Sacred Space – Small Group Resources

Year A, Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 28

1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 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 357, “Christ, You Call Us All to Service,” by Joy Patterson

Let us be a servant people, reconciling, ending strife, seeking ways more just of sharing and of ord’ring human life

God of service and strife, thank you for your beautiful world! In the clouds, sun, and wind we find inspiration to be your servant people. For the clouds never tire of raining, the sun never tires of shining, and the wind never tires of blowing. Teach us to be relentless and resilient. Remind us that we come from the same earth that the clouds and the wind come from. The light you placed in the sun is the same light you placed in our souls.

Pursuing peace seems endless at times. Endless and repetitive. Just as the green earth needs regular and continual rain, peace needs regular and consistent reconciliation. Just as the rain is beautiful and full of healing, so is reconciliation. Deep in our hearts, hide a passion to ending strife, so that we would continue to search for it within our souls, around our communities, and among our neighbors. May we always seek ways of peace.

In the name of Jesus, the Way of peace Amen

Spiritual Practice

Discernment through Contemplative

Prayer

Today’s spiritual practice focuses on the Enduring Principle of Responsible Choices. We find stories in the scriptures of people reflecting on their history and seeing God’s hand in all of it. When we pause to discern God’s presence in our lives, we can see the divine hand throughout. God’s presence guides us as we seek to make Responsible Choices. One way we can sense God’s presence is through contemplative prayer.

Contemplative prayer is a method of meditation used by Christians to sit in silence with God. When we get quiet and listen to our heart we can discern where God is calling us. Choose a word or phrase as a symbol of your intent to open yourself to God’s presence. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed and repeat your word slowly and silently. When you become aware of thoughts, physical sensations, or emotions, allow them to pass. Then return gently to your word or phrase. We will continue this practice for three minutes. Ring a chime to start the meditation. After three minutes ring a chime to end the meditation. Now we will sit quietly for three minutes to see what comes to us in the silence. Ring a chime to end the silence. Invite the group to share the experience with this spiritual practice.

Sharing Around the Table

1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 NRSV

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So, then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober, for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

Paul uses the opposing images of light and dark not to frighten or agitate the saints in Thessalonica, but to reassure them. “The day of the Lord is coming, that is a given; chill, be at peace. Since you are children of the light you should not stress about these things.”

He assures them that they have the understanding needed to live faithfully. Active, intentional, faithful discipleship is their preparation for Christ’s return.

Many look for the coming of the Lord in our world today. Some look with anticipation, and others with fear. As disciples it is important to be reminded that the coming of the Lord happens every time someone engages in Christ-like ways or “steps into the light.”

The reality is that being children of the light means that when we arrive in our neighborhoods, schools, places of work and worship, the light arrives with us. As a sacramental people we understand that as parts of the body of Christ we bear the presence of God in Spirit, and our mere introduction to someone is an invitation to a relationship with Christ.

The name Community of Christ expresses a deep theological conviction: Christ is best experienced in community, and as such we are agents of Christ in the world. We do not hold this belief to apply exclusively to this denomination; it is just that we claim this understanding in our name and promote it through our interactions with creation. As children of light we understand that while the light of the gospel shines from each of us individually, the candle power increases exponentially when we exist together in community.

Questions

1. What do you think when you see a billboard or bumper sticker that says something like “Jesus is coming! Are you ready?”

2. When have you sensed that you have “stepped into the light?”

3. In your community, where might the light of Christ shine into the darkness of injustice and oppression?

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 336, “Who Is My Mother, Who Is My Brother?”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

In today’s scripture, Paul reminds the people of Thessalonica to encourage one another. When we encourage each other, we offer support and love that makes perseverance easier. Today, I want us to try something so we can see and feel the difference between encouraging someone and discouraging someone. Invite participants to place their hands in front of them, palms up. One at a time, place your hands palms down on the participants’ hands. Ask them to lift their hands while you push against them.

Ask: How did it feel to try to lift your hands when I pushed against them?

When we discourage others, it is like we are pushing against their attempts to be joyful. Let’s try again with one small change. Again, invite all participants to place their hands in front of them, palms up. This time, instead of pushing down on their hands, place your hands palms up underneath theirs Lift together.

Ask: What was different when you tried to raise your hands this time? When we encourage others, it is like we are supporting their attempts to be joyful. As you head back to your seat, think of something encouraging you can say to an adult sitting near you. Can you see their joy when they hear your encouraging words?

26 November 2023

Ordinary Time (Proper 29)

Christ the King

Ephesians 1:15-23

Somos el cuerpo de Cristo We Are the Body of Christ

Additional Scriptures

Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100; Matthew 25:31-46; Doctrine and Covenants 162:7d

Preparation

Wherever possible, offer the material of this service in Spanish and English as a way to illustrate the global, boundless nature of the Body of Christ. Consider printing or projecting texts for all to see. Encourage participants to sing and respond in a language other than their own.

