October 2024 - Worship Planning Tools

 6 October 2024

 13 October 2024

 20 October 2024

 27 October 2024

WORSHIP

RESOURCES

6 October 2024

Ordinary Time (Proper 22)

Mark 10:2-16/10:2-14 IV

The Kin-dom of God Belongs to Children

Additional Scriptures

Job 1:1; 2:1-10; Psalm 26; Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12; Doctrine and Covenants 163:2a

Preparation

Today’s scripture is an opportunity to include the Sacrament of Blessing of Children. Suggested placement would be after the Message. If offering the sacrament, include in the Message the background and meaning of this sacrament.

Prelude Welcome

The Kin-dom of God belongs to children and so we welcome you to this worship as a little child.

Scripture Reading: Mark 10:13-16

Call to Worship: Psalm 26:2-3, 8

May you be welcomed this day as a little child. May you be blessed.

Hymn of Innocence

“Gather Your Children”

OR “like a child”

OR “Peace Child”

Opening Prayer

Prayer Response

Prayer for Peace

Scripture for Peace: Doctrine and Covenants 163:2a

Light the Peace Candle. Statement

Around the world, children are disproportionately impacted by poverty. According to UNICEF, one in six survives on less than $1.90 USD per day. As of 2019, 426 million children lived in conflict zones and 69 percent of all children, some 1.6 billion, lived in conflict-affected nations. What will we do to welcome these children into the kin-dom of God? What actions will we take as individuals and as a congregation to bless children?

A Child’s Prayer for Peace

I’m hungry God. My village has no fresh water, we search for food, we have no school. I’m scared, God. Soldiers kidnap and fight, torture and kill. Who will rescue us? I know of this word: peace. How will it come to me, God? Who are you sending for me? Amen.

Hymn of the Children

“I Am Standing Waiting”

298 OR “Jesus Loves Me”

Focus Moment

251

Explain the work of organizations like Outreach International in combating child poverty and the causes of injustice in our world that lead to conflict. In advance, print one of the posters from Outreach International and invite children or others in the congregation to help you place it somewhere it will be seen. See Outreach-international.org/how-to-help/faith-communities.

The Message

Based on Mark 10:2-16, especially Verses 13-16

Add the Blessing of Children Sacrament here, if desired.

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Hymn of Sacrament

“Bread of the World”

“O Lord, How Can It Be”

Communion Scripture: Mark 14:22-25

Communion Talk

Invitation to Communion

527

529

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

Hymn of Preparation

“Eat This Bread” Sing twice.

528

Blessing and Serving of the Bread and Wine

For guidelines on the Lord’s Supper, including online participation, see CofChrist.org/ourministry-tools.

Disciples’ Generous Response Statement

Together we are called to recognize and respond to God’s blessing and share generously to our true capacity. Building the kin-dom of God requires a response of whole-life stewardship that blesses the lives of everyone in community. We read in Acts how the early Christians in Jerusalem sold their possessions and lived with all things in common. Each week, we have opportunity to respond to this ideal through the Disciples’ Generous Response. As a Communion tradition in Community of Christ, all loose offerings today will also go to the oblation fund to address suffering and poverty.

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

As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission. Together we reach out to children around the world and welcome everyone to God’s kindom.

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

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Hymn of Sending Forth

“Go My Children, with My Blessing”

CCS 650 OR “Strong, Gentle Children”

CCS 233 OR “Bwana Awabariki/May God Grant You a Blessing”

CCS 660 Sing several times. Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Prayer of Benediction

Response

Postlude

Year B—Letters

Ordinary Time (Proper 22)

Hebrews 1:1–4; 2:5–12

Exploring the Scripture

Although Hebrews ends as if it were a letter, it opens as an essay. The writer affirms God speaks to humankind throughout the ages, a belief central to Community of Christ. God spoke through prophets in the past, but around 400 BCE religious leaders decreed that God stopped speaking—the heavens were closed, and the age of prophecy had ended. Hebrews affirms God’s revelation continues through Jesus Christ.

Throughout the centuries theologians have discussed the nature and role of Jesus Christ. Christians have affirmed that Jesus Christ is fully God and also fully human. The book of Hebrews begins by stressing the divinity of Jesus Christ and his role as God’s Son.

Christ is God’s heir, creator of the universe, reflecting God’s glory and the “imprint of God’s very being” (v. 3). Christ continues to sustain life through “his powerful word,” a parallel to God’s work of creation through the word (Ibid.). In the same verse, the author refers to Jesus’ humanity. “When he had made purification for sins” refers to Jesus’ death on the cross (v. 3).

However, the allusion is subtle, nearly lost in describing his divine nature. Christ became superior to the angels and sat down at the right hand of God (Majesty). Angels are only spiritual beings. Christ is spiritual, divine, human, God’s heir, and eternal. Angels serve; Christ creates, sustains, redeems, purifies, and rules. Hebrews quotes seven scripture passages, mainly from the Psalms, to build a case for Christ being superior to the angels (vv.5–12).

Chapter 2, verse 5 further refers to the Psalms (8:4–6) comparing angels to humans. The quote describes humans as being a little lower than the angels, in contrast to Christ, who is superior. Even though humans are lower than the angels, God gave humans control of the Earth, “subjecting all things under their feet” (v. 8). But, as the author points out, humankind had not yet succeeded in bringing all things under their control—with one exception. For a time, Jesus was human. He was glorified through his death and resurrection. Everything, including death, was now subordinate to the Risen Christ. Here we find the Divine Christ (superior to the angels) balanced by the human Christ (a little lower than the angels). The paradox corrects the portrait of Christ that appears untouchable and unsympathetic to the everyday problems of human existence. He, too, has suffered, been humiliated, experienced death, and therefore becomes approachable.

