Proper 14 / Ordinary Time 19 / Pentecost 12
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook, Series IV, Cycle C
Soul Motion
Object:
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces.
Religion faces the same problem.
Certain illusions about freedom plague them both.
-- Yann Martel, Life of Pi
Call To Worship
Leader: We've come here from a variety of places; each of us for our own reasons. Each of us has a perception of the Holy and we anticipate having that perception satisfied.
People: We experience God as judge or as storm or as fire or as gentle voice or as creative friend.
Leader: One thing we know is that God is Creator of the world and invites us to be responsible caretakers for the earth and its creatures.
People: The Holy One does not ask us to appease divinity by killing animals and humans; rules and recited dogma are not required by God, either.
Leader: So what does God want from us?
People: God wants us to be hospitable, generous, and honest -- all intangible qualities that declare our loyalty to "heaven on earth" living.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving (Leader)
Gracious God -- we are ready to live in ways that manifest "heaven on earth." Thank you for your lively presence here among us. We are glad for the many ways we can show our appreciation -- and for the many ways you inspire us. We are open and ready to receive your love. Amen.
Call To Confession (Leader)
Our scriptures consider two primary themes: Faith is ... and God wants.... Pray with me the printed prayer and then have your personal conversation with the Holy One.
Community Confession (Unison)
God of the Past, Present, and Future -- our concepts of thinking and faith, trust and belief are enmeshed.
We have faith that you are the I AM, our God.
We trust that you love us. We believe that you are the Creator of the universe.
But you are Great Mystery to us and we do not fully know what you expect from us.
We do not think you want blood sacrifices.
We think that our caring for the earth and for strangers pleases you.
We think you want us to love you, be honest, not steal, not invade others' property -- the commandments you gave Moses.
So help us pay attention to your whispers.
Help us following your leading. Amen.
Sermon Idea
The Hebrews text could lead to an exploration of the relationship of science and religion -- creationism and evolution, the cosmos as a finished entity and as an ever-expanding one. Without going over the ancient rationalizations, the text asks us to consider what our understanding of God compels us to think, believe, do, and become. Since the word "faith" along with "love" and "trust" is over used by various religious groups in our culture, other verbal constructions would challenge the listeners in fresh ways. In the Genesis text, the Psalms, and the gospel, the theme is "Pay attention and be ready for whatever comes." This theme could be explored through developmental stages -- what is to be expected for each stage of our lives, physically and psychically/spiritually. It could also be explored through international issues: If Americans had been paying attention, we might not be addicted to oil or we might have figured out that Saudi Arabia could control our economy or we might have been more observant about the effect of international trade agreements. A sermon title might be: I'm Tired of Your Bloody Behavior! -- God. An honest question might be: Can we trust God to be on our side? as the psalmist insists.
Contemporary Affirmation
We know God, the Creator, by many names;
we believe that God, the Holy One, loves us and all creation.
We know Jesus of Nazareth taught people to love friends and enemies;
we believe Jesus' teachings lead us to satisfaction in living.
We believe the Holy Spirit is moving throughout the global village,
inviting all peoples to live peaceably together;
we experience the Holy Spirit to be motivating us to journey toward
internal contentment and external service for justice.
In community, we are stimulated intellectually to ask questions
about the meaning of life and Mystery.
We are challenged to know ourselves and to relate to God.
We are soothed during the painful parts of life and in good times,
we share our rejoicings! Hurrah! Yippee! Hallelujah!
Offertory Statement (Leader)
Jesus tells the rich man that he should be concerned about his investments in heaven. We, too, must pay attention to our spiritual wealth. Some we invest in our building and share the costs of being a household of faith; some we invest in society by helping feed those who are hungry; some we invest in medical mission projects; some we invest in the education of the next generation. We take a few minutes to pass baskets to receive your investment for today.
Doxology
The Lone, Wild Bird (v. 2, modified), tune: PROSPECT
The ends of earth are in God's hand, The sea's dark deep and far-off land.
And I am yours! I rest in you. Great Spirit, come, and rest in me.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving (Leader)
Investing God -- we thank you for making your home, your investment in us and in the Universe. We want to be loyal in the use of our riches -- money, time, and talent. Multiply what we have to share so that others may have what they need to be well nourished. Amen.
Intercessory Prayers (Leader or Readers)
Creating Spirit -- summer is here with its heat and harvests. We're aware of how the seasons cycle by us providing varied foods, weather patterns, and beautiful sights. We pray for this whole planet and its health. Work wisdom in us so that we problem-solve for the earth's harmony and the universe's welfare. Let the seasons come and go to bless all creatures.
