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Online Bible Study – Psalm 23

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Scripture: Psalm 23

Commentary:

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in the entire Bible. It has brought words of comfort to people for thousands of years. For all of the comfort it provides, though, I wonder how many of us have taken the time to look deeply at it?  How many of us have taken the time to sit and explore this Psalm and see what we might gain from
that exploration?

This psalm is one of trust in God who is described as a shepherd. The shepherd was a familiar figure in Jesus’ day and the image of a shepherd wasn’t just used to describe God. Kings and priests were also described as shepherds. The task of a shepherd was a difficult one. Flocks didn’t spend their time safely tucked up in barns or pens. They grazed in the open countryside, at risk of being eaten by predators or stolen by thieves. It was the shepherd’s job to make sure they were protected from these dangers.

It was also the shepherd’s job to make sure that the flock had easy access to water, and abundant grazing. This last bit involved moving the flock on a regular basis so that the pasture wasn’t killed by overgrazing. Clearly an awful lot went into keeping a flock safe. It was the shepherd’s responsibility for the flock’s access to the basics of life as well as the flock’s high dependence on the shepherd that led to this identification and it is no surprise that it shows up in the book of psalms.

One of the paradoxes in the Bible is that words of trust in God appear most often when there is the least reason to trust in God’s provisions.

Psalm 22 is a psalm of lament and it alternates between words of lament, petition, trust and praise.

I feel like this pattern of prayer is a helpful for us, as we live amid a pandemic, with all its implications. Lament is something that appears often in the Bible. There is even a book called Lamentations. It reminds us that we can go to God with our difficulties and that we are not the first to do so.

It’s okay to express our hurt, confusion and doubt to God.

The pattern of lament also reminds us that times of difficulty and doubt are exactly when we need to express our trust in God and remember all the good things God has done for us. When things are going well, we don’t need to trust in God. We can see God’s goodness all around us. When things seem bleak, remembering all the good things God has done and expressing our trust in God in prayer can help us to feel hopeful.

I think this is one reason that Psalm 23 is so loved. In the time of our deepest need it speaks eloquently of God’s abundant care and concern. It reminds us that God loves us deeply and that we can trust God as fully as a sheep trusts its shepherd.

Food for Thought

  1. How are you doing today? Do you find yourself in a place where you can praise God or do you find yourself in a place of lament?
  2. Find in the Bible or create for yourself something that expresses lament, trust and/or praise of God. It could be a poem or other piece or writing, a piece of art
    or something else.
  3. Spend some time reading Psalm 23. Then either sit quietly with the words for a while or call a friend and talk about it with them.

SPECIAL NewsFlash – Friday, April 24, 2020

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As we continue to collectively respond to the COVID-19 situation, please see below new and ongoing information on SPUC’s response:

NEW

  • Please join us online for our April 26th Sunday Service. The service starts at 10:30 a.m. but the room will be “opened” at 10:15 a.m. for a time of fellowship and connection.
  • Please hold the date:
    • CONGREGATION MEETING – Sunday May 10th, immediately following the Sunday Worship Service, using the same Zoom connection.
    • We will be hosting a very important congregation meeting immediately following our Worship Service on Sunday May 10th, using the same Zoom connection as the one used for Sunday worship. So we’re hoping everyone will be able to just stay on the line after the Worship Service and we’ll try to keep the Congregation Meeting as short as possible. But we do have some important updates to share, and we need to get your approval on an urgent matter.  So hopefully everyone is able to attend. 
    • Blessings, Stuart McLean, Chair of Congregation
  • SPUC continues to live out its mission statement by donating to the Town of Ajax’s Hygiene Hub. “A first for Ajax, the hub will serve unsheltered residents at the Ajax Community Centre (75 Centennial Rd.)” providing them with food, a place to shower, access to COVID-19 screening and connecting them to other social services agencies. 
  • Given that we haven’t been able to run our Open Cupboard program, the decision was made to support this initiative. On Thursday Karen S, who represents SPUC on the Town’s Homelessness Task Force, dropped off socks, gloves, shampoo, toothbrushes, tooth paste, shower gel, razors, tampons, pads and bandages at the Ajax Community Centre. 
  • For more information on this program and to find out what other donations are needed, please visit the Town of Ajax website at https://www.ajax.ca/en/ajax-council-supports-unsheltered-residents.aspx
  • Starting May 1st join Rev. Cordelia for a weekly drop in social time via Zoom every Friday between 1:30 and 2:30 pm. All welcome.
  • SPUC’s Book Club is also using Zoom to meet each month.
  • Please visit the Calendar page on the church website for information on all of these events.