Jesus is the pioneer (also translated as Author or Leader) of salvation, the forerunner who only reached completion and full maturity as the Savior through his sufferings. The author declares that humanity’s salvation required Jesus to suffer and die for all. (Later theologians proposed alternative atonement theories.) Jesus “sanctifies” his followers, transforming their flaws and brokenness into holiness (v. 11). Christians, who receive sanctification, call God “Father,” or Mother or Parent (Ibid.). Thus, Jesus called his followers “brothers and sisters,” confirming the capacity of ordinary people to have the same relationship with God that Jesus had (vv. 11, 12). Through Christ, we are united to God and one another as a spiritual family.

Central Ideas

1. The book of Hebrews begins with the divinity of Jesus Christ and his role as God’s son.

2. Christ is superior to the angels, which he temporarily gave up to live as a human being.

3. Jesus was glorified through his death and resurrection, a sacrifice that brought about salvation for all humankind.

4. Jesus Christ “sanctifies” his followers, transforming their flaws and brokenness into holiness.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How is the “imprint of God’s very being” visible in your life?

2. Are you more comfortable with Christ’s divinity or humanity? How does your answer reflect your relationship with God and Christ?

3. What is your understanding of Christ’s death on the cross for our sins? How does Christ’s death provide salvation?

4. How does the idea of sacrifice relate to your life as a disciple in today’s world? How does it relate to the outreach of a vibrant, passionate congregation?

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 22

Hebrews 1:1–4; 2:5–12 NRSVUE

Gathering

Welcome

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

Prayer for Peace

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

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn, “Till All the Jails Are Empty,” Community of Christ Sings 303, by Carl P. Daw Jr.

...in classroom, church, and office, in shops or on the street; in every place where people thrive or starve or hide or meet: God has work for us to do.

Servant God, sometimes we forget that you serve as often as you lead. You are the lawyer working to make the system just. You are the teacher empowering the timid youth. You are the kind coworker standing up for the ignored new employee. You are the scientist working for a more sustainable future. You are the volunteer unlocking the doors and cleaning the floors. You arrive early and stay late. You see beauty and wonder in it all!

When we grow tired of working for peace, remind us that seeds crack before they sprout into tiny leaves, which take many sunrises and sunsets to grow and to produce fruit. Open our eyes to see the beauty in the work, that we would be energized to do your good and beautiful work of bringing peace to our world!

In the name of the One who sows seeds with us, Jesus. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Unity

Our Enduring Principle for this week’s spiritual practice is Unity in Diversity. Not one person on Earth is exactly like another. We all are shaped by our culture, genetics, upbringings, families, experiences, beliefs, etc. One thing we all have in common is that we all are divinely made. Unity in Diversity is respecting the differences while honoring the Divine in all voices.

But God has so arranged the body…that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

—1 Corinthians 12:24–26 NRSV

Think over the past week. Who showed compassion for when you felt sad or were suffering? Who rejoiced with you in good things?

Invite people to share.

Whom do you know who has endured suffering this week? How were you able to share this burden with them?

Who has had cause to rejoice this week? How have you celebrated with them?

Invite people to share.

Offer a short blessing of unity and close with “Amen.”

Sharing Around the Table

Hebrews 1:1–4; 2:5–12

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

…Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. But someone has testified somewhere,

“What are humans that you are mindful of them or mortals that you care for them?

You have made them for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned them with glory and honor, subjecting all things under their feet.”

Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying,

“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”

The book of Hebrews begins by stressing the divinity of Jesus Christ and his role as God’s Son. Christ is God’s heir, creator of the universe, reflecting God’s glory and the “imprint of God’s very being.”

Here we find the divine Christ (superior to the angels) balanced by the human Christ (a little lower than the angels). The paradox corrects the portrait of Christ that appears untouchable and unsympathetic to the everyday problems of human existence. Yet he, too, has suffered, been humiliated, experienced death, and therefore, becomes approachable.

Jesus “sanctifies” his followers, transforming our flaws and brokenness into holiness. Christians, who receive sanctification, call God “Father,” “Mother,” or “Parent.” Thus, Jesus called his followers “brothers and sisters,” confirming the capacity of ordinary people to have the same relationship with God that Jesus had. Through Christ, we are united to God and one another as a spiritual family.

Questions

1. How is the imprint of God visible in your life?

2. Are you more comfortable with Christ’s divinity or humanity?

3. How do you find Christ “approachable?”

4. How would you describe your relationship with God?

Sending Statement of Generosity

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

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

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

The offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

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

Invitation

to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 20, “God Within God Around”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

 Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

 Thoughts for Children

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

—1 Corinthians 11:23–26 NRSV

Communion Statement

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

We share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community. In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings (select one):

515 “In these Moments We Remember”

516 “Coming Together for Wine and for Bread”

521 “Let Us Break Bread Together”

525 “Small Is the Table”

528 “Eat This Bread”

Thoughts for Children



You will need:

simple puzzle printed on cardstock and then cut

As participants sit, give each a piece of the puzzle. Tell them to hold onto it until a little later.

Say: Today’s scripture explores different ways God speaks to us. In Community of Christ, we believe in something called Continuing Revelation. This means we believe God still is speaking to us today. One way we discern what God is saying is in consultation with community. This means that we don’t assume we have God’s full message on our own. Instead we recognize that we are part of a prophetic people who work together to understand God’s words. It’s almost like putting together a puzzle. Each of us has a different piece to contribute, but it takes all of us working together to get the full picture.

Ask: Do you think we all can work together to complete this puzzle and see what God wants us to know?

Work together to complete the puzzle, all participants contributing their pieces. Once it is all together, the puzzle reveals a message of love.

13 October 2024

Ordinary Time (Proper 23)

Hebrews 4:12-16 Practice Bold Discipleship

Additional Scriptures

Job 23:1-9, 16-17; Psalm 22:1-15; Mark 10:17-31; Doctrine and Covenants 164:9a

Preparation

Recruit someone to lead the Focus Moment and secure the supplies needed. See below.

Prelude

Hymn of Praise

“Takwaba Uwabanga Yesu!/There’s No One Like Jesus!”

CCS 121 OR “Santo, santo, santo/Holy, Holy, Holy”

CCS 159 OR “Louez le Seigneur!/Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord!”

