Happy Anniversary, Calvary Church (Ecclesiastes 3:1-5)

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In 1885 – We were talking about the Statue of Liberty newly arrived in New York Harbour, like the biggest Lego set ever. Canada was 18 years old. We were talking about Queen Victoria, and about Louis Riel.  We were talking about the first complete continuous train journey from Montreal to the Pacific coast. 

In 1885... We gathered to worship for the first time and... 

• dressed in our long skirts with frills and bustles. Dressed in whalebone corsets, and big hats  
• dressed in tail-coats and starched white button-on collars. In top hats, shiny and black to be removed at the door 

... we spoke together for the first time the words of the Lord’s Prayer, 

“Our Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name...” 

Because whatever else we were talking about in 1885, we were talking about Jesus. 

 ______

In 1902 –  We were talking about Canada’s first movie theatre opening in Vancouver. About Cuba’s new-gained independence. We were talking about Australia, the first nation to give women the vote in national elections. And although we weren’t talking about it yet, 1902 was the year Foster Hewitt was born. 

 

In 1902... We gathered to worship for the first time in the light of these sanctuary windows, in our newly renovated building bought from a Methodist congregation and...  

• dressed in floor length skirts, with sleeves down to the wrist. In big poofy shoulders, and white gloves  
• dressed in 3 piece suits with long jackets, starched shirt-fronts, and high collars 

... we spoke together the words of the Lord’s Prayer,

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven...”  

Because whatever else we were talking about in 1902, we were talking about Jesus. 

______

In 1945 -  We were talking about the rumours and the news of what had really been going on in Europe during World War 2. About Jackie Robinson signing a contract with the Montreal Royals baseball team, the first Major League affiliate team to break the colour barrier. We were talking about what it was like to continue living with war-time rationing of basic food and supplies. Gasoline, sugar, and wine. 

 

In 1945... We gathered to worship and... 

• dressed in clothes we made ourselves out of what fabric was available, in simpler styles, with shorter skirts, and just a hint of the military  
• dressed in either second-hand 'demob' suits given to returning soldiers, or (or a few who were lucky or stylish) zoot suits. Long and baggy, with tight ankles so you didn’t trip over your trousers. Snappy fedora hats 

... we spoke together the words of the Lord’s Prayer,

“Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us...”  

Because whatever else we were talking about in 1945, we were talking about Jesus. 

 _____

In 1985 – We were talking about this new thing called ‘the World Wide Web.’ People could share information across the planet without picking up a phone or buying a stamp. (Wouldn’t it be great to have that at home? Just like in science fiction.) We were talking about the new gadget called the Walkman. We could walk around anywhere, listening to a cassette of the latest Huey Lewis and the News. Or The Imperials. 

 

In 1985... We gathered to worship in this place, celebrated 100 years, and... 

• dressed in our designer jeans (in my high school, they had to be Jordache) and Flashdance sweatshirts. Or for the more conservative among us, Laura Ashley dresses 
• dressed in (you know who you are!) white linen jackets, pastel t-shirts, skinny neckties, squared off at the end. And everywhere, big, big hair! 

... we spoke together the words of the Lord’s Prayer,

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one...”   

Because whatever else we were talking about in 1985, we were talking about Jesus. 

 ______

In 2020 – We were talking about Covid-19. We were talking about (someday, hopefully) not having to talk about Covid-19. 

 

In 2020... We gathered to worship and... 

• dressed in pyjamas, or in our most comforting clothes, some of which didn’t quite fit the same after a while  
• dressed for Zoom rooms, in a nice blouse and full makeup... with sweatpants. In a shirt and tie... with cargo shorts. We gathered if not in body, then in spirit, at once loving and hating that wondrous World Wide Web 

... spoke together the words of the Lord’s Prayer,

“For Yours is the Kingdom, the power and the Glory, Forever and ever...”  

Because whatever else we were talking about in 2020, we were talking about Jesus. 

 ______

In 2024 – What are we talking about? Politics. War. (No change there.) Climate change. The housing crisis. The opioid crisis. AI. Taylor Swift.   

 

In 2024... we gather to worship and...  

• dressed in Yugi-O T-shirts. Stylish dresses. Frayed, comfortable jeans. Suit jackets. Whatever we need to wear to work this afternoon  
• wearing loose-laced runners. High heels. Shiny leather shoes   

... whatever else we’re talking about, we’re talking about Jesus.  

 

We’re talking to Jesus. 

 

We’re still asking, like the apostles did that day,

“Lord, teach us to pray.” 

 Teach us not just the words, but the heart. Not just the religious exercise, ticking a box at the end of the day, but the heart-habit. The ongoing conversation with the One who started the conversation, and who punctuated it with the ultimate mic drop moment. 

 “It is finished.”  

Our story isn't finished yet. We still have things to talk about. Work to accomplish. Adventures to take. Fashions to regret. Struggles to fight. Grieving to do. Candles to blow out and cake to eat. 

 

Calvary Baptist, Happy Anniversary!  

 

And thank you. And thank God. 

Amen. 

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