Worship Planning Tools - May 2024

• 5 May 2024

• 12 May 2024

• 19 May 2024

• 26 May 2024

WORSHIP RESOURCES

5 May 2024

Sixth Sunday of Easter

1 John 5:1-6 Easter People Have Faith

Additional Scriptures

Psalm 98; John 15:9-17; Acts 10:44-48; Doctrine and Covenants 164:9a

Preparation

See Focus Moment for material needed.

Prelude

Welcome

Responsive Reading

Leader: O sing to the Lord a new song!

People: For God is love!

Leader: God has remembered steadfast love for all creation!

People: For God is love!

Leader: Make a joyful noise, let all the earth hear!

People: For God is love!

Leader: Sing with praise, with trumpets, and melody!

People: For God is love!

Leader: Let the sea roar and clap their hands as we sing together for joy!

People: For God is love!

Leader: We thank God for the steadfast love and wonders of life!

People: For God is love!

Hymn of Praise

-Psalm 98, adapted

“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”

CCS 52

OR “Now Sing to Our God” CCS 108

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

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

CCS 88

Invocation

Musical Response

Prayer for Peace

Play music, recorded or live, softly in the background as the Prayer for Peace is offered.

Prayer

All Loving God,

Thank you for waiting for us, for meeting us in this holy space. Each day you call for us to step outside of our comfort and into boundless love, beautiful mystery, the perfect melody of your peace.

We know that you love us, but we confess the shortfalls that only unconditional grace can redeem. When we feel heavy, cumbersome loads being placed on our shoulders, weighted down in expectations, may we feel the gentle hand of your Spirit reach down and alleviate them.

Light the Peace Candle.

May we see those who toil in silence and hear those who give voice to their struggles. Encourage us to respond as reflections of your love. In this holy space, may we move closer to understanding that because you are enough, I am enough, and we are enough. In the name of Jesus Christ, the prince of peace. Amen.

Hymn for Peace

“Dona Nobis Pacem”

CCS 155

Divide into 3 groups. Assign each group a part, 1, 2, or 3. Start with part 1, singing all the way through; add part 2, with 1 and 2 singing all the way through; add part 3, with everyone singing all the way through. Drop part 3 on the next time through; then drop part 2 until the final time is part 1 alone.

OR “We Are People of God’s Peace”

OR “Let Our Earth Be Peaceful”

Focus Moment: “Believe in Christ” see below

Scripture Reading: 1 John 5:1-6

CCS 306

CCS 371

Hymn of Faith

“With a Steadfast Faith”

OR “How Firm a Foundation”

OR “Community of Joy”

Morning Message

Based on 1 John 5:1-6

Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn of Reflection

“The Peace of Mind”

CCS 649

CCS 250

CCS 631

CCS 320

Sing stanzas 1 through 3 as usual; on stanza 4, divide the congregation into 4 parts and sing as a round.

OR “How Deep the Silence of the Soul”

OR “Jésus est le rocher de ma vie”

CCS 165

CCS 265

Consider teaching this song to the congregation, perhaps in a language other than their own. Add the actions (for example, “He is above, below, in front, behind, and all around…”). The congregation could also sing along to the vocal recording found on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings available from Herald House.

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Communion Scripture: Luke 22:14-23 Communion Talk

Hymn of Preparation

“God Extends an Invitation/Nuestro Padre no invita”

CCS 520

Sing several times, speeding up with each stanza. Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

OR “Let Us Break Bread Together”

OR “Is There One Who Feels Unworthy”

Invitation to Communion

CCS 521

CCS 526

All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

Blessing and Serving of the Bread and Wine

Disciples’ Generous Response

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 164:9a

Testimony

Ask someone to share a testimony describing when or how they have received the generosity of others.

If time allows, facilitate a discussion:

• How does your faith guide your generosity?

• Where do we go to discover God’s generosity in the world? Within ourselves?

Statement

Now is our opportunity to look and see the many ways we are blessed every day. Let’s uncover God’s preferred vision for creation together.

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 members of your congregation are meeting online: We can give through the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org/give or through eTithing at www.eTithing.org Consider showing these URL’s on screen

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Congregational Sung Response

“My Life Flows On in Endless Song”

CCS 263

OR “We Are a Family of Faith” CCS 350

OR “Onward to Zion” CCS 390

Benediction

Sending Forth

Postlude

Focus Moment: Believe in Christ

Preparation: Place clear tape in a cross shape near the top of an inflated balloon. Practice this activity beforehand.

Discuss:

• What does it mean to put your faith in someone?

• Why are some people easier to believe or have faith in than others?

Show the balloon (keeping the tape out of sight). Convince them that you can put a pin in it and it won’t pop. Ask:

• Do you believe that I can do that? Why or why not? If I always tell the truth, will you believe me?

Stick the point of the pin into the balloon in the center of the clear tape. Push it in and let go. The balloon will not pop. Sometimes it is hard to believe something because we have never seen it before. But if Jesus did it or said it, you can believe it! That is why we can put our faith in, and believe in Jesus Christ.

-from Scripture-based Focus Moments, p.43; https://www.heraldhouse.org/products/scripturebased-focus-moments-pdf-download?_pos=1&_sid=dc866f77c&_ss=r

-Balloon © Meffista Dreamstime.com

Year B Letters

Sixth Sunday of Easter

1 John 5:1–6

Exploring the Scripture

There is little consensus among scholars about who wrote the three letters of John, but they generally agree the letters were written in Ephesus, between 95–110 CE, mainly to Gentile believers. Most scholars also agree the writer of the Johannine epistles was not the author of the Gospel of John.

The major themes in this letter are the love of God and our relationship to God. The writer was likely prompted to pen the letter because of breaking in the community. Readers and listeners alike were cautioned not to “practice sin,” not to be deceived by false teachers. Theological divisions about the nature of Jesus were problematic and needed to be corrected.