CCS 106 Sing several times, encouraging participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Welcome

The world is changing. Old forms are crumbling. New possibilities are emerging. We live between what was and what will be. We need faith, curiosity, openness, and boldness. God is challenging assumptions, shaking up structures, disrupting routines, and making connections. The Holy Spirit breathes anew into our lives, the church, and creation. God’s aim is a new creation in us, among us, and around us!

—President Stephen M. Veazey, June 12, 2023

Call to Worship: Doctrine and Covenants 164:9a

Hymn of Vision

“Now in This Moment”

CCS 96 OR “There’s a Church within Us” CCS 278 OR “Great and Marvelous Are Thy Works”

Opening Prayer

Response

Responsive Reading: Cry Out, Hear, and Deliver

The Lament

Leader: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

CCS 118

People: Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? Leader: O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.

People: Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Leader: In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. People: To you they cried, and were saved; in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.

—Psalm 22:1-5

The

Response

Leader: Yes, God’s word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged blade, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Before the Word, no creature is hidden, all are seen by the one to whom we must render an account. We now have Jesus, the Son of God as our mediator, let us hold fast to our confession. Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses, was in every respect tested as we are, yet is without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

—Hebrews 4:12-16, adapted

Moment of Silent Meditation

Hymn of Assurance

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

CCS 11 OR “Into My Heart” Sing several times.

CCS 573 OR “Dios Está Aquí/God Is Here Today” Sing twice.

CCS 150 OR “Le louerai l’Eternal/Praise, I Will Praise You, Lord” Sing twice.

CCS 115 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle. Prayer

O Holy Disciple-maker,

We hear your call for peace. May we be bold for justice. May we be meek in mercy. May we be bold for righteousness. May we be poor in spirit. May we be bold in discipleship. May we be reviled and persecuted. Thy will be done. Amen.

Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn of Discipleship

“What Does the Lord Require of You?”

CCS 580 OR “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me”

Focus Moment: Focus on the Good Stuff See below.

Singing of the Kin-dom of God

“Sizohambe Naye/We Will Walk with God”

CCS 576

CCS 377 Sing several times, encouraging participants to sing in languages other than their own. OR “Bring Forth the Kingdom”

CCS 387

The Message

Based on Hebrews 4:12-16

Disciples’ Generous Response Statement

What would it look like if when practicing bold discipleship, we brought tithes and offerings in support of Christ’s mission that represented our true capacity and generous response? One example Jesus talked about is found in the story of the rich man.

Generosity Scripture: Mark 10:17-22

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

As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission.

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

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Focus Moment: Focus on the Good Stuff

Supplies: A clear glass, a spoon, pitcher of water, mixture of dirt and peat moss, a large clear basin to capture overflowing water.

Sample Script

In today’s scripture, we heard about Jesus as the word of God. Following Jesus is the good stuff in our lives. Now, I have before me a glass filled with water sitting in the basin. Pure water is like the good stuff that Jesus represents in our lives. I also have a pitcher of water and some dirty peat moss.

But what happens if we get some of the bad stuff in our glass? I’ll add a couple tablespoons of dirt representing the bad stuff. Uh-oh. I don’t want that in there!

Sometimes I focus on the bad stuff, and if I try to get it out with a spoon, it’s hard to get it all out. See! There is still bad stuff in the water.

But what happens if I focus on the good stuff? I’m pouring lots of water from the pitcher into the glass so that it overflows, flushing the peat moss out and leaving visibly cleaner water. You see? When you focus on the good stuff, like the teachings of Jesus, our lives are better.

Year B—Letters

Ordinary Time (Proper 23)

Hebrews 4:12–16

Exploring the Scripture

Hebrews 4 introduces a primary theme: Christ, the High Priest of God. For the next four Sundays, the lectionary focus will develop this idea. We will explore different facets of High Priest ministry and how Christ transforms the role of an earthly high priest into the divine salvation of God’s High Priest.

Here’s a summary of the emphases for the next few Sundays:

 Hebrews 4: 12–16

 Hebrews 5:1–10

Introduction of Christ as the High Priest of God

A High Priest after the order of Melchisedec

 Hebrews 7:23–28 As High Priest, Jesus makes intercession for us

 Hebrews 9:11–14 Jesus, both High Priest and supreme sacrifice

 Hebrews 9:24–28 Jesus sacrifices for all

Our exploration of Christ’s high priest ministry begins by proclaiming our sinful state and need for redemption. The Word of God comforts and convicts. It is “living and active,” an affirmation that God’s word (revelation) continues in the present age (v. 12).

Like a double-edged sword, it wounds those who are enemies and wounds those who wield the sword as a weapon. It divides one’s soul (the union of body, mind, and spirit) from the spirit, which gives the union life and connects one to God. It divides the joints (the external levers of one’s arms and legs) from the bone marrow that gives the joints life and nurture.

Both metaphors point to how God’s word sets up law and affirms the covenant, which is at the heart (marrow) of our relationship with the Divine. God’s presence and word reveal our innermost being, exposing our brokenness and affirming our worth. Nothing is hidden from an all-seeing God who calls us to accountability.

God’s word to us is both grace and judgment. Our words to God must be words of thanks and confession. Hebrews says we must “hold fast to our confession,” completely vulnerable, naked, with our throats laid bare to the double-edged sword (v. 14). It’s an image drawn from gladiator contests.

We must not waver in being honest about our errors before God. Jesus understands what it is like to be a vulnerable human, experience weaknesses, and be tempted. Hebrews affirms he withstood those tests and was sinless. With Jesus as our high priest, we can approach God’s judgment “with boldness,” assured of divine grace and mercy (v. 16). Because of Christ, the Great High Priest, God’s grace judges us, and God’s judgment is filled with grace.

The written word of scripture came into being through human efforts to record and capture God’s revelatory presence. Scripture is, therefore, limited to the time, place, and filter of the author who recorded it—yet it transcends time and culture to speak anew to disciples of all generations. God’s word in scripture forms the foundation of our preaching, teaching, sacraments, hymns, and prayers. God’s word points us toward, and is part of, our spiritual practices and discernment. God’s word and Christ as the Living Word nourish our souls, lead into new paths of life as disciples, and draw us into God’s grace in our time of need.

