Worship Planning Tools - August 2023

6 August 2023

13 August 2023

20 August 2023

27 August 2023

Worship Resources

6 August 2023

Ordinary Time (Proper 13)

Matthew 14:13-21/

14:12-18 IV

Blessed by Generosity

Additional Scriptures

Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Romans 9:1-5; Doctrine and Covenants 163:10a-b

Preparation

Ahead of time, ask someone to portray Apostle Paul, sitting at a desk, offering words of wisdom to the congregation in the Confession portion of the service.

Prelude

Welcome and Sharing

Call to Worship

Doctrine and Covenants 163:10a-b

Hymn of Praise

Praise

“Gather Us In” CCS 72 OR “O Lord, Grace Our Communion”

CCS 80 OR “Now in This Moment” CCS 96

Scripture Speaks our Confession

Based on Romans 9:1-5

Confession

Read this passage as if Paul was writing this letter to us today. It was all those years ago that I felt a heaviness and sorrow in my heart when I spoke to my brothers and sisters. I must confess that the sorrow is still there as I realize that some feel that I was not being truthful when I said that the Holy Spirit had confirmed to me that it was Jesus who was to fulfill the prophecy of the Coming Messiah.

I was failing to convince them. They knew of all the things that God had given us: the law, the covenants, the promises. Why could they not believe that God had given us the greatest gift of all in Jesus?

Perhaps, here today, some of you yearn to share with others the comfort and hope you feel in God’s love and promises. If so, you will understand that my sorrow is great at their lack of faith. If only everyone could accept the gift of Jesus.

Just as I prayed with my Roman brothers and sisters, I pray with you now, that you would find the joy and fulfillment that comes when we journey with God and know God’s love; a love that was manifest in the coming of Jesus Christ. I will always believe that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. We all are blessed through God’s generosity.

Pastoral Prayer of Assurance

Scripture Reading

Matthew 14:13-21

Proclamation

Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn

CCS 522 OR “Come, Know My Joy, the Maker Says”

“Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ”

CCS 518 OR “The Wedding Guests Were Waiting”

CCS 37

Message

Based on Mattew 14:13-21

Disciples’ Generous Response Statement

We know that this miracle story was of great importance to the early church because it is found in all four Gospels. It has been suggested that it was read regularly when early Christians gathered at the Eucharist.

One of the lessons of this scripture is the awesome responsibility that God has entrusted to us. Jesus did not feed the five thousand. He told the disciples to do it. God has entrusted us to be the hands and feet through which God’s work is done in the world. Our call is to active ministry that meets human need. God does not work alone, but through people like you and me. To follow Jesus is to express our faith in concrete acts of love, justice, and compassion toward others.

In what ways have we been blessed and are now called to pass these blessings on to people in need? The gifts we have, no matter how meager we perceive them to be, become bounty in the hands of Jesus.

In all congregations of the Community of Christ, the first Sunday of each month focuses the Disciples’ Generous Response on Abolish Poverty, End Suffering, which includes Oblation ministry.

During this time of a Disciple’s Generous Response, we focus on aligning our hearts with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. Through our offerings, we are able to tangibly express our gratitude to God, who is the giver of all.

As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

For further resources, visit www.CofChrist.org/disciples-generous-response-tools.

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.

Guided Meditation

Spend a few minutes remembering your experience with the sacrament of Communion. Recall the details of the words, prayers, rituals, and the symbols that have been involved. How have these experiences brought peace, healing, and blessing to you and to others?

Silent Meditation Prayer

God who invites us to this meal, Hear our confession. We have not been the peacemakers you have called us to be. Forgive us.

Grant us awareness of your activity in our world so that we might see the potential for your kin-dom on earth and our role in it.

Through this sacrament, remind us of the cost of discipleship and give us courage to face those challenges for the sake of peace on earth. In the name of the Prince of Peace, Amen.

For additional ideas: Find this day’s Prayer for Peace service on the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org

Communion Scripture Reading: Mark 14:12-26

Communion Message

Hymn of Preparation

“Coming Together for Wine and for Bread”

CCS 529

CCS 516 OR “As We Gather at Your Table” CCS 523 OR “O Lord, How Can It Be”

Invitation to Communion

All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different of added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

Blessing and Serving of Bread and Wine Commitment

Closing Hymn

“We Lift Our Voices”

CCS 618 OR “As Saints of Old”

CCS 304

CCS 620 OR “Sometimes We Wait, Expecting God”

Benediction

God, we have come with praise and gratitude. Thank you for speaking to us anew today. In faith and in trust, we have opened our ears and our minds to you. God, you see us as we truly are, with our secrets and shames, our dreams and hopes. And you strengthen us with your grace and your love. Bless us now with perseverance to find new ways of living your peace and in the wisdom of your Spirit. We are grateful for this time of worship, which has renewed and strengthened us to live out the blessings we receive from you. Amen.

Postlude

Sermon Helps

Sermon Helps Year A Ordinary Time (Proper 13)

Matthew 14:13-21

Exploring the Scripture

What would you do? What would you say? Jesus had just heard the news. His baptizer, his friend, John the Baptist was beheaded; murdered at the hands of King Herod. Jesus needed a quiet place to reflect on his loss, so after a long day of sharing his witness he got in a boat simply to be alone.

This story, this miracle, is the only story told in all the Gospels. It is a story of God’s grace and generosity through compassionate acts of healing, of blessing, and of feeding. So important were these acts that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John needed to tell it again and again.

But the crowd followed Jesus, and even though he sought quiet, his generous heart was overflowing with God’s compassion. So he spent the rest of the day walking among them, placing his hands on them, and healing those who were sick. He blessed those whose lives needed new purpose, those needing a new way, the Jesus way!

So, it was natural that at the end of a long day of ministry and the tragic news about the loss of a friend, the disciples, wanting to protect Jesus, wanted to send the crowd home. But Jesus knew the day was not over for the crowd was hungry. But how would they feed such a large crowd when all they had were five loaves of bread and two fish?

The disciples saw through eyes of scarcity but Jesus’ vision was of a generous God who has enough and to spare; a communion where there is enough of God through Christ for all to be filled by God’s grace. Jesus blesses the bread and fish so all may eat together, all may be fed, and all blessed.

Central Ideas

1. God is generous and desires through compassionate acts of healing, blessing, and feeding to commune with us.

2. As disciples, many times we live out our witness from a position of scarcity when everything about Jesus’ life speaks to us from God’s generosity.

3. Many times in our wish to be alone (for seemingly good reasons) it is better to be together. “Remember there is no such thing as ‘your bread’ or ‘my bread’; there is only ‘our bread’, as in ‘give us this day our daily bread’” (Barbara Brown Taylor, Seeds of Heaven, Westminster, 2004, ISBN 9780664228866, 53).