ONGOING

  • Once again our Sunday worship service will be offered on a software platform called ZOOM which a number of Canadian churches are using as their communities of faith come together to worship using their computers or their phones.
    • For links to the Zoom room and the bulletin, please visit the Worship page on the SPUC website or see the info below.
    • ZOOM has added a number of security features to their software platform to ensure your privacy. To learn more, please click HERE.
    • To join on Sunday via your computer, simply Join Zoom Meeting by clicking on https://zoom.us/j/213251299 and follow the directions. For best results, please load Zoom via a CHROME browser.
    • Please note that, again for security reasons, you will be placed in a Waiting Room when you first log on and brought into the call as your identity is verified. The chat feature on the call has been disabled and the meeting locked after 10 minutes after the service starts.  Latecomers will not be admitted.
    • If you don’t have a computer but you want to hear what is being presented, you can listen in by dialing 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588 and enter Meeting ID: 213 251 299.
    • Please remember to mute your audio once we start recording the service.
    • If you aren’t able to join in, the services will be recorded and a link will be posted later in the week on the Worship page.
  • SPUC Bible Studies are posted to the website. You can participate by clicking HERE.
  • A reminder that the church building is CLOSED.
    • If you need to enter the building, please call the church office 24 hours in advance and arrange a time so that we can ensure everyone’s safety by confirming that the building has been sanitized before you enter and after you leave.
  • We are closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.  The health and safety of everyone at St. Paul’s United Church Ajax is our highest priority and primary concern.
  • We are using the church website – stpaulsajax.org – and SPUC social media pages – Facebook/Twitter – to provide updates and more information on the status of church events.
  • Cordelia is always available to offer pastoral support and guidance via the church office or email at revcordelia@stpaulsajax.org.
  • Cordelia has written a pastoral letter on coping with the isolation we may be feeling as we collectively follow the direction of public health leadership. To view the letter please head to the website and click on the Blog button.
  • Even though the church building is closed, our shared responsibility to support the church through regular donations is still very important.
  • If you are not on PAR, you can mail in a cheque or drop off you donations in a sealed envelope through the church mailbox on the south door. The mailbox is emptied on a daily basis.
  • Or you can click on the Support St. Paul’s box on the home page and donate via our PayPal account.
  • We have suspended production and distribution of The Epistle for the present time and will continue to use these SPECIAL NewsFlashes, the website, the phone tree and our social media accounts to share information.
  • Do you have a facebook account? Have you joined the St. Paul’s United Church private facebook group yet? Look for https://www.facebook.com/groups/2355189071/ and send us a membership request.  We’d be happy to have you join us in that space to share news and updates.
  • You can always reach SPUC via the office at office@stpaulsajax.org or by leaving a message at 905-683-4740.
  • The phone tree volunteers – Linda W, Helen D, Colleen M, Bernie R, Janette S and Diane F, Jeff and Katie W, Heather O, Dorothy W, Brad S and Grace S – are continuing to make weekly calls to share information and check in on people to see what support they need to stay healthy in their own homes.
  • A number of other groups are reaching out to support people with grocery shopping etc. One group that has been endorsed by the Town of Ajax is called Caremonger Pickering-Ajax.  If you are isolated or homebound you can call 1-888-573-0982.  By following the directions, callers will be connected with a volunteer who can coordinate with other people to provide help.

IMPORTANT LINKS

A REMINDER

Please do your part to help flatten the COVID-19 curve.  Stay home.  Stay safe.  Only go out once a week for essential items such as groceries or medications or have someone bring them to you.  When you do out, stay at least 6’ away from people that you don’t live with.  Listen to the direction from our health care professionals.  Together we will get through this.  Take care everyone.

SPECIAL NewsFlash – Friday, April 17, 2020

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As we continue to collectively respond to the COVID-19 situation, please see below information on new and ongoing initiatives on SPUC’s response:

NEW

  • Please join us online for our April 19th Sunday Service. The service starts at 10:30 a.m. but the room will be “opened” at 10:15 a.m. for a time of fellowship and connection.
  • We are looking for more phone tree volunteers so that we can increase our weekly outreach to our members, especially those who are living in long term care homes or retirement homes. If you can help, please contact Catharine at office@stpaulsajax.org.
  • Do you have a facebook account? Have you joined the St. Paul’s United Church private facebook group yet? Look for https://www.facebook.com/groups/2355189071/ and send us a membership request.  We’d be happy to have you join us in that space to share news and updates.
  • Rev. Cordelia has written a pastoral letter on coping with the isolation we may be feeling as we collectively follow the direction of public health leadership. To view the letter please head to the website and click on the Blog button.