Central Ideas

1. Christ transforms the role of an earthly high priest into the divine salvation of God’s High Priest.

2. The Word of God comforts and convicts, bringing both grace and judgment.

3. Because of the great high priest Christ’s intercession, God’s grace judges us, and God’s judgment is filled with grace.

4. God’s word and Christ as the Living Word nourish our souls, strengthen life as a disciple, and draw us into God’s grace.

Questions for the Speaker

1. What would be the modern equivalent of the ancient role of the high priest? What image would you use to explain Christ’s role concerning God and humans?

2. When did a moment of grace also judge and convict you in your humanness?

3. How has scripture been divisive in the Body of Christ? When did you feel like it divided your spirit from your soul?

4. When have you felt convicted by God’s word? When have you felt forgiveness and grace through scripture?

5. Compare the theology of scripture in Hebrews with the Statement on Scripture in Community of Christ (https://CofChrist.org/scripture/).

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 23

Hebrews 4:12–16 NRSVUE

Gathering Welcome

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

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn, “We Call Out to You,” Community of Christ Sings 299, a Nepali song

...a song of proclamation to end discrimination; each voice is heard, sung in chorus to you…

Spirit of mystery, we come with open hands, ready to receive your tools of peace. We come for discernment for our vision, strength for our feet, bravery for our hands, and compassion for our hearts. You grant gifts freely! Together, we have the power to end the violence, discrimination, and injustice on this beautiful planet. If only we would listen…if only we would sing in chorus.

Teach us to listen for your melody, to harmonize with peacemakers in our communities, and to follow the drum of justice until the song is complete. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Holding in the Light

Our Enduring Principle focus this week is on Blessings of Community.

We are taught to create communities of peace in our families, neighborhoods, congregations, nations, tribes, and around the world. A spiritual practice that helps us feel connected to our communities is called Holding in the Light. It is a form of intercessory prayer/meditation adapted from the Quaker movement.

We will stand in a circle together. I will have a candle to light in my hand. Each of you will hold your hands in front of you as if also helping me hold the light.

Pause to let the group get situated.

While looking at the light from the candle center yourself and breathe in the word love, breathe out the word light. Repeat three times.

Say the names of the loved ones, communities, or countries you are holding light for. You can name them aloud to hold as a group or silently keep them in your heart.

Pause to let people offer names aloud or silently.

Now imagine these persons being surrounded by light as bright as the candle.

We will hold these loved ones in light for three minutes.

Pause for three minutes.

Offer a moment of gratitude for your loved ones, your communities, and this experience of holding in the light.

Next time you see the light of a sunset or sunrise, you can remember to hold a loved one in the light.

Sharing Around the Table

Hebrews 4:12–16 NRSVUE

Indeed, the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.

Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The written Word of scripture came into being through human efforts to record and capture God’s revelatory presence. Scripture, therefore, is limited to the time, place, and filter of the author who recorded it—yet it transcends time and culture to speak anew to disciples of all generations.

God’s Word in scripture forms the foundation of our preaching, teaching, sacraments, hymns, and prayers. God’s Word points us toward and is part of our spiritual practices and discernment. God’s Word and Christ as the Living Word nourish our souls, lead into new paths of life as disciples, and draw us into God’s grace in our time of need.

Our exploration of Christ’s high-priestly ministry begins by proclaiming our need for redemption. The Word of God comforts and convicts. It is “living and active,” an affirmation that God’s Word (revelation) continues in the present age. Like a two-edged sword, it divides one’s soul, and it divides the joints from the bone marrow. Both metaphors point to how God’s presence and Word reveal our innermost being, exposing our brokenness and affirming our worth.

God’s Word to us is both grace and judgment. We must “hold fast to our confession,” completely vulnerable (naked) before God. We must not waver in being honest about our errors. Jesus understands what it is like to be a vulnerable human, experience weaknesses, and be tempted. Hebrews affirms that he withstood those tests and was sinless. With Jesus as our high priest, we can approach God’s judgment “with boldness,” assured of divine grace and mercy.

Questions

1. When have you experienced a moment of grace?

2. Describe a time you felt forgiveness and grace through scripture?

3. When have you confessed an error and asked for forgiveness? How did others receive your request? What did you learn from this experience?

Sending Statement of Generosity

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

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

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

The offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

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

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 570, “God, Whose Grace Redeems Our Story”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

 Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

 Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

Say: Today, we are going to try a spiritual practice together. This is a practice you can do anytime.

Stand up straight, feet apart, arms at your sides.

As you take another deep breath, raise your arms and hug yourself. Lower your arms as you exhale. Repeat.

Now take a deep breath as you raise your arms high above your head, open your arms to the sun shining on you, stretch your arms up and out, receive the sun’s warm rays. Lower your arms as you exhale. Repeat.

Take a deep breath as you raise your hands and frame your face. Smile as big as you can, turn your head to each side so your smile can be seen by the whole universe. Lower your hands as you exhale. Repeat.

Take one more deep breath, raise your arms, and hug yourself. Lower your arms as you exhale. Ask: How do you feel when you hug yourself? When you open yourself to the sun? When you smile at the whole universe?

Say: This week, remember to love and care for yourself! Share your smile and warmth with others and the whole universe.

Adapted from “Embraceable You” in the Kids Book Club Resources

20 October 2024

Ordinary Time (Proper 24) Mark 10:35-45

Can You Drink the Cup?

Additional Scriptures

Job 38:1-7, 34-41; Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c; Hebrews 5:1-10; Doctrine and Covenants 165:2a

Preparation

Supplies: Paper and pens for the scribes in the Generosity Game.

Prelude Welcome

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Call to Worship

Reader 1: Read “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” CCS 457, Stanza 1

Reader 2: Read “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” CCS 457, Stanza 2

Reader 3: Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; All Readers: Love so amazing, so divine, Community: …demands my soul, my life, my all.

