Worship Planning Tools - November 2023

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Worship Resources 1 November 2023

All Saints’ Day

1 John 3:1-3 Beloved Additional Scriptures Psalm 34:1-10, 22; Matthew 5:1-12; Revelation 7:9-17

Preparation This service is formatted similar to a Prayer for Peace. You will need a Peace Candle and a chime. Compile a list of those from your group who have died in the past twelve months.

Arrange a display of various unlit candles in the worship center (battery-operated or wax).

Provide candle lighters, if needed.

Gathering in Silence Call to Prayer (9 chimes) Light the Peace Candle.

Welcome November 1st in the Christian calendar is All Saints’ Day. We include focused remembrance of family, friends, and colleagues who, in the past year, now rest from their labors in God’s loving embrace. We do not simply remember people who have passed but acknowledge those who walk with us on our journey toward the peaceable kin-dom.

As you worship, consider those in your life who have walked with you and helped shape your discipleship. They might have been parents, teachers, pastors, writers, or friends.

Today, we celebrate spiritual companions from our past, the present, and those moving together with us into the future.

Call to Worship Psalm 34:1-3

Hymn of Petition Breath on Me, Breath of God” OR “I Sought the Lord”

CCS 19 CCS 175

Scripture Reading Revelation 21:3-5a

Prayer for Peace Let us join together praying for peace.

God of generations past and generations yet unborn, we raise our peace prayer to you.

We remember and celebrate the richness of our inheritance.

Be to us as you were to those who have gone before: a fortress, a refuge in the day of trouble. We too are tossed about by the uncertainties of life. Like them, we need security.

Lead us into peace.

Our ancestors have said that you were to them a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night, a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their path. Be that for us. Lead us into the shalom of your earthly reign.

Our ancestors said you were their friend, the unseen companion of their pilgrimage, in whom they could trust. Be that for us. Lead us into deeper relationship with you.

Our ancestors called you the author of all creation. Be that for us. Lead us into creative activity with an awareness of the sacredness of all that surrounds and blesses us.

God of our ancestors, we pray for our earthly neighbors, near and far. You vision the lion lying down with the lamb, led by a child. Be that for us. Lead us as seekers of peace, champions of harmony, and defenders of justice.

We ask in the name of the Prince of Peace—The Messiah—our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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

Hymn of Remembering “For All the Saints”

CCS 331

Remembering the Saints In every time and place, imperfect and broken people are called to offer their gifts readily and cheerfully for the service and enrichment of the body of Christ. Today we pause to remember those who have gone before us, thanking God who “has blessed us on our way,” one generation to the next.

Remembering them means letting their spirits inspire us in our daily lives and allowing them to continue to be a part of our spiritual communities and journey together in Community of Christ. The list of those we remember today is probably imperfect. We apologize for any oversight. We know God knows them by name and joins with us in

honoring their lives and ministry. As I read the names of those who died during the past year, consider their lives and remember the gift they were to us.

Slowly read the list you have compiled.

Prayer of Thanksgiving For these lives and many others, we offer this prayer of thanksgiving: God of the ages, we praise you for all your servants, who have done justice, loved mercy, and walked humbly with their God. For apostles and martyrs and saints of every time and place, who in life and death have witnessed to your truth, we thank you, O God. For all your servants who have faithfully served you, witnessed bravely and died in faith, who are still shining lights in the world, we thank you, O God. For those we have known and loved who have shared their gifts, treasure, talents, testimony and passion with us; who by their faithful obedience and steadfast hope have shown the same mind that was in Christ Jesus, we thank you, O God. Keep us grateful for their witness, and, like them, eager to follow in the way of Christ.

Attune us to your ever-present Spirit among us. Then at last, loving Creator, bring us together to share in your generous, grace-filled embrace. Through Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen.

Hymn of Heritage “The God of Abraham Praise” OR “When Holy Ghost Shall Come in Power”

CCS 94 CCS 628

Moment of Silence Please pause for a moment of silence honoring those who have found rest from their labors.

Blessing and Candle Lighting Following this prayer of blessing you are welcome to stay as long as you wish to offer your own silent prayers of remembrance. As meditation music is played, you are invited to come forward and light a candle for those who have been named or for someone whose memory you would like to honor. As you leave the worship space there are baskets at the doors to receive any offerings you brought this day. Go in peace.

“In the Leaving” In the leaving, in the letting go, let there be this to hold onto at the last:

the enduring of love, the persisting of hope, the remembering of joy, the offering of gratitude, the receiving of grace, the blessing of peace.

Amen.

-Jan Richardson, Circles of Grace, p.166, www.janrichardson.com, used with permission

Sermon Helps Sermon Helps Year A - Letters All Saints’ Day

1 John 3:1-3 Exploring the Scripture The day following All Hallows Eve (Halloween) is All Saints’ Day, a celebration of all the saints, martyrs, and spiritual mentors who have influenced the Christian church. Although Community of Christ does not recognize sainthood in the way some do, we have a heritage of great leaders who have molded our spiritual journey. Today we recognize with gratitude all those, past and present, who have touched our lives with their faithful commitment, humble example, and compassion.

This letter is a sermon by a respected leader who moved among the church communities set up under the apostle John’s authority. The sermon intended to oppose false teachings by prior leaders who broke from the community. The false teachings included a denial of Jesus’ humanity and a rejection of his death on the cross, characteristic of second-century Gnosticism. This sermon upholds Jesus as inseparably human and divine, affirms his death and resurrection as saving acts of God. The author affirms that faithful members are God’s children, accepted into God’s family because of God’s extraordinary love. We can claim to be God’s children now, in this place and time, knowing that we still need to grow and mature. The secular world refuses to recognize Christians as children of God, just as it refused to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Nor did the world understand God’s plan for salvation.

Throughout 1 John, we find traces of the Gnosticism the author opposes, perhaps to make sense of the heretical teachings creeping into the Christian community. The author distinguishes between the children of God and those who do not know God. He even writes that “No one who abides in him sins” (v. 6). The distinction echoes the Gnostic idea of children of good and children of evil and the exclusiveness of the elect who can reach perfect knowledge of God. Then and now, it is challenging to keep from slipping into elitism and exclusion.

The Gnostics preached progress from one level of spiritual knowledge to another, toward a reunion with the divine fullness of spirit. 1 John preaches that we are, indeed, on a journey, but the end has not yet been revealed. It exists in the mind and will of God. “What we will be”— our future form, function, and spirit—will be like God but remains a mystery. Eventually, God will open our eyes, and we will see God as God truly is. Only then will we know the end to which creation is heading. Such is the hope that inspired saints and leaders of the past and lives in our hearts.

The Gnostics encouraged followers to reject this world and strive toward more knowledge of God. 1 John encourages disciples to purify themselves and live moral lives in this world. Proper conduct matters for those who genuinely wish to follow Christ. This is the world God created (which Gnostics did not believe), and this is the world for which Christ died. This is the world God loved so much that Jesus Christ, the firstborn and beloved son, was sent to redeem. How greatly God loves us and all creation to offer such a gift!

Central Ideas 1. We are God’s children because of the extraordinary love of God. 2. Our spiritual journey deepens our relationship with God, but the result has yet to be revealed.

3. In God’s time, we will see God as God truly is.

4. Proper conduct matters for those who genuinely wish to follow Jesus Christ.

5. This is the world God created and for which Christ died. We cannot abandon this world and focus only on the afterlife.

Questions for the Speaker 1. How do you feel about the idea that being children of God is only the beginning? What does it mean to journey ever nearer to being like God? 2. Where do you see evidence of Gnosticism in today’s world? (Gnostic ideas include rejecting this world, relying on ever-increasing knowledge to save us, exclusive salvation for an elite few, and an evil creator god vs. a pure spiritual power) 3. How does Community of Christ theology affirm God’s love for this world, even when it is broken and in despair?

4. What vision of hope sustained those who mentored your spiritual journey? How can you honor them today?

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources Year A, Letters All Saints’ Day 1 John 3:1–3 NRSV Gathering Welcome All Saints’ Day is observed as a time to remember disciples of old, people who contributed to Christian community and church members who lived in faithfulness and service. It is also a time to remember friends, family, and community members who have died during the year. In this way we honor those who have gone before us, and we reaffirm our belief in eternal life.

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

Light the peace candle.

Ringer of the first bell, today we give thanks for all the saints who have come before us and who have gone ahead. We are in awe of those who followed Your example of servant leadership, working tirelessly for peace in places as far away as the other side of the globe and as close as their own homes. We remember the saints who came before, their sacrifices, and as always, you and your sacrifices made in the name of peace.