The six verses assigned for this Sixth Sunday of Easter (Remember, we are still in the season of Easter!) declare the strong connection between belief in Jesus and love for the community members. They are inseparable. We love others based on our love for God. And, if we love God, we will keep God’s commandments and will love God’s children. Love births love.

The Message translation of verses 2–3 says this: “Do we love God? Do we keep [God’s] commands? The proof that we love God comes when we keep [God’s] commandments, and they are not at all troublesome.” Our instruction, our mandate, is to believe in Jesus and love one another. That will help us live our lives amid the challenges of the “world” (vv. 4, 5). The commandments to love God and neighbor are a gift, not a burden. In the promised presence of the Holy Spirit, they’ll see us through.

Verses 5–6 seem to address conflicts in the church on beliefs about the nature of Jesus. (Remember the letter was written about 100 CE, generations after the life of Jesus and the first disciples.) Some focused on the divinity of Christ (symbolized by water). Others focused on the humanity of Jesus (referring to blood). The author calls the community to understand who Jesus is with a both-and approach rather than an either-or proposition.

One concern may have been the fear that if the humanity of Jesus is denied, other people’s humanity, including our own, is also easily denied. The debate continues two millennia later and will not be resolved in this generation or the next. As the Easter season’s conclusion is near, it is important to remember once again the meaning of both the crucifixion of Jesus and Christ’s resurrection.

Though the authors are decidedly different, the words of the letter resonate with these words from the Gospel: “But these things are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).

The nature of Jesus Christ is and will be an endless mystery. However, the preacher will be helped by reading the Community of Christ basic beliefs commentary on Jesus Christ available at https://s3.amazonaws.com/account-media/26072/uploaded/e/0e15489786_1677680323_exploring-community-ofchrist-basic-beliefs-01032023.pdf. The congregation will be helped to hear the preacher share their journey with God in Christ Jesus.

Central Ideas

1. If we love God, we will love God’s children our neighbors, our congregation, the stranger.

2. If we believe in God, if we have faith in the Loving One revealed by Jesus, we will be able to live well amid the destructive and divisive ways encountered in the world and in our hearts and minds.

“We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God; the Word made flesh, the Savior of the world, fully human and fully divine” (Chvala-Smith, Exploring Community of Christ Basic Beliefs: A Commentary: Volume 1, Herald Publishing House, 2020).

Questions for the Speaker

1. How has your belief in a God of love translated into a love of God’s creation in general, and in the love of God’s children humankind? What experience from your life can you share?

2. How has your understanding of God’s commandments changed from “burden” to “blessing” as you matured in your life as a disciple?

3. What stands out to you in the Basic Beliefs chapter on Jesus Christ with these six verses in mind? https://s3.amazonaws.com/accountmedia/26072/uploaded/e/0e15489786_1677680323_exploring-community-of-christ-basic-beliefs01032023.pdf

4. We change; we grow in our life as a disciple over the years. How have your heart, mind, and daily living changed through the decades as you attempted to understand who Jesus the Christ is, then tried to follow him?

Year B Letters

Sixth Sunday of Easter

1 John 5:1–6 NRSVUE

Sending Welcome

Today is the sixth Sunday of the Easter season. The Easter season lasts fifty days and concludes with the Day of Pentecost.

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle

Holy One, we thank you for the gift of peace that you left us as you promised so long ago. But Lord, we struggle with maintaining the peace within.

We find the media of today bombards us with so much negativity that it is hard not to worry about our world. At this moment, on this day, we want to set aside our worries and rely on you for internal peace.

We want to strive for peace in our relationships, peace in our communities, and peace in this world. Help us, Lord. Help us stay in tune with your presence, your peace. Our prayer, Lord, is for your peace to remain within and spread afar. This we pray in Jesus’s name. Amen.

Spiritual Practice Centering Prayer

Centering 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.

This Easter Day we will focus on the word rejoice

Slowly read the following instructions:

Sit with relaxed posture and close your eyes. We will spend three minutes in centering prayer. Breathe in a regular, natural rhythm. As you breathe in and out, say the word peace in your mind. Breathe in and out, focusing only on your word.

When we are done, we will sit for two minutes in silence, eyes closed, listening to the silence. When time is up, share these closing instructions:

Offer a brief word of thanks to God, take a deep breath, and open your eyes when you are ready.

Sharing Around the Table

1 John 5:1–6 NRSVUE

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God

and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.

Why do we quarrel with those we love? Why do unkindness and cruelty flourish in some family dynamics? Our author is trying to reason with the reader, saying in our community we should be the best behaved and show love toward each other without reserve.

John, the elder, is trying to reinforce the bulk of the previous pages that say those who have remained faithful are worthy of the love of God, and they are correct in desiring to remain a community. The point of this letter is to strengthen the readers as faithful participants in the kingdom of God and to help them move past the conflict that has divided the congregation.

The theme of water and blood boldly bolsters the importance of sacraments in the life of the community. As we read these verses we might be tempted to get hung up on the talk of water and blood and think only of Jesus’s last hours of life. When the elder says that Jesus came by water and blood, he is talking about how Jesus came into the community to which the elder is writing. Jesus came fully to the community through baptism and Communion. The elder further says the Spirit testifies to this, for the Spirit is truth.

An early understanding of community was that some kind of mystery happened in a community devoted to Jesus. This mysterion later was called sacramentum, which was associated with sacred oaths, promises to serve one another.

Christians began to understand that this mystery was binding the believers to each other. That binding factor was what we call the Holy Spirit. The understanding of Holy Trinity was an early theology, but it came from what the elder and others communicated concerning the way God works in the world.

