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SEASON AFTER PENTECOST

YEAR A

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

TRINITY SUNDAY

COLOR: White

Scripture

Genesis 1:1–2:4a

This text is the first of two creation stories. The story will answer four theological questions: (1) Who is God? (2) What is the nature of this world? (3) What is the relationship between God and this world? and (4) Who are we? or What does it mean to be human in the larger context of God's relationship to this world? Three of these are answered in the Genesis text; the fourth will be answered in Psalm 8. The story begins with chaos and out of chaos God creates. Here is a strong proclamation about the power of God to create. The power to create is not effortless. The presence of chaos in this verse underscores two things: that there is resistance to God's structuring of a good creation — there is real evil in the world; and that creation is itself an act of divine grace — we don't fashion creation it is given to us.

Psalm 8

Psalm 8 is a hymn of praise. It contains an individual voice and a community refrain. The Psalm offers praise of God’s name and asks what is the role of humankind in God’s creation. Humans are important in God’s creation. The description of the role of humankind is probably based on the creation story, Genesis 1:26.

2 Corinthians 13:11–13

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” There are two parts to this passage. The first contains warning and admonitions to the Corinthians. Then the final verses formally close the letter. The power to face their problems will not come from the Corinthians alone. God will supply the power. Finally, Paul pronounces the formalized benediction.

Matthew 28:16–20

The text opens with the disciples with the risen Jesus on a mountain top in Galilee. Mountains are symbolic of God’s work and revelation. We have here declaration, commission, and a reminder-promise. The statement about Christ's authority states that God has empowered Jesus to empower others. Acting on his authority, Jesus directs the disciples into mission. The mission is the making of disciples through the activities of baptizing and teaching. The work of making disciples is ultimately the work of the risen Christ and God. Christians become disciples through baptism; and they are disciples by doing what Jesus commands. There is a promise that Jesus is with us. We are called to work with Jesus not just “for” Jesus.

Greetings/Calls to Worship

With all our heart, we take refuge in God most high,
who created all things,
the merciful Father, Source of all goodness.

With all our heart, we take refuge in Christ,
the Redeemer from sin,
who restores our true nature,
the perfect and mysterious Word.

With all our heart, we take refuge

in the One who embraces the universe,
who at all times and in all places responds to our needs,
the pure and tranquil Holy Spirit.

For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"

who has shone in our hearts

to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God

in the face of Jesus Christ.

Called to be faithful stewards of creation,
we come to worship:
to sing to the One who has created all
that is good, beautiful, and true
and who has shared everything with us.
Called to be disciples of Jesus Christ,
we come to learn:
to follow the One who meets us
in every moment of our lives,
in every place where we find ourselves.
Called to proclaim the good news of Easter,
we come to find the words:
to be taught by the Spirit who moves
in and through us, as we serve the world.

Prayers

Everlasting God:

You have revealed yourself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

and ever live and reign in the perfect unity of love.

Grant that we may always hold firmly and joyfully to this faith,

and, living in praise of your divine majesty,

may finally be one in you;

who are three persons in one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Almighty and eternal God,
you have given us faith
to affirm the glory of the eternal Trinity
and to worship you as One.
Keep us firm in this faith
and safe with you forever.
For you live and reign, one God,
now and forever.
Amen.

Thematic

God of delight,
you Wisdom sings your Word
at the crossroads where humanity and divinity meet.
Invite us into your joyful being
where you know and are known
in each beginning,
in all sustenance,
in every redemption,
that we may manifest your unity
in the diverse ministries you entrust to us,
truly reflecting your triune majesty
in the faith that acts,
in the hope that does not disappoint,
and in the love that endures. Amen.

Intercessory

Holy, holy, holy God,
in calling forth creation from the void,
revealing yourself in human flesh,
and pouring forth your wisdom to guide us,
you manifest your concern for your whole universe.
You invite us, as your people,
to gather the world's needs into our hearts
and bring them before you.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Holy, holy, holy God,
fill us with strength and courage,
with discernment and compassion,
that we may be your instruments of justice and love in this world, that it may be on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Possible Hymns

“Holy, Holy, Holy”
“All Creatures of Our God and King”
“I Sing the Almighty Power of God”
“Let All Things Now Living”
“Eternal Father, Strong to Save”
“Morning Has Broken”
“All Things Bright and Beautiful”
“O Zion Haste, Thy Mission High Fulfilling”
“Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above”
“This Is My Father’s World”
“For The Beauty of the Earth”
“Praise The Lord Who Reigns Above”
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
“The Voice of God Is Calling”
“O Spirit of the Living God”
“Open My Eyes, That I May See”
“Let Us With A Gladsome Mind”
“O Worship The King, All Glorious Above”
“Lord, You Give The Great Commission”
“Here I Am, Lord”

Second Sunday After Pentecost, Year A

Color: Green

Scripture

Genesis 22:1–14

This text is sinister at best. It is a story of testing. God tells Abraham to take his son to the mountain and offer him as a sacrifice. Even though the story is resolved with God providing a lamb, it still leaves today’s hearer wondering. We realize “that we do not really know very much about this God. From the story, we do know that there is a vast distance between who God is and our limited understanding of him, which means that the life of faith will be one of constant testing, because the believer will frequently be called to act without fully understanding.” (Preaching the New Revised Common Lectionary, Year A) It seems the central point of the story is that Abraham was willing to obey God. He passed his test and realized God is present. God sees us even when we don’t see God. The story takes place on the mountain. Therefore, we may know it is a story about worship. In worship, God is present even if we don’t see or perceive that Divine Presence.

Psalm 13

The Psalm is a Psalm of lament because God seems absent from worship. Such moments test our faith. After two desperate questions, the language shifts to the language of faith. This serves as commentary on the testing of Abraham and the problem of blindness that results from God far exceeding our understanding. The Psalm moves through complaint, to question, to faith. The faith comes from past experiences where God proved trustworthy.

Romans 6:12–23

Christian freedom! Freed from enslavement to sin and the law and enslaved to Christ and righteousness. This is the work of grace. “So you must consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God in Christ.” Through Christ, God did for the Romans what they could not do for themselves: God set them free from the power of sin. They now have responsibilities and they must resist a return to sin. Grace frees us from sin and gives us the choice of who we will follow. Paul calls us to follow God as revealed in Jesus Christ.

Matthew 10:40–42

We are called to active discipleship. Be in fellowship and community with other Christians, Christ, and God. Christ himself came in service. As we receive others in his name, we receive Christ. In his company, we will be led to new avenues of service. “Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple -- truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward."

Greetings/Calls to Worship

With joy and celebration, God welcomes us to this place.
How good it is to gather in God's house!
With joy and celebration, we welcome one another.
We greet each other by name;
we are equal in God's Kingdom.
We open our hearts, to welcome God's love;
we open our arms, to welcome God's people.
Here, every single one of
God's children is welcome.

(Thom Shuman)

How long, O God, how long must suffering go on?
It sometimes seems that pain and suffering will last forever.
At these times, Lord, we feel that you are absent - O how we long for some
sign of your presence.
For pain is the enemy which threatens to overwhelm our trust in you;
Without your presence, darkness and death fill our thoughts and crowd you out.
Hear our cries, O God, as you have in the past.
Dispel the dark horizons of our fear with the assurance of your presence.
Strengthened by the knowledge that we are never ever abandoned by
you, we put our trust in your steadfast love.
For you O God, deliver us from darkness to light, from death to life;
Mindful of your great mercy, we lift our voices to you in songs of
endless praise.

O LORD my God! Give light to my eyes,
I trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Jesus said:

"Whoever welcomes you

welcomes me,

and whoever welcomes me

welcomes the one who sent me."

Let us welcome a stranger.

Let us welcome God.

(Katherine Hawker)

Prayers

Thematic

To fulfill the ancient promise of salvation, O God,
you made a covenant with our ancestors
and pledged them descendants more numerous than the stars.
Grant that all people may share in the blessings of your covenant,
accomplished through the death and resurrection of your Son
and sealed by the gift of your Spirit. Amen.

Intercessory

Possible Hymns

“The God of Abraham Praise”
“O God, Our Help in Ages Past”
“Take My Life and Let It Be”
“Trust and Obey”
“’Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus”
“More Love To Thee”
“Rescue the Perishing”
”Give to the Winds Your Fears”
”Precious Lord, Take My Hand”
”What Wondrous Love Is This”
“And Can It Be That I Should Gain”
“Ye Servants of God”
“O For A Heart to Praise My God”
“Servant Song”
“God Is Here”

The Third Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green

Scripture

Genesis 24:34–38, 42–49, 58–67

The issue at hand is a wife for Isaac. While the story is strange for us, it conveys the message of God’s faithfulness. In the midst of servants bearing gifts, signs of water and camels, and Rachel having the “ring in her nose,” we can see God keeping God’s promise. Because Abraham was faithful in his testing, God now leads the way in heirs being born. “This is a story of how God works out divine promises through the interrelationship of many people doing good but not exceptional things.” (Preaching the New Revised Common Lectionary, Year A) There are many people in this story. Each of them tries to discern God’s will. The central message is that it is a story about “many characters whose collective participation brings about a heroic act — namely, the carrying on of God's promise to a new generation.” (Preaching the New Revised Common Lectionary, Year A).

Psalm 45:10–17

This is a Psalm of Marriage. This serves as a response to the Genesis text as it becomes a celebration of Rebekah and her ability to leave Nahor to follow God's call to marry Isaac.

Romans 7:15–25a

This is a difficult text. First, in our era, we would typically see these words as Paul speaking personally and confessionally. Paul is speaking far more universally – more the voice of humankind. Paul is saying that without Christ, humanity is up the creek of sin without a paddle and with a leak in the boat. Sin has duped humanity. Paul realized there are forces at work in the world – forces outside humankind – that are opposed to God. Humans are most thoroughly deceived when they think they are serving God, in fact, they are serving evil. The Good News of our situation is Jesus Christ. Christ has liberated us.

Matthew 11:16–19, 25–30

Jesus speaks directly here to “this generation” about the poor reception of both John the Baptist and himself. On our own, we humans often fail to comprehend God's emissaries and God's purposes. Our gracious God is active in the world revealing the person of Christ and the purposes of his will. God's self-revelation transpires freely and graciously through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ calls "all . . . that are weary" to "take his yoke" and to "learn from him." We are called to admit our limitations, to accept his authority, and to the discipleship of service. We look at our lives in the framework of God’s active presence in the world.

Greetings/Calls to Worship

Come to Christ, that living stone,
rejected by the world, but in God's sight chosen and precious.

We have responded to Christ's call,

and seek to be built into a spiritual house,

a living reminder of God's presence on earth.

Once we were no people, but now we are God's people,
called out of the darkness into God's marvelous light.

Therefore we sing with the Church in all ages:

Blessed be your name, O God, our Redeemer.

By your mercy we have been born anew to a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Sing praises to God, O you saints,
and give thanks to God's holy name!

We exalt you, O God, for you have restored us to life!

We may cry through the night, but your joy comes with the morning.

You hear us, O God, and you are gracious in our distress.

You turn our mourning into dancing!

Our souls cannot be silent!

O God, our Savior, we give thanks to you for ever!

Jesus says: ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens,

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.'

With joy and celebration, God welcomes us to this place.
How good it is to gather in God's house!
With joy and celebration, we welcome one another.
We greet each other by name; we are equal in God's Kingdom.
We open our hearts, to welcome God's love; we open our arms, to welcome God's people.
Here, every single one of God's children is welcome.

(Thom Shuman)

Prayers

Thematic

Intercessory

Lord God, friend of those in need,
your Son Jesus has untied our burdens
and healed our spirits.
We lift up the prayers of our hearts for those still burdened,
those seeking healing,
those in need within the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Hear our prayers
that we may love you with our whole being
and willingly share the concerns of our neighbors. Amen.

Possible Hymns

“Come, Thou Almighty King”
“Ye Servants of God”
“When Love Is Found”
“Jesus Shall Reign”
“What A Friend We Have in Jesus”
“Amazing Grace”
“Be Thou My Vision”
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
“Fairest Lord Jesus”
“Lord of the Dance”
“Jesus Loves Me”
“Just As I Am”
“Make Me A Captive, Lord”
“O Love That Will Not Let Me Go”
“Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God”
“Near To The Heart of God”
“I Love Thy Kingdom Lord”
“Trust and Obey”
“How Firm A Foundation”

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green

Scripture

Genesis 25:19–34

Here is a story with no heroes. Rebecca and Isaac have no children. Isaac prayed for a child and God blesses them with twins. There is sibling rivalry from the beginning. There is favoritism by parents. There is self-centeredness and trickery by the children. Neither Jacob nor Esau is particularly likeable. It is precisely in the midst of all these struggles that God's continuing promise of a people who will be God's blessing in the world would be fulfilled. Esau is the first born. He would receive the blessing. Rebekah liked Jacob the best. Being hungry, Esau sold his birthright for food to eat. God has promised a great nation. Yet, many of the matriarchs are barren. This is a theological problem. What will God do about the obstacle? Their names are an important part of the story. To be sure, this is not a story about “divine destiny” but rather a story of divine grace. This story underscores how there is nothing inherent in the people of God to account for the gift of salvation. The God of Jacob is a God of grace.

Psalm 119:105–112

This Psalm celebrates and teaches the value of Torah. This passage is predominantly about praise for divine instruction. God's word is like a lantern which guides the Psalmist.

Romans 8:1–11

What the law could not do, God has done for us in sending Jesus Christ. God has defeated sin God has therefore freed humanity to live freely "in the Spirit," under the gracious leadership of the Spirit. Here is a contrast of our life before Christ and our life with Christ. We grasp for God because God has already grasped for us. In the Spirit, the Spirit of God lives in our spirit. In the Resurrection, we perceive the presence and the power of God that has now grasped us in order to bathe us in saving grace.

Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23

The original parable of Jesus focused on the surprisingly abundant harvest despite initial threats. The allegorical interpretation would lead us to a discussion of soil. Jesus offers the parable as a reminder of God’s work among us. The parable portrays the mysterious, concealed working of God, who miraculously brings the harvest. The message of the parable is that the victory of the kingdom is assured. The harvest is God’s doing and God is faithful. The responses and actions of believers do not affect the final coming of the kingdom. The choices they make are ultimately important, for they determine which side they are on at the final harvest.

Greetings/Calls to Worship

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

And also with you.

The Lord turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water.

The Lord lets the hungry dwell there, and they establish a city in which to live.

They sow fields and plant vineyards and get a fruitful yield.

They multiply greatly by the blessing of the Lord, who does not let their cattle decrease.

Your grace is a lamp for our hearts, O God.
Light our way through the shadows of this world.
When we struggle with questions and doubts,
tell us your stories of hope and grace.
When we are about to wander off into the wilderness,
show us the paths to your peace and joy.

(Thom Shuman)

Prayers

Thematic

Intercessory

(Vanderbilt Theological Library)

A Franciscan Blessing

God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen.

God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen.

God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. Amen.

God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.

And the Blessing of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day and forever more. Amen.

