Last Sunday after Pentecost
REIGN OF CHRIST
November 21, 2021
SERVICES IN CHURCH HAVE RESUMED
THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE
We give thanks to our Creator for the earth we share with all creatures, and we acknowledge that we are here on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Wendat. We also recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, and we seek to live respectfully with them and with the earth. We pray for healing between our cultures and healing from settler arrogance. We believe that Black Lives Matter and that Every Child Matters. We know that love is love, and we welcome everybody who desires to join us in worship. You are a beloved creation of God, and you are most welcome in this place.
Opening Hymn (CP #375): At the Name of Jesus (vs. 1-3)
At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow,
every tongue confess him King of glory now;
‘tis his Father’s pleasure, that we should call him Lord,
who from the beginning was the mighty Word.
Humbled for a season, to receive a name
from the lips of sinners unto whom he came;
faithfully he bore it spotless to the last,
brought it back victorious when from death he passed.
Name him, Christians, name him, with love strong as death,
but with awe and wonder, and with bated breath;
he is God the Saviour, he is Christ the Lord,
ever to be worshipped, trusted and adored.
Celebrant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant Almighty God,
All 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.
The Collect
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things
in your well-beloved Son, our Lord and King, grant that the peoples of the earth, now divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together
under his gentle and loving rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Reading
Reader: A reading from the second book of Samuel.
Now these are the last words of David: The oracle of David, son of Jesse, the oracle of the man whom God exalted, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the favourite of the Strong One of Israel: The spirit of the Lord speaks through me, his word is upon my tongue. The God of Israel has spoken, the Rock of Israel has said to me: One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land. Is not my house like this with God? For he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. Will he not cause to prosper all my help and my desire? But the godless are all like thorns that are thrown away; for they cannot be picked up with the hand; to touch them one uses an iron bar or the shaft of a spear. And they are entirely consumed in fire on the spot.
[2 Samuel 23:1-7]
Reader: The word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 132:1-13: A Responsorial Setting, Psalms for All Seasons
Refrain Hail to the Lord’s Anointed, great David’s greater Son;
Hail in the time appointed, his reign on earth begun.
Lord, remember David, and all the hardships he endured; How he swore an oath to the Lord and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
"I will not come under the roof of my house, nor climb up into my bed; I will not allow my eyes to sleep, nor let my eyelids slumber; Until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob." R
"The ark! We heard it was in Ephratah; we found it in the fields of Jearim.
Let us go to God's dwelling place; let us fall upon our knees before his footstool." R
Arise, O Lord, into your resting-place, you and the ark of your strength. Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; let your faithful people sing with joy.
For your servant David's sake, do not turn away the face of your anointed. R
The Lord has sworn an oath to David; in truth, he will not break it:
"A son, the fruit of your body will I set upon your throne. If your children keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their children will sit upon your throne forevermore." R
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL
As you are able, please stand.
Gospeler: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Gospeler: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."
[John 18:33-37]
Gospeler: This is the Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily The Rev. Alison Hari-Singh
May only the truth be spoken and only the truth heard. In the name of God: eternal Source, incarnate Word, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today, in the liturgical calendar, is the Feast of the Reign of Christ. This is actually the last Sunday of the liturgical year, before a new year begins with the season of Advent. And on this last Sunday we pause to remember that our faith has a trajectory of hope—that somehow, at some point, creation will be restored to what God intended it to be in the first place, and that Jesus has made this possible in his life, death and resurrection. So it’s fitting, as we conclude the current year and prepare to embark on another, that we celebrate—and ponder—the Reign of Christ. Now, we can do this in one of two ways: we can give attention to Jesus as the one who reigns, or we can contemplate the kind of reign that he has inaugurated. Today we’ll focus on what life looks like within the Reign of Christ.
As we consider this, we’re confronted by the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel: “My kingdom is not from this world.” What is Jesus saying here? Is he calling us to another world, to boldly go where no one (but Jesus) has gone before? And if we can’t actually transport ourselves elsewhere, do we give up on this world and wait for an apocalyptic intervention? Is that what it means to live as a Christian with hope? I don’t think so. No, when Jesus says, “My kingdom is not from this world,” he’s getting at something else.