In our day, sometimes we suffer division in our sacred communities for things as inane as the color of the carpet in the church. As church buildings become less important in the coming age, maybe less will divide us. Maybe.

However, it always is important for us to remember that those who are children of God, as the elder calls us, are united in the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit in us, around us, and through us that makes us one, and that is truth.

Questions

1. How has a sacrament helped to heal differences in your life?

2. What kind of community would yours be if everyone really believed they were bound to each other by the Holy Spirit?

3. Share how sacraments have strengthened or enriched your life.

4. How might a deeper meaning of sacraments change you? Your community? The world?

Sending

Generosity Statement

Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

This offering prayer for the Easter season is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

God of rejoicing, we share our gifts joyfully and with thanksgiving in response to the generous gifts you have given us. May the offerings we share bring joy, hope, love, and peace into the lives of others so they might experience your mercy and grace. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 361, “God of Every Generation”

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

You will need:

• Blank paper

• Coloring supplies

Say: Today’s scripture lets us dream of a possible future when God’s love is the way. Today we are going to pray for that future by drawing what we hope it can be. Rather than using words to say our prayers, we are going to draw pictures that represent what the world would look like if we all chose to love each other and creation.

Before you begin drawing, think what a world full of love would look like. When you are ready, begin drawing that world. You can continue to draw while the music plays When it stops, I will say, “Amen,” and you can head back to your seats to share your prayer with someone there.

Ask for music to be played as the participants draw for a short time. Once that time ends, invite participants to share their prayer with someone at their seat.

12 May 2024

Seventh Sunday of Easter Ascension of the Lord

Luke 24:44-53(A,B,C)

Easter People Bless

Additional Scriptures

1:15-23

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship: Psalm 47:6-7

Today will sing praises just as we are told! Let our words and melodies be blessing to each other! Invitation

Invocation

Response

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer

Holy Spirit of Peace, Open our eyes to your world in need.

Forgive us for selfish inward gazing.

As we focus on the ruptures within humanity and creation, help us recognize your unfolding truths.

Where we see injustice, let us cry out.

Where we see injury, let us reach forth with helping hands.

May all those who struggle find the true peace of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.

Amen.

-Glenn Johnson

Scripture Reading: Luke 24:44-53

A Story of Blessing

Invite an evangelist to share about the sacrament of evangelist blessing and an experience they had while providing the sacrament of blessing.

Hymn of Blessing

Message Based on Luke 24:44-53

Ministry of Music or Congregation

Encourage participants to sing in

Disciples’ Generous Response

Testimony

Ask someone to share a testimony describing when they have been blessed to receive the generosity of others.

As we share our gifts, we support the mission of Christ locally and around the worldwide church. Let us generously share what we can as we work with Jesus, the peaceful one.

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 members of your congregation are meeting online: We can give through the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org/give or through eTithing at www.eTithing.org Consider showing these URL’s on screen

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Hymn of Commitment

“Lord Jesus, of You I Will Sing/Jésus, je voudrais te chanter”

CCS 556/557

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

OR “Go, My Children, with My Blessing” CCS 650

OR “I Wish God’s Love to Be with You” CCS 663

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

Benediction

Sending Forth

Be a people who embody the fullness of the gospel. Make your faith known, share your light, and be a people of blessing in all you do!

Postlude .

Year B Letters

Seventh Sunday of Easter Ascension of the Lord Luke 24:44-53(A,B,C)

Exploring the Scripture

Today’s passage is part of the longer account in Luke 24 that includes the empty tomb and the encounter of two disciples with Christ on the road to Emmaus. These stories are in harmony with Luke’s entire message that Jesus has come to bring restoration to Israel. In other words, Jesus’ mission is fulfilling God’s promise.

Specifically, the text encompasses Christ’s appearance in Jerusalem and includes Christ’s blessing and his ascension. Consistent with the author’s purpose, verses 44–53 provide continuity between the past and present, then move toward the future. In verse 44, Jesus refers the disciples to the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms. Jesus stresses this link with the past. God was involved from the beginning. God is faithful and engaged in history

People in modern cultures tend to discount the past. But it is important to recognize that tradition and history have much to contribute. The Holy Spirit has encountered many who have gone before us. We are not the first to be blessed by God. We would do well to listen to their stories and testimonies about their encounters with the Divine.

In verse 45, Jesus opens their minds. In the following verses the disciples witness where God is moving at their particular moment in history. He describes divine events they witnessed. It is a reality for them. They know it as truth. Now, Christ has their attention. He challenges them to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sin to all.

As disciples, we, too, need to be aware of where God is moving today. When we allow God’s grace to enter our lives, transformation occurs. When we worship, pray, study, hear the word, and share in the sacraments, God appears and blesses. We are called to share that good news with the world.

Then, in the text, Jesus brings the future into the story. Jesus tells the disciples he is sending what God has promised. He directs them to stay in Jerusalem until they have power from on high. The power they will receive is not theirs. Rather, it is God’s power. It is a gift. This power will come from the Divine. Because they are to wait for it, they have a heightened sense of expectancy and excitement. Something is going to happen. How will the power be revealed?

In verses 50–53, Jesus leads his followers to Bethany and blesses them before he ascends. The Greek word the author uses for bless means “to speak well of.” So, in this text Jesus speaks well of them and praises them. He is asking God to help them gain peace, well-being, and wholeness. We, too, receive Christ’s blessing. As disciples, we are called to share that blessing with others. There are many among us who need blessing. We are to “speak well of” them and ask God’s Spirit to give them peace and wholeness.

In the text, after being blessed, the disciples worship Jesus. They return to Jerusalem with great joy and continually “speak well of” God (vv. 52–53). Our families, congregations, and faith community should also be continually full of joy and praise. Today we speak “well of God” because of our experience that God’s unbounded love and unconditional grace embraces all.

