Proper 22, Pentecost 20, Ordinary Time 27
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook
Series II, Cycle C Gospel Texts
Liturgical Color: Green
Gospel: Luke 17:5-10
Theme: Jesus' Promise of Increased Faith and A Lesson in Service. With what kind of enthusiasm and energy do we serve God and God's world?
Recognizing Who God Is
Music for Preparation
"Trumpet Tune,"aStanley.
(If you observe Worldwide Communion, consider the following preparations: (1) Have people dress in the clothing of their heritage, or their vocation, or their school clothes that are in vogue today. (2) Well in advance, invite those who speak the language of their culture to participate using their native languages. If you want to take a big risk, include those who speak "rap," and everything in between. Make this truly a worldwide communion.)
Pastoral Invitation
Pastor and Ministers
In the name of the One who has authored and who energizes our faith, welcome to this celebration. (As you begin the worship, have your musicians present a drumroll and trumpet blast.) In a sense, worship is party time. We praise the One who heals the hurt of the world by remembering the wound of Christ.
P: So, in the name of the Lord of the Sacrament, rejoice. So, listen, do you hear the Voice of God?
M: We do hear God's voice.
P: How do you hear it? Where do you hear it?
M: (The congregation responds as led by God's Spirit. Take time; let there be silence, even agonizing silence, even if no one responds. People will hear God's voice in the silence, even though they may say nothing.)
P: I invite us to listen even more carefully this hour.
M: Indeed we shall!
Hymn of Praise
"Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty." (See Trinity Sunday.)
Prayer of Praise
Use prayers from around the world. Two prayer resources are: The World at One in Prayer, edited by Daniel Fleming, and In His Name prepared by George Appleton. This is another reminder to plan worship six to eight weeks in advance. In addition, display a variety of ethnically-oriented paintings of Christ's face, including those from the Fellowship of Merry Christians. Consider also creating a robe which reflects the universal nature of the sacrament.
Invitation To Discover Who We Are And Who We Can Become
Introduction to the Act of Recognizing Our Humanity
What kind of a Christian are you? Many, inside and outside of the church, confess, "I believe in God; Jesus is my Savior," and have no faith even as large as a mustard seed. They pray only in crises; they seldom attend worship; they give of their leftovers, rather than their first-fruits; they complain about what they don't like; they stand for nothing and fall for everything, including the latest fads; they even say, "I did my time in church work, it's time for the young people to take over." Does any of this sound familiar? (Thirty seconds of silence.) I invite you to think silently, and to write down your responses to the following expressions: How are we a part of these expressions of sin as alienation, justification, scapegoating, excuse-making, all of which reflect the status of our faith: (1) Failure to take seriously our responsibility, not for, but to, other persons? (Pause.) (2) Being parasites, rather than contributors? (Pause.) (3) Ignoring the tragedies of human separation? (Pause.) (4) Add your own list. (Two minutes of silence.)
Unison Prayer Response
Lord, forgive the disorder of our undisciplined lives. We are ashamed of our condition in the race of life: Soft and self-indulgent physically; loose and lazy intellectually; indifferent and unloving emotionally, unconcerned and unresponsive spiritually -- all the while professing Jesus as our Savior and Lord. By your Spirit, help us to keep the edges of our Jesus as our Savior and Lord. By your Spirit, help us to keep the edges of our minds sharp, our thinking straight, our bodies fit, our passions controlled, our wills obedient, through the Christ who calls us to a faith of height, depth, and width.
Choral Response
"Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us." Sing as a round with the Choir leading the congregation.
Introduction to the Act of Receiving New Life
Pastor and Ministers
Because of the power of the confession, some of us never get beyond our sin. Let's understand two things: (1) We do not want pain (growth). We want comfort. Pain, that is, change, chaos, is essential for growth. We've heard of "growing pains," which are necessary for physical growth; also true for spiritual growth. Rigid pews lead to rigid attitudes. (2) We also need to know the biblical truth, that God already has forgiven our sin. As Ronald Goetz has said, "Only when the ultimate atheism of sin is exposed can its real malignancy be diagnosed." Perhaps this story will help (source unknown): A nun told her bishop that she saw Christ in a vision. The bishop required proof of her claim, and said that proof would be if Christ could tell her the bishop's most recent sin. Several months later, the nun told the bishop she had seen Christ again. She asked Christ what sin had been most recently committed by the bishop. The bishop asked, "What did Christ say?" The nun replied, "Christ said, 'I don't remember.' " The bishop had his proof.
