Before the service began, the peacefulness of Trinity Church was disrupted by the sounds of banging and grinding from the neighbouring house. This ongoing construction project had been in progress for weeks, and its effects were about to be felt during the worship. The first hymn was I am a new creation.
As Georgina led the congregation in prayer, her voice was joined by distorted pop music. Despite trying various microphones, the only clear audio came from the lectern microphone when Christine did the bible reading. Even the hearing loop was ineffective. Later, it became apparent that the builders were using Bluetooth for their music, and the radio microphones were inadvertently picking up the distorted signal. The bible reading was Mark 10:17-31, a passage about a young man who sought to follow Jesus but was ultimately hindered by his wealth.
Georgina delivered her sermon from the lectern, ensuring a clear message.
Georgina emphasized that riches were not the only obstacle to following Jesus. For some, it might be a relationship, a career, or a habit. Only by having Jesus first in our lives will the message become real and heard through our lives. Jesus calls us to be a new creation, living our lives in and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Before communion Georgina asked us to share the peace as we normally do. It is some years since people have gone about church greeting people with hand shakes and hugs. That's what happened. In the grace of God we stand.