Worship Resources

17 September 2023

Additional Scriptures

Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114, Matthew 18:21-35, Doctrine and Covenants 163:10

Preparation

Ask several people of varying ages to be ready to respond with testimonies for the Focus Moment

Prelude

Consider using “Heritage, Restoration” hymns found in the Topical Index of Community Christ Sings.

Welcome

Call to Worship

Psalm 114

This could be read in its entirety by one person OR individuals could read one verse each.

Heritage Hymn

“Redeemer of Israel” CCS 388

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own. OR “Onward to Zion” CCS 390 OR “Lord, You Have Brought Us” CCS 76

Invocation

Response

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle Prayer

We pause to come into your presence We know you are already here; but, we are the ones who must clear away our clutter before we can experience that presence.

We speak of peace, but somehow, we do not fully understand; perhaps, because we cannot define it and fail to incorporate it into our actions or our very beings.

Yet, when we draw into your presence, we feel the peace we crave to wrap around ourselves and those we love. Perhaps gratitude for those moments keeps us from wondering how they happened. Perhaps we try to create those moments for others; perhaps we don’t remember that we have to let go of so much to be in your presence. We have pushed you away by rushing into our own understandings of peace.

So today, we pause to pray for peace. We need your grace to understand it and incorporate it into our beings, lives, and experiences.

Thank you for your presence, Amen

-Pamela Carr, used with permission

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

Hymn of Journey Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

“When We Are Living/Pues si vivimos”

CCS 244/245

CCS 242/243 OR “There’s an Old, Old Path”

Invite participants to share their stories of being part of Community of Christ. What is most important to them about Community of Christ? What experience(s) have they had that helped them know they belong to God? This can be facilitated in the large group or by dividing into small groups or pairs.

Heritage Story

Share this story about Joseph Smith III and Blessings of Communityhttps://www.historicsitesfoundation.org/uploads/1/2/5/5/125573177/blessings_of_ community.pdf

The generosity of the Saints is part of our history. Joseph Smith III embodied this generosity, as well as the Worth of All Persons, even before he joined the Reorganization. We are a people that helped those in need in the past, we continue to be generous in the present, and we model this generosity so it will continue into the future.

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.

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.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Hymn of Generosity to be sung as offering is received

“As Saints of Old”

620 OR “Brothers and Sisters of Mine” CCS 616 OR ”Take My Life, That I May Be/Toma, oh Dios, mi voluntad” CCS 610 Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

For additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response Tools at CofChrist.org/spiritualpractices-generosity/.

Scripture Reading Romans 14:1-12

Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn

"The God of Abraham Praise”

OR “God of All Time”

OR “In the Crossroads of the Moment”

Message Based on Romans 14:1-12

Closing Hymn Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

“The Spirit of God like a Fire Is Burning”

384 OR “We Thank You, O God, for Our Prophets”

OR “Lord, Who Views All People Precious”

Benediction

Sending Forth Doctrine and Covenants 163:10

Sung Response

“God Be with You Till We Meet Again”

OR “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”

Postlude