Worship Planning Tools-January 2024

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7 January 2024 14 January 2024 21 January 2024 28 January 2024 _________________________________________________________________________________

WORSHIP RESOURCES

7 January 2024 First Sunday after the Epiphany Baptism of the Lord (Ordinary Time)

Acts 19:1-7 Covenant with God and Community Additional Scriptures Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Mark 1:4-11; Doctrine and Covenants 164:3a-b Prelude Welcoming Hymn “God Who Cares for All Creation” CCS 14 Sing this in a three-part round OR add keyboard accompaniment found at CCS 198 to sing as a congregational hymn.

OR “O for a World” CCS 379 Welcome, Joys, and Concerns

Call to Worship The Call to Worship is a call to be our authentic selves as we stand before God and with each other. We are called to be the light, to be baptized with and sustained by the Holy Spirit. We try to deceive nobody, but stand together, vulnerable, speaking the name of Jesus the Christ to separate light from the darkness.

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1-5 Opening Hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King” Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

CCS 98

OR “Hevenu shalom alaychem/La paz esté con nosotros” CCS 311 Rehearse the Spanish and/or Hebrew pronunciation first. To begin, sing at a very slow pace. Repeat the song several times, increasing the speed each time.

Invocation Response Dwelling in the Word: Acts 19:1-7 1. As you listen to the scripture, what is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impresses on you?

Meditate in silence.

2. Listen to the scripture again. What do you feel? What specific situation in your life today relates to what you heard? Write down a prayer or pray quietly in silence.

3. Listen to the scripture for the last time. What is God’s personal invitation to you from the scripture passage? During the silence, write down what the Lord may be saying to you or offer a prayer of thanks, or simply rest quietly in the Spirit’s presence.

Sharing in the Spoken Word Based on Acts 19: 1-7 Prayer for Peace Light the Peace Candle.

Reading Readers can be in the room or online participants.

Reader 1: I know what it’s like to stumble in the dark.

Reader 2: I know what it’s like to be invisible.

Reader 3: I know what it’s like to be unforgiven.

Presider: Who will care? Who will change themselves so they can change the world?

Reader 1: I stumble in the dark. I’ve learned to be ashamed of who I am. Where do I belong?

Reader 2: I’m invisible. I’ve learned to slink away. Where do I belong?

Reader 3: I won’t be forgiven. I know my need is too much for people. Where do I belong?

Congregation: Is there hope? Is hope real?

Presider: Light illuminates the dark. Light makes us visible. The Son forgives the unforgivable. The dream is real. That you don’t matter is a lie.

Congregation: We stand with you. We will not turn away. You are at home here.

We Sing Our Peace Prayer “For Everyone Born” OR “We Meet as Friends at Table”

CCS 285 CCS 532

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Communion Scripture: Mark 14:12-26 Communion Talk Preparation for Communion “In the Singing” OR “I Come with Joy, a Child of God”

CCS 519 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 might 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 For guidelines on the Lord’s Supper, including online participation, go to CofChrist.org/ourministry-tools.

Disciples’ Generous Response Generosity Hymn “Open My Heart” OR “Teach Me, God, to Wonder”

CCS 171 CCS 176

Statement We are committed to being a cornerstone of peace. Giving our tithes helps us build the peaceable kingdom in such a way that extends beyond the borders of our own sacred space. It is an expression of love and discipline that promotes the worth of all persons and embraces the worth of all creation.

During this time of 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.

Oblation The first Sunday of the month focuses on the Disciples’ Generous Response on Abolish Poverty, End Suffering, which includes oblation ministry.

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.

If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or through eTithing at eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes Closing Hymn “Make Us, O God, a Church That Shares” CCS 657 OR “Your Cause Be Mine” CCS 639 OR “Bwana Awabariki/May God Grant You a Blessing” CCS 660 Sing several times. Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Benediction Sending Forth Doctrine and Covenants 164:3a-b Postlude

SERMON AND CLASS HELPS Year B—Letters First Sunday after the Epiphany, Baptism of the Lord (Ordinary Time)

Acts 19:1–7 Exploring the Scripture What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? From today’s text, we discover the importance of the Holy Spirit in disciples’ lives. We learn the gift of the Holy Spirit helps us live as disciples every day. Paul illustrates this by talking about baptism, laying on of hands, and speaking in tongues.

Our story takes place in Ephesus, a Greek city in ancient Asia Minor (now in Turkey).

Ephesus was one of the best places in ancient times to meet people! Ephesus was one of the four major cities and the main trading center in the whole of Asia Minor.

To better understand what was happening, we need to read the preceding verses (Acts 18:24–28). There we meet Apollos, a North African from Alexandra (now Egypt), one of the largest Jewish communities in the ancient world. Luke, the writer of Acts, introduces us to Apollos, “an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John” (vv. 24–25).

Apollos and his friends meet Priscilla and Aquila, wife and husband, at the synagogue.

They help these new friends develop their understanding of the Way of God. They help them see the big picture of God’s mission through Jesus and how the Holy Spirit is critical in this work. Apollos then leaves to go to another city, but his friends stay in Ephesus.

Now Paul, who is on his third missionary journey, comes to Ephesus. He encounters a dozen of Apollos’ friends. Paul is surprised they had not heard of the Holy Spirit, so he baptizes and lays his hands on them to receive the Spirit. They then spoke in tongues and prophesied. In Greek culture at that time, they believed it was necessary to visit a shrine once a year to allow a good spirit to be within you. Speaking in tongues was proof that one was filled with a good spirit. Paul proclaims the Holy Spirit is available for everyone and is needed to understand what God is doing.

Rather than interpret this text to define baptism and under whose name one should be baptized, we should elevate the importance of baptism as an essential step in one’s life as a disciple as a means of repentance and radical change of focus. We also celebrate the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to speak and act in new ways to live the life we have chosen.

