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"AT ALL TIMES AND IN ALL PLACES"
A Sermon By
Rev. Philip A. C. Clarke
Park Avenue United Methodist Church lo6 East 86th Street New York, New York 10028 October 2, 1988
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"AT ALL TIMES AND IN ALL PLACES"
INTRODUCTION It's interesting how significant a cup has come to be as a symbol. In the world of athletics a large engraved cup
may be awarded as a prize. In the home there may be a tiny baby cup, with tooth marks, somewhat bent and tarnished, but kept with great care, recalling some very cherished years in that family. Those of you who remember Harry Stilwell Edward's little book, Aeneus Africanus, will remember this warm and humorous story about a fami~'s search for a wedding cup, a family heirloom, lost during the Civil War, and which was now needed for the marriage of a daughter in the family.
In the Bible a cup someti.mes means faith, such as in Psalm 116:13, "I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord". And then sometimes it refers to sin, as when Isaiah speaks of those who have drunk the cup of His wrath (Isaiah 51:17). Jesus refers to His impending suffering and death, saying, "Are you able to drink the cup that I drink?" (Mark 10:38) In that prayer of great intensity in Gethsemane, He says, "If Thou be willing, let this cup pass from me". (Matthew 26 :29)
TODAY WE DRINK FROM A CUP Today at Holy Communion we drink from a cup. "Do this in remembrance of Me" said Jesus.
Let me suggest that whatever other meaning it may have, think of this cup as a cup of thanksgiving. Drink from it as a eucharistic act. Among the rubis of one of the communion services there is the line,
"It is very meet, right and our bounden duty, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto Thee ••• "
As Christians we find we have a cup of thanksgiving because it is a cup of joy even when it may seem that our cup contains only bitterness. In the 23rd Psalm the image is of one who is enjoying a rich full life. But he was not free of difficulty or pain. He had encountered the raging waters - that was what made the still waters so beautiful. He had walked through desert wastelands. Thus green pastures were pleasant inEleed. He had traveled the valley of the shadow of death, and had known the distasteful experience of facing those hostile to him - his enemies. Yet his life was so wrapped up in God that he says, "My cup runneth over".
Christians can know this joy, and will give thanks for it!
Then, too, the cup is one of thanksgiving because it is a cup of love. There is more love from God than any of us will ever deserve. Whenever we mourn the fact that life has extended us a cup of emptiness or sorrow, let us remember that even though it would take a barrel to hold all the sins we have committed against God - His cup continues to overflow with love for us. Let us be thankful that the final judge of your life and of mine will be the God of love and not one of vengeance?
Christians can know and feel this love, and will give thanks for it!
The cup is one of thanksgiving because it is a cup of spiritual power. In God there is more power than any of us could ever use. We forget this.
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I was at a clergy meeting recently where a colleague spoke to this concern and illustrated it in the following way. During the Summer he had visited the Fontana Darn in Western North Carolina. He said it was part of the TVA systern ••• a huge darn, almost frightening when you look down from the top or up from the bottom. The day he was there one of the huge generators was being overhauled. The others were not in operation because enough electrical power had been stored to meet current demand. In other words, there was more power available than consumers could use at that time.
Friends, when we lament how weak we are, or how afraid we are, or illequipped to face the challenges which greet us daily, our cup of spiritual power never runs out. It is brimming with strength, which is like putting on "the whole armor of God".
Christians can know and tap into this power, and will give thanks for it1
The cup is one of thanksgiving because it is a cup of opportunity. There are more opportunities for enjoyment of life, for building a better world, for helpful service to others, than we will ever be able to accomplish.
There is no excuse for any Christian not having something important and rewarding to do. The rich, purposeful life never comes with dolefully gazing into a cup of selfishness or self-pity. It comes through sharing with others. Think of the truly great souls who have inspired us the most. Schweitzer in Lambarene; Father Damien among lepers in Hawaii; St. Francis among the poverty-stricken. Bonhoeffer, writing profound words of faith and life in a Nazi prison. King in this country. By most standards these were holding an empty cup - in terms of possessions, health, security and civilization's conveniences. It would appear to some that they didn't have aQYthing. But they had everything! And they gave thanks.
CLOSING Who knows where life will lead us in the weeks ahead, let alone the years ahead? But as Paul reminded the Athenians,
God will always remain close by, for "in Him we live, move and have our being".