Central Ideas

1. Jesus came to fulfill everything written about him in the Law of Moses, the prophets, and in the psalms.

2. The power we receive is from God. It is a divine gift to be used for God’s purposes. It is not power to use for our own benefit.

3. We are called to be witnesses proclaimers of repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations. Christ’s mission is our mission.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How do the traditions of your congregation reflect God’s presence? (past)

2. When has your “mind been opened to scripture”? (present)

3. Have you ever felt expectant to receive from God? (future)

4. What are some ways you and your congregation witness of and proclaim the Risen Christ?

5. How would you explain the ascension of Jesus to a new disciple?

Year B Letters

Seventh Sunday of Easter, Ascension Sunday

Ephesians 1:15–23 (A, B, C) NRSVUE

Gathering Welcome

Ascension Day is when Jesus hikes with his disciples to a mountaintop. There, he blesses them and tells of the coming Holy Spirit before he ascends into heaven.

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle

Lord, Creator of all life, we are aware of your presence in this space and in our hearts.

Let us pray in silence.

Thank you for this time of holiness. We gather in worship and praise for all you have given, shared, and done. We gather in peace, seeking your peace.

Let us pray in silence.

Grant us your grace. Forgive us for all we have left ungiven, unshared, undone.

Let us pray in silence.

Help us more fully understand the gift of your Son in our lives, and to all peoples.

Let us pray in silence.

Open our hearts and minds. Connect us through our worship that we might deeply embrace the call of your kingdom as a congregation, mission center, and global faith community.

Let us pray in silence.

Lord, we thank you for all things. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Jesus Prayer

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

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

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

As you breathe in pray, “Lord Jesus Christ. ”

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

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

Close with an “Amen.”

Invite people to share about this experience.

https://www.heraldhouse.org/products/yearning-for-god-discernment-and-spiritual-practice-pdfdownload?_pos=1&_sid=296e7d9e3&_ss=r

Sharing Around the Table Ephesians 1:15–23 NRSVUE

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Sound the alarm! Ring the bells! Bring out the harps, lutes, and lyres! Give thanks to God! Today’s passage from the Letter to the Ephesians is preceded by a prayer, blessing God as the Giver of every spiritual blessing…and for the redemption we receive through Christ. It serves as a beautiful opening, setting the stage for the words of praise and supplication poured out on behalf of the faith community.

Although the letter’s recipients are unknown to the author, they are commended for their faithfulness to God and one another. The author prays that they might experience a deepening relationship with God; that as they grow in faith, they might increase in hope, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ. In this way, they are able to live more fully as the church the ministry and message of Christ in the world.

The fullness of Christ is expressed by the church living as a reflection of Christ. The church, a reflection of the presence of Christ in the world today, is called and empowered to overcome divisions, boundaries, and walls that separate, marginalize, and demean individuals and communities. Christ gave his life in service of God’s purposes. At the ascension, Christ took his place as the loving, serving head of the church. Similarly, the church is called to give itself in service to the restoring purposes of God and to live in harmony with all creation, choosing reconciliation over division, unity over individualism, and community over self-interest. In this way, all are included in the peaceable reign of Christ.

Questions

1. How do you continually deepen your faith in Jesus Christ and your love for others?

2. If you were to write a prayer that blesses God, what would it say?

3. If you were to ask God for a blessing so your faith might be strengthened, what would it be?

Sending

Generosity Statement

Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

This offering prayer for the Easter season is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

God of wisdom and love, may the gifts we share be in response to the generous gifts you have given us. May the monetary offerings we give be received in love and used with wisdom. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 636, “I Have Called You by Your Name”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• Paper hearts with googly eyes glued to them, one for each participant (optional)

Say: In today’s scripture, the author talks about the eyes of your heart. What do you think the author means by that? (Affirm all answers.)

How do you think the eyes of your heart are different from the eyes on your face? (Affirm all answers )

What can the eyes of your heart see that the eyes on your face can’t? (Affirm all answers.)

Say: The eyes of our heart aren’t actually eyes on our physical heart. Rather, they are the metaphorical eyes that help us see the world the way God sees the world. Rather than seeing all the bad in the world, they help us see the good. Rather than looking angrily at someone who has wronged us, they help us look on them with love.

Next time you are struggling to love, remember the eyes of your heart and try and see the situation the way God would, with unfailing love. (Optional: Give each participant a paper heart with googly eyes on it.)

19 May 2024

Day of Pentecost

Romans 8:22-27

The Spirit Intercedes

Additional Scriptures

Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15; Acts 2:1-21 (A,B,C); Doctrine and Covenants 161:1b; 165:2b

Worship Preparation

This worship is designed to be a reflective service while recognizing the Day of Pentecost. If possible, dim the lights in your sanctuary or gathering space. Use flashlights, stage lights, candles, or screen with a projector or monitor to illuminate one section of the gathering space. Be mindful of worship participants’ need to safely navigate the worship setting and find their seats.

For the Personal Reflection, hand out note cards or pieces of paper and writing utensils.

WE GATHER

Prelude

152

Welcome

Today is the Day of Pentecost. Just as those gathered for the ’Coming of the Holy Spirit’ in Jerusalem, today we gather as disciples sensing the fiery presence of the Holy Spirit.

Call to Worship

O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures! And how awesome they are. Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great! And how awesome they are. When you send forth your Spirit, they are created; a nd you renew the face of the ground. And how awesome it is. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. Bless the Lord, O my soul. How awesome you are!

-Psalm 104:24-34, adapted

WE CENTER

Hymn of the Spirit

“Meet Me in a Holy Place”

OR “Come, Holy Spirit Come” sing twice

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “Ubi Caritas et Amor” sing several times

Invocation

Sung Response

“Bless the Lord” sing twice

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer

Ring bell and pause.