Possible Hymns

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
“Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above”
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
“I Sing the Mighty Power of God”
“Children of the Heavenly Father”
“Sent Forth By God’s Blessings”
“For the Beauty of the Earth”
“Breathe on Me, Breath of God”
“The God of Abraham Praise”
“Trust and Obey”
“And Can It Be That I Should Gain”
“Lord Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing”

The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green

Scripture

Genesis 28:10–19

Jacob, the trickster, is on the run. Having stolen his brother’s birthright and duped his father, he is on the run. He comes to a place he will name Bethel. He doesn’t realize it is a holy place. He uses a stone for a pillow and sleeps. In his sleep, he dreams of God and the ladder ascending and descending from heaven to earth. God appeared to Jacob and renewed the promise to multiply Jacob’s descendents and to be with Jacob. God is determined to keep God’s promise to Abraham. Jacob is not a character out looking for God; more likely, God is looking for Jacob! Jacob is not one we would think would be after God. God will not leave Jacob alone until God fulfills the promise. Is this a promise or a threat? Jacob speaks of the holiness of the place and responds that the God of his parents will be his God. Jacob adds several conditions to his response. God promises not to leave Jacob until the promise is fulfilled. “God is doggedly pursuing Jacob, and the reason for it is certainly not his character. Rather, it is because God is obligated to promises. This side of the story provides insight into the nature of divine grace.” (Preaching the New Revised Common Lectionary, Year A) A second thing to note is Jacob and how his limitations are frequently our own. He cannot see clearly because of his own self-interests.

Psalm 139:1–12, 23–24

This Psalm offers the rich affirmation of the searching presence of God. Our God is a searching God who is present in all situations and all circumstances.

Romans 8:12–25

“All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God . . . the Spirit bears witness that we are children of God.” Christian life is life in the Spirit. This life it is a relationship to God that has come as a gift from God. Since we are God’s children, we will be heirs. Paul understands that we are experiencing grace. There is more to come! Paul now translates Christian suffering into meaningful suffering. As co-heirs with Christ, Paul says our suffering for Christ is like Christ's own suffering — an anticipation of the glory to which God will bring us.

Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43

This parable is often called “the parable of the wheat and tares” from the language of the King James Version. This parable wrestles with the age old question of suffering. Why are there weeds and why do bad things happen to good people. The parable does not give an answer; but we realize there is good and evil at work in the world. “The parable tells us both that God is not the author of evil and that God knows the difference between what is good and bad, right and wrong, the children of the evil one and the children of the Kingdom. Moreover, the parable tells us that although we wish God would hurry up and get rid of the weeds, God acts knowingly and ultimately for our well-being.” (Preaching the New Revised Common Lectionary, Year A) The parable distinguishes between God and evil. It affirms God takes both seriously and will deal with the evil at an appropriate time. The parable should remind us to leave separation and judgment to God. God will take care of it in God’s time. We are called to live faithfully.

Greetings/Calls to Worship

Sing praises to God, O you saints,
and give thanks to God's holy name!

We exalt you, O God, for you have restored us to life!

We may cry through the night, but your joy comes with the morning.

You hear us, O God, and you are gracious in our distress.

You turn our mourning into dancing!

Our souls cannot be silent!

O God, our Savior, we give thanks to you for ever!

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.
"If I say, 'Let only darkness cover me,
and the light about me be night,'

even the darkness is not dark to you,
The night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you, O God."

O God, you know us inside and out, through and through.
You search us out and lay your hand upon us.
You know what we are going to say even before we speak.
We praise you, O God, for the wonderful knowledge
that whoever we are and wherever we go, you are with us.

Prayers

Thematic

Through dreams and visions, O God,
you broaden the horizon and hope of your people,
that they may discover the meaning of your covenant,
even in the midst of trial and exile.
Increase the number of those who believe in your word
so that all people may joyfully respond to your call
and share in your promises. Amen.

Intercessory

As you heard the prayer of Isaac and Rebekah, O God,
and guided them in the way of your love,
so listen now to those who call upon you.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Move us to praise your gracious will,
for in Christ Jesus you have saved us from the deeds of death
and opened for us the hidden ways of your love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Intercession based on Gospel reading

Let us pray for the church and the world, saying,
Come, Lord of the harvest!

For all children of your kingdom, that we may be planted and thrive in your field.
Come, Lord of the harvest!

For all children of the evil one, that we may show them love and respect, and faithfully proclaim the gospel.
Come, Lord of the harvest!

For our chief enemy, the devil, and for all enemies of life and peace — sin, war, disease and death.
Come, Lord of the harvest!

For our sojourn here and now,
in weed-filled feeds of our own making,
Come, Lord of the harvest!

Come, Lord of the harvest,
and with your angels reap from us
every spot of evil and injustice.

Come, purify, purge and polish us
by your Spirit,
that now,
and in your new creation,
we may shine like the sun.
Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Possible Hymns

“The God of Abraham Praise”
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”
“God Is Here”
“There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy”
“Amazing Grace”
“The Church’s One Foundation”
“Stand Up, and Bless the Lord”
“Breathe On Me, Breath of God”
“All Who Love and Serve Your City”
“Blessed Assurance”
“The Spirit Sends Us Forth To Serve”
“Let All Things Now Living”
“Be Thou My Vision”
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”
“Lord Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing”
“Children of the Heavenly Father”
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green

Scripture

Genesis 29:15–28

The trickster, Jacob, is tricked by a better trickster, Laban. Thinking he is working to receive Rachel, Laban instead presents Leah. Jacob must work another seven years to receive Rachel. God does not appear to take sides with either of the tricksters. Later, God will bless Leah with children. Leah is the innocent victim of the trick. She is also the only one worthy of God's attention and blessing.

Psalm 105:1–11, 45b

This Psalm of praise recounts the salvation history of Israel. The central focus is to praise God for the gift of salvation in the setting of worship. There are commands to give thanks, to call, to make known, to sing, to tell, to give glory, to rejoice, to seek, and to remember. Remember that God is a God of covenant.

Romans 8:26–39

The text offers a strong word about the sovereignty of God. Paul declares what this means for the Christian. Then the text speaks of “predestination.” Sovereignty and predestination are difficult doctrines for us. Paul’s purpose here is not to educate but to inspire and assure. These give assurance concerning the power, purposes, and dependability of God. God is very active in the world God has created. “God's love has grasped believers in such a way that there is absolutely no one and nothing that can come between God and the believers.” (Preaching the New Revised Common Lectionary, Year A)

Matthew 13:31–33, 44–52

In this passage, we encounter five short parables. We have the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast, two so-called "small to large" parables. Then, in rapid order, the parables of the hidden treasure, the pearl, and the net, three "kingdom" parables. The text asks about the disciples' comprehension of the parables before the conclusion with a saying about "every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven." The lesson actually holds three separable parts together. The normal interpretation here is “small to large.” If a little mustard seed or yeast can accomplish so much, how much more the Kingdom of God. Going inside the parable may help us realize what you see is not what you expect, and it won't fit neatly with normal piety. Thus our religious assumptions are challenged by the negative force of these images. In brief, the Kingdom may offend us! The parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl both underscore that some things demand our all. Such is the Kingdom, which requires us to arrange our priorities. The parable of the net is a loose allegory on final judgment. With the words about the scribe, we are reminded the new takes precedence over the old.

Greetings/Calls to Worship

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
In him we are more than conquerors.

Or

May those who love your salvation say continually, "Great is the Lord!"

Yea, our heart is glad in God, because we trust in God's holy name.

Let us make a joyful noise to God with songs of praise!

We praise you, O God;

we acknowledge you to be the Lord.

Or

On this day of worship, we call on God's name,
and hear our own invitation to work for the good of all.
Gathered with neighbors and strangers, we call on God's hope,
and discover that a lifetime of service seems but a few days.
In this place of praise and prayer, we call on God's love,
and receive that grace which is as old as creation,
yet as fresh as each morning.

                                 (Thom Shuman)

Or

Let us sing praises for the wonders of God
Let us give thanks for the works of God
Let us rejoice in the love of God
Let us worship in the presence of God

Or

The kingdom of God is here, and coming.

A mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field;

it is the smallest of all the seeds,

but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree,

so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.

The kingdom of God is here, and coming.

Yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour

until all was leavened.

The kingdom of God is here, and coming.

Treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid;

then joyfully sells all he has and buys the field.

The kingdom of God is here, and coming.

A merchant in search of fine pearls;

on finding one of great value,

sells all of his possessions and buys the pearl.

The kingdom of God is here, and coming.

Let all who have ears, hear.

A CREED: THE MINI-PARABLES OF JESUS.

We believe in the love-kingdom of God, through Christ upon us, within us, beyond us.

We believe the love-kingdom is like a mustard seed; sown in apparent insignificance,

            growing into magnificence for the greening of the world.

We believe the love-kingdom is like yeast; inserted in humble insignificance

            into the dough of life, expanding into enough bread for the world.

We believe the love-kingdom of God is like a treasure; lost and rendered insignificant

            under the ground, now found with joy and thanksgiving.

We believe the love-kingdom of God is like pearls; all others become in insignificant

            when the largest, most beautiful pearl of all is found.

We believe the love-kingdom of God is like a net full of fish; where even insignificant

            sardines are saved but worm-ridden barracouta are thrown away.

We believe in the love-kingdom of God, through Christ upon us, within us, beyond us;

where the meek and the poor, the merciful and the hungry, rejoice with the angels of God.

Loving God, we believe; scatter our unbelief.

Prayers

Thematic

To fulfill the ancient promise of salvation, O God,
you made a covenant with our ancestors
and pledged them descendants more numerous than the stars.
Grant that all people may share in the blessings of your covenant,
accomplished through the death and resurrection of your Son
and sealed by the gift of your Spirit. Amen.

Intercessory

Creator God,
you call us to love and serve you
with body, mind, and spirit
through loving your creation
and our sisters and brothers.
Open our hearts in compassion
and receive these petitions
on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Holy One,
hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards
of the fragile bounty of this earth
so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen.

Intercessions based on two lessons:

Genesis:

For just wages for workers across the world, and for the courage and wisdom to value life over profits or low prices, we pray to you, O God.

Silence

For families of every kind, that we may rightly value each other in our relationships, we pray to you, O God.

Silence

For the earth, that our labor and care may help us yield abundant and sustainable harvest, we pray to you, O God.

Silence

For all who are homeless, and for all whose itinerant lives mean they have never settled in any place long enough to make it home, we pray to you, O God.

Silence

For all who are sick, all who are dying, and all who have lost their way, we pray to you, O God.

Silence

God of Jacob and Laban, Leah and Rachel, hear us and help us find our home in you. Amen.

Romans

For the mission of your whole church, and our faithfulness in your mission where we live and work, we pray to you

Because you are for us, O God!

For leaders of nations, companies and movements, that they may always work for justice and fight every form of hardship, distress, persecution, famine, poverty, hunger, and danger, we pray

Because you are for us, O God

For all who have died or are dying because they are treated as sheep for the slaughter, we pray

Because you are for us, O God

For healing for the sick, release for captives, and recovering of hearing for the deaf and sight for the blinded we pray

Because you are for us, O God

For courage to claim the victory over everything that would seek to separate us or anyone from the love of God in Jesus Christ, we pray

Because you are for us, O God. Amen!

Possible Hymns
- “O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing”
- “Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise”
- “O Worship The King”
- “How Firm A Foundation”
- “As the Deer”
- “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God”
- “Amazing Grace”
- “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go”
- “Rejoice, the Lord Is King”
- “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
- “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”
- “My Faith Looks Up To Thee”
- “Sweet Hour of Prayer”
- “Be Thou My Vision”
- “God of Grace and God of Glory”
- “Take My Life and Let It Be”

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green

Scripture

Genesis 32:22–31

Once a trickster always a trickster? Our text is the final story in Jacob’s struggle. The question whether Jacob will always be the trickster is played out. It is a question concerning God and God’s salvation. We have here a story of transformation; this is instituted by God. God enters Jacob’s dream and God and Jacob struggle through the night. Jacob tries to coerce a blessing from God. God renames Jacob to Israel. This means “one who struggles with God.” The change of name and a new physical weakness mark the initial transformation in Jacob/Israel.

Psalm 17:1–7, 15

The Psalm is a plea for protection. This is a good response to the Genesis lesson. It provides a commentary on Jacob's struggle with God. The motifs of a night visit by God and of a morning recognition that the psalmist has seen the face of God provides direct connections to Genesis 32:22-31.

Romans 9:1–5

Paul offers a reflection on God's relationship to Israel. Paul speaks as one centered in Christ. God brought Christ forth from Israel. That is Israel's greatest privilege and Israel's greatest hope. Christ is not just one from Israel’s past. Christ is set over all things. Christ is humanity’s hope and he is Israel’s hope. God has blessed Israel in the past and now God works in and through Jesus Christ.

Matthew 14:13–21

Upon hearing of the death of John the Baptist, Jesus withdraws to be alone. He has his disciples with him. The crowds find him and he “has compassion” on them and heals the sick. This simple story is complex and has at least five parts: (1) Jesus hears of the death of John and withdraws by himself to a deserted place; (2) the crowds follow Jesus and he has compassion and heals the sick; (3) at evening the disciples and Jesus discuss feeding the crowd; (4) Jesus takes charge and acts; and (5) the results — the huge crowd is fed. Jesus’ response to the disciples when they ask him about sending her people away is interesting: “you feed them.” Jesus' followers are given the responsibility for attending to the real needs of others. Jesus has the people sit down on the grass. Grass? Where does this come from if they were in a desert or deserted place? “The greenness in the "deserted place" underscores the lushness of life in Jesus' presence. But this is a pointer, not a point. The real action takes place as Jesus turns to God. The power for the work Jesus is about to do comes from God. It flows from God to Jesus and, in turn, through Jesus to the disciples, who extend the results of God's abundant grace to those in need. Thus our work as Christians is ultimately God's work.” (Preaching the New Revised Common Lectionary, Year A) In preaching the miracles, it is tempting to try and explain away the miracle. I think it is preferred to allow the miracle remain as the miraculous inexplicable work of God in Christ.

Here is a hymn text written by Roswell Park which expresses the spirit of the text:

“Jesus spreads his banner o’er us,
Cheers our famished souls with food;
He the banquet spreads before us,
Of His mystic flesh and blood.
Precious banquet, bread of heaven,
Wine of gladness, flowing free;
May we taste it, kindly given,
In remembrance, Lord, of Thee.”

Greetings/Calls to Worship

L: Come, all who are hungry and thirsty.
P: The Lord will provide for our needs.
L: Come this day to the table of the Lord.
P: Here we will find welcome and sustenance.
L: Come to this time of gathering and praise.
P: Lord, we come with open hearts and spirits to receive your gracious gift of love. AMEN.

L: Welcome to this house of the Lord.
P: We thank you for this kind greeting.
L: This is a place of hope, healing, and challenge.
P: Our hearts and spirits are in need of God’s healing touch.
L: Here you will be cherished and nurtured.
P: Praise be to God, who offers to us such a place of comfort. AMEN.

