June 2024 Worship Planning Tools

• 2 June 2024

• 9 June 2024

• 16 June 2024

• 23 June 2024

• 30 June 2024

WORSHIP RESOURCES

2 June 2024

Ordinary Time (Proper 4) 2 Corinthians 4:5-12

Treasure in Clay Jars

Additional Scriptures

1 Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; Mark 2:23 3:6; Doctrine and Covenants 162:8c

Preparation

Prior to today’s worship, find an old jar or vase that looks completely worthless. An empty milk carton or plastic bottle works as well. Inside your jar, bottle, or carton, place something of great worth, like jewelry, money, or even a beautiful bouquet of flowers. If you choose to use a vase, one that leaks water would be perfect for the Congregational Focus Moment. Display your jar, bottle, or carton at the front of your sanctuary or worship space for all to see throughout worship.

Prelude

Welcome

Reading of Praise

O Lord, you have searched me and known me. …I praise you!

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. …I praise you!

You search out my path and my lying down. …I praise you!

Even before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely… I praise you!

You formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb… I praise you!

Your eyes beheld my unformed substance when none of them existed… I praise you!

You know what is inside and love all of me… I praise you!

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, adapted

This Reading of Praise can become a Responsive Reading, asking participants to respond to each statement with, “We praise you!”

Hymn of Assurance

“Blessed Be Your Name” CCS 252

OR “My Life Flows On in Endless Song” CCS 263

OR “All My Days” CCS 266

Invocation

Musical Response

Poem Reading “Let My Spirit Always

Sing”

Let my spirit always sing your name, though my heart winters though the seasons of despair and no sign you are there, God to whom my days belong, let there always be a song!

Though my body be confined, let your word search my mind, let the inner eye discern how much more there is to learn, see a world becoming whole through the window of my soul!

Let my spirit always sing to your Spirit answering, through the silence, through the pain know my hope is not in vain, like a feather on your breath trust your love, through life and death, you know all of me.

Shirley Erena Murray, CCS 269, Stanzas 1, 2, and 4, adapted

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer

O God of Peace, The heavens and all the Earth tell of your love and the

handiwork of your mysterious craft.

Grant us courage to join this heavenly chorus… Pause.

Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.

Help us discover your truth even in the darkest of nights… Pause.

There is no speech, nor are there words; too many cries go unheard; yet their voices goes out through all the Earth and their words to the end of the world.

Be with us even if we don’t know what to say… Pause.

Today, O God, let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable to you.

Pause.

Hear our prayers for peace, for love, for you Kingdom.

In the name of Jesus Christ, the Peaceful One and Seeker of Justice. Amen.

Psalm 19:1-5, 14, adapted

Focus Moment: Discover Your Gift See below.

Includes Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:5-12

Scripture Homily Based on 2 Corinthians 4:5-12

The Meaning of Communion

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Communion Scripture: Mark 14:12-26

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, see CofChrist.org/our-ministry-tools.

Disciples’ Generous Response Statement

The treasure inside of us is a gift. Even if we feel like we do not deserve it, God’s grace and generosity proves otherwise. In Choose Generosity: Discovering Whole-Life Stewardship, page 10, we read:

When we choose to believe that God is continuously pouring out grace and generosity we begin to see God in everything the good, the bad, and everything between…

Seeing all of life as a gift from God is a choice of faithful disciples.

This is especially true when we feel like a broken vase or jar. Although we may not be perfect, God’s treasure flows through us.

Testimony

Invite someone to share a testimony about a time when they felt unworthy of God’s generosity but shared their gifts.

This is our opportunity to share the financial gifts to support testimonies like this here and around the world!

In addition, the first Sunday of the month focuses the Disciples’ Generous Response on Abolish Poverty, End Suffering, which includes oblation ministry. As you consider the ways you can give also think of the ways you can work and act generously to abolish poverty and end suffering in the world.

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 eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Benediction

Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 162:8c

Postlude

Focus Moment

Display the ugly, worthless vase with a beautiful bouquet of flowers or other “treasures.”

Leader: What do you think of this vase?

Allow time for responses.

Leader: It is very ugly, dirty. It leaks water, making it worthless as a vase. What do you think about placing these treasures in such a worthless vase?

Allow time for responses.

Leader: Do you think this vase deserves to hold these treasures?

Allow time for responses.

Leader: Today’s scripture passage speaks of jars of clay or earthen vessels. These were valueless containers in the Bible, just like this vase. Listen closely as we study it together to find out how we are like these jars of clay.

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:5-12

Leader: One essential aspect of living in service to Christ is sharing the gospel, which is sometimes called “the New Covenant.” In the New Covenant, the veil of separation has been torn between us and God. We can know God personally and be part of a Divine/Human relationship. Our ministry is about sharing our knowledge of the New Covenant, talents, and gifts with all peoples! This is an awesome truth that is a treasure and brings light to the hearts of those who accept Christ! How do you share the treasure inside you?

Allow time for responses.

Leader: We are like this vase. Just as this vase appears completely undeserving of this beautiful treasure, we may feel undeserving of the treasure of Christ. But God chooses each of us! God chooses you and me to share the amazing truth of love and grace! When you feel weak and undeserving, I want you to see how great God’s love and grace is for you, that God chooses to use you to share with all people.

Year B Letters

2 Corinthians 4:5–12

Exploring the Scripture

Second Corinthians may have originated as two or three letters, later compiled into one. The first nine chapters may come from one letter, or chapters 8–9 may represent a second letter. Paul outlines the nature of Christian ministry in chapters 1–6, from which several of the following lectionary texts are drawn.

The lectionary scripture for Transfiguration Sunday, which is the last Sunday before Lent, ends with the affirmation, “For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves…" (v. 5). The text further affirms it is the light of Christ (“let light shine out of darkness”) that shines through us in our witness of God and Christ (v. 6). Today’s passage begins with those verses and provides the foundation for all that follows.

Genesis 1:3 proclaims that God spoke light into the darkness and chaos even before creating the sun, as the first step toward creating the world. Isaiah 9 expands the image to proclaim the coming Messiah as the ruler who brings light in the darkness. Paul adds the final word: Christ is the mover in creation, whose light is life to all a light that no evil can overcome.

The light of Christ is the foundation of our life and shines in our hearts, regardless of how dark they may seem, to affirm the glory of God and the witness of Jesus Christ. The light of Christ is the source of Christian ministry. Lest we begin to feel smug about being vessels that contain the light of Christ, Paul hastens to add that we are merely clay jars, weak, malleable, easily broken, and limited.

His letters to the Corinthians provide insights into a power struggle between Paul and other leaders. He goes to great pains to provide his credentials and authority as an apostle. Here, Paul also counters the egotistical centering of power and authority in himself and other leaders in Corinth. Christ’s followers are not “translated beings,” radiating glory and holiness. We are vulnerable, cracked, as transient as the cheap clay jars that households use and toss aside. Whatever power and authority we have is God working in us. And the successes are God’s, not ours.

