Worship Planning Tools - February 2023

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Worship Resources 5 February 2023

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 Formed in the Spirit Additional Scriptures Isaiah 58:1-12, Psalm 112:1-10, Matthew 5:13-20, Doctrine and Covenants 165:5a

Prelude Song of Preparation “You Shall Be Like a Garden” This chant is found on “Sounds of the Eternal, Meditative Songs and Chants,” by John Philip Newell, CD available at: https://smile.amazon.com/Sounds-Eternal-Meditative-ChantsPrayers/dp/0988680009/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1TTONEGB6DHAL&keywords=sounds+of+the+etern al+newell&qid=1654631468&sprefix=sounds+of+the+eternal%2Caps%2C347&sr=8-3 Listen meditatively to this chant.

OR “Wind upon the Waters” CCS 49 This can be sung as a ministry of music, possibly with guitar, or as a congregational hymn.

OR “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” CCS 190 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Welcome and Call to Worship Isaiah 58:11

Hymn of Formation “As the Wind Song through the Trees” OR “Each Breath Is Borrowed Air”

CCS 42 CCS 144

OR “Come Away from Rush and Hurry”

CCS 83

Prayer of Invocation Response Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 Communion Message Hymn of Preparation “God Extends an Invitation/Nuestro Padre nos invita” CCS 520 Sing this in English, then Spanish, and end with English.

Start the song slowly, increasing the tempo with every stanza.

OR “I Come with Joy, a Child of God” CCS 533 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 or 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 the Bread and Wine

Disciples’ Generous Response Scripture Responsive Reading Leader: Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in God’s commandments.

PEOPLE: Praise the Lord!

Leader: They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; PEOPLE: Praise the Lord!

Leader: they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.

PEOPLE: Praise the Lord!

Leader: It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.

PEOPLE: Praise the Lord!

Leader: They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; PEOPLE: Praise the Lord!

ALL: May we share blessing with all God’s people. Praise the Lord!

-Psalm 112:1, 4-5, 9, adapted Statement The first Sunday of the month focuses the Disciples’ Generous Response on Abolish Poverty, End Suffering, which includes Oblation ministry. During this time of a Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with

God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. We can tangibly express our gratitude to God through our offerings, 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/.

Prayer for Peace Statement At the 2019 World Conference, on the 25th anniversary of the Community of Christ Temple, a Peace Pillar was added to the World Plaza as part of the celebration. This limestone sculpture has around 100 different words for peace engraved in its surface. See below for photos to share along with the list of words for peace. Look at the photo and the list of many languages represented on the peace pillar. These words came from all the places in the world where Community of Christ has a presence.

Light the Peace Candle.

Several months after the World Conference, the Peace Pillar was vandalized and broken into several pieces. There were wide-ranging discussions about what to do and finally, rather than replacing the Peace Pillar, it was repaired. It stands as a symbol that peace is not perfect and demonstrates in a very real way how we continue to form a vision of Peace on Earth even when things are disrupted. Project the second photo of the Peace Pillar.

Prayer Creator, Redeemer, and Presence, Bless us with the kind of peace that goes beyond the surface. When we are broken, send your Spirit to form us into wounded healers and peacemakers.

We are grateful for a sense of your peace that transcends perfectionism so it can become real in our lives, even when we feel torn into pieces. Teach us, O God of pruning hooks and ploughshares, how peace is possible. Teach us your ways of peace. Amen.

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

Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

Centering Prayer with Music

“Let This Mind Be in You” CCS 169 Sing this short song in the Taizé style, repeating as desired. Involve instrumentalists to reinforce the melody and percussion to help with a steady rhythm.

Taizé (pronounced: tay-zay) is a prayerful form of music that originated in Taizé France. It is simple and meditative. The Taizé style often includes a melody that repeats over and over and serves as a type of centering prayer done with music.

Taizé style music tends to be easily learned and remembered. Because it is intentionally simple, the songs provide a great way to move prayer from a head experience to the heart.

The Taizé style could be compared to the way an athlete focuses on the game, tuning out distractions. This meditative music can help us leave behind our busyness and the outside world to concentrate on the Lord.

Scripture Exploration Based on 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

A Poetic Response Let the breath of your Spirit stir our souls with new resolve to be your sons and daughters.

Let it sweep from our lives lost days, dusty dreams, leftover love.

Let the breath of your Spirit come gently – refreshing our insights for your church and people.

Let it waft new hope and assurance into hearts made heavy by unrest and uncertainty.

Let it enlighten and encourage your servants – blessing them with courage, strength, and a lightness of spirit.

And when worry and weariness invade – grace them with solitude and retreat, breathing your renewal upon them.

-Danny Belrose, from “One Fervent Prayer,” in Let the Spirit Breathe, Herald Publishing House, 2004, p. 23.

Used with permission.

Closing Hymn “Fountain of All Revelation” OR “Clothe Us in Your Spirit”

CCS 67 CCS 584

Benediction Sending Forth Spiritual growth and guidance enrich involvement in Christ’s mission…concentrate on spiritually forming communities of disciples and seekers that live deeply and generously in Christ’s Spirit.

-Doctrine and Covenants 165:5a, adapted Go in peace.

Postlude

Repaired peace pillar original peace pillar, 2019

Sermon Helps Sermon Helps Year A - Letters Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (Ordinary Time)

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 Exploring the Scripture This letter was written by the apostle Paul to the believers in Corinth, a city in Greece.

Paul planted the church there about three years before writing this letter. He received word there were divisions among the five house churches in that city and felt the need to address it. Paul did not directly mention specific issues of conflict. Instead, he chose to present principles of what has been called “proper life,” which should be lived as followers of Jesus.

In today’s passage, Paul makes clear that he came to the Corinthians “in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.” Thus, he set the stage for one of his foundational messages: humans should humbly recognize that their wisdom is nothing compared to God’s wisdom. He points out that it was God’s wisdom working with his weaknesses to plant the church in Corinth, not by human wisdom and creativity.

Paul also suggests that allowing God’s wisdom to work within human failings requires the intentional pursuit of spirituality. This idea is in sharp contrast to some Christians’ understanding that our connection to God is external. Instead, Paul teaches that God is within people and that God’s thoughts can be within us if we prepare ourselves spiritually. As he puts it in verse 16, “But we have the mind of Christ.”

Rather than talking about any of the specific divisions among the five groups, Paul calls the people to intentional spiritual preparation. Spiritual preparation will let the mind and will of God–the true source of wisdom and power–direct them rather than the wisdom of the world.

This worldly wisdom that was heavily influenced by the Roman Empire that ruled Corinth could easily be destructive and counter to the mind of God. The same holds true today.

His focus on spirituality and wisdom sometimes overshadows another feature of Paul’s message. Paul admits his concerns when he first arrived in Corinth to share the Gospel. “And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling” (v.3). Despite these emotions, Paul boldly followed the leadings of the Holy Spirit and shared his testimony. Part of his concern was that most Corinthians were Gentiles. Paul felt called to be the apostle to the Gentiles. He also knew how difficult the task would be since they did not have any Jewish background and might have difficulty connecting with Jesus.

In upcoming verses, Paul again points out the importance of planting the Gospel’s seeds even under challenging circumstances. He also recognizes that any success is not because of his wisdom, but the power of the Holy Spirit. We may also experience similar difficult situations as we witness and testify. We can rely on the Holy Spirit to companion our journey.

Central Ideas 1. Human, worldly wisdom is nothing compared to God’s wisdom.

2. Christian believers are called to spiritual formation so the “mind of Christ” and the resulting wisdom can guide their lives individually and communally.

3. Followers of Christ must not let fear and sense of weakness keep them from actively and intentionally sharing their witness and inviting others to Christ.

Questions for the Speaker 1. When have you felt the presence of God’s wisdom because of your spiritual preparation and formation?

2. Who is “out there” with whom you could share your witness and invitation despite your sense of weakness, fear, and trembling?

3. What practices have you found to be helpful in your spiritual formation? What other practices could you use to go deeper?

4. What can we do to make sure that we are, indeed, listening to the wisdom of God and not applying that measurement to worldly wisdom?

