Worship with Bethel-Maidstone United Church
By Catherine Elsdon
Worship with Bethel-Maidstone United ChurchOct 23, 2020
The Early Church after Easter: Praising God
Acts 2:47 describes the Early Church as constantly “praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.” In this week's podcast, Rev. Catherine looks back and praises God for all the wonderful memories of her time at BMUC.
MV 30, VU 245 Performed by Bethany Russell.
Resources for this series have been adapted from those prepared by Andrew Hyde and Lisa Leffler.
The Early Church after Easter: Gladly Breaking Bread
The Early Church gathered in each other’s homes to break bread and eat food “with glad and generous hearts.” What does it mean to share what we can with glad and generous hearts? Members of our church offer inspiring examples of glad giving!
VU 684, VU 400 Performed by Bethany Russell.
The Early Church after Easter: Enough for All
The Early Church had a profound sense of community, a togetherness whereby they combined their resources and made sure there was enough for all. But the Spirit also pushes them to expand their sense of who is included-- who the "all" is that they should focus on-- and breaks down the barriers between different communities. The recent confirmation in Kamloops and the attack in London ON have been devastating reminders that widening the scope of love and justice is as urgent as ever.
MV 79, VU 606. Performed by Bethany Russell.
The Early Church After Easter: Together in Community
This episode, the second in a series on lessons from the Early Church based on Acts 2, explores the importance of coming together as a community of faith.
Music VU 395, 603 Performed by Bethany Russell.
This series has been adapted from resources prepared by Andrew Hyde and Lisa Leffler.
The Early Church: Awe & Wonder
Focusing on some of the stories from the Early Church, this series will explore what they have to teach us about what it means to be a community of faith. We'll look at the Book of Acts to remind us of who we are as Christians and what lies at the core of our communities of faith—things like awe and wonder, togetherness and community, enough for all, the glad breaking of bread, and praising God.
Whether the church is big or small, young or old, urban or rural or digital, or some mixture in between, we are all called as Christians to form the kinds of communities that are faithful to God’s Word and engaged in God’s mission.
Resources for this series have been adapted from those prepared by Andrew Hyde and Lisa Leffler.
Music: VU 194, 299 Performed by Bethany Russell.
Faith on the Frontlines: Funeral Director
This week on the podcast, Rev. Catherine has a conversation with funeral director Lorna Baker. We talk about grief, adapting to change, what makes for a meaningful life, and how a poolside conversation with a stranger set Lorna on a new life path.
VU 256, 497. Performed by Bethany Russell
Prayer of Invocation from All Things New, written by Rev. Susan A. Blain and Rev. Scott Ressman. Posted on the United Church of Christ website. http://www.ucc.org/50/pdfs/worship-resources.pdf
Second prayer adapted from http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu
Faith on the Frontlines: Nurse Practitioner
Hear from essential workers serving on the frontlines of this pandemic. In this episode, we speak with a nurse practitioner working in a local hospital. We discuss the challenges and triumphs she's experienced, as well as vaccines, burn out and the importance of healing the mind, body and soul.
VU 625, 612 Performed by Bethany Russell
Opening Prayer: adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2009, © 2008 Abingdon Press.
Prayer for Healthcare Workers: https://united-church.ca/prayers/prayer-health-workers-during-covid-19
Faith on the Frontlines: Food Bank Volunteer
A series exploring faith, hope and resiliency from people working on the frontlines of this pandemic. In this episode we hear from Lonnie Jones, a volunteer with the Essex Food Bank, to find out how the pandemic has changed their work and to learn about poverty in rural communities.
Music: VU 220, 594 Performed by Bethany Russell
Opening prayer: www.re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/09/opening-prayer-matthew-22-1-14.html
Second prayer: https://www.bread.org/blog/prayer-hurting-hungry-and-vulnerable (adapted)
Faith on the Frontlines: Social Worker
Lessons on faith, hope and resiliency from essential workers serving on the frontlines of this pandemic. In this episode, Rev. Catherine speaks to Katie Nanson, a social worker in private practice, for her insights into mental health and the big questions this pandemic is raising.
Music: VU 286, 273 Performed by Bethany Russell
Opening Prayer By Foster Freed, Gathering L/E, 2021
Prayer for Mental Health Professionals by the Rev. Babette Chatman, augsburg.edu (adapted)
Faith on the Frontlines: Teacher
In this episode, we hear from a JK/SK teacher, Deanna Quaglia. She talks to us about changes in her classroom, challenges facing students and the joy of hot lunch days. Young children have much to teach us all when it comes to adapting to change and appreciating the small things in life.
Opening prayer by Cheryl Hutchcroft, Gathering L/E 2021
Music VU 161, 357, performed by Bethany Russell.
Easter Sunday Message - "Mission: Easter"
In this episode we will explore the Easter story as told in Mark’s gospel, and consider the ways in which Easter informs our mission as followers of the Risen Christ.
Music: VU 155, 169 Performed by Bethany Russell.
Opening prayer by Peter Chynoweth, Gathering, L/E 2021
Prayer for Illumination by Bill Steadman, Gathering, L/E 2021
Good Friday: The Five Essential Practices from the Cross
This episode is the culmination of our Lenten series on the 5 Essential Practices of the Christian Life, based on the book “The Walk” by Adam Hamilton. We explore those five practices as they are demonstrated by Jesus in his seven last words from the cross. These seven recorded statements of Jesus reveal that, even in his dying moments, Jesus pursued the practices of prayer, study, service, generous giving, and sharing.