Verses 8–10 provide memorable, dramatic assertions of the inner light of Christ overcoming afflictions, despair, persecution, and attacks all of which Paul endured. Suffering is part of the reality in which we live, but suffering isn’t permanent, nor does it control our identity. Paul points out that whatever we suffer for our faith means we engage in the very process that led to Jesus’ death. That is, the broken systems that resulted in the crucifixion are part of who we are and contribute to our suffering. But the pain of taking part in Christ’s death

is coupled with the hope of Christ’s resurrection. Pain and hope are the life and heritage of disciples.

The resurrected Christ lives in each follower and shines through the misfortune that each must face while living and following. The life of Christ becomes visible to others as we face life’s inconveniences, difficulties, and sufferings. There is always light in the darkest places, hope in the most tremendous loss, trust amid betrayal, and love that can transform violence and conflict into resurrected life.

Central Ideas

1. The light of Christ shines through our vulnerable, fragile humanness to bring about ministry and life in others.

2. Suffering is part of the reality in which we live, but suffering isn’t permanent.

3. The brokenness of the world that led to Jesus’ crucifixion is part of who we are and contributes to our suffering.

4. The life of Christ becomes visible to others because of how we face life’s difficulties.

Questions for the Speaker

1. When have you provided ministry despite feeling vulnerable and inadequate?

2. When have you been engaged in a power struggle? How did you resolve it? How did your faith help you?

3. Tell of a minister you know who consistently gives God credit for ministerial successes.

4. What distress have you faced recently? How has the light of Christ brightened your path amid the difficulties?

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 4

2 Corinthians 4:5–12 NRSVUE

Gathering

Welcome

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

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace candle.

God, we pause in gratitude for the gift of life and the way you have guided us in our life journey. We realize our journey has been interrupted by fear, doubt, anger, loneliness, and despair. But then we remember your guiding hand, and peace is restored.

Tears form in our eyes, and pain comes to our bodies when we see those who suffer as we have but do not know where to turn. Your divine presence came to us, and we were lifted; we were able to walk with new hope, dream new dreams, and mend relationships that had gone wrong.

Bring this peace to all who seek relief. Enter and let them know a power is seeking to bring hope, joy, relief, and peace unto them. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Gary Zimmerman

Spiritual Practice

Receiving in Gratitude

Read the following to the group:

Enduring Principles are a foundation of Community of Christ. We will rotate through each principle with a spiritual practice over the season of Ordinary Time. Today we are focusing on Grace and Generosity. The first thing we do in life is receive. Our first breath is a gift we receive. It is a gift given freely. The spiritual practice for today is a breath prayer. During the prayer we use words to breathe in and words to breathe out. Today we will breathe in receive life and breathe out thank you.

Slowly read the following:

Sit in a relaxed posture and close your eyes. We will spend three minutes in breath prayer. Breathe in a regular, natural rhythm.

As you breathe in, silently say, “receive life.” As you exhale, respond, “thank you.”

Breathe in and out, focusing on what you are breathing in and what you are exhaling. Watch the time for three minutes. Urge participants to continue the breath prayer for the full three minutes. When time is up, ask participants to respond to the following question:

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

Close with this statement of thanksgiving.

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

Sharing Around the Table

2 Corinthians 4:5–12 NRSVUE

For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’s sake. For it is the God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed, always carrying around in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For we who are living are always being handed over to death for Jesus’s sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us but life in you.

Have you ever been in a situation of trying to prove that you have the credentials to claim authority regarding something for which someone else also is claiming authority even greater authority. This is the situation that Paul faces in today’s passage from the letter to the Corinthian church. He wants to make clear that his authority, however, doesn’t come from his doing but directly from the light of Christ, which has been given to him and us by God.

Christ’s followers are not “translated beings,” radiating glory and holiness. Rather, we are like clay jars, vulnerable and cracked. Whatever power and authority we have is God working in us. And the successes are God’s, not ours.

It is Christ’s light that is life to all. The light of Christ is the foundation of our life. It shines in our hearts, regardless of how dark they may seem, to affirm the glory of God and the witness of Jesus Christ.

Suffering is part of the reality in which we live But suffering isn’t permanent, nor does it control our identity. The broken systems that resulted in the crucifixion are part of who we are and contribute to our suffering. But the pain of taking part in Christ’s death is coupled with the hope of Christ’s resurrection.

The resurrected Christ lives in each follower and shines through the misfortune that each must face while living and following. The life of Christ becomes visible to others as we face life’s difficulties and sufferings. There is always light in the darkest places, hope in the most tremendous loss, trust amid betrayal, and love that can transform violence and conflict into resurrected life.

Questions

1. When have you been engaged in a power struggle? How did you resolve it? How did your faith help you?

2. What distress have you faced recently? How has the light of Christ brightened your path amid the difficulties?

3. When have you carried the light of Christ to others despite feeling vulnerable and inadequate?

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 is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

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

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 240, “Light Dawns on a Weary World”

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

Note: During this focus moment, be aware of differently abled people. Make sure to include examples unique to them.

Begin by asking participants how they use their…

Hands

Feet

Brains

Eyes Ears

Say: Wow! You can do so many things with your mind and body! In today’s scripture, we read about the various ways we can embody Jesus. This means we use our minds and bodies to share love in the world like Jesus did.

Ask: What are some ways we can share love in the world using our…

Hands

Feet

Brains

Eyes

Ears

Say: Thank you so much for sharing those wonderful examples and for being willing to embody Jesus in the world!

9 June 2024

Ordinary Time (Proper 5)

2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1

Renew the Inner Life

Additional Scriptures

1 Samuel 8:4-20, 11:14-15; Psalm 138; Mark 3:20-35; Doctrine and Covenants 163:3a-b

Preparation

This worship outline was planned in the Dominican Republic. The service includes elements that resonate in that culture and provides worshippers with a glimpse of the worshipping church beyond their own walls.

Joys, and Concerns

Welcome

Welcome in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us how to live a full life. Our theme is “Renewing the Inner Life.” Jesus often spent time alone in prayer. We, too, with life so full of activities, need to take time and make a conscious effort to step aside and connect with our God and seek to renew our inner spirit.

Call to Worship

We give you thanks, O Lord, with our whole hearts.

We give thanks for your steadfast love and faithfulness. On the day we called, you answered us, you increased our strength of soul. Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.

Invocation

Musical Response

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.

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

Prayer

O God of Peace and Mercy, We pray day by day for peace in our world. We give you thanks for each new day.

When we do not live peace, grant us mercy.