P: Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers.
M: Be merciful to your imperfect disciples, O Christ.
Choral Response
"Glory Be to the Father" (any version).
Hearing The Truth Of The Good News
Message with the Children of All Ages
Explain the meaning of the sacrament in your tradition. Then, serve the children grapes and bread.
Response
"It Is Christ's World After All," sung to the tune of the Disney song "It's a Small World After All."
Dramatizing the Scripture
Have a group of "apostles" from the pews say to "Jesus," "Increase our faith." Have "Jesus" respond from the floor of the sanctuary.
Proclamation of the Good News
Some insights from Ernest Trice Thompson, in a Presybterian Outlook (2/13/67): Jesus is speaking here of servant-slaves, who do not expect any particular thanks for doing what was normally expected of them. Jesus is not attempting to portray the character of God in his remarks; Ernest Fremont Tittle comments, "What the parable of the servant is designed to bring out is not the way in which God deals with those who serve God, but rather the spirit in which we are called to serve God." Also, there is no let-up in God's service, no time-out, no laziness, no toleration of ignorance, no capitulation to fear. Those engaged in the fight for a decent and durable civilization may receive an occasional furlough, but no discharge from the war.
Response
"See What Love," Felix Mendelssohn.
The Community Participates In The Sacrament
Pastoral Invitation to the Sacrament
I borrowed these ideas from Henry E. Kolbe, from The Pulpit (July-August/1966). Revise your situation. Dark brown bread, broken ahead of time into large pieces so that people have something to chew on. Say, "Here is the dark, brown body of Jesus for you." If possible, use Russian rye, baked in a Jewish bakery. For the wine, use grape juice, laced with a hefty amount of vinegar. Drinking of blood can never be pleasant and mild. It also refers to Jesus' crucifixion; he refused it the first time as a painkiller; he accepted it a second time in order to remain alert to the end. Say, "The rich, red blood of Christ." You also may want to increase the symbolism by wearing a blue-denim jacket, to identify with those who work with their hands, the motorcycle crowd, farmers, or poor laborers. Use an ordinary table, perhaps a card table, and thirteen chairs, paper cups, which you can wash and recycle. Use your imagination to present a communion which people never forget. (I used this at a presbytery meeting 25 years ago; a pastor recently commented about his remembering the experience.)
Response
Pastoral Prayer, including the congregation's singing Mallott's version of the Lord's Prayer.
Responding To What We Say We Believe
Stewardship Challenge
What does Christ say when we ask, "What's in it for me?" Nothing! This parable rebukes our false pride and the desire for praise and reward which too often characterize the followers of Jesus. I have heard pastors brag about how wonderful their congregation is, the numbers, the giving, and the programs. I have looked at dozens of church newsletters, 95 percent of which focus solely upon what's happening in the life of the local church, nothing beyond the walls of the building. How easily people will give to a new building, a new Christian education wing, pews, and so forth, and how little for mission, locally or worldwide.
Offertory
"Prayer," Guilmant.
Prayer of Dedication
God, we are mindful that you ask all from us; we are grateful that you give all to us.
Hymn of Obedience
"O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing." (See Ascension Sunday.)
Charge to the Congregation
No human work, no matter how hard, gives us any claim upon God. We owe God far more than we can possibly do. We never put God into our debt. So, on what basis, by what criteria, do you consider yourself a Christian: by grace alone, or by grace plus something else? The first response is biblical; the second is heresy.
Response to the Benediction
"Michael, Row Your Boat." Sing the following words: (1) Glory be to God on high. Alleluia. (Repeat.) (2) We of faith can life our lives. Alleluia. (Repeat.) (3) We of faith can die our death. Alleluia. (Repeat.) (4) Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia. (Repeat.)
Meditation
At what point, or points, in worship did we allow God to reach us? Where did we try to hide from God? And how will we respond this coming week?
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Music for Preparation: "O Lamb of God," J. S. Bach.
Hymn of Praise: "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." (See Pentecost 8.)
Response to the Scripture: "O Taste Ye and See," Tchesnikoff.
Offertory: "Deck Thyself, My Soul," Brahms.
Hymn of Invitation to the Sacrament: "Let Us Break Bread Together." (See Lent 6.)
Hymn of Obedience: "Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life," Frank Mason North, 1905; alt.; attr. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827); Gardiner's Sacred Melodies, 1915.