May we have the strength to pick up the candle of peace, to share its warmth with those in need so the Pursuit of Peace might continue into the next generation.

In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Spiritual Practice Dwelling in the Word Today we are observing All Saints Day, which recognizes those who have come before us.

I will read the following scripture 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 passage a second time. As you hear the words again, listen for how God’s Spirit is nudging you or catching your attention.

Read Hebrews 12:1–3 NRSV: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured

such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

Pause. Read the passage a second time: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

Pause. Invite group members to share responses to these questions: 1. What words, phrases, or images came to mind?

2. How are you responding to God’s call to be fully alive in community with Christ?

Sharing Around the Table 1 John 3:1–3 NRSV See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is.

And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

You aren’t a disciple for long before you begin to collect wise mentors and companions on the journey. All Saints’ Day is a time to reflect on those who have—through the grace of God—assisted us on our journey of faith. This is a day to think about those who have impacted our lives in meaningful ways and have thus changed the world for good.

All Saints’ is a day to look at the past, present, and future. First, we look at the past and those who have helped us in our formation and founding in the Body of Christ. We also reflect on the giants of Christian history and recognize that it is on their shoulders that we stand, allowing us to glimpse God’s kingdom.

We pause and consider the present and those who walk with us now, how they help us by their guidance and their willingness to allow us to guide them.

Finally, we look to the future with anticipation and hope for those whom we may guide into the community we enjoy so that they may experience the Blessings of Community.

Every family is dynamic, changing and moving through seasons. Some families in the post-modern world are not nurturing; they sometimes are places of distrust, disinterest, even abuse. John’s letter talks about family relationships based on mutuality, deep trust, and a love that comes from the source of all love.

The parenthood of God is universal, but the saints understand themselves as children of God, part of God’s loving community. It is in this community that disciples find purpose and develop gifts that have been hidden or overlooked by the negative voices of society. In community, disciples discover and follow ways to become the reflection of Jesus in everyday living.

In the Body of Christ, as part of God’s universal family, we are joined in the same mission as those saints who have gone before us and who have entrusted the mission of Christ to us.

Remembering the lives, ministry, and sacrifices of those who have gone before us can be humbling, revealing to us our own humanity and frailty, exposing to us that we, like those before, have struggles and challenges. Yet with faith we can continue to move into the future with God and our beloved family, reaching the place where God is waiting with new blessings and challenges.

Questions 1. Recall an individual who is an inspiration to you. Share how that person influenced and helped you on your spiritual journey?

2. Think about your faith community. Who in its sacred story has come to be thought of by you as a “Saint”?

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

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response: You have blessed generations before us and will bless generations yet to come. May we be a generous people in response to your boundless grace and unending love. Bless and magnify our offerings and our service to others. Let generosity become part of our nature, we pray. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting Closing Hymn Community of Christ Sings 331, “For All the Saints” Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children You will need: flowers (can be real cut flowers, fake flowers, or flowers made from pipe cleaners and tissue paper) • construction paper cut into small rectangles with a hole punched in them • string • vase • something to write with All Saints’ Day is a time to remember disciples of old, people who contributed to Christian community, and church members who lived in faithfulness and service. It also is a time to remember friends, family, and community members who have died during the year.

In this way we honor those who have gone before us, and we reaffirm our belief in eternal life. Those who have come before us have helped make the world a more beautiful and hopeful place. To remember them, we are going to create a bouquet of flowers that reminds us of that beauty and hope.

I am going to give you each a small piece of construction paper. On that paper, I want you to write the name of someone who came before you and helped make the world a more beautiful and hopeful place. Once you have written their name, use some string to tie the paper near the top of one of our flowers. Once you have done that, add your flower to the vase.

If you need help thinking of someone’s name to write, find an adult and ask for a name they would like to include.

Once each person has had a chance to write someone’s name, offer a prayer of gratitude for all the saints and a prayer of comfort for those they have left behind.

Description of All Saints Day taken from Sacred Space, Year C: All Saints’ Day, (https://www.heraldhouse.org/products/all-saints-day-worship-outlines-pdfdownload?_pos=1&_sid=09af4025c&_ss=r) •

Worship Resources 5 November 2023

Ordinary Time (Proper 26)

Matthew 23:1-12/23:1-9 IV Humble Yourself Additional Scriptures Joshua 3:7-11; Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Doctrine and Covenants 163:4a

Preparation In addition to Communion emblems, create a worship center with building blocks. You can use children’s construction blocks. Place the table in an area towards the front where the congregation can see but does not obstruct your Communion emblems. Scatter the blocks on the top of the table.

Recruit a volunteer (preferably an older youth) to build with the blocks and review the “building” plans found in the Focus Moment.

Prelude Hymns of Gathering “As We Gather” sing twice CCS 73 OR “Jesu, Tawa Pano/Jesus We Are Here” sing several times CCS 71 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “Gather Us In” CCS 72

Welcome Call to Worship Responsive Reading Leader: Response: Leader: Response: Leader: Response: Leader: Response: Leader: Response: Leader:

O give thanks to the Lord!

For God is good!

God redeems those who are in trouble!

For God is good!

God is a beacon for those lost in the desert!

For God is good!

God is the source of life for the hungry and thirsty!

For God is good!

God is there when we reach our potential and when we fall short!

For God is good!

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

ALL:

For God is good!

-Psalm 107:1-9, adapted

Hymns of Praise “Now Sing to Our God” CCS 108 OR “O God beyond All Praising” CCS 90 OR “Oh, Sing to the Lord”/Cantad al Señor CCS 88 Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

Invocation Response Scripture Reading Matthew 23:1-12

Theme in Song “Humble Yourself” sing at least twice CCS 211 Ask children and youth to lead motions that mirror this text. Add percussion, if possible.

Homily Based on Matthew 23:1-12

Prayer for Peace Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer God, Thank you for waiting for us, for meeting us here again. Each day you call for us to step outside of our habits of compartmentalization to remember the boundless love, the beautiful mystery, the perfect fluidity that exists in a Spirit-led life.

Today, we are trying again.

We know that you love us, but we confess our hesitancy to truly believe that unconditional grace is possible in a world that expects so much of us. When we feel heavy, cumbersome loads being placed on our shoulders, weighted down in expectations, may we feel the gentle hand of the Spirit reach down and alleviate them.

Help us to remember that joy and hope are not rewards for peace work – they are central to the work. May we see those who toil in silence and hear those who give voice to their struggles. Having been liberated ourselves, encourage us to act quickly to alleviate their heavy loads of frustration and suffering.

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, the Peaceful One and Seeker of Justice. Amen.

- Emma Gray Pitt

Hymn for Peace “We Are People of God’s Peace” OR “God of the Future” OR “My Savior Said That I Should Be”

CCS 306 CCS 360 CCS 589

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

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Focus Moment: “Humbling Yourself” Go to the worship center with the “building blocks” and remind participants of the worship theme, “Humble Yourself.” Invite the volunteer to begin building a tower while you talk.

Humility is not about pride but honoring and recognizing God in all that we do and in all that we are. The way of Christ is not about status, but about building up all people. It’s reaching out in compassion and love.

Stop to observe the building progress - a strong structure (not too high).

When we focus on loving God and all people, other things will fall into place.

Have the builder go higher and higher until the tower falls.

However, when we put ourselves as the main focus we may fall. Even if we fall and feel like we are in pieces, Jesus still invites us.

Leave the fallen blocks and start a second (strong) structure.

Whether we are in a time of strength or a time of fracture and struggle, we are welcome at the Communion table. In humility, we approach this important sacrament. The blocks of life come together to build something new and beautiful, or, on occasion, the blocks of life fall and remind us of our need to return to God. In whatever place we find ourselves today, we are encouraged to humble ourselves and join in the sacred feast with Jesus as the host.

Hymn of Healing “Healer of Our Every Ill” OR “God, Whose Grace Redeems Our Story” OR “Is There One Who Feels Unworthy?”

CCS 547 CCS 570 CCS 526

Invitation to Communion All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ.