When we cry out in our despair, grant us peace.

When we harden our hearts, grant us kindness. Help us to pursue peace for all of creation. Amen.

Scripture Reading

2 Corinthians 4:13 5:1 Ministry

Message

Based on 2 Corinthians 4:13 5:1

Disciples’ Generous Response Statement

Through our offerings we join in making God’s work visible in the world. 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.

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 eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

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

Testimony of Renewal

Ask a person to share a testimony of a time when they received renewal in their spiritual life.

Hymn of Blessing

“Bwana Awabariki/May God Grant You a Blessing”

CCS 660

Sing several times and encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “O Day of Peace”

Prayer of Pastoral Blessing

Gracious God,

CCS 380

Bless us in our walk as a people of faith. Allow us to see your pathways with trusting eyes and renewed hearts.

Give us courage to keep from the fear of change and resistance to transformation.

Live in us and give us strength to change those habits and customs that are not pleasing to you; for only by drawing closer to you can we change and renew our lives for your purposes of peace, your shalom.

May our spiritual renewal deepen our relationship with you, with other people, and with creation. We pray a blessing of peace upon this people.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Congregational Unison Sending Forth Print or project for all to see. We go forth to deepen our relationship with the Divine and renew our interior life.

Every day, may we show goodness and love through our actions. We go in peace.

Postlude .

Year B Letters Ordinary Time (Proper 5)

2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1

Exploring the Scripture

Last week’s text laid the foundation for humble ministry as an extension of Christ’s light and presenting fortitude and faith as victorious over afflictions. In this week’s passage, Paul presents eternal life as the supreme reward for faithful service. Each preacher brings their preconceived notions of eternal life to this topic, interfering with a complete understanding of the text. Try to approach this passage with openness and curiosity.

Paul begins by referring to Psalm 116:10: “I kept my faith, even when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted.’” Even when facing death, the Psalmist trusted in God, a condition familiar to Paul. Paul’s statement, “I believed and so I spoke,” unites what the Psalmist said with the act of keeping the faith (v. 13). It reinforces the idea of grit amid difficulties and reminds the Corinthians they have already affirmed their faith. Now they must act it out in actual circumstances.

Belief in the resurrection provides a basis for fortitude in life’s difficulties. It gives hope for eternal life and witnesses to others how powerful and transforming the Gospel can be. Faith results in proclamation. You cannot be both Christian and silent.

“So we do not lose heart” (v. 16). Despair and discouragement have no place in life as a disciple. Affliction prepares “us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all “ (v. 17). Just as we speak of a “weighty matter,” Paul speaks of the “weight of glory.” The Greek root of the word translated as “weight” means “load,” abundance, and authority.

In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul told the Corinthians God’s Spirit transforms believers stepby-step into an increasing likeness of Christ, “from one degree of glory to another.” Eternal glory, for Paul, has nothing to do with our restoration idea of the “three glories.” Nor does it mean an exalted position, power, achievement, or personality. Glory, for Paul, refers to the unity of crucifixion and resurrection – suffering in service results in new life in, and through, Christ.

Eternal glory, vast beyond measure, is the unfathomable mystery of resurrected life in the presence of the Lord, which is beyond Paul’s capacity to describe. If it can be understood and seen, then it isn’t eternal. Instead, it is only a counterfeit of God’s intents. Eternal glory is a mystery, unseen, unknowable, resident in the Divine presence alone.

The passage is a series of contrasts: the outer human being and the inner human being; afflictions limited to human existence and eternal glory; a destructible dwelling and the indestructible presence of God. As you share these contrasts, avoid the trap of dualistic thought that presents the body as evil and the spirit as good. Paul’s theology upholds the sanctity of the body and the embodiment of Christ in Jesus of Nazareth. However, he does

stress the temporary nature of our human existence, compared with the permanence of salvation and resurrection.

Despite our preconceived notions, Paul never provides a clear, definitive picture of the afterlife. His journey is a walk of faith, trusting in God’s eternal presence and glory, which remains a mystery to be accepted rather than understood.

Central Ideas

1. We trust God amid the disasters of life and speak boldly of our faith.

2. Despair and discouragement have no place in life as a disciple.

3. For Paul, glory refers to the unity of crucifixion and resurrection suffering in service results in new life in, and through, Christ.

4. Eternal glory is the unfathomable mystery of resurrected life in the presence of God.

Questions for the Speaker

1. When have you trusted God and found God faithful under challenging circumstances?

2. How can love and hope combat despair and discouragement? What resources do you go to when you feel discouraged?

3. How can you translate the idea of suffering through service into an idea that speaks to those who feel they have no service or ministry to give?

4. When have you glimpsed “eternal glory?” How important is that idea to you in your walk of faith?

5. How can your congregation embody the resurrected life of Jesus Christ in mission?

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 5

2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1 NRSVUE

Gathering

Welcome

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

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn: “God Weeps,” Community of Christ Sings 212, written by Shirley Erena Murray and composed by Mark Miller; “...till we change the way we love, God weeps.”

God of weeping, we ask forgiveness for our failure as humanity to care for all. Our hearts break for the abused, the hungry, the betrayed, the bleeding, and the crying.

We are grateful that you weep, bleed, and cry with the oppressed. We pray that we would have the courage to do the same. May we open our hearts to the pain of the world, that in doing so, we might help heal the world.

Help us listen, that our nervous, certainty-craving minds would be open to new understandings of Christ.

In the name of Jesus, the Way of peace. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Body Prayer

Read the following to the group:

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

Read the following to the group:

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

We start with our hands in prayer pose (hands pressed together in front of you). This centers us. We raise our arms high. This opens us to the all-encompassing love of God. We put our hands on our hearts. This reminds us to listen to the voice within. We open our hands in front of our bodies. This offers our love to others We lift our hands to the sky. This reminds us to open ourselves to all.

We bring our hands down. This helps us gather and bring all to our heart. We bring our hands back to prayer pose. This brings us back to stillness and peace. Repeat the movements three times.

Read the following to the group:

Bow to one another and say, “namaste” (I bow to you).

Sharing Around the Table

2 Corinthians 4:13 5:1 NRSVUE

But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture “I believed, and so I spoke” we also believe, and therefore we also speak, because we know that the one who raised Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and will present us with you in his presence. Indeed, everything is for your sake, so that grace, when it has extended to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For our slight, momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen, for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

For we know that, if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Paul lays the foundation for humble ministry as an extension of Christ’s light and the reassurance that fortitude and faith are necessary to overcome afflictions. At the heart of today’s passage is a word of hope. Paul claims that “we know that the one who raised Jesus will also raise us with Jesus, and will present us with you in his presence.”