Praise Singing

—Issac Watts

“Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love” CCS 367

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own. OR “Lord, Whose Love”

CCS 346 OR “When God’s Call to Serve” Stanzas 1-3

CCS 535 OR “Touch Me, Lord, with Thy Spirit Eternal”

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

CCS 574

Invocation

Scripture Reading: Mark 10:35-45

Hymn of Calling

“Jesus Is Calling” CCS 578 OR “The Summons”

Disciples’ Generous Response

Generosity Cycle Statement

CCS 586

As a church, we have various seasons we celebrate. These seasons cause us to focus our gaze in a certain direction and spend time in meaningful reflection and preparation. We

are entering a season of generosity. This is a period set aside to recognize the grace of God and to discover a deeper joy in discipleship through intentional whole-life stewardship.

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 165:2a

Generosity rarely happens by chance. Instead, it is intentional decisions that we choose to make in our lives. It demonstrates willingness to offer every dimension of one’s life to God. There are many ways that people can show expressions of generosity. Over this season of generosity we will examine some of these expressions of time, treasure, talent and testimony.

To be “busy” is encouraged in many societies. Revered for rushing from activity to activity, like this is how life should be lived. Many of us would now consider ourselves to be time poor, with too much to do and not enough time to do it in.

There is work to be done, children or grandchildren to be looked after, homes to care for, exercise to include, the required life admin with cooking and cleaning to simply function, then there are the extras; sports games, church commitments, gardens to maintain, meetups with friends, and the essential requirement of sleep and who knows how much time is spent looking at different screens. The list seems to go on and on.

How often do you stop and do a budget of your time? To consciously pause and reflect on how exactly you are spending your time and how you would like to spend that time so that you don’t constantly feel you are living on a running wheel but genuinely grounded and connected.

To share one’s time is one of the greatest commodities that we can offer another and it is one of the ways in which we can share generously with our whole lives.

Generosity Game

Divide participants into small teams. Each team needs a scribe. Explain the rules. Rules: Each round will be 3 minutes, in which each team needs to write down as many ideas as they have on the posed question. Then go around the room offering up answers, if no other team has the same answer, that team will get a point.

Round one: What are some acts of generosity that would only take 5 minutes?

Round two: What are some acts of generosity that could take an hour or so?

Round three: What are some acts of generosity that would require continual commitment.

Personal Meditation

What is one item from one of your lists that you would be willing to commit to for the next week?

Allow time for participants to consider their choice.

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

As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission.

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

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn

“Living Stones”

279 OR “Till All the Jails Are Empty”

353

303 OR “Let Your Heart Be Broken”

Message

Based on Mark 10:35-45

OR Small Group Sharing Print or project questions for all to see.

 Have you seen someone serving others this week?

 Was it done in a spirit of service or obligation?

 Did this affect the way in which it was given or received? If time allows, debrief in the large group the highpoints of the Small Group sharing.

Prayer for Peace Sing for Peace

“We Are the Ones the World Awaits”

305 OR “O God of Love, Grant Us Your Peace”

Light the Peace Candle. Prayer

God of love,

316

We thank you for the expression of love you gave in the form of Jesus, that we might learn from his life and teachings ways to truly see and fight against oppression. May we embody the servitude that Jesus did, recognizing that dedicating our lives to the pursuit of peace, expressions of love and reflections of you are not about gratification, but truly being a servant to those who are rejected, marginalized, hurting, and lost.

May we find ways to be expressions of your love and peace in conflict and in the mundane moments of our lives.

This we ask in the name of your son, the model of servitude. Amen.

Sending Forth Hymn

“I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me”

581 OR “Take My Life and Let It Be”

Sending Forth

Consider this day: Can You Drink Cup? Go and live your beliefs.

Postlude

608

Year B—Letters

Ordinary Time (Proper 24)

Hebrews 5:1–10

Exploring the Scripture

Hebrews is a sermon to a community in crisis in Rome. Preached by an unknown preacher during second-generation Christianity, this pastoral discourse centers on the meaning of Christ. Although the author is unidentified, he was likely a Jewish Christian and perhaps part of the Pauline circle—but not Paul.

The group, likely Jewish converts or perhaps a Jewish and Gentile mixture, struggled with disillusionment and faced persecution. They were in doubt and in danger of losing their Christian identity. They were in jeopardy of reverting to Judaism. It was a challenging time for them. The Letter of Hebrews uses a theologically laden interpretation of scripture to reassure listeners of the new covenant embodied in Christ and encourage them to remain committed.

We live in a different time and culture than the early Christians in Rome. However, are we not confronted by similar challenges? Are we not a community in crisis? Are we not in a time of doubt, struggle, and challenge of authentically living up to the mission and message of Jesus Christ? Are not many disillusioned? Do we ask what the meaning of Christ is in our time?

Today’s scripture text responds. Verses 5 and 10 provide a valuable image of Christ central to Hebrews. Principally, they highlight Jesus Christ as a high priest—a mediator—who stands before God on behalf of humankind. He offers prayers, petitions, and service for healing and wholeness amid our broken world.

Jesus accepted and presented before God the flaws, pain, suffering, and needs familiar to us all. He modeled servant ministry and proclaimed God’s reign and shalom. Not all are called to serve in the priesthood office of high priest, but all are called to embody the nature and love of God through Christlike service, character, generosity, and mission.

Prayer, petition, and sacramental living are essential. Verse 7 suggests Jesus offered prayers with “loud cries and tears.” This verse expresses how Christ hears and bears the human burdens of life, including the diminishment of human worth, misery, suffering, loneliness, yearning, sorrow, wrath, and so forth.

Our calling is to share others’ suffering and experience and join in Christ-like compassionate ministries in action. As our enduring principle, Worth of All Persons, states: “We join with Jesus Christ in bringing good news to the poor, sick, captive, and oppressed” (https://CofChrist.org/about-us/). Verse 8 expresses Christ’s divinity as Son but shares that Jesus’ suffering strengthened his obedience toward God.