We are the ones the world awaits to live the words we pray… God, grant us courage that we dare to practice peace each day.

Ring bell and pause.

We are the ones the world awaits to live the words we pray… God, grant us courage to confess when we fall short, to embrace community, not cultivate division.

Ring bell and pause.

We are the ones the world awaits to live the words we pray… God, grant us the knowledge to make plows from strong blades designed to destroy.

Ring bell and pause.

We are the ones the world awaits to live the words we pray… God, let this be the moment where we are baptized by your Spirit and the living promise of your peace.

Ring bell and pause.

Amen.

-based on “We Are the Ones the World Awaits,” CCS 305, by Edith Sinclair Downing

WE REFLECT

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:22-27

Personal Reflection

CCS 162

CCS 154

CCS 152

CCS 575

Invite the congregation into a time of personal reflection. Using the cards provided, have them respond to the question:

How has the Holy Spirit worked in or through you?

Project or print the question for all to see. Allow a significant amount of time for this reflection. Reflective music could be playing in the background.

Participants will be encouraged to share their reflections during the Disciples’ Generous Response.

Hymns of Reflection

“God Turned the Spirit Loose in Wind”

CCS 484

Morning Message

Based on Romans 8:22-27

Disciples’ Generous Response Statement

WE SHARE

God’s generosity is continuously revealed in the mysteries of life. Sunrises and sunsets, laughter and tears, in the melting of hearts and heartache. But it’s also revealed in the simplest of gestures.

A disciples’ generous response is a lifelong commitment to discovering what you’ve already received, where it came from and how you can use it for God’s purposes and vision for creation.

We are instruments of God’s peace and generosity. Just as the Spirit endowed the early Christian followers, the same Spirit leads us onward today.

Sharing

Invite participants to share their written thoughts from the Personal Reflections activity.

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 165:2b

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 members of your congregation are meeting online: We can give through the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org/give or through eTithing at www.eTithing.org Consider showing these URL’s on screen

Blessing

and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

WE RESPOND

Hymn of Renewal

“The Spirit of God like a Fire Is Burning”

CCS 384

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “Called by Christ to Love Each Other”

OR “God of Dawn, Each Day’s Renewal”

Pastoral Prayer of Blessing

Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 161:1b

Postlude

CCS 577

CCS 51

Year B Letters Day of Pentecost

Romans 8:22–27

Exploring the Scripture

Our scripture passage from Romans 8 does not contain images we usually associate with Pentecost. There are no stories of wind, fiery tongues resting on people, or different nationalities speaking multiple languages and understanding one another. Instead, we encounter another image of the Holy Spirit the Apostle Paul proclaims is centered in the message of hope that adopts us into the family of God.

Life in the Holy Spirit is a significant theme in this part of Paul’s message. To understand its importance, Paul notes the suffering experienced by the disciples. But it is not necessarily the suffering from persecution but suffering that comes because of our sin and choices that can feel like we are in bondage. Yet not only humankind suffers; it is all of God’s creation. In this suffering, Paul proclaims, the whole creation groans together in labor pains, waiting for God’s adoption and redemption of our lives.

At the center of this passage is a message of hope. For Paul, the hope needed is birthed from our assurance that God has a future for all creation that will come. It is a future that is more than we can see in the moment and our suffering. But in God’s trustworthiness, when our burdens become so heavy, we cannot even find the words to pray, the Holy Spirit offers that gift of interceding on our behalf to God.

Through that gift of love expressed in the Holy Spirit which abides with us, advocates for us, and empowers us in our waiting we are adopted and formed into that relationship with God and one another in sacred community. When we see ourselves as that sacred community in God, we are living in God’s future, which is unfolding in our lives.

Pentecost the gift of the Holy Spirit takes us to the threshold between what is and what will be. We experience suffering in what is. We struggle in the moment with the presence of human brokenness and creation’s destruction. And yet, as we stand at the threshold of what will be, the Holy Spirit assures us what is before us is God’s future. This informs how we can live daily as disciples.

This passage looks at what the Holy Spirit was doing for new Christians in Rome. We hear Paul’s apostolic message: In the struggles and suffering they shared with all God’s creation, something new was preparing to be birthed in their lives. As part of our exploration of this scripture lesson, we must ask what is being birthed in our lives today?

On this day of Pentecost, we take time to remember what the Holy Spirit was doing. We can then begin to look forward with fresh eyes to see better what the Holy Spirit is doing in our lives and the church today. Responding to the call to compassionate action and ministry becomes a living expression of the Holy Spirit at work through us.

Central Ideas

1. Pentecost is the gift of the Holy Spirit working within our lives, which makes hope possible as we awaken to God’s future before us.

2. In our human struggles and weakness, we can find comfort and assurance the Holy Spirit is interceding for us to God, who knows our heart.

3. As the Apostle Paul proclaims, hope is birthed within us, not from what we can see, but from the assurance that is with us and continues to redeem us in our suffering and challenges.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How do you see the Holy Spirit working in the lives of the congregation, community, workplace, and school?

2. How does Paul’s expression of the whole creation groaning for that adoption and redemption speak to the groaning you feel inside when you look at life and the world around you? How do the words of counsel from Doctrine and Covenants 155:7 (“Know, O my people, the time for hesitation is past. The earth, my creation, groans for the liberating truths of my gospel which have been given for the salvation of the world.”) challenge us on how to live today?

3. When have you or someone in the congregation felt the heavy burden of human suffering in the world and then experienced the gift of God’s hope through the presence of the Holy Spirit?

4. How does the message of Pentecost stimulate new conversations about how the Holy Spirit is inviting the congregation to explore its mission in new ways in the community and neighborhood?

