Proper 13, Pentecost 11, Ordinary Time 18
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook
Series II, Cycle C Gospel Texts
Liturgical Color: Green
Gospel: Luke 12:13-21
Theme: Parable of the Rich Fool. "Why is all that we have never, ever enough?" (A line in a popular song by Olivia Newton-John).
The Community Gathers To Celebrate God's Presence
Music for Preparation
"Toccata," Muffat.
Pastoral Invitation
Pastor and Ministers
In the name of the God who calls us from death to life, from nobodies to somebodies, from dull legalism to exciting faith, welcome. Rejoice in the good news that God in Christ, through the Holy Spirit, transforms our guilt into grace, and sends us into a world to transform it into God's likeness and image.
P: We are here because God has invited us to celebrate life in Christ.
M: We rejoice, and we are frightened, that this celebration is more than mouthing a few words. We accept the reality that celebrating Christ's presence in this world finds its pattern in self-giving sacrifice, in a deep love for all kinds of people, in a commitment to a new world offering peace, justice, and personal fulfillment.
Hymn of Praise
"Come, Sing with Joy to God," para. Arlo D. Duba, 1984; David Clark Isele, 1979.
Prayer of Praise
Holy and loving God, who controls this universe through your power, and who forgives your people through your mercy, and who redeems your church through love, we come to you, the Author and Sustainer and Liberator of life. Some of us come in desperation, because we have nowhere else to turn. We have been kicked around and buffeted about by circumstances beyond our control. Others of us come in despair, because we have tried everything from pep pills to religious comfort-stations, but have found no satisfaction and significance to life. Some of us come with desires, not for the finer things in life, but desires which give us momentary and monetary satisfaction, without relieving our guilts and anxieties. Some of us come with dreams, dreams which tell us that we shall never solve the problems of outer space, until we realize the solution to our problems of inner space, dreams which offer no fulfillment apart from you and your forgiving, compassionate love. God, we pray for your Holy Spirit to take us in whatever state of mind and heart and will that you find us. Help us to put our confidence in you to take us where you want us to be, and to do whatever you want us to do.
Response
"Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore." Sing the following words: (1) Glory be to God on High, Alleluia. Glory be to God on High, Alleluia. (2) Praise the Father, Praise the Son, Alleluia. Praise the Spirit, Three in One, Alleluia. (3) Sing we praises unto thee, Alleluia; for the truth has set us free, Alleluia.
The Community Takes Responsibility For Its Behavior
Introduction to the Act of Recognizing Our Humanity
Pastor and Ministers
Someone has said that "we've all become guilty by reason of insanity." We easily blame others for our lives. We easily criticize the rich young ruler of Jesus' parable, while missing the possibility that we are that person. So, I invite us to enter into this confession:
P: God, when we take the time to think about it, we know ourselves to violate your creation, and quickly condemn others for their behavior while neglecting our own behavior which separates us from you and each other.
M: When we're honest, God, we live the "No life!"
P: We speak loudly of wanting our lives to count for something important.
M: And yet, we drift so softly into an endless procession of futility.
P: We say that we want to give of ourselves and our resources,
M: But we fear that we shall have to give up too much to receive others into our lives.
P: We decry the breakdown in communication with God and each other,
M: Yet, we know that, in reality, we prefer not to listen.
P: We wince at the disparity of rich and poor in the world and our own country.
M: But we cling to our possessions, lest in losing them, we lose a portion of ourselves.
P: Pull us out, today, of our neatly beveled rut we have worn!
M: Our "No!" is insufficient!
P: Christ, the way-shower, spoke of life ...
M: Turn us on to live at the depths of our time!
P: Christ, the servant, spoke of hope ...
M: Turn us into bearers of hope where others see only despair!
P: Christ, the open one, spoke of love ...
M: Turn us on to love, especially when those around us are least lovable!
P: Christ, the man for others, spoke of joy ...
M: God, make our joy full this day, as we take hold of our life together as a forgiven and forgiving community.
(Two minutes of silence to absorb these words.)
Introduction to the Act of Receiving New Life
Words of Renewal for Everyone Who Believes them: (in unison) Into your hands we commit our spirit, O Lord. Into your hands we commit our hearts. Into your hands we commit our will. For we know that we must die to ourselves in order to love you and your creation. Into your hands we commit our love. (Pray this three times, as a round.)
The Community Exposes Itself To The Word
Message with the Children of All Ages
Clarence Jordan has recorded this parable on cassette tape. Either play it during worship, or listen to it before worship and interpret it to the children. (Order from Koinonia Records, Rt. 2, Americus, Georgia 31709.)
Dramatizing the Scripture
See Message with the Children of All Ages.