What does it mean for us to be a disciple of Jesus today? We can achieve far more than we can imagine or dream is possible. We can say we need the Holy Spirit to help form us spiritually as we live Christ’s mission. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us and enables us to transform the world.

Central Ideas 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

The Holy Spirit is critical for us as we follow Jesus Christ.

Baptism is an essential step in becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ.

The gift of the Holy Spirit helps us live the radical life of the disciple.

Through spiritual formation we are shaped to engage in Christ’s mission.

The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us.

Questions for the Speaker 1. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

2. In what ways has your baptism shaped your life?

3. How have you seen the Holy Spirit help shape you or your congregation so you can better understand and engage in Christ’s mission?

4. Where has the Holy Spirit popped up in your neighborhood? Who will be the Priscilla and Aquilas who will help share with new friends they meet?

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Year B Letters First Sunday after Epiphany, Baptism of the Lord Acts 19:1–7 NRSVUE Gathering Welcome The season after Epiphany includes the weeks between Epiphany and Transfiguration Sunday.

This first Sunday after Epiphany is the Sunday when the Baptism of the Lord is observed.

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

Light the peace candle.

God of liberation, we come before you thankful, so very grateful for the birth and baptism of Jesus. Just as you called Jesus by name into the waters of baptism, you call each of us, too.

From north, south, east, and west, all around the world you call your beloved.

And in being called, we are freed to live fully into your divine vision of peace for the world. The task is great, and our community is, too. Together we ache for peace in every corner of our world. Empower us to go, to act, knowing that you will be with us as we strive for peace in our schools, neighborhoods, and communities. May we be bold, demanding peace in places we previously thought impossible, knowing you already are in those places, waiting for us. We pray for peace, and now we work for peace. In the name of Jesus, our example of peace. 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 a sense of 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, to friends and acquaintances, to those you dislike or with whom you are in conflict, and to 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 through Walking in the Light.

Sharing Around the Table Acts 19:1–7 NRSVUE While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Then he said, “Into what, then, were you baptized?” They answered, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied, altogether there were about twelve of them.

Apollos was a North African from Alexandra (now Egypt). He spoke with and taught about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John the Baptist. Apollos and his friends met Priscilla and Aquila, wife and husband, at the synagogue. They helped these new friends develop their understanding of God’s mission through Jesus. Apollos then went to another city, but his friends stayed in Ephesus.

Paul then came to Ephesus and encountered a dozen of Apollos’s friends. Paul was surprised that they had not heard of the Holy Spirit, so he baptized them and laid his hands on them to receive the Spirit. They then spoke in tongues and prophesied. In the Greek culture at that time, there was the belief that it was necessary to visit a shrine once a year, which would allow a good spirit to be within you.

Speaking in tongues was proof that one was filled with a good spirit. Paul proclaimed the Holy Spirit was available for everyone and was needed for understanding what God was doing.

The importance of this passage is that baptism is an essential step in one’s life as a disciple. It is a means of repentance and signifies a radical change of focus in one’s life. We celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit that enables us to speak and act in new ways to live the life we have chosen.

Questions 1. What was most significant about your baptism or confirmation?

2. As you align yourself more closely with Jesus, the peaceful One, what changes are occurring in your life?

3. How has the presence of the Holy Spirit impacted your life?

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 154, “Come, Holy Spirit, Come” Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group • •

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper 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.

We share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community.

In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings (select one): 515 “In these Moments We Remember” 516 “Coming Together for Wine and for Bread” 521 “Let Us Break Bread Together” 525 “Small Is the Table” 528 “Eat This Bread”

Thoughts for Children Say: Today’s scripture tells us about the Holy Spirit coming to be with a group of disciples. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence, moving and working in the world. God’s Spirit doesn’t just decide to be present with certain people in certain places. God’s Spirit is with everyone, everywhere.

We get to decide whether to be aware of God’s Spirit. One way we can be more aware of God’s presence in the world is to practice being silent. Did you know that silence was a skill you could practice? Let’s practice it together right now.

Being silent doesn’t just mean that we aren’t talking; it also means that we still our body and our mind. Sometimes our breath can help us be silent and still. Each time you breathe in, imagine your body being filled with silence and stillness. When you breathe out, imagine breathing out any noise or tension you feel within you.

We are going to continue to practice silence, using our breathing for a few minutes together. I will let you know when our practice time is coming to a close.

Practice being silent with participants for two–five minutes, depending on the group and members’ ability level. When the time comes to a close, thank participants for practicing with you and encourage them to continue to practice silence so they might have more opportunity to become aware of God’s presence around and within them. .

WORSHIP RESOURCES

14 January 2024 Second Sunday after the Epiphany (Ordinary Time)

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Sacred the Body Additional Scriptures 1 Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; John 1:43-51 Preparation For the Focus Moment you will need a large piece of butcher paper (enough to outline a small child) displayed for all to see, markers, and other craft items to decorate the image.

Prelude Welcoming Hymn “When the World Is Babbling Round Us” OR “We Are Children of Creation”

CCS 217 CCS 340

Welcome, Joys, and Concerns Call to Worship Many different voices are calling us, telling us where we belong, telling us what to do, telling us what is right and wrong. Most different perspectives are good, but not those that separate us from the spirit of Christ. Some voices are very strong, even demanding, and discernment is necessary to walk the path toward Jesus. We are the body of Christ. And God loves every single one of us for who we are.

Small Group Activity I invite all of you to choose a part of your body that you connect with the sacred. For instance, your hands because you make pies for the potluck or you hold a child, your eyes to see into a person’s soul, your big toe because you’d be off-balance without it. I ask you to stand and greet each other and tell them that part of your body, what it is, and why it connects to the sacred.

