Worship Resources

Ordinary Time (Proper 22)

Philippians 3:4b-14

Press On!

Additional Scriptures

Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; Matthew 21:33-46

Prelude

Consider using CCS 90, “O God beyond All Praising,” as the final piece of the prelude and continue playing it softly in the background during the Welcome and Call to Worship. Then transition to the introduction of the first hymn.

Welcome

Call to Worship

Reader 1: “O God beyond All Praising,” CCS 90, stanza 1

Reader 2: “O God beyond All Praising,” CCS 90, stanza 2

Hymn

“When, in Awe of God’s Creation” CCS 283 OR “Dios está aquí/God Is Here Today” sing several times CCS 150 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own. OR “Each Breath Is Borrowed Air” CCS 144

Invocation

Response

Focus Moment

OR

Read the book, “Giraffes Can't Dance” by Giles Andreae.

ISBN-10:0545392551. Cartwheel Books; Illustrated edition (March 1, 2012).

This book tells the story of Gerald the giraffe who can’t dance like the other animals until he finds his music. It upholds the importance of encouraging each other and pressing on even when times are tough.

Print or project the text to the heritage hymn, “Higher Ground,” by Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr., written in 1898 (The Hymnal 350). Consider having a musician play this softly as background to the discussion.

1. I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day; Still praying as I’m onward bound, “Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Refrain

Lord, lift me up and let me stand, by faith, on heaven’s tableland, A higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

2. My heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay; Though some may dwell where these abound, my prayer, my aim is higher ground.

3. I want to live above the world, though Satan’s darts at me are hurled; For faith has caught the joyful sound, The song of saints on higher ground.

4. I want to scale the utmost height, and catch a gleam of glory bright; But still I’ll pray till heaven I’ve found, “Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”

Facilitate a discussion around the idea of an upward way and higher ground. Possible discussion questions include:

1. What do you think the author meant by higher ground?

2. What does higher ground mean to you?

3. In what ways might this text align with Community of Christ today? In what ways does it not align? Why do you think this hymn isn’t in our current hymnal (2013)?

4. How might we hear this text in 2023 as a desire to press on?

Ministry of Music or Congregational Song

Play a vocal/video recording of “Higher Ground”(The Hymnal 350) or ask someone to sing it. Be sure to find the text that starts, “I’m pressing on….” because there are many versions of songs called “Higher Ground.” The song is in public domain, but make sure you have permission to use a recording from the recording copyright holder. OR "When the World Is Babbling Round Us” CCS 217

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer

God who calls us to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before you, we pray for peace in our lives, in our families, in our neighborhoods, and in our world. Where there is darkness, let us shine the light of your Son. Where there is hate, let us share your unconditional love. Where there is brokenness, let us speak words of comfort. Give us wisdom to see ways to bring about justice. Give us mercy to share. And keep us humble as we press on through the valleys and the mountains of life. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen

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

Scripture Reading

Philippians 3:4b-14

Hymn of Affirmation

“Be Thou My Vision”

167 OR “Lord of All Hopefulness” CCS 193

Message

Based on Philippians 3:4b-14

Disciples’ Generous Response Statement

Take a moment to reflect on this past week. Think of a moment when you were discouraged or feeling down. What did you do to press on and move past that feeling? Did you reach out to a friend? Did you say a prayer?

Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes the down moments can feel overwhelming. As disciples, we rely on our faith and the support of our faith community, to help bear each other’s burdens. Turns out that being grateful is another way we can gain strength to press on.

Research shows that being grateful is good for our mental and spiritual health (https://www.christianpost.com/voices/gratitude-rewires-your-brain.html). One researcher called being grateful the vegetables for our spiritual life. Consider incorporating a spiritual practice into your life focused on being grateful. The church’s website has several examples: https://cofchrist.org/spiritual-practicesgenerosity/

As we share together in the Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Collectively, we can fund and support local and worldwide mission. Our financial tithes that are undesignated or marked for Local Mission Tithes help our congregation meet the local budget and all that it supports. Our financial tithes designated for Worldwide Mission Tithes support the ministries and services of our global church. Through our tithes, we 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 additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response Tools at CofChrist.org/spiritualpractices-generosity/

Closing Hymn

“God Is Calling” CCS 172 OR “Lift Every Voice and Sing” CCS 555 OR “Onward to Zion” CCS 390

Prayer of Blessing for the Week

Response

Sending Forth

“…press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus”

(Philippians 3: 14)!

Postlude