ONGOING

  • Once again our Sunday worship service will be offered on a software platform called ZOOM which a number of Canadian churches are using as their communities of faith come together to worship using their computers or their phones.
    • For links to the Zoom room and the bulletin, please visit the Worship page on the SPUC website or see the info below.
    • ZOOM has added a number of security features to their software platform to ensure your privacy. To learn more, please click HERE.
    • To join on Sunday via your computer, simply Join Zoom Meeting by clicking on https://zoom.us/j/213251299 and follow the directions. For best results, please load Zoom via a CHROME browser.
    • Please note that, again for security reasons, you will be placed in a Waiting Room when you first log on and brought into the call as your identity is verified. The chat feature on the call has been disabled and the meeting is locked after 10 minutes.  Latecomers will not be admitted.
    • If you don’t have a computer but you want to hear what is being presented, you can listen in by dialing 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588 and enter Meeting ID: 213 251 299.
    • Please remember to mute your audio once we start recording the service.
    • If you aren’t able to join in, the services will be recorded and a link will be posted later in the week on the Worship page.
  • SPUC Bible Studies are posted to the website. You can participate by clicking HERE.
  • A reminder that the church building is CLOSED.
    • If you need to enter the building, please call the church office 24 hours in advance and arrange a time so that we can ensure everyone’s safety by confirming that the building has been sanitized before you enter and after you leave.
  • We are closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.  The health and safety of everyone at St. Paul’s United Church Ajax is our highest priority and primary concern.
  • A Task Force comprised of the Minister, Past Chair of Council, M and P Co-Chair, the Director of Music and the Office Administrator are meeting to implement our local response following recommendations from the United Church of Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and local public health to monitor the risk and take protective actions as needed.
  • Signage has been posted at all entrances to the church building asking people to not enter if they have any COVID-19 symptoms and/or a recent travel history to an affected country.
  • We are using the church website – stpaulsajax.org – and SPUC social media pages – Facebook/Twitter – to provide updates and more information on the status of church events.
  • Cordelia is always available to offer pastoral support and guidance via the church office or email at revcordelia@stpaulsajax.org.
  • If you have any feedback on the best online platform to use for staying connected, please drop us an email at spucajax@gmail.com.
  • Even though the church building is closed, our shared responsibility to support the church through regular donations is still very important.
  • If you are not on PAR you can drop off you donations in a sealed envelope through the church mailbox on the south door. The mailbox is emptied on a daily basis.
  • Or you can click on the Support St. Paul’s box on the home page and donate via our PayPal account.
  • We have suspended production and distribution of The Epistle for the present time and will continue to use these SPECIAL NewsFlashes, the website, the phone tree and our social media accounts to share information.
  • You can always reach SPUC via the office at office@stpaulsajax.org or by leaving a message at 905-683-4740.
  • The phone tree volunteers – Linda W, Helen D, Colleen M, Bernie R, Janette S and Diane F – are making weekly calls to share information and check in on people to see what support they need to stay healthy in their own homes.
  • A number of other groups are reaching out to support people with grocery shopping etc. One group that has been endorsed by the Town of Ajax is called Caremonger Pickering-Ajax.  If you are isolated or homebound you can call 1-888-573-0982.  By following the directions, callers will be connected with a volunteer who can coordinate with other people to provide help.

IMPORTANT LINKS

A REMINDER

Please do your part to help flatten the COVID-19 curve.  Stay home.  Stay safe.  Only go out once a week for essential items such as groceries or medications or have someone bring them to you.  When you do out, stay at least 6’ away from people that you don’t live with.  Listen to the direction from our health care professionals.  Together we will get through this.  Take care everyone.

Pastoral Letter Covid-19

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Grace and peace to you in the name of God our Creator, Jesus Christ our Redeemer and the Holy Spirit our Comforter.

I’m writing this from my kitchen table near the end of the first month of lockdown. I’m grateful for the sunshine streaming through my windows and the beginnings of buds on the trees outside. They’re giving my spirit a bit of a boost. I find that it is important in these times to watch for the things that raise my spirits and give me strength. Living in the midst of a pandemic isn’t easy for any of us.

One of the things that makes it so challenging is that it can feel as if even the most basic decisions are suddenly full of moral significance.

Should you go grocery shopping or get it delivered? Should you wear a mask when you go out or not? Should you wash your groceries when you bring them home?

Activities that we never had to think very hard about have suddenly become tough choices. Add to that the constant flow of news, the lack of in person contact, and the understandable anxiety and its no wonder that life in a pandemic takes its toll.

It’s important to remember that we all react to this kind of stress differently. You may be more tired than usual, irritable, teary, numb, depressed or anxious. You may find it difficult to sleep or you may be sleeping more than usual. You may be more restless than usual. Know that all of these reactions are normal.

There are things we can do.

