Proper 21 / Ordinary Time 26 / Pentecost 19
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook, Series IV, Cycle C
Soul Motion
Object:
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
we are going to have to stretch our hearts, open our minds,
and strengthen our souls ... God cannot lodge in a narrow mind;
God cannot lodge in a small heart. To accommodate God they must be palatial.
-- William Sloan Coffin, Credo
Call To Worship
Leader: Good morning, wealthy friends! You and I -- we've brought nothing into the world and we'll take nothing out! But we've gathered again to be thankful for who we are and what we have.
People: We are rich in spiritual things. We are content with God's Presence; the path we take to Holy Mystery satisfies our deepest longings. We are rich in Christ!
Leader: On our paths with God, we strive to live in ways that honor God and manifest divine love so others may also be content.
People: We strive for godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. We try to do good and to enjoy what God is doing among us.
Leader: Together, we will express our thanks, ask our questions, listen for guidance, and appreciate this hour.
People: We let go of the desires we came here with; we will pay close attention to our words, our thoughts, and the generative silence in our hearts.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving (Leader and Unison)
Let's make our prayers audible.
Living God thank you for the Holy Spirit inspiring and blessing us in so many ways. Thank you that temptations are silenced as we listen for your voice. Thank you for your vivacious love, strengthening us to work toward making your reign a reality. Our minds and psyches are eager to be in conversation with you. Amen.
Call To Confession (Leader)
When the world seems to be falling apart, when evil seems dominant, when peace seems impossible, we implore the Holy Spirit to protect us. External and internal distress can be relieved as we trust Holy Mystery to strengthen us for this aspect of our human journey. Let's pray together and then let the silence take us individually to the heart of God.
Community Confession (Unison)
Holy One -- we'd much rather be singing a happy song than grieving over the destruction of land, air, and creatures.
Yet, like the prophets of ancient times, we see warfulness in so many places. We see the results of greed and recognize that justice is not succeeding for many people.
Search our minds and hearts for attitudes that defy your grace. Change our demeanors so that we feel hospitable and happy. Open our ears to new songs! Amen.
Sermon Idea
Until something is so compelling, we tend to go about our lives with rather myopic vision. In the gospel story, the nameless rich man is intent on his own preservation. He doesn't notice that others are not as comfortable as he is. He doesn't see the poor man who has a name as well as needs. Not until he is in great pain does he notice his predicament. Ancient Jerusalem/Israel, too, did not take seriously its erosion and was overcome by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The best ideas and craftspersons were exiled to serve another civilization.
One intriguing exploration might be with how we identify ourselves and are known in society. The rich man is known for his possessions and wealth. He is not given a specific name. The poor man is known for his needs and has a name. How does our personal identity in society promote the kingdom of God?
Advice and warnings are rarely helpful since there is already abundant information about what causes personal spiritual harm as well as what diminishes a nation. One must intentionally, consciously assume responsibility for his/her own soul's well being. No one can force us to nourish our souls or our relationships. God invites us to know and to act on the stories of Jesus.
Contemporary Affirmation (Unison)
The Divine Imagination continues to be at work in the world;
God breathes life and proclaims it good.
The Divine Worker was revealed in Jesus of Nazareth
who moved among people healing, mentoring, feeding, and renewing.
The Divine Artist continues to create through us,
inspiring us to exhibit the Christ in our choices and decisions.
In community, we encourage one another to explore who we
can become as twenty-first-century friends of Jesus.
Together, we can be honest, compassionate, and hopeful.
Let it be so. Amen!
Offertory Statement (Leader)
It is satisfying to see people being healed, restored, and contented as we use our talents and moneys to make this world a more kind place. Share what you can.
Doxology
Christ, Whose Glory Fills The Skies (v. 1), tune: RATISBON
Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the true, the only light,
Sun of Righteousness, arise, triumph o'er the shades of night;
Dayspring from on high, be near; Daystar in my heart appear.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving (Leader)
Wondrous Light -- we are alert to our responsibilities for our own souls and for establishing goodness here. Thank you for skills and money that make our life together good and brighten this corner of the world. Thank you for inspiring us to be kind and generous. Amen.