Questions for the Speaker

1. How do you experience God’s generosity in your life?

2. Do you live life from a spirit of scarcity or from a spirit of generosity?

3. What compassionate acts of healing, blessing, and feeding have you recently experienced?

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources

Year A

Ordinary Time Proper 13

Matthew 14:13-21 NRSV

Gathering

Welcome

Ordinary Time is the period in the Christian Calendar from Pentecost to Advent. This part of the Christian calendar is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on our discipleship as individuals and as a faith community.

Prayer for Peace

Ring bell or chime three times slowly. Light Peace Candle

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn: “Sing a New World Into Being” Community of Christ Sings 576

By Mary Louise Bringle

“Sing a new world into being: Risk transforming heart and mind!... Sing a new world into being: Live the promise you believe!”

Daring, Dreaming God, Day after day and week after week, we pray for peace. We work for peace. We carry the pursuit of peace on our shoulders like the work animal carries its load. Today, however, we remember a different kind of difficult: singing peace. To sing is to proclaim your peaceful kingdom! To sing is to risk transformation! To sing is to dream, and it is scary to dream. What if we fail? What if our dream is more a nightmare? What if we fall short of our dream?

Empower us, Daring God, to sing a new world into being. May we carry the song of peace on our lips like the songbird sings each morning, warming up for the day’s work ahead. Help us believe in the words we sing, in the words of peace that you call us to create and live.

In the name of Jesus, who sings the promise, Amen

Spiritual Practice Unity

Read the following to the group:

Our Enduring Principle focus this week is on Unity in Diversity. There is not one person on this earth that is exactly like another person. We are all shaped by our culture, genetics, upbringings, families, experiences, beliefs etc. One thing we all have in common is that we are all divinely made. Unity in diversity is respecting the differences while also honoring the divine in all voices.

“But God has so arranged the body… that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” 1 Cor 2:25-26.

Think back over the past week. Who has shown you compassion in a time when you felt sad or were suffering? Who has rejoiced with you in good things that have happened in your life? Invite people to share.

Who do you know that has endured suffering this week? How were you able to share this burden with them?

Who has had cause to rejoice this week? How have you celebrated with them? Invite people to share.

Offer a short blessing of unity and close with “Amen”

Sharing Around the Table

Matthew 14:13-21 NRSV

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled, and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Jesus had just heard the news. His baptizer, his friend, John the Baptist was murdered at the hands of King Herod. Jesus needed a quiet place to reflect on his loss, so he got in a boat to go somewhere and simply to be alone.

But the crowd followed Jesus, and even though he sought quiet, his heart was overflowing with God’s compassion. He spent the rest of the day walking among them and placing his hands on them. He healed those who were sick. He blessed those in need.

At the end of a long day of ministry and after receiving the tragic news about the loss of a friend, the disciples wanted Jesus to rest. They were ready to send the crowd home. But Jesus knew the people were hungry and wanted the disciples to feed them.

How would they feed such a large crowd when all they had were five loaves of bread and two fish? But Jesus’s compassion and generosity was faithful to a God who has enough and to spare. Jesus blesses the bread and fish and somehow all were able to be filled.

Questions:

1. How do you experience God’s generosity in your life?

2. What compassionate acts of healing or blessing have been meaningful in your life?

3. When has eating with someone deepened your relationship with them and been a blessing to you?

Sending

Generosity Statement

”Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.” Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response. This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

Discipling God,

As we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us to save wisely, spend responsibly, and give generously. In this way may we prepare for the future and create a better tomorrow for our families, friends, the mission of Christ, and the world. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn CCS 276 “All Are Welcome”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Communion

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NRSV

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NRSV.

All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which w e remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience. Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples wh o live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith trad itions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

We share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community. In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings (select one):

515 “In these Moments We Remember”

516 “Coming Together for Wine and for Bread

521 “Let Us Break Bread Together”

525 “Small is the Table”

528 “Eat this Bread”

Thoughts for Children

Today, we are going to try a spiritual practice that reminds us of how much God loves us. Let’s take three deep breaths together.

<3 breaths>

I will read a line from this reading and then we will breathe together. As you breathe in, feel God’s love fill your whole body, as you breath out, feel God’s love surround you.

You don’t have to be good at every subject in school and you don’t have to get perfect grades. You’re already so loved.

<breathe>

You don’t have to be the fastest kid on the playground or the best painter in art class. You’re already so loved.

<breathe>

You don’t have to have the most friends or tell the most jokes. You’re already so loved.

<breathe>

None of those things change how God feels about you. God won’t say, Okay, now I love her just a bit more because, look, she is finally good at playing piano or he is focused all the time. You’re already so loved.

<breathe>

You have nothing to prove. You have nothing to earn. You’re already so loved.

<breathe>

Whether you know it or not, whether you feel it or not, you are so loved. You are so loved. You are so loved.

Let’s take a final breath together.

Adapted from “A Reminder” By Sarah Bessey, A Rhythm of Prayer, Convergent Books. 2021.

Worship Resources

13 August 2023

Why Do We Doubt?

Additional Scriptures

Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b; Romans 10:5-15; Doctrine and Covenants 165:2a-f

Preparation

Ahead of time, ask someone to portray Apostle Paul, sitting at a desk, offering words of wisdom to the congregation in the Confession portion of the service.

Prepare a picture that depicts a scene in the scripture story in Matthew 14:22-33. This picture should be able to be seen by all in the congregation and online. The picture may include the image of the turbulent seas and of the disciples, who are responding in fear to the storm. Perhaps your picture will show the image of Jesus offering reassurance and the disciples responding to Jesus’ saving grace. Perhaps your picture will show Peter reaching out his hand and being saved by Jesus. Be sure you have permission to use this image.

Prelude Welcome

Call to Worship

Psalm 105:1-5

Hymn of Praise

Praise

CCS 104 OR “When Morning Gilds the Skies”

“Sing to God as Sings the Ocean” stanzas 1 and 2

CCS 89 OR “Oh, Sing to the Lord/Cantad al Señor”

Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

Invocation

CCS 88

Response

Disciples’ Generous Response

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 165:2 a-f

Statement

During this time of a Disciple’s Generous Response, we focus on aligning our hearts with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. Through our offerings, we are able to tangibly express our gratitude to God, who is the giver of all.

As you share your mission tithes or if you give through e Tithing, you may use this time to express your gratitude for God’s many gifts in your life and how we respond faithfully to those blessings. When we understand God’s love and grace are freely given to us, we respond out of gratitude and share freely in return.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

For further resources, please visit www.CofChrist.org/disciples-generous-response-tools

Confession

Scripture Speaks our Confession

Based on Romans 10:5-15

Read this passage as if Paul was writing this letter to us today. Law abiding citizens know it is necessary to live righteously by the local civil law. But people who believe must do more than just know in their hearts that God sent Christ Jesus to live among us and that God raised Jesus from the dead. A person of faith who believes must be willing to testify to the non-believers that Jesus came to save everyone no matter who they are or where they are from.

And yet . . . the non-believer isn't going to know that they can call on Jesus unless they have heard the message from a believer. And if there is no process in place to prepare the message and bring it to the world, how will the good news ever be received by nonbelievers and doubters?