Try some exercise each day, even if it is just walking around your home or doing some stretches. Reach out to others by phone, e-mail, or video call. Spend time in prayer.

It’s okay if all you want to do is sit with God in silence. It is also okay if you feel angry at God. Spend time letting God know what’s on your mind.

Try and limit your exposure to the news. Once a day is generally enough.

Finally, reach out for help if you feel like everything is becoming too much. You can get in touch with me through the church office if you need to talk. Don’t feel as if you’ll be a burden. Being available for people to talk to is what I’m here for. If you are in crisis there are places you can call for help. You’ll find the numbers at the bottom of this letter.

Finally, know that through all of this we are being held in the palm of God’s hand.

I am reminded of the writings of Julian of Norwich. She was a woman who lived in England in during the 14th century. She lived through war, civil war, plague and famine.

Yet in her book “Revelations of Divine Love” she wrote “Let the winter come and go, all shall be well again I know. And all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” Julian trusted herself to God’s hands and we can do the same.

God Bless You

Rev. Cordelia

Mental Health Services

 

SPECIAL NewsFlash – April 8, 2020

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As we continue to collectively respond to the COVID-19 situation, please see below information on new and ongoing initiatives on SPUC’s response:

NEW

  • Please join us online for our Holy Week services – Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m, Good Friday at 11:00 a.m. and Easter Sunday at 10:30 a.m.!
  • Once again the services will be offered on a software platform called ZOOM which a number of Canadian churches are using as their communities of faith come together to worship using their computers or their phones.
  • ZOOM has added a number of security features to their software platform to ensure your privacy. To learn more, please click HERE.
  • To join on Sunday via your computer, simply Join Zoom Meeting just before 10:30 a.m. by clicking on https://zoom.us/j/213251299 and follow the directions. For best results, please load Zoom via a CHROME browser.
  • Please note that, again for security reasons, you will be placed in a Waiting Room when you first log on and brought into the call as your identity is verified. The chat feature on the call has been disabled and the meeting is locked after 10 minutes.  Latecomers will not be admitted.
  • If you don’t have a computer but you want to hear what is being presented, you can listen in by dialing 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588 and enter Meeting ID: 213 251 299.
  • Please remember to mute your audio once we start recording the service.
  • If you aren’t able to join in, the services will be recorded and a link will be posted later in the week on the Worship page.
  • Bulletins to support your participation on Thursday, Friday and Sunday have also been posted to the Worship page on the SPUC website.

ONGOING

  • The next SPUC Bible Study has been posted to the website. You can participate by clicking HERE.
  • The SPUC Book Club held their meeting via Zoom last week. Other church groups are invited to contact the office if they would also like to use the Zoom platform to stay connected.
  • A reminder that the church building is CLOSED.
  • If you need to enter the building, please call the church office 24 hours in advance and arrange a time so that we can ensure everyone’s safety by confirming that the building has been sanitized before you enter and after you leave.
  • We are closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.  The health and safety of everyone at St. Paul’s United Church Ajax is our highest priority and primary concern.
  • A Task Force comprised of the Minister, Past Chair of Council, M and P Co-Chair, the Director of Music and the Office Administrator are meeting to implement our local response following recommendations from the United Church of Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and local public health to monitor the risk and take protective actions as needed.
  • Signage has been posted at all entrances to the church building asking people to not enter if they have any COVID-19 symptoms and/or a recent travel history to an affected country.
  • The United Church of Canada has updated their website with resources on how communities of faith can meet online – see https://www.united-church.ca/covid-19.
  • UCC Moderator Richard Bott is offering an online worship service each Sunday for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak. This is a video-recorded service you can join via the UCC website or Facebook page.
  • We are using the church website – stpaulsajax.org – and SPUC social media pages – Facebook/Twitter – to provide updates and more information on the status of church events.
  • Cordelia is always available to offer pastoral support and guidance via the church office or email at revcordelia@stpaulsajax.org.
  • If you have any feedback on the best online platform to use for staying connected, please drop us an email at spucajax@gmail.com.
  • Even though the church building is closed, our shared responsibility to support the church through regular donations is still very important.
  • If you are not on PAR you can drop off you donations in a sealed envelope through the church mailbox on the south door. The mailbox is emptied on a daily basis.
  • Or you can click on the Support St. Paul’s box on the home page and donate via our PayPal account.
  • We have suspended production and distribution of The Epistle for the present time and will continue to use these SPECIAL NewsFlashes, the website, the phone tree and our social media accounts to share information.
  • You can always reach SPUC via the office at office@stpaulsajax.org or by leaving a message at 905-683-4740.
  • The phone tree volunteers – Linda Westendorp, Helen Dowse, Colleen McLaren, Bernie Rosebush, Janette Scott and Diane Fleming – are making weekly calls to share information and check in on people to see what support they need to stay healthy in their own homes.
  • A number of other groups are reaching out to support people with grocery shopping etc. One group that has been endorsed by the Town of Ajax is called Caremonger Pickering-Ajax.  If you are isolated or homebound you can call 1-888-573-0982.  By following the directions, callers will be connected with a volunteer who can coordinate with other people to provide help.