In one of his more recent books, Richard Rohr, a well-known Franciscan priest, argues that the term “world” in the Gospel of John should be understood to mean “the system.”[1] So when Jesus is put on trial before Pontius Pilate and he says, “My kingdom is not from this world,” what he’s actually saying is that “My kingdom is not from this system.” The “system” is the world gone awry; it is the structures of power that alienate and oppress, the political apparatuses and commitments that keep the world titled on an axis that favors few over the many. The Reign of Christ that we celebrate today—does not have its origins in this system. Rather, it is a radically alternative reality; a way of living and being together that cuts against the grain of so much of our assumptions about what it means to live as upstanding citizens in society.
How radical is the Reign of Christ? We get some indicators in today’s Gospel.
The first thing we can say is that the Reign of Christ, like Jesus himself, is on trial. This is not exactly a triumphant reign because it’s disputed, even rejected, by the powers of “the system.” What finally convinced Pilate to have Jesus executed was that Jesus was guilty of treason. Consider the context of the week prior – Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem by the very same people who would soon call for his execution as a King! Crucifixion was a Roman form of execution reserved only for non-Roman citizens as punishment for three crimes: attempted escape from slavery, piracy, and, finally, sedition against the Roman Empire. Jesus was not an escaped slave, nor was he a pirate. Pilate, along with the Herodian court, saw Jesus as a rebel against the Empire. They knew Jesus’ first loyalty wasn’t to Rome and that the people were listening to him. The people were listening to a man who was claiming that his kingdom stood outside “the system” of Roman rule. No doubt, that was deemed a threat, and consequently he was executed.
The second thing we can say about the Reign of Christ is that it is radically peaceable. Jesus tells Pilate that his followers are not engaged in violent confrontation to defend him. That’s because life in the Reign of Christ is defined by the ethics of the Sermon on the Mount: “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also… Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Christians, even the earliest Christians, have found these words notoriously hard to live by. In fact, right before Jesus was arrested and put on trial, Peter took matters into his own hands and attacked the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear with his sword. Jesus, in the middle of his arrest, rebukes Peter. Violence has no place within the Reign of Christ. But the history of Christianity has been deeply implicated in violence, especially since the 4th century. Christians have killed each other, launched crusades of bloodshed, and fought in wars of all kinds. We need to ask ourselves: Is this coherent with the Reign of Christ? Such questions may make us uncomfortable, but we cannot dismiss the question if we’re going to take the Reign of Christ seriously.
A third thing we can say about the Reign of Christ is that it testifies to the truth. Pilate’s famous question, “What is truth?” is left hanging, unanswered. But earlier in John’s Gospel, Jesus does explain to his followers what truth is. You may recall that it was Thomas the doubter who asked him, “How can we know the way you’re going?” And Jesus’ responds, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” For Jesus, truth is not about objective concepts or facts. Truth is not a thing; truth is a person, and because truth is a person, it is dynamic and impossible to pin down and contain. The only way to understand truth is to follow it, to follow the One who embodies it —which is precisely why Jesus tells Pilate: “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Truth is bound up with following the Way of Jesus; with patterning our lives together after his. When we do this, only then will we begin to have a sense of what the answer to Pilate’s question looks like – for his question is really an inquiry into what the Reign of Christ is. This is why today is such an important celebration in the liturgical calendar: it compels us to consider the kind of reign into which we struggle to live.
Living into the Reign of Christ by following the Way of Jesus is not easy, for the Reign of Christ challenges us to live alternatively at every turn. Daily “the system” pressures us to reject the Reign of Christ —which is why we need each other on the journey. We’re all in this together, to help each other navigate the day-to-day challenges of being a Christian. Next week, we will celebrate the Feast of St. Andrew, our patron saint and forbearer along the Way. So, let’s celebrate that we’re not alone. Let’s celebrate the hope that the Reign of Christ gives us and all of creation. And let’s celebrate and welcome all travelers, whether baptized or not, who desire to join us on the Way. Amen.
[1] Kosmos can mean “ordered system” or “zeitgeist” (spirit of the age).
Silence is kept.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
As we prepare for the prayers of the people, let us hear and reflect on the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (#20 and #21): Health
20. In order to address the jurisdictional disputes concerning Aboriginal people who do not reside on reserves, we call upon the federal government to recognize, respect, and address the distinct health needs of the Métis, Inuit, and off-reserve Aboriginal peoples.
21. We call upon the federal government to provide sustainable funding for existing and new Aboriginal healing centres to address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual harms caused by residential schools, and to ensure that the funding of healing centres in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories is a priority.