Friends, how fortunate we are to have this message to share. As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news." May we never doubt our calling to share the good news.

Hymn of Assurance

CCS 260 OR “Tenderly, Tenderly, Lead Thou Me On”

“Rain Down”

CCS 256 OR “My Peace”

Proclamation

CCS 149

Scripture Reading

Matthew 14:22-33

Focus Moment

Read the storybook, The Voice by R. W. Metlen, Paulist Press, copyright 1999, 2001.

ISBN 0-8091-0527-6. A story about faith and trust.

OR Have Faith!

Create a wavy, crooked line on the floor using masking or painter’s tape, or sidewalk chalk. Invite participants to try to walk on the line with one foot placed in front of the other. After they have tried, briefly tell the story of Peter wanting to walk to Jesus on the water, but when he stepped out of the boat, his fear overcame him. Jesus gave him a helping hand.

Invite the participants to try walking the line again, only this time pair them so that one person is holding the hand of the walker to keep them balanced on the line (or perhaps a person on each side, holding their hands). Gather participants again to discuss and summarize:

When you had a helper, were you able to walk on the line?

Jesus told Peter about faith, and we should have faith in Jesus, too. When you are afraid, or trying something new or difficult, know that Jesus is with you, holding your hand, encouraging your faith.

-Community of Christ Scripture-based Focus Moments, Herald House, p. 21.

Message

Based on Matthew 14:22-33

Visio Divina

Print or project the image you have chosen. In this spiritual practice, we will spend time with an image from today’s scripture story. As we ponder this image, we hope to become open to God’s presence.

Take time to view every nuance of the picture, without critique or judgment. Observe the colors, shapes, shadows, lines, etc. Allow your feelings, memories, and thoughts about the image to arise. Notice and welcome all reactions.

Here are questions to ponder as you view the image:

• What captures your attention in this image?

• Where do you see yourself in this image?

• How is the Spirit calling you through this image?

• What is your response to this image?

After the allotted time, invite several participants to share their responses to these questions. This may be done in small groups or with the congregation as a whole.

Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn

“Calm to the Waves” sing at least twice CCS 158 OR ”In the Quiet of This Day” CCS 161

Commitment

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.

Breathing God’s Compassion Guided Meditation

Notice your breathing and let it become calmer and deeper as you focus on God’s presence. Ask God to breathe in you. Imagine each breath carrying the light of God into every cell in your body until God’s Spirit fills you. Now imagine breathing out God’s compassion and grace each time you exhale. Pray to have the Spirit of God’s peace radiate from your life like the gentle flame of a candle.

Prayer

God, I believe I can hear you whisper “Peace” to my soul when I most need that soothing gift. Please help me to know, even in those moments when I feel betrayed and unworthy and lonely, that your Spirit is always waiting for me. May I be reassured so that I can reassure and love others. Amen

For additional ideas: Find this day’s Prayer for Peace service on the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org.

Closing Hymn

“My Life Flows on in Endless Song”

OR “Lord Jesus, of You I Will Sing/Jésus, je voudrais te chanter”

CCS 263

CCS 556/557

Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

OR “God of Grace and God of Glory”

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Benediction

Gentle God, receive my heart with all its cares and worries consumed. Gently, gently love this heart and by your love be made new.

Whisper deep within my soul of peace and healing’s unending supply.

Whisper, whisper to my soul of truths that transform our lives.

Sending Forth

Holy, holy is the path we walk and run or stumble upon.

Holy, holy is the path we invite God’s light to shine on.

-“Holy is the Path” by Laurie Sharpe, 2021, used with permission.

Go! Do not doubt. Believe! Faithfully follow God’s light.

Postlude

CCS 624

Sermon Helps

Sermon Helps Year A Ordinary Time (Proper 14)

Matthew 14:22-33

Exploring the Scripture

What does it mean to be a disciple and to have faith in Christ? This text from Matthew helps us see understand this question. The basic story appears in three Gospels: Mark 6:45–52, John 6:16–21, and here in Matthew. There is also a small inserted story about Peter with a different ending.

In the first few verses we see Jesus sending away the crowd he had just fed (v. 15–21), and also sending his disciples away in a boat, (v. 22), so he could be alone. Jesus needed time to be intimate with God in prayer. To the early hearers of this text they probably would have connected with Jesus going up to the mountain as Moses did when he went to Mount Sinai. It was a place to be close to God. Remember this text was written predominately for a Jewish audience, people the writer wanted to show that Jesus is God’s anointed, the Messiah.

The passage then describes a scene with the disciples in a boat, where they had been tossed about by strong waves for many hours. Jesus walks to them on the water. In Matthew the disciples are not afraid of the rough sea, but afraid because they think they have seen a ghost. Jesus’ response is to “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” The Greek word used here for “It is I” is the word for “I am,” which would bring intense imagery to the hearers recalling the experience of Moses and the burning bush. Jesus was declaring his divinity, and showed his great power over the sea, which many thought was like a demon. Jesus had power over the chaos so there was no need to fear.

Then Peter calls out to Jesus, so he too can walk on the water. He steps out in faith and when he notices the strong wind, he is afraid again, and starts to sink. He calls out “Lord, save me” and Jesus rescues Peter by reaching out his hand. Interestingly Jesus does not congratulate Peter for trying, but says “You of little faith.” Earlier in Matthew 8:23–27 we see the disciples afraid, and Jesus then asks them “why are you afraid, you of little faith?” The disciples’ lack of faith is a frequent failing in this Gospel. According to Matthew the link between believing, and having confidence in Christ to help us in times of need is important. Is a little faith better than no faith, if we do not exercise that faith?

When Jesus and Peter get back in the boat the disciples worship Jesus. Note the progression from being fearful disciples, to confessing that “Truly you are the Son of God,” to worshiping him. They move from fear to doubt, to confession and worship.

So for us in our hour of need, at times of “dark nights of fear and helplessness” Jesus comes to us and says “Do not be afraid.” As disciples we do not doubt. Our faith is strong and we can be confident.

To “have faith” means that as we engage in Christ’s mission and carry out the Mission Initiatives, we have faith and confidence that Christ is with us. As we step out in faith we can do great deeds, but when we falter, Christ is there to pick us up.

For some scholars this is a story for the church. It is like the church and we (as disciples) exist in the world, with storms and struggles. But Jesus is always available and helps the church and us, in our times of need.

Central Ideas

4. For disciples to have faith in Christ means having strong confidence in God.

5. We may have storms and struggles in life but our faith remains strong. At these times we trust God more.

6. When our faith is little, we move from fear, to doubt, to confession, to worship.

7. We can step out in mission, and when we falter, God is there to help us.

Questions for the Speaker

1. Have there been storms in your life, in the life of the congregation, or in your community in which you have seen faith at work?

2. When have you exercised strong faith in God?

3. Is a little faith better than no faith, if we do not exercise that faith? How will your faith and confidence enable you to witness of Jesus Christ?