Paul begins by referring to Psalm 116:10: “I kept my faith, even when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted.’” Even when facing death, the psalmist trusted in God, a condition familiar to Paul. Paul’s statement, “I believed and so I spoke,” unites what the psalmist said with the act of keeping faith. It reinforces the idea of grit amid difficulties and reminds the Corinthians they already have affirmed their faith.

The question for the Corinthians, torn between multiple claims of authority, becomes, “Which path is the ‘right’ path?” Paul argues that the “right” path to becoming our best selves is by becoming our “true selves” (grounded in Christ and living into God’s perfect will). Although culture and society might suggest that signs of “success” include the presence of power and the absence of struggle and affliction, Paul suggests that “success” comes with the renewal of our inner nature into the likeness of Christ

Glory, for Paul, refers to the unity of crucifixion and resurrection suffering in service results in new life in and through Christ. Eternal glory, vast beyond measure, is the unfathomable mystery of resurrected life in the presence of the Lord, which is beyond Paul’s capacity to describe. If it can be understood and “seen,” then it isn’t eternal, but only a counterfeit of God’s intents.

Questions

1. How can love and hope combat despair and discouragement?

2. How have you experienced new life in your faith journey?

3. How can you embody the life of Jesus Christ in mission?

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 is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

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

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 256, “Tenderly, Tenderly, Lead Thou Me On”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

Say: During the time Paul wrote letters to the Corinthians, Christians were facing persecution. This means they were being treated poorly because of their beliefs. Because Paul knew how they were being treated, in the words of today’s scripture, we read how he was trying to encourage them by inviting them to focus on God.

It’s OK to feel sad, scared, and hurt sometimes. Life is not always easy, and we shouldn’t ignore these feelings. However, when we are struggling, God wants to wrap us in God’s love. God doesn’t make bad things go away, but God does promise to be with us always, especially when things are hard. I want you to stretch your arms out wide, as wide as you can. God’s love for you is bigger than this! Now, take your arms and wrap them tightly but gently around yourself as if you are collecting God’s love for you and bringing it to yourself in a big hug. Close your eyes and experience God’s love. (Participants can think of responses to the following questions in their heads, or you can let them share them out loud).

Ask:

What does God’s love look like?

What does God’s love feel like?

What does God’s love taste like?

What does God’s love sound like?

What does God’s love smell like?

Say: Next time you are having a hard time, remember how much God loves you and that God is with you. Give yourself a big hug, just like the one you gave yourself just now, and remember what it is like to experience God’s love.

16 June 2024

Ordinary Time (Proper 6) Mark 4:26-34

The Kin-dom of God Is Like…

Additional Scriptures

1 Samuel 15:34 16:13; Psalm 20; 2 Corinthians 5:6-17; Doctrine and Covenants 147:5a

Preparation

This worship service was planned in the Dominican Republic. It includes elements that resonate in that culture and provides worshippers with a glimpse of the worshipping church beyond their own walls.

Sharing Good News and Concerns

Called to Worship

Reader 1: The kin-dom of God is that kind of kin-dom where we will all be welcome and all have a place.

Reader 2: The kin-dom of God is for the poor and the rich, the needy and the powerful, the marginalized and the mighty.

Reader 3: The kin-dom of God is not a kingdom that conquers with wars or politics. Jesus taught us that the kin-dom of God conquers the sinner with love.

Readers 1-3: The kin-dom of God is like a planted seed that sprouts and grows up to be what God intended.

Invocation

Musical Response

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer

O Holy One,

Hear us in this day of conflict and trouble.

Give us sanctuary to sustain us on bad days.

Accept our offerings of peace and help us to trust more in you than our own resources, agendas, or desires.

Allow us to remember your name and greatness in the midst of our own weakness.

Give us strength to work for justice and the coming of your kin-dom.

God, hear our prayer and grant us peace.

Amen.

Scripture Reading: Mark 4:26-34

Well in advance, ask a liturgical dancer to develop interpretive movements to go with the scripture as it is read.

OR Ask an artist to sketch images from the scripture as it is slowly read. Make this large enough for all to see. This could continue into the Ministry of Music/Hymn.

Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn

Gospel Message

Based on Mark 4:26-34

We

Disciples’ Generous Response

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 147:5a

Statement

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.

Through our offerings we join in making God’s work visible in the world.

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 eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Generosity

Benediction

Congregational Sung Response Sing twice.

Sending Forth Scripture: Numbers 6:24-26

Postlude

Mark 4:26–34

Exploring the Scripture

Twenty-first-century readers must enter the first-century world of Galilee to understand how shocking Jesus’ parables were. Jesus combined everyday things with images from the Hebrew Scriptures. He used them to challenge preconceived notions about God’s reign and the accepted system of power and authority.

Today’s passage includes two brief parables that use seeds as the key symbol for the growth of God’s kingdom. Mark 4:26–29 presents an image of the mysterious growth of God’s reign. The farmer’s effort is minimal: plant the seed and watch it grow. The kingdom belongs to God, and only God can bring it about, in God’s own time. When the harvest is ready, the farmer reaps it with a sickle. Joel 3:13 uses the same image to express the end times and judgment.

The second parable is the well-known saying about the mustard seed. But the meaning is not necessarily well-known today. The mustard seed was tiny and black, smaller than vegetable seeds. It grew into a wild, spreading bush larger than vegetable plants. It was tough, resilient, and hard to control. In Jesus’ day, farmers kept it separate from their vegetable gardens. When they found it growing wild in their fields, they pulled it out.

The parable speaks of “sowing” the mustard seed, that is, planting this wild, uncontrollable weed on purpose. His hearers would have laughed. Jesus was saying that God’s reign is not intended to be separate from everyday life. We must plant it in the middle of our tiny, cultivated world and watch it take over! It grows wild and spreads everywhere, a weed that many reject or try to destroy.

Then Jesus adds an image from the Hebrew Scriptures that would have been familiar to his hearers. This tiny seed grows into a bush so large that “birds of the air nest in its shade” (v. 32). Ezekiel 31:1–18 describes Assyria as a great tree, proud and tall as the cedars of Lebanon, towering above all nations. The birds of the air (the nations of the world) found shelter in its branches and rested in its shade. God cut down Assyria and left it broken and dead. Similarly, Daniel 4:10–17 describes Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon as a proud, invincible tree. All the nations deferred to him. God cut him down, chopped off his branches, stripped his foliage, and scattered his fruit.

The contrast is clear. The reign of God is not a proud, majestic tree that rivals both the power of God and other nations. It’s a strong, resilient bush that grows wild and keeps spreading despite efforts to pull it out. Its branches are large and strong, able to host all the nations (the “birds”) of the world that will come and be part of it. But it’s humble.