Prayers

Thematic

Intercessory

God of mercy and healing,
you who hear the cries of those in need,
receive these petitions of your people
that all who are troubled
may know peace, comfort, and courage.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Life-giving God,
heal our lives,
that we may acknowledge your wonderful deeds
and offer you thanks from generation to generation
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Vanderbilt Theological Library)

Possible Hymns

“The God of Abraham Praise”
“God Is Here”
“When Morning Gilds the Skies”
“Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain”
“Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown”
“Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us”
“Nothing But the Blood”
“Blow Ye The Trumpet, Blow”
“Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face To Face’
“All Who Hunger”
“Let Us With A Joyful Mind”
“O Love That Will Not Let Me Go”
“For The Bread Which You Have Broken”
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”
“The Lord’s My Shepherd”
“Sent Forth By God’s Blessings”

The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green

Scripture

Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28

Our text is the account of how Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. This story is about family. This story reminds us of the power of evil, oppression that can actually begin with the people of God themselves. Then, it can radiate out to influence others. The final verse introduces us to a new evil – the Pharaoh.

Psalm 105:1–6, 16–22, 45b

The psalm is significant in its praise to God. There are frequent commands for the worshiper to give thanks, to call, to make known, to sing, to tell, to give glory, to rejoice, to seek, and to remember. The final command, “Remember that the Lord is a God of covenant.” The remainder of the psalm provides illustration what it means that the Lord is a God of covenant. Covenant means that God stays with Israel even when they act out of evil motive.

Romans 10:5–15

The lesson comes from Paul's extended and difficult discussion of God's relationship to Israel in the light of the Christ-event. Paul's mixed attitude toward the Israelites and his declaration that Christ has made the law obsolete by bringing righteousness through faith lie behind the verses of this week's lesson. Paul makes the point, "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is lord of all and is generous to all who call on him." Paul speaks from the perspective of faith, in the light of the revelation of Christ, and after the cross and Resurrection. Paul takes Christ and God's work in Christ as the standard in interpreting the sacred texts. What God did and does in Jesus Christ is the final determining factor for how we are to appropriate Scripture into our lives. And in Christ, God acted to do for humanity what will never be able to do for ourselves. “This act of God means that saving grace runs past ethnic and cultic lines and into the hearts of all humankind. In Christ, God eliminated the kinds of human distinctions that once marked groups off from one another.” (Preaching the New Revised Common Lectionary, Year A)

Matthew 14:22–33

In this lesson, we encounter the amazing authority of Jesus. There are two scenes. Jesus goes away in a boat to a place to pray. The boat drifts away and into a storm. Jesus. The disciples are afraid and Jesus speaks words of assurance to the disciples. The second scene has Peter get out of the boat and try to walk to Jesus. Peter begins to go under and Jesus reaches out his hand to save Peter. This story is about the authority of Jesus. Matthew recognizes Jesus' power: Jesus sends the disciples away; Jesus dismisses the crowd; Jesus exercises authority over the elements of nature, both the water and the wind; and Jesus speaks with confidence and power to the disciples.

In the second scene, Jesus moves to the disciples. Peter wants to walk to Jesus. Peter loses sight of Jesus and begins to focus on the chaos. He sinks into a worse state than he was in when he was in the boat! Yet again he turns to Jesus, "Lord, save me!"; and Jesus does. I once preached this text and questioned why Peter even stepped out of the boat. He was in the company of the disciples, the faithful – what we call the church. When he leaves the company of the body, he begins to sink. Is there an analogy for us about withdrawing from the Body of Christ when things are difficult?

Reading

Reader One:
I wish Jesus had come with us. He just wanted to be alone for a while, but I would have felt better if he had just gotten into the boat and come with us.

Reader Two:
I know what you mean. I don’t like it when he’s not here. I think that the water is beginning to get rough, and have you noticed how the wind is beginning to pick up? I’m concerned. All right, I’m scared!

Reader Three:
Just hang on. We can ride out this storm, I think.

Reader One:
I don’t know. The wind is really getting fierce and the waves are splashing over the boat.

Reader Two:
We are probably going to sink! Where’s Jesus when you need him?

Reader Three:
I don’t know. I just don’t know.

Reader One:
What’s that? Look, over there. Do you see it? Is it someone actually coming toward us, walking on the water?

Reader Two:
You know that’s not possible, not even on the glassy sea. Now, with the waves and the howling wind, you’re seeing things. That will really help save us, won’t it!

Reader Three:
No, I think I see someone also. I think I do. I’m not sure. Maybe my eyes are deceiving me.

Reader One:
Hey! Is that you, Jesus? If it is you, just tell me to come to you and I’ll do it.

Voice:
Come.

Reader One:
That’s good enough for me. I’ll step over the edge of this boat.

Reader Two:
Are you nuts? You are going to drown! Don’t be an idiot.

Reader Three:
Are you really going to step over the side? Is that really Jesus?

Reader One:
There’s one way to find out. Here I go. I’m coming, Lord.

Voice:
Don’t be afraid. I’m right here.

Reader One:
I’m ok, I think. Wow! These waves are big! Oh my God, I am going to drown. Help me, Lord, I’m sinking. I am afraid.

Voice:
Here, take my hand. You will be okay. Why did you have such little faith? Have you not seen? Do you not believe?

Reader One:
Forgive me, Lord. I am weak and fearful. Help me be stronger.

Reader Two:
Lord, forgive my lack of faith! I know of your love and the wondrous ways in which you have healed and restored others. Restore me also through your mercy and grace.

Reader Three:
I wanted to believe, Lord, but I just wasn’t sure. I was afraid! Please forgive me.

Voice:
Do not fear. I am with you. I will reach out to you as you encounter all the waves and winds in life. Place your hand in mine.

Greetings/Calls to Worship

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Incline your ear to me, and save me!
Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me,
For you are my rock and my fortress
Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
From the grasp of the unjust and cruel.
(From Psalm 77:2b-4)

L: Give thanks to the Lord!
P: Sing praise to God’s name!
L: The Lord has done wonderful things for us!
P: The Lord has heaped blessing upon blessing in our lives!
L: Come, sing, shout, and give thanks to God.
P: In all our ways, we will continually thank God forever. AMEN.

Or

L: Over the turbulent waves in our lives, Jesus calls us.
P: We get so busy watching the waves, we block out Jesus’ call.
L: Look again. Jesus is calling to you.
P: Lord, help us hear your voice.
L: Come, place your trust in Jesus.
P: Lord, forgive our doubts, receive our lives. AMEN.

Here, in this place, God welcomes
all the dreamers, as well as the doubters:
here, the worriers and wanderers
can call on God by name.
Here, in this time, we can remember
all the ways God has graced us:
here, in these moments, we are reminded
that God is with us, always!
Here are gathered those daring enough
to step out of comfort into the unknown:
here, in this faith space, we will find the courage
to cry out, 'God, save us!' in every situation.

(Thom Shuman)

Prayers

Opening Prayer

Lord, we come to you this day, seeking your healing and restoring love. Give us courage to reach out to you in the good and easy times as well as in the times of strain and stress. Open our hearts to receive your message of peace and hope. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. AMEN.

Thematic

Eternal God,
you are present with us throughout our lives,
even when others plot to do us harm.
May we learn to live together in unity,
that in all we do,
we may sing your praises now and forever. Amen.

Intercessory

Friends in Christ,
God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers
as dear to us as our own needs.
Loving our neighbors as ourselves,
we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions
on behalf of the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Hear our prayers, God of power,
and through the ministry of your Son
free us from the grip of the tomb,
that we may desire you as the fullness of life
and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.

Possible Hymns

“Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise”
“O, For A Thousand Tongues to Sing”
“When Morning Guilds The Skies”
“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”
“Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above”
“Eternal Father Strong to Save”
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”
“Now Thank We All Our God”
“Here I Am, Lord”
“Be Still My Soul”
“Make Me A Captive, Lord”
“Are Ye Able?”
“O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee”
“He Is Lord”
“Take My Life and Let It Be”
“Christ Beside Me”
“We Have Come At Christ’s Own Bidding”
“We Walk By Faith

The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green

Scripture

Genesis 45:1–15

In this second story of Joseph, Joseph provides his brothers with a theological interpretation of the events that have befallen him. Behind this story are the dreams of Joseph. In our text, Joseph discloses his real identity and provides a theological interpretation of his brother's earlier treachery toward him. God has been hidden in the story. Now Joseph identifies himself to his brothers and then gives some theological meaning to the story. “ . . . because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors.” The power of God's promise breaks into the story, which then pushes the narrative in a new direction toward family unity. We see God working through to preserve Israel and the promise to Abraham. “The preacher, therefore, has opportunity to preach about the hiddenness of God, and the power of dreams in revealing God's will, or the need for seeing God at work through the ordinary events of family life.”(Preaching the New Revised Common Lectionary, Year A)

Psalm 133

This is characterized as a wisdom Psalm. This Psalm provides commentary on the ending of Genesis 45, where the family is reunited. It puts into liturgical language the same theme as the story. The blessing of God makes community possible and is evident in the unity of the community.

Romans 11:1–2a, 29–32

The central question of the text is, “What is one to make of the rejection of the gospel of Jesus Christ by some, even the majority, of God's chosen people—the Jews?” So Paul wonders, "Has God rejected God’s people?" Paul assumes that God is capable of bringing the chosen people to belief. If they do not believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, has God rejected them? Paul rejects the conclusion that God has rejected the Jews. His evidence is that he himself is a Jew and he believes the gospel. Paul maintains the conviction that God is both sovereign and faithful. The Jewish rejection of the gospel is not a sign of God's rejection of the Jews. It is the result of God's working through the Jews to accomplish the salvation of the Gentiles. This present situation exists because God is moving toward a goal -- to have mercy on all humanity. Perhaps there are three conclusions we may draw, “(1) God works in ways that elude or baffle the human mind. (2) God is merciful. And, (3) God is faithful.” (Preaching the New Revised Common Lectionary, Year A)

Matthew 15: (10–20) 21–28

We are going to need to read the first nine verses of this chapter to understand the firs verses of our text. These verses are dealing with ritual purity. The second part of the lesson (which could stand on its own) is a miracle story featuring the exchange between Jesus and the woman the disciples' coming and urging Jesus to get rid of the annoying woman. Jesus surprises us. Now he doesn't even bother to answer this woman. The disciples say “give us a break; this woman is disturbing us!” Jesus speaks to the woman and we learn of his pointed sense of mission to Israel. The woman’s faith wins Jesus over. We see that God's work through Jesus is destined to move beyond the confines of Israel to all persons of faith. This woman has a double problem: she is a woman and she is Canaanite. Her daughter has one more problem. She is demon possessed. We witness the grace of God finding its way beyond the religious and national lines of ethnic Israel. And, we have a glimpse of the future of the gospel, where the power of God will be extended to all people of faith. We are called to extend God’s grace to all people in all places.

Reading
[This reading is actually a monologue for one woman. It may be done as “readers’ theater,” using this script, or it may be memorized.]

Woman:
They called me a fool for pestering Jesus. I didn’t know what else to do. All the healers, all the prayers, all the incantations over my daughter did nothing. I was going to lose her. Her torments seemed to be getting stronger with each moment. I feared for her life. I love her so much. I needed help. And then Jesus came to town. I knew of the wonders that he had performed. Word gets around. And I wondered if he might be able to help me. I’m not an Israelite. I am a foreigner in this land. My faith background is not the Israelite faith. And they said that I shouldn’t even be there. Who did I think I was? They kept shouting at me. “Get away from Jesus,” they said. You don’t belong here. You are not one of us. I didn’t listen to them, or at least didn’t follow what they wanted. I came to Jesus and tugged on his robes, pleading for my daughter’s restoration. And he looked at me. Even his disciples said that I should be sent away." Please, please, Lord. Please heal my daughter!” He looked at the crowds and said that he was sent to the lost sheep of Israel. I didn’t care. I took a risk. “Please, help us, Lord." He said that the bread was for the chosen people, for the children of God. “It was not fair to take their bread and throw it to the dogs.” I couldn’t believe it. A dog? I was a dog? So I summed up all my courage and told him that even the dogs get the crumbs that are dropped under the table. I wasn’t asking for the whole thing, just some healing for one little girl, that’s all. With compassion in his eyes, he looked at me and said “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish!” Amazed, shocked, I felt as though I was floating! Let it be done for me as I wish? My daughter would be healed? Oh my God! It is true. She is healed! She is well! She is whole! And so am I. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for having compassion on me, a foreigner in need. Thank you. Thank you.

Greetings/Calls to Worship

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.

Behold, how good and pleasant it is
When we live together in unity!

For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,
Life for evermore.

To you, O Lord, I call;
my rock, be not deaf to me,
lest, if you are silent to me,
I become like those who go down to the pit.
Hear the voice of my supplication,
as I cry to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your most holy sanctuary.
From Psalm 28: 1-2

L: Welcome today to a celebration of God’s love!
P: We are grateful for this welcome.
L: Feel the loving power of God flow into your lives.
P: We open our hearts and lives to receive God’s blessings.
L: Come, let us worship God who is always with us.
P: Lord, be with us today as we listen for your words of hope. AMEN

Or

L: Each one of us here is different.
P: We are unique individuals.
L: We come from various backgrounds.
P: We come with differing needs and dreams.
L: Yet the Lord calls us to worship in unity.
P: Praise be to God who blesses our diversity and our unity. AMEN.

Here we can come together, people searching for healing and hope:
here we are met by the One who would bless us with abundant life.
Here we are called to gather as the family of God:
we may find those who are strangers, yet are sisters and brothers of ours.
Here we discover the truth that God makes no distinctions among us:
here we are welcomed and embraced by the One whose arms are open to all.

Prayers

Thematic

Intercessory

God of mercy and healing,
you who hear the cries of those in need,
receive these petitions of your people
that all who are troubled
may know peace, comfort, and courage.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Life-giving God,
heal our lives,
that we may acknowledge your wonderful deeds
and offer you thanks from generation to generation
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OR

God of mercy and healing,
you who hear the cries of those in need,
receive these petitions of your people
that all who are troubled
may know peace, comfort, and courage.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Life-giving God,
heal our lives,
that we may acknowledge your wonderful deeds
and offer you thanks from generation to generation
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OR

God of salvation,
who sent your Son to seek out and save what is lost,
hear our prayers
on behalf of those who are lost in our day,
receiving these petitions and thanksgivings
with your unending compassion.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Redeeming Sustainer,
visit your people
and pour out your strength and courage upon us,
that we may hurry to make you welcome
not only in our concern for others,
but by serving them
generously and faithfully in your name. Amen.

(Vanderbilt Theology Library)

Possible Hymns

“O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing”
“Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above”
“Praise To The Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation”
“Brother, Sister, Let Me Serve You”
“All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded”
“Children of The Heavenly Father”
“God Moves In A Mysterious Way”
“God of Our Life, Through All the Circling Years
- “If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee”
- We Gather Together To Ask The Lord’s Blessing”
- “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
- “And Can It Be That I Should Gain”
- “Bind Us Together, Lord”
- “O Zion, Haste”
- “In Christ There Is No East Or West”
- “She Came To Jesus”

"She Came to Jesus" is a hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette written in 2002. It is based on the lectionary gospel text for Ordinary 20, Year A: the story of the Canaanite woman asking Jesus to heal her daughter (Matthew 15:21-28). This hymn is written to the popular tune of SLANE ("Be Thou My Vision"). It is reproduced here with permission.