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources Year A Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 1 Corinthians 2:1–16 NRSV Gathering Welcome The Season after Epiphany includes the weeks between Epiphany and Transfiguration Sunday.

Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

God of transformation, we confess our weakness as humans. Like the shepherds, we are afraid to follow your star. Like the magi, we are uncertain of our journey. Like Isaiah, we say, “I am doomed!” as we see the death, destruction, conflict, oppression, and unjust systems in the world around us. Forgive us our uncertainty and our doubt.

Likewise, may we follow Isaiah’s example and say also, “Send me!” in response to your call. May we follow in the footsteps of the fearful, yet courageous shepherds and magi, who journeyed to the manger of your Son, Jesus, and who forever were transformed as a result.

Your love is stronger than human oppression; your patience lasts longer than human stubbornness; your forgiveness is stronger than human hatred. May we be renewed by your love and forgiveness, eager to work for peace. Grant us the humility and openness to your will that we may act in your name. Grant us the faith to speak your words in the face of oppression, knowing the power to change the world lies in your words.

In the name of Jesus, in whose footsteps we strive to follow. Amen.

Spiritual Practice Walking in the Light During Epiphany and the Season after Epiphany our spiritual practice will be Walking in the Light. Take a few moments to quiet yourself. When you feel calm, begin by imagining you are walking on a path of light. As we pray, visualize the light surrounding you as you walk. As the prayer continues, offer the gift of light to those close to you, friends, acquaintances, those you dislike, those with whom you are in conflict, and your community at-large.

As you hear each sentence, offer the gift of light to those mentioned.

May my loved ones be embraced in God’s light. Pause.

May my family walk in the light of Christ. Pause.

May my friend receive the gift of love and light. Pause.

May my acquaintances sense the presence of light through our interactions. Pause.

May the one with whom I am in conflict be surrounded by the light of Christ. Pause.

May my community be blessed by the eternal light of God’s love and grace. Pause.

Amen.

At the conclusion of the prayer invite people to share the thoughts, emotions, or images they experienced while walking in the light.

Sharing Around the Table 1 Corinthians 2:1–16 NRSV When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual.

Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. Those who are spiritual discern all things, and they are themselves subject to no one else’s scrutiny.

“For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ.

Paul visited many places after Christ’s death to minister to the churches. Corinth and its house churches were no exception. His message was one of spiritual formation, the Divine working through our fears and weakness, and a focus on Christ.

Paul points to the wisdom and divinity of God, found in the Holy Spirit, which is present in each of us and the world around us. It is a higher level of understanding; greater than simply facts and observations, or even leaders of nations, but something immaterial, moving, and holy.

It is found in us as we embody the “mind of Christ.” The holy and sacred are not found only in the beauty of the world and relationships, but in standing up to injustice, lifting the voice of the oppressed and marginalized, and calling out harmful rhetoric guised as wisdom.

And while sometimes our weaknesses, as Paul makes mention of, can intimidate us from standing up, those weaknesses truly can become strengths. As we reflect on the wisdom in each of us, even present in our weaknesses, we just might see the Divine illuminate a path forward.

Questions 1. Is there anyone you share your spiritual journey with, despite your weakness, or uncertainty?

2. What spiritual practices speak to you? What do you wish to explore more deeply?

3. How can you more fully listen to God’s wisdom, instead of the wisdom of the world?

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. The offering prayer for Epiphany is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response: Revealing God, may we always be generous. You have gifted each of us with boundless grace and unending love. May our response to that love and grace be humble service to others, and may generosity be part of our nature. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting Closing Hymn Community of Christ Sings 45, “Of All the Spirit’s Gifts to Me” Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group • •

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Communion Invitation 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 Communion Statement 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 or 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.

Let us celebrate the revelation of Christ in the world as we share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community.

In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings 532 “We Meet as Friends at Table.”

Thoughts for Children In today’s scripture, the author talks about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a part of the Trinity that is God, but often we don’t spend much time talking about the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said that he would give his disciples the Holy Spirit to continue helping them.

Sing a fun song such as “Move When the Spirit Says Move.” The idea of the song is based on God’s continuing revelation to us, to give us ideas and direction. Divide into equal groups. Each group should come up with a new motion for the song, such as dance, high five, sneeze, twirl, or jump. Sing the song, giving each group its turn to lead everyone.

Discuss: Have you ever had a strong feeling to do something, especially for others? Such as talk to a new kid at school, help a brother or sister, find a lost pet, or help in some other way?

Did you listen to that feeling and respond? Could that have been God urging you to help others?

Pay close attention to those feelings. It may be one of God’s ways of speaking to you!

Just as the disciples had the Spirit with them to offer guidance, we, too, have the Spirit with us!

Thank participants and ask them to return to their seats.

Adapted from CofChrist.org/revelation-ideas-for-children, “Thoughts for Children.”

Worship Resources 12 February 2023

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany Youth Ministries Day

1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Plant, Water, and Grow Additional Scriptures Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8, Matthew 5:21-37, Doctrine and Covenants 163:9

Prelude Song of Preparation (this is repeated from last Sunday) “You Shall Be Like a Garden” This chant is found on “Sounds of the Eternal, Meditative Songs and Chants,” by John Philip Newell, CD available at: https://smile.amazon.com/Sounds-Eternal-Meditative-ChantsPrayers/dp/0988680009/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1TTONEGB6DHAL&keywords=sounds+of+the+etern al+newell&qid=1654631468&sprefix=sounds+of+the+eternal%2Caps%2C347&sr=8-3 Listen meditatively to this chant.

OR “Speak, O Lord” CCS 66 Listen to a recording or video of this song. They are readily available online. Be sure to have permission to use the recording.

Welcome Share and Care Pastoral Prayer Hymn of Formation "God of the Future” OR “For the Beauty of the Earth”

Prayer of Invocation Response

CCS 360 CCS 130

Disciples’ Generous Response Scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 163:9 Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn “When I Can Ache” OR “God of Creation”

CCS 590 CCS 147

Prayer: “For Gratitude, Not for Granted” Another day filled with possibilities, God, how wondrous to be alive!

I praise your name for all that is!

Yet even as I lift my heart in thanksgiving my tainted praise takes much for granted -sunsets unnoticed, colors unseen, landscapes unvisited.

Help me see beyond the obvious.

Help me hear the beauty of silence -the subtle, unlistened-to symphonies around and within.

Help me feel and sense the miracle of creation beyond the center of self.

Stir my soul! Awaken my joy!

Color my grayness of thought that I may take life for gratitude and not for granted.

Help me this day to not stray too far from wonder.

Amen.

-Danny Belrose in Let the Spirit Breathe, Herald House, 2004, p. 80 Used with permission.

Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes For additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response Tools at CofChrist.org/spiritualpractices-generosity/.

Prayer for Peace Light the Peace Candle.

Hymn Story A favorite hymn among Community of Christ members, long before the church chose a new name in 2000, was Issac Watts’ (1674-1748) hymn, “We’re Marching to Zion.” Three stanzas of this hymn, without the refrain, and without attribution, appeared in 1895, in the church’s first edition of “The Saints’ Hymnal” (#125). In 1903, the church published the entire hymn in its songbook for Sunday Schools, “Zion’s Praises” (#37). Later editions (e.g. 1950) of the “Saints’ Hymnal” included the full hymn (#5).

The refrain is especially engaging – a true marching hymn: We’re marching to Zion, Beautiful, beautiful Zion.

We’re marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God. The church’s theological and historical transitions during the last half of the 20th century assigned this spirited hymn to the dustbin of history. Zion, for example, came to be thought of as the church’s deliberate, redemptive relationships to the larger communities, rather than a single, righteous remnant, gathered out of world into an isolated community called “Zion.” Even so, Barbara and I never wearied at singing that refrain, over and over again while driving along on our frequent road trips. We loved that hymn, not only for its historical moorings in the church’s authentic past, but also for the energy of the music, especially the marching cadence of the refrain.