Intercessory Prayers (Leader or Readers)
Creating God -- we see you continually creating and re-creating. We see evidence of your expansive imagination. We feel you busy among us, making things different from last year, refocusing our thoughts, and compelling us to expand our perceptions of divinity and humanity. We want to love you with our whole selves; revamp our souls to be palatial.
Midwifing God -- birth through us a new world order, a reign of justice and compassion, an era with honest politics and compassionate leaders. Move among this planet's palette of people until peace spills out. Nurture governments till they protect the cosmos and feed the children. Keep harmful elements away; halt the dangerous toxins that threaten to destroy goodness.
Animating God -- we are glad to be made in your image. But we are clay and we experience breaking fatigue. We get weary and our bones cry "ouch"! Our organs wear out and our attitudes turn grouchy. Sustain us through this earth journey. Don't let jobs-without-meaning cripple our imaginations. Lift us from cynicism to thoughts that make good neighbors. Breathe new life into us, again. Heal us and activate deep peace in our muscles.
Builder of the Universe and the Church -- we are vulnerable to the wiles of profit seekers. Let us protect the earth and its resources. Let us teach our children to be frugal with water and oil and careful with foods. May we consciously harmonize what we do and what we say. Amen.
Benediction (Leader)
As you leave the sanctuary to work and play,
Be aware that your cup of life is at least half full!
Notice that the roof over your home is strong.
Notice soft breezes, warm fires, and smiles of friends.
Take time to be grateful for who you are;
Check in with who you are becoming.
God, busy animating the cosmos, is blessing you. Go gently. Amen!
Music
Creative God, You Spread The Earth
Words: Ruth Duck, 1991
Music: Traditional English melody; harm. Ralph Vaughan Williams
KINGSFOLD
For The Fruit Of All Creation
Words: Fred Pratt Green, 1970
Music: Traditional Welsh melody; harm. Luther Orlando Emerson, 1906
AR HYD Y NOS
We Are Not Our Own
Words: Brian Wren, 1987
Music: Brian Wren, 1987; arr. Fred Graham
YARNTON
Wind Upon The Waters
Words and Music: Marty Haugen, 1986
WIND UPON THE WATERS
we are going to have to stretch our hearts, open our minds,
and strengthen our souls ... God cannot lodge in a narrow mind;
God cannot lodge in a small heart. To accommodate God they must be palatial.
-- William Sloan Coffin, Credo
Call To Worship
Leader: Good morning, wealthy friends! You and I -- we've brought nothing into the world and we'll take nothing out! But we've gathered again to be thankful for who we are and what we have.
People: We are rich in spiritual things. We are content with God's Presence; the path we take to Holy Mystery satisfies our deepest longings. We are rich in Christ!
Leader: On our paths with God, we strive to live in ways that honor God and manifest divine love so others may also be content.
People: We strive for godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. We try to do good and to enjoy what God is doing among us.
Leader: Together, we will express our thanks, ask our questions, listen for guidance, and appreciate this hour.
People: We let go of the desires we came here with; we will pay close attention to our words, our thoughts, and the generative silence in our hearts.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving (Leader and Unison)
Let's make our prayers audible.
Living God thank you for the Holy Spirit inspiring and blessing us in so many ways. Thank you that temptations are silenced as we listen for your voice. Thank you for your vivacious love, strengthening us to work toward making your reign a reality. Our minds and psyches are eager to be in conversation with you. Amen.
Call To Confession (Leader)
When the world seems to be falling apart, when evil seems dominant, when peace seems impossible, we implore the Holy Spirit to protect us. External and internal distress can be relieved as we trust Holy Mystery to strengthen us for this aspect of our human journey. Let's pray together and then let the silence take us individually to the heart of God.
Community Confession (Unison)
Holy One -- we'd much rather be singing a happy song than grieving over the destruction of land, air, and creatures.
Yet, like the prophets of ancient times, we see warfulness in so many places. We see the results of greed and recognize that justice is not succeeding for many people.
Search our minds and hearts for attitudes that defy your grace. Change our demeanors so that we feel hospitable and happy. Open our ears to new songs! Amen.
