Pilgrimage of Transport

Saturday 13 February 2021

Drysdale Uniting Church

“And they took the colt to Jesus. Then they threw their cloaks over the animal and helped Jesus on.”

Luke 19: 35-36

Drysdale Uniting Church—Reaching out with God’s love and care

1

ONE MORE STEP

One more step along the way I go,One more step along the way I go,From the old things to the new,Keep me travelling along with you.

And it’s from the old I travel to the new.Keep me travelling along with you.

Round the corners of the world I turn,More and more about the world I learn.All the new things that I see,You’ll be looking at along with me.

As I travel through the bad and good,Keep me travelling the way I should.Where I see no way to go,You’ll be telling me the way I know.

Give me courage when the world is rough.Keep me loving though the world is tough.Leap and sing in all I do,Keep me travelling along with you.

© Sydney Carter and Stainer Bell Ltd.Used under license LicenSing # A262

2

OPENING

Welcome and Introduction

Call to worship

We come, God of the Journey, a people from different places, different histories, and different lifestyles.We come hoping to find companionship for the journey, solidarity for the struggle.

We yearn, with Christ as our foundation, for a new way of living and relating... as neighbours not strangers, as brothers and sisters, not ‘them and us’.We yearn to live fully celebrating both the diversity of our human family, and the unity of our call to love and justice.

We hunger, God of Abundant Life, for lives that have meaning and integrity, and for relationships grounded in mutuality and respect.We thirst for places to bring our doubts, our fears; places to express honestly who we are. We thirst for hope and encouragement as we struggle to keep Jesus as our foundation in the way of life-risking love.

With the gift of your grace we are nourished.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge today the Wathaurong people, the original custodians of this great land that God has provided for us, and as we start our pilgrimage we pay due respect to their elders, past and present.

LITURGY FOR STATION ONE: ANIMALS

Opening Words – Star Wars

RontoGentle and strong, rontos are favoured pack animals for Tatooine’s Jawas. Travellers to the desert planet’s settlement routinely see rontos swaying under the weight of their cargoes and Jawa passengers.

The whole universe is a gift of God.Animals too are precious gifts and modes of transport for humanity.

3

Call to Worship:Bless the Lord, all you his creatures, And forget not all his benefits.

Reading: Luke 19:29-36

29 When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They said, “The Lord needs it.” 35 Then they

brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road.

Reflection

Domesticated and packed animals have always been the backbone of life in ancient Mediterranean communities. Donkeys were used to transport silk and other trade products; they used to assist farmers with cultivating their lands as well as bearing the labours of war. Animals such as donkeys and camels were excellent modes of transport in diverse terrains and they adapted well to desert, rocky and mountainous context as well as dirt roads and open fields.

The Nativity stories depict Joseph and Mary using a donkey on their journey to Bethlehem, as well as wise men on camels visiting Jesus.

The Good Samaritan also uses his donkey to transport a seriously injured man to a place of healing and restoration.

The passion narrative on Palm Sunday depicts Jesus using a donkey for his triumphant journey into Jerusalem.

Pondering

Animals used for transportation are loyal, gentle, and hardworking creatures dedicated to their task of safe journey from one place to another.

Have you ever ridden a horse, donkey or camel? Give thanks for the gift of transportation using animals?

4

Prayer

God is with us in the pilgrimage of life.

We give thanks for the gift of animals that have and continue to serve us in our journey through passages of harsh terrains to those of peaceful serene paths.

We praise God for their strength, loyalty, gentleness, and commitment that ensure peoples’ safety.

We pray for all animals especially those that suffer traumas on the journey. May all people offer love and care for these animals that they too may flourish in the care and respect they deserve as special part of the God’s creation, through our acts of kindness and hospitality. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Blessing

The Lord is my compass, I shall not wander.He brings me across the rough deserts.He steers me in the rocky terrains.He keeps my journey.He guides me beneath the stars of his creation for his name’s sake.Yes, though I ride through the desert and valleys of life,I shall fear no anger, for you are with me.

Song (v1)

On the way

As we walk together to the next Station, let’s look out for animals that may form part of the transport industry.