The international nuclear weapons race had been heating up during the early 1980’s, making us and millions of others anxious and not a little angry that vast resources of the major nations of the world were being used to produce and “upgrade” hundreds of nuclear bombs and their delivery systems. Our spirits yearned to be part of a people who would grow the courage and faith to live the central message of the Christian Gospel: Love, Justice, and Peace. Those three themes prompted us to write “God’s Melody of Peace,” to fit that old hymn tune

by Robert Lowry.

-Richard Howard, retired World Church Historian, on Facebook, June, 2022 The Howards’ version of this song first appeared in the hymnal supplement, Sing for Peace, in 1994.

Sung Prayer for Peace “God’s Melody of Peace” CCS 319 For additional ideas: Find this day’s Prayer for Peace service on the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org.

Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Hymn of Growth “When as a Child We Spoke” OR “Sing Praise for Rain That Washes Earth”

CCS 571 CCS 494

Message Based on 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 OR

Testimonies Ask several participants to share their story of planting, watering, and growing literally and missionally. Consider asking a master gardener to share their experiences as well as involving those holding the priesthood office of Seventy.

Hymn of Mission “Go, Make of All Disciples” OR “God of Every Generation”

CCS 363 CCS 361

Unison Mission Prayer God, where will your Spirit lead today?

Help me be fully awake and ready to respond.

Grant me courage to risk something new and become a blessing of your love and peace.

Amen.

Sung Recessional

Sing while leaving the worship space. Repeat as needed.

“Sizohamba Naye/We Will Walk with God” CCS 377 OR “Amen, Siakudumisa!/Amen, Sing Praises to the Lord!

CCS 109 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Add percussion instruments to the Recessional.

Sermon Helps Sermon Helps Year A - Letters Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany (Ordinary Time, Proper1)

1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Exploring the Scripture Unity in Christ is not something we sense unless we look past outward appearances. We must strive beyond ordinary human understanding. That is why our unity in Christ begins and ends in faith (trust). For Paul, this is unity in Christ crucified, which is only seen through sensing God’s wisdom. Unity is realized through the Spirit. It takes faith to look beyond the “foolishness in the world” (1 Cor 1:27) and witness how “God chose what is low and despised in the world” (1 Cor 1:28) to be the power of God. 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 is one of those passages that makes little sense by itself. It will not be easy to read and reread this passage looking only for personal insight. We need more information. For example: Who is Apollos? What does Paul mean by “of the flesh?” And, what does he mean when he says, “…I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food.” These questions require that we read 1 Corinthians from the beginning to chapter 3. Luckily, that does not take long.

Paul begins addressing the church in Corinth not as spiritual people but as “people of the flesh.” What does he mean?

You might think Paul is talking about bodily pangs of hunger like sex, gluttony, or greed.

But that’s far too narrow an interpretation. In 1 Corinthians 1:26, Paul writes, “not many of you were wise by human standards.” “Human standards” is how the NRSV translators help us interpret the Greek, which is translated as “according to the flesh.”

Paul uses the phrase “of the flesh” to talk about one part of being human. It’s the part that belongs to all of us. That is our nature. Our “flesh” refers to natural, limited, and sensuous nature as created creatures. “Flesh” is what drives our “human inclinations.” (1 Cor 3:3) Contrast that to human beings’ spiritual nature. For Paul, our spiritual nature bears spiritual fruit (see Galatians 5). Our spirituality brings forth spiritual gifts, the greatest of which is Love (See 1 Corinthians 12 and 13).

With this background, Paul’s talk of food in verses 2 through 4 makes more sense. Even by human standards, the church in Corinth still needs baby food. Its members are not yet wise.

Nor does it yet have spiritual eyes. That is why it’s driven to quarreling and full of division.

The factions in Corinth aligned with known teachers that have shaped and nurtured the church. Paul is just one of these teachers. Christ, Apollos and Cephas are also named (see 1 Cor 1:12).

In verses 5 through 9, Paul explains how each teacher has brought their gifts to bring forth God’s purposes. In 1 Cor 1:13, “Has Christ been divided?” Verses 5 through 9 explain how the answer is, “No.” Christ is not divided.

Each teacher serves their role in God’s purposes. Paul writes in verse 7, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” In other words, each brought their gift so God’s Spirit would unfold.

Paul is introducing ideas about unity in Christ that he will expand in 1 Corinthians 12.

Chapter 12 contains Paul’s famous teaching about the variety of gifts, but one Spirit (1 Cor 12:4). While we are many members, we are one body in Christ (1 Cor 12:12). Such is also true of Paul, Apollos, and Cephas because of Christ.

However, the aim of 1 Cor 3:1-9 is to explain to the church in Corinth how we spiritually know this. Chapters 1 and 2 are helpful here. Paul explains that “no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God” (1 Cor 2:11). Therefore, unity in Christ is something we speak about “in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual” (1 Cor 2:13) Corinth was not ready for such spiritual food. Are we? This passage is a beautiful opportunity to look in the mirror as a congregation or body of Christ. Are there divisions? If so, why? Do we see the gifts each brings? Do we perceive that purposes of God coming forth among us? Doing so takes spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity begins and ends in faith in God’s Spirit, which reveals the truth in Christ.

Central Ideas 1. Unity in Christ is not obvious from human understanding but can be sensed when we receive it in God’s wisdom and Spirit.

2. “Flesh” is not merely about sex or bodily hunger for Paul, but also the mental and spiritual limits we share as human beings. Paul contrasts that to our spiritual nature, which sees and senses differently.

3. Spiritual maturity is needed to see all creation reconciled through Christ crucified brings.

Questions for the Speaker 1. Think back to when you might have considered yourself an “infant in Christ?” (1 Cor 3:1). What was your worldview like then? What was your faith like? What experiences helped you mature spiritually and in spiritual wisdom?

2. What divisions or quarreling are there among the people? What is the source of those divisions? What ways of understanding are limiting the people’s spiritual vision of one another and their circumstances?

3. How might the congregation see with spiritual eyes and mature in God’s wisdom?

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources Year A Sixth Sunday after Epiphany 1 Corinthians 3:1–9 NRSV Gathering Welcome The Season after Epiphany includes the weeks between Epiphany and Transfiguration Sunday.

Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

God of healing, we are tired of violence and conflict. It is hard to see our neighbors in pain. It is hard to see our children in fear. It is hard to see people suffer. It is hard to see and experience conflict.

Working for peace is also hard. Like a doctor who needs to operate to remove a cancerous tumor, working for peace requires confronting the root of the problem.

When we confront the root, sometimes we need to cut through healthy tissue to get to it. How often do we say, “Keep the peace,” for the sake of the status quo, resisting the pain that so often comes with healing?

God, forgive us for our resistance to the deep healing that requires deep inner transformation. Remind us that peace requires healing. Remind us that you are with us through it all. May we commit our hearts to healing the world, and may we begin close to home. Help us to trust your will and trust that the healing of the world is intertwined with the transformation of our heart. And as we are transformed, may we act in your name for peace.

In the name of Jesus, the perfecter of our faith. Amen.

Spiritual Practice Walking in the Light During Epiphany and the Season after Epiphany our spiritual practice will be Walking in the Light. Take a few moments to quiet yourself. When you feel calm, begin by imagining you are walking on a path of light. As we pray, visualize the light surrounding you as you walk. As the prayer continues, offer the gift of light to those close to you, friends, acquaintances, those you dislike, those with whom you are in conflict, and your community at-large.

As you hear each sentence, offer the gift of light to those mentioned.

May my loved ones be embraced in God’s light. Pause.

May my family walk in the light of Christ. Pause.

May my friend receive the gift of love and light. Pause.

May my acquaintances sense the presence of light through our interactions. Pause.

May the one with whom I am in conflict be surrounded by the light of Christ. Pause.

May my community be blessed by the eternal light of God’s love and grace. Pause.

Amen.

At the conclusion of the prayer invite people to share the thoughts, emotions, or images they experienced while walking in the light.

Sharing Around the Table 1 Corinthians 3:1–9 NRSV And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, for you are still of the flesh.

For as long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations? For when one says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not merely human?

What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.