In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

Communion Scripture Reading: Luke 22:7-39 Communion Talk Hymn of Preparation “Restore in Us, O God” OR “Eat This Bread” sing several times OR “O Lord, How Can It Be”

CCS 219 CCS 528 CCS 529

Blessing and Serving of Bread and Wine Disciples’ Generous Response Statement Today we continue our focus on the Generosity Cycle, a period set aside to recognize the grace of God and to discover a deeper joy in discipleship through intentional whole-life stewardship. Just as Jesus’s ministry emphasizes taking care of the poor, we too respond to those suffering in poverty. On Communion Sundays, we focus especially on oblation ministries for those in need. This is directly associated with Community of Christ’s Mission Initiative, Abolish Poverty, End Needless Suffering.

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 163:4a Sharing Share a testimony describing the important of oblation ministries within your life, or your local group, or around the world.

We take so much for granted. Now is our opportunity to realize the many ways we are blessed every day and the chance we have to share those blessings. Let’s discover together.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes For additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response tools at www.CofChrist.org/disciples-generous-response-tools

Congregational Sung Response “Oh, How Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit” CCS 378 OR “Come and Bring Light” select stanzas most applicable to your group CCS 287 OR “O God of Love, Grant Us Your Peace” CCS 316

Benediction Sending Forth Never forget that you are loved - every building block part of you. Even when you fall, God will lift you up. Discover the blessings of life not just for you, but in the way God

works through you, your neighbors, this faith community, and in all creation! Keep creating! God will lift you up!

Recessional Hymn “Humble Yourself”

to be sung excitedly as participants exit the sanctuary CCS 211

Sermon Helps Sermon Helps Year A - Letters Ordinary Time (Proper 26)

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Exploring the Scripture Last week we examined how Paul’s letter followed the structure used by philosophers and parents who wished to send advice to their students or children. The author would remind readers of their shared history and the importance of their relationship.

Today’s passage continues with more reminders of Paul’s missionary methods and the loving relationships he built. When he traveled, Paul avoided burdening the congregation with his housing, meals, and financial needs. He supported himself while in Thessalonica by working at his trade. Acts 18:3 identifies Paul as a tentmaker. However, the Greek word for “tentmaker” usually referred to a leather worker. The trade required long hours, meticulous care, and tireless energy. To support himself would have needed dedication, “both day and night.” Preaching the gospel would have occurred around the edges of his livelihood and further taxed his time and stamina. But self-sufficiency increased his humility and personal integrity with the people to whom he witnessed. He served as a model for their ministry.

Equally important was upholding a high standard of personal behavior. Paul affirmed that his motives were pure, upright, and blameless. He did not abuse his authority through force, deception, or wish for personal gain.

In previous verses, Paul compared his relationship with the Thessalonian church to a nurse caring for a child. In today’s text, he shifts to the image of a father with his children. A father provided care and guidance but also necessary correctives. Paul reminds his “children” of his own “urging,” “encouraging,” and “pleading” to help them in living their commitment to Christ, God, and the kingdom.

Note, however, that in verse 11, Paul specifies that he and his missionary partners dealt “with each of you” separately. There is no such thing as a generic Christian. Each person’s conversion, commitment, and faith journey are unique. Each needs individualized training and care to maximize growth and maturity. Like any family, the general expectations may be similar, but a parent’s loving response adapts to each child’s needs and character. In helping each new convert, the goal was to grow the community into a loving, compassionate family.

The family was the foundation for Jewish, Greek, and Roman societies. Converts often had to leave parents, spouses, or kinship groups to become Christians. People of faith bonded together as surrogate families in God’s kingdom. They referred to one another as “brother” and “sister,” a practice misinterpreted by non-Christians, especially when coupled with their emphasis on Christian love. Thus, one of the standard charges brought against Christians was the charge of incest. Still, persecution could not halt the spread of the caring families of God that provided sanctuary for the marginalized and voiceless ones bereft of family ties.

Verse 13 returns to the theme of thanksgiving. Paul reinforced the idea of constant gratitude in a few simple words and turned from looking backward to past experiences to focusing on the present. He reminded them that in the past, they accepted Christ not because of human words but because of the testimony of God’s Spirit, which is still at work in their lives. It is an

affirmation of the continuity of their conversion experience into the present everyday life of faith.

Central Ideas 1. Paul urged and modeled self-sufficiency in preaching and spreading the gospel, which was freely available to all.

2. Paul acted as a father to the young Christian community in Thessalonica, encouraging, nurturing, and urging them to live Christ-like lives.

3. Paul offered individual pastoral care to meet individuals’ differing needs and help them in their journey toward mature faith.

4. The Spirit that brings a person to commit their life to Christ continues to prompt lifelong commitment and actions worthy of God.

Questions for the Speaker 1. How is the tradition of ministerial self-sufficiency expressed in Community of Christ today? How could it be better fulfilled?

2. Who encouraged, nurtured, and guided you on your faith journey? Was it gentle and caring or stern and demanding? How effective was it?

3. What does it mean to “lead a life worthy of God” today? What would characterize such a life? How difficult or easy is it?

4. How is God’s word at work in you, as a believer? How is it at work in the congregation or community? How do you know?

4.

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources Year A Letters Ordinary Time, Proper 26 1 Thessalonians 2:9–13 NRSV Gathering Welcome Ordinary Time is the Christian calendar period from Pentecost to Advent. This part of the Christian calendar is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on our discipleship as individuals and as 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 Community of Christ Sings 387, “Bring Forth the Kingdom” by Marty Haugen.

Seeds of mercy and seeds of justice, grow in the kingdom of God. Mother God, we long to bring forth peaceful communities where all are equal, all are safe, all are loved, and all are welcomed. We long to end painful, destructive wars. As rain heals the parched fields, we long for your mercy to heal our parched souls. We long to be your healing hands on Earth, spreading your justice. Give us strength and courage.

Many seeds grow. Many seeds blossom. We plant bulbs that will take months to peek through the soil and grow hearty petals. We plant tiny seeds that will grow enormous leaves. May we tend to your garden lovingly and faithfully through seasons of rest, seasons of growth, and seasons of harvest.

In the name of Jesus, Tiller of fields of mercy. Amen.

Spiritual Practice Loving Kindness Blessing Today’s spiritual practice focuses on Worth of All Persons. This Enduring Principle states, “We seek to uphold and restore the worth of all people individually and in community, challenging unjust systems that diminish human worth.” By practicing a Loving Kindness blessing we remind ourselves of the Worth of All Persons.

For our blessing I’ll say a phrase, and you repeat the words after me in your mind.

Read the following to the group: Give the words of the meditation time to resonate in your heart and mind: May I be blessed with loving kindness. May I be blessed with health. May I be blessed with true happiness. May I be blessed with peace. (Pause.)

Think of someone who is beloved to you. Visualize the person. As you pray, insert the person’s name into the prayer in your mind: May my beloved be blessed with loving kindness. May my beloved be blessed with health. May my beloved be blessed with true happiness. May my beloved be blessed with peace. (Pause.)

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

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

Breathe deeply and lovingly pray this blessing: May the one who harmed me be blessed with loving kindness. May the one who harmed me be blessed with health. May the one who harmed me be blessed with true happiness. May the one who harmed me be blessed with peace. (Pause.)

Think of Mother Earth and all creation. Visualize all creation. Breathe out love in your blessing to all of creation.

May Mother Earth be blessed with loving kindness. May Mother Earth be blessed with health.

May Mother Earth be blessed with true happiness. May mother Earth be blessed with peace.

(Pause.)

Invite people to share the thoughts, emotions, and images they experienced in this blessing.

Sharing Around the Table 1 Thessalonians 2:9–13 NRSV You remember our labor and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was toward you believers. As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.

Paul seems to be tooting his horn again, sharing with the saints in Thessalonica how righteous he and his fellow evangelists were when sharing with them the gospel of God. But on closer reading we can get a sense that Paul is taking on the mantle of teacher in these verses. The reference to himself as a father, metaphorically speaking, indicates the shift from caring and nurturing servant to instructive parent, culturally the role of a father.

In his desire to refine the saints of Thessalonica he uses the behavior of his ministry team as an example of how disciples should behave. That behavior is a response to the grace they have experienced in the ministry of the Holy Spirit through the humble and dedicated servants of the good news.

Paul and his companions came to Thessalonica, humbly sharing the good news, taking much care to not burden the community. They worked gently with the hearers and gave all they had to give

with patience and generosity. This approach opened the doors of their hearts. They not only were able to hear the gospel, but to internalize it. The response to such a gift is gratitude, not only in Paul, but in the Thessalonians, too.