Opening Prayer by Laura Turnbull, Gathering, L/E 2021
Music: VU 135, MV 78, VU 144, VU 595, VU 143, VU 148, VU 149, Performed by Bethany Russell
Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life: SHARING
Why are you a Christian? What difference does it make in your life?
In this episode, Rev. Catherine considers what it means to own your faith story and share it with others in humble and authentic ways.
Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life: Giving
Do money and spirituality mix? Jesus thinks so! Money can sabotage or deepen our spiritual life. Listen in as Rev. Catherine Elsdon and guest explore the spirituality of money, the importance of generosity, and key components of 'the good life.'
Music: VU 606, VU 594. Performed by Bethany Russell.
Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life: Service
If we're serious about following Jesus, we'll cultivate the daily practice of serving God by serving others. In this episode we discuss the scriptural basis for the importance of service, as well as how to go about service in ways that are life-giving.
Music: VU 256 “O God beyond All Praising”, VU 560 “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee”, performed by Bethany Russell.
Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life: Study
How do we hear God's voice and follow God's lead?
This week's episode of the podcast is the third in our Lenten series inspired by Adam Hamilton’s book “The Walk.” Rev. Catherine Elsdon is joined by a special guest for a conversation focusing on study, specifically the study of scripture as a means of hearing God.
Music: VU 343 “I Love to Tell the Story”, VU 660 “How Firm a Foundation” performed by Bethany Russell.
Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life: Prayer
How should I pray? Why should I pray? What does prayer do?
This episode is the second in our Lenten series inspired by Adam Hamilton’s book “The Walk.” Lent is a time for repentance and renewal. As we prepare our hearts and minds for Easter, we’re reflecting on the 5 essential practices of the Christian life. Rev. Catherine Elsdon is joined by a special guest for a conversation focusing on private worship, specifically prayer.
Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life: Worship
In this conversational series, Rev. Catherine Elsdon welcomes a special guest to explore the core spiritual practices of Christianity. Inspired by Adam Hamilton's book "The Walk," this series offers concrete tools and encouragement as you seek to deepen your faith, and increase your awareness of God's presence.
Music: VU 672 and VU 602, performed by Bethany Russell.
Opening Prayer by Joy Cowan, Gathering, Lent/Easter 2021. Page 31. Used with permission.
Hope in Judgement: Lessons on Faith from Elijah
Series inspired by the book, “Hope for Hard Times” by Magrey DeVega.
Music: VU 273, VU 333 performed by Bethany Russell
Prayers by the Rev. Debbie McMillan from Ancestors and Ancestry: A Service for Black History Month. © 2021 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike Licence.
Hope in the Stillness: Lessons on Faith from Elijah
Elijah is burnt out and wants to give up; he needs a sign from God but God doesn’t always show up in the ways we expect. Elijah must slow down and quiet down before he can hear God’s “still, small voice.” Can we do the same?
Music: VU 378, VU 608 (verses 1,4,5)
Opening Prayer written by Suzanne Edgar, Gathering, A/C/E 2017-2018, page 41. Used with permission.
Hope the Size of a Small Cloud: Lessons on Faith from Elijah
Music: VU 672, VU 382 performed by Bethany Russell
Opening Prayer by Bill Steadman
Prayer for Hope by Rev. Abi, on her Long and Winding Road blog (adapted)
Hope on a Mountain: Lessons on Faith from Elijah
Hope in a Jar: Lessons on Faith from Elijah
Hope in the Wilderness: Lessons on Faith from Elijah
Look for the Light: Epiphany Message for the New Year
Dec 27th Christmas Sing-a-long Service
Christmas Eve Service: “Keeping Christmas Well”
Advent 4: The Joy of Christmas Future
Advent 3: The Gift of Christmas Present
Advent 2: The Remembrance of Christmas Past
Advent 1: Bah! Humbug!
No Fair! Part 3: A Fair Wage
No Fair! Part 2: The Math of Forgiveness
No Fair! Part 1: Remembrance Day Message
Part 5: Food for the Soul “Sweets &Fruit”
Part 4: Food for the Soul “Fish”
Part 3: Food for the Soul “Wine”
Part 2: Food for the Soul "Bread"
Part 1: Food for the Soul “Table Manners & Belonging”
Gary W. Charles, Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 1. Westminster John Knox Press, 2008.
“Food for thought: How the pandemic changed how we buy, cook and eat” Toronto Star’s Karon Liu on the podcast This Matters
Part IV: Faithful Tools for Challenging Times
Jane Fonda interview on CBC Radio’s program Q, 8 Sept 2020.
Mark O’Neil, “Canada has a long, documented history of racism and racial discrimination. Don’t look away,” Globe and Mail, 12 June 2020
Laura Beaulne-Stuebing, “’We are in a revolutionary moment’: Canadian academics take part in two-day strike against racism,” University Affairs, 16 Sept 2020
Robin Diangelo, White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism.
B.L. Wilson, “I’m your black friend, but I won’t educate you about racism. That’s on you.” Washington Post, 8 June 2020.
Desmond Cole, The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power.