Sermon Idea
Until something is so compelling, we tend to go about our lives with rather myopic vision. In the gospel story, the nameless rich man is intent on his own preservation. He doesn't notice that others are not as comfortable as he is. He doesn't see the poor man who has a name as well as needs. Not until he is in great pain does he notice his predicament. Ancient Jerusalem/Israel, too, did not take seriously its erosion and was overcome by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The best ideas and craftspersons were exiled to serve another civilization.
One intriguing exploration might be with how we identify ourselves and are known in society. The rich man is known for his possessions and wealth. He is not given a specific name. The poor man is known for his needs and has a name. How does our personal identity in society promote the kingdom of God?
Advice and warnings are rarely helpful since there is already abundant information about what causes personal spiritual harm as well as what diminishes a nation. One must intentionally, consciously assume responsibility for his/her own soul's well being. No one can force us to nourish our souls or our relationships. God invites us to know and to act on the stories of Jesus.
Contemporary Affirmation (Unison)
The Divine Imagination continues to be at work in the world;
God breathes life and proclaims it good.
The Divine Worker was revealed in Jesus of Nazareth
who moved among people healing, mentoring, feeding, and renewing.
The Divine Artist continues to create through us,
inspiring us to exhibit the Christ in our choices and decisions.
In community, we encourage one another to explore who we
can become as twenty-first-century friends of Jesus.
Together, we can be honest, compassionate, and hopeful.
Let it be so. Amen!
Offertory Statement (Leader)
It is satisfying to see people being healed, restored, and contented as we use our talents and moneys to make this world a more kind place. Share what you can.
Doxology
Christ, Whose Glory Fills The Skies (v. 1), tune: RATISBON
Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the true, the only light,
Sun of Righteousness, arise, triumph o'er the shades of night;
Dayspring from on high, be near; Daystar in my heart appear.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving (Leader)
Wondrous Light -- we are alert to our responsibilities for our own souls and for establishing goodness here. Thank you for skills and money that make our life together good and brighten this corner of the world. Thank you for inspiring us to be kind and generous. Amen.
Intercessory Prayers (Leader or Readers)
Creating God -- we see you continually creating and re-creating. We see evidence of your expansive imagination. We feel you busy among us, making things different from last year, refocusing our thoughts, and compelling us to expand our perceptions of divinity and humanity. We want to love you with our whole selves; revamp our souls to be palatial.
Midwifing God -- birth through us a new world order, a reign of justice and compassion, an era with honest politics and compassionate leaders. Move among this planet's palette of people until peace spills out. Nurture governments till they protect the cosmos and feed the children. Keep harmful elements away; halt the dangerous toxins that threaten to destroy goodness.
Animating God -- we are glad to be made in your image. But we are clay and we experience breaking fatigue. We get weary and our bones cry "ouch"! Our organs wear out and our attitudes turn grouchy. Sustain us through this earth journey. Don't let jobs-without-meaning cripple our imaginations. Lift us from cynicism to thoughts that make good neighbors. Breathe new life into us, again. Heal us and activate deep peace in our muscles.
Builder of the Universe and the Church -- we are vulnerable to the wiles of profit seekers. Let us protect the earth and its resources. Let us teach our children to be frugal with water and oil and careful with foods. May we consciously harmonize what we do and what we say. Amen.
Benediction (Leader)
As you leave the sanctuary to work and play,
Be aware that your cup of life is at least half full!
Notice that the roof over your home is strong.
Notice soft breezes, warm fires, and smiles of friends.
Take time to be grateful for who you are;
Check in with who you are becoming.
God, busy animating the cosmos, is blessing you. Go gently. Amen!
Music
Creative God, You Spread The Earth
Words: Ruth Duck, 1991
Music: Traditional English melody; harm. Ralph Vaughan Williams
KINGSFOLD
For The Fruit Of All Creation
Words: Fred Pratt Green, 1970
Music: Traditional Welsh melody; harm. Luther Orlando Emerson, 1906
AR HYD Y NOS
We Are Not Our Own
Words: Brian Wren, 1987
Music: Brian Wren, 1987; arr. Fred Graham
YARNTON
Wind Upon The Waters
Words and Music: Marty Haugen, 1986
WIND UPON THE WATERS