Intercessor: Remembering these calls to action, in peace let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”
People: Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For peace for ourselves and each other, and for those that we do not know, but are known to God, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For bishops, and for all the clergy and people, and especially for the Diocese of Toronto’s 160th Regular Session of Synod that will be held the last weekend of November, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For all the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, especially those who participated in COP 26; give them the conviction to implement the commitments that they have made and to surpass even these for the welfare of the planet and all people, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For the city of Toronto, for every city and community, and for those who live in them in faith, especially those affected by the flooding in Southern BC, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy
Intercessor: In the Anglican Communion cycle of prayer, we pray for The Church of Bangladesh. In our Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for the ministry FaithWorks, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: We pray for all visitors to Toronto Island – that the time they spend here will sustain them and cultivate a deeper respect and care for the earth. For good weather, and for abundant harvests for all to share, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For those who are travelling and for the sick and the suffering, especially Donna, Michael, Adam, Penny, Enid, Freda, Charlotte, Len, Ann, Michael and anyone else on our hearts, either silently or aloud; for prisoners and captives, and for their safety, health, and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need, especially in regard to the ongoing pandemic, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For all who have died, especially David, Wayne, Peter, Maxine, Rose, Marian, Mary, and anyone else on our hearts, either silently or aloud, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: Remembering all the saints and all those we are carrying in love and care, we commit our whole selves and one another to Christ our God.
To you, O Lord.
Intercessor: Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications to you, and you have promised that when two or three are gathered together in your name you will hear their requests. Grant our requests as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
Confession and Reconciliation
Celebrant: Dear friends in Christ, God is steadfast in love and infinite in mercy; God welcomes sinners and invites them to this table. Let us confess our sins, confident in God’s forgiveness.
Silence is kept.
Celebrant: Most merciful God,
People: We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.
Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace
As you are able, please stand.
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
As you are able, please stand.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is indeed right that we should praise you, gracious God, for you created all things. You created us and formed us in your own image. When we turned away from you in sin, you did not cease to care for us, but opened a path of salvation for all people. You made a covenant with Israel, and through your servants Abraham and Sarah gave the promise of a blessing to all nations. Through Moses you led your people from bondage into freedom; through the prophets you renewed your promise of salvation. Therefore, with them, and with all your saints who have served you in every age, we give thanks and raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Celebrant: Holy God, source of life and goodness, all creation rightly gives you praise. In the fullness of time, you sent your Son Jesus Christ, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He healed the sick and ate and drank with outcasts and sinners; he opened the eyes of the blind and proclaimed the good news of your kingdom to the poor and to those in need. In all things he fulfilled your gracious will. On the night he freely gave himself to death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Gracious God, his perfect sacrifice destroys the power of sin and death; by raising him to life you give us life for evermore.
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith.
All: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Celebrant: Recalling his death, proclaiming his resurrection, and looking for his coming again in glory, we offer you, Father, this bread and this cup. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that all who eat and drink at this table may be one body and one holy people, a living sacrifice in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Celebrant: And now, as Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:
All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Celebrant: We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
All: We being many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.
Celebrant: The gifts of God for the People of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Communion Hymn (CP #345): King of Glory, King of Peace
Come up to the altar following the lead of those ahead of you. If you would like a blessing, as well as, or in place of the wafer, indicate this to the priest.
The Silence [approximately 2 minutes]
Prayer after Communion
As you are able, please stand.
Celebrant: Let us pray,
Almighty God, you have made us a royal priesthood in the kingdom of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Make known his victory through us, we pray, that all the world may see his light. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
Celebrant: Glory to God,
All: whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Blessing
Celebrant: And now go out into the world, be light-bearers, uplift the down-trodden, preserve creation, and be committed to bringing hope to the hopeless; in the name of God: eternal Source, incarnate Word, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Closing Hymn (CP #88): Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of ev’ry nation, joy of every longing heart.
Come to earth to taste our sadness, he whose glories knew no end.
By his life he brings us gladness, our redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a King,
Born to reign in us for ever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
Leader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advent and Epiphany Book Study – We will be reading Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by Katherine Hayhoe. This will be a joint study between St. Andrew by-the-Lake and St. Aidan’s in the Beach. Sessions will take place via Zoom and will be lay and clergy led. The first session will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm and will proceed as follows:
Nov 30 – facilitated by Rev. Alison
Dec 7 - facilitated by Rev. Jeff
Dec 14 - facilitated by John Brewin (St. Aidan’s in the Beach)
Jan 4 - facilitated by Billy Gekas (St. Andrew’s by-the-Lake)
Jan 11 - facilitated by Rev. Lucy
Please let Rev. Alison know if you are interested in joining or if you would like more information (alison.hari.singh@utoronto.ca). A Zoom link to join the study will be sent out to those who have signed up this week.