"She Came To Jesus"

Tune: Slane 10.10.10.10 ("Be Thou My Vision")

She came to Jesus from outside the fold--

Canaanite woman! Persistent and bold!

Looking to Jesus, she wanted to see

One who would help her and set her child free.

Claiming a blessing, a touch of God's grace,

She knew God's love was not bounded by place.

Jesus, you listened, debated-- then healed--

For in her asking, her faith was revealed.

God, you still bless those who seek you in prayer.

You welcome dreamers who faithfully dare.

In Christ, now risen, your mercy extends:

Those on the outside are welcomed as friends.

----------

Biblical Text: Matthew 15:21-28

Tune: Irish Ballad.

The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green

Scripture

Exodus 1:8–2:10

Our text tells the same story three times. It is a story of how the power of God's blessing cannot be stopped by any human power. Pharaoh becomes afraid of the Israelites. The conflict between Pharaoh and Israel, midwives, and a Levitical mother is a clash of two kinds of power: human power and the power of God’s blessing. We realize Pharaoh is not the one in control, no matter how he tries. Moses is saved so that he can save his people from bondage. Our text presents us with the background and the birth of Moses.

Psalm 124

This Psalm provides both instruction on how God acts in events and language of thanksgiving. The language of the psalm provides commentary on the opening chapters of Exodus.

Romans 12:1–8

Beginning abstractly and making it clearer as the book of Romans now unfolds, Paul is concerned with relating the will of God to the everyday life of the Christian community. In the way of Christ, we are called to present ourselves as a sacrifice to God. While the Body of Christ has many members, we are one in Christ. We are given different gifts and we are called to use our gifts in service to Jesus Christ and the Body.

Matthew 16:13–20

“Who do people say I am – but who do you say I am?” The manner in which Matthew recounts the famous confession of Peter at Caesarea Philippi communicates several convictions about the nature of valid faith. First, faith is informed. Jesus assumes that his disciples are aware of what people are saying about him. Second, faith is involved. We must grapple with the issues of faith ourselves and form a conviction that is genuinely ours. Third, faith is independent. We may be called to draw conclusions that differ from those currently available through traditional channels. Fourth, faith is inspired. What we know about the person, work, and will of our Lord is the outcome of the work of God in our lives. Peter is called to serve the church and the world. Jesus’ warning to Peter about the gates of Hades is a reminder we will meet opposition but that God will prevail.

Greetings/Calls to Worship

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.

L: You have called us to this place, O Lord.
P: Each one of us is unique, with differing gifts and talents.
L: Yet each talent represented here is valuable in God’s realm.
P: Lord, help us find ways in which to use our talents for healing and hope.
L: Come, let us praise the Lord who has called us here.
P: Let us open our hearts and spirits to God’s word for us. AMEN.

Or

L: God has blessed each and every one of us.
P: We want to serve God.
L: Each talent, each skill can be used for peace and justice
P: Lord, help us be part of ministries that promote hope and peace.
L: Come, let us praise God for the diversity present here.
P: Enable us, O God, to discern what you would have us do. AMEN.

Or

L: If it had not been for the Lord, who reached out to us
P: We would have perished in our own selfishness.
L: If it had not been for the Lord, who healed our wounds
P: We would have succumbed to pain and sorrow.
L: Praise be to God who reaches out to us, healing and restoring our lives.
P: All thanks be to God for the many ways in which our lives have been blessed. AMEN.

Prayers

Thematic

God, you are the power of liberation,
calling your servant Moses
to lead your people into freedom,
and giving him the wisdom to proclaim your holy law.
Be our Passover from the land of injustice,
be the light that leads us to the perfect rule of love,
that we may be citizens of your unfettered reign;
we ask this through Jesus Christ,
the pioneer of our salvation. Amen.

Intercessory

(Vandererbilt Theologial Library)

Possible Hymns

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”
“All People That On Earth Do Dwell”
“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
“Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above”
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
“Living for Jesus”
“Amazing Grace”
“Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”
“The Church’s One Foundation”
“There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy”
“Blest Be The Tie That Binds”
“Take My Life And Let It Be”
“How Firm A Foundation”
“We Are Your People”
Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation”
“Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim”
“O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee”
“Sent Forth By God’s Blessings”

The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green

Scripture

Exodus 3:1–15

Our text today deals with the call of Moses. God’s call comes in the ordinary experience of our everyday routines. Moses is tending sheep. Frequently the call of God to biblical characters is unexpected. The introductory word tends to establish a relationship between God and the one being called. This gives a new perspective on life that enables someone to have a call. The commission from God is always very specific and task oriented. Objection to the divine call is normal. The objection brings divine assurance. God promises to be with Moses. Moses is going about his daily routine. He sees a bush burning, but not consumed. God calls to him; go and lead my children out of Egypt. Say “I Am” sent me. Moses makes excuses but ultimately responds.

Psalm 105:1–6, 23–26, 45c

The Psalm calls us to give thanks to God. It remembers the account of Israelite oppression in Egypt, the sending of Moses and Aaron, and praise for God's statutes. The Psalm takes up the narrative account of Israel in Egypt and turns it into the language of praise. All of these events are re-defined with God as the center.

Romans 12:9–21

“Okay, class, here is a lesson for you.” “Let love be genuine.” Paul proceeds to offer practical advice to living the Christian life. His words here may have been a part of his catechism instructions. Love one another, be ardent, do not judge, and love your enemies.

Matthew 16:21–28

“Location, location, location!” Following on Simon Peter’s stunning confession of Jesus as Messiah, Jesus now introduces the ideas of his suffering, death, and resurrection. Following that revelation, Jesus and Simon Peter engage in a sharp discussion of suffering and death. When Jesus told of his impending suffering and death, Peter tries to “set Jesus straight.” What follows is a strong rebuke of Peter. Jesus uses the same words of rebuke that he uses when he rebukes demons. Jesus has the final say. “Get behind me Satan!” He calls Peter Satan. As Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, now Peter tempts Jesus not to walk the hard way ahead. Jesus tells Peter, “Get behind me.” He does not tell him to “get lost.” Jesus invites Peter to be a disciple – a learner – and get in the proper relationship. “Jesus lived obediently and he served selflessly; but, in contrast, Peter seems to think only of the easy road and the good times. Peter, though recognizing Jesus, still does not comprehend the call to discipleship as a call to service, rather he frames it as a call to privilege and power. And Jesus labels such thinking as typically human and not divine.” (Preaching the New Revised Common Lectionary, Year A) In the verses which follow, Jesus teaches the true nature of discipleship.

Greetings/Calls to Worship

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Seek the Lord and God's strength; see the Lord's presence continually.
Remember the wonderful works God has done.

Behold, we stand on holy ground.
O give thanks to the Lord.
Make known God's deeds among the peoples.
The strength and power of God's love
echoes through the ages to meet us here
in this place and time.
O give thanks to the Lord.
Make known God's deeds among the peoples.
I am who I am calls to us to remember
the Son sent to redeem us.
O give thanks to the Lord.
Make known God's deeds among the peoples.
We are ardent in spirit and in our love for one another.
We persevere in prayer and overcome evil with good.
O give thanks to the Lord.
Make known God's deeds among the peoples.
Let us enter into worship to rejoice in hope,
and take up the cross of Christ in our hearts. Amen!

L: Give thanks to the Lord!
P: We will sing God’s praises!
L: Seek the Lord and God’s strength.
P: We continually seek God’s presence in our lives.
L: Remember all the wonderful things that God has done.
P: Praise the Lord! AMEN.

Or

L: How shall we get along with one another in this world?
P: The Apostle Paul said that our love should be genuine. We should hate what is evil and hold fast to what is good.
L: We should honor one another with kindness and compassion.
P: We should always be strong in our enthusiasm to serve God.
L: Come, let us joyfully worship God in all that we do.
P: Let us praise God in our words, our thoughts, and our actions. AMEN.

L: Have you heard God’s call in your life?
P: We’re not sure. Sometimes we think we know what God wants us to do; but at other times things are not very clear.
L: Place your trust in the Lord. God is with you always.
P: Lord, it is a scary thing to do--to just place our trust in you.
L: God is with you. You will be safe.
P: Thanks be to God who watches over us and guides us. AMEN.

Prayers

Opening Prayer

Blessed Redeemer,
as we gather in this holy place today,
may we feel your power surrounding us.
As we seek to fathom the message of the burning bush,
calling us to greater faith and action,
we are mindful of the struggle toward perfection
expected of Christ's followers.
In the spirit of Moses, who heard the call;
in the passion of Paul who fervently taught;
and in the love of Jesus who gave his life,
we come ready to listen to your word. Amen.

Thematic

Intercessory

Creator God,
you call us to love and serve you
with body, mind, and spirit
through loving your creation
and our sisters and brothers.
Open our hearts in compassion
and receive these petitions
on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Holy One,
hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards
of the fragile bounty of this earth
so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen.

OR

We praise your abiding guidance, O God,
for you sent us Jesus, our Teacher and Messiah,
to model for us the way of love for the whole universe.
We offer these prayers of love
on behalf of ourselves and our neighbors,
on behalf of your creation and our fellow creatures.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Loving God,
open our ears to hear your word
and draw us closer to you,
that the whole world may be one with you
as you are one with us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Possible Hymns

“The God of Abraham Praise”
“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”
“God of Love and God of Power”
“Love Divine”
“He Leadeth Me”
“Here I Am, Lord”
“Brother, Sister, Let Me Serve You”
“Holy Ground”
“O Jesus, I Have Promised”
“Will You Come and Follow Me”
“Lift High The Cross”
“Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation”
“Bind Us Together”
“This Is A Day of New Beginnings”
“ Go Forth For God”
“Sent Forth By God’s Blessings”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Season After Pentecost 1

Trinity Sunday (First Sunday after Pentecost) (White)

The first and last Sundays in the season After Pentecost are days with special themes Trinity and Christ the King, respectively. Although the basic color for this half of the year is green, it is customary to use white on these Sundays. These are traditional Sundays between the high seasons and what is often called "ordinary time," and while they are not in the first rank of great days in the Christian Year, they are nevertheless significant celebrations.

On Trinity Sunday we celebrate the mystery of Gods being as Holy Trinity. Often the emphasis of this day has been placed on the Trinity as an abstract concept, idea or doctrine an intellectual emphasis that tends to produce sermons and liturgies which attempt to interpret or explain this doctrine to those who find it confusing or incredible. Whatever the pastoral justification for this approach may be in certain situations, it seems generally more in keeping with the character of worship and of the Christian Year to treat Trinity Sunday as a day in which we praise and adore the infinitely complex and unfathomable mystery of Gods being to which we point when we speak of the Holy Trinity. Because our celebration of the Easter cycle is based upon the mighty acts of the triune God, and because we are entering upon the Sunday-to-Sunday half of the year when the emphasis is wholeheartedly upon each Sunday as the Lords Day, whose celebration is also based upon the mighty acts of the triune God, it is appropriate that we pause on this transitional Sunday to give ourselves over to the adoration and praise of the being as distinct from the acts of the triune God. (New Handbook of the Christian Year)

Scripture:

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31

This text is about creation by wisdom personified. Wisdom is personified as a woman. The woman called Wisdom is pictured calling out to people in the market place. She wants the people to embrace the power of her teaching. The first verses set the setting; Wisdom calls out in the midst of everyday life. She is positioned at the crossroads or the gates. To you, Opeople, I call,and my cry is to all that live. (vs. 4) Verses 22-31 explore the identity of Wisdom from a divine point of view. The focus is not the relationship of Wisdom to humans, but the relationship of Wisdom to God. Wisdom describes her birth prior to creation and her relationship to God. Wisdoms authority arises from the fact that as God's begotten child, she witnessed creation. She now knows all the hidden secrets that are buried into the fabric of creation.

Psalm 8

Psalm 8 is a hymn of praise. It is somewhat unusual in that it is a hymn of praise that addresses God in the second person ("you"). The use of the second person establishes a certain intimacy in the relationship between singer and God. This is impressive because it contrasts with the vast (and impersonal) creation imagery that is the subject matter of much of the Psalm. This contrast provides the background for the central question in v. 4. What are humans to God in the larger context of the universe? We might assume they are insignificant but God has given mortals a formative role.

Romans 5:1-5

This passage meditates of the Christian community and its experience of grace. Faith in Christ offers peace. Recognizing the authority of Christ overcomes the distance between humans and God. Through Christ we have access to divine grace. In Christ, we have been justified made right. This good news brings us peace and hope. These verses were chosen for reading and preaching on Trinity Sunday because of the mention of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. They are about the transformation of our lives. Paul declares that we have been brought into a new relationship to God through the lordship of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Because of this new relationship, we are able to endure suffering, even viewing it positively (although Paul is not saying that suffering is good) because of our hope in God.

John 16:12-15

These words are from Jesus last discourse or farewell address. Verse 15 declares the essential unity of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Spirit. The three are mutually involved with the Father's will and word. That which the Father gave to Jesus, the Spirit will give to Jesus' followers. The focus here is on the Spirit as teacher of the disciples of Christ. There will be nothing new in this teaching, for it is a faithful communication in keeping with the basic teaching that Jesus himself did. What the community will learn from the Spirit is consistent with what the community began to learn from Christ. John's passage describes some of the ways that the Holy Spirit helps us:

The Holy Spirit guides us into truth (verse 13).
The Holy Spirit speaks the truth that he has heard (verse 13). With so much untruth and half-truth in the national spotlight, how do we, who are born of the Spirit of Truth, handle truth?
The Holy Spirit declares things that are to come (verse 13).
The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ (verses 14-15).

Greetings (Call to Worship)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Open our lips, O Lord:

And we shall declare your praise.

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, made haste to help us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Let us praise the Lord.

The Lord's name be praised.

With joy I greet you in the name of the Holy Trinity.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,

be with you all!

And also with you!

God is always far higher than our loftiest thoughts,

much closer than our most intimate experiences,

far more complex and awesome than our best creeds,

and more grace-full than our most sacred hopes.

Let us worship God!

OPENING PRAYER

Father, you sent your Word to bring us truth and your Spirit to make us holy. Through them we come to know the mystery of your life. Help us to worship you, one God in three persons, by proclaiming and living our faith in you. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer

Everlasting God:

You have revealed yourself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

and ever live and reign in the perfect unity of love.

Grant that we may always hold firmly and joyfully to this faith,

and, living in praise of your divine majesty,

may finally be one in you;

who are three persons in one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(Church of South India, 20th Cent., Alt.)

Creed

This is a good Sunday to use The Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed has been the most regularly confessed creed in Sunday Christian worship since its development in the late fourth century. It was indeed THE creed for the Mass, East and West, and has retained that place in much of Protestant Christianity as well. The Apostles Creed, while important, is understood to be the creed for baptism -- a beginning point. In the Nicene Creed, the church more fully confesses its faith in our Triune God.