LITURGY FOR STATION TWO: WALKING

Gathering and conversation

Call to worship

As we walk along we give thanks to God for the gift of walking.

God we thank you for the people who have walked this way for thousands of year.

5

May we, the people who live, work and tread the pathways of the Bellarine, now walk in the light of Jesus.

Scripture reading: Luke 24:13-16

Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem.

And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

So it was, while they conversed and reasoned that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.

But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know him.

Reflection

We walk, left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot. Travelling along the pathway to school, work, to catch a bus or to enjoy the pleasure of walking.

The bible gives us many examples of walking. Moses led the people of Israel through the Red sea and out into the desert. For many years the children of Israel walked and camped until God lead them to the Promised Land.

Shepherds walked to see the baby who the angels had proclaimed to be the Messiah.

Two disciples walked and talked while travelling to Emmaus.

When we walk we look ahead to make sure we will not trip or bump into something in front of us. If we walk with someone by our side we can easily chat without getting out of breath, unless of course we are climbing a steep hill.

The disciples on the road to Emmaus were chatting about all the things that had happened in the last few days, including the crucifixion of their beloved leader and the women’s visit to the empty tomb.

The stranger joining them was not recognised as Jesus until he took the bread, blessed and broke it.

When does Jesus walk with you on your journey of life?

Is he with you in your time of sadness? Yes.

Is he with you in your time of sorry? Yes.

Is he with you in your hospital room? Yes.

Is he also with you in your time of happiness? Yes.

Is he with you when you stand in awe of God’s creation? Yes.

6

Jesus is with us all the time.

Prayer

Jesus, walk with us today and every day.Be our comfort and our guide; always being by our side.When we come to rocks and stones, help us find a smoother path.When the climb is very hard and we become weary of the journey, help us with a friendly hand. Amen.

From Hymn 601 in Together in Song - verses 1 & 2

O Master, let me walk with theeIn lowly paths of service free;Thy secret tells; help me to bearThe strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to moveBy some clear winning word of love;Teach me the wayward feet to stayAnd guide me in the homeward way.

Song (v2)

On the way

As we walk together to the next Station, let’s look out how the developers of this area have provided for walkers.

LITURGY FOR STATION THREE: TRAINS

Gathering and conversation

Scripture Reading: Genesis 45:19-28 New International Version

19 “You are also directed to tell them, ‘Do this: Take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come. 20 Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours.’”

21 So the sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them carts, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he also gave them provisions for their journey. 22 To each of them he gave new clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels[a] of silver and five sets of clothes. 23 And this is what

7

he sent to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other provisions for his journey. 24 Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!”

25 So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. 26 They told him, “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.” Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them. 27 But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 And Israel said, “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”

Prayer

Loving God,We come to You -- not with sacrifice, but in praise of mercy. We ask for your mercy and healing on all those who are lost and broken, riding the rails of a runaway train of despair or sin. Send forth the Spirit of Your Son to be the healer and light to their pain and darkness. And send us forth, as merciful disciples of Your Son, to continue His mission. Don't let us settle for "saving the saved," but remind us to cross the tracks, as Jesus did, to bring light and peace to those who most need it. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Reflection

How many of us know people who are on "runaway trains?" How many of us are on one themselves? The simple reminder of the gospels is that our God is a God who cares about people on runaway trains. In fact, in the person of Jesus, God makes a point to search out the sick and hurting. Jesus was known for the company he kept and often he was the "blowtorch burning" for "fireflies without lights." And if that scandalised the prim, the proper, or the self-righteous, he would remind them that to such belonged his mission. So, if we know people who've bought tickets on those trains, let us remember the special place they have with Jesus. And if we are the ones on that train, there is only one conductor qualified to lead us off, one physician who can heal our every ill.

The Genesis reading used talks about the equivalent of today’s trains – carts pulled by donkeys for transporting people, their belongings and their produce. Trains, and trams, become the common mass carrier. Today the railroad that we see here is no longer for the transport of produce as in years past but as a tourist railroad, transporting people for fun. Locally we know this to be a popular activity, but we remember that in other places trains are important for the transporting of people and produce – our country very much depends on it.