Proclamation of the Good News
Consider this for your introduction: A visitor to a community commented, "Prosperity has certainly built up this community. Look at all those freshly painted houses, new barns, and silos." "It wasn't prosperity at all," replied the farmer. "It was just plain jealousy." To covet is not simply to desire; it means, literally, to desire unlawfully, or with no restraint; that is, to amass more than we need, or can possibly use; or to garner power for the sake of having power. Consider these two points: (1) Why covetousness is wrong: It kills contentment. It leads to wrong action. It shrivels the spirit. (2) Answer to covetousness: It is found in the essence of this parable. Jesus gives no hint that the young man acquired his wealth deceitfully; he seems to have acted in a businesslike way. Yet, Jesus calls him foolish, because he thought only of himself and his material needs. What will we do with this biblical truth, especially when all of us will say, "I'm certainly not rich." Consider the things we have that were not even invented at the time of the parable.
Prayer Response
In the name of Christ, point us beyond our apparent, outward successes and material possessions. Cause us to see ourselves as you see us, as frightened, restless, pessimistic people who need to become grounded in your power.
The Community Takes Responsibility For Responding To The Word
Stewardship Challenge
Olivia Newton-John sings a song which has this line in it: "Why is all that we have, never enough?" How do we answer that question as we go about our daily business? Or does that question never cross our minds, or our pocketbooks?
Hymn of Obedience
"Pues Si Vivimos" (When We Are Living), stanza 1, trans. Elise S. Elinger, 1983; stanzas 2-4, Roberto Escamilla, 1983, trans. George Lockwood, 1987; Spanish melody.
Charge to the Congregation
Someone has said, "Covetousness is a deadly thing, even though it leads to no deed of outward cruelty. It is an inner rottenness that destroys our taste for what is best and true." Maybe that's what the Psalmist meant when he said, "God gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul" (106:15). The Apostle Paul has a better response: "I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances ... I know how to live when things are difficult or prosperous." In the midst of our prosperity, are we willing to allow the Spirit of God to bring contented, satisfied, fulfilled lives from discontented, dissatisfied, unfulfilled lives, in the name and power of the risen Christ?
Meditation
"Envy (covetousness) is the consuming desire to have everybody else as unsuccessful as you are" (Frederick Buechner).
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Music for Preparation: "Woodland Flute Call," Dillon.
Hymn of Praise: "Praise Ye (To) the Lord, the Almighty." (See Lent 3.)
Response to the Gospel: (Adult Choir) "Creator Supreme," Lewis.
Response to the Proclamation: "Breathe on Me, Breath of God." (See Advent 3.)
Offertory: "Green Fields and Meadows," McKay.
Hymn of Obedience: "Holy Spirit, Truth Divine," Samuel Longfellow, 1864; alt. 1987; Orlando Gibbons, 1623; alt.
Music for Dismissal: Theme from "The Creation," Haydn.
Gospel: Luke 12:13-21
Theme: Parable of the Rich Fool. "Why is all that we have never, ever enough?" (A line in a popular song by Olivia Newton-John).
The Community Gathers To Celebrate God's Presence
Music for Preparation
"Toccata," Muffat.
Pastoral Invitation
Pastor and Ministers
In the name of the God who calls us from death to life, from nobodies to somebodies, from dull legalism to exciting faith, welcome. Rejoice in the good news that God in Christ, through the Holy Spirit, transforms our guilt into grace, and sends us into a world to transform it into God's likeness and image.
P: We are here because God has invited us to celebrate life in Christ.
M: We rejoice, and we are frightened, that this celebration is more than mouthing a few words. We accept the reality that celebrating Christ's presence in this world finds its pattern in self-giving sacrifice, in a deep love for all kinds of people, in a commitment to a new world offering peace, justice, and personal fulfillment.
Hymn of Praise
"Come, Sing with Joy to God," para. Arlo D. Duba, 1984; David Clark Isele, 1979.
Prayer of Praise
Holy and loving God, who controls this universe through your power, and who forgives your people through your mercy, and who redeems your church through love, we come to you, the Author and Sustainer and Liberator of life. Some of us come in desperation, because we have nowhere else to turn. We have been kicked around and buffeted about by circumstances beyond our control. Others of us come in despair, because we have tried everything from pep pills to religious comfort-stations, but have found no satisfaction and significance to life. Some of us come with desires, not for the finer things in life, but desires which give us momentary and monetary satisfaction, without relieving our guilts and anxieties. Some of us come with dreams, dreams which tell us that we shall never solve the problems of outer space, until we realize the solution to our problems of inner space, dreams which offer no fulfillment apart from you and your forgiving, compassionate love. God, we pray for your Holy Spirit to take us in whatever state of mind and heart and will that you find us. Help us to put our confidence in you to take us where you want us to be, and to do whatever you want us to do.
Response
"Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore." Sing the following words: (1) Glory be to God on High, Alleluia. Glory be to God on High, Alleluia. (2) Praise the Father, Praise the Son, Alleluia. Praise the Spirit, Three in One, Alleluia. (3) Sing we praises unto thee, Alleluia; for the truth has set us free, Alleluia.