IMPORTANT LINKS

  • Following and obtaining direction from accredited, factual and reliable sources is key to our shared response to this evolving situation.  The following links are provided for your information:

 

 

A REMINDER

Please do your part to help flatten the COVID-19 curve.  Stay home.  Stay safe.  Only go out once a week for essential items such as groceries or medications or have someone bring them to you.  When you do out, stay at least 6’ away from people that you don’t live with.  Listen to the direction from our health care professionals.  Together we will get through this.  Take care everyone.

SPECIAL NEWS FLASH – April 3, 2020

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As we continue to collectively respond to the COVID-19 situation, please see below information on new and ongoing initiatives on SPUC’s response and a new GIVING THANKS section to share news amongst our church family:

NEW

  • The next SPUC Bible Study has been posted to the website. You can participate by clicking HERE.
  • Please join us online for the Palm Sunday worship service this Sunday, April 5th at 10:30 a.m!
  • Once again it will be offered on a software platform called ZOOM which a number of Canadian churches are using as their communities of faith come together to worship using their computers or their phones.
  • To join on Sunday via your computer, simply Join Zoom Meeting just before 10:30 a.m. by clicking on https://zoom.us/j/213251299 and follow the directions. For best results, please load Zoom via a CHROME browser.
  • If you don’t have a computer but you want to hear what is being presented, you can listen in by dialing 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588 and enter Meeting ID: 213 251 299.
  • Please remember to mute your audio once we start recording the service.
  • If you aren’t able to join in on Sunday, the service will be recorded and a link will be posted later in the week on the Worship page.
  • A bulletin to support your participation has also been posted to the Worship page on the SPUC website along with a template for a palm leaf that you can download and cut out to wave at the appropriate point in the service.
  • The SPUC Book Club held their meeting via Zoom this week. Other church groups are invited to contact the office if they would also like to use the Zoom platform to stay connected.
  • A reminder that the church building is CLOSED.
  • If you need to enter the building, please call the church office 24 hours in advance and arrange a time so that we can ensure everyone’s safety by confirming that the building has been sanitized before you enter and after you leave.    

ONGOING

  • We are closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.  The health and safety of everyone at St. Paul’s United Church Ajax is our highest priority and primary concern.
  • A Task Force comprised of the Minister, Past Chair of Council, M and P Co-Chair, the Director of Music and the Office Administrator are meeting to implement our local response following recommendations from the United Church of Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and local public health to monitor the risk and take protective actions as needed.
  • Signage has been posted at all entrances to the church building asking people to not enter if they have any COVID-19 symptoms and/or a recent travel history to an affected country.
  • The United Church of Canada has updated their website with resources on how communities of faith can meet online – see https://www.united-church.ca/covid-19.
  • UCC Moderator Richard Bott is offering an online worship service each Sunday for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak. This is a video-recorded service you can join via the UCC website or Facebook page.
  • We are using the church website – stpaulsajax.org – and SPUC social media pages – Facebook/Twitter – to provide updates and more information on the status of church events.
  • Cordelia is always available to offer pastoral support and guidance via the church office or email at revcordelia@stpaulsajax.org.
  • If you have any feedback on the best online platform to use for staying connected, please drop us an email at spucajax@gmail.com.
  • Even though the church building is closed, our shared responsibility to support the church through regular donations is still very important.
  • If you are not on PAR you can drop off you donations in a sealed envelope through the church mailbox on the south door. The mailbox is emptied on a daily basis.
  • Or you can click on the Support St. Paul’s box on the home page and donate via our PayPal account.
  • We have suspended production and distribution of The Epistle for the present time and will continue to use these SPECIAL NewsFlashes, the website, the phone tree and our social media accounts to share information.
  • You can always reach SPUC via the office at office@stpaulsajax.org or by leaving a message at 905-683-4740.
  • The phone tree volunteers – Linda Westendorp, Helen Dowse, Colleen McLaren, Bernie Rosebush, Janette Scott and Diane Fleming – are making weekly calls to share information and check in on people to see what support they need to stay healthy in their own homes.
  • A number of other groups are reaching out to support people with grocery shopping etc. One group that has been endorsed by the Town of Ajax is called Caremonger Pickering-Ajax.  If you are isolated or homebound you can call 1-888-573-0982.  By following the directions, callers will be connected with a volunteer who can coordinate with other people to provide help.