For those who did not understand the humbleness of God’s reign, its inclusive nature, and its secret growth, such parables were confusing and strange. But Jesus explained his images only to his closest followers in private. Those who were loyal and committed to Jesus were given inside knowledge about the nature of the coming reign of God. The subversive nature of his teaching was hidden from those who would destroy him and uproot the beginnings of the kingdom.

Central Ideas

1. The kingdom of God belongs to God. God alone manages the growth and the harvest.

2. The kingdom of God is not separate from the world. It is planted amid it.

3. The kingdom of God begins in small ways, but its growth cannot be contained or controlled. It’s uncultured, unpopular, and unstoppable.

4. Any human efforts to make the kingdom of God majestic, powerful, or sophisticated are doomed to fail.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How have you misunderstood and misappropriated the good news of God’s reign? How have you tried to manage or control it?

2. Where have you seen God’s reign beginning to sprout, grow, or bear fruit?

3. How do we unconsciously try to keep the kingdom of God separate from our daily life and activities?

4. How have you recently been challenged to sow the seeds of the kingdom?

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 6

2 Corinthians 5:6–17 NRSVUE

Gathering

Welcome

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

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn: “Ate, Wakantanka, hoyewayelo,” Community of Christ Sings 189.

Lakota Prayer

Father Wakantanka says come. Father Wakantanka, pity me. The people want good health. Saying that, I send a voice.

Father God, we pray for the peace that good health brings. Peace and good health for the Earth, for its plants and animals, for its ecosystems, for its people. We ask forgiveness for the scars we have inflicted on Mother Earth. None of us is innocent of this. Each of us is responsible for caring for the scars. In caring for the Earth, we care, too, for one another. May we be a voice of peace.

Spiritual Practice

Dwelling in the Word

The Enduring Principle we are focusing on today is Continuing Revelation. We will practice this with Dwelling in the Word.

I will read the following passage aloud. As you hear it, allow words, images, or phrases to come to your mind. Try not to focus on them. Let them rest in you. After a moment of silence, I will read the excerpt a second time. As you hear the words again, listen for how God’s Spirit is nudging you or catching your attention.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 163:4a:

God, the Eternal Creator, weeps for the poor, displaced, mistreated, and diseased of the world because of their unnecessary suffering. Such conditions are not God’s will. Open your ears to hear the pleading of mothers and fathers in all nations who desperately seek a future of hope for their children. Do not turn away from them. For in their welfare resides your welfare.

Pause.

Read the scripture a second time.

Pause.

Invite group members to share responses to these questions:

1. What words, phrases or images came to mind?

2. How is God’s Spirit nudging you?

3. How does dwelling in the word create Continued Revelation within you?

Sharing Around the Table

2 Corinthians 5:6–17 NRSVUE

So we are always confident, even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him. For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive due recompense for actions done in the body, whether good or evil.

Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for the one who for their sake died and was raised.

From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we no longer know him in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being!

In this passage, Paul shares that the human embodied experience is a “home away from the Lord.” We can be confident (faithful and secure) in our human lives because we know God is with us. Paul admits that in our human form, there is a degree of separation from God. However, in life and death, the goal is to please God, not ourselves.

Death brings judgment or reward “for what we have done in the body, both good and evil.” The mention of God’s judgment leads Paul to reflect again on the charges laid against him by other leaders. Paul affirms that he fears or honors God and is known by God in return. His relationship with God prompts him to share the gospel with others. He reminds the Corinthians they know him and ought to defend him against unfair accusations. Appearances are secondary to what lies in the heart, and the Corinthians know Paul’s heart.

The accusation that Paul is “beside himself” could mean crazy or refer to a superficial spiritual ecstasy. Paul argues that if he is crazy, it is for God and, therefore, genuine. Paul’s love for Christ motivates him to share the gospel message.

Paul reminds the Corinthians that the death and resurrection of Christ changes the lens of humankind. The old categories and old ways of relating are inadequate. Old habits, relationships, prejudices, and conflicts have been abolished. We stand transformed into a new humanity. Being new creatures in Christ implies acting in new ways toward others more loving, forgiving, extending grace, creating peace.

Questions

1. When have you felt motivated to share the message of Christ’s peace?

2. How does the human nature of Jesus Christ transform what it means to be human?

3. What does it mean to you to be a “new creation” in 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 is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

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

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 280, “Lord, Prepare Me”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• origami paper really any square paper; thinner is better

Have enough paper cranes folded so that you can give one to each participant. Hold up a piece of origami paper and ask: What is this?

Say: You are right. This is a piece of paper. What if I told you I could turn it into something else?

Fold the paper into a crane (directions: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC_Szxdqh2Y).

As you fold, invite participants to guess what you are creating.

Say: I used a piece of paper to create a bird! Looking at the piece of paper I had, did you think I could create something like this?

In today’s scripture, Paul writes to the Corinthians and tells them they are new creations in Christ. He encourages them to see one another as God sees them. God sees us not just as we are, but as we can be. You are beautiful and wonderful just the way you are, God doesn’t want to change that about you. But, when we allow God to live in our hearts, we can be transformed into something we never imagined, and we can better share joy, hope, love, and peace in the world!

Give all participants a paper crane before sending them back to their seats.

Preparation

23 June 2024

Ordinary Time (Proper 7)

Mark 4:35-41 Calm to the Waves

Additional Scriptures

1 Samuel 17:1a, 4-11, 19-23, 32-49; Psalm 9:9-20; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Doctrine and Covenants 163:3

Recruit two leaders for the Scripture Focus Moment.

The theme hymn, “Calm to the Waves,” CCS 158, will be used throughout the service. If this is unfamiliar to your group, spend some time learning it before the service starts.

Welcome

We come today to praise God and calm our fears. As we worship, may our storms be stilled, bringing calm to the waves.

Scripture Focus Moment See below.

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.

Meditation Question

Print or project question for all to see

“Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith!” Mark 4:40

Play audio sounds of calm waves as participants meditate.

Some possibilities:

Mixkit.co/free-sound-effects/waves

OR Zapsplat.com/sound-effect-category/ocean

Prayer

Slowly read “Eternal God Transcending Time,” CCS 59, Stanza 1, and add an Amen.

We Sing Our Peace

Disciples’ Generous Response

In the liturgical Christian calendar during Ordinary Time, there are many scriptures that deal with gratitude. Today’s lectionary scripture, 2 Corinthians 6:13, ends with, “…open wide your hearts…”

Testimony

Share a testimony of a time when you were blessed to open wide your heart to another’s need or when someone else opened their heart to your need.

OR

Small Groups

Share with one another a time when you were blessed to open wide your heart to another’s need or when someone else opened their heart to your need.

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 eTithing at eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Scripture Reading:

Scripture Reading:

Message

Based on Mark 4:35-41

Scripture Focus Moment See below

Repeat this enactment of today’s scripture.