Music for Dismissal: "Tocatta in G Major," Pachelbel.
Gospel: Luke 17:5-10
Theme: Jesus' Promise of Increased Faith and A Lesson in Service. With what kind of enthusiasm and energy do we serve God and God's world?
Recognizing Who God Is
Music for Preparation
"Trumpet Tune,"aStanley.
(If you observe Worldwide Communion, consider the following preparations: (1) Have people dress in the clothing of their heritage, or their vocation, or their school clothes that are in vogue today. (2) Well in advance, invite those who speak the language of their culture to participate using their native languages. If you want to take a big risk, include those who speak "rap," and everything in between. Make this truly a worldwide communion.)
Pastoral Invitation
Pastor and Ministers
In the name of the One who has authored and who energizes our faith, welcome to this celebration. (As you begin the worship, have your musicians present a drumroll and trumpet blast.) In a sense, worship is party time. We praise the One who heals the hurt of the world by remembering the wound of Christ.
P: So, in the name of the Lord of the Sacrament, rejoice. So, listen, do you hear the Voice of God?
M: We do hear God's voice.
P: How do you hear it? Where do you hear it?
M: (The congregation responds as led by God's Spirit. Take time; let there be silence, even agonizing silence, even if no one responds. People will hear God's voice in the silence, even though they may say nothing.)
P: I invite us to listen even more carefully this hour.
M: Indeed we shall!
Hymn of Praise
"Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty." (See Trinity Sunday.)
Prayer of Praise
Use prayers from around the world. Two prayer resources are: The World at One in Prayer, edited by Daniel Fleming, and In His Name prepared by George Appleton. This is another reminder to plan worship six to eight weeks in advance. In addition, display a variety of ethnically-oriented paintings of Christ's face, including those from the Fellowship of Merry Christians. Consider also creating a robe which reflects the universal nature of the sacrament.
Invitation To Discover Who We Are And Who We Can Become
Introduction to the Act of Recognizing Our Humanity
What kind of a Christian are you? Many, inside and outside of the church, confess, "I believe in God; Jesus is my Savior," and have no faith even as large as a mustard seed. They pray only in crises; they seldom attend worship; they give of their leftovers, rather than their first-fruits; they complain about what they don't like; they stand for nothing and fall for everything, including the latest fads; they even say, "I did my time in church work, it's time for the young people to take over." Does any of this sound familiar? (Thirty seconds of silence.) I invite you to think silently, and to write down your responses to the following expressions: How are we a part of these expressions of sin as alienation, justification, scapegoating, excuse-making, all of which reflect the status of our faith: (1) Failure to take seriously our responsibility, not for, but to, other persons? (Pause.) (2) Being parasites, rather than contributors? (Pause.) (3) Ignoring the tragedies of human separation? (Pause.) (4) Add your own list. (Two minutes of silence.)
Unison Prayer Response
Lord, forgive the disorder of our undisciplined lives. We are ashamed of our condition in the race of life: Soft and self-indulgent physically; loose and lazy intellectually; indifferent and unloving emotionally, unconcerned and unresponsive spiritually -- all the while professing Jesus as our Savior and Lord. By your Spirit, help us to keep the edges of our Jesus as our Savior and Lord. By your Spirit, help us to keep the edges of our minds sharp, our thinking straight, our bodies fit, our passions controlled, our wills obedient, through the Christ who calls us to a faith of height, depth, and width.
Choral Response
"Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us." Sing as a round with the Choir leading the congregation.
Introduction to the Act of Receiving New Life
Pastor and Ministers
Because of the power of the confession, some of us never get beyond our sin. Let's understand two things: (1) We do not want pain (growth). We want comfort. Pain, that is, change, chaos, is essential for growth. We've heard of "growing pains," which are necessary for physical growth; also true for spiritual growth. Rigid pews lead to rigid attitudes. (2) We also need to know the biblical truth, that God already has forgiven our sin. As Ronald Goetz has said, "Only when the ultimate atheism of sin is exposed can its real malignancy be diagnosed." Perhaps this story will help (source unknown): A nun told her bishop that she saw Christ in a vision. The bishop required proof of her claim, and said that proof would be if Christ could tell her the bishop's most recent sin. Several months later, the nun told the bishop she had seen Christ again. She asked Christ what sin had been most recently committed by the bishop. The bishop asked, "What did Christ say?" The nun replied, "Christ said, 'I don't remember.' " The bishop had his proof.