Opening Hymn “Somos el cuerpo de Cristo/We Are the Body of Christ” OR “Friend of the Streetwalker” Invocation Response

CCS 337 CCS 289

Focus Moment: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Read the scripture. Ask for a child to volunteer. Place the child in front of butcher paper and trace the outline of their body (in front of the congregation for all to see). Have fun decorating the outline as time allows. Write the word b-o-d-y at the top of the butcher paper.

In today’s scripture what kind of body is this (sacred)? Write s-a-c-r-e-d inside the body outline.

What was another word used for body in the scripture (temple)? Write t-e-m-p-l-e under the word body. Lead a discussion about bodies as temples. What examples might people have of this idea?

Ask participants to turn to CCS 140, “Sacred the Body.” Ask a volunteer to read the first stanza.

In pairs, discuss how we can “treat flesh as holy.”

Ask a volunteer to read the second and third stanzas. Lead a provocative discussion in the large group of these questions: What’s the “best” body type? Why? Who told us so?

We are all different. How do we recognize the Worth of All Persons?

What are some ways we can improve our group, our city, our country, our world to value all persons?

With so much variety, how can we create a sacred body (collective) of people who follow Christ?

Close by reading the fourth stanza.

Prayer for Peace Hymn of Peace “It’s Me, It’s Me, O Lord” OR “O May Your Church Build Bridges” OR “We Need Each Other’s Voice to Sing”

CCS 208 CCS 224 CCS 324

Light the Peace Candle.

Peace Prayer Author of shalom, We do not feel ready, though we yearn for peace here and now. It may not seem like it is our time, and yet we know you provide. You have revealed your greatness to us, and now it is time for us to be mirrors of your peace in the world, reflecting hope in the desolate places, shining peace in lonely corners.

There are so many divisions in our world; divisions that make peace seem like a dream. We remember today that you love each and every person in this world: the young and old, the wealthy and poor, the free and the captive, the kind-hearted and the cruel, and every person between. And just as you love us all, you also have hopes for peace for us all, too. You can make this dream a reality.

You can turn water to wine. You, who can turn the forsaken into the delighted.

You, who is peace. You are with us. May we be mirrors of your peace.

In the name of Jesus, the worker of miracles, Amen.

—Tiffany and Caleb Brian Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn “Sacred the Body” OR “God, Renew Us by Your Spirit”

CCS 140 CCS 237

Sharing in the Spoken Word Based on 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Disciples’ Generous Response Generosity Hymn “With Gifts That Differ by Your Grace” CCS 328 OR “Though the Spirit’s Gifts Are Many” CCS 334 Video CofChrist.org/video/with-new-eyes In this Disciples’ Generous Response Moment, Joelle Wight shares how our outlook and generous, faith-filled actions can benefit our world in the retelling of an African parable.

If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or at eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes Closing Hymn “Spirit of Christ, Remember Me” OR “Give Thanks for Life” Benediction Postlude

CCS 221 CCS 563

SERMON AND CLASS HELPS Year B—Letters Second Sunday after the Epiphany (Ordinary Time)

1 Corinthians 6:12–20 Exploring the Scripture The Christians in Corinth were divided with many questions about living their new faith. Paul’s letters to this group tried to help them find unity and a sense of community amid disagreement. Paul speaks with clarity to all sides and upholds his perspective on faithful living. The range of topics covered provided, and continues to provide, insights for the church through the ages. The challenge for each generation is how to read Paul’s guidance in context and responsibly interpret the more profound principles for our lives as disciples in our own time.

Chapters 5 through 11 of 1 Corinthians speak about problems of various behaviors, based on what Paul is hearing, and responses to questions he received. Today’s and next week’s (1 Corinthians 7:29–31) scriptures provide instruction for faithful living.

Paul begins with a statement we often find in the letters that “all things are lawful” (v. 12). The belief was that freedom as Christians, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, meant freedom from established rules about their behavior. Paul teaches that their freedom comes from belonging to Christ and the church as the body of Christ. This freedom leads to making decisions and behaving in ways that bring about good and are aligned with God’s purposes for our lives and the lives of others.

Paul upholds several examples to help clarify what things are possible but not very helpful. He uses food and sexual relations to make his point about our bodies and life’s purposes as disciples. The underlying principle promoted by Paul is that freedom in Christ includes the body and spirit and means a person is free to act in ways that show love for God and others.

Like the Corinthians, many live in cultures that still have a body-spirit dualism.

Dualism means thinking the spirit is holy and good, but the body works against the spirit. As Paul taught, Community of Christ encourages people to move past this dualism and see both the body and spirit as holy and good, working together to glorify God and build up the community.

In many ways, this text speaks of whole-life stewardship as we consider our body “a temple of the Holy Spirit within you” (v. 19). Our stewardship is not limited to only our treasures. Our stewardship extends to how we take care of our body and spirit, and for what purposes we use them in our lives as disciples. Today’s reader should consider the principle upheld through the idea that our body, as God’s temple, must guide our choices about our body and how we support one another.

This idea speaks to each generation, encouraging us to be mindful of the precious gift we receive from God in our physical bodies. Our bodies may be different shapes, sizes, and

skin colors, with different abilities. There are countless differences in our bodies, but we are unified in our understanding that each “body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,” and we are encouraged to “glorify God in your body” (vv. 19 and 20). Our bodies are part of our whole-life stewardship and response in living Christ’s mission.

Central Ideas 1. The challenge for each generation is reading Paul’s guidance in a frame of reference that responsibly interprets the more profound principles for life as disciples in our own time and context.

2. Paul teaches that freedom comes from belonging to Christ and the body of Christ.

3. Paul promotes that freedom in Christ includes both body and spirit, and means a person is free to act in ways that show love for God and others.