Benediction Responsive Reading

Leader: God, you touch us like the wind. In gentle silence your Spirit often hovers near. Sometimes you sweep into our lives like a mighty storm, purging our souls of the secret sins that wall us off from your grace.

People: Spirit of God, touch us with power.

Leader: Like a soft rain, you wash away our sorrow, God. You leave us clean as a spring morning. Our sin-parched souls are made new by the refreshment of your pardon.

People: Spirit of God, transform us with hope.

Leader: Like the voice of a loved one, you calm our fears. We remember who we are, whose we are, and profess our faith in you, ever-present God.

People: Spirit of God, empower us to trust in your faithfulness, even in our times of storm. When we are vulnerable, help us remember to turn toward you.

ALL Amen.

We Sing Our Response

“Calm to the Waves”

Sending Forth

Go forth and share the Peace of Jesus Christ.

Postlude

CCS 158

Scripture Focus Moment

Recruit an energetic, dramatic person for the Motion Leader and a Scripture Reader. The Motion Leader will direct the congregation to create the environment and “noises” of this scripture story while it is read by the Scripture Reader. Suggestions for the activity are listed but be creative and have fun with it!

You can create thunder using a large sheet of aluminum. The congregation could be divided into groups that are assigned particular sounds or actions (finger snaps, claps, etc.). The whole enactment could be repeated, using the first time through as “practice.”

Congregation stands.

Motion Leader/Congregation: Sway back and forth like a gentle boat ride.

Scripture Reading: Mark 4:35-36

Motion Leader/Congregation: Create gentle rain noises (finger snaps, hand claps, shhhhhhh sounds, etc.)

Scripture Reading: Mark 4:37-38a

Motion Leader/Congregation: Grow the storm noises (louder claps, slap thighs, stomp feet, create a thunder sound); get louder and louder. Continue the heavy storm sounds and actions through the next two verses with an abrupt signal to silence all sound at the end of Verse 39, “there was a dead calm.”

Scripture Reading: Mark 4:38b-39

Motion Leader/Congregation: Resume initial swaying, with calmness.

Scripture Reading: Mark 40-41

Year B Letters Ordinary Time (Proper 6)

Mark 4:35–41

Exploring the Scripture

In Mark 4:35–41, Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee with his disciples. It is the first of four crossings (Mark 4:35–41, 5:21, 6:45–52, and 8:13). Jesus is teaching and ministering on both sides of the Sea of Galilee, among Jews and Gentiles. The two longest passages, today’s reading and the story of walking on the water in chapter 8, are linked by a common theme: Jesus’ power over the sea and wind. In both, the disciples fear and wonder about Jesus.

After a long day of teaching Jesus leaves the multitude to cross the Sea of Galilee to Gentile territory with his disciples. Other boats accompanied the journey. Mark does not tell us who was in them and does not mention the other boats again. One possibility is that Mark is providing credibility. Others had been on the sea that day and can testify to the storm and sudden calm. Another possibility is that Mark is expanding the story to include all people who experience life’s storms, not just Jesus’ disciples.

The storm arose quickly, as storms still do in that area. Details paint the picture clearly in our minds. Waves “beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped” (v. 37). Jesus was “in the stern, asleep on the cushions” (v. 38). In fear of their lives, the disciples wake Jesus with phrases that contradict one another. On the one hand, they call him “teacher,” showing respect, loyalty, and devotion. On the other hand, they question his loyalty and devotion to them: “Do you not care…?” (v. 38).

The contrast between Jesus resting in trust and the disciples struggling with fear and confusion speaks to the hearer about the nature of faith in God. The violence of the storm may recall the watery chaos preceding creation in Genesis 1:2. God took control of that stormy chaos and brought about order. Psalm 89:9 and Job 38:8–11, as well as other passages in the Hebrew Scriptures, repeat the assurance that God controls nature and can bring calm and order. Mark affirms Jesus as God’s Son by relating how Jesus, as God’s agent, also commands natural forces, and brings order.

Like the episodes of exorcising demons, Jesus “rebukes” the wind and commands the sea to be silent and calm. His words are translated as “Peace! Be still!” in the NRSV Bible. The original Greek words were strong and powerful, echoing with authority. With that same authority, Jesus then turns and rebukes the disciples for their lack of trust and their fear. Ironically, Jesus’ power over the storm does not dispel their fear. The scene ends with the disciples still fearful this time of Jesus himself. That fear resurfaces in the coming scene, when Jesus walks to them on the waves. They still do not understand who Jesus is.

Those who heard the Gospel of Mark were similarly challenged to declare their trust and confidence in the Son of God, rather than retreat in fear when storms come. Jesus’ power is always greater than the storm for those who believe and trust. But the closing question in Mark 4:41 continues to haunt Jesus’ followers today: “Who is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?”

Central Ideas

1. Jesus was teaching and ministering to Jews and Gentiles regularly.

2. God, the Creator, is not identical with creation. God has power over nature and can bring order from chaos.

3. Mark presents Jesus as God’s agent, able to rebuke the storm and wind and bring calm.

4. That same power can bring calm amid destruction in our everyday lives. We are challenged to trust and believe.

Questions for the Speaker

1. When have you felt like God didn’t know or care about your problems? What did you do to try to wake God up?

2. When have you been overwhelmed with fear? How did trust and peace return?

3. Whom do you say that Jesus is? Why do you believe that?

4. How does hidden fear continue to color your belief?

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 7

2 Corinthians 6:1–13 NRSVUE

Gathering

Welcome

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

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace candle.

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn: “When the Poor Ones,” Community of Christ Sings, 290, by José A. Olivar and Miguel Manzano.

When we know that love for simple things is better, then we know that God still goes the road with us, Then we know that God still goes that road with us.

God of the road, our world is filled with poor ones. The poor in spirit, the poor in health, the poor in love, the poor in food. At times, it feels so lonely and hopeless. How can we help all the poor ones? How can we help when we, ourselves, feel like the poor ones?

Then we remember that you bless the poor in spirit! The poor in health show us how to care for one another. The poor in love show us how to love others. The poor in food share generously, leading the way for us all. This is the work of peace. This is the work of your church. This is the work of your people.

May we cultivate love for the simple things. May we be willing to be comforted and led by the poor ones. And may we keep watch for you on the road with us.

In the name of Jesus, who walks with us on the road to peace. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Holy Listening

Today we focus on the Enduring Principle of All Are Called. We believe all people have unique giftedness, and we are given opportunities in community to share our giftedness with one another. By practicing Holy Listening, we can learn more about the gifts people share in community, how they feel called to serve, and how we can support one another in discipleship and ministry. Ask the person next to you to join you in conversation. Find a spot in the room to get comfortable and face one another. Take turns sharing what you see as your giftedness and how you feel called to share it. It can be anything: friendship, music, compassion, reading aloud, laughter, or tidying up. You each will have three minutes to share. During this time the listener will just listen and nod, but

not comment. At the end of the three minutes, the listener may respond with this one sentence. “I noticed that .” Then switch places and repeat.