And because of God who brings us joy, who loves us, who strengthens us and who provides us with opportunities to be in ministry to others, we are compelled from within "at all times and in all places to give thanks unto Him".
PRAYER Make us sensitive to Your nearness and presence in these moments when we "take the cup" ••• remembering Jesus. On this World
Communion Sunday, we think of those in other lands and at other hours will also be taking the cup and remembering Him.
Visit our sick with the nuiet assurance of thy care. Encircle the bereaved with Thy warning, healing presence. And point out markers on the trail for those who have lost their way. Douse with the cold waters of common sense any who might this very day by on the verse of some destructive action or unhealthy decision.
The race is short, 0 God •••••• even at its longest and we would run it well, and to thy glery.
f . I
I
"AT ALL TIMES AND IN ALL PLACES"
A Sermon By
Rev. Philip A. C. Clarke
Park Avenue United Methodist Church lo6 East 86th Street New York, New York 10028 October 2, 1988
AT AIL TIMES AND JN AIL PLACES"
INTRODUCTION One of the first things we do in the morning is to reach for our favorite cup and fill it up with our coffee. A cup is a
part of us and it's also something of a symbol as well. For instance, in the 1c~orld of athletics a large engrs.ted cup may be awarded as a prize. And in the home there may be a tiny baby cup, with tooth marks, somewhat bent and tarnished, but kept with great care, recalling some very cherished years in that family. And those of you who remember Harry Stilwell Edward's little book, Aeneus Africanus, will remember this warm and humorous story about a family's search for a wedding cup - a family heirloom ... lost during the Civil War and which was now needed for the marriage of a daughter in the farni~.
Turning to the Bible we find that a cup sometimes means faith, such as in Psalm 116:13, "I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord". And then sometimes it refers to sin, as when Isaish speaks of those who have drunk the cup of His wrath (Isaiah 51:17). Jesus refers to His impending suffering and death, saying, "Are you able to drink the cup that I drink?" (Mark 10:38). In that prayer of great intensity in Gethsemane, He says, "If Thou be willing, let this cup pass from me". (Matthew 26: 29)
TODAY WE DRINK FROM A CUP
remembrance of Me".
Today at Holy Communion we drink from a cup and remember the words of Jesus, "Do this in
Let me suggest that whatever other meaning it may have, think of this cup as a cup of thanksgiving. Drink from it as a eucharistic act. Among the rubrics of one of the communion servives there is this line,
"It is very meet, right and our bounden duty, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto Thee •• •"
As Christians we find we have a cup of thanksgiving because it is a cup of joy even when it may seem that our cup contains only bitterness. In the 23rd Psalm, the image is of one who is enjoying a rich, full life. But he was not free of difficulty or pain. He had encountered the raging waters .. that was what made the still waters so beautiful. He had walked through de-sert wastelands - thus green pastures were pleasant indeed. He had travelled the valley of the shadow of death, and had known the distasteful experience of facing those hostile to him - his enemies. Ye ••• his life was so wrapped up in God that he could sing with a full heart, "My cup runneth over".
Christians, dear friends, can know this joy and will give thanks for it!
Then, too, the cup is one of thanksgiving because it is a cup of love. There is more love from God than any of us will ever deserve. vfuenever we mourn the fact that life has extended us a cup of emptiness or sorrow, let us remember that even though it would take a barrel to hold all the sins we have committed against God ... His cup continues to overflew with love for us., Let us be thankful that the final judge of your life and of mine will be the God of love and not one of vengeance~
Christians can knovT and feel this love, and will give thanks for itl
The cup is one of thanksgiving because it is a cup of spiritual power. In God there is more power than aey of us could ever use. We forget this.
I was at a clergy meeting some time ago where a colleague illustrated this point by telling us how he had visited the Fontana Darn in Western North Carolina. It was a huge darn, part of the TVA system ••• alrnost frightening when you looked down from the top or up from the bottom. He told us how the day he was there one of the huge generators was being overhauled. The others were not in operation because enough electrical power had been stored to meet the current demand. In other words, there was more power available than consumers could use at that time. ·
The point is that when we lament how weak we are, or hovT afraid we are, or ill-equipped to face the challenges which greet us daily, our cup of spiritual power never runs out. It is brimming with strength, which is like putt.ing on "the whole armor of God".