4. Our bodies are part of our whole-life stewardship and response in living Christ’s mission.

Questions for the Speaker 1. How is the environment of the Christians in Corinth similar and different from the context of the group to which you are speaking?

2. What does freedom in Christ mean for us as disciples?

3. What does it mean for our bodies to be members of Christ?

4. What does it mean for our bodies to be part of our whole-life stewardship and response in living Christ’s mission?

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Year B Letters Second Sunday after Epiphany 1 Corinthians 6:12–20 NRSVUE 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.

Author of shalom, we do not feel ready, though we yearn for peace here and now. It may not seem like it is our time, yet we know you provide. You have revealed your greatness to us, and now it is time for us to be mirrors of your peace in the world, reflecting hope in desolate places, shining peace in lonely corners.

Our world has so many divisions—divisions that make peace seem like a dream. We remember today that you love every person: the young and old, the wealthy and poor, the free and captive, the kind-hearted and cruel, and every person between. And just as You love us all, you also have hopes for peace for us all, too. You can make this dream a reality.

You, who can turn water into wine; You, who can turn the forsaken into the delighted; You, who are peace; You are with us. May we be mirrors of your peace.

In the name of Jesus, the Worker of miracles. 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 a sense of 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, to friends and acquaintances, to those you dislike or with whom you are in conflict, and to 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 through Walking in the Light.

Sharing Around the Table 1 Corinthians 6:12–20 NRSVUE “All things are permitted for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are permitted for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for sexual immorality but for the Lord and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For it is said, “The two shall be one flesh.” But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun sexual immorality! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against the body itself. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

The Christians in Corinth were divided by many questions about living their new faith. Paul’s letters tried to help them find unity and a sense of community amid disagreement. Paul shared his perspective on faithful living. The range of topics has provided and continues to provide insights for the church.

Paul begins with a statement we often find in the letters that “all things are lawful.” The belief was that freedom as Christians, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, meant freedom from established rules about their behavior. Paul teaches that their freedom comes from belonging to Christ and the church as the body of Christ. This freedom leads to making decisions and behaving in ways that bring about good and are aligned with God’s purposes for our lives and the lives of others.

Paul upholds several examples to help clarify what things are possible, but not very helpful. He uses food and sexual relations to make his point about our bodies and life’s purposes as disciples. The underlying principle promoted by Paul is that freedom in Christ includes the body and spirit and means a person is free to act in ways that show love for God and others.

In many ways, this text speaks of whole-life stewardship as we consider our body “a temple of the Holy Spirit within you.” Our stewardship is not limited to our treasures. Our stewardship extends to how we care for our body and spirit and for what purposes we use them in our lives as disciples.

Today’s reader should consider the principle upheld about how the idea of our body as God’s temple must guide our choices about our body and how we support one another.

As Paul taught, Community of Christ encourages people to see both the body and spirit as holy and good, working together to glorify God and build the community.

Questions 1. How do you experience your body as part of God’s good creation?

2. Are there practices, behaviors, and actions that you sense detract from the whole-life stewardship of your body?

3. How do you extend spiritual wholeness to include your physical body?

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 326, “In Christ We Live” Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group • •

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children Say: In today’s scripture, we are invited to make Responsible Choices for our good and the good of the world. This passage reminds us that we should use our whole selves to make Responsible Choices.

Today, I want to invite you to participate in a prayer with me. In this prayer, we will ask God to help us make Responsible Choices with all of who we are.

Stand up where you are and make sure you have enough room so you won’t hit anyone as we pray. As we pray, we are going to move our bodies.

Move through the prayer, instructing the kids to join you in the motions as you pray.

Say: Reach high above your head with your hands. God, please help me choose to use my hands to help others.

Move your head from side to side and roll it around in a circle. God, help me to choose to use my brain to make Responsible Choices that relate your love and peace in the world.

Open your eyes big and then close them tightly. God, help me to choose to see the world and the people in it the way you do.

Massage your ears with your fingers. God, help me to choose to hear the needs of others and respond with love.

Open your mouth like you are about to yawn. God, help me to choose to speak words of love and peace.

Finally, place your hands over your heart. God, let your love flow through me and help me share it with others.

Amen.

WORSHIP RESOURCES

21 January 2024 Third Sunday after the Epiphany (Ordinary Time) Racial Justice Day

Mark 1:14-20 Will You Come and Follow Me? Additional Scriptures Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Doctrine and Covenants 161:1b Preparation For the Reflection after the Message, recruit nine participants—seven to be designated colors and two additional. It’s best if they can rehearse before the service. None of the participants speak. Person 1 and Person 2 only laugh. Prepare seven cardboard signs to hang around the seven participants’ necks. Each person representing a color wears a sign, plain color on one side and a letter on the other side.

Together the signs spell r-a-i-n-b-o-w. Colors: Purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, burgundy.

Number them to display the word “rainbow” when lined up in order and in the usual order of colors in a rainbow.

Prelude Welcoming Hymn “Gather Us In” Stanzas 1, 2, and 4 OR “Who Is My Mother, Who Is My Brother?”

CCS 72 CCS 336

Welcome, Joys, and Concerns Call to Worship

Stand There…He said it…“If you can’t stand for something, you’re not good for nuthin” Trapped in that moment, defined by words disguising malice with values based in usefulness to others on terms not finding root or birth from within.

What usefulness? What others? What shared experiences beckon me to respond to an attack on my life’s choices that may or may not be of use to someone else?

My journey is mine...Not his. …How can he say that…Who died and made him the boss of me?

“Forgive them, father, they know not what they do.”

So what if I am not willing to spend time doing things that are different from what I like. …Things hat are familiar. …Things that ask me to change who I think I am…I think I’m doing fine just as I am. …Anyhow I don’t feel comfortable doing stuff with people I don’t know…. do this to the least among you, and you have done it to me also.