The first hearers of this ancient text encountered persecution and suffering in Rome. The Hebrew author encouraged them—and us—to remain like Jesus Christ, obedient and close to God amid their suffering. Verse 9 mentions Christ as the “source of eternal salvation.” It reminds us that we, too, as Christ’s disciples, are to share peace, wholeness, and right relations with one another, creation, and the divine. This is “at the heart of the purpose of [our] journey as a people of faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 163:2b).

Today’s scripture passage reminds and challenges us, like those early disciples, of the meaning of Christ in our setting. Community of Christ prophet-president Stephen M. Veazey helps clarify today’s

meaning: “Renewing covenant with Jesus Christ includes the call to live as peaceful human beings who personify Christ’s peace... Trust what is being born...Persist in Hope.”

Central Ideas

1. We are called to model ministry through prayer, petition, and sacrifice on behalf of the world for God’s shalom.

2. We offer prayers with “loud cries and tears” and carry the burdens of others compassionately.

3. We allow our life’s challenges, pain, suffering, misgivings, and ambiguities to shape and draw us closer to a loving, grace-filled God.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How are members in your congregation like the early Christians in Rome?

2. How has someone’s prayer and petition blessed you?

3. How have you experienced suffering?

4. How do you tune in to God’s will, love, and desires?

5. What does “eternal salvation” mean in your ministry environment?

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 24

Hebrews 5:1–10 NRSVUE

Gathering Welcome

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

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle. Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn, “Lord Jesus, of You I Will Sing,” Community of Christ Sings 556, from Les Petites Soeurs de Jésus.

Lord Jesus, of you I will sing as I journey, I’ll tell all my neighbors about you wherever I go.

Beckoning God, we’ve lived, laughed, and loved as Zion for so long that it sometimes becomes commonplace for us. Commonplace to the point where we forget that we have dedicated our lives to following in the footsteps of Jesus. Footsteps that lead us through rivers and valleys, thunderstorms and snow, in order to journey with our friends and neighbors as we pursue peace.

Grant us the courage to step into new places, reaching out to new friends and neighbors who are walking in uncertainty. Help us spread your peace to them. Grant us the courage to find friends and neighbors who are working for peace. Help us have the courage to join them. Grant us the courage to speak out when politicians and powerful people steer others astray. Help us have the courage to speak against this noise.

Grant us the courage to sing again, God, to remember that which excited us about the vision of Zion, so that we may draw others to you and in that act draw all of us to your peace.

In the name of Jesus, who gave us the courage to sing. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Receiving with Gratitude

Enduring Principles are a foundation of Community of Christ. Today we are focusing on Grace and Generosity. The first thing we do in life is receive. Our first breath is a gift we receive. The spiritual practice today is in breath-prayer form. During the prayer we use words to breathe in and words to breathe out. Today we will breathe in receive life and breathe out thank you. Slowly read the following instructions: Sit with relaxed posture and close your eyes. We will spend three minutes in breath prayer. Breathe in a regular, natural rhythm.

As you breathe in, receive life; as you exhale respond, thank you. Inhale and exhale, focusing on what you are breathing in and what you are breathing out. Watch the time for three minutes. Urge participants to continue the breath prayer for the full time.

When time is up, ask the following questions for a short group discussion:

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

 How do you feel about receiving?

After the discussion say:

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

Sharing Around the Table

Hebrews 5:1–10 NRSVUE

Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness, and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest but was appointed by the one who said to him,

“You are my Son; today I have begotten you”;

as he says also in another place,

“You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered, and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

A tenet of Christian faith is that we are the body of Christ. We proclaim Jesus Christ in the world today so that those who hear and follow may experience eternal life in Christ. We invite others to experience the Divine through the Holy Spirit and the experience of sacred community.

The author of the Hebrew letter speaks specifically of high priests, but a broader interpretation proposes that the text is about the priesthood of all believers. The traits and behaviors attributed to the high priest—especially the emphasis on humble service—apply to us all.

The author also makes it clear that followers of Jesus still are apt to make mistakes that cause pain and sorrow. We are not called because we are so good; we are called because of the good being worked in us by the Holy Spirit.

The body of Christ gathers to worship God. God does not need this worship for God’s sake, but for ours. It is only through worship that the tough membrane of separation between humanity and God can be pierced. God desires to be in communion with all creation. As humans, we often put distance, barriers, or obstructions in the way of that communion. Through worship we make ourselves vulnerable

to the touch of the Divine and then are able to enter the communion God desires, so we may know we are loved and whole, just as we are.

Our ministrations are expressed best from our understanding of our own faults and shortcomings and our recognition of the need to accept and forgive each other, because we have been accepted and forgiven.

Questions

1. When have you sensed God calling you to offer loving service as part of your discipleship?

2. What expression of worship is most meaningful to you?

3. What does it mean to you to be vulnerable to the touch of the divine?

Sending Statement of Generosity

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

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

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

The offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

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

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 343, “Listen for the Call of God”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

 Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

 Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

 coloring supplies

 paper—construction or printer

Say: In today’s scripture, we hear about priesthood. In Community of Christ, we recognize that some people, of any gender, are called to priesthood and serve the larger community. However, we also believe that All Are Called. This means everyone is invited to follow Jesus and participate in God’s work.

Each is gifted in specific ways and can contribute uniquely to God’s purposes. Sometimes it is hard to see how we are uniquely gifted, and we begin to think we don’t have anything to offer. When this happens, it can be helpful when others remind us of our giftedness.

If you know all the participants well enough, take this moment to point out how each is uniquely gifted.

Say: Today, I want us to practice recognizing the giftedness in others and letting them know what we see. We each will create a “thank-you” card to share with someone in your our lives. You can decorate it however you want, but somewhere on the card you need to thank the person for a specific gift he or she shares with you. Remember, these aren’t gifts like birthday presents; they’re for special abilities and attributes that a person has.

Give an example of the thank-you card you would create for someone in your life. Send the participants back to their seats with supplies to work on their thanks-you cards.

