Terry Paul Choyce
January 27th, 2008, Brunswick Street United Church
My father's only sister lives in Arizona. When I was growing up, everyone on his side of the family kept telling me "You are just like Elsie." I assumed they meant I looked like Elsie did when she was my age.
I was in my late 40's when I really got to know my Aunt Elsie. It turns out we have similar personalities, interests, out-look on life, health problems, and, yes, we do look a bit alike. A real shock was the books of quotes she pulled out for me to see. She'd been saving quotes for 50 years. Well, I'd only been writing them down for 25 years, so my book was much smaller. But how many of you have a book of quotes that have inspired you?
To me this was proof of how much heredity affects who we are. Our family shapes us by what genetics we inherit, how and where we live, what values are taught to us, and how we are treated and educated. Our family is the most influential factor in our lives.
My Aunt Elsie and I email each other constantly. I'd like to share with you an email she sent me about praying with your fingers:
1. Your thumb is nearest you.. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you, your family, friends, and co-workers.
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
I think this is really good advice for all of us. Our families are important, but so is everyone else in the world. We are all dependent on each other. We are all God's children, regardless of where we were born. We should therefore pray for everyone, in addition to treating everyone with respect. Our differences are minor compared to our commonalities.
Think of a beautiful garden. Aren't you thrilled when the first little crocus pops up? It is a not a big showy flower, but we are all excited when we see it. And then comes the sturdy, dependable tulips, who stay hidden in bulbs all winter, then shoot up in the spring. Roses, geraniums, carnations, daisies, lilies - there are so many gorgeous flowers, and each of them look and smell differently. I have never seen a flower I don't like. It should be the same with people.
This week is Christian Unity Week, when all of the church denominations honour each other. Every week should be about Christian unity, and world unity. Our differences should make us special, not cause us to distrust or dislike each other. There is so much we can learn from and enjoy about every religion, every culture, and every person on earth. Like in a big family, there are distinct differences in each person, but the real roots are the same. We are like a beautiful garden.
Every family has a mother. Many of you here today have one of the best mothers ever created, and that is Hazel Andrews. This is her 80th birthday, and we have gathered to celebrate a life lived with love, loyalty, generosity, selflessness, music, and laughter. Hazel raised 8 great children, and she took care of her brother John until he died last year. She dedicated her life to the health, happiness, and education of her family. Often her life was not easy, but Hazel is not one to complain. She is a strong, optimistic, and very capable woman, and her family is very blessed to have her.
This church owes a huge debt of gratitude to Hazel. She has been a part of this church since she was a child, and went to the then large Sunday School, and to church camp. She has been one of the key workers in the church, especially in the last few years. From managing our finances, to keeping in contact with our older members, to being on the Mission board, to singing in the choir, to serving communion, Hazel has dedicated countless hours to the service of Brunswick St. United Church. I can't imagine church without her.
On a personal note, I have greatly appreciated her openness to new ways of thinking and doing. I have a fairly nontraditional theology, and Hazel has never said a negative word to me about some of the topics and concepts I have presented. In fact, she asks for copies of some of my most controversial sermons. And she is always eager to learn new music, to the extent that she wanted to spend her brother John's memorial money on the new hymn books you are now holding, More Voices. She is not afraid of change. Now, if only we could get her to use a computer, she just might transform the whole country with her progressive thoughts and loving ways.
Our New Testament reading today included these words (Romans 12:6-13)
We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us. The person who has the gift of prophecy should use that gift in agreement with the faith. Anyone who has the gift of serving should serve. Anyone who has the gift of teaching should teach. Whoever has the gift of encouraging others should encourage. Whoever has the gift of giving to others should give freely. Anyone who has the gift of being a leader should try hard when he leads. Whoever has the gift of showing mercy to others should do so with joy.
Your love must be real. Hate what is evil, and hold on to what is good. Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves. Do not be lazy but work hard, serving the Lord with all your heart. Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times. Share with God's people who need help. Bring strangers in need into your homes.
I chose this reading because it fits Hazel to a T. And I chose it because it is a wonderful message for all of us. Love each other like brothers and sisters. Share with all of God's people - which is everyone. Because, the truth is, we are all God's family.
"A Faithful Woman" (adapted from Proverbs 31:10-30)
When one meets a faithful woman, the moment is an awakening.
She has committed her heart to goodness,
and the world has an unfailing friend.
She develops her gifts with joy, she empowers those around her.
She will dance in response to song,
she will grieve in response to pain.
She is decisive with wisdom and insight,
with compassion she makes her choices.
Life for her has purpose and patterns, yet she bows before its mystery.
©Terry Paul Choyce. Used with permission from the author.
