Jesus Eating with "Sinners," and Jesus Questioned about Fasting.
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook
Series II, Cycle B
Alternative Idea
On the last Sunday of Epiphany, begin a seven-week series on "Jesus' Seven Last Words from the Cross." Use this as a liaison between Epiphany and Lent. Then, on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday, speak on the theme, "The Seven Last Words of the Church," namely, "We've Never Done It That Way Before." This will lead in to the Easter theme, "God's Seven Last Words, or First Word, I'm Doing a New Thing for You!"
Pastoral Invitation
"In the name of the Evangel, welcome, evangels, to the last Sunday of Epiphany. I hope that you have experienced some new awareness and growth because of this season, and with your star which has guided your life these past eight weeks." Invite several, either spontaneously, or with previous warning, to share what they have gained and learned, especially about this "recently-discovered" season.
Hymn of Praise
"When in Our Music God is Glorified." (Hymn for the last half of Epiphany.)
Prayer of Praise
Bring together the praise-insights shared by the people a few moments ago. Give God the credit for those awarenesses and insights.
Prayer of Praise
"O God, overcome our reluctance to worship by overwhelming us with the Spirit's presence. Push aside any personal agendas we may have brought to this hour. Complement our preparation for worship, by mystical dimensions, which only you can add" (Walter Smith, Jr.).
The evangels Face Up To Themselves
Introduction to the Act of Recognizing Our Humanity
To those of you who travel with him, or want to travel with him, Jesus says, "Give up your Linus blankets." What Linus blankets do you need to give up? Instead of the general prayer, "Lord, forgive me for my sins," be specific. Name them. To name them is to begin to have power over them. (Three minutes of silence.)
Response
(As a lead-in to Lent) "When We Are Tempted to Deny Your Son," David W. Romig, 1965; Louis Bourgeois, 1542; abridged.
Introduction to the Act of Receiving New Life
As we go through the week, I invite us to become aware of our Linus blankets. In addition, copy the words of this hymn and carry them with you. Read them each time that you become aware of one of your Linus blankets.
Response
"Put Your Hand in the Hand," first part only. Sing it two or three times. Words and music by Gene MacLellan, from Folk Encounter. (See Appendix I for address.)
The evangels Respond To The Good News
Message with the Children of All Ages
Ask if they know anything about fasting. Have they ever tried it? Ask the rest of the congregation if any of them have ever fasted. Most of us run for the refrigerator as soon as we experience any kind of hunger pang. Let them know about Jesus' response. He had to live with their trying to "nail" him his whole life. (Again, I remind us that we need not "nail down" every message with some kind of a moral; leave it to the Spirit.)
Reading of the Scripture
This passage is ideal for two easy dramas. For number one, set a table in the chancel. For number two, have another group in another part of the sanctuary.
Proclamation of the Good News
Follow up with similar ideas suggested in the children's message. Conclude with ways that we seek to discount other people's faith practices.
Stewardship Challenge
From a denomination newsletter (source lost): "If every American would eat one less hamburger a week, enough grain could be saved to make up the current world shortage."
Charge to the Congregation
How will you make a difference in your world, which is God's world, this coming week: Would you be willing to give up one meal, or one day's worth of meals, and give that money to feed the hungry?
Response to the Benediction
Ask the people to turn toward the exits. Then say, "The Lord bless you and keep you -- out there! The Lord cause his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you -- out there! The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you peace -- out there! Not the anxious peace of the world, but the anticipating peace of the Christ."
Meditation
The three million tons of fertilizer Americans use on lawns and cemeteries could be rushed to poor countries who need it for grain production for survival.
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Music for Preparation and Dismissal: Yes, once more, a medley of Epiphany hymns. (I deliberately keep these hymns before the congregation to help them realize that we often waste them on Advent and miss their importance in the Christmas and Epiphany seasons.)
Hymn of Praise: "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," Joachim Neander, 1680; trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1863; alt.
Response to the Act of Receiving New Life: "We Thank You, Lord, for Strength of Arm," Robert Davis, 1908; alt., 1972.
Response to the Message with the Children: "I'm So Glad Troubles Don't Last Always," Negro Spiritual; harm. by Joan M. Salmon, 1972.
Prayer of Commitment: "O My Soul, Bless Your Redeemer," para. in the Book of Psalms 1871; alt., 1972, 1988; as in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861.