Again, we hear from Paul as he visits Corinth. This time we hear the analogy of milk and solid food (or “meat” in other translations). Paul recognizes the Corinthians are relatively young in their understanding of these new Christian beliefs, not quite ready or understanding the depth of Christ’s teachings.

Their concepts of understanding were rather basic, surface-level, “merely human.” Yet Paul encourages them to dig deeper. To look at the divine Source of these human actions, not Apollos, but the source of Apollos, God. This divine Source lends divine Presence within each of us.

Further, the divine Presence is in the world around us. How can we allow God’s holy Presence to inspire how we view and act? There is a sense of community, of Unity in Diversity, as we work together to help one another and the world, each bringing unique gifts and talents to tend and nourish the seeds of God’s love, mercy, and grace.

Questions 1. Think of an earlier time in your spiritual journey. Share one way you have grown or matured in your spiritual understanding.

2. How have you used your giftedness to help 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. The offering prayer for Epiphany is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response: Revealing God, may we always be generous. You have gifted each of us with boundless grace and unending love. May our response to that love and grace be humble service to others, and may generosity be part of our nature. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting Closing Hymn Community of Christ Sings 357, “Christ, You Call Us All to Service” Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group • •

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children • • •

You will need: Vase Construction paper leaves Tissue paper (Depending on the age of your participants, you may want to make the tissue-paper flowers before the gathering.)

In today’s scripture, Paul reminds readers not to divide themselves by differences but to instead work together to plant good seeds in the world.

The seeds Paul was talking about weren’t actual seeds that grow plants. Instead, he was talking about words and actions that can grow God’s joy, hope, love, and peace in the world.

Today, we are going to make a bouquet of joy, hope, love, and peace grown from our words and actions.

I am going to give each of you a paper leaf. On this leaf, I want you to write or draw something that you commit to doing that will plant good seeds in the world. Maybe you want be kind to someone you don’t usually talk to in your classroom. Maybe you want to help your parents or siblings with a really big job. You get to choose what seed you want to plant.

Once you have it written on your leaf, poke the pipe-cleaner stem through it and add your flower to our vase.

Thank you all so much for contributing your word and action seeds to our beautiful

Worship Resources 19 February 2023

Last Sunday after the Epiphany Transfiguration Sunday

2 Peter 1:16-21 Tend the Light Additional Scriptures Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 2, Matthew 17:1-9, Doctrine and Covenants 163:3a-b

Prelude Play a video or audio recording of Gustav T. Holst’s orchestra suite, The Planets, movement IV, “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity.” Many recordings are available online. Be sure to have permission to use the recording. The full movement runs 7-8 minutes. If this is too long for your service, start at about 2:59 until about 5:00, to hear the primary melodic theme of the next hymn.

Hymn at the Crossroads “In the Crossroads of This Moment” CCS 170 Point out Gustav T. Holst’s name at the bottom of this hymn and the reference to his composition, The Planets. Listen for how the orchestra piece has been transformed into a hymn.

Welcome Mountaintop Experience 1 Moses The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” …Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.

-Exodus 24:12, 15-18

Call to Worship Let us come to the mountain and wait for God on this Day of Transfiguration.

Hymn of Transformation “God, Whose Grace Redeems Our Story” OR “Spirit, Open My Heart” OR “God, Who Touches Earth with Beauty”

CCS 570 CCS 564 CCS 568

Prayer of Invocation Response Mountaintop Experience 2 Peter, James, and John Do Not Be Afraid!

In the story of Matthew 17:1–9, Jesus travels up a mountain where he is transfigured. The Gospel writer tells us his face shone brightly and his whole appearance changed. That’s what we mean by “transfigured.” God affirms, as in Jesus’s baptism, “This is my Son” (v. 5). Jesus is transformed to be who God created him to be. The disciples with Jesus—Peter, James, and John—were terrified and fell to the ground, hiding their eyes. But Jesus assured them, “…do not be afraid” (v. 7).

Imagine you are with Jesus and the disciples on top of the great mountain.

You’ve been with Jesus many times before, but suddenly you see Jesus shining brighter than the sun, glowing from within, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. You see a dazzling cloud above and you hear a voice say, “This is my Son.” Would you love to have such an experience?

Sometimes we are like those disciples, afraid to have close experiences with the Divine, to be transformed into someone new. We’d rather hang onto what we know and what is comfortable—fearful of letting go. With the assurance of Jesus’ love and touch, we need not be afraid.

-from “Scripture-based Focus Moments,” 2015, Community of Christ, p. 21, adapted

Hymn of Transformation “Transform Us” OR “Touch Me, Lord, with Thy Spirit Eternal”

Prayer for Peace Scripture Reading: Isaiah 52:7 Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer I am so blind, Lord, I cannot see the clearing.

I only feel my way by the restraining thorn.

I do not dare to trust my foot’s direction,

CCS 569 CCS 574

feeling for paths in unsure error worn.

Speak to my mind, direct my true alignment, light my dim eyes, my certainty increase.

Out of the maze of self and narrow vision, lead me to mount the high lookout of peace. Amen.

- Cleo Hanthorne Moon, Daily Bread, September, 1966 For additional ideas: Find this day’s Prayer for Peace service on the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org.

Mountaintop Experience 3 Eyewitnesses of Christ’s Glory 2 Peter 1:16-21

Hymn of Transformation “Christ Has Called Us to New Visions” OR “We Are Children of Creation”

CCS 566 CCS 340

Message Based on 2 Peter 1:16-21

Focus Moment: Tend the Light If children are present, provide a coloring page of a lighthouse and crayons or allow them to hold the lighthouse models while the discussion takes place. Hold up a model of a lighthouse or arrange a worship setting with several models of lighthouses.

Lighthouses were automated in the twentieth century, but up until then a person was employed as the lighthouse “keeper” to make sure the light was available to guide passing ships. In a sense, it was the keeper’s job to “tend the light.”

Tending the light was hard work. It had to be lit each night and kept burning until dawn.

The water and surfaces around most lighthouses were dangerous. Kate Walker (18481931), the keeper of the Robbins Reef Lighthouse in Staten Island, New York, counted over 50 rescues of people (and one dog!) over her 33 years of service.

We heard about tending light in today’s scripture. It said: You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. (v. 19) Let’s consider: What light are we tending? Why is our light-tending important? How might we share our light?

Offer a short prayer over our light-tending.

Disciples’ Generous Response Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 163:3a-b Testimony by Jane Gardner, presiding evangelist In 2009 and again in 2012, your contributions to worldwide ministries mission tithes provided the chance for me to travel in mission to Africa. Thank you for making those life-changing opportunities possible through your tithing contributions. Because of limited luggage space, it wasn’t possible to bring gifts, but with the help of a talented assistant, we developed peel-n-stick labels with images of the lion and lamb as described in Isaiah 11.

In every village, we were surrounded by children excited to see visitors. We asked and received permission to distribute the stickers. The news quickly spread and more and more children appeared, waiting for their chance to receive a lion and lamb sticker. We talked about a world where it is possible for a lion and a lamb live peacefully together.

As the sun began to set, an unexpected aspect of our gifts to the children became apparent: the neon stickers were also glow-in-the-dark! While we were soon enveloped in darkness, the enthusiastic and bubbly presence of the children around us continued to be obvious because of the stickers they wore. They became Light to our darkness. We were changed.

Blessing of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes Gracious and Generous God, we are constantly in awe of your global creation.

Bless our giving that it might bring light to those who need it. We give all that we have and are to the mission of your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.

Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes For additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response Tools at CofChrist.org/spiritualpractices-generosity/.

Hymn of Mission “God of Dawn, Each Day’s Renewal” OR “Bring Forth the Kingdom” stanzas 2 and 4 OR “God, the Source of Light and Beauty”

Closing Prayer Response Postlude

CCS 51 CCS 387 CCS 593

Sermon Helps Sermon Helps Year A – Letters Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Transfiguration Sunday

2 Peter 1:16-21 Exploring the Scripture Marketing, advertising, and promotions are tools to help convince us of a need to buy something that would make our lives better by owning it. Another popular phrase is that you “just have to see it to believe it.” Marketers say this when people are skeptical or believe what they are being told is too good to be true. Much has been written by people who study the power of suggestion and social media. This passage is the opposite of attempts to manipulate people to believe in Jesus. The author of 2 Peter clearly states the testimonies they offer are not made up, but they are the result of being there when Jesus was alive and offering ministry.