27 October 2024

Ordinary Time (Proper 25)

Mark 10:46-52/10:46-54

Heal Our Blindness

Additional Scriptures

Job 42:1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22; Hebrews 7:23-28; Doctrine and Covenants 163:4a

Preparation

For the Focus Moment you will need a few objects you don’t mind getting stepped on (toys, office supplies, rocks, sticks, etc.) spread throughout the “obstacle course.” You will also need fabric to use as a blindfold.

Prelude

Welcome

As we gather, let us pause a moment to breathe in this space. Notice what is before you, behind you, around you. Feel the ground below you. Take a deep breath in and slowly let it out. We are so grateful for each soul present. God is here. Let us be aware of God’s movement in our worshipping together.

Gathering Hymn

“Gather Us In”

Stanzas 1, 2, 4

CCS 72 OR “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

CCS 87 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Call to Worship

Read Psalm 34:1-8 with four readers, two verses per reader.

Song of Praise

“Laudate Dominum” Repeat several times.

CCS 91 If this song is unfamiliar to your group, sing along with the vocal recording found on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings, available from Herald House.org

Prayer for Peace

You might choose to sing the hymn that inspired today’s Prayer for Peace, or you might choose to read the excerpt from Stanza 1 below. Consider having the music played quietly as the prayer is offered.

Light the Peace Candle.

Today’s Prayer for Peace was inspired by the hymn, “When the Darkness Overwhelms Us,” CCS 314, words and music by Jim Strathdee.

“...Free our minds for dreaming of a time when war shall ever cease, Free our eyes for vision that leads us to the ways of peace.”

Prayer

Freeing God,

Our shoulders are sore. Our eyes are strained. Our backs ache. Time feels heavy. Darkness overwhelms us. Grayness suffocates us. Light eludes us. Peace seems impossible and a foolish pursuit. And yet…

We come together and share our stories: stories of communities overcoming apathy; stories of friends sharing heavy loads; stories of the spirit breathing life into our bodies. These stories light a small flame in our hearts.

Today, we pray that you would feed those flames of peace, and that we would carry them carefully yet boldly to all corners of darkness. And in doing so, justice will prevail and peace with cover the Earth.

In the name of Jesus, who frees us and leads us. Amen.

Scripture Focus: Mark 10:46-52

Tell today’s lectionary scripture as a story; OR read the story from a children’s Bible story book; OR ask for a group who can pantomime the story as it is read.

Focus Moment

Preparation: Create an obstacle course in a small space (10x6.5 feet is plenty) with a few objects you don’t mind getting stepped on spread throughout (toys, office supplies, rocks, sticks, etc.). You will also need fabric to use as a blindfold.

Ask for a volunteer who is willing to be blindfolded. Take care that the volunteer does not fall or trip during their blindfolded journey. Safety first! Ask them to move slowly. Position them at one end of the obstacle course and say,

In this game, I am the referee. I am the only person who can touch the blindfold. Blindfold the volunteer.

Your goal is to get your blindfolded friend through the obstacle course without them touching any of the objects inside! The only rules are 1) you cannot step inside the course, 2) you cannot touch the blindfolded volunteer, and 3) I am the only one who can touch the blindfold.

Give the participants a chance to use words to guide the volunteer across the obstacle course. If it’s too easy, feel free to move objects in the volunteer’s way and tell them, It wasn’t in the rules that I (the referee) can’t touch the objects!

This reminds them what is in the rules–and what isn’t in the rules, like asking you to remove the blindfold!

When the volunteer finishes, discuss:

What did you do well as guides for the volunteer? What could have made this easier? Discuss their answers. If they don’t suggest it, say, Would it have been easier to just ask me to take the blindfold off? Why didn’t you ask? Acknowledge their answers.

In today’s story from the Bible, a man named Bartimaeus has the courage and the faith to ask Jesus to heal his blindness, and Jesus did! We know a lot of people who work hard to bring healing and wholeness to our communities. When we volunteer, donate to the food panty, or comfort people who are sad, we are helping heal. Let’s not forget that we can be like Bartimaeus and ask Jesus to bring healing and wholeness.

Option 1: Ask participants to share names of people and places in need of healing and wholeness. After they share, offer a prayer asking God to bring wholeness to the people and places shared.

Option 2: Ask participants to choose someone in the congregation in need of healing and wholeness and together, pray for them.

Preparing for the Word

“Lay Your Hands”

CCS 545 OR “Amazing Grace”

CCS 19 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Sermon

Based on Mark 10:46-52

Hymn of Reflection

“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”

CCS 31 OR “Healer of Our Every Ill”

CCS 547

Disciples’ Generous Response Statement

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

We continue our reflection using the Generosity Cycle as we focus on the Discover phase. Let us consider, how is God blessing us at this moment? Our lives can become so familiar to us that we stop noticing the generosity of God. This is an opportunity to look and see the many ways we are blessed every day.

As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission.

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

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Sending Hymn

“Light Dawns on a Weary World”

CCS 240 OR “The Trees of the Field” Sing twice.

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

CCS 645

Benediction

Postlude

Year B—Letters

Ordinary Time (Proper 25)

Hebrews 7:23–28

Exploring the Scripture

Last week’s lectionary text introduced Christ as the High Priest of God. Jews regarded the high priest as a person set apart, privileged among all humans, in close communion with God. This passage expands the traits and role of the Judaic high priest into a spiritual and divine description of Jesus’ role and ministry, highlighting his perfection and permanence.

A long succession of Judaic high priests were born, served, and died. Jesus, on the other hand, existed from the beginning and was resurrected to eternal life after his earthly death. Therefore, he serves as High Priest for eternity. He can never be replaced, removed, or succeeded. He saves all people for all time because he lives eternally.

“For it is fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled…” (v. 26). The word “fitting” does not mean we are worthy, but rather that Christ’s divine ministry fits our needs much better than an earthly minister. Human high priests offered sacrifices daily because people kept sinning day after day.

Sin is constant and unavoidable. The effects of just one trespass can echo through many lives. Sin creates violence, cycles of vengeance, physical and emotional abuse, self-destructive behavior, and guilt, which traps us in emotional and psychological dysfunction. According to Hebrew law, the only way to atone for one’s sins was to make a sacrifice to God. But daily rituals can become meaningless and ineffectual, mere habits.