P: Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers.
M: Be merciful to your imperfect disciples, O Christ.
Choral Response
"Glory Be to the Father" (any version).
Hearing The Truth Of The Good News
Message with the Children of All Ages
Explain the meaning of the sacrament in your tradition. Then, serve the children grapes and bread.
Response
"It Is Christ's World After All," sung to the tune of the Disney song "It's a Small World After All."
Dramatizing the Scripture
Have a group of "apostles" from the pews say to "Jesus," "Increase our faith." Have "Jesus" respond from the floor of the sanctuary.
Proclamation of the Good News
Some insights from Ernest Trice Thompson, in a Presybterian Outlook (2/13/67): Jesus is speaking here of servant-slaves, who do not expect any particular thanks for doing what was normally expected of them. Jesus is not attempting to portray the character of God in his remarks; Ernest Fremont Tittle comments, "What the parable of the servant is designed to bring out is not the way in which God deals with those who serve God, but rather the spirit in which we are called to serve God." Also, there is no let-up in God's service, no time-out, no laziness, no toleration of ignorance, no capitulation to fear. Those engaged in the fight for a decent and durable civilization may receive an occasional furlough, but no discharge from the war.
Response
"See What Love," Felix Mendelssohn.
The Community Participates In The Sacrament
Pastoral Invitation to the Sacrament
I borrowed these ideas from Henry E. Kolbe, from The Pulpit (July-August/1966). Revise your situation. Dark brown bread, broken ahead of time into large pieces so that people have something to chew on. Say, "Here is the dark, brown body of Jesus for you." If possible, use Russian rye, baked in a Jewish bakery. For the wine, use grape juice, laced with a hefty amount of vinegar. Drinking of blood can never be pleasant and mild. It also refers to Jesus' crucifixion; he refused it the first time as a painkiller; he accepted it a second time in order to remain alert to the end. Say, "The rich, red blood of Christ." You also may want to increase the symbolism by wearing a blue-denim jacket, to identify with those who work with their hands, the motorcycle crowd, farmers, or poor laborers. Use an ordinary table, perhaps a card table, and thirteen chairs, paper cups, which you can wash and recycle. Use your imagination to present a communion which people never forget. (I used this at a presbytery meeting 25 years ago; a pastor recently commented about his remembering the experience.)
Response
Pastoral Prayer, including the congregation's singing Mallott's version of the Lord's Prayer.
Responding To What We Say We Believe
Stewardship Challenge
What does Christ say when we ask, "What's in it for me?" Nothing! This parable rebukes our false pride and the desire for praise and reward which too often characterize the followers of Jesus. I have heard pastors brag about how wonderful their congregation is, the numbers, the giving, and the programs. I have looked at dozens of church newsletters, 95 percent of which focus solely upon what's happening in the life of the local church, nothing beyond the walls of the building. How easily people will give to a new building, a new Christian education wing, pews, and so forth, and how little for mission, locally or worldwide.
Offertory
"Prayer," Guilmant.
Prayer of Dedication
God, we are mindful that you ask all from us; we are grateful that you give all to us.
Hymn of Obedience
"O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing." (See Ascension Sunday.)
Charge to the Congregation
No human work, no matter how hard, gives us any claim upon God. We owe God far more than we can possibly do. We never put God into our debt. So, on what basis, by what criteria, do you consider yourself a Christian: by grace alone, or by grace plus something else? The first response is biblical; the second is heresy.
Response to the Benediction
"Michael, Row Your Boat." Sing the following words: (1) Glory be to God on high. Alleluia. (Repeat.) (2) We of faith can life our lives. Alleluia. (Repeat.) (3) We of faith can die our death. Alleluia. (Repeat.) (4) Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia. (Repeat.)
Meditation
At what point, or points, in worship did we allow God to reach us? Where did we try to hide from God? And how will we respond this coming week?
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Music for Preparation: "O Lamb of God," J. S. Bach.
Hymn of Praise: "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." (See Pentecost 8.)
Response to the Scripture: "O Taste Ye and See," Tchesnikoff.
Offertory: "Deck Thyself, My Soul," Brahms.
Hymn of Invitation to the Sacrament: "Let Us Break Bread Together." (See Lent 6.)
Hymn of Obedience: "Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life," Frank Mason North, 1905; alt.; attr. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827); Gardiner's Sacred Melodies, 1915.
Music for Dismissal: "Tocatta in G Major," Pachelbel.