Doubt is a natural experience of life. For some, doubt has taken root deep into their souls, and it is difficult for them to accept faith experiences. This passage confronts doubt and skepticism from the beginning: Pay attention. Pay attention not because we have a new product that will improve your life but because we offer you our testimony of what we experienced. We are merely telling you what we heard spoken by God and what we experienced with Jesus when he fed thousands, listened to a woman at a well, and raised his friend from a tomb. We are not telling you a myth; we share with you our story and how it changed our lives.

This passage also shares an essential connection to the Hebrew Bible. We read that if the eyewitness accounts are not enough, search back through the scriptures of prophets, and in them, you will find that our testimony is grounded in the ancient faith. Far too often, people of faith grab onto the latest fad or “quick fix,” hoping it will inspire people to join. This passage’s message is grounded in the long heritage of faith that began long ago and points the way to Jesus. Now, Jesus’ ministry is handed on to them. They bear witness to what they experienced.

Now, amid all the darkness, they are passing it on to us. In some ways, this passage is the testimony of words spoken by Jesus. “Blessed are [you] who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:28).

Central Ideas 1. The testimonies recorded in 1 Peter are authored by first-hand witnesses of Jesus’ life and ministry.

2. These first-hand experiences were life changing. Those affected in this way authentically shared their witness.

3. Those who doubt these accounts are encouraged to search the long heritage of ancient faith found in the Hebrew Bible which points the way to Jesus’ ministry.

Questions for Speaker 1. Share a time when you had doubts in your faith, but others’ testimony led you to new insights and a deeper faith.

2. What are some ways words of scripture have challenged you? What are some ways words of scripture have shaped you?

3. How are you trying to pay attention to what God is doing around you and within you?

What testimony do you offer of how God is moving in your community?

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources Year A Transfiguration Sunday 2 Peter 1:16–21 NRSV Gathering Welcome On Transfiguration Sunday we remember that Jesus had a transformative experience through which his glory was revealed to the disciples. As we prepare to journey through the Lenten season with Jesus, we lay open our own lives to the transformative power of God’s presence, mercy, and grace.

Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Dear God, just as the disciples were speechless on the mountaintop while seeing the transfiguration of your Son, Jesus, sometimes words fail to express the yearnings of our heart for peace. We see your brilliance and your peace that brings comfort for some, but where is this peace for the hungry, the refugee, the forgotten? We’ve woven complex systems that sometimes make peace seem impossible. Yet, the disciples experienced the impossible on that mountain. Revive us to become soothing balm for a world in pain, juicy morsels for the hungry, a comforting home for the homeless.

Remind us that even when we cannot speak your peace, we can do much to foster peace in our neighborhoods and our hearts.

In the name of he who lights the way. Amen.

Spiritual Practice Jesus Prayer This prayer is an ancient spiritual practice from Orthodox Christianity. It is a way of connecting with the gracious Spirit of Christ as we ask to receive his mercy.

The prayer comes from the scripture of the blind man calling Jesus to heal him.

Let your breath become slow and even. I will speak the prayer aloud for the first few breaths, and then you will pray silently, repeating the phrases as you breathe: As you breathe in, pray, “Lord Jesus Christ.”

As you breathe out, pray, “Have mercy on me.”

We will prayerfully repeat these words for two or three minutes.

Close with an “Amen.” Invite people to share about this experience. https://www.heraldhouse.org/products/yearning-for-god-discernment-andspiritual-practice-pdf-download?_pos=2&_sid=22142c54e&_ss=r

Sharing Around the Table 2 Peter 1:16–21 NRSV For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.

So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. The author of Peter is speaking to us from a place of proclaimed tangible experience. The knowledge is with assurance that Jesus is indeed God’s Son. Those he speaks of have gone to a sacred space to commune with God. In their time it was a mountaintop. But what is our sacred space? Where do we go to commune with God? To gain wisdom, light, assurance, and discover our truth?

The author reminds us to be attentive to the gentle reminders, the “light shining in the dark,” the dawning in our hearts, the prophecy, and spiritual experiences that have happened previously.

Perhaps we can gain insight from those who have gone before us? Perhaps we can look at our spiritual experiences and gain insight for ourselves? But has it not all led us to where we are now and the divine discoveries we are making? Does it point to something sacred, holy, the Living Jesus, and are we being transformed by it?

• •

Questions Is there a sacred space, mindset, or reading you use to receive insight, clarity, peace, or greater understanding?

How are you trying to pay attention to what God is doing around or within 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: Transforming God, may our lives be transformed by your love, grace, and generosity.

May our response to that love and grace be humble service to others, and may generosity be part of our nature. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting Closing Hymn Community of Christ Sings 569, “Transform Us” Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group • •

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children Today is Transfiguration Sunday. On this day, we remember the transfiguration of Jesus.

He and two disciples went to a mountaintop. There, before their eyes, Jesus began to shine, and a voice said to them, “This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” The disciples were shocked, and they came to know Jesus in a new way.

Throughout our lives, we will come to know God and Jesus in different ways. This is because God is bigger and more than we can ever comprehend. Sometimes, the experiences that lead to these different perspectives can be surprising, scary, or confusing, leaving us unsure of what to do. In fact, we may be hesitant to learn new things about God because it might change how we see and interact with the world. However, it is really important that we remain open as God reveals God’s self to us.

To help us remember to remain open to the mystery of God, we are going to try a spiritual practice called a body prayer. For this prayer, we will pray with our bodies. As we move through the prayer, I will share various motions and explain what each means. We then will do that motion together while leaving a moment of silence to listen for God’s voice.

Please pray with me: Mysterious God, we are grateful that you continue to show us new aspects of who you are. Help us remain open to learning more about you.

God, we place our hands atop our heads and ask that you open our minds to new understandings of you that are not limited by our expectations or zones of comfort.

Pause.

God, we pat our hand on our beating heart and ask that you open our hearts to love the things you love and share compassion as you would share compassion.

Pause.

God, we place our hands in circles around our eyes and ask that you open our eyes to see the world the way you do—full of possibility and beauty.

Pause.

God, we move our hand outward from our lips and ask that you open our mouths so that we might speak your words of joy, hope, love, and peace.

Pause.

God of mystery, we spread our arms wide and ask that you help us remain open to new understandings of who you are and that those understandings help us share your love with the world.

Worship Resources 22 February 2023

Ash Wednesday

2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10 Be Reconciled to God Additional Scriptures Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51:1-17; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Service of Scripture, Song, and Meditation Preparation Create a setting with palm fronds or greenery; perhaps pictures of the river Jordan or scenes of John the Baptist baptizing people or Jesus as you enter. Be sure to include a dove representing the Spirit of God; perhaps a small tabletop fountain. Using tones of the desert throughout the sanctuary is a reminder of Jesus’ 40 day fast.

Hand out paper doves, a writing instrument, colored pencils, or crayons as people enter the worship space.

Provide bowls of ashes at the exits. Station a person at each bowl to distribute the ashes as people leave the service.

Provide ashes from your own source or view these directions for obtaining ashes: https://ecntx.org/how-to-make-ashes-for-ash-wednesday/.

This video shows how to safely make your own either with dried palm fronds or the burning of sticky notes. Items needed include a small metal or concrete bowl, small sticky notes, long lighter, metal spatula, and oil.

“On Jordan’s Banks the Baptists Cry” CCS 391 Softly play “On Jordan’s Banks the Baptists Cry” with an instrument or a recording set to loop through the song several times very softly while people enter. Consider projecting or printing the words for all to see as prompts for meditation.

Prelude

Welcome and Reflection Thoughts "Repent and believe in the Gospel" and "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." These are the phrases that many Christians hear today on Ash Wednesday, in remembrance of Christ, his sacrifice and life.

