Father’s love,

and his dear Son, who reigns above;

O Spirit of Life, O Spirit of God. Amen

The Rev Julie Platson, Rector

St Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church

Sitka, Alaska

Consider and listen closely for the voice of God…

5 Pentecost Year A/ July 5, 2020

Psalm 45:11-18; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Consider and listen closely for the voice of God…

Consider and listen closely for the voice of God…this was the refrain before and after our psalm this morning …

Every time I read that phrase throughout this past week, prayer is what kept coming to the front and center of my mind and my heart…

Reminding me of the importance of taking time for prayer, to listen closely for the voice of God.

There are so many different voices trying to get our attention these days… voices shouting out from numerous, often conflicting sources, about the best way to address the COVID-19 pandemic; voices crying out for justice and peace for the entire human family; voices of those who still insist on oppressing the voices of the people who have been trying to tell their stories for years; there are voices which are barely audible, because they have been silenced for so long….yet they are rising up, with a voice and a song and a story to tell. There are the voices of white people, who are finally beginning to speak up and repent of the ways that we have participated in and benefitted over the years from systemic racism. There are many different voices trying to get our attention these days.

All of this can be wearying to the body, mind, and spirit….and as we grow weary, we become angry and inpatient with one another, and we stop listening to one another, we stop caring about one another, and we stop short of loving one another as Jesus has taught us. 

Setting aside time for prayer, often and regularly…is an important daily practice for our health and well-being. It allows us to be in sync with the one voice, Jesus,  who will strengthen us, teach us, lead us and guide us through all of the ups and downs and mountains and valleys of these turbulent and uncertain times we find ourselves in.

In prayer, it is the voice of Jesus calling to us…to come home…to lay down all of our burdens and worries for a moment and allow ourselves to be yoked, to be connected with Jesus in prayer….and to rest…and to listen…

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

When we take time to consider and listen closely for the voice of God, as we gather to worship and pray together here on Sundays, or at our Wednesday Noon Day prayer service, we are reminded of the ways that we are all yoked together, through the love of God, as revealed to us in Jesus. We are encouraged, strengthened, supported, and our spirits are renewed and revived, once again, through our communal prayer time, to leave this time of resting in God…to go out into our communities…proclaiming the love of God for all of our neighbors…through our words and our actions…

This balance of prayer and action, was modelled for us by Jesus throughout the scriptures….We have heard often, how Jesus stepped away for a bit to pray and rest…and it wasn’t to escape what was happening…but it was a time to listen closely for the voice of God, to be in sync with God, and God’s will… to be equipped and strengthened for the mission and work he was being called to do…

I invite you this week to reflect on your prayer practices…

Are you making time throughout the week to pause: to consider and listen for the voice of God…

Are you setting aside some time to pause to listen for Jesus’ voice…calling you home…..to lay down all of your burdens and worries for a moment and allow yourself to be yoked, to be connected with Jesus in prayer….and to rest…

Listen…listen closely…

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling…calling for you and for me…

Come home…come home…ye who are weary…come home…

(Hymn: Softly & Tenderly/solo by Ali Hosford)

The Rev Julie Platson, Rector

St Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church

Sitka, Alaska

First 2020 Sitka Farmer's Market

JUNE 23, 2020 BY CHARLES BINGHAM

Scenes from the first Sitka Farmers Market of the 2020 summer

Meaningful and hopeful journey

3 Pentecost/Year A

June 21, 2020

Genesis 21:8-21; Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17; Matthew 10:24-39

Our words from Matthew today…are difficult…difficult to listen to…difficult to imagine that Jesus would be telling us, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. It is difficult to imagine that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, standing among us, would cause divisions among family and friends…

But, what if we did dare to believe…that these words are truly words spoken by Jesus…to his first disciples…(and to us today)…words that were part of many teachings about what it might look like…to go out into the world…preaching the good news of God’s love, as Jesus had…especially to those in power, and to those who didn’t want to hear things that would challenge their current beliefs and comfortable way of living…uncomfortable words, perhaps, that would challenge them to think again, about whether or not they were truly following God’s commandment to love one another, as Christ had loved us and shown us…

What if we listened between the lines for a moment…to envision what Jesus was saying to us…about the long and difficult journey, of truly learning to love one another, as Jesus has shown us…working tirelessly in “a time such as this”, striving for justice and peace, and respect for the dignity of every human being…

What if we decided to begin this journey…what might happen if we did? Sometimes, others will not agree with us…and become angry with us…when we set off on this new journey, of listening to others more deeply, and educating ourselves on ways we can become better communicators and agents of God’s healing and reconciling work in our communities…

What if we could imagine for a moment…that this sword…was about cutting off the livelihood of the long-standing systems of oppression, that have been so ingrained in our lives for centuries, often unrecognized or clearly known…

Sometimes…people will turn against us, and fight with every ounce of their strength and power to prove us wrong and to insist…it’s not an issue anymore…it’s not my problem.

What if we could see in Jesus’ words…that this sword was about cutting off the systems of judgment, once and for all, that have been used to determine whose lives are worthy, and whose are not…

Sometimes…people will walk away from us…when we choose to take a stand for another person, and their ancestors, who have been unjustly judged and persecuted, and oppressed for a lifetime.

What if we could see the hope, in the midst of Jesus’ difficult teaching, that this sword was, and is, and ever will be…about the long and worthwhile journey of learning to respect the dignity of every human being, and striving for justice and peace among all of God’s people…a journey of learning to turn away from our fears of one another, that keep us separated from God and one another, and to turn our hearts back to God and to one another…..to make a new way forward, together, in this life….grounded in Peace, in Joy, in God’s Love, for all of God’s children…

Yes…We are in the midst of some very troubling times, difficult days…We see the human family turning against one another right now, but we are also seeing how people are turning towards one another, in love…Let’s hold onto that…let that be the light, in these dark days, that we look for and follow…

This is not the first time, God’s people have faced “a time such as this”..

We can look to those who have gone on before us… and be inspired by those even now,  who have much to teach us…about a life of faith and hope that has led them through times of struggles and uncertainties…especially in times of struggles for justice and peace and respect for the human dignity of every beloved child of God..

We will assuredly learn from them…that it has been really difficult work…but it has been meaningful and hopeful work… to press on, with God’s help, for the day to come when all of God’s people…will truly be free to live and work and dream dreams for themselves and their children….and to fully share in the laughter and the joy and the delight in all God desires and hopes for all of God’s people.

I’m going to let our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry sum up this message for today… Habits of Grace Reflection  - Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

(posted on June 15 2020)    https://youtu.be/4TBujRjgN-g

Rev Julie Platson, Rector

St Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church Sitka, Alaska