Paul is reminding the first readers of this text that internalizing or allowing the Word of God to “work in you believers” is the source of the response to be righteous in the community where they live. In no way does Paul suggest that being “good” is to gain favor in the eyes of God or to punch the ticket for eternal bliss in the afterlife. Paul simply is saying that when disciples respond with generosity to those whom they meet in daily life, the disciples bring the kingdom to bear in the present situation.

Questions 1. Think of a person who was a wonderful teacher. How did that teacher present material?

Was the teacher patient or dismissive? Gentle or harsh?

2. Share a time when you shared the gospel of God with someone. How did you present the good news?

3. How do you practice generosity in your daily life?

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

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response: Discipling God, as we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us to 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 CCS 625 “You Are Called to Tell the Story” 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 In today’s scripture, Paul gives thanks to God. We can be thankful for much in the world, and it is good to share that gratitude with God. Today, I want to see how many things we can think of to be grateful for.

I am going to give a category, and then we will go around in a circle and share something in that category for which we are grateful. Then we’ll try again with a new category.

For example, if I said the category was “something yellow,” you could say you are grateful for the sun! If people get stuck, they can ask the group, and we all can try to help them think of something they are grateful for.

Categories: • Something that sounds nice.

• Something that tastes delicious.

• Something that feels soft.

• Something that smells wonderful.

• Something that looks beautiful.

• Something that makes me laugh.

• Something that makes me feel safe.

• Someone I love.

• Someone who loves me.

Wow! You all thought of so many things! Now, let’s share our thanks with God. We are going to say a circle prayer of gratitude. I will start the prayer before passing it to the person next to me by squeezing the person’s hand. That person will add gratitude before passing it to the next person. Pick one or two things you are grateful for to share when it is your turn.

Close with a circle prayer of gratitude where you begin the prayer before passing it on by squeezing the hand of the person next to you. The prayer continues to be passed as participants add their own gratitude before squeezing the hand next to them. This continues until the prayer comes back to you. You close with amen.

Worship Resources 12 November 2023

Ordinary Time (Proper 27)

Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 Whom Will You Serve?

Additional Scriptures Psalm 78:1-7; Matthew 25:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Mosiah 2:36, 43; Doctrine and Covenants 162:7a

Prelude and Fellowship Gathering Hymn “Breath of the Living God/Soplo del Dios viviente” CCS 43 Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

OR “Come Now, Sound the Call of Zion” CCS 381 OR “Siyahamb’ Ekukhanyen’ Kwenkhos’/ We Are Marching in the Light of God” CCS 95 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Welcome Call to Worship Consider having a person read this inviting Psalm in a dramatic, welcoming way to pull the congregation in as an introduction to the worship service. This could be a youth in your congregation who does theater at school or in the community or an older member of the congregation who is seen as a fount of wisdom: Listen, dear friends, to God’s truth, bend your ears to what I tell you. I’m chewing on the morsel of a proverb; I’ll let you in on the sweet old truths, Stories we heard from our fathers, counsel we learned at our mother’s knee. We’re not keeping this to ourselves, we’re passing it along to the next generation— God’s fame and fortune, the marvelous things he has done.

He planted a witness in Jacob, set his Word firmly in Israel, then commanded our parents to teach it to their children So the next generation would know, and all the generations to come— Know the truth and tell the stories so their children can trust in God. Never forget the works of God… - Psalm 78:1-7, The Message, adapted

Hymn of Rejoicing “Great and Marvelous Are Thy Works”

CCS 118

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “The God of Abraham Praise” OR “Now in This Moment”

CCS 94 CCS 96

Invocation Response Scripture Reading Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25

Focus Moment This Focus Moment is meant to be a conversation with the congregation, including children and youth. Be open to questions that may come up in addition to the ones provided. Consider printing or project the starter questions.

The scripture today focuses on a people who had finally reached their “promised land” with God’s help, a place where they were safe and a place where they could begin God’s work after a long time of journeying in the desert and years of hardship. They were no longer slaves, no longer marginalized people – they were home. Joshua brings the community together to make a covenant that they would serve the Lord and let go of their false gods. It was a way to show loyalty to their Deliverer.

•

• • • •

• •

Possible discussion starters: We hear and talk about the word “covenant” a lot as Christians in Community of Christ?

Where have you heard this word before?

Examples: Doctrine and Covenants, Baptism, Lord’s Supper/Communion, in church history, the Bible, in the law, etc.

Do you know what a covenant is? What are some other words we could use to describe a covenant?

Examples: pledge, contract, pact, accord, treaty, agreement, understanding, etc.

When have you made a covenant, a pledge, agreement or understanding in your life?

Why did you make that covenant?

What did that covenant mean to you and those with whom you covenanted?

Feel free, especially if children or youth are present, to use synonyms for covenant, if helpful.

Joshua has brought his community together to covenant to be faithful to God who has been faithful to them. In what ways here in our own sacred community do we covenant with God and one another?

Examples: through the sacraments, our Enduring Principles, Mission Initiatives, community service projects, etc.

Joshua’s people announce “We are witnesses” as they have witnessed each other take the covenant. When have you witnessed covenant in action in your congregation or community?

The covenantal language that Joshua uses sounds exclusive in many ways, exclusive to his own people. How can we be faithful to our God while opening ourselves to being welcoming to those who are outside of our sacred community? Who are examples of those people in our neighborhoods, towns, villages or cities?

Thank you for your participation in this holy conversation. May we as a sacred covenantal community serve the Lord by serving those who are still enslaved, wandering, homeless, alone, and hungry. May we incline our hearts to the Lord by serving those in God’s image. May we always recognize the Worth of All Persons.

Hymn of Serving “We Shall Overcome” CCS 261 OR “Bear Each Other’s Burdens” CCS 374 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “Make Me a Servant” CCS 597 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Message Based on Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25

Prayer for Peace Hymn of Peace Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

“Hevenu shalom alaychem/La paz esté con nosotros” CCS 311 OR “Peace Salaam Shalom” CCS 310 Light the Peace Candle.

Statement We light the Peace Candle and celebrate the peace of Christ. Christ calls each of us by name and invites us into discipleship and a deeper awareness of his presence in our lives. He came as the Prince of Peace, but many have not accepted it.

Prayer God who dwells near, We all struggle, Whether with ailments, anxieties, or abilities, Perceived imperfections in our biology force us to rely on the perfection of your mystery, To realize our own potential and worth.

Our prayer today, O Creator, is one of introspection – one of turning inward so we might in turn move outward to those in need of You. We ask you, Loving Parent, To loosen our tongues when we must speak prophetic words, And ask that our brothers or sisters might be there by our side to amplify those words when our words fail us or when our lack of privilege makes it difficult for others to hear; To unstop our ears so we can hear the still small voice of the Spirit, Words that whisper love and value and encourage action on our part.

And we ask for friendship with those whose ears are tuned to that voice already, Reiterating words of love, value, and encouragement that we can hear.

To open our eyes so we can really perceive what is happening around us, To see the need and hurt in the world, the need for love and care.

We ask for guides who are different than us, so we can learn to see What we never saw before: God everywhere – in those who weep, the poor, the displaced, the mistreated, and diseased of the world – a God who freely dwells with those who suffer unnecessarily.

And Compassionate Creator, We ask in moments of loss that we will be assured of our Christian hope, Resurrection.

We ask that those we have lost may accompany us, Walking with us in mind and heart, feeling their presence in love through the rest of our days, confirming that God gives new life to those who love.

As we come to the water’s edge, when we feel small and incapable of the challenge that lies between us and Your promise, May we utter words, listen, and see the things that have always been there but we did not believe we could be a part of, And let the sea part, as we walk with the community of Saints who Amplify our voices, our hearing, and our sight, Led on by those who have gone before us, So we might arrive in our promised land, The sanctuary of inclusion and inner peace, Where our struggles are no more, The Kingdom where we turn outward to others who seek refuge and welcome them to Shalom, The peaceful Zion we struggle to build together.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

- Michael Wright, Rome, Italy, used with permission For additional ideas: Find this day’s Prayer for Peace service on the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org.

Disciples’ Generous Response Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 162:7a OR Mosiah 2:36, 43 (RAV), adapted Wise King Benjamin, who led his people into a covenant in an attempt to create a literal kingdom of righteousness and peace, expressed God’s love to his people and taught that generosity is part of serving the Lord: “Now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that you have and are, grants to you whatever you ask that is right, in faith, believing that you shall receive, oh then, how had you ought to impart of the substance that you have, one to another? I would that you should impart of your substance to the poor, every person according to that which they have, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.”

Statement During this time of a Disciple’s Generous Response, we focus on aligning our hearts with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. Through our offerings, we tangibly express our gratitude to God, who is the giver of all.