Our focus painting for this year is by Claude Monet, called the Railroad Bridge Viewed from the Port. What do you see in this painting?

8

Song (v3)

On the way

We set forth again taking in the views of the railway line and its cutting through the countryside. Think about the runaway trains and people that you might have experienced.

LITURGY FOR STATION FOUR: BUSES

Gathering and conversation

Reading: Genesis 37 (The Message)

23-24 When Joseph reached his brothers, they ripped off the fancy coat he was wearing, grabbed him, and threw him into a cistern. The cistern was dry; there wasn’t any water in it.

25-27 Then they sat down to eat their supper. Looking up, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites on their way from Gilead, their camels loaded with spices, ointments, and perfumes to sell in Egypt. Judah said, “Brothers, what are we going to get out of killing our brother and concealing the evidence? Let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites, but let’s not kill him—he is, after all, our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed.

9

Reflection

Like the last stopping point this one looks at forms of mass transport; in this case, buses are only for people. As we stand here opposite the bus depot we think about the various uses of the bus.

Firstly, we think of transport of people travelling from one place to the next. In our bible reading we heard about the Ishmaelites travelling from Gilead to Egypt as a caravan – a group of people with a string of camels; some carrying people, some carrying goods for sale, some carrying the necessities for travel – tents, food, cooking requirements. Bus transport provides an easy, simple and efficient means of transport – reducing the number of vehicles needed on the road, satisfying the needs of people without vehicles.

Secondly, we think of buses operating to transport school children – to get to the school in the first place and for travel on excursions and activities during the day.

Third use of buses is for tourists to travel around on holidays. In this case, the bus is normally called a coach, where they may be a bit more comfort, and even toilet facilities.

Bus transport involves the driver and the passengers. Drivers have a responsibility to safely get the passengers from one point to another; passengers have the responsibility to adhere to the rules and look after their own safety. We know that in many cases that bus safety can be a problem due to the behaviour of some passengers.

The “bus” in our bible reading is being used for transport and Joseph becomes a commodity for sale at a profit. The caravan drivers in case must protect Joseph their cargo so that they can sell him a profit, but they still have that responsibility for the care of him.

Buses remind us of the care responsibility by all.

Poem: Shelter

We are not at a shelter here but we know that they exist along the bus route as a sign of the stopping point for the bus and offering some protection to the weather for the waiting passengers.

We a (Hide)a bus stop

with a shelter. remote but

standing tall. surrounded by

bleak countryside where no one

10

lives at all. does anyone get off here?

just who the hell gets on?

where does the bus that stops here go?

and where does it come from?

Prayer

Father, we thank you for the patience and dedication of bus drivers, who are entrusted with the safety and care of their passengers.Watch over all bus drivers, we pray, and guide them, in your mercy, that they, and their passengers, may reach their intended destinations, safely and securely.We especially pray for school bus drivers, who have the extra responsibility because of the age of the school children.We pray in Jesus name, Amen.

Song (v4)

Moving on

As we travel to our next station we think about the work of everyone who has responsibility for others.

LITURGY FOR STATION FIVE: BOATS

Gathering and conversation

Prayer

Lord as we gather overlooking the water and see boats of varying sizes and purposes, let us remember those whose lives are in turmoil. We pray for refugees, whose lives are in such a state that they are willing to board a boat bound for who knows where just to have a better chance at a safe future. We pray for those who hold these people’s futures in their hands. May they be guided by the love shown by your son Jesus. We pray for those whose lives are affected adversely by COVID, and ask that you grant them peace. Amen

11

Reading: Mark 4: 35-41

35 On the evening of that same day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they left the crowd; the disciples got into the boat in which Jesus was already sitting, and they took him with them. Other boats were there too. 37 Suddenly a strong wind blew up, and the waves began to spill over into the boat, so that it was about to fill with water. 38 Jesus was in the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow. The disciples woke him up and said, “Teacher, don't you care that we are about to die?”