This is the beginning of Christ’s forty-day journey in the wilderness. His fast was not a new practice. Within his Jewish heritage were many examples of people fasting and praying.

As we reflect on Jesus’ desert experience let us hear words from the Old Testament prophet Joel.

Scripture Reading Joel 2: 12-17

Hymn of Reflection “Who Is God” CCS 9 OR “How Shall We Find You” CCS 10 OR “Herr, du mein Gott/You Are My God” CCS 12 Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

Scripture Reading 2 Corinthians 5:20b-21

Hymn of Reflection “How Long, O Lord” OR “Jesus, Tempted in the Desert” OR “When We Are Tested”

CCS 201 CCS 449 CCS 453

Thought Provoking: Reconcile Invite young person to read the complete definition of “reconcile” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconcile#learn-more.

Invite an artist(s) (any age) to draw what “reconcile” might look like to them. This could be done live on an easel for all to see, OR it could be created ahead of time and then projected for all to see. During this activity or projection, play the vocal recording of “Ososŏ,” CCS 225, from Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings.

Meditation Thoughts The song we have just heard translates into English as, “Come now, O Prince of Peace, make us one body; come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile your people.” As we listen once more to the music, reflect on Jesus’ mission and what part reconciliation played in his ministry.

Play the keyboard recording of “Ososŏ,” CCS 225, from Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings.

Prayer for Peace Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer: Offer the text of CCS 232, “Healing River of the Spirit,” as the Prayer for Peace.

Add an Amen at the end.

Project pictures of water in motion; showers, plunging, depth, calmness, springs, floods, clear, fast flowing, fish jumping, streams, channels, rough water, winding rivers, or many rivers entering into the ocean.

Hymn of Reflection “O Lord, Hear My Prayer” sing several times CCS 192 OR “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” CCS 190 Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

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

Focus Moment – Reminder 1 You were given a paper dove to represent the Holy Spirit that descended on Jesus’ baptismal scene as a voice affirmed, “This is my Beloved.” Just as Jesus was recognized in that moment, you are also a child of God. Jesus goes from that baptismal experience and is led into the wilderness where he fasted and prayed for forty days. Let’s consider how we might fast during our Lenten journey.

Some possibilities include: • • • • • •

not looking at your phone for the first and last 30 mins of the day and in its place read the scriptures or rekindle your relationship with family members or neighbors. giving up sugar or carbs or other dietary niceties that are blocking up your system and causing foggy brain, give up time and make space to volunteer at a charity or a variety of charities in the area. perhaps use time to finish projects that have been weighing you down. find time to create something to give away (food, craft, etc.) find time to specifically pray for an irritation with a fellow coworker or family member that eats at you daily.

You are invited to write a word or two on your dove. You could: • write something that is a grievance, pain, chasm between you and the life you choose to live.

•

write a forward action, like studying, family time, being present in the moment to others.

Express what you wish to do during these forty days. You may also choose to decorate your dove in ways meaningful to you. This dove becomes a symbol of your intention to sacrifice/offer/commit to this Lenten fast, making more space for God in your life.

As the congregation works on their doves have quiet music playing, such as: “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley” CCS 452 “Let Your Heart Be Broken” CCS 353 “Senzeni Na” CCS 200 As we leave this service, take your dove with you and put it somewhere prominent to remind you of your fast during this Lenten season.

Hymn of Reflection “He Came Singing Love” OR “Spirit of Christ, Remember Me”

CCS 226 CCS 221

OR “Gentle God, When We are Driven” OR “When the World Is Babbling Round Us”

CCS 222 CCS 217

Prayer of Blessing on the Journey Focus Moment – Reminder 2 You are invited to receive ashes as you leave, perhaps as a fingerprint on the back of your hand or forehead, as a visible reminder of: • • •

being reconciled with God and others, your commitment for the coming 40 days, and being forever in God’s loving care.

Those distributing the ashes may share a thought like, “May you find blessing and peace during this Lenten season” as they place the ashes on each exiting participant. Some participants may prefer to receive a small amount of ash in their hand rather than on their hand or forehead. Be sensitive and responsive to peoples’ preference.

Postlude

Sermon Helps Sermon Helps Year A – Letters Ash Wednesday

2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10 Exploring the Scripture Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians when he was alienated from them, both physically and by claims from false prophets and false teachings. The church in Corinth had fallen prey to people who were hostile to Paul and his ministry. He was deeply troubled for the people and what this separation from God might mean for them.

The passage opens with a reminder to be reconciled to God. The term “reconcile” is not used often in the New Testament. In this instance, it means repairing relations between groups or individuals who have grown apart. It creates an image of transformation and creating new and peaceable relations. Paul knows the closeness he once enjoyed with this group of believers has worsened because of false claims and rumors about his mission and ministry. His letter seeks to repair those divisions and to restore their faith in God. Paul reminds the Corinthians of their common bonds in Christ and urges them to receive God’s grace. He reminds them of the great gift of God’s Son and assures them he has not put stumbling blocks in their way. Paul also shared a litany of his suffering and his character’s strengths as evidence of his steadfast faith and continued mission as an ambassador for Christ.

Throughout this passage, Paul’s words remind us of times when we have been alienated from one another and God. This Ash Wednesday text challenges us to recognize our need to turn toward God–the God who is always turning toward us.

During Lent, we examine our lives. Where have we been separated or alienated by others? When have we pushed people away who were different from us? Paul’s letter reminds us God has always been about reconciliation. God overcomes our pettiness, our selfishness, and all that alienates us. God always takes the initiative and has shown us the supreme reconciliation.

By God’s acts in and through Jesus Christ, we glimpse the depth of God’s yearning to be in relationship with us.

Being reconciled to God is not just another action for us to take individually as a selfimprovement step. Instead, it is an invitation–To community. To accept God’s generous love and grace. To reflect Christ to others. And to take part actively in God’s reconciling acts in the world.

Central Ideas 1.

2.

3.

4.

Paul understood the need to repair relationships and keep them grounded in God’s grace.

We are reconciled to God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

God has always been about reconciliation.

We are called to be ambassadors for God’s reconciling acts in the world.

Questions for the Speaker 1. What does it look like to reconcile with an individual or group?

2. How might our lives reflect God’s grace and love?

3. What stumbling blocks keep us from reconciling with others?

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources Year A Ash Wednesday

2 Corinthians 5:20—6:10 NRSV (A, B, C) Gathering Welcome

The Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday, an ancient holy day in the Christian calendar. In scripture, ashes signify grief, sin, and human mortality, as well as joy, forgiveness, and victory over death. Christians often wear a smudge of ashes on the first day of Lent as a symbol of repentance. The ashes traditionally are created by burning palm branches that were used in Palm Sunday celebrations the previous year.

Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Spirit of the active God, We are your people, and you are our God. People, your people, stand cold in the street. Yet People, your people, stand beside the oppressed.

People, your people, sit hungry at the table. Yet People, your people, sit with the abused.

People, your people, shout angrily at their adversaries. Yet People, your people, shout protest against injustice.

People, your people, refuse forgiveness. Yet People, your people, refuse to rest until peace is present.

People, your people, dismantle your creation. Yet People, your people, dismantle unfair systems.

People, your people, cultivate animosity in communities. Yet People, your people, cultivate food for the hungry.

God, forgive us for the sins we’ve done, not realized we’ve done, and unintentionally done. We repent of our failures to show compassion and love to your creation. Turn our hearts to you, that we stand, sit, shout, refuse, dismantle, and cultivate on the side of peace, hope, joy, and love.

In the name of Jesus, the Redeemer. Amen.

Spiritual Practice Practice of Silence Practicing silence may be difficult at first. The mind may run wild, allow yourself grace in this practice. We will begin the practice of silence when I ring the chime. We will be silent for five minutes. I will ring the chime again at the conclusion of our time of silence.

Remember to breathe deeply. Focusing on each breath can help quiet the mind. Become aware of your surroundings; notice how the air feels on your skin; trust that you are in the presence of the holy—fully surrounding and embracing you. Allow your inner conversations to stop for a while, being fully present with the one who is fully present with you.