The Community Takes Responsibility For Its Behavior
Introduction to the Act of Recognizing Our Humanity
Pastor and Ministers
Someone has said that "we've all become guilty by reason of insanity." We easily blame others for our lives. We easily criticize the rich young ruler of Jesus' parable, while missing the possibility that we are that person. So, I invite us to enter into this confession:
P: God, when we take the time to think about it, we know ourselves to violate your creation, and quickly condemn others for their behavior while neglecting our own behavior which separates us from you and each other.
M: When we're honest, God, we live the "No life!"
P: We speak loudly of wanting our lives to count for something important.
M: And yet, we drift so softly into an endless procession of futility.
P: We say that we want to give of ourselves and our resources,
M: But we fear that we shall have to give up too much to receive others into our lives.
P: We decry the breakdown in communication with God and each other,
M: Yet, we know that, in reality, we prefer not to listen.
P: We wince at the disparity of rich and poor in the world and our own country.
M: But we cling to our possessions, lest in losing them, we lose a portion of ourselves.
P: Pull us out, today, of our neatly beveled rut we have worn!
M: Our "No!" is insufficient!
P: Christ, the way-shower, spoke of life ...
M: Turn us on to live at the depths of our time!
P: Christ, the servant, spoke of hope ...
M: Turn us into bearers of hope where others see only despair!
P: Christ, the open one, spoke of love ...
M: Turn us on to love, especially when those around us are least lovable!
P: Christ, the man for others, spoke of joy ...
M: God, make our joy full this day, as we take hold of our life together as a forgiven and forgiving community.
(Two minutes of silence to absorb these words.)
Introduction to the Act of Receiving New Life
Words of Renewal for Everyone Who Believes them: (in unison) Into your hands we commit our spirit, O Lord. Into your hands we commit our hearts. Into your hands we commit our will. For we know that we must die to ourselves in order to love you and your creation. Into your hands we commit our love. (Pray this three times, as a round.)
The Community Exposes Itself To The Word
Message with the Children of All Ages
Clarence Jordan has recorded this parable on cassette tape. Either play it during worship, or listen to it before worship and interpret it to the children. (Order from Koinonia Records, Rt. 2, Americus, Georgia 31709.)
Dramatizing the Scripture
See Message with the Children of All Ages.
Proclamation of the Good News
Consider this for your introduction: A visitor to a community commented, "Prosperity has certainly built up this community. Look at all those freshly painted houses, new barns, and silos." "It wasn't prosperity at all," replied the farmer. "It was just plain jealousy." To covet is not simply to desire; it means, literally, to desire unlawfully, or with no restraint; that is, to amass more than we need, or can possibly use; or to garner power for the sake of having power. Consider these two points: (1) Why covetousness is wrong: It kills contentment. It leads to wrong action. It shrivels the spirit. (2) Answer to covetousness: It is found in the essence of this parable. Jesus gives no hint that the young man acquired his wealth deceitfully; he seems to have acted in a businesslike way. Yet, Jesus calls him foolish, because he thought only of himself and his material needs. What will we do with this biblical truth, especially when all of us will say, "I'm certainly not rich." Consider the things we have that were not even invented at the time of the parable.
Prayer Response
In the name of Christ, point us beyond our apparent, outward successes and material possessions. Cause us to see ourselves as you see us, as frightened, restless, pessimistic people who need to become grounded in your power.
The Community Takes Responsibility For Responding To The Word
Stewardship Challenge
Olivia Newton-John sings a song which has this line in it: "Why is all that we have, never enough?" How do we answer that question as we go about our daily business? Or does that question never cross our minds, or our pocketbooks?
Hymn of Obedience
"Pues Si Vivimos" (When We Are Living), stanza 1, trans. Elise S. Elinger, 1983; stanzas 2-4, Roberto Escamilla, 1983, trans. George Lockwood, 1987; Spanish melody.
Charge to the Congregation
Someone has said, "Covetousness is a deadly thing, even though it leads to no deed of outward cruelty. It is an inner rottenness that destroys our taste for what is best and true." Maybe that's what the Psalmist meant when he said, "God gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul" (106:15). The Apostle Paul has a better response: "I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances ... I know how to live when things are difficult or prosperous." In the midst of our prosperity, are we willing to allow the Spirit of God to bring contented, satisfied, fulfilled lives from discontented, dissatisfied, unfulfilled lives, in the name and power of the risen Christ?
Meditation
"Envy (covetousness) is the consuming desire to have everybody else as unsuccessful as you are" (Frederick Buechner).
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Music for Preparation: "Woodland Flute Call," Dillon.
Hymn of Praise: "Praise Ye (To) the Lord, the Almighty." (See Lent 3.)
Response to the Gospel: (Adult Choir) "Creator Supreme," Lewis.
Response to the Proclamation: "Breathe on Me, Breath of God." (See Advent 3.)
Offertory: "Green Fields and Meadows," McKay.
Hymn of Obedience: "Holy Spirit, Truth Divine," Samuel Longfellow, 1864; alt. 1987; Orlando Gibbons, 1623; alt.
Music for Dismissal: Theme from "The Creation," Haydn.