On the last Sunday of Epiphany, begin a seven-week series on "Jesus' Seven Last Words from the Cross." Use this as a liaison between Epiphany and Lent. Then, on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday, speak on the theme, "The Seven Last Words of the Church," namely, "We've Never Done It That Way Before." This will lead in to the Easter theme, "God's Seven Last Words, or First Word, I'm Doing a New Thing for You!"
Pastoral Invitation
"In the name of the Evangel, welcome, evangels, to the last Sunday of Epiphany. I hope that you have experienced some new awareness and growth because of this season, and with your star which has guided your life these past eight weeks." Invite several, either spontaneously, or with previous warning, to share what they have gained and learned, especially about this "recently-discovered" season.
Hymn of Praise
"When in Our Music God is Glorified." (Hymn for the last half of Epiphany.)
Prayer of Praise
Bring together the praise-insights shared by the people a few moments ago. Give God the credit for those awarenesses and insights.
Prayer of Praise
"O God, overcome our reluctance to worship by overwhelming us with the Spirit's presence. Push aside any personal agendas we may have brought to this hour. Complement our preparation for worship, by mystical dimensions, which only you can add" (Walter Smith, Jr.).
The evangels Face Up To Themselves
Introduction to the Act of Recognizing Our Humanity
To those of you who travel with him, or want to travel with him, Jesus says, "Give up your Linus blankets." What Linus blankets do you need to give up? Instead of the general prayer, "Lord, forgive me for my sins," be specific. Name them. To name them is to begin to have power over them. (Three minutes of silence.)
Response
(As a lead-in to Lent) "When We Are Tempted to Deny Your Son," David W. Romig, 1965; Louis Bourgeois, 1542; abridged.
Introduction to the Act of Receiving New Life
As we go through the week, I invite us to become aware of our Linus blankets. In addition, copy the words of this hymn and carry them with you. Read them each time that you become aware of one of your Linus blankets.
Response
"Put Your Hand in the Hand," first part only. Sing it two or three times. Words and music by Gene MacLellan, from Folk Encounter. (See Appendix I for address.)
The evangels Respond To The Good News
Message with the Children of All Ages
Ask if they know anything about fasting. Have they ever tried it? Ask the rest of the congregation if any of them have ever fasted. Most of us run for the refrigerator as soon as we experience any kind of hunger pang. Let them know about Jesus' response. He had to live with their trying to "nail" him his whole life. (Again, I remind us that we need not "nail down" every message with some kind of a moral; leave it to the Spirit.)
Reading of the Scripture
This passage is ideal for two easy dramas. For number one, set a table in the chancel. For number two, have another group in another part of the sanctuary.
Proclamation of the Good News
Follow up with similar ideas suggested in the children's message. Conclude with ways that we seek to discount other people's faith practices.
Stewardship Challenge
From a denomination newsletter (source lost): "If every American would eat one less hamburger a week, enough grain could be saved to make up the current world shortage."
Charge to the Congregation
How will you make a difference in your world, which is God's world, this coming week: Would you be willing to give up one meal, or one day's worth of meals, and give that money to feed the hungry?
Response to the Benediction
Ask the people to turn toward the exits. Then say, "The Lord bless you and keep you -- out there! The Lord cause his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you -- out there! The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you peace -- out there! Not the anxious peace of the world, but the anticipating peace of the Christ."
Meditation
The three million tons of fertilizer Americans use on lawns and cemeteries could be rushed to poor countries who need it for grain production for survival.
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Music for Preparation and Dismissal: Yes, once more, a medley of Epiphany hymns. (I deliberately keep these hymns before the congregation to help them realize that we often waste them on Advent and miss their importance in the Christmas and Epiphany seasons.)
Hymn of Praise: "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," Joachim Neander, 1680; trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1863; alt.
Response to the Act of Receiving New Life: "We Thank You, Lord, for Strength of Arm," Robert Davis, 1908; alt., 1972.
Response to the Message with the Children: "I'm So Glad Troubles Don't Last Always," Negro Spiritual; harm. by Joan M. Salmon, 1972.
Prayer of Commitment: "O My Soul, Bless Your Redeemer," para. in the Book of Psalms 1871; alt., 1972, 1988; as in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861.