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources

Year A

Ordinary Time Proper 14

Matthew 14:22-33 NRSV

Gathering

Welcome

Ordinary Time is the period in the Christian Calendar from Pentecost to Advent. This part of the Christian calendar is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on our discipleship as individuals and as a faith community.

Prayer for Peace

Ring bell or chime three times slowly. Light Peace Candle

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn: “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed,” Community of Christ Sings 633 Negro Spiritual

“Darker midnight lies before us…”

“Lo, the morning soon is breaking…”

“Children, don’t grow weary.”

God of Midnight and Morning,

We are grateful for your presence as we pursue peace. We are grateful to feel your strong yet soft hands holding our weary heads. Each of us has a different path, a different struggle. May we be there for our fellow strivers to hold them in their weariness. And may we be courageous to let them hold us in return.

We strive through the dark midnight.

We strive through the blinding sunrise. We strive for your vision of peace.

Then, as we strive, show us your light. When we can see that light at the end of the tunnel then we know that our pursuit for peace is not in vain, that our fatigue and weary is worth the striving. That there will come a day when all children will be united in peace again.

In the name of Jesus, the ever-burning lamp, Amen

Spiritual Practice Holding in the Light

Our Enduring Principle focus this week is on Blessings in Community. We are called to create communities of peace in our families, neighborhoods, congregations, nations, tribes and around the world. A spiritual practice that helps us feel connected to our communities is called Holding in the Light. It is a form of intercessory prayer/meditation adapted from the Quaker Movement.

We will stand in a circle together. I will have a candle to light in my hand. Each of you will hold your hands out in front of you as if also helping me hold the light.

Pause to let group get situated.

While looking at the light from the candle center yourself and breathe in the word -LOVE, breathe out the word LIGHT. Repeat three times.

Say the names of the loved ones, communities, or countries you are holding light for. You can name them out loud to hold as a group or keep them in your heart.

Pause to let people offer names aloud or silently.

Now imagine these persons being surrounded by the light as bright as the candle. We will hold these loved ones in light for 3 min.

Pause for 3 minutes

- Offer a moment of gratitude for your loved ones, your communities, and this experience of holding in the light.

Next time you see the light of a sunset or sunrise, you can remember to hold a loved one in the light.

Sharing Around the Table

Matthew 14:22-33 NRSV

Immediately he made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward

Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Jesus sends away the crowd he had just fed. He then sends his disciples away in a boat, so he could be alone. Jesus needed time to be intimate with God in prayer.

The passage then describes a scene with the disciples in a boat, where they had been tossed about by strong waves for many hours. Jesus appears to them, walking on the water. In Matthew’s account, the disciples are not afraid of the rough sea, but seeing a figure on the water they think they have seen a ghost. Jesus calls out to them, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” The Greek word used here for “It is I” is the word for “I am,” the way in which God is described at the burning bush. The writer of Matthew is making a point about the divine nature of Jesus. As a divine being, Jesus walks on the water, showing his great power over the demon-like sea. Jesus had power over the chaos so there was no need to fear.

Then Peter calls out to Jesus, asking to walk on the water. He steps out of the boat but when he notices the strong wind, he is afraid again, and starts to sink. He calls out “Lord, save me.” Jesus then rescues Peter by reaching out his hand. Interestingly Jesus does not congratulate Peter for trying but says “You of little faith.” Earlier in Matthew we see the disciples afraid, and Jesus then asks them “why are you afraid, you of little faith?” The disciples’ lack of faith is a frequent failing in this Gospel.

When Jesus and Peter get back in the boat the disciples worship Jesus. They move from fear to doubt, to confession and worship.

To “have faith” means that as we engage in Christ’s mission, we have faith and confidence that Christ is with us. As we step out in faith we can do great deeds, but when we falter, Christ is there to pick us up. For some scholars this is a story for the church. The church exists in a world where there are storms and struggles. But Jesus is always available and helps the church and us, in our times of need.

Questions:

1. Have there been storms in your life where you have been afraid and doubted God’s compassionate presence?

2. Have there been times of turmoil when you have recognized the touch of the Holy Spirit in ways that brought comfort and peace?

3. How can faith be nurtured and increased in community with others?

Sending Generosity Statement

”Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.” Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

Discipling God,

As we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us to save wisely, spend responsibly, and give generously. In this way may we prepare for the future and create a better tomorrow for our families, friends, the mission of Christ, and the world. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn CCS 323 “Let Us Sing a Worldwide Anthem”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

Construction Paper

Pencils

Scissors

Coloring Supplies

What words have you heard used to describe feet? (Let participants share silly adjectives they could use to describe feet, affirm all answers).

Have you ever heard the word BEAUTIFUL to describe peace? The writer of today’s scripture passage says that the feet of those bringing good news are beautiful! When we share good news with others, we spread joy, hope, love, and peace in the world and our feet can be beautiful too! I am going to give you each a piece of construction paper. I want you to trace your foot, though you can leave your shoes on, and cut it out. Once you have your foot outline cut out, I want you to write or draw some good news you can share with others that will help them experience joy, hope, love, and/or peace.

Be prepared to share examples with participants who struggle to come up with good news.

Examples include:

-Invite someone to play with you at recess

-Help a sibling with their chores

-Tell someone in your family something you appreciate about them.

-Choose not to argue with your sibling next time you have a disagreement.

Worship Resources

20 August 2023

Ordinary Time (Proper 15)

Matthew 15:10-28/15:9-27 IV

Speak Truth to Power

Additional Scriptures

Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm 133; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Doctrine and Covenants 151:9; 163:3a-b, 4a; 162:7a

Preparation

Ahead of time, ask someone to portray Apostle Paul, sitting at a desk, offering words of wisdom to the congregation in the Confession portion of the service.

Provide battery-operated votive candles, one for each person present, for use during the Prayer for Peace.

Prelude Praise

Welcome and Call to Worship

Psalm 133:1

Let us worship together in unity!

Hymn of Praise “The

Confession

Scripture Speaks our Confession

Based on Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32.

Read this passage as if Paul was writing this letter to us today.

I write to you today as you seek understanding of your responsibility to speak truth to power. This I know because I was once the one who held a position of power. I used that power to persecute all those who were believers in the coming of Jesus Christ. One day, I stood in silence watching an angry mob stone to death the good disciple, Stephen, because of his unwavering faith in Christ’s message. Then I stood, still silent, as they took the clothes from Stephen’s broken body and laid them at my feet, as if in homage to my position of power.

Still, my heart would not accept the truth that was there before me. I continued on the road to Damascus where I hoped to punish other believers. It was then that a blinding light struck me and brought me to my knees, unable to see or walk. As I lay there, the voice of Jesus spoke to me: “Why do you persecute me?” This was not the voice of condemnation which I so deserved, but the voice of redemption that was so freely offered. I was directed to go and listen and learn the purpose –the truth – of Jesus’ message.

I am no longer the one who stood in silence as Stephen was stoned. Now my life is dedicated to speaking out against any injustice. I beg of you to do the same. Speak out against injustice! Speak out about your belief in the mission of Jesus Christ! Do not stand in silence. Find your voice and your path to bring the message of peace and justice!