Choices…Choices to be an answer and not an onlooker. Choices to reach beyond the very tips of your fingers to grasp a life of new. Choices to be the one in the middle of where the journey beckons, on the road possibility lays out, climbing hills yet unexplored…. Choices to accept, to care, to nurture. Choices to face need that is ever present in a world trapped… not by hatred, but by indifference. faith, hope and love, but the greatest is love Love is the source of a heart willing to respond to need. …Love is the power that drives willing sacrifice to be in the midst of the chaotic beauty of life. Love is the force expressed in receiving and then giving grace. Love is the gift that calls each of us. …To stand.

—Dean Robinson; Used with permission.

Hymn “Light Dawns on a Weary World” OR “When the Church of Jesus”

CCS 240 CCS 358

Invocation Response Processing Mark 1:14-20 Ask someone to read the scripture aloud and project or print the first two statements with associated questions. Ask participants to discuss in pairs or small groups.

• Awareness. God is not far away, but here in our lives. How has the scripture helped you become aware of God in your life?

• Learning. What have you learned? How has the scripture taught you to embrace something new or something you must let go?

Repeat the scripture and project or print the final two statements with associated questions for discussion.

• Reflection. Reflect on how the scripture has helped you change. How have you been challenged?

• Action. What can you do to help God help others and creation?

Conclude the processing by projecting or printing the scripture passage for all to see and read aloud together.

Prayer for Peace Peace Hymn “Come and Bring Light” Choose several stanza.

OR “Soften My Heart” Sing twice.

Light the Peace Candle.

Peace Prayer Use a mixture of online and in-room participants.

Participant 1: I know what it’s like to stumble in the dark.

Participant 2: I know what it’s like to be invisible.

CCS 287 CCS 187

Participant 3: Presider:

I know what it’s like to be unforgiven.

Who will care? Who will change themselves so they can change the world?

Participant 1:

I stumble in the dark. I’ve learned to be ashamed of who I am.

Where do I belong?

I’m invisible. I’ve learned to slink away. Where do I belong?

I won’t be forgiven. I know my need is too much for people.

Where do I belong?

Is there hope? Is hope real?

Participant 2: Participant 3: Congregation: Presider:

Congregation: ALL:

Light of the star illuminates the dark. The star makes us visible.

The son forgives the unforgivable. The dream is real. That you don’t matter is a lie.

We stand with you. We will not turn away. You are at home here.

We pray for this kind of peace. Amen.

Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn “The Summons” OR “You Walk along Our Shoreline”

CCS 586 CCS 598

Sharing in the Spoken Word Based on Mark 1:14-20 Reflection: Differences See Preparation at the beginning of the service for more details.

Two people, Person 1 and Person 2, enter and start whispering and giggling.

A color enters and Person 1 and Person 2 laugh.

More colors enter and Person 1 and Person 2 laugh even more.

Colors group together out of order, then form a semicircle.

Person 1 and Person 2 still laugh.

Colors group together again, but this time in ‘rainbow order’ and again form a semicircle. Turn the colors over so the congregation sees “r-a-i-n-b-o-w.”

Person 1 and Person 2 stop laughing and gaze at them. They then say, “Odoo!”

—Debra Bruch Disciples’ Generous Response Generosity Hymn “Nada te turbe” Sing twice.

CCS 241 For assistance with Spanish pronunciation, sing along with the vocal recording found on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings, available from HeraldHouse.org.

OR “Christ, You Call Us All to Service” CCS 357 Video CofChrist.org/video/boldly-venture-president-steve-veazeys-message

In this message an online worship experience, Community of Christ President Steve Veazey provides focus, inspiration, and guidance.

Statement 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.

If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or through eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes Closing Hymn “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky” OR “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” Benediction Sending Forth Doctrine and Covenants 161:1b Postlude

CCS 640 CCS 499

SERMON AND CLASS HELPS Year B Third Sunday after the Epiphany (Ordinary Time)

Mark 1:14–20 Exploring the Scripture This scripture passage explores Jesus’ proclamation of “good news.” The author of Mark asserts Jesus as the Son of God who embodies love and calls people to believe. This passage highlights the following key ideas.

Through life and ministry, Jesus is about to show God’s radical interest in humanity. He helped reshape thinking about a loving and creative God. This mission will be dangerous and will need extraordinary commitment. His followers are willing to leave their families and possessions to follow Jesus. This passage asks readers to evaluate their life and ministry through the lens of the ministry and life of Jesus and to examine what is important to God. Verse 14 shares the understanding that this critical mission is indeed dangerous, noting John’s recent arrest. John was proclaiming Jesus as the Savior, preaching repentance and forgiveness in a radical way not heard before. For his commitment to God and Jesus, he was arrested and finally executed. For Jesus, this was a sign of supreme sacrifice. Disciples today are asked to examine their lives and discern what is important.

Verses 15–20 model the witness of invitation by Jesus. Disciples were asked to drop their nets and follow him. The account in Mark shows the first disciples as doing just that. They left everything they owned, their families, and friends to follow Jesus into the unknown. They showed faith and commitment. Common thought today is that they were just simple fishers who had little to give up to follow Jesus. These fishers from the shores of Galilee had businesses, employees, and family who depended on them. These fishers risked everything to follow Jesus.

These early disciples would be called to proclaim the good news after Jesus’ death and transform from followers to leaders. It is not hard to imagine these fishers spent much time in prayer to discern how they were called to commit themselves more fully to God. It is equally safe to assume they didn’t know the extent of how those simple prayers would change their lives and, maybe more important, history.

How many lives became hope-filled because of their risk-taking and testimony? How are we called to make such astounding changes in our lives so we can follow Jesus today? How can our risktaking magnify our call to create communities of joy, hope, love, and peace?