Covenantal living and serving God requires generosity on the part of the disciple.

It is through action and giving on the part of disciples that the peaceable kingdom is built. May a generous response always be part of our service to God and one another.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes For additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response tools at www.CofChrist.org/disciples-generous-response-tools

Closing Hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” CCS 499 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

“We Are People of God’s Peace” CCS 306 OR “Take the Path of the Disciple” CCS 558

Prayer of Benediction and Commitment Response Postlude

Sermon Helps Sermon Helps Year A – Letters Ordinary Time (Proper 27)

Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 Exploring the Scripture After the death of Moses, God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites to the promised land for which they have long been praying. The story of Joshua begins at the point of Joshua’s commissioning. It describes the journey of the Israelites crossing the river Jordan and the conquest of Canaan. The story also tells about distributing the conquered land among the 12 Israelite tribes, and obedience to God. Before entering their promised land, however, Joshua (now “well advanced in years” [Joshua 23:1b]) gathered all the Israelites. He wanted to share a reminder about the generous nature and miracles of God in guiding and delivering them. Joshua then further taught the Israelites to put aside the gods of their ancestors and serve only the Lord in sincerity and faithfulness.

After many long years of wandering and bloody battles, one can imagine this eager group rolling their eyes as they impatiently wait for the old man to finish his speech. They were keen to enter their inherited lands. But Joshua presses on with a reminder about God’s covenant to all people, and says directly, “choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). The people agreed to serve the Lord and Joshua recorded this covenant into law.

Sometimes we are too eager to move on to the next exciting project. We often don’t take time to reflect on the journey we’ve just completed and the steadfast presence of God. At the same time, the lure of false gods (money, power, fear, etc.) vying for our attention is a powerful distraction from our relationship with our Creator. This story of Joshua reminds us we are a people of God; he asks us to “incline [our] hearts to the Lord” (v. 23). Joshua calls for personal conviction, not outward conformity, in our faithfulness and service in partnership with God.

Central Ideas 1. We are reminded of the generous love and constant presence of God in our lives.

2. We are invited to renew our covenant relationship with God. 3. We are called to serve God in faithfulness.

Questions for the Speaker 1. Have you ever been tempted by “false gods” as a distraction from your relationship with God? How did you manage that?

2. When have you been eager to move ahead to the next exciting adventure and not looked back to reflect on the presence of God along the way? How might this practice of reflection be important?

3. What would you say if you were asked today, “Who will you serve?”

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources Year A, Letters Ordinary Time Proper 27 Joshua 24: 1-3a, 14-25 NRSV

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

Prayer for Peace Ring bell or chime three times slowly.

Light Peace Candle Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn: “Whatever You Do,” Community of Christ Sings 355

By Carolyn Winfrey Gillette “In prisons and jails, Lord, we find a surprise; we see you in people whom others despise.”

Spirit of Compassion, We come feeling convicted. We all have those people in our lives–the ones we call lazy when they make more work for us; the ones we call aggressive when they scare us; the ones we call annoying who we avoid; the ones we call violent who we lock up. It is in our human nature to push these people, the despised ones, away.

Yet, when we push them away, we push away peace. For in each of these people is you–and how can we know peace without you? You are in each and every person. You are in their relaxation and their passion, in their insistence and in their suffering. Give us courage and an open heart to draw the despised ones close–close enough to see you in their eyes.

In the name of Jesus, who dined and died with criminals, Amen

Spiritual Practice Holy Listening

Today’s spiritual practice will focus on the Enduring Principle: All are Called. All people have gifts to share in community. By practicing Holy Listening, we can learn more about the ways people are feeling called to share their giftedness and how we can support one another in those calls.

Ask the person next to you to join you in conversation. Find a spot in the room to get comfortable and face one another. You will take turns sharing your stories of how you sense the gifts God has given you and how you feel called to share those gifts. You will each have 5 min to share. During this time the listener will just listen and nod, but not comment. At the end of the 5 min period, the listener may respond with this one sentence. “I noticed that……..” Then switch places and repeat.

Before you begin, please repeat this prayer with me “Help me be wholly present to this human being.” (repeat) Start the timer. After 5 min remind the listeners to say their one sentence response and invite them to switch places.

Start the timer again.

When each person is done sharing remind the listeners to say their one sentence. Then ask the group to share any insights or reflections on this spiritual practice.

Sharing Around the Table Joshua 24: 1-3a, 14-25 NRSV Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Long ago your ancestors—Terah and his sons Abraham and Nahor—lived beyond the Euphrates and served other gods. Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River and led him through all the land of Canaan and made his offspring many. I gave him Isaac, “Now, therefore, revere the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt and serve the LORD. Now if you are unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living, but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods, for it is the LORD our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went and among all the peoples through whom we passed, and the LORD drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.”

But Joshua said to the people, “You cannot serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good.” And the people said to Joshua, “No, we will serve the LORD!” Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” The people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and him we will obey.” So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day and made statutes and ordinances for them at Shechem.

After the death of Moses, God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites to the promised land.

But before entering their promised land Joshua gathered all the Israelites. He wanted to share a reminder about the generous nature and miracles of God in guiding and delivering them on their journey. Joshua then further taught the Israelites to put aside the gods of their ancestors and serve only the Lord in sincerity and faithfulness.

After many long years of wandering and bloody battles, one can imagine this eager group rolling their eyes as they impatiently wait for Joshua, now an old man, to finish his speech. They were keen to enter their lands. But Joshua presses on with a reminder about God’s covenant to all people, and says, “choose this day whom you will serve.”

The people agreed to serve the Lord and Joshua recorded this covenant as law.

Sometimes we are too eager to move on to the next exciting project. We often don’t take time to reflect on the journey we’ve just completed and how the steadfast presence of God has been with us. At the same time, the lure of false gods (money, power, fear, etc.) scream for our attention and distract us from our relationship with our Creator. This story of Joshua reminds us we too are a people of God. And we are called to “incline [our] hearts to the Lord.”

Questions: 1. How have you been distracted by the false gods of money, fame, material belongings, or power?

2. When have you been eager to move ahead to the next exciting adventure and not looked back to reflect on the presence of God along the way? How might this practice of reflection be important?

3. At this point in your relationship with God, in what ways do you serve?

Sending Generosity Statement ” Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.” Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response: Discipling God, As we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us to 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 CCS 193 “Lord of All Hopefulness” Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group • •

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children You will need: Pieces of paper, larger the better (2 per participant) Markers Our breath is a powerful tool. Our breath gives us life, we can use it to blow bubbles or to make a wish on our birthday. But did you know your breath can also help you when you feel stressed, scarred, or anxious? When you become more aware of your breath, you can control it and use it to help you feel better.

Today, we are going to try a spiritual practice that will help us be more mindful of our breath. You can use this practice to calm yourself or to create space to be closer to God. For this practice, you will each need two pieces of paper and a marker. At first, it is important that you ONLY use one of your pieces of paper.

Today, we are going to draw our breath. There is no right or wrong way to do this, what is important is that you become more aware of your breath. Place your marker down on your paper and visualize your breath as a line and draw what it looks like on your paper.

As you notice your breath, try representing it with different types of lines. Try changing your breath, breathe faster or slower, and pay attention to how these changes impact the lines you draw to represent your breathing. Now try drawing different types of lines and matching your breathing to what you have drawn.

Now, get your second sheet of paper. This time, focus on deep, slow breathing for relaxation. Again, draw lines that represent this type of breathing. Continue for a few minutes to let yourself relax into the calming sensations of breathing and drawing. When your body feels relaxed, set your marker down and just breath.

End your time together by taking three deep breaths.

Worship Resources 19 November 2023

Ordinary Time (Proper 28)

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Encourage One Another Additional Scriptures Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, Matthew 25:14-30, Doctrine and Covenants 162:1a-b, 165:6

Prelude/Fellowship Gathering Hymn “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed” CCS 633 OR “Si tuvieras fe/If You Only Had Faith” CCS 249 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR Sing along with the vocal recording found on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings, available from Herald House.

Welcome Call to Worship Doctrine and Covenants 162:1a-b Choose a reader with a welcoming spirit who can read this scripture as a true “call” to worship.