Hymn of Confession

“Kyrie Eleison”

Proclamation

CCS 208

CCS 184 OR ”God Weeps” CCS 212 OR “It’s Me, It’s Me, O Lord”

Prayer for Peace

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 163:3a-b

Statement

The Human Rights Team was established by World Conference action in 1984 to continue a careful but sustained exploration of how the church can respond to human rights issues around the world from our peace and justice perspective. The team informs church members about critical issues of injustice; offers information and / or training materials to help congregations partner with other human rights organizations and movements specifically working to secure human rights; and focuses on listening for and giving voice to the voiceless.

Community of Christ is called to be “in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of Jesus Christ to bear on their lives” (Doctrine and Covenants 151:9). We have been admonished to “open your ears to hear the pleading of mothers and fathers in all nations who desperately seek a future of hope for their children. Do not turn away from them. For in their welfare resides your welfare” (Doctrine and Covenants 163:4a).

In 2018, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights turned 70. The Human Rights Team invites all Community of Christ members to renew their commitment to confront human rights violations everywhere.

Listen to the messages from those who have devoted their lives and used their voices to Speak Truth to Power .

Speaking Truth to Power see below

…in Mozambique

…in Central America

…in Prisons

Light the Peace Candles.

Invite participants to light an individual votive candle as a way to confess our inactivity and commitment to try speaking truth to power.

“Let us make a commitment to do what we can, however little, to promote peace and harmony around us. To actually take action and to take action every day . . .not make a promise that is just words.”

-Dr. Jane Goodall

Peace Hymn Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

“Let There Be Peace on Earth” CCS 307 OR “Peace, Salaam, Shalom” CCS 310 OR “When the Poor Ones/Cuando el pobre” CCS 290/291

Participants should be encouraged to keep their candles lit for the rest of the service along with an invitation to take the candle with them as a reminder to speak truth to power.

For additional ideas: Find this day’s Prayer for Peace service on the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org

Message

Based on Matthew 15:10-28

Disciples’ Generous Response Statement

Commitment

During this time of a Disciple’s Generous Response, we focus on aligning our hearts with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. Through our offerings, we are able to tangibly express our gratitude to God, who is the giver of all.

As you share your mission tithes or if you give through e Tithing, you may use this time to express your gratitude for God’s many gifts in your life and how we respond faithfully to those blessings. When we understand God’s love and grace are freely given to us, we respond out of gratitude and share freely in return.

We are called to give to our true capacity . . . and to give not just money, but our time, our energy, our compassion, our forgiveness, our prayers. We are called to give what is needed. How will we allow our faith to strengthen us and respond to all who are in need of God’s healing ministry?

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 162:7a

Blessing of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

The Dalai Lama is a Tibetan spiritual leader. Early in his life, the Dali Lama fled into exile in northern India and never returned to Tibet. He felt forced to flee his homeland because the Chinese government has murdered, massacred, tortured, or starved to death over a million Tibetans.

In their effort to eradicate Tibetan culture and identity, the Chinese forced Tibetans to dress like Chinese, to profess atheism, to burn books, and to condemn, humiliate, and kill their elders and teachers. And yet, the Dalai Lama inspires Tibetans to embrace their beliefs and has demanded that we think of those who have stolen his land and massacred his people, not as murderers and thieves, but as human beings deserving of forgiveness and compassion.

In his quest to benefit others, he wrote this prayer. We offer it now as a prayer over our offerings.

May I become at all times both now and forever

A protector for those without protection

A guide for those who have lost their way

A ship for those with oceans to cross A bridge for those with rivers to cross

A sanctuary for those in danger

A lamp for those without light

A place of rugs for those who lack shelter

And a servant to all in need.

-Dalai Lama

May that which we bring this day be acceptable in God’s sight. Amen.

Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

For further resources, please visit www.CofChrist.org/disciples-generous-response-tools.

Sending Forth

Let us close with the words of Marian Wright Edelman, one of the great inspirational leaders of our time. She is the founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund, the foremost children’s advocacy organization in the United States:

“Commitment is both a gift of God and the luck of circumstance. . . Mrs. Mae Bertha Carter said it very eloquently when she said, “God has a purpose for all of us. And so God builds in those strengths to do what you have to do.” And I think she was echoing Kierkegaard who said that everybody needs to open up the envelope of their soul and get their orders from inside of you. And nobody ever said that it was going to be easy. But you have to try.”

Go speak truth to power!

Speaking Truth to Power in Mozambique Abubacar Sultan, Mozambique

The war in Mozambique from 1985 – 1992 left 250,000 children displaced and 200,000 orphaned, while tens of thousands were forcibly recruited and forced into combat. Sultan has devoted his life to rescue the children of war and children’s rights.

“I hope that someday we will have a world in which children can be treated like children again and in which they can be given all the opportunity they deserve as human beings. I imagine a world in which “humanness” would be the guiding principle behind rules and laws. I hope that someday we will reach this ideal.”

Speaking Truth to Power in Central America

Oscar Arias Sanchez

Arias has long advocated for peace in Central America. On the day he was inaugurated as the president of Costa Rica, he called for an alliance for democracy and social and economic liberty throughout Latin America. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending conflict in the region.

“Courage means standing with your values, principles, convictions, and ideals under all circumstances – no matter what. If you stick to your principles, you will often have to confront powerful interests. Having courage means doing this without fear. It means having the courage to change things.

Speaking Truth to Power in Prisons

Helen Prejean

Prejean has made a lifetime commitment to the abolition of the death penalty and has led a worldwide campaign against capital punishment.

“My dream is that human rights is what’s going to bring us into the new millennium, that the more and more we grow into the sense of our community, our respect for each other, the dignity of people, that we can learn much better how to build a society. It come back to me, the goodness, and that goodness inspires, energizes. You know how when Jesus was executed he said, ‘Father, forgive them, they know not what they are doing?’ I really think that that lack of consciousness and awareness is what makes us so insensitive to each other, and so we do these things to each other. If we bring people to consciousness and their own best hearts, they will respond. And so that is what we have to do.”

-Adapted from Speak Truth to Power, 2000, by Kerry Kennedy, edited by Nan Richardson

Sermon Helps

Sermon Helps Year A Ordinary Time (Proper 15)

Matthew 15:10-28

Exploring the Scripture

Have you ever drawn an imaginary line in your mind and said on this issue or circumstance I will not cross it? Our scripture setting finds Jesus in just such a place. Jesus left the familiar Jewish territory and crossed into the Gentile territory. One may wonder why he would do this. He needed some quiet time with God. Jesus knew as long as he stayed within reach of the Pharisees and scribes, there would be no rest. If he traveled into non-Jewish territory, there was hope of rest. He needed rest to prepare himself for what was to come next. He needed to connect with God, get refueled, and to make a plan. So here Jesus stands in an unfamiliar place and is confronted by a woman from Canaan who is thought of as an “outsider” to everyone traveling with Jesus. Stop and consider then how surprised Jesus must have been when this outsider addresses him as “Lord, Son of David.” Even those whose homes and towns he just came from did not see him in this light! Jesus wasn’t well understood or accepted in his native Jewish land. And here this outsider came to Jesus with a deep need in her life and an enduring faith because her child was suffering, and she recognized him as “Lord.”

