September 28 2025 Sermon
TODAY IS A DAY SET ASIDE FOR US TO CELEBRATE AND GIVE THANKS FOR GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IN PROVIDING A SACRED SPACE TO WORSHIP GOD AND IN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP SERVE OUR NEIGHBOUR. EARLIER IN THE SERVICE WE MARKED BY PRAYER THE BAPTISMAL FONT AND THE LECTERN. AT THIS TIME WE OFFER A PRAYER AT THE PULPIT
AT THE PULPIT
Almighty God, we have heard your words to us in holy scripture, and know your call to each of us. In every age you have spoken through the voices of prophets, pastors, and teachers. We give you thanks that over the years we have heard you speak to us through the preaching of your word in this place. Grant that those who preach in this place may proclaim the crucified and risen Christ and interpret your word with sensitivity and insight, that we may hear that word inwardly and respond to it in all our life. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, your living Word. Amen.
From Father Bill Steinmen’s history of St Barnabas entitled by To the glory of God and the Salvation of All, words engraved on the cornerstone of this building and laid in June of 1893. In that history we learn that in 1870, the Reverend Henry Holland, rector of St George’s Church in St Catharines, foresaw a need for church expansion to the less affluent area of the city’s east side and the Mission of St Barnabas was born.
Fr. Bill tells us that Fr. Holland emphasized three principles which were to guide the new congregation: seating was to be free so that “none will be disbarred by inability to rent seating” (many churches at the time rented pews as a means to raising income); 2nd choral services led by a surpliced choir and based on the Book of Common Prayer a tip of the pen to the Anglo-Catholic spiritual which is also reflected in the very architecture of this church. Thirdly at St Barnabas, Holland imagined a “spirit of mission to the wider community would prevail.”
This third principle, that a “spirit of mission to the wider community would prevail.” aligns beautifully with the gospel reading assigned to us on this 16th Sunday after Pentecost. The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus picks up where we left off last Sunday with Jesus’ teaching his followers about wealth. Today’s reading is stark in its clarity. What one does with their wealth has eternal consequences.
In in the ancient world in which Jesus was preaching, as in our day, vast disparities in wealth were common. Many, like Lazarus, were utterly dependent upon the generosity of others. It was a societal expectation that those with great wealth would act as a patron to the unfortunate beggars at their gate. That the rich man did not share even the scraps from his sumptuous daily feasts with the beggar, that he was indifferent to Lazarus’ wounds, that when the rich man, tormented with thirst in the afterlife wanted the beggar to wet his tongue, are actions that condemned him.
By word and example Jesus embodied, care of the poor. From the words of the beatitudes to laying down his life for the salvation of poor sinners Jesus offers the way to life eternal. God remains faithful, through Jesus and those who follow in his way.
I have had several opportunities to show clergy around our property. I describe our buildings as two lungs; the sacred space of the sanctuary Worship and nurture by the word and sacrament exercising our love of God, and the large hall, the library space of community, fellowship and service.
Hunger – northend church approaching 14,000 meals served in 2025. Over 20,000 through meal kits, gathing people in to cook together in a community kitchen, providing a fresh produce market and weekly café, surely this is to be celebrated and a “spirit of mission to the wider community does prevail.”
The lungs in the human body work in sync, the love of God and neighbour are aligned.
Spiritual hunger – Northend Church – has recently begun an Alpha program before their Wednesday outreach, they offer prayers and a brief reflection on Saturday. Food for the soul, food and clothing for the body.
How will God’s faithfulness be expressed in the future? That is yet to be determined. But surely in the days ahead God will continue to call faithful and generous people to share their bounty with those who are in need. St Barnabas will, in the words and imagination of Father Holland our founding priest, continue with a spirit of mission to the wider community would prevail. +