As we gather, we recognize that we live, work, pray, and play
in the traditional, unceded lands
of the Cowichan Tribes and Coast Salish People. 
We continue to commit ourselves
to the work of reconciliation and relationship-building
with our First Nations neighbours.     

Call to Worship:

The the word is very near you;
it is in your mouth and in your heart,
so that you can do it.        

Deuteronomy 30.14

O Come. Let Us Worship. 

Gathering

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

Collect for Today

 Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you. May we find peace in your service, and in the world to come, see you face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen. 

The Proclamation of the Word:

Ephesians 1.3-14

Sermon:  The Ven.  Brian Evans

May the words that I share with you today be words that are given to the Glory of God and in thanksgiving of God’s blessing in our lives.

       “Who Are Your Silent Mentors?"         

Sort of a backdrop to that.

It’s interesting that as each week we approach our worship services, we read from parts of “those silent mentors”—from the O.T. to the psalmist to the Epistles and to the Gospel. But, today, I want to bring it a little closer to home.

Two sure fired “eye rollers” in our house:

Those mentors would be my dad, Mom, Uncle, grandmother and many other family relations who I would often say, “Well, I remember when my dad or my mom taught me……." 

Also, quotes of advice from a ‘non-fiction’ book.

I have never been a fan of Fiction. I know that there’s lots to be learned from both, but I would rather read non-fiction books—particularly, history and self-help.

If you were to scan my library, you may possibly find a “6-pack” of fiction, but that may be all.

At the same time, you will find books on clowning, original humor, stories of real-life sharing entertaining incidents. Oh yes, for those of you who know me well, COOKBOOKS.

Not to forget many books on stewardship. Stewardship of the land, of our money, of the ocean and the forest. Christian stewardship is a varied and wide topic.

Yes, there are Bibles, many Bibles.

If you are clergy, you are sure to be the repository of people’s Bibles. What do you do with old Bibles, you give them to the local minister, and say, “Could you use this?” and your minister will possibly say, “Oh, I’m sure I can,” and will accept them with great gratitude.

At the same time, I have some treasures among those bibles on my shelf. The ones given to my mother and her two siblings when they were leaving Scotland, with inscriptions from their local pastor commending their spiritual journey and their deep faith that they were being sent off to a new land with.

Then the one given to me by my parents with a zipper closing—it was the greatest! One from my mentor priest for my internship. The list goes on, including the New Testament given by my ordaining bishop.

Additional books are from a variety of authors.

Three recent authors are Mitch Albom, Boyd Varty, Robin Sharma. As I look over my shoulder I hear the silent voices of Herb O’Driscoll, William J. Bausch, Brian McLaren. Not forgetting just for fun: 'How the Scots Created Canada,' by Paul Cowan.

Added to the written texts are a plethora of other collectables.

Each comes with a mentor note from the giver or the figure they represent.

A carving of St. Francis; the tractor our daughter gave me at an early age—in fact, I’m sure it is the first gift that I received from our daughter that was chosen by her—the Saskatchewan License Plate; the BC License Plate with the three letters RMD (Rural Municipal District)--with a volume of voices speaking words of guidance.

There are family pictures, my father’s Masonic Certificate, along with a framed picture of children’s handprints from St. Paul’s Sunday School given to me as I retired from that parish. (Their voices of wisdom are some of the most profound that silently speak to me).

Each person, object, picture are my silent “board of directors.”

Through life, they have and continue to provide guidance and direction in all facets of my life. They have been and continue to be there in times of celebration, and times of sorrow. Their insights to life continue to guide, unswerving in each hour and day of my life.

I look forward to continuing in this journey of life with them. I encourage you to take a moment and consider in your surroundings those silent mentors that continue to speak to you in your life and rejoice in thanksgiving for them.  Amen.

 One of the hymns that we will sing today is titled: 'Blessed Feasts of Blessed Martyrs'.

Think about those martyrs, not just the martyrs that we have selected out in the Church and given special prominence to, but the various martyrs in our lives who continue to guide and direct us.

As the 2^nd stanza of the hymn says:

Faith prevailing, hope unfailing,
loving Christ with single heart,
thus they, glorious and victorious,
bravely bore the martyr’s part 
by contempt of every anguish, 
by unyielding battle done. 
victors at the last, they triumph, 
with the host of angels one.

 Amen.

Let Us Pray

One in the communion of saints and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we join our voices in prayer.

You gather your people into the body of Christ. Where your church is wounded, heal it. Where it is right, strengthen it. Where it is divided, reunite it. 
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

From before the foundation of the world, you are God. Revive ecosystems destroyed by human greed. Curb our desire to put wealth ahead of the health of all who call this planet home. 
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

You establish equity and make justice. Within every nation, tribe, and land, cause laws to be written and customs to be observed that protect the most vulnerable. 
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer. 

On the cross your beloved Son endured pain and death. Bring healing to those in need, hope to any in despair, and comfort to the dying
We especially lift up to you: Gail; Sue; John; Sheila; Blake; Christian; and those on our hearts, naming them aloud, or in the silence of our hearts. 
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

You send your Spirit into this community of faith. Empower our ministries that serve and build up local communities. Nurture our partnerships with other community organizations.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer. 

All peoples praise you, O God. We give you thanks and praise for the lives of our loved ones who now rest in you. In the fullness of time gather us with all your saints in light. 
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer. 

Holy God,
into your embrace, we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray, trusting in the One who is the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.  Amen.

As our Saviour taught us:
Our Father,
who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as in heaven. 
Give us today our daily bread. 
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
those who trespass against us.
And lead us  not into temptation,
but deliver us fom evil.  
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power and the glory,
forever and ever.  Amen.

The Blessing: 

The peace of God,
which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and
love of God, and of his son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be with you, and remain with you, always.  Amen.