GIVING THANKS

  • Kudos to our phone tree volunteers for checking in on our SPUC church family each week. We received a nice note from a member of the congregation saying how much she appreciated the weekly call and to know that all was well.

IMPORTANT LINKS

A REMINDER

Please do your part to help flatten the COVID-19 curve.  Stay home.  Stay safe.  Only go out once a week for essential items such as groceries or medications or have someone bring them to you.  When you do out, stay at least 6’ away from people that you don’t live with.  Listen to the direction from our health care professionals.  Together we will get through this.  Take care everyone.

Online Bible Study – Scripture: Mark 14:3-9

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Scripture: Mark 14:3-9

Commentary:

The Narrative Lectionary actually assigns two Scripture passages for this week. One is the Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The second is the anointing of Jesus’ head by an unnamed woman, and it this passage that we’ll be studying.

This story occurs almost immediately after the apocalyptic predictions at the end of chapter 13, which we talked about last week. The first two verses of chapter 14 recount the continued plot to kill Jesus and that story picks up again after the verses we are considering today.

The first thing we are told is the location of the story. Jesus is at the house of a man known as “Simon the Leper.” In the Bible the word leprosy can refer to a number of diseases, so Simon may not have been suffering leprosy as we know it. It is also possible that Simon had been healed of his leprosy by this point. The text has several people gathering at his house and that is unlikely if he had an active disease. It may be that he retained the name even after he had been healed in the way that sometimes happens.

A current example of how people stick with the naming of something even after it has ceased to fulfill that function comes from our own St. Paul’s. The Peter Pos Resource Centre was known as The Chapel for a number of years after it ceased to be a chapel. The name was kept even thought it no longer applied.

We don’t know why Jesus was at Simon’s house or how long he had been there. Bethany was only three kilometers (two miles) from Jerusalem where Jesus was spending a lot of time so it’s possible he was there only for a day or two. He was likely teaching as he so often did. Either way he is sitting at the table when our story begins.

As he sits there a woman, who is not named, enters and opens a jar of costly ointment or oil, and pours it on his head. It is easy for a modern reader to miss the significance of this action. This kind of anointing was done for kings and to prepare the dead for burial. In the case of Jesus it is of course both, although Jesus only mentions his death. Finally, an argument breaks out over the woman’s action since the ointment was costly and the money could have been used to help those in need. To put the cost of the ointment into perspective it was worth three hundred days wages for the ordinary worker.

The interesting thing about this story for me is that both parties to the argument have valid views.

No one would argue that selling something expensive and giving the money to the poor is a bad thing nor is that what Jesus is saying here. On the other hand, doing something for a person who is near death is also a good thing.

We do it ourselves, visiting, bringing flowers, doing whatever we can to show our love and to make a person who is dying more comfortable. Jesus is not criticizing the observers’ concern for the poor. His problem is their condemnation of the woman’s actions and their lack of understanding of the situation.

When we read stories in the Bible, we want to imagine ourselves as the person who does the right thing, the one that Jesus praises. It’s equally important to imagine ourselves as the person who makes mistakes and gets things wrong.

Putting ourselves in both positions helps us to see ourselves clearly and grow as disciples Jesus.

There are a few question below to help you think about that.

Food for Thought

Imagine yourself in this week’s text.

  • What can you see, hear and smell?
  • How do you react to what happens?
  • Do you have any questions for Jesus? Ask them. What does he say in reply?
  • When have been like the women in the story and acted wisely in your care of another?
  • When have you acted like the crowd in the story?
  • How can you best care for others at this time?

SPECIAL NewsFlash – Friday, March 27, 2020

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As we continue to collectively respond to the COVID-19 situation, please see below information on new and ongoing initiatives on SPUC’s response and a new GIVING THANKS section to share news amongst our church family:

NEW

  • The next SPUC Bible Study has been posted to the website. You can participate by clicking HERE.
  • We will hold our first online worship service this Sunday, March 29th at 10:30 a.m!
  • It will be offered on a software platform called ZOOM which a number of Canadian churches are using as their communities of faith come together to worship using their computers or their phones.
  • To join on Sunday via your computer, simply Join Zoom Meeting just before 10:30 a.m. by clicking on https://zoom.us/j/213251299 and follow the directions.
  • If you don’t have a computer but you want to hear what is being presented, you can listen in by dialing 647-374-4685 or 647-558-0588 and enter Meeting ID: 213 251 299.
  • If you aren’t able to join in on Sunday, the service will be recorded and a link will be posted later in the week on the Worship page.
  • A bulletin to support your participation has also been posted to the Worship page on the SPUC website.
  • SPUC Council will be meeting via the ZOOOM platform on Saturday, March 28th to determine the next steps in our local response. This will include reviewing recent information and direction from the Regional Council and the United Church of Canada.

