Voice

 The link for this week's live-streamed service is here

I have had a most unusual week. I lost my voice -- not just my singing voice -- my whole voice. On Sunday afternoon I began getting hoarse and by Sunday evening I could not make a sound. Dr. Google explained that I had aphonia. 

In the spirit of "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone," I've brooded on my voiceless status.

As we've just finished the Christmas season, my predicament brought to mind Zachariah. He was struck dumb because he did not believe the angel, sent to him by the Lord. In my case, the affliction was more likely the result of a viral infection than Divine judgement, but the consequences could be viewed as similar.

• Being mute is dangerous. I could not call out a warning. I had to bang something, or throw something or make physical contact with my audience to get attention. If I had seen a truck bearing down on an unsuspecting pedestrian, disaster would have overtaken us before I could sound the alarm. Similarly, I could not call out for help if I were in dire circumstances.
• It is isolating. I could not take part in conversation except by nodding and shrugging and pointing. Not a very effective way to communicate complicated thoughts. I missed book club for that reason.
• It damages relationships. My brother phoned from Ontario -- Christmas mail had finally gotten through-- but I could not talk to him. I could listen, but someone else had to relay my gesticulated responses.
• Being unable to speak is frightening. Again, Dr. Google suggested two to three weeks of silence. I have many plans for the next three weeks that include visiting with friends and family from away. What if I couldn't speak when we met? 
• My sense of identity suffered. Voice conveys so much more than mere words. We speak of an "author's voice" that indefinable something that marks their work as unique to that writer. All the colour, nuance, inflection, tone, rhythm of speech -- or singing--mean as much or more than our words. Without a voice, all those communication tools are lost. 

Apart from Zachariah, the Bible has many references to those who do not speak. Sometimes they are struck dumb as a punishment from God. Sometimes they are possessed by demons. Sometimes it is through ignorance. Sometimes it is by choice .
I have read and heard these passages many times but "mute" didn't carry a lot of weight in my mind, certainly not as awful has having your mouth burned with a live coal!

Given my silent week, my understanding has changed dramatically.

Fortunately, I did not suffer the full three weeks suggested in Google. After three days of playing charades -- only fun at a party -- my voice began to return. The first sentence I spoke without effort brought such joy. Only three or four small words, but I was released from my prison of silence. I know that sounds a bit "over the top," for a bout of laryngitis, but it is true.  

I've always loved the scripture of Isaiah 35, especially the part about "then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing."

My voice is coming back, although I am still careful not to put strain on the vocal cords. 

My friend says every trial contains a lesson. In this case the lesson was to increase my empathy for those with no voice, both literally and figuratively. 

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For those who can talk, a reminder that Friendship Coffee takes place this Thurs. Jan, 23, at 10:00 at the church. Come along to visit with your church family, bring a friend, enjoy your voice.

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Ann is celebrating a special birthday this week. She got cake on Sunday -- at least the congregation enjoyed cake on her behalf. Happy Birthday, Ann. 

All creatures of our God and King,                                                           Lift up your voice and with us sing,                                                Alleluia, Alleluia!

Isaiah 66 -- The Glory

This week we will finish our Bible Study of Isaiah. It has been a very long study -- it's a long book -- and we've had many interruptions, so the class will start with a short video reviewing the previous chapters.

Isaiah is a challenge for the students if only because of its time line. The first part is historical record of the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel at the time of Hezekiah. The second part is prophecy about Israel going into exile and third part is about Israel returning from exile. As well, some of the prophetic passages are about Jesus, the suffering servant. Of course, the first hearers of Isaiah's message knew nothing about Jesus Christ. 
Our Bible class has the advantage of history. We know how the prophecies turned out. We know about Christ. To study an Old Testament book requires us to constantly remember the context. This is a time when God sent prophets to His chosen people, but it is long before He sent His son to rescue a fallen people. All in all, a quick review will be a welcome refresher for the study group.

The week after, on May 8, we're going to watch a movie, probably Chariots of Fire. The movie has a strong message about living out our beliefs. It also has a great soundtrack.

Up next will be a less intensive video-based study called  Drive Through History, a kind of travelogue through sacred places in the Holy Land. Just like kids at the end of the school year, we're going to relax, watch videos and enjoy some great discussion -- there might even be popcorn on occasion.

So, if you've been holding back from Bible study because you missed too many lessons on Isaiah, now is the time to come back. If you've never come to Bible study because you thought it would be too hard, now is the time to give it a try. Wednesdays at 9:30 am and 6:30 pm. Time well spent!

Go to the Source

I grew up with the iconic television series, “Perry Mason.” starring Raymond Burr.  It came on an hour past our bedtime, but if we got into our pyjamas and stayed very quiet and unobtrusive, we could usually stay up and watch.  I really wanted to be Della.
So, when I saw a classic movie channel showing a 1930’s film of Perry Mason, I tuned in to watch.  I thought it would be fun to see another actor in the role.
I was astounded.  The Perry Mason in the movie was nothing like the one portrayed by Raymond Burr.  This Perry moonlighted as a chef in a fancy restaurant.  He spent his off hours attending swanky parties and was a bit of a womanizer.  Long-suffering Della wasn’t even invited.
What?!!!
I set out to find the real Perry Mason.  It took some time, but I finally found one of the books by Erle Stanley Gardner. I settled down to discover the character as written by the author. 

We do somewhat the same thing in Bible Study.  Often we think we know what the Bible says - Christian teaching has been part of our culture for generations - but mistakes can creep in. Factions of society may over-emphasize parts of the message and ignore others. Well-meaning people may mix popular myths into the scriptures. If you care about what the Bible says and what it means to your life, check your sources.
This session we will study the Book of Isaiah. Wednesdays at 9:30 am or 6:30 pm. See you there.