Patronal Festival – Next Sunday, November 28th we will celebrate the Feast of Saint Andrew in addition to the first Sunday of Advent. Weather permitting, we will have a fire in the firepit along with mulled wine, scotch, and other treats in order to celebrate our patron saint. Dress for the weather!
Elegy of the Ancestors – this is an Indigenous led ceremonial procession and multi-location performance from Ward's Island to the Royal Ontario Museum. The intention of the Elegy of Ancestors is for telling the truth (as part of what comes before reconciliation), for prayer, and for building community conversations about ancestral human remains that have been forgotten. More information on when the elegy will be held will be available soon.
Singers wanted! Based on new diocesan guidelines, we are looking for singers who would like to join the music team and serve on a rotation basis. Compliance with the vaccination mandate of the Diocese is required. If interested, please contact Roger Sharp at rogerandersonsharp@gmail.com.
Ferry Information for October 2021 to April 2022 - Winter Schedule
10:00 am - Ferry leaves city. Winter service is only to Ward's Island.
10:10 am - Arrives at Ward's Dock. Church van available
10:30 am - Church service begins
The walk to the church takes around 20 – 30 minutes, depending on your mobility, so you may wish to take an earlier boat. Check for other ferry times at
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/toronto-island-park/all-ferry-schedules/
If you need a ride, please call Joyce at 416-203-0987.
Amber Stage Guidelines (Diocese of Toronto)
Click on the link above to see the Diocesan Guidelines for safe worship in Church under Stage 2 Covid protocols.
There are several ways you can support St. Andrew’s:
We give thanks to our Creator for the earth we share with all creatures, and we acknowledge that we are here on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Wendat. We also recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, and we seek to live respectfully with them and with the earth. We pray for healing between our cultures and healing from settler arrogance. We believe that Black Lives Matter and that Every Child Matters. We know that love is love, and we welcome everybody who desires to join us in worship. You are a beloved creation of God, and you are most welcome in this place.
Opening Hymn (CP #375): At the Name of Jesus (vs. 1-3)
At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow,
every tongue confess him King of glory now;
‘tis his Father’s pleasure, that we should call him Lord,
who from the beginning was the mighty Word.
Humbled for a season, to receive a name
from the lips of sinners unto whom he came;
faithfully he bore it spotless to the last,
brought it back victorious when from death he passed.
Name him, Christians, name him, with love strong as death,
but with awe and wonder, and with bated breath;
he is God the Saviour, he is Christ the Lord,
ever to be worshipped, trusted and adored.
Celebrant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant Almighty God,
All 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.
The Collect
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things
in your well-beloved Son, our Lord and King, grant that the peoples of the earth, now divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together
under his gentle and loving rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Reading
Reader: A reading from the second book of Samuel.
Now these are the last words of David: The oracle of David, son of Jesse, the oracle of the man whom God exalted, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the favourite of the Strong One of Israel: The spirit of the Lord speaks through me, his word is upon my tongue. The God of Israel has spoken, the Rock of Israel has said to me: One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land. Is not my house like this with God? For he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. Will he not cause to prosper all my help and my desire? But the godless are all like thorns that are thrown away; for they cannot be picked up with the hand; to touch them one uses an iron bar or the shaft of a spear. And they are entirely consumed in fire on the spot.
[2 Samuel 23:1-7]
Reader: The word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 132:1-13: A Responsorial Setting, Psalms for All Seasons
Refrain Hail to the Lord’s Anointed, great David’s greater Son;
Hail in the time appointed, his reign on earth begun.
Lord, remember David, and all the hardships he endured; How he swore an oath to the Lord and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
"I will not come under the roof of my house, nor climb up into my bed; I will not allow my eyes to sleep, nor let my eyelids slumber; Until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob." R
"The ark! We heard it was in Ephratah; we found it in the fields of Jearim.
Let us go to God's dwelling place; let us fall upon our knees before his footstool." R
Arise, O Lord, into your resting-place, you and the ark of your strength. Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; let your faithful people sing with joy.