ONGOING

  • We are closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.  The health and safety of everyone at St. Paul’s United Church Ajax is our highest priority and primary concern.
  • A Task Force comprised of the Minister, Past Chair of Council, M and P Co-Chair, the Director of Music and the Office Administrator are meeting to implement our local response following recommendations from the United Church of Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and local public health to monitor the risk and take protective actions as needed.
  • Signage has been posted at all entrances to the church building asking people to not enter if they have any COVID-19 symptoms and/or a recent travel history to an affected country.
  • Sunshine is following the public school directive and will be shutting down for a further two weeks after the March break.
  • The United Church of Canada has updated their website with resources on how communities of faith can meet online – see https://www.united-church.ca/covid-19.
  • UCC Moderator Richard Bott is offering an online worship service each Sunday for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak. This is a video-recorded service you can join via the UCC website or Facebook page.
  • We are using the church website – stpaulsajax.org – and SPUC social media pages – Facebook/Twitter – to provide updates and more information on the status of church events.
  • Cordelia is always available to offer pastoral support and guidance via the church office or email at revcordelia@stpaulsajax.org.
  • If you have any feedback on the best online platform to use for staying connected, please drop us an email at spucajax@gmail.com.
  • Even though the church building is closed, our shared responsibility to support the church through regular donations is still very important.
  • If you are not on PAR you can drop off you donations in a sealed envelope through the church mailbox on the south door. The mailbox is emptied on a daily basis.
  • Or you can click on the Support St. Paul’s box on the home page and donate via our PayPal account.
  • We have suspended production and distribution of The Epistle for the present time and will continue to use these SPECIAL NewsFlashes, the website, the phone tree and our social media accounts to share information.
  • You can always reach SPUC via the office at office@stpaulsajax.org or by leaving a message at 905-683-4740.
  • The phone tree volunteers – Linda Westendorp, Helen Dowse, Colleen McLaren, Bernie Rosebush, Janette Scott and Diane Fleming – are making weekly calls to share information and check in on people to see what support they need to stay healthy in their own homes.
  • A number of other groups are reaching out to support people with grocery shopping etc. One group that has been endorsed by the Town of Ajax is called Caremonger Pickering-Ajax.  If you are isolated or homebound you can call 1-888-573-0982.  By following the directions, callers will be connected with a volunteer who can coordinate with other people to provide help.
  • Please know that Sharon C is still taking Vandermeer orders until March 27th. Orders can be dropped in the church mail box on the south side of church. At the present time the goal is to invite you to pick up any plants at the church on Saturday, April 4th at 9:00 a.m.
  • Those people who submit orders will be contacted directly if the pick up instructions need to change.

GIVING THANKS

  • Amidst all the worry and uncertainty, Bill and Cath M have good news! They are pleased to announce the birth of two grandsons!  Their daughter Kiersti and her husband Justin welcomed baby Luke on February 25th.  Their daughter Martine and her husband James welcomed baby Logan on March 21st. All are doing well.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Online Bible Study – Mark 13:1-8, 24-37

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Scripture: Mark 13:1-8, 24-37

Commentary:

People have been predicting the apocalypse for a long time. An article in Smithsonian Magazine notes that one of the earliest recorded predictions comes from an Assyrian clay tablet dating to 2800 BCE.[i] Needless to say, it didn’t happen, nor have any of the other predictions made over the millennia. If one of them had, I wouldn’t be sitting here writing this Bible study. Nonetheless, I have a feeling that apocalypse is on a lot of people’s minds this week and it is the topic that our Narrative Lectionary text for this week addresses.

This week’s reading follows immediately from last week’s text.

Having commented on the widow and her offering Jesus leaves the temple with his disciples and starts talking about things that are to come. Interestingly, the main thrust of verses one to eight isn’t that the apocalypse is coming soon. Instead Jesus warns the disciples who are with him not to be too eager to assume something is a sign that the end times have come. He doesn’t deny that bad things will happen. The disciples and indeed the whole of Judea were living through tough times in the wake of the Roman occupation.

That was perhaps one reason that apocalyptic predictions were so common in Jesus’ day. We tend to think of the apocalypse as something to be frightened of. We focus on the predictions of terrible happening. But the Greek word that we translate as apocalypse actually means to uncover or reveal.

In the context of the Bible it refers to the final revelation of God at the end of history. For people living under an oppressive regime, longing for God to set things right, the apocalypse was good news, and they risked seeing every bad thing that happened as a sign that the end was near. This would result in them failing to live their lives fully in the moment.