Hymn of Rejoicing “Halle, Halle, Hallelujah” sing at least twice CCS 86 OR “Suyahamb’ Ekukhanyen’ Kwenkhos’/ CCS 95 “We Are Marching in The Light of God” Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “Somos el cuerpo de Cristo/We Are the Body of Christ” CCS 337

Prayer of Invocation Response Spiritual Practice: Lectio Divina, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 The leader of this Spiritual Practice should plan on reading the scripture three times. If so inclined, the reader can choose three different translations/versions of the Bible and read a different one with each reading. In a bilingual/multi-lingual congregation,

different languages can also be used. Sound a bell/chime after each reading to end the silent contemplation time.

Prepare to receive God’s word by sitting comfortably alert, with eyes closed or looking at a candle with an unfocused gaze, centering yourself with relaxed breathing. We will listen to the scripture three times. Before each reading, a question will be posed for you to consider. When I sound the bell/chime to end the time of silence, you are invited to share (out loud or in the group chat, if in an online setting) a phrase or word that came to your mind as you listened. You can also remain silent in your thoughts and continue listening to the group. There is no pressure to share.

Consider printing or projecting the questions.

Before the first reading of the scripture: What word or phrase catches your attention?

Before the second reading of the scripture: How is this applicable to your life?

Before the third reading of the scripture: Is there an invitation here for you?

Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn “Let the Truth Shine in Our Speaking” CCS 322 OR “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” CCS 325 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “We Are Children of Creation” CCS 340

Message Based on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Prayer for Peace Light the Peace Candle.

Hymn of Peace “Ososŏ/Come Now, O Prince of Peace” CCS 225 Sing several times. Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

OR “Come and Fill/Confitemini Domino” CCS 235 Sing in the Taizé style (see the 5 February 2023 service outline for more information). Rotate between English and Latin.

Prayer Peaceful One, We are not at peace: Focused on the here and now, We see challenges and difficulties in life right before our eyes.

Problems that make the heart faint, Blood pressure rise.

Nerves shake the body, Sleep no longer comes easy.

Tears well up.

Depression sets in.

Looking adversity in the face, Fear of what we might lose.

Emptiness from what we have lost.

Makes the body react.

Nervous tension tunes out the whispering calm of the Spirit.

Health issues, Job instability, damaged economy, loss of life, and uncertainty in this world, Scares away peace, like a sudden clap of thunder That causes the dove to flee.

As we bow our head here in humble prayer, We ask You to give us courage to lift up our eyes, Beyond the horizon, Looking over the heads of the current threats in our lives.

What lies beyond the horizon?

Is it the peace we desire?

How do we reach that vision and make it reality, So that calm settles upon us, The heart slows down, Tension unwinds, Sleep returns, Love is felt, Security perceived, Depression floats away.

Where peace drowns the heart and overflows throughout the body, Pumping warmness to limbs, Pins and needles awake clinched hands and stiff feet, Coming alive, to proclaim the Shalom we seek.

Our hands and feet become those of the Savior’s – alive, Just out of view from someone else seeking peace looking out at us, Their vision, Their horizon.

Grant us peace, so we might grant them peace.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

-Michael Wright, Rome, Italy, used with permission For additional ideas: Find this day’s Prayer for Peace service on the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org.

Disciples’ Generous Response Statement During this time of a Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. We can tangibly express our gratitude to God through our offerings, who is the giver of all.

Friends, may our generous response as disciples be a form of mercy to those who seek it.

May we encourage one another as sacred community through generosity and may our gifts benefit those in our surrounding communities who have received cruelty and

inhumanity and cry out for God’s mercy:

Blessing of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes Responsive Reading Leader: All: Leader: All: Leader: All: Leader: All: Leader: All: Leader: All:

To you we lift up our eyes, to you enthroned in the heavens.

Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God. Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God to have mercy upon us.

Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt.

Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God. Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of the arrogant, and of the contempt of the proud.

Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God. May the coming of your mercy be a gateway to peace on earth.

Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God. May it spark mercy in us to abolish poverty and end suffering in our world.

Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God. Amen.

-Psalm 123, adapted

Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Closing Hymn “This Is My Song” CCS 389 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “Help Us Accept Each Other” CCS 333

Benediction Statement of Encouragement Doctrine and Covenants 165:6

Postlude

Sermon Helps Sermon Helps Year A - Letters Ordinary Time (Proper 28)

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Exploring the Scripture Jesus told his disciples that he would rise from the dead. He fulfilled that promise on the third day. Before his ascension, he told them he would come again. Thus, they lived each day in expectation of his return. They walked the streets looking into the faces of strangers, hoping it would be Jesus. But as years went by, they began to question and doubt. When would he return and usher in the “kin-dom” he had proclaimed?

Paul’s teaching on the Second Coming of Christ and the end times continues in our text for today. Jesus said the end time would come unexpectedly, “like a thief in the night” (Matthew 24:43-44; Luke 12:39-40). The symbolism carries multiple layers of meaning. Night and darkness hid acts done in secret, that which was evil, acts that are out of control. The coming of Christ would be unexpected and create difficulties, just when people felt comfortable and safe.

Paul employed the well-known symbol of a pregnant woman to highlight the sudden reversal of fortune that would occur. All appears well and secure when labor pains strike forcefully, without stopping, moving inevitably toward birth. It cannot be stopped. So it will be with the Second Coming.

Verse 4, however, offers comfort. The Thessalonians are not in the dark, for they are “children of the light and children of the day.” Forewarned and faithful to Christ, they are prepared. God can light up the night with Christ’s brilliance at any moment. Therefore, they must remain awake, alert, and prepared for whatever will come.

Note that Paul did not promise an easy existence. There will still be battles, but they are protected in that struggle with the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of hope. The NRSV translation encourages the reader to adopt this armor. Other translations read that such armor is already a part of their daily equipage. It is Godly armor, worn by God (Isaiah 59:17) and granted to humans as a gracious gift.

God has planned for their salvation, not for wrath and judgment. Christ’s death “for us” is how that salvation is provided. Paul didn’t elaborate on the specific manner in which Jesus’ death and resurrection save us. It can be interpreted to mean Jesus died in our place. It could mean that death and resurrection show the way God acts in the world for all of us. It could mean that Jesus represented us to God and God to us to see the best there is in both human and divine natures. Regardless of the interpretation, Paul stressed that we are “destined for salvation, not wrath.” Salvation (and judgment) are in God’s hands, not ours.

Because the timing of Jesus’s return is unknown, and salvation is entirely in God’s hands, the Thessalonians can stop worrying about these issues. God is sovereign and in control. “Awake or asleep, we will live with him” is the perfect antidote to anxiety. In the face of that assurance, the role of believers is to comfort one another and “build up one another.” The message is to move beyond that over which they have no power and authority. Focus instead on their behavior, their relationships, their response to difficulties, and the community’s building up.

Central Ideas 1. Early Christians expected Christ’s return during their lifetimes, but they grew impatient with the delay as years went by.

2. Paul assured the faithful that Christ would return as he promised, but it was fruitless to identify a timeline for the event. It would be sudden, unpredictable, and unstoppable.

3. Followers of Christ must remain awake, alert, and faithful, regardless of life’s circumstances.

4. God is responsible for life, death, judgment, and salvation. Humans are to comfort one another and build a loving community.

Questions for the Speaker 1. How important to you is the timing of Christ’s return and the end times? How does it become relevant in our present circumstances?

2. What does it mean to “keep awake and be sober” as a follower of Jesus Christ? How does this relate to our Mission Prayer?

3. When have you found yourself “playing God” by judging the worth of another? When have you found yourself choosing to comfort and build up someone instead of judging?

4. What is the salvation for which God has “destined us”? How do you interpret it in modern-day language and symbols?

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources Year A, Letters Ordinary Time, Proper 28 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 NRSV Gathering Welcome Ordinary Time is the Christian calendar period from Pentecost to Advent. This part of the Christian calendar is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on our discipleship as individuals and as 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 Community of Christ Sings 357, “Christ, You Call Us All to Service,” by Joy Patterson Let us be a servant people, reconciling, ending strife, seeking ways more just of sharing and of ord’ring human life.

God of service and strife, thank you for your beautiful world! In the clouds, sun, and wind we find inspiration to be your servant people. For the clouds never tire of raining, the sun never tires of shining, and the wind never tires of blowing. Teach us to be relentless and resilient. Remind us that we come from the same earth that the clouds and the wind come from. The light you placed in the sun is the same light you placed in our souls.

Pursuing peace seems endless at times. Endless and repetitive. Just as the green earth needs regular and continual rain, peace needs regular and consistent reconciliation. Just as the rain is beautiful and full of healing, so is reconciliation. Deep in our hearts, hide a passion to ending strife, so that we would continue to search for it within our souls, around our communities, and among our neighbors. May we always seek ways of peace.