Being human, the high priest himself was subject to sin and had to atone for his sins and the unending sins of the people. Jesus, being blameless, did not have to offer sacrifices; he was, is, and remains the sacrifice. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross provides forgiveness for all people “for all time” (v. 25).

Hebrews presents the paradox of Jesus officiating over the sacrament in which he, himself, is the sacrifice. This startling image upholds a theology in which Jesus willingly chose to die on the cross. It didn’t just happen to him. It was not a political expedient in which he was caught as a victim. There was no surprise. Hebrews affirms Jesus Christ intentionally chose to offer and be the sacrifice.

The last two verses build on comparing Jewish Levitical and Melchisedec priesthoods (See vv. 1–22). Mosaic law specifies the sons of Levi inherit the priesthood and dictates their role and function. Melchisedec, on the other hand, was not even a Hebrew.

As Abraham returned from war, he met Melchisedec, King of Salem (“King of Peace”). Melchisedec had such a powerful spirit Abraham recognized him as a high priest of God, spontaneously gave Melchisedec a tithe of the spoils of war and asked for his blessing. According to Psalm 110:4, a Melchisedec high priest is appointed by God and must swear an oath to serve instead of inheriting the title by birth.

Christ is the supreme Melchisedec High Priest, appointed by God, serving under oath as the Son of God, with the power to represent human and priestly perfection (completion). Christ also perfected (completed) each of us, so God views us through the lens of perfection provided by Christ.

Central Ideas

1. Jesus Christ, High Priest for eternity, can never be replaced, removed, or succeeded.

2. Christ’s ministry fits our needs. His sacrifice on the cross occurred once, for all people of all time.

3. The text presents Jesus as the officiant presiding over the sacrament in which he, himself, is the sacrifice.

4. As the supreme High Priest after the order of Melchisedec, Christ perfects and completes us.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How does your life reflect Christ, present and forgiving “for all time”?

2. When has someone outside the church recognized you as a minister without being told? How did they know?

3. Which Community of Christ sacrament speaks to you most clearly about the role of Jesus Christ as One who saves?

4. How does Christ perfect and complete us? Explain the atonement (salvation) using the image of God, looking at us through the lens of Christ’s life, teachings, and ministry.

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 25

Hebrews 7:23–28 NRSVUE

Gathering Welcome

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

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn, “When the Darkness Overwhelms Us,” Community of Christ Sings 314, by Jim Strathdee.

...Free our minds for dreaming of a time when war shall ever cease, Free our eyes for vision that leads us to the ways of peace.

Freeing God, our shoulders are sore. Our eyes are strained. Our backs ache. Time feels heavy. Darkness overwhelms us. Grayness suffocates us. Light eludes us. Peace seems impossible and a foolish pursuit. Yet…

We come together and share our stories: stories of communities overcoming apathy; stories of friends sharing heavy loads; stories of the Spirit breathing life into our bodies. These stories light a small flame in our hearts.

Today, we pray you would feed those flames of peace, and that we would carry them carefully, yet boldly, into all corners of darkness. In doing so, justice will prevail, and peace will cover Earth.

In the name of Jesus, who frees us and leads us. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Body Prayer

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

Read the following to the group:

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

We start with our hands in prayer pose (hands pressed together in front of you). This centers us. We raise our arms high. This opens us to the all-encompassing love of God.

We put our hands on our hearts. This reminds us to listen to our voice within.

We open our hands in front of our bodies. This offers our love to others. We lift our hands to the sky. This reminds us to be open to all. We bring our hands down. This helps us gather and bring all to our heart. We bring our hands back to prayer pose. This brings us back to stillness and peace. Repeat the movements three times. Read the following to the group: Bow to one another and say, namaste (I bow to you).

Sharing Around the Table

Hebrews 7:23–28 NRSVUE

Furthermore, the former priests were many in number because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests humans, who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

The author of Hebrews introduces the theme of Christ being the permanent high priest. There is no end to Christ’s service as high priest. No retirement or vacation, not even earthly death, could end this role. Christ serves forever. Here, Jesus is understood as the sacrament, the one evidence of God’s sacred work of redemption and restoration for the world. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are the physical evidence of God’s redemptive grace.

Disciples, followers of Jesus, take upon themselves the same Christ-like position of servant to the community around us. As humans, we will make mistakes, enter conflicts, and err grievously against another. The redemptive gift of Christ as high priest allows us to be freed from the stain of human error and sin. In this way we participate in the gift of grace and mercy found in Christ-like service.

Questions

1. When have you felt the need to ask forgiveness?

2. How does the idea of Jesus as forever High Priest impact your understanding of servanthood?

3. Tell of a time when someone brought profound ministry into your life.

Sending Statement of Generosity

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

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

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

The offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

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

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 335, “Here, O Lord, Your Servants Gather”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

 Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

 Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

 coloring supplies

 paper

Ask: Have you ever imagined that your heart is like a castle for peace?

Say: Let’s begin by taking three, deep, peaceful breaths together. Your heart is the center of who you are.

Today we are going to pretend your heart is a castle, and we are going to explore it and see what is in there!

Sit tall and mindfully.

Close your eyes and imagine your heart is a castle, and you are exploring it. You have a light, and you are shining it into the long hallways and dark corners.

What do the rooms look like? Are there windows? What can you see? How big or small are the rooms? What is beyond the doorway in your castle? Open it and see.

Imagine that your castle is filled with peace. Who will you share it with?

Now open your eyes. Use your crayons or markers to draw your castle.

Ask the following questions to help participants know what to draw:

 What did your castle look like? Was it tall or long?

 Was it very light or dark?

 Were there people in your heart castle? Animals?

 What surprised you about your castle?

 How did it feel to fill your castle with peace?

Invite the children to share their drawings.

Say: This week, take some time to explore your castle. Fill it with peace and count to five. Share the peace of your castle with others.

Adapted from Kids Book Club Resource