The second half of this reading points to a different risk.

Here Jesus is telling his listeners to keep awake. If on the one hand the disciples risk being too eager for the apocalypse, the opposite problem is thinking that God is in no way involved in the history of the world and that God isn’t interested in setting the world to rights. That assumption can lead to a failure of discipleship. It creates the assumption that if God isn’t invested in the world it doesn’t matter how we live. Jesus is very clear that this attitude is also a problem.

So what does all of this mean for us, living in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic?

First, that events that feel cataclysmic have happened before and will likely happen again. The world has always made it through. We as Christians have a responsibility to act as faithful disciples through these times.

And secondly, although the situation is serious and we need to follow the advice of health authorities and the rules that the government is laying down for us, it’s important that we don’t give in to despair and assume that this is the end of all things.

God has been and will continue to be faithful. Thanks be to God.

[i] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/ten-notable-apocalypses-that-obviously-didnt-happen-9126331/ retrieved 03/26/2020

SPECIAL NewsFlash – Friday, March 20, 2020

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NEW

Across Canada and here locally, church leaders are working together to support their congregations as we collectively respond to the COVID-19 situation.  This includes developing new and creative ways of delivering worship services and staying connected:

  • Please know that the SPUC Bible Study group has now moved online. You can participate by clicking HERE.
  • Beginning Sunday, March 22, 2020, UCC Moderator Richard Bott will be offering an online worship service each Sunday for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak. This will be a video-recorded service you can join on the UCC website or Facebook page.
  • SPUC will begin offering an online worship service starting March 29th. The goal is to offer it via a platform called ZOOM so that people are not required to have a Facebook account.  Please watch for updates on how you can view this upcoming service.
  • If you have any feedback on the best online platform to use for staying connected, please drop us an email at spucajax@gmail.com.
  • Even though the church building is closed, our shared responsibility to support the church through regular donations is still very important.
  • If you are not on PAR you can drop off you donations in a sealed envelope through the church mailbox on the south door. The mailbox is emptied on a daily basis.
  • Or you can click on the Support St. Paul’s box on the home page and donate via our PayPal account.
  • We have suspended production and distribution of The Epistle for the present time and will continue to use these SPECIAL NewsFlashes, the website, the phone tree and our social media accounts to share information.
  • You can always reach SPUC via the office at office@spucajax.org or by leaving a message at 905-683-4740.
  • The phone tree volunteers are making weekly calls to share information and check in on people to see what support they need to stay healthy in their own homes.
  • A number of other groups are reaching out to support people with grocery shopping etc. One group that has been endorsed by the Town of Ajax is called Caremonger Pickering-Ajax.  If you are isolated or homebound you can call 1-888-573-0982.  By following the directions, callers will be connected with a volunteer who can coordinate with other people to provide help.
  • Please know that Sharon C is still taking Vandermeer orders until March 27th. Orders can be dropped in the church mail box on the south side of church. At the present time the goal is to invite you to pick up any plants at the church on Saturday, April 4th at 9:00 a.m.
  • Those people who submit orders will be contacted directly if the pick up instructions need to change.

ONGOING

  • We are closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.  The health and safety of everyone at St. Paul’s United Church Ajax is our highest priority and primary concern.
  • A Task Force comprised of the Minister, Past Chair of Council, M and P Co-Chair and the Office Administrator are meeting to implement our local response following recommendations from the United Church of Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and local public health to monitor the risk and take protective actions as needed.
  • Signage has been posted at all entrances to the church building asking people to not enter if they have any COVID-19 symptoms and/or a recent travel history to an affected country.
  • Sunshine is following the public school directive and will be shutting down for a further two weeks after the March break.
  • The United Church of Canada has updated their website with resources on how communities of faith can meet online – see https://www.united-church.ca/covid-19.
  • We have triaged the congregational phone list and developed a phone tree to ensure timely communication.   Thank you to Linda Westendorp, Helen Dowse, Colleen McLaren, Bernie Rosebush, Janette Scott and Diane Fleming for volunteering to make calls, if necessary, to advise people of any changes to the worship schedule and to check on the well-being of our church family.
  • We using the church website – stpaulsajax.org – and SPUC social media pages – Facebook/Twitter – to provide updates and more information on the status of church events.
  • Cordelia is always available to offer pastoral support and guidance via the church office or email at revcordelia@stpaulsajax.org.

Please know that as the situation continues to develop, we will continue to update you with pertinent information.

We are being encouraged by the United Church of Canada to respond to this situation with Compassion, Prevention and Prayer. As a community of faith we know that God is always with us as we strive to be faithful disciples in these challenging times.