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Year B Letters

Day of Pentecost

Romans 8:22–27 NRSVUE

Gathering Welcome

Pentecost means “fiftieth day.” On the fiftieth day after Passover, Jews celebrated with a festival. For Christians, Pentecost marks the fiftieth and final day of the Easter season. At Pentecost, the Spirit moves among the disciples and crowds of onlookers. It is on Pentecost that the disciples begin their Spirit-filled ministry. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit often is depicted as flames of fire or a dove descending to the people.

Prayer for Peace

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

One who breathes peace, you promised us the Holy Spirit, and today we celebrate its presence among us in this very place! Thank you for this Helper, whose closeness we sometimes see, sometimes feel, but always know.

As winds signal the change of seasons, as fire warms the cold, as breezes carry butterflies on their migration, as embers hold the hope of renewal, inspire us to bring peace wherever it is needed.

As peace flows in every language, open our eyes to the small corners in need of peace. Open our arms to hold another, quiet our voices to listen in the commotion, and strengthen our shoulders for the hard work ahead.

In the gentle and just name of Jesus. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Centering Prayer

Centering 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.

Slowly read the following instructions:

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

As you breathe in, name what you would like to receive, and as you exhale, state what you would like to release (for example: breathe in peace, exhale fear).

Breathe in and out, focusing on what you are breathing in and what you are exhaling.

Watch the time for five minutes. Urge participants to continue the breath prayer for the full five minutes. When time is up, share these closing instructions:

Offer a brief word of thanks to God, take a deep breath, and open your eyes when you are ready.

Sharing Around the Table Romans 8:22–27 NRSVUE

We know that the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers together the pains of labor, and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what one already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

(Read the full chapter.)

Life in the Holy Spirit is a significant theme in this part of Paul’s message. To understand its importance, Paul notes the suffering experienced by the disciples. It is not necessarily the suffering from persecution, but suffering that comes because of our sin and choices that can feel like we are in bondage. Yet not only humankind suffers; it is all God’s creation. And in this suffering, Paul proclaims, the whole creation groans together in labor pains, waiting for God’s adoption and redemption.

At the center of this passage is a message of hope. For Paul, the hope needed is birthed from our assurance that God has a future for all creation that will come. It is a future that is more than we can see in the moment and in our suffering. But in God’s trustworthiness, when our burdens become so heavy that we cannot even find the words to pray, the Holy Spirit offers that gift of interceding on our behalf

Through that gift of love expressed in the Holy Spirit that abides with us, advocates for us, and empowers us in our waiting, we are adopted and formed into relationship with God and one another in sacred community. When we see ourselves as that sacred community in God, we are living in God’s future that is unfolding in our lives.

On this day of Pentecost, we remember what the Holy Spirit was doing. We then can begin to look forward with fresh eyes to see better what the Holy Spirit is doing today in our lives.

Questions

5. How do you see the Holy Spirit working in your life, your community, workplace, or school?

6. How does Paul’s expression of the whole creation groaning for that adoption and redemption speak to the groaning you feel inside when you look at life and the world around you?

7. How does the message of Pentecost stir new ideas of how to join the Holy Spirit in mission?

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.

Pray with me:

God of passion and purpose, may your Spirit guide our decisions as we make Responsible Choices with our resources. May we be wise in spending, prudent in saving, and generous in sharing so that your healing, wholeness, and well-being might be extended to all. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 42, “As the Wind Song through the Trees”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• Picture of a dove

• Lit candle (electric may be substituted)

• A blanket

God has promised that God’s Spirit always will be with us. We call this the Holy Spirit.

In the Bible we learn about God’s Spirit. Lots of words have described the Holy Spirit:

Dove (Show the picture ) How might the Holy Spirit be like a dove? (Listen to what the children share, and then say:) When Jesus was baptized, the Spirit flew down like a dove and landed on Jesus.

Flame (Light or turn on the candle ) How might the Spirit be like a flame? (Give the children time to share their ideas, and then say:) It flickered like a flame and touched everyone.

Comforter (Let the children touch the blanket or wrap themselves in it ) How might the Spirit be like a comforter? (Affirm any responses from the children, and then say:) We feel as if we are wrapped in God’s love when we feel the Spirit with us.

Breath/wind (Breathe out.) How is the Spirit like breath or wind? (Give the children time to think of their answers, and then say:) Sometimes the Spirit is like a mighty wind, and sometimes it is as quiet as Jesus breathing the Spirit upon the disciples. We can hear the Spirit in our breath, too. Cup your hands over your mouth and breathe into your hands. Listen…Can you hear the Spirit?

God promises the Holy Spirit always will be with us. Listen and watch for the Spirit in your life.

26 May 2024

First Sunday after Pentecost

Trinity Sunday (Ordinary Time)

Romans 8:12-17

Led by the Spirit

Additional Scriptures

Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29; John 3:1-17; Doctrine and Covenants 85:36b; 162:7c-d

Preparation

Prior to the worship, put together a gingerbread house. These can be made from scratch or prepackaged. Place the gingerbread house toward the front of the worship space where all can see. This will be part of the Focus Moment later in the worship. Alternatives to gingerbread houses could be children’s construction blocks/toys, stones found your neighborhood, or sticks. The main thing you want is to have a house-like structure for the lesson. Plan accordingly.

Welcome

Responsive Reading

Leader: The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. People: And God’s people all say, “Glory!”

Leader: The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; People: And God’s people all say, “Glory!”

Leader: The Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. People: And God’s people all say, “Glory!”

Leader: The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; People: And God’s people all say, “Glory!”

Leader: May the Lord bless all people with peace! People: “And God’s people all say, ‘Glory!’”