At first the disciples, and even Jesus, wanted to send her away. This Canaanite woman wasn’t who he came to save. But she would not go; she was persistent in her faith. She came in an attitude of worship for she knelt in front of him. She came with great faith and in an attitude of prayer. She came to Jesus not as an outsider but as a woman whose faith was an example even for Jesus’ closest disciples as well as for us today.

A preacher once said faith is the assurance of things hoped for, wrought (shaped) by the Spirit of God in the soul of each person. The woman’s faith, wrought by God’s Spirit, freed Jesus to cross a line to heal her daughter. Her faith in him helped him see her differently. He was changed by her faith. We are challenged to also be willing to be changed by other people’s faith. Every day we are confronted by “outsiders,”

those lines we’ve drawn in our lives and said, “No, I cannot go there.” But every day Jesus is there to strengthen our faith by shaping our hearts so we may respond in love and heal in his name.

This week we ask Jesus to “hear us, Lord.” This woman’s faith is an example for us, to help us reflect on what it means to have faith in our lives, and to help strengthen the faith of the congregation and our community. What does it mean to respect “outsiders” and their need for healing ministry? What does it mean to learn from them, by that opening our hearts to be changed by God’s Spirit? What does it mean to be persistent in our own faith, just as the woman was persistent in hers?

Central Ideas

1. Every day we are confronted with lifelines we have drawn. Will we allow our faith in Christ to strengthen us to cross these lines and respond to outsiders needing God’s healing ministry?

2. Every day is an opportunity to affirm that Jesus is Lord, but we must do so in an attitude of prayer and with great faith.

3. The call to serve the Lord may lead us into uncomfortable places and circumstances where we must depend on God for our response.

Questions for the Speaker

1. What lines have you drawn in your life that you must confront and cross?

2. How will you recognize Christ as Savior in worship and faith?

3. Who are the “outsiders” in your life seeking entrance into your heart? How will you respond?

4. When was the most recent time you were confronted by an outsider? How did you feel? How did you respond? How do you wish you had responded?

5. What does it mean to ask, “Hear us, Lord”?

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources

Year A

Ordinary Time Proper 15

Matthew 15:10-28 NRSV

Gathering

Welcome

Ordinary Time is the period in the Christian Calendar from Pentecost to Advent. This part of the Christian calendar is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on our discipleship as individuals and as a faith community.

Prayer for Peace

Ring bell or chime three times slowly. Light Peace Candle

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn: “You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore,” Community of Christ Sings 582

By Cesareo Gabarain

“You need my hands, my exhaustion, Working love for the rest of the weary–A love that’s willing to go on loving.”

Spirit of Searching,

It is difficult to keep searching for and working for peace. It is difficult to live out your command to love one another. It is difficult not to. God, be with us in our exhaustion that comes from traveling the noble river of peace. May we feel your comforting and energizing presence.

The tides ebb and flow, and the seasons do, too. Our quest for peace must not. We must persist. Help us to go on loving, to go on pursuing peace. When it feels like we’ve said the same thing, we’ve fought the same fight, and we’ve forgiven the same wrongs over and over, open our ears to your call. May we be willing to abandon our small boats in the pursuit of peace. Draw us to the lakeshore, to the community that quests alongside us. In the name of Jesus, who is the wind in our sails, Amen

Spiritual Practice

Receiving with Gratitude

Enduring Principles are the foundation of Community of Christ. Today we are focusing on Grace and Generosity. The first thing we do in this life is receive. Our first breath is a gift we receive. The spiritual practice for today, is in breath prayer form. During the prayer we use words to breathe in and words to breathe out. Today we will be breathing in the words, Receive Life, and breathing out the words, Thank You.

Slowly read the following instructions: Sit with relaxed posture and close your eyes. We will spend 3 minutes in breath prayer.

Breathe in a regular, natural rhythm.

As you breath in, Receive Life, as you exhale respond with Thank You.

Breathe in and out, focusing on what you are breathing in and what you are exhaling.

Watch the time for 3 minutes. Urge participants to continue the breath prayer for the full three minutes.

When time is up ask the following questions for a short group discussion to follow:

What is one thing you are grateful for in this moment?

How do you feel about Receiving?

After the discussion say the following:

Thank you, God, for another day. Thank you for the opportunity to connect with others, to receive and to give to one another. Amen.

Sharing Around the Table

Matthew 15:10-28 NRSV

Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that moment.

Have you ever drawn an imaginary line in your mind and said on this issue or circumstance I will not cross it? Our scripture setting finds Jesus in just such a place. He needed some quiet time with God. Jesus knew as long as he stayed within reach of the Pharisees and scribes, there would be no rest. If he traveled into non-Jewish territory, there was hope of needed respite. So here Jesus stands in an unfamiliar place and is confronted by a woman from Canaan who is thought of as an “outsider” to everyone traveling with Jesus. Consider then how surprised Jesus must have been when this outsider addresses him as “Lord, Son of David.” Even those whose homes and towns he just came from did not see him in this light!

At first the disciples, and even Jesus, wanted to send her away. This Canaanite woman wasn’t who he came to save. But she would not go; she was persistent in her conviction that Jesus could help her daughter. Her faith is an example even for Jesus’ closest disciples as well as for disciples today. The woman’s faith freed Jesus from his unwillingness to engage with her and liberated him to cross a cultural boundary and heal her daughter. Her faith in him helped him see her differently. He was changed by her faith. This story helps us reflect on what it means to be persistent in our own faith, just as the woman was persistent in hers.

Questions:

1. What lines have you drawn in your life that the spirit is calling you to cross?

2. When was the most recent time you were confronted by an outsider? How did you feel? How did you respond? How do you wish you had responded?

3. Who are the “outsiders” in your life seeking entrance into your heart? How will you respond?

Sending

Generosity Statement

”Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.” Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response: Discipling God,

As we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us to save wisely, spend responsibly, and give generously. In this way may we prepare for the future and create a better tomorrow for our families, friends, the mission of Christ, and the world. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn CCS 10 “How Shall We Find You”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

Pictures or cutouts of heart

Coloring Supplies

Some people think that if they make an irresponsible choice, God will take away the gifts God has given them or will stop asking them to participate in God’s work in the world. Today’s scripture passage reminds us that this isn’t true. There is nothing you can do that will make God stop loving you and God will not take away your giftedness as punishment nor will God stop calling you to participate in God’s work. God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable or can’t be taken back.

Even though God always loves us, gifts us, and calls us, sometimes, we can feel like we are not worthy of God’s love, gifts, or calling. I am going to give you each a picture of a heart and I would like you to draw yourself inside of it. Next time you feel like you aren’t worthy of God’s love, gifts, or calling, look at this heart, see yourself surrounded by God’s love, and remember that all people are of inestimable worth.