We are called to wrestle with the tough challenges of being God’s creation. We are called to cocreate with God a better world. At times, the mission will be difficult and maybe dangerous. But the mission demands sacrificial love. We may never see the changes in others’ lives, but the simple act of “dropping our nets” and following Jesus will be life changing.

Central Ideas 1. Life as a disciple calls for commitment and risk for the good of others.

2. The journey is difficult and requires sacrificial love.

3. We are called to invite others to join in the cause of Jesus Christ and proclaim the good news.

Questions for the Speaker 1. How have you seen risk-taking, by you or others, improve the lives of others?

2. Have you ever resented suffering and risk-taking? How did you overcome those feelings, and how did it help you understand more clearly the Mission Initiative of Invite People to Christ?

3. How does your congregation become “fishers of people”?

4. What does it mean to sacrificially love in today’s world?

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Year B Third Sunday after Epiphany Scripture: Mark 1:14–20 NRSV Welcome Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Ask people to share one- or two-word answers to, “Where in your life, in the world, or within God’s creation do you see the need for peace?”

After people have shared, offer this prayer: Lord of peace, We pray for peace in our lives, in our world, and for our Earth. Amen.

Spiritual Practice Blessings of Loving Kindness Take a few moments to quiet yourself. When you feel a sense of calm, begin by repeating the following blessing, giving the words time to resonate in your heart and mind: May I be blessed with loving kindness. May I be blessed with health. May I be blessed with true happiness. May I be blessed with peace.

Think of someone who is beloved to you. Visualize the person. As you pray, insert the person’s name into the prayer.

May my beloved be blessed with loving kindness. May my beloved be blessed with health. May my beloved be blessed with true happiness. May my beloved be blessed with peace.

Now think of a close friend. Visualize the person as you pray: May my friend be blessed with loving kindness. May my friend be blessed with health. May my friend be blessed with true happiness. May my friend be blessed with peace.

Think of someone who has harmed you or with whom you are in conflict. Visualize this person.

Take a moment. Breathe deeply and visualize the person, lovingly pray this blessing: May the one who harmed me be blessed with loving kindness. May the one who harmed me be blessed with health. May the one who harmed me be blessed with true happiness. May the one who harmed me be blessed with peace.

Invite people to share the thoughts, emotions, and images they experienced during this time of blessing.

Sharing Around the Table Mark 1:14–20 NRSV Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

Jesus invited the first disciples to drop their nets and follow him. They had to leave their families, friends, livelihoods, and possessions to follow Jesus into the unknown. In doing so, they showed courage, faith, and commitment. These first disciples risked everything to follow Jesus.

We, too, are called to wrestle with the realities of discipleship. At times, following Jesus will be difficult, frustrating, and maybe even dangerous. But we still are called to proclaim the grace and peace of Jesus Christ. As we emulate these early disciples in the simple act of “dropping our nets” and choosing to follow Jesus, our lives will be forever changed.

Questions 1. How are we called to make such astounding changes in our lives so we can follow Jesus today?

2. Are there aspects of your life that you find hard to leave behind as you journey with Jesus?

3. How can risk-taking magnify our call to create communities of joy, hope, love, and peace?

Sending Generosity Statement “Sharing for the common good is the spirit of Zion” (Doctrine and Covenants 165:2f).

We receive God’s grace and generosity. 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 the season after Epiphany is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response: Gracious 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 CCS 586, “The Summons” Closing Prayer

Thoughts for Children Jesus invited people to follow him. Let’s play a game of “follow me.”

Say, “Follow me,” and pretend to read a book, walk in place, pray, or exercise. Have fun and create some silly movements. Now invite each person to take a turn as the leader. Make sure every child has a chance to lead the group.

Now share statements that describe how we can follow Jesus. Create actions to go with them.

Encourage others to “follow” your actions.

Jesus said, “Follow me to help feed others.” (Make motions of spoon-feeding someone from a bowl.)

Jesus said, “Follow me to invite those who are not invited.” (Reach out to shake someone’s hand.)

Jesus said, “Follow me to be kind to others.” (Wave and say “hi” to each one.)

Jesus said, “Follow me to study and learn.” (Demonstrate reading.)

Invite participants to share their ideas on how to follow Jesus.

WORSHIP RESOURCES

28 January 2024 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (Ordinary Time)

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 There Is One God Additional Scriptures Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; Mark 1:21-28; Doctrine and Covenants 162:1b Preparation Recruit five people for the Call to Worship. Provide the reading ahead of time so they can be familiar with it.

Prelude Welcoming Hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “Source and Sovereign, Rock and Cloud”

CCS 11 CCS 4

Welcome, Joys, and Concerns Call to Worship Person 1: Stands and stays standing. You want power? I’ll give you power.

Person 2: Stands and stays standing. Hey! You can’t give power away like that! That person isn’t a leader. Everybody knows that! I’m in charge here!

Person 3: Grabs a person, who knows this will happen, and shows the congregation. Here! Here’s somebody who will work for you for next to nothing! I can get you anybody you need!

Person 4: Stands and stays standing. Got a lottery ticket here for sale! Worth 325 million dollars!

Yours for a measly $200!

Person 5: Stands and stays standing. Sign here and you can become famous! I just need your credit card number and you’re set. Everybody will love you!

Presider: Sit down, all of you! Sit down! They all quietly sit down. Everybody, please close your eyes and quietly contemplate for a moment.

When faced with social pressure, how do you deal with it? Idols come in various guises: Power, status, money, types of food, the clothes you wear, even where you shop. As a follower of Jesus, how do you counteract these voices?

Give people time to engage in silent reflection.

Hymn

“El amor nunca pasará” Sing twice.