Before you start this exercise, please repeat this prayer with me: “Help me be wholly present to this human being.”

You may begin your conversation.

Start the timer. After three minutes let the listeners say the one-sentence response and then ask them to switch places. Start the timer again.

When everyone has shared, ask the group to respond to the experience with this spiritual practice.

Sharing Around the Table

2 Corinthians 6:1–13 NRSVUE

As we work together with him, we entreat 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.”

Look, now is the acceptable time; look, 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: in great endurance, afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; in 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 look 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.

We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections but only in yours. In return I speak as to children open wide your hearts also.

The Corinthian church was in discord because of conflicts, factions, and selfishness. Paul calls the Corinthians to center on Christ instead of themselves and reconcile their differences. They are to act as ambassadors of Christ, instead of promoting their own spirituality or knowledge.

Paul quotes from a Servant Song in Isaiah 49 to help them understand the seriousness of their divisions. He stresses that the time to listen and accept the message of salvation is now, today, without fail. Paul outlines his credentials as an ambassador. He serves as a model of behavior for the Corinthians to follow by offering servant ministry.

Paul speaks of the persecutions he endured in his witness of Christ. This list provides a powerful witness to the variety of persecutions he and his coworkers have endured that have made their ministry even more effective.

He continues with a summary of apostolic gifts that have kept him strong and true. Paul is not bragging. He is faithfully reporting his actions and attitudes as reflections of the power of God rather than himself. In so doing, he is trying to form the Corinthian community of believers into servant ministers, willing to give up comfort, safety, and divisiveness to proclaim Christ and live as ambassadors for God.

Paul upholds his integrity, transparency, resilience, and joy. He considers himself rich when he has nothing because he knows Christ. He can give this wealth to others through his witness. He ends by declaring that he and his coworkers have opened their hearts to the Corinthians. In return, he asks them to open their hearts and receive his affection, his authority and ministry, and the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Questions

1. What kind of divisions or conflicts have you experienced that need to be reconciled?

2. What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ?

3. How much do you care about what others think of you? How has it affected your faith journey or ministry?

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 is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

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

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 236, “God! When Human Bonds Are Broken”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• a larger container of a drink that can be shared; needs a tight lid

• cups

Say: Today, I would like to share something with you.

Set cups in front of each person and reveal the drink you brought to share. With the lid still on, begin trying to pour liquid into each cup. When it doesn’t come out, look confused.

Ask: Why am I not able to pour any liquid into your cups? (Affirm responses.)

Say: So, because the lid is closed on my container, I cannot share the liquid with you. What if you tried to pour something into my container while the lid was closed? Would you be able to? (Affirm responses).

Just like my container needs to be open for me to give or receive liquid, our hearts need to be open to give and receive God’s love. If our hearts are not open, we might miss opportunities to share God’s love with others.

Open your container and begin to pour.

Say: As you drink from your cup, remember to let your heart be open to give and receive God’s love.

2 Corinthians 8:7-15

Balance Abundance and Need

Additional Scriptures

2

Preparation

For the Focus Moment, distribute index cards and something to write with as people enter the worship space. Provide two baskets labeled WANTS and NEEDS.

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

We wait for the Lord, our souls wait, and in God’s word we hope. Our souls wait for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning. We hope in the Lord!

Opening Prayer

Scripture Reading OR Dramatic Reenactment

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15

Message

Based on 2 Corinthians 8:7-15

Disciples’ Generous Response

Focus Moment: Wants and Needs, Generosity

Provide two baskets labeled WANTS and NEEDS. Provide index cards and pencils so participants can write down responses. Have them consider these questions:

• What is something you want?

• What are the things you need?

Write down their responses and place the cards in the appropriate basket. When everyone is finished, read the cards from each basket aloud.

Have a conversation about the concepts of wants and needs.

• Were there responses you didn’t agree with?

• How do you decide what is a want versus a need?

• What is giving?

• What is generosity?

Statement

Today we have learned incredible lessons about acting in faith and generosity, as expressed by Jesus healing a woman. We have also heard lessons from Paul, where he councils the people of Corinth on the importance of giving. The Focus Moment helped us learn the importance of managing our wants and needs and how we can be generous.

How can I balance wants and needs and give from my abundance?

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

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.

Responsive Prayer for Peace

Leader: O God of Love, grant us your peace.

People: May all our inner turmoil cease.

Leader: Show us how to find your quiet rest.

People: God, give us grace to pray.

Leader: O God of Life, grant us your peace.

People: Teach us how to give a helping hand.

Leader: Day by day, and year by year,

People: God, give us grace to care.

Leader: O God of Hope, grant us your peace.

People: May global tensions now decrease.

Leader: Lead us to be merciful and just.

People: God, give us grace to trust.

Leader: O God of All, grant us your peace.

People: Help us to respond: to heal the sick, to seek the lost, to set the captive free.

Leader: May we serve and never count the cost.

People: May we live peacefully.

ALL: O God, grant us your peace. Amen.

John A Dalles, “O God of Love,” CCS 316, adapted

Sending Forth: Go in peace.

Postlude

2 Corinthians 8:7–15

Exploring the Scripture

While Paul was guiding, scolding, and giving pastoral care to the Gentile Christians in Asia Minor, the Jerusalem church struggled to survive. Finances were slim, and needs were significant. The original apostles were based in Jerusalem, and it was considered the motherchurch, but many of the Jewish Christians were poor. They faced persecution from both Romans and staunch Jews and were often misrepresented to their Gentile neighbors.

Paul began fundraising among the Gentile churches despite (or because of) the differences between him and the Jerusalem leaders. He hoped to help the Jerusalem Christians and cement relationships between himself and the original apostles, as well as show the unity and faithfulness of the Gentile Christian congregations in solidarity with the Jerusalem disciples. He used different words for the collection in various letters: relief efforts, blessing, priestly service, and in this letter, he refers to it as an act of grace and sacred community.

Many scholars believe the content of chapters 8:1 to 9:15 was a separate letter inserted later into earlier correspondence. Chapter 8 begins with praise for the churches of Macedonia, the province just north of Achaia, where Corinth was located. Paul reminds the Corinthians their neighboring churches were not wealthy but responded generously out of their poverty to help with the collection. They begged “earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry” (v. 4). Now, it is the Corinthians’ turn.