Ring the chime to begin.

Wait five minutes Ring the chime to conclude the period of silence.

Ask: How does it feel to be present with God in silence?

Adapted from a Guide for Lent cofchrist.org/a-guide-for-lent.

Sharing Around the Table 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:10 NRSV

So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain.

For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.”

See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always

rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Paul reminds us that we are ambassadors, coworkers with Christ. While he explicitly points to Jesus as the One who was a sin-offering, and through whom salvation comes, we can take part as aides in that process.

St. Augustine said, “the church consists in the state of communion of the whole world.”

(Augustine, De Unitate Ecclesiae: On the Unity of the Church, 20.56). If we think back to the analogy in the New Testament of us as the body of Christ, and Christ being the head, we all work together and are crucial to the body’s function. No part is more necessary than the others; all are of worth and important.

Paul says that as ambassadors of Christ we might experience both wonderful and difficult things, simultaneously even.

Yet we can go deeper, not just helping one another, but communing with each other.

There is a sense of deeper connection, of greater intention. That is found in our relationship with each other as the body of Christ, including all its diversity, hardship, and joy!

Questions 1. How would you describe your part of, or relationship with, the body of Christ?

2. How do we aid in the work of God’s salvation (God’s reconciling, restoring purposes in the world)?

3. What keeps you from being more fully integrated into the body of Christ?

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.

The offering prayer for Lent is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response: Ever-present God, forgive us when we are less than loving, less than hope-filled, less than you have created us to be. Your mercy and grace are always with us. May we find strength in your presence, and may we respond to your love with generous spirits.

Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 214, “The Weight of Past and Fruitless Guilt”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group • •

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

•

Thoughts for Children You will need: poster board with construction-paper flower without petals construction-paper petals, one for each participant glue stick Say: After a forest fire or field burning, the ashes of the old plants can be used to help new plants grow. Today is Ash Wednesday and begins the season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, remember that YOU can grow during Lent! Perhaps you will learn a new skill that can help others. Perhaps you will discover a new way to spend time with God. Think about how you hope to grow this Lenten season.

I am going to give you each a flower petal. I want you each to write or draw what you hope to learn or how you hope to grow in the next five weeks as we prepare for Easter.

Once you have written on your petal, come glue it onto our flower.

• • •

Worship Resources 26 February 2023

First Sunday in Lent

Matthew 4:1-11 Be Vulnerable to Divine Grace Additional Scriptures Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19; Doctrine and Covenants 163:10b

Preparation Provide sticky notes or small pieces of paper and pens for each participant. Also have wall space cleared near the exit with the word BLESSED! written on a poster(s) board in fat, empty letters. Designate someone to collect the sticky notes and place them here before the postlude making sure the sticky notes are put within the letter outlines. If the service is done online, perhaps comments could be posted in chats.

Prelude Welcome and Focus our Thoughts Lent began on Ash Wednesday, 40 days before Easter, not including Sundays, and ends on Holy Saturday. This is a season of personal reflection, inward soul-searching, and repentance as we remember Christ’s sacrifice. Today our theme is, “Be Vulnerable to Divine Grace.” What exactly does that mean to you?

We receive God’s grace as a gift; we do not earn it. Take a moment and remember a time when you were surprised with an unearned “gift.” Here are some examples: • After being stopped for going 30 miles over the speed limit, the officer decides to just • • •

•

give you a warning.

Your teacher who was notorious for springing surprise quizzes before break, or any time, had a fun day of activities planned instead.

An unexpected clean bill of health.

A snow day.

Finding cash in the pocket of an old jacket just in time to help pay the bills.

Divine grace also comes in many surprising ways, often overlooked. You are invited to write down on your sticky note an unearned gift you received.

Allow time.

We will come by to collect your sticky notes. When you have finished, feel free to visit with those around you about what “gifts” you remembered.

Allow time.

Praise Scripture Psalm 32:10b-11 The reading starts with “…steadfast love surrounds those….”

Hymn of God’s Presence “God Within, God Around” sing in the Taizé style CCS 20 th See notes on Taizé singing in the February 5 service.

Encourage participants to include the recent Spanish translation of this song: Dios en mi Dios en ti Toda creacion es Dios aqui.

Descant Santa Presencia, cerca, dentro, Dios, aqui.

- Joy Vogel OR “Creator God We Sing/Cantemos al Creado” CCS 114 Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

Prayer of Praise Scripture Reading Place readers in different locations around the room.

Matthew 4:1-11 Voice 1: Matthew 4:1-3 Voice 2: Matthew 4:4 Voice 3: Matthew 4:5-6 Voice 4: Matthew 4 7 Voice 2: Matthew 4:8-9 Voice 4: Matthew 4: 10 All Voices: Matthew 4: 11

Lenten Hymn Choose one “Jesus Tempted in the Desert” “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley” “The Glory of These Forty Days”

CCS 449 CCS 452 CCS 451

Prayer for Peace Light the Peace Candle.

Statement Today we light this candle in the hope that its light reminds each one of us to be “the light that shines” - an example to all of Christ’s love.

Prayer Dear Lord, In our rush and hurry, we so often miss your presence in our everyday life. Please help us: take a deep 3 count breath before reading on to stop and take note; to see with your eyes,……… your creation and world; to hear with your ears……this world’s songs of joy and sorrow; to feel with your skin……….. the pain and suffering of those near and far;

to use the hands, feet, and soul you have supplied us …….to reach those in need; to make “the” difference…… in the here and now.

We sincerely pray, Amen.

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

Song of the Sacred Moment “Come, Holy Spirit, Come” sing several times OR “Listen in the Silence” sing several times OR “Come and Find the Quiet Center”

CCS 154 CCS 153 CCS 151

Lenten Sacred Moments Take a few moments to consider how you are choosing to “go into the wilderness” these next few weeks. Project or print these questions.

• • •

What changes would be beneficial in your relationship with God? How can you find/make time to remember God throughout the day?

What Christ-like attitude do you choose to work on daily and how?

Play one of the following hymns as background music giving participants time to reflect.

“Leftover People in Leftover Places” “God of All Time” “I Will Talk to My Heart”

CCS 275 CCS 270 CCS 168

Disciples’ Generous Response Gratitude Focus Moment Read the storybook, Gratitude is My Superpower: A children’s book about Giving Thanks and Practicing Positivity, (My Superpower Books) Paperback by Alicia Ortego ISBN 979-8533341301 Available also in Spanish.

A mother teaches gratitude through the use of a stone and examples, permitting her daughter to then discover for herself the wonders of the stone.

At the end of the story, ask for “popcorn” responses from participants – for what are they grateful?

OR Spend a few moments asking for “popcorn” responses from participants – for what are they grateful?

Scripture Reading Doctrine and Covenants 163:10b starting with “Come before your Eternal Creator….”

Statement During this time of a Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding

mission. We can tangibly express our gratitude to God through our offerings, 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 Hymn of Generosity to be sung as the offering is received “Let Your Heart Be Broken” OR “Can We Calculate Our Giving” OR “Come and Bring Light”

CCS 353 CCS 617 CCS 287

For additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response Tools at CofChrist.org/spiritualpractices-generosity/.

Message Based on Matthew 4:1-11

Gratitude Becomes Action “My Gratitude Now Accept, O God/Gracias, Señor”

CCS 614/615

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

OR “Called by Christ to Love Each Other”

CCS 577

Prayer for the Journey Postlude Have the “BLESSED!” poster and sticky notes displayed for all to see as they leave the service.

Sermon Helps Sermon Helps Year A First Sunday in Lent

Matthew 4:1-11 Exploring the Scripture This is the first Sunday of Lent. During this Lenten season we find ourselves invited to journey with Christ. We spend time practicing spiritual disciplines because it draws us closer to God through whom we anticipate the glorious hope of Easter.

Our Gospel lesson comes from Matthew who shares the experience of Jesus’ journey into the wilderness following his baptismal experience. Still dripping wet from his baptism, the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. It was a time for Jesus to open himself up rather than closing himself off. Yet, when he opened his life to God, he also became vulnerable to the temptations that face us in our humanity.