CCS 6 Consider singing along with the vocal recording of this song found on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings, available from Herald House.org.

OR “Many and Great” CCS 3 Invocation Response Reflection and Sharing One of the major components of discernment is listening as described in the Doctrine and Covenants Section 162:1b: “Listen to the Voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment.” In order to listen we must take time out to be quiet. And in the quiet we are challenged to know or discern which interior voice is the Voice of the Divine; for there are many voices that go on inside of us. There is the voice of distraction that tells us we need to answer our cell phone whenever it rings or vibrates. There is the voice of distraction that encourages us to read an email the moment it arrives and answer it, or be on Facebook, or Twitter, or text message a friend.

We have an impulse that doesn’t want us to miss the next episode of a TV program. We are kind of an anxious people with our electronic devices all demanding our attention. And yet, the psalmist writes, “Be still and know that I am God.” In order to “be still,” we need to set those distractions to one side and sit in the quiet, calming ourselves from our gadget anxieties and sit with God. Oh, how difficult this is for so many.

The other voices that may be heard in our heads are the voices of self-doubt, poor self-esteem, anger, judgment, and cynicism. These voices may be heard because we haven’t internalized the fact that God loves us unconditionally and that God desires to commune with us daily, even hourly if we will give God the time.

Perhaps these voices would be softer if we practiced forgiveness, participated in reconciliation, increased our patience and tolerance of others and were not quick to judge. Each day we are given an opportunity to sit quietly with God and be in His presence, to speak and to listen, to share and be affirmed, to lift up concerns and be comforted. This is where the listening part of discernment begins.

—Bruce Crockett, adapted from Discernment: The Practice of Listening Think of a time when you heard the voices of self-doubt, poor self-esteem, anger, judgment, and injustice within you and your life. Take a few moments to think about that. Then turn to your neighbor and share what those voices were, how they affected you, and what you can and perhaps did about it. Your neighbor listens quietly, then shares their story. Affirm the hope within each other.

Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn “With a Word, You Birthed Creation” OR “God the Sculptor of the Mountains” Prayer for Peace

CCS 17 CCS 21

Light the Peace Candle.

Peace Prayer Spirit of Loving Community, Thank you so much for the gift of community! Communities are powerful. Communities can band together in order to discern Your word and create beautiful change! Communities can also reject those on the fringes, those who are different than we are, those who hurt us.

Jesus was rejected by the very community that studied Your word together. And yet, he found a group to accept him, and still included those who rejected him in his loving sacrifice. God, help us to follow Jesus’s example of peace.

Before peace is healing.

Before healing is forgiveness.

Before forgiveness is a conversation at the table.

May we form communities where folks from all walks of life with varied opinions and life experiences join together with the common goal of conversation that leads to healing that leads to peace. We are so hopeful that our tables—big and small, boring, and quirky, longstanding, and young—can be the tables that bring the world to peace.

We are not blind to the divisions and conflicts and abused power in our world. We see them, but as communities of faith, we refuse to accept them. God, empower us to take our tables to the rejected, to bring healing, and to bring peace.

In the name of Jesus, the most loving host, Amen —Tiffany and Caleb Brian Hymn of Reflection Sing twice.

“Listen in the Silence” CCS 153 OR “Come, Holy Spirit, Come” CCS 154 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Sharing in the Spoken Word Based on 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Disciples’ Generous Response Generosity and Justice Hymn “Help Us Express Your Love” OR “When Israel Was in Egypt’s Land”

CCS 621 CCS 293

Statement What is justice? Amid many voices, does God care about justice? In A Way of Life: Understanding Our Christian Faith, Tony Chvala-Smith writes that to acknowledge the one God, we act toward injustice; this is what it means to be a prophetic people. We need to be both sanctuary and advocate.

“To be sanctuary means that we will become a people among whom the vulnerable, the exploited, and the oppressed can find safety and refuge. To be an advocate means we will learn to speak for the well-being of those who have no voice or no hope, to act on behalf of the world’s poor, and to work for the dignity of every person (page 83).”

How do we give generously to be both sanctuary and advocate? What can we do to hold fast to love and justice?

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.

If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or through eTithing at eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes Closing Hymn “God of the Ages” OR “God of the Future” Benediction Postlude

CCS 7 CCS 360

SERMON AND CLASS HELPS Year B—Letters Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (Ordinary Time)

1 Corinthians 8:1–13 Exploring the Scripture The Christians in Corinth disagreed bitterly. They faced socio-economic tensions within their group, accused one another of sexual misconduct, and disputed over the matters of the Lord’s Supper and prideful claims of spiritual giftedness. Paul preached and converted these predominately Gentile Christians. He understood them. They knew him well. Three years before this letter, Paul spent about 18 months in Corinth.

When this letter was written, around 54–55 CE, Corinth was known as the most magnificent, contemporary, and bustling city of its size in Greece. It was a multicultural city with lively commercial and religious activity, interesting people, new trends, and high employment. In such a city, the Christians struggled with ethical improprieties of their culture. They had fallen prey to the trappings of a boomtown. Like any major port city in the Roman Empire, decadence and sexual promiscuity ran out of control.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul writes he had received reports that made him aware of the continuing issues and scandals within the congregation. Today’s text discusses one problem. Superficially, the topic of meat sacrificed to idols seems mundane and useless in our frame of reference compared with the complex and divisive issues we face. However, this text provides suitable and normative guidance critical to life as disciples. It begins with a discussion (chapters 8–10) about the ethical tension between individual freedom and communal responsibility.

How does the Christian navigate agency, freedom of choice, and decisions that affect the common good? Paul promotes a particular responsibility. His idea of Christian freedom is not a right to do what one wishes. Instead, it is grounded in love for one another and the community. Paul argues in verse 1: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” God’s love edifies us through and in Jesus Christ.