For your servant David's sake, do not turn away the face of your anointed. R
The Lord has sworn an oath to David; in truth, he will not break it:
"A son, the fruit of your body will I set upon your throne. If your children keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their children will sit upon your throne forevermore." R
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL
As you are able, please stand.
Gospeler: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Gospeler: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."
[John 18:33-37]
Gospeler: This is the Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily The Rev. Alison Hari-Singh
May only the truth be spoken and only the truth heard. In the name of God: eternal Source, incarnate Word, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today, in the liturgical calendar, is the Feast of the Reign of Christ. This is actually the last Sunday of the liturgical year, before a new year begins with the season of Advent. And on this last Sunday we pause to remember that our faith has a trajectory of hope—that somehow, at some point, creation will be restored to what God intended it to be in the first place, and that Jesus has made this possible in his life, death and resurrection. So it’s fitting, as we conclude the current year and prepare to embark on another, that we celebrate—and ponder—the Reign of Christ. Now, we can do this in one of two ways: we can give attention to Jesus as the one who reigns, or we can contemplate the kind of reign that he has inaugurated. Today we’ll focus on what life looks like within the Reign of Christ.
As we consider this, we’re confronted by the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel: “My kingdom is not from this world.” What is Jesus saying here? Is he calling us to another world, to boldly go where no one (but Jesus) has gone before? And if we can’t actually transport ourselves elsewhere, do we give up on this world and wait for an apocalyptic intervention? Is that what it means to live as a Christian with hope? I don’t think so. No, when Jesus says, “My kingdom is not from this world,” he’s getting at something else.
In one of his more recent books, Richard Rohr, a well-known Franciscan priest, argues that the term “world” in the Gospel of John should be understood to mean “the system.”[1] So when Jesus is put on trial before Pontius Pilate and he says, “My kingdom is not from this world,” what he’s actually saying is that “My kingdom is not from this system.” The “system” is the world gone awry; it is the structures of power that alienate and oppress, the political apparatuses and commitments that keep the world titled on an axis that favors few over the many. The Reign of Christ that we celebrate today—does not have its origins in this system. Rather, it is a radically alternative reality; a way of living and being together that cuts against the grain of so much of our assumptions about what it means to live as upstanding citizens in society.
How radical is the Reign of Christ? We get some indicators in today’s Gospel.
The first thing we can say is that the Reign of Christ, like Jesus himself, is on trial. This is not exactly a triumphant reign because it’s disputed, even rejected, by the powers of “the system.” What finally convinced Pilate to have Jesus executed was that Jesus was guilty of treason. Consider the context of the week prior – Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem by the very same people who would soon call for his execution as a King! Crucifixion was a Roman form of execution reserved only for non-Roman citizens as punishment for three crimes: attempted escape from slavery, piracy, and, finally, sedition against the Roman Empire. Jesus was not an escaped slave, nor was he a pirate. Pilate, along with the Herodian court, saw Jesus as a rebel against the Empire. They knew Jesus’ first loyalty wasn’t to Rome and that the people were listening to him. The people were listening to a man who was claiming that his kingdom stood outside “the system” of Roman rule. No doubt, that was deemed a threat, and consequently he was executed.
The second thing we can say about the Reign of Christ is that it is radically peaceable. Jesus tells Pilate that his followers are not engaged in violent confrontation to defend him. That’s because life in the Reign of Christ is defined by the ethics of the Sermon on the Mount: “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also… Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Christians, even the earliest Christians, have found these words notoriously hard to live by. In fact, right before Jesus was arrested and put on trial, Peter took matters into his own hands and attacked the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear with his sword. Jesus, in the middle of his arrest, rebukes Peter. Violence has no place within the Reign of Christ. But the history of Christianity has been deeply implicated in violence, especially since the 4th century. Christians have killed each other, launched crusades of bloodshed, and fought in wars of all kinds. We need to ask ourselves: Is this coherent with the Reign of Christ? Such questions may make us uncomfortable, but we cannot dismiss the question if we’re going to take the Reign of Christ seriously.