What were those temptations? It is important to help listeners go deeper in their understanding of the temptations and what Jesus’ experience has to say about our discipleship.

First, the temptation came after 40 days during which Jesus fasted, so Jesus is famished. The period of 40 days connects to stories in the Hebrew Scripture in which people fasted for 40 days (Moses and Elijah) or waited to be delivered from evil for 40 days (Noah).

First Temptation “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread” (v. 3).

What was special about turning stones into bread?

Stones would often have the shape of a loaf of bread. In this temptation we find an effort to get Jesus to focus on his own need and away from his greater call and mission of salvation for humanity.

But Satan does something else in this temptation. “If you are the Son of God,” challenges Jesus about his own identity as a means to raise doubt in Jesus’ mind. It’s amazing what happens to our courage and strength when we begin to doubt.

Second Temptation “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone’” (vv. 5–6).

So, why would Jesus resist this question to prove who he is? Jesus resists the temptation to test God because the attitude of testing God is not about trust; testing God comes in our lack of trust.

Too often in our human nature we place conditions on God to perform to our wished for expectations before we claim our faith.

Third Temptation “The devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; …‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me’” (vv. 8–9).

False worship and power is the third temptation. Jesus was faced with the easy way of becoming who he was called to be by falling down and worshiping the devil versus his journey of sacrifice to bring God’s justice for all. We face the same struggle in our life as a disciple. Too often we fall into the pattern of misuse of power and seeking the easy way to live our discipleship. The temptations Jesus faced and the temptations we face of materialism, doubt, misdirection, false worship, prestige, and power press on us to ask deeper questions. For Matthew, the questions Jesus had to face and wrestle with were: Who will I be in God? And what is God’s wish for my life? In this text we are confronted with the question: Will we be someone different from who God calls us to be?

Central Ideas 1. In this story of Jesus’ temptations the question is about Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and who he is called to be. When we are willing to step into the story, we are confronted with our own question of who we will be in God. 2. During this season of Lent we journey with Jesus toward the blessing of Easter. But on this journey we may discover our own human limits of doubt, misdirection, and false worship that keep us from being who God calls us to be.

Questions for the Speaker 1. What experiences have congregational members had during Lent in which they felt led by the Spirit to make it through difficult challenges?

2. How have the temptations of Jesus—materialism, doubt, misdirection, misuse of power, prestige, and false worship—been present in the congregation and in our lives? What effect have these temptations had on the congregation and on us?

3. Where do you see the Holy Spirit inviting others to a time of wilderness reflection to discover who God is calling them to be?

4. How can your congregation respond to human behaviors and temptations in ways that help others live more fully into God’s grace expressed in the hope of Easter?

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources Year A First Week of Lent Matthew 4:1-11 NRSV Communion

Gathering Welcome Lent is a time for personal and community spiritual renewal. The Lenten season it falls on the forty days (excluding Sundays) between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. As we journey with Jesus, we are called into the wilderness to prepare for something new. In this wilderness we confront the most painful parts of ourselves, face our weaknesses, and await the transforming power of grace, hope, and resurrection.

Prayer for Peace Ring bell or chime three times slowly.

Light Peace Candle I will read aloud CCS# 221 “Spirit of Christ, Remember Me” verse 1.

Then I will read it phrase by phrase and you will repeat each phrase after me. I will close with Amen.

Read through one time: Spirit of Christ, remember me when my world is torn apart; Way of all ways, speak love to me; draw me to your heart.

Pause Spirit of Christ, (group repeats) remember me when my world is torn apart; (group repeats) Way of all ways, (group repeats) speak love to me;

(group repeats) draw me to your heart. (group repeats) Amen.

Words © 1993 Hope Publishing Company, 380 S Main Pl, Carol Stream, IL 60188

Spiritual Practice Practice of Silence Practicing silence may be difficult at first. The mind may run wild, allow yourself grace in this practice. We will begin the practice of silence when I ring the chime. We will be silent for five minutes. I will ring the chime again at the conclusion of our time of silence.

Remember to breathe deeply. Focus on each breath can help quiet the mind. Become aware of your surroundings; notice how the air feels on your skin; trust that you are in the presence of the holy—fully surrounding and embracing you. Allow your inner conversations to stop for a while, being fully present with the one who is fully present with you.

Ring the chime to begin.

Wait five minutes Ring chime to conclude period of silence.

Ask: How does it feel to be present with God in silence?

Adapted from a Guide for Lent https://www.cofchrist.org/a-guide-for-lent

Sharing Around the Table Matthew 4:1-11 NRSV Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; 9 and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’”

Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

On this, the first Sunday of Lent, we are invited to journey into the wilderness with Christ following his baptismal experience. Still dripping wet from his baptism, the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness. It was a time for Jesus to open himself up in which he also became vulnerable to the temptations that face us in our humanity.

The temptations Jesus faces in this passage came after 40 days during which Jesus fasted, so Jesus is famished. The first temptation, to turn stones to bread, seems to be an effort to get Jesus to focus on his own need and away from his greater mission. In the words, “If you are the Son of God,” Jesus’ own sense of identity is challenged as a means to raise doubt in Jesus’ mind. It’s amazing what happens to our courage and strength when we begin to doubt.

The second temptation, to throw himself down from the temple and allow the angels to bear him up asks Jesus to test God’s faithfulness. Jesus resists this temptation because the attitude of testing God is not about trust, but rather lack of trust. Too often in our human nature we place conditions on God to perform to our wished for expectations before we claim our faith.

In the third temptation, Jesus is offered all power and dominion over “the kingdoms of the world” for the simple act of falling down and worshipping something other than God. Jesus was given an easy way of becoming who he was called to be versus a journey of sacrifice that would bring God’s justice for all. As disciples, we face similar struggles. Too often we fall into the pattern of misuse of power and seeking the easy way to live our discipleship.

For Matthew, the questions Jesus had to face and wrestle with were: Who will I be in God? And what is God’s wish for my life? In this text we are confronted with the question: Will we be someone different from who God calls us to be? The temptations we face in our daily lives (materialism, doubt, misdirection, false worship, prestige, and power) press on us to ask similar questions.

Questions: 1. In what ways are you tempted to take the easy road to discipleship?

2. What are the things in your life that you need to confront in order to become who God is calling you to be?

3. What is holding you back?

Sending Generosity Statement

“Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.”

(Doctrine and Covenants 163:9) The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response. The offering prayer for Lent is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response: Ever Present God, Forgive us when we are less than loving, less than hope-filled, less than you have created us to be. Your mercy and grace is always with us. May we find strength in your presence and may we respond to your love with generous spirits. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting Closing Hymn CCS 453 “When We Are Tested” Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group • •

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children Say: People prepare for God’s presence in many different ways. Some fast (refrain from eating from sunup to sunset).

Others gather for prayer or worship.

Others find a quiet place to wait in silence.

We are going to practice “Entering the Silence” This is a spiritual practice that helps us feel God’s presence.

As we enter the silence, everyone try to remain as quiet as possible.

Find a comfortable place to sit (children may wish to sit or lie down on the floor).

Ready? Close your eyes. We will breathe in and out three times slowly.

In…out…

In… out…

In… out…

I will give some directions and try to follow them silently. We will have time to share at the end.

Listen and hear the Silence. What do you hear?

Listen and see the Silence. What can you see?

Listen and taste the Silence. What do you silence taste like?

Listen and smell the Silence. Can you smell the silence?

Breathe in…and out…

Listen and hold your arms out to embrace the Silence.

Now rest your hands in your lap.

Let’s open our eyes.

What was it like to sit in the silence?

What did you see or hear in the silence?

Does silence have a taste or a smell? What is it?

Could you sense the presence of God in the silence?

After children have shared, thank them for engaging in this spiritual practice.

Offer a short prayer” “God, thank you for being with us in the silence of this day. Amen.”

“Entering the silence” is based on a practice of the Seneca (First People) Nation.

The imagery is adapted from the words of Twylah Nitsch.