39 Jesus stood up and commanded the wind, “Be quiet!” and he said to the waves, “Be still!” The wind died down, and there was a great calm. 40 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Why are you frightened? Do you still have no faith?”

41 But they were terribly afraid and began to say to one another, “Who is this man? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

How often have you heard the term ‘We’re all in the same boat?’ In 2020 it seemed to be the catchphrase of the year. At first I thought it was quite a good example of how the whole world was going through the traumatic experience of facing a world-wide pandemic caused by a virus about which very little was known. But as time progressed, and people were affected in different ways, I realized that the boats we were in varied greatly. Some people were in the equivalent of a cruise ship. Eating well (often with food being delivered right to the door), getting plenty of rest, not having to do much of anything at all, or actually finding that they now had time to do the things they enjoyed but usually didn’t find time to do. The harshest thing experienced by some people was not being able to see children and grandchildren, and having to resort to ‘Zooming’ instead. (This is probably a good description of my personal experience of ‘lock-down’). Some people were in a comfortable little fishing boat, having to do some work albeit in a different manner than they were used to, some having to work even harder than usual due to home schooling of children etc., but nothing too traumatic going on. Still earning enough money to pay the bills, and some even getting more time to spend with family than they were used to. And then there were the people whose boat was not much more than a floating piece of flotsam, which is defined as debris in the water that was not deliberately thrown overboard, often as a result from a shipwreck or accident. These people may have lost their jobs altogether, or be surviving on a much lesser income than they need, some unable to meet rent or mortgage payments or put food on the table, trying desperately to keep their heads above water amid the floating wreckage around them. Some may have lost loved ones without being able to spend time with them leading up to their loss.

Who do you think from these groups of people would benefit from reading the passage from Mark that tells us about Jesus calming the storm? There are so many lessons for us all in this passage.

The first lesson is in the first two verses of the passage. Jesus says to his disciples ‘let us go to the other side of the lake’. The disciples don’t question him at all, although being fishermen they would certainly have had some experience of the weather and should have realized that a storm was brewing. But they trusted Jesus, and did as he asked. We can all benefit from trusting Jesus, and answering his call. It may not be convenient sometimes, or it may feel like it

12

would be easier to ignore what Christ calls us to do. It may even seem a little dangerous. But like the disciples, we need to listen for the call, and obey it.

Verses 37 and 38 tell of a storm blowing up and the disciples obviously feeling in danger, but Jesus sleeps peacefully in the back of the boat. The disciples begin to wonder if Jesus really cares about them at all. They feel that they are in danger of dying in the storm, and yet Jesus isn’t worried at all. How often must people today, particularly those in the third group described earlier, feel that the world is crashing down around them and they are in danger of losing everything? Many people feel that God has deserted them, that he really doesn’t care, and that their lives are of no interest to him, if in fact he exists at all. To those who have little knowledge of God, this is a natural reaction. ‘If there is a God, why does he let bad things happen to good people? Why does he allow innocent people to get sick? Why does he not care that my life is nothing but a huge struggle?’

Jesus is not concerned about the storm because he knows more than we do. He knows that God does care, and that he will bring us through the disasters that occur in our lives. Being loved by God does not mean that we are exempt from the troubles of life, but it does mean that he is there for us to lean on, and to pick up the pieces left behind.

And in verses 39 and 40 we hear Jesus calm the storm, telling the wind to be quiet, and the waves to be still – and they obey. God is in control, even though sometimes it is hard for us to see this in the midst of the storms of our lives. And Jesus asks ‘Why are you frightened? Do you still have no faith?’ We are frightened by this pandemic, frightened by the way it affects the lives of our loved ones, frightened by what may happen if it is not controlled. But let’s not lose our faith that God is in control. We should pray for God to give knowledge to the medical professionals, and wisdom to leaders who set the boundaries of how we must behave to reduce the risks to our health.

And in the final verse the disciples ask ‘Who is this man? Even the wind and waves obey him’. We know who this man is – he is Jesus, the son of God – and if we learn to put our trust in him completely, he will calm the storms of our lives.