Hymn Suggestions

"Holy, Holy, Holy"
"Come, Thou Almighty King"
"Ancient of Days"
"Holy God, We Praise Thy Name"
"Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow" ( "The Doxology)
"Come, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost"
"We Believe In One True God"
"Thou, Whose Mighty Word"
Lift High the Crossigh the CrossH

Let Us with A Gladsome Mind
To God Be the Glory
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
O Lord, Our Lord How Majestic Is Your Name

Second Sunday after Pentecost (Green)

1 Kings 17:8-24

Elijah is ordered by the Lord to go to the city of Zarephath. Zarephath is a Phoenician city. The woman was not an Israelite woman; she was likely a worshiper of Baal. She came from the same region as Jezebel! This city is in Baals territory and is in dire straits due to a drought. The Lord ordains a woman to feed Elijah, even though she doesnt know it. It is interesting that the Lord would use a follower of Baal. This woman is a widow and that signals us she is probably destitute. Elijah reminds her the Lord sends rain, not Baal. The woman meets Elijahs need. Elijah apparently is taken into the widows house as a guest. The womans son becomes ill there is no breath left in him. Elijah becomes the instrument of healing for this child. The story affirms that Elijahs God, the God of Israel, is the Lord of life.

Response to the 1 Kings Lesson

We see Elijah calling on the name of God, _

responding to the forces of evil with an appeal to a higher power.

May we be a people of faith.

We see Elijah caring for the most vulnerable, _

offering bread to the widow and a healing touch to her child.

May we be a people of compassion.

We see Elijah speaking truth to power, _

daring to deliver words of judgment to the King.

May we be a people of justice.

We see Elijah ascend in the whirlwind, _

offering the promise of the still unfolding future.

May we be a people of hope.

Psalm 146

Psalm 146 is the beginning of a series of hymns of praise to God. Our trust is in God, not in humans or human agencies. Happiness is in trusting God.

Galatians 1:11-24

Paul begins a lengthy defense of his ministry by retelling his own history. Two themes run through the narrative: (1) the divine origin of Paul's call to preach the gospel and (2) Paul's independence from the Jerusalem church. On both points, he is defending himself against misrepresentations by the Missionaries. Paul is also offering himself as a model, an authoritative pattern for the Galatians as they seek to understand how to live faithfully before God.

Luke 7:11-17

This is the story of Jesus raising the widows son at Nain. Jesus refuses to pass the funeral procession. He stops and intervenes. Note this is a widows only son. She has lost her husband and now her only son. Note Jesus compassion for the widow. James will later record, Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress" (1:27). Had Jesus passed by that funeral procession on the other side when he had the power to stop it, none of his other works would have made much difference. If religion has nothing to say to a grieving widow, it has nothing to say. (New Interpreters Bible, Vol. IX) Jesus commands the young man to rise up and he does. The response of the crowd notes the authenticity of Jesus work.

A Word About the Lectionary

From Advent to Pentecost, the weekly lections have thematic unity governed by the gospel reading. After Pentecost, however, the readings cease to have thematic relationship. The Old Testament readings, the New Testament readings, and the gospel readings each take separate continuous or semi-continuous tracks. You will find these lessons to offer somewhat continuous reading through the books of the Bible.

Since preaching always has a context in worship, you will want to think clearly about how music, praise and prayer, gestures and movement, acts of response to the Word (invitation and response), Holy Communion, and Sending interface with the sermon, and vice versa. If proclaiming the Word of God is the aim of preaching, then these acts of worship need to be seen as additional ways to proclaim the Word and as responses to the Word. The various acts of worship serve as teaching moments to underscore the Word read and proclaimed.

Services of Healing

With both the Old Testament lesson and the Gospel lesson relating to healing, you might give new consideration to services of healing or at least a prayer for healing. There are good resources available. Several resources are available in the United Methodist Book of Worship. Other denominational resources may be consulted. Here are prayers for healing you may consider;

PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND WHOLENESS WITH ANOINTING AND/OR LAYING ON OF HANDS

If there is anointing with oil, a leader touches a thumb to the oil and makes the sign of the cross on the person's forehead, in silence or using these or similar words:

Name, I anoint you with oil

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit

(in the name of the holy and triune God )

If there is laying on of hands, a leader, who may be joined by others, lays hands upon each person's head, in silence or using these or similar words:

[for specified purpose].

If there is laying on of hands, a leader, who may be joined by others, lays hands upon each person's head, in silence or using these or similar words:

Name, I (we ) lay my (our ) hands on you

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit

(in the name of the holy and triune God )

[for specified purpose].

Greetings (Calls to Worship)

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

I will sing praises to God as long as I have being.

Or

Holy God of wind and fire;

Dance through this room today.

Holy God of earthquakes and illness;

Share our tears of sadness and pain.

Holy God of creation and new beginnings;

Show us again your vision of healing and wholeness.

Or

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

And also with you.

The risen Christ is with us.

Praise the Lord!

Prayers

Beckoning God,

as you moved in the lives of Elijah and Elisha,

move in our lives,

inviting us to journey to unknown territory,

to listen for your voice,

and to speak your prophetic word

in a world that does not want to hear.

empowered by your Spirit,

grant us the courage we need

to journey, trust, listen, speak,

and accept your commission

to be your faithful servant people. Amen.

Intercessory

Friends in Christ,

God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers

as dear to us as our own needs.

Loving our neighbors as ourselves,

we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions

on behalf of the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Hear our prayers, God of power,

and through the ministry of your Son

free us from the grip of the tomb,

that we may desire you as the fullness of life

and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.

Possible Hymns

All Hail the Power of Jesus Name
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven
To God Be the Glory
Now Thank We All Our God
Theres A Wideness in Gods Mercy
God Will Take Care of You
Only Trust Him
My Hope Is Built
Because He Lives
All Who Hunger
Amazing Grace
O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee
Come, Ye Disconsolate
Be Still My Soul
Hymn of Promise

Third Sunday after Pentecost (Green)

Scripture Lessons

1 Kings 21:1-21a

In this passage, Ahab takes possession of Naboths vineyard. Ahab wanted Naboths vineyard for it was closer to King Ahabs house. Naboth refused to give up his ancestral land. Ahabs spouse was Jezebel. Jezebel took matters into her own hands and arranged for Naboth to be killed. Then Ahab takes control of the land. God sends Elijah to Ahab. The prophet conveys a message to Ahab: Because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord, I will bring disaster on you; I will consume you, and will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel.

Psalm 5:1-8

This Psalm is addressed to God as king. As a prayer for help the Psalm illustrates that righteousness does not go unopposed. The psalmist is apparently threatened by violent schemes and is already the victim of deceit and lies. The Psalmist will enter Gods house and worship.

Galatians 2:15-21

Here is an argument about being justified through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul can claim his heritage as a faithful Jew and observer of the law. It is not through observance of the law, but in and through our faith in Jesus Christ that we are justified or made right before God.

Luke 7:36-8:3

Jesus is invited to dine with a Pharisee named Simon in his home. When Jesus is seated, a woman who is a sinner comes in and bathes his feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. Simon is astounded at the company Jesus keeps. Jesus reminds Simon that he has not fulfilled his hosting duties and this woman has. This scene demonstrates both that Jesus was a prophet and that he was more than a prophet. When Simon the Pharisee reasons that if Jesus were a prophet he would know the character of the woman who was touching him, Jesus' response shows that he knows both Simon's thoughts and the character of the woman. His response, therefore, confirms that he is a prophet; but when he forgives the woman's sins, he is greater than a prophet. I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little. Then he said to her, Your sins are forgiven. The people are astounded that Jesus forgives sin. Jesus goes through the cities and villages proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. We need to take a long look at Simon and see if we see ourselves. He thought he was sinless and he was comfortable in pointing at anothers sin. Jesus calls Simon to take a good look at himself. He is accompanied by the twelve disciples and some women who support the ministry. This is the only reference in any of the Gospels to the role of a group of women followers during Jesus' Galilean ministry. This serves as a corrective to the assumption that Jesus followers were all male. It should serve to shatter the concept of the good old boys club.

Greetings/Call to Worship

In the abundance of Gods sure love, we enter this house.

In awe and reverence, we will worship in Gods temple.

We come not because we have to but because we want to.

Through Christ, we have died to rules and regulations;

We no longer eke out our lives, for the abundant life of Christ is with us.

In the abundance of Gods sure love, we enter this house.

In awe and reverence, we will worship in Gods temple.

Or

Grace to you and peace from God

who is, and was, and is to come. Amen.

And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness,

the firstborn of the dead, and ruler of kings on earth. Amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.

Prayers

Thematic

Beckoning God,

as you moved in the lives of Elijah and Elisha,

move in our lives,

inviting us to journey to unknown territory,

to listen for your voice,

and to speak your prophetic word

in a world that does not want to hear.

empowered by your Spirit,

grant us the courage we need

to journey, trust, listen, speak,

and accept your commission

to be your faithful servant people. Amen.

Intercessory

Friends in Christ,

God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers

as dear to us as our own needs.

Loving our neighbors as ourselves,

we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions

on behalf of the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Hear our prayers, God of power,

and through the ministry of your Son

free us from the grip of the tomb,

that we may desire you as the fullness of life

and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.

Possible Hymns

Holy, Holy, Holy
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
Lead Me, Lord
And Can It Be That I Should Gain
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
My Faith Looks Up To Thee
Rock of Ages
Take My Life and Let It Be
What A Friend We Have In Jesus

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture

1 Kings 19:1-15a

After Elijah prevailed over the priests of Baal Jezebel threatens him. Here, one powerful and deceitful woman puts great fear in the mighty prophet. It appears to be a paradox. A prophet, who could invoke a drought and destroy so many worshipers of Baal, tucks tail and runs south. He is so despondent that he runs and hides. Even a mighty prophet was human and could have a down day! He is suicidal. So, in the desert, he takes a nap. That seems to be a good thing when the world is going to hell around you; take a nap! God awakens him and instructs him to eat. Elijah eats and then goes to Horeb, (an alternate name for Mt. Sinai) the mount of God. The mountain should be a code word for us that we are about to encounter God. Elijah is to go and stand on the mountain and God will pass by. There comes great wind, earthquake, and fire, but God is not in these. Then there is the sound of sheer silence. God is in the silence. God speaks again to Elijah sending him forth to serve.

The reading from I Kings is dramatic. Whirlwind, earthquake, fire, sheer silence, the repeated questions, "Elijah, what are you doing here" all these are motifs of poetic drama, not just prose. It is a story that plumbs the depths of the human soul struggling with the meaning and presence of God. This story could be presented dramatically rather than just reading it. If you choose to read it, then read the story well, perhaps with a figure of Elijah sitting scared, sullen, alone.

Psalm 42

Why are you cast down, Omy soul,and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,my help and my God. This Psalm of lament is a strong response to Elijahs despair and despondency. The Psalm opens, As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, OGod. My soul thirsts for God,for the living God. When shall I come and beholdthe face of God? My tears have been my foodday and night, while people say to me continually,Where is your God?

Galatians 3:23-29

Who are you? Who tells you who you are? Many groups, families, and individuals want to give us our identity. Paul clearly identifies us as children of God in Christ Jesus. And, I much prefer his identification of me over so many the world wants to give me! Paul argues that we are no longer under the law. Very few Gentile Christians are eager to become like Hasidic Jews. Yet congregations are still tempted toward all kinds of legalisms, which provide a sense of security. Many ask innocently, How am I to be a Christian? Tell me the rules! (Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary, Year C, After Pentecost 1) Since Christ has come, in baptism we are baptized into Christ; clothed with Christ. This understands that in the early church, baptismal candidates removed all their clothes before entering the water of baptism. As they came out of the water, they were clothed in new, baptismal clothes. We are clothed in Christ and we are children of God. The old distinctions are broken down. We are not slave nor free, male nor female, we are one in Christ Jesus.

Luke 8:26-39

Jesus encounters the Gerasane demoniac. The powerful question of the man with many demons is profound, What have you to do with us? Many people have tried to limit the power and reach of Christ. Asked to name the demons, the man says they are legion, many. Jesus calls the demons out of the man, and they enter a herd of swine. The pigs rush down and into the sea and are drowned. The man is now restored to his right mind and sits with Jesus. The people hear of this and they are frightened. This is too much for us. It is good the man is healed, but what is this going to bring upon us. Lets just stay as we were. They ask Jesus to leave and he does so. The man who has been healed wants to follow Jesus but Jesus instructs him to return to his home and tell what God has done.

Greetings/Calls to Worship

Trust in the Lord and do good

May the Lord give strength to the people!

O taste and see that the Lord is good!

God is our refuge and strength.

Or

Sing praises to God, O you saints,

and give thanks to God's holy name!

We exalt you, O God, for you have restored us to life!

We may cry through the night, but your joy comes with the morning.

You hear us, O God, and you are gracious in our distress.

You turn our mourning into dancing!

Our souls cannot be silent!

O God, our Savior, we give thanks to you for ever!

(Jann C. Weaver, The United Methodist Book of Worship)

Or

As surely as the deer pants for flowing water, so our souls long for you, O God.

We thirst for you, O living God, we long to see your face.

People mock us because of our belief in you. Where is your God, they cry.

But we know that our praise and thanksgiving has throbbed with the reality of your presence.

Yet doubts still creep in, threatening our confidence in your continuing presence.

When we are cast down and troubled, our hope is still in you, O God;

despite our fears, we still praise you, our help, our rock, our God.

Or

Come burdened

Come savvy

Come aging

Come discouraged

Come wanting

Come full

Come longing

Come drifting

Come

Children of God, Come

Prayers

Thematic

Beckoning God,

as you moved in the lives of Elijah and Elisha,

move in our lives,

inviting us to journey to unknown territory,

to listen for your voice,

and to speak your prophetic word

in a world that does not want to hear.

empowered by your Spirit,

grant us the courage we need

to journey, trust, listen, speak,

and accept your commission

to be your faithful servant people. Amen.

Intercessory

Lord God, friend of those in need,

your Son Jesus has untied our burdens

and healed our spirits.

We lift up the prayers of our hearts for those still burdened,

those seeking healing,

those in need within the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Hear our prayers

that we may love you with our whole being

and willingly share the concerns of our neighbors. Amen.

(Vanderbilt Theological Library)

Possible Hymns

Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above
All Hail the Power of Jesus Name
As the Deer
Be Still My Soul
Baptized in Water
In Christ There Is No East Nor West
Where Charity and Love Prevail
To God Be the Glory
Now Thank We All Our God
Since Jesus Came Into My Heart
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
We Need A Faith
O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee
Bind Us Together
Blessed Assurance
It Is Well With My Soul
Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
Let All Things Now Living
Come and Find the Quiet Center
Let Us With A Joyful Mind
I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
Sent Forth By Gods Blessing

The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14

Elisha now succeeds Elijah as prophet as Elijah is taken up to heaven. Elisha is first mentioned as a disciple of Elijah. Now he succeeds Elijah. Elisha followed Elijah from Bethel through Jericho to the Jordan. Scenes from the Exodus are recalled at the Jordan as the waters part for the prophets to cross. Elijah is taken up in a whirlwind and Elisha receives his mantle, having prayed for a double portion of his blessing. This is a request to be an heir to Elijah. Elijah says this is difficult for a human to give. Elisha receives the blessing and takes up the mantle as prophet.

Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20

This Psalm begins as a lament but changes midway to a celebration of tradition. The second section provides the best commentary on the Old Testament lesson. It picks up many of the central motifs of salvation in the Old Testament, while also adding the spectacular image of the prophet riding off into heaven.

Galatians 5:1, 13-25

Verse one states Pauls theme probably for the rest of the letter, Christ has set us free; do not yield to the yoke of slavery. Paul offers further arguments attempting to persuade the Galatians, who are Gentiles, not to become observant of the Jewish law. Paul uses both scripture and the experience of the Galatians as he argues. We are freed from the flesh and freed for the spirit. Paul compares appropriate and inappropriate uses of freedom. This continues through a comparison of the flesh and the spirit. Christians are called to resist turning the dynamic life of grace into the more static piety of rule-book religion. (Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary, Year C) Being freed, we can focus on self or we can focus on others. Paul would say the true test of religion is the focus. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14)

Luke 9:51-62

It would appear that two disciples are in need of anger management. When the Samaritan village refused to welcome Jesus, James and John wanted vengeance. Jesus says no. This episode reveals the temptation to use violence to achieve right. Lukes introduction to the journey to Jerusalem shows the radical nature of the claims of Christ. Three would-be followers refuse to change their priorities. The first offers to follow Jesus but Jesus reminds him of the nature of the sacrifice. Animals have places to lay their head, but the Son of Man doesnt. The follower may well be like Jesus. The second would-be follower begs off to bury his father. The text does not make clear whether the father is dead or the person is saying after he fulfills this obligation then he will follow. Jesus replies harshly, Let the dead bury the dead. This man has refused to re-order his priorities. Jesus may be saying, Let the spiritually dead bury the physically dead. The third would-be disciple asks permission to say farewell to his family. There is a similarity in this call/response and the call/response of Elisha. Unlike Elijah, Jesus is unwilling to wait. If you are plowing and look back, the rows will not be straight. Jesus emphasizes again the unconditional demand of the call to discipleship. We must remember that Jesus is on his way to the cross. This is no time for glib promises or misunderstandings.

Greetings/Calls to Worship

Come to Christ, that living stone,

rejected by the world, but in God's sight chosen and precious.

We have responded to Christ's call,

and seek to be built into a spiritual house,

a living reminder of God's presence on earth.

Once we were no people, but now we are God's people,

called out of the darkness into God's marvelous light.

Therefore we sing with the Church in all ages:

Blessed be your name, O God, our Redeemer.

By your mercy we have been born anew to a living hope,

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

(Ruth Duck, The United Methodist Book of Worship)

Day and night, I cry out to you, O God, praying that you will hear me

Time and again, I stretch out my hand, seeking your presence and your comfort.

When my mind is full of anxious thoughts, my heart and soul refuse to be comforted;

But when I recall your wonderful deeds of past days -

the way you responded to the cries of your people - saving them from slavery and guiding them to freedom;

then I know that you hear my cry.

Your way, O God is holy. No one is as great as you. You are the God who works wonders and performs mighty deeds.

You are the God who hears our cries and answers them.

(based on Psalm 77 vv1-2,11-20)

This is the day which has been given by a most generous God.

We will rejoice and be glad in it.

The grace, joy and peace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.

And also with you.

Prayers

Thematic

Beckoning God,

as you moved in the lives of Elijah and Elisha,

move in our lives,

inviting us to journey to unknown territory,

to listen for your voice,

and to speak your prophetic word

in a world that does not want to hear.

empowered by your Spirit,

grant us the courage we need

to journey, trust, listen, speak,

and accept your commission

to be your faithful servant people. Amen.

Intercessory

Creator God,

you call us to love and serve you

with body, mind, and spirit

through loving your creation

and our sisters and brothers

Open our hearts in compassion

and receive these petitions

on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Holy One,

hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards

of the fragile bounty of this earth

so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen.

Possible Hymns

Sing Praise To God
Now Thank We All Our God
Brother, Sister, Let Me Serve You
A Charge To Keep I Have
And Can It Be That I Should Gain
Jesus Calls Us
Lift High the Cross
O, Jesus I Have Promised
Would I Have Answered When You Called?
Will You Come and Follow Me?
In Christ There Is No East Or West
Be Thou My Vision
The Gift Of Love

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture

2 Kings 5:1-14

Here is a story with both pathos and humor. Dont miss the many levels of the story as the plot unfolds. Naaman was a great and mighty warrior. He led his people to victory. In spite of his power and greatness, he had an incurable disease: leprosy. Leprosy was a sentence of separation and death. One of the women in his wifes service tells him there is a prophet in Israel who could make him well. Naaman goes to his king with this report and the king writes a letter to the King of Israel instructing him to get the healing done. Naaman goes off with ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of garments. Apparently, medical care was expensive then, too! When Naaman arrives before the king of Israel with his letter, the mighty king is distraught. The king may have great power, but even he realizes he cant cure Naaman. He assumes Naamans king is trying to pick a fight. The good prophet Elisha hears of all this distress and sends word for the king to send Naaman to him. Naaman goes to see the prophet, but the prophet doesnt even come out to see him; instead, he sends an assistant to tell him to bathe in the Jordan river. Now Naaman is indignant. Shouldnt the prophet come out to see someone of Naamans stature? At least he could have come out and spoken some incantation. Naaman is about to return home because of his arrogance and pride. One of his servants intervenes and says, If the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it. So why not simply do what the prophet says? Naaman relents and goes to fill the prescription. He is healed. The cure of Naaman is a story about the activity of God beyond the boundaries of Israel. The problem in the story is how people go about recognizing the activity of God in unexpected places.

If you choose to use this lesson, for a visual you could have some muddy water. You might wish to offer a time of healing after the sermon; invite people who wish to come for prayers and laying on of hands.

Psalm 30

This Psalm is a hymn of thanksgiving over having been healed. Verse 2: O LORD my God, I cried to thee for help, and thou hast healed me. The Psalm begins with the thanksgiving of the Psalmist, then shifts to the congregation, and then recounts the life changes. This Psalm serves as a good response to the healing of Naaman.

Galatians 6:1-6 (7-16)

In this lesson, Paul offers a few directives of what it means to walk by the spirit. Paul thinks of the church as an extended family. In this family members should take responsibility for one another. We are not rivals but sisters and brothers making the journey together. We offer correction with great gentleness and love. It is not the law; it is not circumcision or lack of circumcision; it is being the new creation in Jesus Christ. Our reading contains ethical instructions and Pauls closing farewell. Paul admonishes us to deal gently with those who do wrong at times. It is in the Spirit of Christ that we do so. We are called to bear one anothers burdens. Herein is the admonition, God is not mocked; what you sow you will reap. A scribe has taken down Pauls words until the final farewell. Paul makes note that he writes this himself. Paul says that he does not boast of anything except the cross of Jesus Christ.

Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

On his way to his passion, Jesus sends ahead a large number of his people. The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. They are to go in pairs to prepare the way for Jesus. It would be well to note Christian life is never a solo voyage. Christian existence and Christian life are corporate in nature, for Christ calls us into life and action as God's people, not merely as God's persons. The commissioning of the larger group conveys a sense of growth and movement. As Jesus turns toward Jerusalem, he is still preaching the kingdom of God. Now the kingdom is being preached not just by Jesus and the Twelve. This commissioning foreshadows the mission of the early church and establishes the pattern for those who are sent out. Their work is to prepare the way for Jesus in each of the villages. In that sense they are forerunners like John. Note that it is not the trained professionals the ministers who are called and sent. All his followers are sent out. How does the church fulfill its mission today? In Luke, as the disciples return sharing successes there is thanksgiving to God, joy and celebration.

Greetings/Calls to Worship

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

And also with you.

The risen Christ is with us.

Praise the Lord!

Sing praises to God, O you saints,

and give thanks to God's holy name!

We exalt you, O God, for you have restored us to life!

We may cry through the night, but your joy comes with the morning.

You hear us, O God, and you are gracious in our distress.

You turn our mourning into dancing!

Our souls cannot be silent!

O God, our Savior, we give thanks to you for ever!

The United Methodist Book of Worship)

Prayers

Thematic

Beckoning God,

as you moved in the lives of Elijah and Elisha,

move in our lives,

inviting us to journey to unknown territory,

to listen for your voice,

and to speak your prophetic word

in a world that does not want to hear.

empowered by your Spirit,

grant us the courage we need

to journey, trust, listen, speak,

and accept your commission

to be your faithful servant people. Amen.

Intercessory

Friends in Christ,

God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers

as dear to us as our own needs.

Loving our neighbors as ourselves,

we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions

on behalf of the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Hear our prayers, God of power,

and through the ministry of your Son

free us from the grip of the tomb,

that we may desire you as the fullness of life

and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.

Possible Hymns

All People That On Earth Do Dwell
Let All The World In Every Corner Sing
Jesus Shall Reign Wher'er The Sun
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Hail To The Lord's Anointed
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory
Glorious Things Of Thee Are Spoken
Jesus Lover of My Soul
Just As I Am Without One Plea
I Danced in the Morning
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
Bind Us Together
Blest Be The Tie
Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken
In the Christ of Christ I Glory
Jesus Shall Reign
Love Divine
O Zion, Haste, Thy Mission High Fulfilling
Lord, You Give The Great Commission
Servant Song
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim
Cares Chorus

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture

Amos 7:7-17

The text is the third of three visions. Our text presents the vision of the plumb line by the prophet Amos and his confrontation at the Bethel cult site with Amaziah. This lesson centers on the prophet Amos. There are five pieces of information about Amos contained in the text. The prophet is from Tekoa; this is a city in the southern kingdom. Amos has gone to the northern kingdom to offer a word of judgment. The word of judgment is delivered at Bethel, a place of worship. Amos is identified as a shepherd or sheep breeder. Amos is described as a visionary. Amos is one of the strongest voices for social justice in the Old Testament. His central message to the northern kingdom was one of judgment: because they had abused righteousness and perverted justice, God was planning to destroy them. Our text should be read with this central message as its background.

Psalm 82

Psalm 82 begins with a vision of God enthroned in the counsel of gods, but then speech becomes reminiscent of prophetic discourse, before the psalm ends with a plea. The Psalm falls into three motifs: a vision, the indictment of gods, and a plea. This Psalm provides a counter voice to the blindness of Amaziah. The psalmist has entered into the divine counsel, and sees how the world is held accountable to God to maintain justice and righteousness.

Colossians 1:1-14

The opening verses of Colossians contain elegant verses filled with theological and ethical affirmations. The text begins with Pauls salutation and greeting (from Paul and Timothy), moves to thanksgiving, and then to the body of the letter or doctrine. Paul gives thanks for their faith in Christ Jesus. They have hope and are faithful in the gospel. The Colossians are encouraged to lead a life worthy of the Lord. Paul prays for them to be strengthened and given patience and joy. While the words, weve been transferred may strike dread and fear into a family, the words are full of joy here. We have been transferred from darkness to the kingdom of Jesus Christ. God has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. The prominence of hope in the thanksgiving is a reminder of the security of a salvation that is centered in Christ. It is not dependent on the feelings or efforts of humanity nor confined to the perspectives of this world.

Luke 10:25-37

Who is my neighbor? the scribe asks Jesus. Jesus turns the question back and says to whom are you neighbor? Herein we encounter the parable of the Good Samaritan, one of the best known stories of the Bible. A lawyer tries to test Jesus. Asked what we must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus turns this back to the lawyer who answers with the two great commandments: love God and love neighbor. Jesus says go and do this. But, who is my neighbor? Jesus offers the parable of the three men who encountered a man who had been going from Jerusalem to Jericho. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was notoriously dangerous. The road ran through narrow passes at points, and the terrain offered easy hiding for the bandits who terrorized travelers. This unfortunate man had been stripped, beaten, and left for dead. His assailants had left him with nothing to identify his status except his desperate need. The priest and Levite pass by on the other side. They offer no aid. It is the Samaritan who stops and ministers to the man in need. By depicting a Samaritan as the hero of the story, therefore, Jesus, demolished all boundary expectations. Social position -- race, religion, or region -- count for nothing. One wonders if there is anything new to be said about this beautiful story. Jesus' story contrasts the priest and the Levite, identifiable Jewish leaders, with the resented, even hated figure of the Samaritan. The lawyer heard the story and was asked to judge the actions of the characters in the parable. The lawyer deemed the Samaritan to be the real neighbor in the story, for the Samaritan was the one who had compassion. Jesus calls for the Jewish lawyer to identify with the outsider in the story, not with the lawyer's actual peersthe priest and the Levite. The lawyer is asked to rethink his identity, to lay aside the standards that had given him identity and security, and to become like the outsidera doer of God's will, an agent of divine compassion. The lawyer is called beyond himself. He is challenged to be merciful, to embody God's love, not merely to be an authority about God's will. (Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary, Year C)

Visuals for Today

Visuals today might include a plumb line and a first-aid kit.

Greetings/Calls to Worship

Come to Christ, that living stone,

rejected by the world, but in God's sight chosen and precious.

We have responded to Christ's call,

and seek to be built into a spiritual house,

a living reminder of God's presence on earth.

Once we were no people, but now we are God's people,

called out of the darkness into God's marvelous light.

Therefore we sing with the Church in all ages:

Blessed be your name, O God, our Redeemer.

By your mercy we have been born anew to a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Let us worship God.

Jesus said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,

and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." --

Luke 10:27

Loving God inspire us to show our love for you and our neighbor.

Let us be thankful that his love is more faithful than ours.

And let us be restored again to dwell with God,

for he is always ready to receive us.

We thank you God.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.

And also with you

Give thanks to God who has qualified you

to share in the inheritance of the saints

in the realm of light.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,

and with all you soul,

and with all your strength,

and with all your mind,

and your neighbour as yourself.

Let us worship this God with loving and thankful hearts.

Prayers

Thematic

Friends in Christ,

God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers

as dear to us as our own needs.

Loving our neighbors as ourselves,

we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions

on behalf of the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Hear our prayers, God of power,

and through the ministry of your Son,

free us from the grip of the tomb,

that we may desire you as the fullness of life

and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.

(Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Possible Hymns

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Now Thank We All Our God
Amazing Grace
Servant Song
Lord, Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing
A Charge to Keep I Have
Love Divine
Stand Up and Bless the Lord
Theres A Wideness In Gods Mercy
Here I Am
What Does the Lord Require?
O, Master, Let Me Walk With You

The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture

Amos 8:1-12

This is the fourth of five visions in the book of Amos. This is the vision of the basket of summer fruit. The summer fruit or ripened fruit is a judgment against Israel. Israel will end. The promise of God is, I will no longer pass by, evidently meaning there will be no forgiveness. The songs of worship will turn into wailing. Amos presents a series of judgment oracles. God will visit judgment upon Gods people. There is a strong sense of social justice. The prophet observes actions have real consequences. Furthermore, not all stories leave open the possibility of happy endings.

[Visual: Obviously a good visual for this text would be a basket of ripened fruit.]

Psalm 52

The Psalm moves from lamentation over the evil actions of people to thanksgiving to God. The psalm provide an important response toAmos for two reasons: it reinforces the judgment of Amos, while also takingthe worshiping community beyond judgment.