Hymn of Response

Psalm 29:7-11, adapted

“Kanisa Litajengwa/Oh, Who Will Build the Church Now?” CCS 338

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Invocation

Prayer for Peace

Hymn for Peace

“The Peace of Jesus Christ”

Light the Peace Candle. Prayer

O Lord, Lovingly incline your ear and hear our prayers as you are our loving creator. Deliver us from evil as did your Son.

Inspire us to comfort those who mourn as does your Spirit. Break our stony hearts of indifference as you are our loving Creator.

Give us courage to speak truth to powers that consume and manipulate as did your Son.

Encourage us bear witness to what is right as does your Spirit.

Guide us home

the home you created, the home your son tended, the home the Spirit leads us toward. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:12-17

Focus Moment: “Let Us Build a Spiritual Home”

317

318

In her book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, Isabel Wilkerson uses the image of an old house to define a caste system. An old house with a story, work that never is completed, and weathers the storms of life and human upheaval. A house with cracks, mold, and damage in its foundation.

She wrote:

We in the developed world are like homeowners who inherited a house on a piece of land that is beautiful on the outside, but whose soil is unstable loam and rock, heaving and contracting over generations, cracks patched but the deeper ruptures waved away for decades, centuries even.

Many people may rightly say, “I had nothing to do with how this all started. I have nothing to do with the sins of the past. My ancestors never attacked indigenous people, never owned slaves.” And, yes. Not one of us was here when the house was built.

Our immediate ancestors may have had nothing to do with it, but here we are, the current occupants of a property with stress cracks and bowed walls and fissures built into the foundation. We are the heirs to whatever is right or wrong with it. We did not erect the uneven pillars or joists, but they are ours to deal with now. And any further deterioration is, in fact, on our hands…

Live with it long enough, and the unthinkable becomes normal.

Here on the table is our beautiful “inherited house.” Point to the Gingerbread house or block structure. It is aesthetically pleasing and for those interested after our worship, likely delicious. No promises! But if we do not care for our house, we do not care for the people who live in it. If we let toxins like racism, prejudice, and delusional supremacy warp our home, we risk our demise. It is our collective responsibility to take care of our home, so that it remains a safe, strong, welcoming space for all people and all generations. For in their welfare, resides our collective welfare.

Invite the congregation into discussion/reflection. This can be in pairs, small groups or stay together. If streaming online, breakout rooms work well for this activity. Project or print the questions for all to see.

Discussion/Reflection Questions

• Without using specific examples, how has the “house deterioration” influenced your life?

• How did it make you feel?

• Does Wilkerson’s image of the “inherited house” make sense to you?

• How does it make you feel?

If discussion occurred in pairs or small groups, spend a few moments debriefing in the whole group about their conversations.

Disciples’ Generous Response

Sung

Statement

We have been given frequent counsel about the need to be generous disciples. But we are not the only ones to hear that message.

Many centuries ago, God’s people were given these words:

• The choicest of the first fruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God.

Exodus 23:19a

• We obligate ourselves to bring the first fruits of our soil and the first fruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the Lord.

Nehemiah 10:35

Or words given in more recent times:

• Prepare every needful thing and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of honor, a house of God.

Doctrine and Covenants 85:36b

That is a challenge that is extended to us. What are the first fruits we can offer individually to the source of all? 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

Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 162:7c-d

Be led by the Spirit and build that spiritual home!

Postlude

Year B Letters

First Sunday after Pentecost, Trinity Sunday (Ordinary Time)

Romans 8:12–17

Exploring the Scripture

Verse 12 begins by declaring that we are “debtors.” Debt is considered to have negative connotations. However, in this case, it is presented as something to celebrate because our debt is to God. As a way of contrast, Paul noted that we are not in debt to “the flesh.” This might be best explained as living in the way our human nature wants us to live. The message is clear: If we live according to our human nature, we will die, but if we put to death our sinful actions, we will live (v.13).

In the verses that follow, Paul echoes passages from the Hebrew Bible when the children of Israel escaped from slavery to travel through the wilderness towards the promised land. God led the Israelites as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night. At times they wanted to give up and go back to Egypt and a life of slavery.

Despite many struggles, they persevered, placing their hope in the promise of land given them as an inheritance. In Romans 8, the desert wilderness is replaced by the world where the allure of “flesh” remains strong. Instead of pillars of cloud and fire, Christians are led by the Holy Spirit as the personal presence of the living God.

The promise to those who persevere is adoption (v. 15). In Roman culture, the adopted person lost all rights in their old family and gained all the rights of a legitimate child in their new family. When a person becomes a Christian, that person gains all the privileges and responsibilities of being a child in God’s family. One of these privileges is to be led by the Holy Spirit, an inward presence that reminds us who we are and encourages us with love.

A crucial part of Christian discipleship is to nurture our ability to recognize and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. When the spirit of adoption dwells in a person’s heart, they recognize God as parent. The cry of “‘Abba! Father!’” (vv. 15, 16) uses the old Aramaic word Jesus used for God (Mark 14:36). This cry is the Spirit affirming we are children of God.

The children of Israel were promised to inherit the land of Canaan. In Christian terms, our inheritance is the whole world to which we are joint heirs with Jesus (v. 17). Therefore, we are debtors to God, who loves us, saves us, and leads us to the home promised to us. Some may be concerned this compromises a belief in God’s grace, freely given, but that is not the case. Our debt is a joyful acceptance of this gift graciously given. God’s gift and call is not for us alone but for working through us to transform the world.

Paul does not promise that working with God to transform the world will be easy. Paul makes it clear that living a Christian life will include suffering, and at times we may be tempted by an easier life, enslaved to sin once again. Christians suffered economic and social persecution in the first century, and some faced death.

We, too, must be willing to suffer as disciples of Christ. To live as Jesus did serving others, giving up one’s rights, resisting pressure to conform to the world comes with a price. But our suffering cannot compare to the price Jesus paid for us, and through such faithful commitment to Christ, we experience hope for the glory to come (v. 17).