Worship Resources

27 August 2023

Ordinary Time (Proper 16)

Romans 12:1-8

Be Transformed

Additional Scriptures

Exodus 1:8 2:10; Psalm 124; Matthew 16:13-20; Doctrine and Covenants 161:c-d

Preparation

Ahead of time, ask someone to portray Apostle Paul, sitting at a desk, offering words of wisdom to the congregation in the Confession portion of the service.

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Doctrine and Covenants 161:c-d

Poem

What Is the Journey?

Praise

It is a journey in justice, not judgment. Its ethic is love, not law. Its signposts neither rule nor regulate.

Its mandate is the constant heartbeat of compassion that affirms the worth of each soul.

It is a path of inward and outward transformation.

A path where we leave behind who we once were to become who God calls us to be.

We let go of traditions and proscriptions which give voice to some while silencing others.

A path of adventure and discovery of new horizons beckons and births new understandings.

It is a journey of seeing with new eyes, hearing with new ears, and discerning new truths.

A journey of hospitality where joy, hope, love, and peace are living words. –Danny Belrose, “Together on the Road: A Trilogy,” part 2

Hymn of Pilgrimage

“Take the Path of the Disciple”

CCS 553

CCS 558 OR “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me”

Invocation Response

Disciples’ Generous Response

Scripture Speaks our Confession

Confession

Based on Romans 12:1-8. Read this passage, as if Paul was writing this letter to us today.

If you are going to understand the will of God, you need to transform the way you think. Don't believe that God is calling upon you to physically sacrifice your wellbeing. Understand that you are being asked to live your life according to God’s plan for you rather than your plan.

Through God's grace each of you has been given gifts that you are to share with others. Don't let yourself become so proud of those gifts that you want to use them to enhance others' opinion of you. Understand that your gift is meant to be interwoven into the life of others in order to allow your congregation to become one whole, perfect body serving God's purpose.

There is no one gift that is more pleasing to God than another. The gift of being a leader is no more important than the gift of being compassionate or of being cheerful in your giving of your presence or resources.

As the world around you changes continue to be open to discerning God's will for you.

Statement

Paul’s message to the Romans, and to us, helps prepare us as we focus on our giving. This scripture supports the guidance we receive through one of our Enduring Principles, “All are Called.”

In the Community of Christ, our Enduring Principles define the essence, heart, and soul of our faith community. These Principles remind us of how we express the personality of our church throughout the world. As we reflect on what we are called to give to our world, let us hear the guidance within the “All Are Called”

Principle:

God graciously gives people gifts and opportunities to do good and to share in God’s purposes. Jesus Christ invites people to follow him by becoming disciples who share his life and ministry. We respond faithfully, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to our best understanding of God’s call.

In this moment, we are reminded that the giving of our time, talent, and treasures as Generous Disciples, is a faithful response.

During this time of a Disciple’s Generous Response, we focus on aligning our hearts with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. Through our offerings, we tangibly express our gratitude to God, who is the giver of all.

As you share your mission tithes or if you give through e Tithing, you may use this time to express your gratitude for God’s many gifts in your life and how we respond faithfully to those blessings. When we understand God’s love and grace are freely given to us, we respond out of gratitude and share freely in return.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

For further resources, please visit www.CofChrist.org/disciples-generous-response-tools

Proclamation

Scripture Reading

Romans 12:1-8

Hymn of Transformation

“Spirit, Open My Heart” CCS 564 OR “Transform Us” CCS 569 OR “When the World Is Babbling Round Us”

Message

Based on Roman 12:1-8

Prayer for Peace Reading

OR

Commitment

CCS 217

“The Home of Transformation,” p. 95 in Prayer Seeds by Joyce Rupp. https://smile.amazon.com/Prayer-Seeds-Gathering-BlessingsReflections/dp/1933495987/ref=sr_1_1?crid=391T3R1KHCCVZ&keywords=pra yer+seeds+joyce+rupp&qid=1657825721&sprefix=prayer+seeds%2Caps%2C295 &sr=8-1

God continues to call us to discern, listen, hear the voice that echoes across the eons of time. Prophetic people are captured by the divine dream of wholeness unfolding in the creation. As disciples of the one who embodied God’s shalom, let us strain our eyes to see the pattern he saw and open our ears to hear the music he heard as we become the peace of Christ in God’s world.

-Carolyn Brock, “Discernment: Transformative Practice for a Prophet People,” September 2021

https://cofchrist.org/articles/discernment-transformative-practice-for-aprophetic-people/

Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer

We are grateful for this flame, which represents the light of Christ in our lives. May this light shine in us and be shared in loving and peaceful ways.

God of Peace, Create in me a spirit of peace that reflects the peace I know in you. Help me to share this peace with those I love and with those I don’t love. Open the eyes of my heart that I may recognize your presence in everyone. I pray that peace will be known by all through my words and my actions. Soften any hardness in my heart that I may share the gift of your peace to all in my life. Bless those I love and those I don’t love. Bless my journey and bless me to always know that I am worthy of the peace that is found through you. Amen

For additional ideas: Find this day’s Prayer for Peace service on the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org.

Closing Hymn

570 OR “Christ Has Called Us to New Visions”

“God, Whose Grace Redeems Our Story”

566 OR “In the Bulb There Is a Flower”

Sermon Helps

Sermon Helps Year A Letters Ordinary Time (Proper 16)

Romans 12:1-8

Exploring the Scripture

Today’s passage addresses two issues: 1) self-sacrifice as a replacement for self-absorption, and 2) transformation to the pattern of Christ rather than conforming to the norms of this world.

In previous verses, Paul presented God’s love, justification, sanctification, and grace as gifts from God against a backdrop of God’s righteousness. In Romans 12:1-2, Paul examines the only suitable gift humans can give back to God: themselves. In a world where martyrdom was often glorified, Paul stresses Christians’ need to live for Christ rather than actively seeking to die for Christ.

Ritual sacrifice was common in Paul’s world of the first century. In Judaism, such practices grew out of Israel’s covenantal relationship as a worshiping community and Yahweh as the God who lived among them. For Yahweh to truly “tabernacle” with them, the people must be holy and undefiled. The Sinaitic covenant provided a way for the people, individually and collectively, to become right with God through laws and sacrificial offerings. Over time, the sacrificial system decayed to a blunt and empty ritual, robbed of its purpose in effecting forgiveness in people’s lives.

Paul transforms the ritual sacrifice of slain beasts into human “living sacrifice” as a commitment to ethical action. It meant renouncing the values and priorities of the human world in favor of God’s values. “Present your bodies [whole selves] holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (12:1). Spiritual worship (of mind and spirit) involves giving up the idols which try to rule our lives and our selfish egos to devote our lives to God’s will.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds…” (v.2). Conformed means fully molding the self into a chosen pattern. Conformity to the societal norm is a safety net for bruised self-esteem, causing us to comply with what the world demands rather than that which is of God. It sets up a contrast between this broken age and God’s new creation. Jesus of Nazareth refused to be conformed to the social order of his day. Instead, he overturned the purity system that held the poor and marginalized in bondage by affirming and acting out the worth of women, children, disabled people, lepers, and Samaritans. Jesus stood firmly against the corruption in the temple and the abuse of power by leaders. He taught and lived an ethic of love and mercy that transformed lives and brought hope. He ushered in the new age of resurrection and new life.