In verses 7–11, Paul cautions the reader to ask how decisions and actions affect others. He writes, “‘Food will not bring us closer to God.’ We are no worse off if we do eat, and no better off if we do” (v. 8). In verses 9–11 he cautions, “take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak....those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed.” We have the liberty to choose but must consider how our actions and decisions affect others—particularly the most vulnerable.

Martin Luther stated this principle: “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.” Today’s text is much deeper than a discussion of whether to eat sacrificed meat. It clarifies two of Community of Christ’s Enduring Principles: • •

Responsible Choices: “God gives humans the ability to make choices about whom or what they will serve.”

Blessings of Community: “True community upholds the worth of persons while providing a healthy alternative to self-centeredness, isolation, and conformity.”

—https://CofChrist.org/about-us/# Fundamentally, it highlights Doctrine and Covenants 163:4a: “For in their welfare resides your welfare.” We are responsible for and to one another in our decisions and the actions we take.

Central Ideas 1. “Knowledge puffs up…love builds up” (v. 1).

2. “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all” (Martin Luther, “On the Freedom of a Christian”).

3. As Christians, our freedom of choice and individual actions must always be considered for affecting others, particularly the most vulnerable.

Questions for the Speaker 1. What current issues are there in your community where individual freedom collides with social responsibility?

2. What cultural improprieties might influence your congregation?

3. How do you define Christian freedom?

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Year B Letters Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 1 Corinthians 8:1–13 NRSVUE 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.

Spirit of loving community, thank you so much for the gift of community! Communities are powerful. Communities can band together to discern your word and create beautiful change!

Communities also can reject those on the fringes, those who are different than we are, those who hurt us. Jesus was rejected by the very community that studied your word together. Yet, he found a group to accept him and still included those who rejected him in his loving sacrifice.

God, help us to follow Jesus’s example of peace.

Before peace is healing.

Before healing is forgiveness.

Before forgiveness is a conversation at the table.

May we form communities where folks from all walks of life with varied opinions and life experiences join with the common goal of conversation that leads to healing that leads to peace. We are so hopeful that our tables—big and small, boring and quirky, long-standing and young—can be the tables that bring the world to peace.

We are not blind to the divisions, conflicts, and abused power in our world. But as communities of faith, we refuse to accept them. God, empower us to take our tables to the rejected, to bring healing, and to bring peace. In the name of Jesus, the most loving Host. 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 a sense of 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, to friends and acquaintances, to those you dislike or with whom you are in conflict, and to 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 through Walking in the Light.

Sharing Around the Table 1 Corinthians 8:1–13 NRSVUE Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.”

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him. Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “no idol in the world really exists,” and that “there is no God but one.” Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords—yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. “Food will not bring us close to God.” We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? So by your knowledge the weak brother or sister for whom Christ died are destroyed. But when you thus sin against brothers and sisters, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall.

In Corinth, most meat available for consumption initially had been offered to various gods as a sacrifice. The wealthier, more sophisticated, and more educated segment of this church group was eating meat that originally had been offered to various gods, causing a disturbance within the church. Paul was asked if it was idolatry to eat meat sacrificed to a pagan idol.

Paul responds on a theological and communal level. He talks about those with knowledge, inferring those with a superior intellectual position or insight. He makes it clear that there are limitations to knowledge, as it can inflate individuals without serving the community, for “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” Eating this meat is not idolatry, as we know that “no idol in the world really exists” and

“there is no God but one.” In this situation, Paul equates knowledge with arrogance, showing that truer knowledge begins with an awareness of one’s ignorance. Knowledge should lead people to humility, not conceit. Truly fruitful knowledge leads to love.

Paul says there is no theological problem here, but this is not all about us; it is about the community, too. The meat issue has an ethical and communal aspect. Corinth has many new Gentile converts. In their past lives, they assumed the gods ate food offered to them, and the converts had difficulty uprooting this conviction in a few months with the Christian fellowship. These new members felt conflicted and defiled when they ate meat. It is a stumbling block for some Jesus followers. After considering the possible toxic impact of eating meat, the act no longer is morally neutral; it becomes a “sin against Christ.” With that, Paul concludes by stating his choice to not eat meat “so that I may not cause one of them to fall.”

Paul is putting into application the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. He wants us to remember that while we have freedom in Christ, it must be used with discretion and care for the sake of the vulnerable.

Questions 1. Paul maintains that one’s behavior affects the faith of fellow believers. How have you seen this expressed?

2. Paul asserts that freedom is more than the right to choose as one wishes. How so?

3. What current individual freedoms in the community/congregation collide with social responsibility for the marginalized and oppressed?

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 242, “When We Are Living” Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group • •

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children •

You will need: Various materials for the actions you decide to model

Say: Today, I am going to invite you to close your eyes. While your eyes are closed, I am going to do something. With your eyes still closed, I want you to guess what I am doing.

Actions (ask the kids to guess each action; then have them close their eyes again before you try another action): • Fan yourself with a large hand fan (making sure some wind reaches the participants).

• Play a musical instrument of some kind.

• Water a plant with a squirt bottle (getting the participants a bit wet in the process).

• Make a phone call.

• Sweep or vacuum the floor (making sure to brush against participants.

• Other actions of your choice that can be guessed when participants’ eyes are closed.

Ask: How were you able to make guess what I was doing? (Affirm all answers.)

Ask: So you mean, you either heard, felt, or smelled the actions I was taking? My actions were felt by you?

Say: Today’s scripture offers an important reminder that our actions impact others. Therefore, it is really important that we make Responsible Choices that do not harm those around us. Some of our choices will have more impact than others, but all of our choices impact the world around us in some way.

Next time you are making a difficult choice, remember that what you choose will impact the rest of the world. Try to make the choice that is best for all of creation.