Christians can know and tap into this power and will give thanks for i tl
The cup is one of thanksgiving because it is finally a cup of opportunity. There are more opportunities for enjoyment of life, for building a better world, for helpful service to e>thers, than we will ever be able to accomplish.
There's no excuse for any Christian not having something important and rewarding to do. The rich, purposeful life never comes with dolefully gazing into a cup of selfishness or self-pity. It comes through sharing with others. Think for a moment of the ~ruly great souls who have inspired us the most. Schweitzer in Larnbarene; Father Darnien among lepers in Hawaii; St. Francis among the poverty-stricken. Bonhoeffer, writing profound words of faith and life in a Nazi prison. King in this country.. By most standards these were holding an empty cup - in terms of possessions, health, security and the conveniences of civilization. It would appear to some that they didn't have anything. But they had everything and they gave thanksl
CLOSING Who knows where life will lead each us in the weeks ahead, let alone the years ahead? But as St. Paul reminded the Athenians,
God will always remain close by, for "in Him we live, move and have our being."
And because of God who brings us joy, who loves us, who strengthens us and who provides us with opportunities to be in ministry to others, we are compelled from within "at all times and in all places to give thanks unto Him". Let us remember this as we "take the cup and break the bread this hour" on this Communion Sunday.
PRAYER On this World Wide Communion Sunday, we hold in our hearts those of other lands and at other times during this day will taking the cup
and remembering Jesus, the life bringer. May the bread and wine open our eyes, 0 God, to the presence of Christ among us. Bind us more clesely to each other and to Him and lift up our hearts and minds to Thee, that we may go out from here renewed in body, and soul - fed, nourished and made new.
Visit our sick with the quiet assurance of thy care ••• those whom we mention in our hearts by name. Encircle the bereaved with thy warming and healing Presence. Point out markers on the trail for those present who may have lost their way.
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Douse with the cold waters of common sense any who might this very day be on the verge of some destructive action or unhealthy decision. For the race is short, 0 God • even at its longest and we would run it well, and always to Thy glory. In the spirit of Christ we pray. Amen.
ANTHEM: "I Waited For the Lord"
"I waited for the Lord, He to me. He heard my complaint. are they that hope and trust in
inclined unO blessed the Lord."
ANTHEM: "Draw Us In the Spirit's Tether"
"Draw us in the Spirit's tether; for when humbly, in Thy name, two or three are met together, Thou art in the midst of them. Alleluya! Alleluya! Touch we now Thy garment's hem.
As the brethren used to gather in the name of Christ to sup, then with thanks to God the Father break the bread and bless the cup. Alleluya! Alleluya! So knit thou our friendship up.
All our meals and all our living make as sacrament of Thee, that by caring, helping, giving, we may true disciples be. Alleluya! Alleluya! We will serve Thee faithfully, we will serve Thee faithfully."
ORGAN POSTLUDE
The organ postlude - a final offering of our praise to God - is played after the Benediction. Time permitting, we invite you to share in the beauty of it.
FOR THOSE WHO SING
New members are always welcome to audition to sing in the choir. Rehearsals are held Wednesday evening at 6:15. Today marks the final Sunday with us of Jennie Hudson, mezzo soprano. Jennie has been with us 21 years, first joining our choir in the Fall of 1967. We shall miss her verv much!
PICK UP YOUR COPY
Be sure to pick up your copy of the October issue of our monthly news sheet, "A Word In Edgeways". Copies are by the door in the narthex as well as on the table in the Russell room.
ADULT BIBLE CLASS
The Adult Bible Class meets on Sunday morning at 9:30 in fellowship Hall. Coffee is available and new friends are always welcome. Now's a good time to join as the study of the Gospel of Matthew begins. John Simms is serving as teacher for the class.
"HOUNDS OF HEAVEN"
The "Hounds of Heaven" meets on Tuesday evening at 6:30pm in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome. Now's a good time to join this group as study of Maxie Dunnam's book, The Workbook on Spiritual Disciplines, is getting under way. George Leopold is leader.
ALDERSGATE CLASS
The Aldersgate Class meets on Wednesday evening for Bible study in Fellowship Hall. The class meets at 7:30 pm.