The Corinthians had a passion for excellence, sometimes expressed in spiritual competition and conflicting goals. But Paul directs their striving for excellence toward a new goal: generosity not as a command, but as a voluntary response prompted by love. Jesus Christ modeled sacrificial giving, for “though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor…” (v. 9). The riches Paul refers to are the closeness of connection and the power Christ enjoyed with God before becoming human a wealth he voluntarily abandoned in the Incarnation to show God’s love for humankind. Salvation blossoming out of grace and generosity, undeserved and freely given, is the Divine economy.

The Corinthians promised funds for the Jerusalem church the year before, but something halted the process. Was it the pride and internal conflict Paul dealt with in other parts of his correspondence? Was it the rift between Paul and the leaders in Jerusalem? Did they disagree about the amount to give?

The text doesn’t specify the cause. But now is the time to complete what they began so eagerly. “For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has” (v. 12). Community of Christ urges its members to give “according to your true capacity,” echoing today’s scripture passage (Doctrine and Covenants 163:9). No one is expected to give beyond

their means. But where there is wealth and plenty, there is a more significant resource for generosity.

The time may come when the Corinthian church may have needs which others can fill either financial or spiritual. Paul hastens to assure the Corinthians he is not pressuring them but merely upholding fair balance and equity. Paul cites Exodus 16:18, about God’s manna sent to the starving Hebrews. No one went hungry, but there was none to horde. God provided sufficiency for all.

Central Ideas

1. Paul raised funds among the Gentile Christians to donate to the poverty-stricken Christians in Jerusalem.

2. Jesus modeled generosity by offering salvation through grace, undeserved and freely given to all.

3. Generosity is not measured by the amount given but by the heartfelt desire to give according to your true capacity.

4. Fear of exhausting personal resources must be replaced by trust in a God who gives freely and generously, so there is enough for all, without want or waste.

Questions for the Speaker

1. When have you been part of a fundraising campaign? Describe the campaign and tell how you motivated people to give

2. Where do you see God’s economy of abundance and grace at work in the world?

3. When have you given your true capacity? How did it feel? How often does it happen in your life or the life of the congregation?

4. When have you stepped out in faith, trusting God to provide all that was sufficient, without want or waste?

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 8

2 Corinthians 8:7–15 NRSVUE

Gathering

Welcome

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

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn: “As the Wind Song through the Trees,” Community of Christ Sings 42, by Shirley Erena Murray and Swee Hong Lim.

Never seen, ever known where this wind has blown bringing life, bringing power to the world.

Ever-moving and ever-still Spirit, we thank you for the wind!

Gentle wind that cools us.

Whipping wind that urges us faster.

Howling wind that piques our curiosity.

Quiet wind that awakens our sense of direction.

As the wind coaxes us, may we be open and discerning to your guidance. May we bring life peaceful life to our neighborhoods. May we step into the wind and with the wind. Open our wings and let your wind carry us to never-seen yet always-known places. May we harness your Spirit of peace and blow it into the stuffy, stale corners of our communities, bringing breezes of peace to those gasping for fresh air.

In the name of Jesus, the breath of peace. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Discernment through Contemplative Prayer

Enduring Principles are a foundation in Community of Christ. Today we are focusing on Responsible Choices.

We find stories in the scriptures of people reflecting on their history and seeing God’s hand in all of it. When we discern God’s presence in our own lives, we can sense the divine presence. Recognizing God’s presence can help us discern Responsible Choices. One way to help us discern is through contemplative prayer.

Contemplative prayer is a method of meditation used by Christians to sit in silence with God. This prayer helps us experience God’s presence within us. When we get quiet and listen to our heart, we can discern where God is calling us.

Choose a word as a symbol of your intent to open yourself to God’s presence.

Sit comfortably with your eyes closed and repeat your word slowly and silently.

When you become aware of thoughts, physical sensations, or emotions, allow them to pass from your mind; return gently to your word.

We will continue this practice for three minutes.

Ring a chime to start the meditation.

After three minutes, ring a chime to end the meditation.

Read the following:

Now we will sit in silence for three minutes to see what comes up in the silence.

Ring a chime to end the silence.

Invite group members to share how they felt during that experience.

Sharing Around the Table

2 Corinthians 8:7–15 NRSVUE

Now as you excel in everything in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.

I do not say this as a command, but I am, by mentioning the eagerness of others, testing the genuineness of your love. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

And in this matter I am giving my opinion: it is beneficial for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something. Now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. For I do not mean that there should be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may also supply your need, in order that there may be equality. As it is written,

“The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little.”

The Jerusalem church struggled to survive. Finances were slim, and needs were significant. The original apostles were based in Jerusalem. It was considered the mother-church, but many Jewish Christians were poor. They faced persecution from Romans and staunch Jews and often were misrepresented to their Gentile neighbors.

Paul began fundraising among Gentile churches. He used different words for the collection in various letters: relief efforts, blessing, priestly service, and in this letter, he refers to it as an act of grace and sacred community.

Paul reminds the Corinthians that their neighboring churches were not wealthy but responded generously despite their poverty to help with the collection. Now, it is the Corinthians’ turn.

The Corinthians had a passion for excellence, sometimes expressed in spiritual competition and conflicting goals. Paul directs their quest for excellence toward a new goal: generosity not as a command, but as a voluntary response prompted by love.

The Corinthians promised funds for the Jerusalem church the year before, but something halted the process. Was it the pride and internal conflict Paul dealt with in other parts of his correspondence? Was it the rift between Paul and the leaders in Jerusalem? Did they disagree about the amount to give? The text doesn't specify the cause. But now is the time to complete what they began so eagerly.

The time may come when the Corinthian church may have needs that others can fill financial or spiritual. Paul hastens to assure the Corinthians that he is not pressuring them, merely upholding fair balance and equity.

Questions

1. Where do you see God’s generosity at work?

2. When have you been generous to your true capacity?

3. What keeps you from being generous? What motivates you to be generous?

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 is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

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

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 619, “For the Life That You Have Given”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• treats to share

Split participants into two groups. Give one group most of the treats and the other only a few (not enough for each member). When they start to react…

Ask: What’s wrong? (Affirm all responses.)

Say: Ahhhh, so you are concerned because I didn’t give the treats equally. One group had more than it needed, and the other didn’t have enough. I can see how that would be frustrating. How could we fix this?

Affirm all responses, but help participants come to see that those with more need to share with those who have less.

Say: In today’s scripture we are reminded that when we have more than someone else, someone who needs something, we should share with them. We shouldn’t make excuses or give reasons for why we deserve to have more We should just share so everyone has enough.

Our world is structured so that resources are not distributed evenly. Some people have too much: too much food, too much money, etc. Other people do not have enough. Our world has more than enough resources for everyone to have what they need; we just need to make sure we share.

Ask: What is something that you have enough of that you could share?

Say: Thank you for your willingness to share. Keep your eyes open for more opportunities to share.

Give each person a treat before sending them back to their seats.