Colossians 1:15-28

These verses continue reasons for giving thanks to God. the writer emphasizes as a cause for thanksgiving that God in a new rescue act has delivered believers from the dominion of darkness (and any tyranny of its hostile cosmic powers) and has transferred them into a new sphere of rule namely, the kingdom of his beloved Son. We experience redemption through our relationship to Jesus Christ. Christ is the one who supremely makes the invisible God visible. The passage uses a liturgical piece in praise of Christ. This hymn declares the ultimate quality of Christ and his supremacy over all other powers. The verses fall into three distinct parts. First, is a lofty Christological doxology, a hymn in praise of Christ. Christ is celebrated as God's agent of creation and God's agent of redemption. Second, is a pronouncement of the meaning of the work of Christ for the readers of the letter. Then, there is a series of observations. Christ is head over the church. Paul rejoices in hiss suffering on behalf of the church.

Luke 10:38-42

Lets face it, we need Marys and we need Marthas. There just has to be a balance. Martha is hosting Jesus. She busily prepares the meal. Her sister, Mary, chooses to sit at Jesus feet and attend him and his teaching. Mary neglects her duty to assist her sister in the preparation of the meal, and by violating a clear social boundary she is bringing shame upon her house. She takes the place of a disciple at Jesus feet. Note this text follows immediately the story of the Good Samaritan where Jesus said, go and do likewise Now he praises Mary as she sits and listens. The Christian faith is both, sit and listen to the word of God and go and do likewise. Let us note Jesus choice of the Samaritan and a woman, Mary. He clearly goes up against the social boundaries of his day. Jesus is forever breaking down walls and barriers.

[Worship Suggestion: This text could have as visuals some household appliances and dishes.

This text would be well presented as drama. You would only need 4 people to enact this. Have one woman sit next to Jesus and another frustrated in the kitchen. The dialogue could either be spoken or read.],

[Note: this passage calls us to be sure we are inclusive even in worship leadership. There should be no boundaries; women and men, youth, and even children can and should be given places of leadership and service in worship. Through the use of lay readers, ushers, and greeters, we can use all people.]

Greetings/Calls to Worship

Grace to you and peace from God

who is, and was, and is to come. Amen.

And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness,

the firstborn of the dead, and ruler of kings on earth. Amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.

Come to Christ, that living stone,

rejected by the world, but in God's sight chosen and precious.

We have responded to Christ's call,

and seek to be built into a spiritual house,

a living reminder of God's presence on earth.

Once we were no people, but now we are God's people,

called out of the darkness into God's marvelous light.

Therefore we sing with the Church in all ages:

Blessed be your name, O God, our Redeemer.

By your mercy we have been born anew to a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

(Ruth Duck)

God has called us to this place.

What do you see?

We see people who model for us

God's joyous embrace of all people.

God has brought us to this place.

What do you hear?

We hear God's hope

that we are able to see each person

as our sister or brother.

God has challenged us

to open our lives and hearts to others.

What will you do?

We will do only one thing:

welcome everyone in God's name!

(Thom Shuman)

Prayers

Thematic

God of justice,

your word is light and truth.

Let your face shine on us to restore us,

that we may walk in your way,

seeking justice and doing good. Amen.

Intercessory

Lord God, friend of those in need,

your Son Jesus has untied our burdens

and healed our spirits.

We lift up the prayers of our hearts for those still burdened,

those seeking healing,

those in need within the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Hear our prayers

that we may love you with our whole being

and willingly share the concerns of our neighbors. Amen.

(Prayers from Vanderbilt Theological Library)

Possible Hymns

Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise
Praise To the Lord the Almighty
Fairest Lord Jesus
Be Thou My Vision
Theres A Wideness in Gods Mercy
How Firm A Foundation
In the Cross of Christ I Glory
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
All Who Love and Serve Your City
Make Me A Servant

The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture

Hosea 1:2-10

The intensity of Gods covenant with Israel is conveyed dramatically in a metaphor of the marriage between a faithful husband and a faithless wife. The book of Hosea is rich in imagery and symbolic action. The prophet is commanded to marry a "wife of whoredom" and to have "children of whoredom," which he does. This action sets up a variety of comparisons between the prophet, Gomer, children, and lovers on the one hand, and God, Israel, land, and competing gods on the other hand. The lectionary text focuses on the initial marriage and the resulting children that are born to Gomer and Hosea. Our text is about divine judgment on Israel. The message is communicated through symbolic actions.

Psalm 85

The Psalm opens with celebration of some salvation or divine favor in the past. The Psalm separates into three parts: the recalling of an experience of salvation, petition or complaint, and an oracle of salvation calling God to hear. The Psalm provides a response to the drama of Hosea. Remembering salvation in the Psalm picks up the restoration of Hosea.

Colossians 2:6-19

The reading from Colossians explains the full significance of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In Christ is all divinity. Christ is over all. In Christ, we are freed from involvement with intermediaries and are set into direct relation with God. The author explicitly states his desire to prevent the Colossians from being deluded. Apparently someone was teaching that through self abasement they could worship with angels. The lesson has an intense focus on Christ; the readers are reminded of what they were taught from the beginning. We are to live in Christ be rooted in Christ and built up. In Christ, we are being transformed.

Luke 11:1-13

Lord, teach us to pray. The disciples make a request and Jesus gives a model for prayer. Following is the parable of the importunate friend and then a statement of assurance that God hears the prayers of those who pray. The final portion of our lesson, are statements springing from and even building on the assurance given. All of these components can stand alone. Luke recalls Jesus regular practice of prayer. Prayer was a vital part of Jesus own life. Luke is concerned for the role of prayer in Christian life. Jesus says, friends come through for friends even for selfish reasons. If that is the case, how much more can one count on God? Jesus admonishes the disciples to ask, to seek, and to knock.

[Note: Bishop William Willimon offers a clear perspective on prayer and on this passage. You may find this at: http://theolog.org/2007/07/blogging-toward-sunday

Greetings/Calls to Worship

Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given you; search,

and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you." -- Luke 11:9

Lord, as we search now, let us find you.

As we knock, open the door to us.

Let us know you, that we may praise you;

and love you, that we may serve you.

It is in this place of holiness

that we can come with our fears,

our doubts, all the questions of our hearts.

We come to this place, to hear

the words of peace, of hope, of joy

God speaks to us.

It is in this place of discovery

that we can come searching.

We come to this place, to find

the One who has been looking for us.

It is in this place of openness

that we can come knocking.

We come to this place, to be embraced

by the One whose heart is never locked.

(Thom Shuman)

Litany on The Lords Prayer

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

Mystery beyond our knowing,

close to us as our breathing,

in humble awe we pray.

Your Kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven

We pray for your vision of justice and mercy

to be made real in our world even now.

Give us today our daily bread.

We pray for your vision of enough;

enough sustenance, enough warmth, enough healing

for all of your children.

Forgive us our sins,

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

We pray for the grace to let go of that which is death dealing

as we embrace your vision for life,

that we might follow you safely through the obstacle course.

For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours.

Now and for ever.

Giving thanks for presence that defies definition

in this life and beyond.

Amen.

Prayers

Thematic

God of justice,

your word is light and truth.

Let your face shine on us to restore us,

that we may walk in your way,

seeking justice and doing good. Amen.

Intercessory

Creator God,

you call us to love and serve you

with body, mind, and spirit

through loving your creation

and our sisters and brothers

Open our hearts in compassion

and receive these petitions

on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Holy One,

hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards

of the fragile bounty of this earth

so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen.

(Vanderbilt Theological Library)

Possible Hymns

Stand Up and Bless the Lord
O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing
All Who Love and Serve Your City
Let Us With A Gladsome Mine
When Morning Guilds the Skies
Lift High The Cross
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
The Churchs One Foundation
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
What A Friend We Have in Jesus
Sweet Hour of Prayer
Cares Chorus

The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

Scripture

Hosea 11:1-11

The text concludes a metaphor of Israel as a rebellious son and God as a caring parent. Some themes such as Gods love for Israel, Israels exodus from Egypt, and its worship of the gods of Canaan, appear in the chapter 11. The more God calls, the more the child rebels. The tone of the oracle switches presenting a rare glimpse of God on the verge of destroying the son Ammi, yet balking at the prospect. We talk about tough love. According to deuteronomic law, both parents could condemn a stubborn, rebellious son before the elders of the city, whereupon he would be stoned to death. There have been times I considered stoning my children; but deep parental love would never allow it! So much more so for God. Yahwehs abhorrence of the sons death penalty gives way to a growing compassion. Ultimately, the mother/father God makes a decision: I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. Although the parent has the legal right to have the son killed, compassion for the child prevents God from doing so. The harshness turns into a tender portrait of God who cannot give up on Gods children.

Psalm 107:1-9, 43

The first part of the Psalm is a hymn of thanksgiving with a leader calling the people to thanksgiving. The central imagery is the giving of thanks for salvation from the wilderness. The motifs of thanksgiving include traveling in the wilderness, being fed and nourished by God, and the merciful character of God.

Colossians 3:1-11

If then you have been raised with Christ . . . . The text could add, and you have been raised with Christ in your baptism. In baptism, we have died with Christ, and been raised with Christ. We are being reminded of the significance of our baptism. Seek the things that are above the things related to the heavenly realm. We are called to be heavenly minded rather than earthly minded. Beware, that you not be so heavenly minded that you are of no earthly worth! We live with our feet in two realms. Believers' lives are said to be hidden with Christ in God. They are in God because they are bound up with Christ, who is himself in God. Put to death not the body, but vices. Five vices are named: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk. We are a new creation in Christ and the former categorizations no longer matter.

Luke 12:13-21

Jesus is asked to intervene in a family decision regarding an inheritance. Jesus refuses to be the judge or divider because he senses the greed which prompts the request. Jesus points us toward a new understanding of life. Life is not a matter of possessions but of our relationship with God. Thus it is possible to gain the world but lose our souls. Jesus offers a parable about a farmer who has a good year. He has not planned where to store such a generous return. It never occurs to him to share his wealth nor produce with those less fortunate. As the farmer considers the future with only himself, God speaks to declare what the future actually holds for him. Several themes jump out from this parable: preoccupation with possessions; security in self-sufficiency; the grasp of greed; the hollowness of hedonism; and, practical atheism (professing a belief in God but ordering all of life as if there is no God.)

We may not build bigger barns, but what about the proliferation of free standing storage buildings? We are encouraged to rent more and more space to store our junk. Might these be indicative of us building bigger barns?

A televised interview with a man who had lost his house and all his possessions to a raging brush fire driven by Santa Anna winds in California provides a striking contrast to the rich fool. Recalling that his brother had recently mused that they should be careful not to allow their possessions to possess them, this man who had just seen everything he owned but the shirt on his back go up in smoke announced to the reporter with a note of unexpected triumph: "I am a free man now!"

Greetings/Calls to Worship

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Let us thank the LORD for his steadfast love,

for his wonderful works to humankind.

-- Psalms 107:1, 8

God of the past,

who whispered in the prophets' ears;

who rescued us from sin's slavery:

we are here to thank you.

God of the future,

who is tearing down the old world,

and building your kingdom in our midst:

we are here because we trust you.

God of the present,

who, in the giftedness of our diversity,

creates us to be one people:

we are here to praise you.

God of life that surprises us

when we find it within us:

we celebrate your grace.

(Thom Shuman)

Prayers

Thematic

God of justice,

your word is light and truth.

Let your face shine on us to restore us,

that we may walk in your way,

seeking justice and doing good. Amen.

Intercessory

Lord God, friend of those in need,

your Son Jesus has untied our burdens

and healed our spirits.

We lift up the prayers of our hearts for those still burdened,

those seeking healing,

those in need within the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Hear our prayers

that we may love you with our whole being

and willingly share the concerns of our neighbors. Amen.

(Vanderbilt Theological Library)

Possible Hymns

Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above
All People That On Earth Do Dwell
Bind Us Together, God
In Christ There Is No East Or West
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
Blest Be The Tie That Binds
Christ Is Alive, Let Christians Sing
Let All Things Now Living
Take My Life and Let It Be
Be Thou My Vision
The Summons
Would I Have Answered When You Called
In Unity We Lift Our Song
More Like You

The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture

Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

Why do we worship? Who requires it? The text presents us with the quandary that God is not pleased with all our ritual and worship. Here we confront important issues regarding the relationship between worship and social justice. It would be easy to use this as a dismissal of worship. Is God absent from worship? These are the questions of the text. Gods absence is due to Israels bloody hands. They have not extended the act of worship beyond the sacrifices to include righteousness and justice. If the people will listen and obey, there will be reversal and God will be present. The central message is that acts of worship, be they complex services, liturgical festivals, or individual piety can be occasions of judgment if these activities do not result in transformed behavior outside of the worship setting. These are sobering words for us who plan and implement worship. There is the dynamic understanding that worship should influence all of life. Worship must lead to transformation.

Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23

The Psalm begins by giving three names in quick fashion: Mighty One, God, and Lord. We have here a revelation of God. The place for this theophany is Zion. The purpose is for God to speak a word of judgment to the people of God who are gathered for worship. God calls the heavens and earth to witness as God prepares to judge the covenant community. When read as a response to the Isaiah lesson the judgment of God breaking into the worshiping community becomes a source of hope.

Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for . . . So begins our text with the familiar consideration of faith. Faith is portrayed as active belief. Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham are historical examples of faith. There is a greater discourse on Abrahams faithfulness. All of these faithful people illustrate the need to move forward in faith, even into the unknown. Faith is not static; it is trusting, believing, and obeying God. We are admonished to Christ-like perseverance.

Luke 12:32-40

As Jesus taught the multitudes, he turns and teaches his disciples about the radical character of discipleship. Do not be afraid, says Jesus. He connects this fear with our possessions. They are assured of Gods love for them; this love frees them for this radical discipleship. Because God chooses to grant them the kingdom, they are freed to live out Gods purposes. It is grace that frees them. There are two distinguishable units to this lesson. Either or both sets of verses may provide the basis of a sermon on the themes of having true concern with God's purposes and the necessity of vigilant readiness for God's final or ultimate act of judgment. That kingdom is the place where the will of God is actively done. In God's kingdom human needs are met, sinfulness is forgiven, and human beings are transformed so that their own lives model the depths of the love of God (especially in forgiveness), and God directs the very lives of the citizens of his kingdom. (Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary, Year C) Jesus is insistent that his followers be watchful and ready for Gods decisive action. We do not know when God will act; but we know God will fulfill Gods promises.

Greetings/Calls to Worship

The splendor of divine glory shines upon Jerusalem,

And fire and wind alert the people to Gods presence.

All heaven and earth wait for the word of judgment,

And God, mighty Lord of the universe, speaks:

I, the Lord your God, condemn your worship with its needless sacrifices.

What I require is the offering of lives shaped by justice and righteousness.

Those who seek to honor and glorify God by living righteous lives

will worship with true thanksgiving and will know the salvation of God.

Or

We are people who have been called to follow where God leads us.

By faith we can obey, even when asked to walk into an unknown future.

We are people who have been challenged to tell God's story to others.

By faith we have the ability to share the good news.

We are God's children who are invited to feast at the Table of grace.