Prelude

Include listening to the vocal recording of “Yo quiero ser/I Want to Be,” CCS 498, found on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings, available from Herald House.

Welcome

Call to Worship

Psalm 100

Hymn of Praise

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

Prayer for Peace

CCS 98

CCS 88 OR “All Creatures of Our God and King”

Scripture Responsive Reading Listen to the Leader for Spanish pronunciation.

Leader: How beautiful on the mountaintops

ALL: are the messengers who announce peace.

Leader: For the glory of God made manifest in the wonders of creation, we sing Gloria a Dios, Gloria en los cielos!

ALL: We sing Gloria a Dios, Gloria en los cielos!

Leader: A Dios la gloria por siempre!

ALL: A Dios la gloria por siempre!

ALL: Glory to God!

-Isaiah 52:7-10, adapted Light the Peace Candle.

Reflection and Prayer

The world God imagines is filled with justice and peace. pause in silence

The world God imagines is filled with love. pause in silence

In the world God imagines, the wolf and the lamb shall feast together as friends. pause in silence

O God, strengthen your people with hope. May justice and peace prevail. Amen.

El mundo que Dios imagina está lleno de justicia y paz. pausa en silencio

El mundo que Dios imagina está lleno de amor. pausa en silencio

En el mundo que Dios imagina, el lobo y el cordero festejarán juntos como amigos. pausa en silencio

Oh Dios, fortalece a tu pueblo con esperanza. Que prevalezca la justicia y la paz. Amén.

-Isaiah 11:6, adapted

Hymn of Peace sing at least twice

“The Peace of the Earth”

CCS 241

CCS 647 OR “Nada te turbe”

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

Statement on the Body of Christ

If possible, offer this statement in Spanish and English. In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace.

En un mundo quebrado y temeroso el Espíritu nos da el valor para orar sin cesar, para dar testimonio entre todos los pueblos de Cristo como Señor y Salvador, para oír las voces de los pueblos silenciados desde hace mucho tiempo, y para trabajar con otros por la justicia, la libertad y la paz.

in gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!” With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death canseparateus from the loveofGod in Christ Jesus our Lord.

En gratitud a Dios, empoderados por el Espíritu, nos esforzamos para servir a Cristo en nuestras tareas diarias y vivir vidas santas y alegres, aun cuando contemplamos el nuevo cielo y la nueva tierra de Dios, orando “¡Ven, Señor Jesús!”

Con creyentes en todo tiempo y lugar, nos regocijamos en que nada en la vida ni en la muerte puede separarnos del amor de Dios en Cristo Jesús, nuestro Señor.

Hymn of Belief sing several times

“El amor nunca pasará” CCS 6 OR “Dios está aquí/God Is Here Today” CCS 150

Scripture Reading

Ephesians 1:15-23

Testimonies

Ask several participants to share experiences that deal with being part of the Body of Christ. Here are some questions for those sharing to consider:

• In what ways does your heritage include being part of the Body of Christ?

• What does it mean to be part of the Body of Christ?

• When are you most aware of the Body of Christ?

• When have you experienced being within the Body of Christ?

Disciples’ Generous Response

Hymn of Generosity

“My Gratitude Now Accept, O God, Gracias, Señor” CCS 614/615 OR “Take My Life, That I May Be/Toma, oh Dios, mi voluntad” CCS 610

Scripture Reading Doctrine and Covenants 162:7d

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

For additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response tools at www.CofChrist.org/disciples-generous-response-tools

Words of Purpose

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what Iseek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Una sola cosa le pido al Señor, y es lo único que persigo: habitar en la casa del Señor todos los días de mi vida, para contemplar la hermosura del Señor y recrearme ensu templo.

-Psalm 27:4

Congregational Call and Response move back and forth between Spanish and English or read it first in English, and then in Spanish

Call: Who is it that you seek?

¿A quién buscan?

Response: WeseektheLordourGod. BuscamosaDiosnuestroSeñor.

Call: Do you seek God with all your heart?

¿Lo buscan con todo su orazón?

Response: Amen, Lord. Have mercy on us. Amén Señor. Ten piedad de nosotros.

Call: Do you seek God with all your soul?

¿Lo buscan con toda su alma?

Response: Amen, Lord. Have mercy on us. Amén Señor. Ten piedad de nosotros.

Call: Do you seek God with all your mind?

¿Lo buscan con toda su mente?

Response: Amen, Lord. Have mercy on us. Amén Señor. Ten piedad de nosotros.

Words of Blessing and Departure

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.

May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

Que la paz de Jesús Nuestro Señor vaya contigo adonde sea que Él te envíe. Que Él te guíe en el desierto, te proteja en la tormenta.

Que te traiga a casa feliz por las maravillas que te ha mostrado. Que te traiga a casa feliz, una vez más dentro de nuestras puertas.

Let us go with God. Amen. Vamos con Dios. Amén.

Recessional Hymn to be sung as participants exit the worship space

“The Trees of the Fields” CCS 645 OR “May the God of Hope/Dios de la esperanza” CCS 652