“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still have calm in your heart.” (Unknown)

“Sometimes God calms the storm. Sometimes He lets the storm rage, and He calms His child.” (Unknown)

Poem: Peace: A Poem about the Storms

The waves rage all around, threatening to pull me under.

13

The harsh wind whips wildly, and the skies roar with thunder.

In my fear I cry out,“Lord, don’t You see this gale?”In despair I look upat the wind beating the sail.

Water pours into the boat;my dread continues to grow.My terror increasesuntil it is all I know.

Yet again I exclaim,“Lord, don’t You care if I drown?This is too much for me.Lord, these waves will pull me down!”

He looks at me with grace,as I tremble in this storm.I want Him to stop this,yet He does not perform.

“Quiet. Be still,” He says.but the squall does not cease.At this I am surprised,and still the winds don’t decrease.

“I speak, not to the storm,but to you,” says my King.“Peace. Be still,” He repeats.“To My peace, you need to cling.

“Peace is not for the storm,to calm the wind or the wave.Peace is for you, My friend,and it will make your heart brave.

“I come not for the storm,for a storm there will always be.But to you I bring peace,and your heart can rest in Me.”

Song (v1)

14

Thanks

Blessing

At this ending of our pilgrimage we give thanks to God for – The meaning behind our theme of Transport The weather that has allowed us to be together Those who prepared the liturgy Those who have participated in walking and driving, sharing and taking part.

Above all God, we are grateful that we have been able to share with you our thoughts, spoken or unspoken, about the value and beauty of your world. To you we pray, Amen.

Grace before lunch

Leader: As we pause before lunch, may we be nourished with this food, and the food and fellowship that God provides.

Pilgrims: Thanks be to God for food and fellowship enjoyed. Amen.

15

Acknowledgements:

This resource was developed at the initiative of the Drysdale Uniting Church, following the success of the Pilgrimage to Living Water developed by the Uniting Church in Australia, Assembly Spirituality Network in 2011. Other Pilgrimages developed by Drysdale Uniting Church have been:

Pilgrimage to Living Stones in 2012,Pilgrimage to Trees of Life in 2013, Pilgrimage to Sea of Life in 2014/15, Pilgrimage to Living Land in 2016, Pilgrimage of Sky and Air in 2017, Pilgrimage of Bypassing or Passing by in 2018, Pilgrimage to History in 2019, andPilgrimage to Storytelling 2020.

All are available from Drysdale Uniting Church at drysdaleuc@yahoo.com.au

This year’s liturgy has been written by Rev Temukisa Amituana’i-Vaeluaga, Denise McLaverty, Wayne Myers, and Jenni Nickelson. Use of this material in other places is welcomed with acknowledgement given to Drysdale Uniting Church for its production.

The picture used on the cover page is from https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F490329478156052783%2F&psig=AOvVaw3pWd7Z8_K0zHOVMdkWhGTN&ust=1612572858273000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCPDt45TE0e4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

The images used in Liturgy for Animals are from Google images and the Star Wars website and the Blessing is adapted from Psalm 23.

In the Liturgy for Walking the words of the hymn O Master, let me walk with thee are used from Together in Song.

The painting used during the Liturgy for Trains is “The Railroad Bridge Viewed from the Port” (Le Pont du chemin de fer à Argenteuil) by Claude Monet (1840–1926), 1873, in Private collection.

The prayer and reflection in Liturgy for Trains are adapted from https://www.ncca.org.au/prayer/prayer-points/item/194-prayer-service-runaway-train

In the Liturgy for Buses the poem is by Gary Radice (2021) from https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/shelter_1319260

The poem “Peace: A Poem about the Storms” by Tatianna Fuerniss (2020) in Liturgy for Boats is from https://www.authenticallyjoyful.com/blog/peacepoem

The prayer in Liturgy for Buses is adapted from https://www.facebook.com/QueenofArchangels/posts/our-daily-prayera-

prayer-for-bus-driversfather-we-thank-you-for-the-patience-and/1791167777785132/

The words for the song “One more step” are by Sydney Carter and Stainer Bell Ltd. and used under license LicenSing # A262

© Drysdale Uniting Church, PO Box 240, Drysdale, Victoria

16