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

Spiritual Practice Discernment through Contemplative Prayer Today’s spiritual practice focuses on the Enduring Principle of 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 pause to discern God’s presence in our lives, we can see the divine hand throughout.

God’s presence guides us as we seek to make Responsible Choices. One way we can sense God’s presence is through contemplative prayer.

Contemplative prayer is a method of meditation used by Christians to sit in silence with God. When we get quiet and listen to our heart we can discern where God is calling us.

Choose a word or phrase 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. Then return gently to your word or phrase.

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.

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

Ring a chime to end the silence.

Invite the group to share the experience with this spiritual practice.

Sharing Around the Table 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 NRSV Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So, then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober, for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

Paul uses the opposing images of light and dark not to frighten or agitate the saints in Thessalonica, but to reassure them. “The day of the Lord is coming, that is a given; chill, be at peace. Since you are children of the light you should not stress about these things.”

He assures them that they have the understanding needed to live faithfully. Active, intentional, faithful discipleship is their preparation for Christ’s return.

Many look for the coming of the Lord in our world today. Some look with anticipation, and others with fear. As disciples it is important to be reminded that the coming of the Lord happens every time someone engages in Christ-like ways or “steps into the light.”

The reality is that being children of the light means that when we arrive in our neighborhoods, schools, places of work and worship, the light arrives with us. As a sacramental people we understand that as parts of the body of Christ we bear the presence of God in Spirit, and our mere introduction to someone is an invitation to a relationship with Christ.

The name Community of Christ expresses a deep theological conviction: Christ is best experienced in community, and as such we are agents of Christ in the world. We do not hold this belief to apply exclusively to this denomination; it is just that we claim this understanding in our name and promote it through our interactions with creation. As children of light we understand that while the light of the gospel shines from each of us individually, the candle power increases exponentially when we exist together in community.

Questions 1. What do you think when you see a billboard or bumper sticker that says something like “Jesus is coming! Are you ready?”

2. When have you sensed that you have “stepped into the light?”

3. In your community, where might the light of Christ shine into the darkness of injustice and oppression?

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

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response: Discipling God, as we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us to 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 CCS 336, “Who Is My Mother, Who Is My Brother?”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children In today’s scripture, Paul reminds the people of Thessalonica to encourage one another.

When we encourage each other, we offer support and love that makes perseverance easier.

Today, I want us to try something so we can see and feel the difference between encouraging someone and discouraging someone.

Invite participants to place their hands in front of them, palms up. One at a time, place your hands palms down on the participants’ hands. Ask them to lift their hands while you push against them.

Ask: How did it feel to try to lift your hands when I pushed against them?

When we discourage others, it is like we are pushing against their attempts to be joyful.

Let’s try again with one small change.

Again, invite all participants to place their hands in front of them, palms up. This time, instead of pushing down on their hands, place your hands palms up underneath theirs. Lift together.

Ask: What was different when you tried to raise your hands this time?

When we encourage others, it is like we are supporting their attempts to be joyful.

As you head back to your seat, think of something encouraging you can say to an adult sitting near you. Can you see their joy when they hear your encouraging words?

Worship Resources 26 November 2023

Ordinary Time (Proper 29) Christ the King

Ephesians 1:15-23 Somos el cuerpo de Cristo We Are the Body of Christ Additional Scriptures Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100; Matthew 25:31-46; Doctrine and Covenants 162:7d

Preparation Wherever possible, offer the material of this service in Spanish and English as a way to illustrate the global, boundless nature of the Body of Christ. Consider printing or projecting texts for all to see. Encourage participants to sing and respond in a language other than their own.

Prelude Include listening to the vocal recording of “Yo quiero ser/I Want to Be,” CCS 498, found on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings, available from Herald House.

Welcome Call to Worship Psalm 100

Hymn of Praise “Oh, Sing to the Lord/Cantad al Señor” OR “All Creatures of Our God and King”

CCS 88 CCS 98

Prayer for Peace Scripture Responsive Reading Listen to the Leader for Spanish pronunciation.

Leader: How beautiful on the mountaintops ALL: are the messengers who announce peace.

Leader: For the glory of God made manifest in the wonders of creation, we sing Gloria a Dios, Gloria en los cielos!

ALL: We sing Gloria a Dios, Gloria en los cielos!

Leader: A Dios la gloria por siempre!

ALL: ALL:

A Dios la gloria por siempre!

Glory to God! -Isaiah 52:7-10, adapted Light the Peace Candle.

Reflection and Prayer The world God imagines is filled with justice and peace. pause in silence The world God imagines is filled with love. pause in silence In the world God imagines, the wolf and the lamb shall feast together as friends. pause in silence O God, strengthen your people with hope.

May justice and peace prevail. Amen.

El mundo que Dios imagina está lleno de justicia y paz. pausa en silencio El mundo que Dios imagina está lleno de amor. pausa en silencio En el mundo que Dios imagina, el lobo y el cordero festejarán juntos como amigos. pausa en silencio Oh Dios, fortalece a tu pueblo con esperanza.

Que prevalezca la justicia y la paz. Amén.

-Isaiah 11:6, adapted Hymn of Peace sing at least twice “The Peace of the Earth” OR “Nada te turbe”

CCS 647 CCS 241

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

Statement on the Body of Christ If possible, offer this statement in Spanish and English.

In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace.

En un mundo quebrado y temeroso el Espíritu nos da el valor para orar sin cesar, para dar testimonio entre todos los pueblos de Cristo como Señor y Salvador, para oír las voces de los pueblos silenciados desde hace mucho tiempo, y para trabajar con otros por la justicia, la libertad y la paz.

in gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

En gratitud a Dios, empoderados por el Espíritu, nos esforzamos para servir a Cristo en nuestras tareas diarias y vivir vidas santas y alegres, aun cuando contemplamos el nuevo cielo y la nueva tierra de Dios, orando “¡Ven, Señor Jesús!”

Con creyentes en todo tiempo y lugar, nos regocijamos en que nada en la vida ni en la muerte puede separarnos del amor de Dios en Cristo Jesús, nuestro Señor.

Hymn of Belief

sing several times

“El amor nunca pasará” OR “Dios está aquí/God Is Here Today”

CCS 6 CCS 150

Scripture Reading Ephesians 1:15-23

Testimonies Ask several participants to share experiences that deal with being part of the Body of Christ. Here are some questions for those sharing to consider: • In what ways does your heritage include being part of the Body of Christ?

• What does it mean to be part of the Body of Christ?

• When are you most aware of the Body of Christ?

• When have you experienced being within the Body of Christ?

Disciples’ Generous Response Hymn of Generosity “My Gratitude Now Accept, O God, Gracias, Señor” CCS 614/615 OR “Take My Life, That I May Be/Toma, oh Dios, mi voluntad” CCS 610 Scripture Reading Doctrine and Covenants 162:7d Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes For additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response tools at www.CofChrist.org/disciples-generous-response-tools

Words of Purpose One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Una sola cosa le pido al Señor, y es lo único que persigo: habitar en la casa del Señor todos los días de mi vida, para contemplar la hermosura del Señor y recrearme en su templo.

-Psalm 27:4

Congregational Call and Response Call: Response:

Call: Response:

Call: Response:

Call: Response:

move back and forth between Spanish and English or read it first in English, and then in Spanish

Who is it that you seek? ¿A quién buscan?

We seek the Lord our God. Buscamos a Dios nuestro Señor.

Do you seek God with all your heart? ¿Lo buscan con todo su orazón?

Amen, Lord. Have mercy on us.

Amén Señor. Ten piedad de nosotros.

Do you seek God with all your soul? ¿Lo buscan con toda su alma?

Amen, Lord. Have mercy on us.

Amén Señor. Ten piedad de nosotros.

Do you seek God with all your mind? ¿Lo buscan con toda su mente?

Amen, Lord. Have mercy on us.

Amén Señor. Ten piedad de nosotros.

Words of Blessing and Departure May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.

May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.

May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

Que la paz de Jesús Nuestro Señor vaya contigo adonde sea que Él te envíe.

Que Él te guíe en el desierto, te proteja en la tormenta.

Que te traiga a casa feliz por las maravillas que te ha mostrado.

Que te traiga a casa feliz, una vez más dentro de nuestras puertas.

Let us go with God. Amen.

Vamos con Dios. Amén.