A third thing we can say about the Reign of Christ is that it testifies to the truth. Pilate’s famous question, “What is truth?” is left hanging, unanswered. But earlier in John’s Gospel, Jesus does explain to his followers what truth is. You may recall that it was Thomas the doubter who asked him, “How can we know the way you’re going?” And Jesus’ responds, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” For Jesus, truth is not about objective concepts or facts. Truth is not a thing; truth is a person, and because truth is a person, it is dynamic and impossible to pin down and contain. The only way to understand truth is to follow it, to follow the One who embodies it —which is precisely why Jesus tells Pilate: “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Truth is bound up with following the Way of Jesus; with patterning our lives together after his. When we do this, only then will we begin to have a sense of what the answer to Pilate’s question looks like – for his question is really an inquiry into what the Reign of Christ is. This is why today is such an important celebration in the liturgical calendar: it compels us to consider the kind of reign into which we struggle to live.
Living into the Reign of Christ by following the Way of Jesus is not easy, for the Reign of Christ challenges us to live alternatively at every turn. Daily “the system” pressures us to reject the Reign of Christ —which is why we need each other on the journey. We’re all in this together, to help each other navigate the day-to-day challenges of being a Christian. Next week, we will celebrate the Feast of St. Andrew, our patron saint and forbearer along the Way. So, let’s celebrate that we’re not alone. Let’s celebrate the hope that the Reign of Christ gives us and all of creation. And let’s celebrate and welcome all travelers, whether baptized or not, who desire to join us on the Way. Amen.
[1] Kosmos can mean “ordered system” or “zeitgeist” (spirit of the age).
Silence is kept.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
As we prepare for the prayers of the people, let us hear and reflect on the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (#20 and #21): Health
20. In order to address the jurisdictional disputes concerning Aboriginal people who do not reside on reserves, we call upon the federal government to recognize, respect, and address the distinct health needs of the Métis, Inuit, and off-reserve Aboriginal peoples.
21. We call upon the federal government to provide sustainable funding for existing and new Aboriginal healing centres to address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual harms caused by residential schools, and to ensure that the funding of healing centres in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories is a priority.
Intercessor: Remembering these calls to action, in peace let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”
People: Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For peace for ourselves and each other, and for those that we do not know, but are known to God, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For bishops, and for all the clergy and people, and especially for the Diocese of Toronto’s 160th Regular Session of Synod that will be held the last weekend of November, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For all the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, especially those who participated in COP 26; give them the conviction to implement the commitments that they have made and to surpass even these for the welfare of the planet and all people, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For the city of Toronto, for every city and community, and for those who live in them in faith, especially those affected by the flooding in Southern BC, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy
Intercessor: In the Anglican Communion cycle of prayer, we pray for The Church of Bangladesh. In our Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for the ministry FaithWorks, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: We pray for all visitors to Toronto Island – that the time they spend here will sustain them and cultivate a deeper respect and care for the earth. For good weather, and for abundant harvests for all to share, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For those who are travelling and for the sick and the suffering, especially Donna, Michael, Adam, Penny, Enid, Freda, Charlotte, Len, Ann, Michael and anyone else on our hearts, either silently or aloud; for prisoners and captives, and for their safety, health, and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need, especially in regard to the ongoing pandemic, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For all who have died, especially David, Wayne, Peter, Maxine, Rose, Marian, Mary, and anyone else on our hearts, either silently or aloud, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: Remembering all the saints and all those we are carrying in love and care, we commit our whole selves and one another to Christ our God.
To you, O Lord.
Intercessor: Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications to you, and you have promised that when two or three are gathered together in your name you will hear their requests. Grant our requests as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
Confession and Reconciliation
Celebrant: Dear friends in Christ, God is steadfast in love and infinite in mercy; God welcomes sinners and invites them to this table. Let us confess our sins, confident in God’s forgiveness.
Silence is kept.
Celebrant: Most merciful God,
People: We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.
Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace
As you are able, please stand.
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
As you are able, please stand.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is indeed right that we should praise you, gracious God, for you created all things. You created us and formed us in your own image. When we turned away from you in sin, you did not cease to care for us, but opened a path of salvation for all people. You made a covenant with Israel, and through your servants Abraham and Sarah gave the promise of a blessing to all nations. Through Moses you led your people from bondage into freedom; through the prophets you renewed your promise of salvation. Therefore, with them, and with all your saints who have served you in every age, we give thanks and raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Celebrant: Holy God, source of life and goodness, all creation rightly gives you praise. In the fullness of time, you sent your Son Jesus Christ, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He healed the sick and ate and drank with outcasts and sinners; he opened the eyes of the blind and proclaimed the good news of your kingdom to the poor and to those in need. In all things he fulfilled your gracious will. On the night he freely gave himself to death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Gracious God, his perfect sacrifice destroys the power of sin and death; by raising him to life you give us life for evermore.