THIS COMING WEEK
The Trustees meet on Monday evening at 6 pm. The Membership Committee will meet on Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm. The Finance Committee begins work on the 1989 operating budget of the Church on Thursday evening. The meetina will be in the Russell Room.
PARK AVENUE
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 106 East 86th Street
New York, N.Y. 10028
AT 9-6997
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Rev. Philip A. C. Clarke ...... . ...... . .. . . .... Minister Mr. Lyndon Woodside . ....... . . . . Organist-Choir Director
Mr. Jack Schmidt. ...... . .. . ... . . . ... Business Manager Mrs. Judy Ferland ... . . . ....... . .. ... ... ... . Secretary Mrs. Judith Keisman .. . ........... .. Day School Director Mr. Roberto Meriles . ..... . ....... .. . ... ... . Custodian
GENERAL OFFICERS Lay Members, Annual Conference ........ Mr. William Bell
Mr. Edward J. Brown President, Board of Trustees . .. . . . .. .... . Mr. William Bell Chairman, Administrative Council . ..... Mrs. Bobbie Heron
Chairman, Education Committee .. . . ... Miss Avion Brooks Chairman, Fellowship Committee . . ........ Mrs. Pat Henry Chairman, Finance Committee . .. . .... .. Mr. Larry Morales
Co-Chairmen, Membership Committee .. . .. Mrs. Ann Bryant Mr. Robert Gardner
Chairman, Outreach Committee .... . . . . .. Miss Janet Ernst Chairman, Worship Committee ...... . . .. Miss Pam Hubby
Co-Chairmen, Day School ..... Dr. and Mrs. John Lombardo Chairman, Ushers . . . .. .. .. . . . . .. ..... . Ms. Effie French
Mr. Len Williams Superintendent, Sunday School . .. ....... Mrs. Kathy Simms
PARK AVENUE
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ORGAN CALL TO WORSHIP
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY October 2, 1988
ORDER OF WORSHIP 11 A . M.
"Sonata in E Flat" Mozart
HYMN NO. 26 "Holy, Holy, Holy! APOSTLES' CREED
Lord God Almighty"
GLORIA PATRI ***
SCRIPTURE PARISH CONCERNS
Acts 17: 22 - 31
No. 738 No. 792
Page 965
ANTHEM "I Waited For the Lord" Mendelssohn PRESENTATION OF THE OFFERING WITH THE DOXOLOGY HYMN NO. 192 "In Christ There Is No East or West" MEDITATION "At All Times and In All Places" Mr. Clarke PRAYER
*** THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Anthem "Draw Us In the Spirit's Tether" The Invitation (No. 832) The General Confession The Prayer of Pardon The Prayer of Consecration The Prayer of Humble Access The Agnus Dei (The Choir) The Partaking of the Elements The Prayer of Resolution
HYMN NO. 327 "Here, 0 My Lord, I See Thee" BENEDICTION ORGAN "Rigaudon"
*** Interval for Ushering
Friedell
Campra
LAY READER
We welcome Robert L. Gardner to the lectern today. A native of Western New York, a graduate of the State University at Geneseo, with a degree in Management Science, Bob is a Metropolitan Audit Supervisor for the Gardner Group. Here in the Church he is Co-chairperson of the Membership Committee a nd a membe r of the Administrative Council.
ALTAR FLOWERS
The flowers on the altar today are given in memory of El Lampi by Frank High.
GREETERS AND USHERS
The greeters today are Roxanne Snover and Cathy Syble. The ushers are Len Williams, Ken Barclay, Carl Condra, William Chambers, Rick Kilbride, Robert Lewis, John Lombardo and Charles Wire.
AN INVITATION
Coffee and tea will be served in the Russell Room following the service. Members and friends are invited to share in these moments of warmth made possible for us today by Marie Birillo, Judith Berns, Kavu Browne, Cary Danford, Louise O'Neill, Lita Reyno and Marianna Thompson.
CHURCH SCHOOL AND NURSERY CARE
Sessions of Church School for children are offered Sunday mornings from ten-thirty to twelve. Nursery care for infants and toddlers is available on the fourth floor.
WORLD COMMUNION OFFERING
A special offering will be received today for the Fellowship of Suffering and Service. Envelopes are in the pews and we invite you to respond with a gift.
