Sermon – The Annual Meeting – 2015

1 Corinthians 9:16

If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel!

I once sat through an awfully long sermon in which the preacher said that the Gospel is sexist. Perhaps the sermon was only 10 minutes long but it was so flawed that it felt much longer. Chief amongst the preacher’s proof was our Gospel lesson today (Mark 1:29-39). It is the extraordinary story of the calling of the first disciples. Contained within the Gospel is the story of the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law. Because she gets better and immediately gets up and starts serving – some people conclude that the Gospel is inherently sexist, that is, treating women as somehow less than men.

If it is – this story from the Gospel does not prove it. I think something more profound and life-giving is going on here.

Simon’s mother-in-law is healed and that’s reason enough for us to celebrate and give thanks for the revelation of God in the person of Jesus, the Christ. But, let’s not forget that healing stories in the New Testament are not just about healing, they usually carry with them deeper truths for us to ponder.

If Simon’s mother-in-law was healed for the sole purpose of making some sandwiches for Simon and his friends, then yes, so what? Who cares? If all she is to do is to serve in the servile (submissive) role, a role exclusive for women then I too would be happy to dismiss the Gospels as sexist. But, what if something more insightful was happening?

This story functions in two ways. First, Simon is free to leave his job, his family, his town and to follow Jesus; to go to neighbouring towns and help proclaim the salvation of God; to become a part of the inner circle of disciples, one of the apostles, one who is sent out to proclaim the Gospel.

Secondly, Simon’s mother-in-law is freed from her infirmity, not just to serve, but to show that she is well enough to serve, and if well enough to serve others she’s well enough to take care of herself. Simon is freed of the responsibility as her son-in-law to take care of her. And her story becomes a living parable for what’s about to happen to Simon. Both have been freed to serve the Lord and to serve the purposes of God in the world.

Her joy is to serve – Simon’s joy is to serve – My joy is to serve. (When I typed that line, “my joy is to serve,” a blue line shows on my screen, the grammar check of my software, indicating that I might have meant “job” instead of “joy.” I mean joy, it is my joy to serve.)

Simon’s mother-in-law serves in her way – Simon, whom Jesus renames Peter “the Rock” serves in his way – I serve in mine – We each serve in our own way.

We celebrate today because of the joy we have been given to serve God as members of St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown. Each in our own way. We have a great deal to be thankful for.

For example, in 2009 we had a $59,000 shortfall, which we covered with our savings and cash on hand. That year, by the way we also didn’t pay allotment (that portion of our income used to fund the ministry of the diocese and the national Church), so that’s a further $40,000. That’s a total of $99,000. A shortfall of $99,000 in 2009. Last year, in 2014 our short fall was only $2,200. That’s amazing! And we paid allotment.

If anyone asks how we’ve done this, you can tell them it’s because you have the most amazing rector in the world.

It’s won’t be true but you can tell them anyway.

In all honesty I think the reason for our success is multilayered. First, we must simply acknowledge your generosity, your willingness to share your hard earned financial resources for the ministry of St. Paul’s Church. Thank you.

Also, the feasibility study which we undertook many years ago told us that you expect clear and timely reporting of our situation, including what we do, why we do it and what it will cost to do it. We have done that and are committed to continue doing this.

But let’s not forget, what God’s Holy Spirit is doing amongst us now is related to what the Holy Spirit has been doing in the congregation for generations.

·         We are an inclusive community – we welcoming both saints and sinners.

·         We are an inclusive community – without regard for wealth or social status.

·         We are an inclusive community – encouraging and celebrating the many and various ways people offer time and talent.

·         We are an inclusive community – we just want you here – don’t worry about the collection plate, or being on a committee, or if you fit in – just being here. Joining with us in worship. That is the greatest of all blessings, the greatest of all gifts, for a Church, for a community of faith.

This parish lives this inclusiveness every day. Even on our annual meeting day we are not just counting beans. We recognize that everyone has a place in this gathering. As one of my favorite songs says:

All God's creatures got a place in the choir,
Some sing low and some sing higher;
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire,
Some just clap their hands, their paws or anything they got now!

According to the song: Whether you’re a bullfrog who croaks, a hippopotamus who moans and groans with a big to-toot. You might be the old cow, or a dog or cat, or a honey bee humming or cricket with a fiddle. You might be a donkey or pony or a badger. Your place is here.

Here, where the little birds sing, and the hoot owl cries over everything, and the blackbird disagrees. Here, where we sing night and day: little ducks, otters and porcupines; the ox, the fox and the grizzly bear, the alligator and the hog, the weasel and the turtle dove: All sing:

All God's creatures got a place in the choir,
Some sing low and some sing higher;
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire,
Some just clap their hands, their paws or anything they got now!

Hands, their paws or anything they got now!
Hands, their paws or anything they got now!

One of the most beautiful things about this parish is your deep desire to show that God’s realm, the Church is for everyone. Everyone can find a place here. Everyone has a place in the choir that is the St. Paul’s Church community!

It is a joy to serve the Lord in any way that we are able. Simon Peter and his mother-in-law served the Lord in different ways. Each of us have skills that are useful in our ministry as God’s people to proclaim the Gospel.

1 Corinthians 9:16

If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel!

Today we have cause to celebrate, not to boast, that the Gospel is entrusted to us to be proclaimed. The Annual Report that you hold in your hands is in part a financial accounting of what we did in 2014 and what is planned for this year. But mostly that report contains actual information about our ministry, the things we did and the things we do to proclaim God’s love and justice in the world. Amen.