Central Ideas

1. When a person becomes a Christian, that person gains all the privileges and responsibilities of being a child in God’s family.

2. One of those privileges is to be led by the Holy Spirit, an inward presence that reminds us who we are and encourages us with love.

3. As children of God, the Holy Spirit works through us to transform the world.

Questions for the Speaker

1. What are the challenges of putting aside human nature to live the way God wants us to live?

2. Paul responds to the spirit of adoption with the cry, “Abba! Father!” What is your response to being adopted into God’s family?

3. Working with God to transform the world will include suffering. What is your experience of this?

4. Working with God to transform the world brings joy. What is your experience of this?

Year B Letters

Trinity Sunday

Romans 8:12–17 NRSVUE

Gathering

Welcome

Trinity Sunday is observed the Sunday following Pentecost. Christian tradition celebrates the doctrine of the Trinity: God experienced in three persons. God is Creator (traditionally identified as the Father), Jesus Christ is the Redeemer (the Son), and the Holy Spirit is the Comforter or Sustainer. In other words, God is one and three. From Community of Christ Basic Beliefs:

We believe in one living God who meets us in the testimony of Israel, is revealed in Jesus Christ, and moves through all creation as the Holy Spirit. We affirm the Trinity God who is a community of three persons.

CofChrist.org/basic-beliefs

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Triune God, how majestic are all of your names, used around the world, as people call upon you! Just as grasping at your greatness leads us beyond simple comprehension, so, too, does grasping at peace. What are the ways that people are struggling in the world today? What are the actions we can offer that would facilitate peace within those struggles? How can we tangibly move toward peace? Over and over in scripture, you call us to be faithful to your many forms, to dig deep into a sense of understanding you. At the same time, you send us to all nations to act and be peace among the people who need it most.

Call us today to three acts of peace, Lord, just as you are the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Call us to walk with you as creators of peace in the broken places. Call us to point others toward you as Redeemer of a world in search of peace. Call us to generate and sustain real change to broken systems that suppress peace.

We pray for blessing in all its many forms Amen

Spiritual Practice

Darshan

Read the following to the group:

Today’s practice comes for the Hindu tradition. Darshan means to behold the Divine in all things with reverence. In the Christian tradition this also is known as visio divina. Both practices are rooted in the concept of approaching images with openness to God’s presence.

Invite the group to go outside with you and then read: Choose an image around you that is calling to you. It can be anything, a tree, clouds, the sky, grass.

Pause to allow people to choose their image. Read the following:

We will spend several minutes looking at the image we have chosen.

Look slowly at the image, taking in every detail without critique or judgment. Observe the colors, shapes, shadows, lines, etc. Allow your feelings, memories, and thoughts about the image to arise. Notice and welcome all reactions.

Give the group two to three minutes to meditate on the image. Then read the following questions and allow a discussion to follow:

• How do these feelings, evoked by the image, connect with your life?

• How is the Spirit calling to you through the image?

• What is your response?

After the discussion, say:

May you rest in God’s presence. Amen.

Sharing Around the Table

Romans 8:12–17 NRSVUE

So then, brothers and sisters, we are obligated, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh for if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption.

When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs: heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if we in fact suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

This passage begins by declaring that we are debtors. Debt, in this case, is presented as something to celebrate because our debt is to God. As a way of contrast, Paul says we are not in debt to “the flesh.” This might be explained best as living in the way our human nature wants us to live.

In the verses that follow, Paul echoes passages from the Hebrew Bible, when the children of Israel escaped from slavery to travel through the wilderness toward the promised land. God led the Israelites as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night. At times they wanted to give up and go back to Egypt and a life of slavery. However, despite many struggles, they persevered.

The promise to those who persevere is adoption. In Roman culture, the adopted person lost all rights in their old family and gained all the rights of a legitimate child in their new family. When a person becomes a Christian, that person gains all the privileges and responsibilities of being a child in God’s family. One privilege is to be led by the Holy Spirit, an inward presence that reminds us who we are and encourages us with love.

A crucial part of Christian discipleship is to nurture our ability to recognize and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. When the spirit of adoption dwells in a person’s heart, she or he recognizes God as parent.

Paul makes it clear that living a Christian life, part of God’s family or community, will include suffering. Christians suffered economic and social persecution in the first century, and some faced death. We, too, must be willing to suffer as disciples of Christ. To live as Jesus did serving others, giving up one’s rights, resisting pressure to conform to the world comes with a price. Through such faithful commitment to Christ, we experience hope for what is yet to come.

Questions

1. What challenges keep you from putting aside human nature to live the way of Jesus?

2. What does “adopted into God’s family” mean to you?

3. Working with God to transform the world includes both suffering and joy. How have you experienced this?

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.

Pray with me:

Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, Three that are one, may we offer our resources to you that they may be used to share loving community with those seeking respite, connection, purpose, and love. May our generosity bring blessing and further the mission of Christ. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 56, “The Play of the Godhead”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

God wants us to be one with each other in community, just as God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are one. We call this community of three the Trinity.

Let’s try an experiment to better understand what it means to be three in one.

Think of a word or image. Hold your hands in front of your mouth and speak the word into your hands. Could you feel your breath in your hands as you spoke the word aloud?

Your “thought” is like God, where the idea begins.

The “spoken word” is Jesus Christ.

The breath you felt in your hands is like the Holy Spirit that breathes as God’s presence in the world.

Let’s try again. Think of another word or image something God would share with the world, such as peace, hope, or love. Think the word. Say the word aloud. Feel the breath that carries your word into the world.

God, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit are different ways we can understand God as our Creator, Jesus as our Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit as our Comforter.

Offer a brief prayer of thanks for God as Trinity, a community of three. Thank the children for participating.