Recessional Hymn

to be sung as participants exit the worship space “The Trees of the Fields” OR “May the God of Hope/Dios de la esperanza”

CCS 645 CCS 652

Sermon Helps Sermon Helps Year A - Letters Ordinary Time (Proper 29), Christ the King

Ephesians 1:15-23 Exploring the Scripture The study of ancient manuscripts suggests that Ephesians was a circular letter—one written and delivered to many churches. Some early manuscripts omit “in Ephesus” in verse 1, leaving the address as “the saints who are also faithful.” There are few details specific to any one church and no hint of a personal relationship with individuals in a community.

Vocabulary and style variations suggest a disciple may have written it of Paul, based on fragments of Paul’s letters. If so, that unknown author is a worthy reflection of his teacher Paul’s lasting influence and spiritual leadership. The letter to the Ephesians remains a significant foundation for Christian theology and encouragement through the ages.

“I have heard…” A favorable report about the Christians’ faith in Asia Minor provides the basis for the author’s joy, thanks, and prayerful support. Verses 17-19, however, tell us the disciples are still new in the faith. Their thinking is too immature, too limited. They need more wisdom and the revelation of God’s Spirit to journey from intellectual, well-reasoned beliefs to a “heart enlightened.” Only then will they grasp the three things most vital to the faithful: 1) “the hope to which he has called you;” 2) “the riches of his glorious inheritance,” and 3) “the greatness of his power.”

The “hope to which he has called you” is the hope of eternal life, not immortality as the Greeks understood it. Greeks believed the spirit was separate from the body, uncreated, existing before anything and was trapped in the body until released by death. In contrast, Christians believed the body and spirit were inseparable, created, and given by God in a generous act of relationship. Resurrection includes both body and spirit, an act of God’s grace and mercy. Paul taught that all Christ’s followers (“the saints,” both Jew and Gentile) took part in the gift of resurrection modeled by Jesus. They could look forward to eternal life with God. By responding to Christ’s transforming call, Christians inherit that gift of hope. The glorious legacy of life eternal becomes integral to their heart, their mind, and their service.

The remaining verses focus on the nature of the power of God and Christ. God’s power raised Christ from the dead and gave him a form of life never seen before, new life, resurrection life. God’s power gave Christ authority, “seated at [God’s] right hand.” The phrase echoes Psalm 110:1, referring to the coming Messiah. Christ’s power exceeds that of all rulers. His name (meaning identify, character, and being) precedes all other created beings throughout the ages. His power extends to authority over the heavens and the things “under his feet.” Psalm 8:6 describes human dominion over all creation as God placing “all things under their feet.” Here, it also includes authority over the souls of the dead as well as the living.

This passage closes by expanding the image of the church as the body of Christ. In verses 22-23, Christ is the head, with the church being the rest of the body and the fullness of Christ. It echoes Paul’s teaching the mind of Christ must be in his followers. We cannot use our minds, authority, and power to rule the church or others.

Central Ideas 1. We limit our understanding about Christ, and only by opening our hearts to the revelation of God’s Spirit can we grasp his true nature.

2. Hope lives in hearts open to the mystery of new life through the transforming nature of the Gospel.

3. We have inherited the God-given gift of life eternal. It is a quality of daily life in this existence and a mystery in the life hereafter.

4. God’s power brings about resurrection, transformation, and new life.

5. Christ’s power transcends time and space and provides the foundation for the church’s power as Christ’s body.

Questions for the Speaker 1. How has your understanding of Christ changed with your deepening journey as a disciple?

2. How have you been transformed and found new life in the last three months?

3. How do you express “life eternal” in your everyday existence? How is that different from “normal” living, as most people understand the word?

4. How is your congregation or faith group expressing the power of Christ in its outreach, ministry, and compassionate service? How can it improve?

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources Year A, Letters Reign of Christ Sunday (Ordinary Time, Proper 29) Ephesians 1:15–23 NRSV Gathering Welcome

Reign of Christ Sunday is the final Sunday of Ordinary Time and the Christian calendar year. On Reign of Christ Sunday, we celebrate God’s peaceable reign made manifest in our lives, relationships, the church, and the world. This is what we understand as shalom, God’s healing and restoring activity in the world.

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

Light the peace candle.

God of all creation, we are so grateful for your reign on Earth! You are alpha and omega; you are redeemer; you are Prince of Peace. We see your peace in your world. We see the harmony between bees and flowers. We see peace between neighbors.

We feel a deep calm within when we feel your presence. Yet, we know there is still work to be done. We don’t always know how to bring peace into existence. May we be inspired by Jesus’s words and actions. The reign of Jesus is not of this world. So, too, may we work toward peace that seems other-worldly.

In the name of the most high, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Spiritual Practice Jesus Prayer

The traditional form of the Jesus Prayer comes from the petition of the beggar on the road to Jericho, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” However, a shorter phrase that focuses on the name of Jesus and the desire for God’s mercy can be used as a meditative prayer. Today we will use “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me.”

Sit in a comfortable position. Let your breathing become relaxed and easy.

Let the words “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me” form in your mind.

Gradually fit the words of the prayer to the natural rhythm of your breath. For example, internally say the words “Lord Jesus Christ” as you inhale and “Have mercy on me” as you exhale.

Remember, the prayer is not intended for rational analysis of content and words. Simply allow your mind to rest in the words as you breathe.

We will continue silently praying the Jesus Prayer together for three to five minutes.

Draw the prayer time to a close by saying, “Amen.” Briefly share about the experience.

Sharing Around the Table Ephesians 1:15–23 NRSV

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. I pray 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 know 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.

In this post-modern time, many churches experiencing growth in the West are based on a “Christ the King” message. This good news teaches that if Christ is king of your life, you have smooth sailing ahead. You will have a life of ease and blessings beyond your imagining. If Christ is your king, you will prosper. The king will give you what you want, including your own cloud in heaven.

This highly individualized message of salvation amplifies the cultural divisions based on race, religion, political dialogue, or economic status.

For the author of the Ephesian letter, Christ is inseparable from the church: A community imbued with the Holy Spirit is to be engaged in the reconciliation and redemption of all creation.

The author knows that the calling of the church is to bring the good news to bear on the entire world. Christ is not king of individuals; rather he’s king of creation and the church. The church serves the world to bring justice and peace to all creation.

On this “Reign of Christ” Sunday it is good to remember that the inheritance of the disciples of Jesus is not personal wealth or a harp and cloud in the afterlife. For Christians, the responsibility we inherit as disciples is to bring the good news into all the corners of our world.

Twentieth-century theologian and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer made a strong argument that the church is only truly the church when the cross is planted in the public square. This was not to suggest that societies should become religious, but that the religious should serve society selflessly, bearing the pain and suffering of the least in our towns and cities. It is only when the cross, the intersection of human history (horizontal) and divine intercession (vertical) is brought to bear on the ills of society that the Body of Christ is truly living its mission.

That is the calling to which we are called. That is the coming of the kingdom.

Questions 1. What is the difference between saying Jesus is king and Christ reigns?

2. When have you sought to bring hope, reconciliation, and healing to a corner of your community?

3. How do you sense the Spirit calling you to engage in the mission of Christ?

Sending Generosity Statement

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

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response. Pray with me: God, may our generosity this day be in response to the reality of your presence in this space. May you bless our gifts that they might further your purposes of joy, hope, love, and peace in the world. May we continue to be generous with our financial offerings, and may we joyfully extend invitation and hospitality to others as we live into the peaceable Reign of Christ. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn CCS 387, “Bring Forth the Kingdom”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group • •

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children Lesson taken from Sacred Space Year B: Reign of Christ Sunday You will need: paper crown Invite the children to sit on the floor with you.

Ask: What is a king? What is a kingdom? Who makes the rules in a kingdom? Who decides how people will act in a kingdom? (Affirm all answers.)

Place the crown on your head.

Say: In my kingdom all people will eat ice cream for dinner!

Have each child wear the crown and make a declaration of how people in the child’s kingdom will act.

Say: Today is the day we remember that Jesus talked about the kingdom of God and how it is different than kingdoms in our world and storybooks.

What are some ways God wants us to act in God’s kingdom?

Help children with answers: love each other, be kind, make friends with new children at school, share generously, work for peace, treat everyone specially.

Say: When we remember that we are part of the kingdom of God, it helps us act in ways that build community and lead to God’s dream of peace for our world. Think of one thing you can do today to show you are part of building God’s kingdom of peace.

Take a moment for children to share. Thank them and ask them to return to their seats.

•