Our God-given faith in Jesus Christ provides a standard against which we can measure our progress in being conformed to Christ-like living. That gift of faith is different for diverse individuals, so the path of discipleship varies among members. But all are integral to the whole Body of Christ. All members belong to one another within the community.

In the human body, the arms, legs, lungs, eyes, and other parts have diverse appearances and responsibilities. So also, in the church community, people have various gifts, purposes, and callings. Paul’s list of duties resembles a list of priesthood offices long before specific titles were granted on various ministries. Note “the compassionate,” called to the ministry of

cheerfulness. God-given abilities and callings are provided to be used for the benefit of the entire community, not just for the sake of the individual.

Central Ideas

1. Paul stresses Christians’ need to live for Christ rather than actively seeking to die for Christ.

2. Jesus of Nazareth refused to be conformed to his day’s social order, a pattern we are called to mirror.

3. The path of discipleship varies among members, but all are integral to the whole Body of Christ.

4. In the church community, individuals have various gifts, purposes, and callings to be used for the whole community’s sake.

Questions for the Speaker

1. What would it mean to die for Christ in your world? What would it mean to live for Christ? Which is more challenging for you?

2. Are you comfortable with your “measure of faith?” Why or why not? What portion of your faith is a gift from God, and how much depends on your own choices?

3. How has your path of discipleship enabled you to reject being conformed to this world? How has it transformed you for the sake of God’s “kin-dom”?

4. How does Paul’s list of roles and functions within the church community compare to Community of Christ priesthood offices? What is the significance of your analysis?

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources

Year A, Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 16

Romans 12:1–8 NRSV

Gathering

Welcome

Ordinary Time is the Christian calendar period from Pentecost to Advent. This part of the Christian calendar is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on our discipleship as individuals and as a faith community.

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Today’s prayer for peace is inspired by Community of Christ Sings 234, “There Is a Balm in Gilead,” a Negro spiritual.

Sometimes I feel discouraged

And think my work’s in vain

But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.

Healing God, in the moments of fear, angst, and destruction that we see in the news around the world, we feel discouraged. How can we, as individuals and small communities, respond? How can our prayers and actions reach communities that we may never meet?

Our prayers for peace feel inadequate in the face of it all, yet we are reminded that in you all things are possible. In you, the balm of Gilead flows to soothe and heal the fears and pains of the world. In you, the Spirit flows and reminds us that simple acts can have lasting impact. That starting locally to remind our neighbors that we love them can create ripples through our community as people find their worth again. That as communities rise up and recognize the actions they can take to make the wounded whole, other communities can join in.

Healing God, is that how the balm of Gilead spreads? Is it through simple actions that lift up the spirit of others? Is it through community actions that call for justice in a war-torn world? God, in this unique moment, we ask that you help us spread the balm of Gilead, the soothing healing power of your Spirit, across our neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities we don’t yet know, so the wounded may be healed, the hungry may be fed, and the tyranny of injustice overturned. Bless these acts. Amen

Spiritual Practice

Body Prayer

Today we are focusing on an Enduring Principle, Sacredness of Creation. Our bodies are amazing gifts. Sometimes we don’t feel fully connected to our bodies. Our bodies often know things before we allow our mind to think them. When we pray with the movement of our whole body, we can receive different insights than while in our normal prayer stance.

Read the following to the group:

I will show you the movements with some explanations. Then we will repeat the movements three times silently together.

We start with our hands in prayer pose (hands pressed together in front of you). This centers us.

We raise our arms high. This opens us to the all-encompassing love of God. We put our hands on our hearts. This reminds us to listen to our voice within. We open our hands in front of our bodies. This offers our love to others

We lift our hands to the sky. This reminds us to be open to all. We bring our hands down. This helps us gather and bring all to our heart. We bring our hands back to prayer pose. This brings us back to stillness and peace. Repeat the movements three times. Read the following to the group: Bow to one another and say, “Namaste” (I bow to you).

Sharing Around the Table

Romans 12:1–8 NRSV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Ritual sacrifice was common in Paul’s world of the first century. In Judaism, such practices grew from Israel’s covenantal relationship as a worshiping community and Yahweh as the God who lived among them. The Sinai covenant provided a way for people, individually and collectively, to become right with God through laws and sacrificial offerings. However, the sacrificial system had decayed to a blunt and empty ritual, robbed of its original intent in effecting forgiveness in people’s lives.

Paul transforms the ritual sacrifice into a “living sacrifice.” Offering oneself as a living sacrifice is to commit to ethical action. As a living sacrifice, we renounce the priorities and practices of the human world in favor of God’s priorities and purpose. This means giving up the idols of money, status, and power that try to rule our lives and instead, devoting our lives to God’s purposes.

Conformity to the societal norm is a safety net for bruised self-esteem, causing us to comply with what the world demands rather than what God wants. Jesus refused to be conformed to the social order of his day. Instead, he overturned the purity system that held the poor and marginalized in bondage. He affirmed the worth of women, children, disabled people, lepers, and Samaritans. He taught and lived an ethic of love and mercy that transformed lives and brought hope.

Our God-given faith in Jesus Christ provides a standard against which we can measure our progress in conforming to Christ-like living. How we engage in God’s purposes varies among Jesus followers. But all are integral to the whole body of Christ.

Questions

1. How have you felt pressured to conform to societal norms that are contrary to God’s purposes?

2. What are some idols of the world that tempt or distract you?

3. How are you deepening your commitment to living discipleship as a follower of Jesus?

Sending Generosity Statement

Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response. This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

Discipling God, as we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us to save wisely, spend responsibly, and give generously. In this way may we prepare for the future and create a better tomorrow for our families, friends, the mission of Christ, and the world. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

CCS 280, “Lord, Prepare Me”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• crayons (separated into color groups)

• picture to color

Give each person a picture to color and one color of crayon. When children begin to look confused or question why they each have only one color, ask: Why would you need more than one color? (Affirm all answers.)

Just like the pictures are more beautiful when we have more colors to use, today’s scripture reminds us that our world is more beautiful when we contribute our unique gifts. If people keep a crayon color to themselves, our picture is less complete. If people keep their gifts to themselves, our world is less complete. We each are gifted in ways that can help us make the world a better place. For example, one of my gifts is _______________ and I use this gift to make the world better by ________________.

Ask: What are some of your gifts, and how do you use them to make the world a better place? (Affirm all answers.)

Say: Thank you for sharing the gifts God has given you to make the world a better place! Facilitate crayon swapping so all children can use multiple colors in finishing their picture.