Creating Spirit -- we think of our ancestors whose understanding of the Bible was quite literal and their faith was not dependent upon logic or scientific data. As we learn more about how the intricate systems of the human body and the universe work, help us integrate what we learn with what we experience as Divine Presence. We imagine that to be made from clay means that sometimes we feel cracked and discarded. Mend our broken places; establish us among companions who are honest with us and who are willing to help carry our burdens. Sustain us when we are afraid.
Energy of the Universe -- we used to think that the teachings of Jesus would establish the kingdom of heaven on the earth. But it seems we are a long way from a social order based on honesty, justice, peace, and shared resources. Raise among Americans -- and in every nation -- leaders whose vision includes goodness for every person and opportunities for physical and mental wholeness. We pray for the end of war everywhere it maims people and destroys the land.
Creating Spirit -- we are glad for the adults and children who make this faith family a safe place for exploring the Holy, for asking questions, and for holding the unanswerable in some sort of creative tension. Sustain our fascination and loyalty to the Mystery we name God. Amen.
Benediction (Leader)
Life is a journey to Mystery.
Experiment with multiple names for God;
Explore different ways to respond to the Holy Spirit.
Laugh each day and unbuild the overwhelming towers of the world.
Notice possibilities around each corner;
Make dreams and cultivate a glad heart!
Holy Spirit empowers you and me to live real life --
Peace be yours, deep peace. Amen.
Music
Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
Words: Jeffery Rowthorn, 1974
Music: Att. to Elkanah Kelsay Dare, 1799
KEDRON
God Of Many Names
Words: Brian Wren, 1985
Music: William P. Rowan, 1985
MANY NAMES
O God Of Every Shining Constellation
Words: Albert F. Bayly, 1950
Music: V. Earle Copes, 1963
VICAR
O God Who Shaped Creation
Words: William W. Weid Jr., 1987
Music: Dale Wood, 1968, 1988
TUOLUMNE
What Does The Lord Require For Praise?
Words: Albert F. Bayly, 1949
Music: Norman L. Warren, 1969
BISHOP TUCKER
What Gift Can We Bring?
Words and Music: Jane Marshall, 1980
ANNIVERSARY SONG
Religion faces the same problem.
Certain illusions about freedom plague them both.
-- Yann Martel, Life of Pi
Call To Worship
Leader: We've come here from a variety of places; each of us for our own reasons. Each of us has a perception of the Holy and we anticipate having that perception satisfied.
People: We experience God as judge or as storm or as fire or as gentle voice or as creative friend.
Leader: One thing we know is that God is Creator of the world and invites us to be responsible caretakers for the earth and its creatures.
People: The Holy One does not ask us to appease divinity by killing animals and humans; rules and recited dogma are not required by God, either.
Leader: So what does God want from us?
People: God wants us to be hospitable, generous, and honest -- all intangible qualities that declare our loyalty to "heaven on earth" living.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving (Leader)
Gracious God -- we are ready to live in ways that manifest "heaven on earth." Thank you for your lively presence here among us. We are glad for the many ways we can show our appreciation -- and for the many ways you inspire us. We are open and ready to receive your love. Amen.
Call To Confession (Leader)
Our scriptures consider two primary themes: Faith is ... and God wants.... Pray with me the printed prayer and then have your personal conversation with the Holy One.
Community Confession (Unison)
God of the Past, Present, and Future -- our concepts of thinking and faith, trust and belief are enmeshed.
We have faith that you are the I AM, our God.
We trust that you love us. We believe that you are the Creator of the universe.
But you are Great Mystery to us and we do not fully know what you expect from us.
We do not think you want blood sacrifices.
We think that our caring for the earth and for strangers pleases you.
We think you want us to love you, be honest, not steal, not invade others' property -- the commandments you gave Moses.
So help us pay attention to your whispers.
Help us following your leading. Amen.
Sermon Idea
The Hebrews text could lead to an exploration of the relationship of science and religion -- creationism and evolution, the cosmos as a finished entity and as an ever-expanding one. Without going over the ancient rationalizations, the text asks us to consider what our understanding of God compels us to think, believe, do, and become. Since the word "faith" along with "love" and "trust" is over used by various religious groups in our culture, other verbal constructions would challenge the listeners in fresh ways. In the Genesis text, the Psalms, and the gospel, the theme is "Pay attention and be ready for whatever comes." This theme could be explored through developmental stages -- what is to be expected for each stage of our lives, physically and psychically/spiritually. It could also be explored through international issues: If Americans had been paying attention, we might not be addicted to oil or we might have figured out that Saudi Arabia could control our economy or we might have been more observant about the effect of international trade agreements. A sermon title might be: I'm Tired of Your Bloody Behavior! -- God. An honest question might be: Can we trust God to be on our side? as the psalmist insists.