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith.
All: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Celebrant: Recalling his death, proclaiming his resurrection, and looking for his coming again in glory, we offer you, Father, this bread and this cup. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that all who eat and drink at this table may be one body and one holy people, a living sacrifice in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Celebrant: And now, as Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:
All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Celebrant: We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
All: We being many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.
Celebrant: The gifts of God for the People of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Communion Hymn (CP #345): King of Glory, King of Peace
Come up to the altar following the lead of those ahead of you. If you would like a blessing, as well as, or in place of the wafer, indicate this to the priest.
The Silence [approximately 2 minutes]
Prayer after Communion
As you are able, please stand.
Celebrant: Let us pray,
Almighty God, you have made us a royal priesthood in the kingdom of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Make known his victory through us, we pray, that all the world may see his light. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
Celebrant: Glory to God,
All: whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Blessing
Celebrant: And now go out into the world, be light-bearers, uplift the down-trodden, preserve creation, and be committed to bringing hope to the hopeless; in the name of God: eternal Source, incarnate Word, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Closing Hymn (CP #88): Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of ev’ry nation, joy of every longing heart.
Come to earth to taste our sadness, he whose glories knew no end.
By his life he brings us gladness, our redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a King,
Born to reign in us for ever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
Leader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advent and Epiphany Book Study – We will be reading Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by Katherine Hayhoe. This will be a joint study between St. Andrew by-the-Lake and St. Aidan’s in the Beach. Sessions will take place via Zoom and will be lay and clergy led. The first session will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm and will proceed as follows:
Nov 30 – facilitated by Rev. Alison
Dec 7 - facilitated by Rev. Jeff
Dec 14 - facilitated by John Brewin (St. Aidan’s in the Beach)
Jan 4 - facilitated by Billy Gekas (St. Andrew’s by-the-Lake)
Jan 11 - facilitated by Rev. Lucy
Please let Rev. Alison know if you are interested in joining or if you would like more information (alison.hari.singh@utoronto.ca). A Zoom link to join the study will be sent out to those who have signed up this week.
Patronal Festival – Next Sunday, November 28th we will celebrate the Feast of Saint Andrew in addition to the first Sunday of Advent. Weather permitting, we will have a fire in the firepit along with mulled wine, scotch, and other treats in order to celebrate our patron saint. Dress for the weather!
Elegy of the Ancestors – this is an Indigenous led ceremonial procession and multi-location performance from Ward's Island to the Royal Ontario Museum. The intention of the Elegy of Ancestors is for telling the truth (as part of what comes before reconciliation), for prayer, and for building community conversations about ancestral human remains that have been forgotten. More information on when the elegy will be held will be available soon.
Singers wanted! Based on new diocesan guidelines, we are looking for singers who would like to join the music team and serve on a rotation basis. Compliance with the vaccination mandate of the Diocese is required. If interested, please contact Roger Sharp at rogerandersonsharp@gmail.com.
Ferry Information for October 2021 to April 2022 - Winter Schedule
10:00 am - Ferry leaves city. Winter service is only to Ward's Island.
10:10 am - Arrives at Ward's Dock. Church van available
10:30 am - Church service begins
The walk to the church takes around 20 – 30 minutes, depending on your mobility, so you may wish to take an earlier boat. Check for other ferry times at
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/toronto-island-park/all-ferry-schedules/
If you need a ride, please call Joyce at 416-203-0987.
Amber Stage Guidelines (Diocese of Toronto)
Click on the link above to see the Diocesan Guidelines for safe worship in Church under Stage 2 Covid protocols.
- Masks must be worn
- Screening at the door
- Sign in for contact tracing
- Keep safe distance – in pews and during Eucharist
- No congregational singing – the music team will sing
- Use hand sanitizer before and after taking the Eucharist
There are several ways you can support St. Andrew’s:
- The Collection Plate
- E-Transfer – email: standrewbookings@gmail.com
- PAR - Pre-Authorized Remittance. You direct your bank to deposit your donation into the church account on the 20th of each month. To apply contact Joyce Rogers at standrewbookings@gmail.com
- Canada Helps – Visit the church website www.standrewbythelake.com, go to the Home Page and click on the Donate button.