By faith we will embrace our sisters and brothers in Christ.

(Thom Shuman)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

And also with you!

Worship is a coming to our senses in the presence of Holy Love.

Worship is catching our breath in the presence of Pure Beauty.

Worship is an awareness that our frailty does not matter.

Worship is realising that we are infinitely cherished.

Worship is our whole being alive with love and gratitude.

Worship is a pooling of our human love in a chorus of wonder and praise.

OR -

Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The priceless grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

We are here to put first things first,

to acknowledge there is only one God in heaven and earth.

The mighty One, the God who is the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

Prayers

Thematic

God of justice,

your word is light and truth.

Let your face shine on us to restore us,

that we may walk in your way,

seeking justice and doing good. Amen.

Intercessory

God of mercy and healing,

you who hear the cries of those in need,

receive these petitions of your people

that all who are troubled

may know peace, comfort, and courage.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Life-giving God,

heal our lives,

that we may acknowledge your wonderful deeds

and offer you thanks from generation to generation

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Vanderbilt Theological Library)

Possible Hymns

The God of Abraham Praise
I Sing the Almighty Power of God
Create In Us A Clean Heart
Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken
Jesus Shall Reign
Jesus, Lover of My Soul
Be Thou My Vision
Children of the Heavenly Father
How Firm A Foundation
For All the Saints
Come Sinners To The Gospel Feast
Come, Come, Everybody Worship
Let All Things Now Living
Would I Have Answered When You Called

The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture

Isaiah 5:1-7

What do you do with a bad investment? There is the central question of the text. A friend has a vineyard. He has done everything possible to make it a successful vineyard. All of his efforts have come to nothing. The vineyard does not bear grapes. What is the owner to do? He will tear down the hedges surrounding his vineyard. The vineyard will be destroyed. Verse seven brings us around; we are not talking about a vineyard. We are talking about the house of Israel. Interpretation is given for the story. The song of the vineyard simply underscores the failure of Israel. The song of the vineyard is an indictment and judgment after choices have been made. The text underscores how there are kairosmoments, which when they pass, have the potential of sealing our fate. This is not a text about an arbitrary God. It is a text about immoral people.

Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19

Psalm 80 is a Psalm of lament; it is a national lament. The community is waiting for Gods salvation. They call upon God to bring a new salvation. Throughout the Psalm is the plea "Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. God is perceived as absent and the community asks for Gods presence.

Hebrews 11:2912:2

Roll call. Our text begins with the celebration of many faithful Israelites who preceded Jesus in doing Gods will. Their faithfulness, even martyrdom, is noted. It continues with the litany of examples who acted out the drama of Israelite history "by faith. They still did not live to experience the dynamic faith of Jesus. The text then offers a challenging call to courageous commitment to the struggles of faithful living. The author understands the Christians are discouraged. So he calls the roll of the faithful in chapter 11. Chapter 12 opens with these whose faith stories were chronicled in chapter 11 surrounding the present Christians in their faith journey. The supreme one to whom they are to look is Jesus Christ. Focus on Jesus and press on in faith.

Luke 12:49-56

Here is some irony. Jesus has come to bring God's peace, but the work of redemption inevitably brings division also. Although the kingdom of God is characterized by reconciliation and peace, the announcement of that kingdom is always divisive because it requires decision and commitment. Jesus speaks of fire and baptism. His baptism may be an allusion to his death. Our commitment to Christ does not come without cost. That commitment touches every area of life. It may come challenging us in some relationships or other areas. We are good at reading signs in some areas of life like the weather but we can fail to perceive what is truly important and life giving.

Greetings/Call to Worship

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.

Or

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

And also with you.

The risen Christ is with us.

Praise the Lord!

Grace to you and peace from God

who is, and was, and is to come. Amen.

And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness,

the firstborn of the dead, and ruler of kings on earth. Amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.

Prayers

Thematic

God of justice,

your word is light and truth.

Let your face shine on us to restore us,

that we may walk in your way,

seeking justice and doing good. Amen.

Intercession

Friends in Christ,

God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers

as dear to us as our own needs.

Loving our neighbors as ourselves,

we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions

on behalf of the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Hear our prayers, God of power,

and through the ministry of your Son

free us from the grip of the tomb,

that we may desire you as the fullness of life

and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.

or

Call to prayer

Let us look to Jesus, the great pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who even now has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Let us come before God's throne to ask for everything we need.

The regular response, OR

For ___, let us pray to the Lord:

Lord, have mercy.

Suggested intercessions

for the church, that it may read the signs of the times and remain steadfast in the confession of the truth
for peace among the nations of the world
for harmony among husbands and wives, parents and children
or those families where differences in faith have caused divisions
for those who suffer for their faith, especially those undergoing imprisonment or torture
for every Christian, that we may run with perseverance the race that is set before us

Concluding prayer

Father in heaven, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses in the saints who have gone before us. Help us to follow their example of faith, always praying to you for all our needs, because you have promised to hear us in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

(Vanderbilt Theological Library)

Possible Hymns

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above
For All the Saints
Be Still My Soul
How Firm A Foundation
Rejoice in Gods Saints
Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart
O Young and Fearless Prophet
Sing With All the Saints In Glory
See How Great A Flame Aspires
Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken
Lead Me, Lord
Rejoice, The Lord Is King
Forward Through the Ages
Spirit of Faith Come Down

The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture

Jeremiah 1:4-10

This is Gods call to Jeremiah. God reveals God to Jeremiah; the word of God came to Jeremiah. The source of Jeremiahs call and words are from God. From the outset, we realize this is Gods work, not humankinds work. God is the One who calls and the One who empowers. God makes clear that even before Jeremiah was formed in the womb, God was working in and through Jeremiah. God says, I knew you; I consecrated you; I sent you as a prophet to the nations. God is promising that God knew Jeremiah in the call but also God was watching over Jeremiah. Jeremiah expresses reluctance to answer Gods call. God dismisses Jeremiahs objections. Jeremiah is called to speak not his own words but to be a messenger of Gods word. God will supply the words and God will supply the strength for the task. As we consider Jeremiahs call, it might be a good time to consider our own call. Indeed, it might be helpful to share our call with our hearers. Acknowledging our own struggles, hesitancy, fears, etc., can speak to our human situation. I was afraid I would run out of things to say; the idea of preaching every Sunday was daunting. Later, when I acknowledged that fear, my congregation was highly amused. After enduring my long sermons, they said I had worried needlessly!

Psalm 71:1-6

This is a prayer of lament. The writer takes refuge in God. There is a strong belief in the power of God to save. The petition for God to rescue and save gives way to trust and praise. The imagery of the writer being taken from his mothers womb is a strong point of contact with the Jeremiah text. The trust and praise may continue Jeremiahs call.

Hebrews 12:18-29

The text begins with a comparison of Mt. Sinai with Mt. Zion. You have come is a reference to worship. We come to Mt. Zion in worship. Mount Zion, the city of the living God, and heavenly Jerusalem are a single eschatological reference. Zion and Jerusalem are the location of Gods presence. Both Sinai and Zion, the earthly and the heavenly, the then and the now, the shakable and the unshakable, have their source in God. The author contrasts the permanent and the transient. Worship is the means by which the church in its present life draws near to God. Worshipers approach God with confidence, knowing that in Jesus our priest we will find mercy and grace to help (4:14-16). This understanding infuses every word and act of worship with gratitude (v. 28). But never does the worshiper forget that it is God whom we approach and that, therefore, the service is offered in reverence and awe (v. 28). A service of worship is designed and implemented so as to be appropriate to the nature of God. Unless worshipers are informed and led in ways that have their reasons in theology and Christology, preferences in music, texts, and preaching, while satisfying certain appetites, may fall short of acceptable worship. (The New Interpreters Bible, Vol. 12)

Luke 13:10-17

All hospitals and places of medical care will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays. On the Lords Day, there can be no healing or health care. Such an attitude strikes us as ridiculous. Jesus was teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath. This will be the last time in this gospel he enters a synagogue. He encountered a woman who had been suffering the spirit of infirmity for eighteen years. She was stooped, bent over, and unable to stand up. Jesus heals this woman with his pronouncement and as he lays his hands upon her. Jesus confers dignity upon this woman, this daughter of Abraham. Can we now sing the Doxology? Not so fast. The leaders of the synagogue are angry with Jesus. He has done this work of healing on the Sabbath. He has broken the law. The woman praised God but the leader of the synagogue criticised Jesus and Jesus strongly answers the criticism./p>

Greetings or Calls to Worship

Grace to you and peace from God

who is, and was, and is to come. Amen.

And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness,

the firstborn of the dead, and ruler of kings on earth. Amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.

You have come to the city of the living God,

and to innumerable angels in festal gathering,

and to the assembly of the firstborn

who are enrolled in heaven.

This is the day that the LORD has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it. -- Psalms 118:24

Let us worship God.

In the name of Christ. Amen.

Before we got up this morning and decided to come to church,

God was waiting for us, to welcome us with grace.

When we are unsure of what to do, when we falter before the next step,

we come to listen to God's voice, to learn from the One who teaches us all we ever need to know.

When we are surrounded by cruelty and injustice, when our fears cripple our souls,

God delivers us with steadfast love; we are set free to be God's sons and daughters.

(Thom Shuman )

Jeremiah was just a young inexperienced boy when he heard Gods call to preach.

ALL ARE WELCOME HERE.

Jesus shared supper with the undesireables in his community.

ALL ARE WELCOME HERE.

Paul was attacking Christians when God spoke to him and changed his life.

ALL ARE WELCOME HERE.

Prayers

Thematic

God of power and justice,

like Jeremiah you weep over those

who wander from you,

turn aside to other gods,

and enter into chaos and destruction.

By your tears and through your mercy,

teach us your ways

and write them on our hearts

so that we may follow faithfully

the path you show us. Amen.

Intercessory

Friends in Christ,

God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers

as dear to us as our own needs.

Loving our neighbors as ourselves,

we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions

on behalf of the church and the world.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Hear our prayers, God of power,

and through the ministry of your Son

free us from the grip of the tomb,

that we may desire you as the fullness of life

and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.

(Vanderbilt Theological Library)

Possible Hymns

O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing
Lord Speak To Me That I May Speak
O Spirit of the Living God
Here I Am, Lord
The Church's One Foundation
The God of Abraham Praise
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Master, Speak, Thy Servant Heareth
Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken
I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord
Jesus Calls Us
Will You Come and Follow Me?
Just As I Am

The Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Jeremiah 2:4-13

My mother had a beautiful cut lead crystal pitcher. We never used it; it was a thing of beauty. I always loved that pitcher and wanted one. One day I found the exact same cut lead crystal pitcher in a yard sale! I bought it and was so excited. Then I saw the small crack in the bottom! It was beautiful; it was useless! It would hold no water; I could not even use it for a vase of flowers. Jeremiah prophesies against his people who . . . went after worthlessness, and became worthless. He says, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. God brings a case against Israel. God offers the indictment in the form of historical recital. The theme is the Lords righteousness and Israels faithlessness. There follows a succinct summary of Israels history. In this is the recital of Israel forsaking God. The search for worth and living waters resonates for us. Likewise, the word of God for us having defiled the land.

Psalm 81:1, 10-16

This Psalm begins as a hymn and moves to prophetic discourse later. Again, there is a rehearsal of Gods mighty acts for Gods people. After what God had done, the people forsook God. God offers to bring them back and to subdue their enemies. God offers to feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock. The focus in the psalm is on the divine oracle breaking in somewhat suddenly into a worship setting of praise. This provides a counterpoint to the Old Testament lesson. This helps move beyond the accusations of the Jeremiah lesson.

Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16

The author offers practical admonitions about life and these are made possible by the presence of Jesus Christ in life. Hebrews is a call to a bold life of faith. Faith, according to Hebrews, gives shape to the lives of Christians. All of the admonitions fall under the opening, let mutual love continue. The author continues by discussing "mutual love" in terms of hospitality, care for the incarcerated and abused, marriage, greed and contentment, and leadership. Our Christian faith informs existence. Faith forms life itself. In relation to God and to others there are things Christians do and there are things that Christians do not do.

Luke 14:1, 7-14

Someone has said that in Luke's gospel, Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal! The lesson tells of Jesus' teaching at a banquet held by a leader among the Pharisees. Jesus dines at the home of this prominent Pharisee and the other Pharisees are watching him. A meal was a significant social occasion. The people would be looking to see if this teacher observed the proper etiquette. Meals were important. People noticed where one ate, what one ate, and with whom they associated. The story focuses on Jesus: Jesus the scrutinized guest, Jesus the confrontational guest, and Jesus the teaching guest. We learn here Gods standards of evaluation. Jesus tells the parable to underscore humility. Dont go to a banquet and take the seats of honor; wait to be invited. Gods standards differ from those offered to us by the world; we are to live our lives in keeping with the standards of God. Gods ways are not our ways. Jesus tells us we are to live in relation to others as God lives in relation to us. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." We should cultivate and practice humility.

Drama

Todays Gospel Lesson lends itself to dramatic presentation. It would not be difficult to have this presented simply in dramatic form. Someone could be the host; another Christ, and a group for the guests.

Visuals

Today, a basin of some sort, a vessel of cracked clay (ceramic), or clay pitcher would make a good visual for the Jeremiah lesson. Perhaps a reserved sign would serve the gospel lesson.

Greetings (Calls to Worship)

The grace of the Lord be with you.

And also with you.

The Risen Christ is with us.

Praise the Lord!

Trust in the Lord and do good.

May the Lord give strength to the people!

O taste and see that the Lord is good!

God is our refuge and strength.

Sing praises to God, O you saints,

and give thanks to God's holy name!

We exalt you, O God, for you have restored us to life!

We may cry through the night, but your joy comes with the morning.

You hear us, O God, and you are gracious in our distress.

You turn our mourning into dancing!

Our souls cannot be silent!

O God, our Savior, we give thanks to you for ever!

(Jan C. Weaver)

Prayers

Thematic

God of power and justice,

like Jeremiah you weep over those

who wander from you,

turn aside to other gods,

and enter into chaos and destruction.

By your tears and through your mercy,

teach us your ways

and write them on our hearts

so that we may follow faithfully

the path you show us. Amen.

Intercessory

We praise your abiding guidance, O God,

for you sent us Jesus, our Teacher and Messiah,

to model for us the way of love for the whole universe.

We offer these prayers of love

on behalf of ourselves and our neighbors,

on behalf of your creation and our fellow creatures.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Loving God,

open our ears to hear your word

and draw us closer to you,

that the whole world may be one with you

as you are one with us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Vanderbilt Theological Library)

Possible Hymns

Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above
Praise To The Lord, The Almighty
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
The King of Love My Shepherd Is
For The Beauty of the Earth
How Firm A Foundation
Take My Life and Let It Be
When Love Is Found
Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service
God, Whose Love Is Reigning Oer Us
How Can We Name A Love
The Gift of Love
O Young and Fearless Prophet

Photo Gallery

Introduction

Just another Sunday? Maybe you know the famous sermon, Its Friday, but Sundays coming! That is a great message of hope for Good Friday but a frightening prospect for busy pastors. Because of pastoral and administrative duties, worship planning may slip by the way side.

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