Contemporary Affirmation
We know God, the Creator, by many names;
we believe that God, the Holy One, loves us and all creation.
We know Jesus of Nazareth taught people to love friends and enemies;
we believe Jesus' teachings lead us to satisfaction in living.
We believe the Holy Spirit is moving throughout the global village,
inviting all peoples to live peaceably together;
we experience the Holy Spirit to be motivating us to journey toward
internal contentment and external service for justice.
In community, we are stimulated intellectually to ask questions
about the meaning of life and Mystery.
We are challenged to know ourselves and to relate to God.
We are soothed during the painful parts of life and in good times,
we share our rejoicings! Hurrah! Yippee! Hallelujah!
Offertory Statement (Leader)
Jesus tells the rich man that he should be concerned about his investments in heaven. We, too, must pay attention to our spiritual wealth. Some we invest in our building and share the costs of being a household of faith; some we invest in society by helping feed those who are hungry; some we invest in medical mission projects; some we invest in the education of the next generation. We take a few minutes to pass baskets to receive your investment for today.
Doxology
The Lone, Wild Bird (v. 2, modified), tune: PROSPECT
The ends of earth are in God's hand, The sea's dark deep and far-off land.
And I am yours! I rest in you. Great Spirit, come, and rest in me.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving (Leader)
Investing God -- we thank you for making your home, your investment in us and in the Universe. We want to be loyal in the use of our riches -- money, time, and talent. Multiply what we have to share so that others may have what they need to be well nourished. Amen.
Intercessory Prayers (Leader or Readers)
Creating Spirit -- summer is here with its heat and harvests. We're aware of how the seasons cycle by us providing varied foods, weather patterns, and beautiful sights. We pray for this whole planet and its health. Work wisdom in us so that we problem-solve for the earth's harmony and the universe's welfare. Let the seasons come and go to bless all creatures.
Creating Spirit -- we think of our ancestors whose understanding of the Bible was quite literal and their faith was not dependent upon logic or scientific data. As we learn more about how the intricate systems of the human body and the universe work, help us integrate what we learn with what we experience as Divine Presence. We imagine that to be made from clay means that sometimes we feel cracked and discarded. Mend our broken places; establish us among companions who are honest with us and who are willing to help carry our burdens. Sustain us when we are afraid.
Energy of the Universe -- we used to think that the teachings of Jesus would establish the kingdom of heaven on the earth. But it seems we are a long way from a social order based on honesty, justice, peace, and shared resources. Raise among Americans -- and in every nation -- leaders whose vision includes goodness for every person and opportunities for physical and mental wholeness. We pray for the end of war everywhere it maims people and destroys the land.
Creating Spirit -- we are glad for the adults and children who make this faith family a safe place for exploring the Holy, for asking questions, and for holding the unanswerable in some sort of creative tension. Sustain our fascination and loyalty to the Mystery we name God. Amen.
Benediction (Leader)
Life is a journey to Mystery.
Experiment with multiple names for God;
Explore different ways to respond to the Holy Spirit.
Laugh each day and unbuild the overwhelming towers of the world.
Notice possibilities around each corner;
Make dreams and cultivate a glad heart!
Holy Spirit empowers you and me to live real life --
Peace be yours, deep peace. Amen.
Music
Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
Words: Jeffery Rowthorn, 1974
Music: Att. to Elkanah Kelsay Dare, 1799
KEDRON
God Of Many Names
Words: Brian Wren, 1985
Music: William P. Rowan, 1985
MANY NAMES
O God Of Every Shining Constellation
Words: Albert F. Bayly, 1950
Music: V. Earle Copes, 1963
VICAR
O God Who Shaped Creation
Words: William W. Weid Jr., 1987
Music: Dale Wood, 1968, 1988
TUOLUMNE
What Does The Lord Require For Praise?
Words: Albert F. Bayly, 1949
Music: Norman L. Warren, 1969
BISHOP TUCKER
What Gift Can We Bring?
Words and Music: Jane Marshall, 1980
ANNIVERSARY SONG
