Proper 7 / Ordinary Time 12 / Pentecost 2
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook, Series IV, Cycle C
Soul Motion
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: I'm so glad you're here! There are seats for everyone; there's slight air movement; the windows engender tranquility and imagination and words will stimulate fresh thoughts.
People: It's good to be here, in sanctuary. We're glad for opportunities to gather and to express our gratitude to God and our appreciation for one another.
Leader: Set aside the remnants of last week; close the calendar for the week ahead. Be emotionally present for this hour, expecting Holy refreshment.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving (Leader)
Holy One -- as wild creatures search for water, so we search for you. We thirst for the living God! Thank you for being among us, for preparing refreshment for our bodies and souls. In the midst of the hassles of the world, we are eager to receive your grace and to respond with gratitude. Amen.
Call To Confession (Leader)
We each have demons that haunt us. In these next moments, we have opportunity to pay attention to internal chaos and to allow the Holy Spirit to give us peace and a plan to be free. Pray with me the printed prayer and then have your personal conversation with the Holy One.
Community Confession (Unison)
God of Jesus and Us -- there is insistent clamoring inside our heads and outside our ears: calls to be loyal to this and that, claims for energy from drugs and herbs, promises of satisfaction with certain merchandise.
But what we really need and want is freedom from external goods so that we have room for your Spirit.
Send away the rogues and set before us, again, the path toward home with your love. Amen.
Sermon Idea
First Kings 19:1-15 is great as a dramatic reading! Then for the sermon, pull in themes from the gospel and the psalms. Several ideas can be fun to explore:
* twenty-first-century exile -- from puritan roots, from early American values, from civility
* demons -- (negative energy) such as cynicism, criticism, judgmentalism, prejudices
* freedom to explore the realm of Spirit, psyche, and soul and be an activist for justice and resources enough for everyone, yet not welcomed by the world; Jesus was asked to leave the village (Luke 8:26-39)
* wilderness -- (see T. S. Eliot, The Wasteland) inner space/attitude, life view
* wish to die -- consider slang expressions like "It kills me" or "It'll be the death of me"; Elijah was so weary, so tired and hungry that death seemed a viable option; what fatigues us so much that death seems appealing? Psalms speak of wishing to be dead and of feeling abandoned, alone, fearful. When do we get to that point? What do we do when we are wishing to be dead? What role does community play in our experience of aloneness and weariness?
* rest and nutritious food as responses to a depressed affect
* telling our story as the freed man in Luke did as a means of wholeness
A Dramatic Rendering Of 1 Kings 19:1-15
7 Readers
King Ahab, Jezebel, messenger/servant, Elijah, servant/friend, angel, God's voice (offstage whisper)
Props
lapel microphones or cordless mics are helpful, paper and pen for Jezebel's letter to Elijah, facsimile of tree, food tray with loaf of bread, carafe of water and glass, cave entrance
Costumes
Jezebel in seductive contemporary outfit; Ahab in handsome suit and tie; Elijah in khaki slacks and long-sleeve white turtleneck shirt carrying a jacket; servants in blue jeans and black T-shirts
(Jezebel is seated at stage/chancel right doing some hand work. A messenger/servant stands nearby. Ahab hurries in from the far left.)
Ahab: Jezebel, darling. I'm glad you're here. I need someone to talk to! I am so mad! So upset! Elijah has done it again. He's brought fire from the skies and devoured a sacrifice meant for Baal! Then he killed all those prophets -- men we liked. Then he told me (mockingly) to get in my chariot and hurry home to you before it began to rain. We haven't had rain for more than three years! But he was right! Rain's in the air!
Jezebel: (stands, in a tizzy) How dare he! Mock my husband and kill my prophets! I'll give him a piece of my mind! (takes pen and paper and ostentatiously, hastily, jots a note) "May the gods strike me dead if by this time tomorrow I don't do the same thing to you that you did to Baal's prophets." (to the messenger) Here, take this to Elijah the Prophet, now!
(Ahab, Jezebel, and messenger/servant exit the sanctuary stage right. Elijah and his friend/servant begin walking from the back of the sanctuary toward stage left.)
Elijah: (to his servant/friend) Darn. I'm tired of running. I'm tired of Jezebel. Tired of Ahab. Tired of living like this. I'm glad you are willing to travel with me. But you know what? I think I want to be alone for a while. Will you wait here for me?
(At the front pew, so the congregation can see him, the servant/friend sits down to wait. Elijah meanders to chancel/stage left and sits down under the tree.)
Elijah: God, I'm tired. So tired, even here in the shade of this tree. I'm tired of Jezebel's threats. I wish I could die right now. Take my life. I'd rather be dead than keep on struggling with Ahab and running from Jezebel. God, she's awful.
(Elijah slumps into sleep. An angel appears from the back of the sanctuary carrying a tray of food, touches Elijah, speaks, and moves some distance behind Elijah.)
Angel: Wake up, Elijah. Wake up and enjoy this bread and water.
(Elijah sits up, looks around, and examines the food. He nibbles a bite or two and lays back down.)
Angel: (touches Elijah, shakes him awake) Get up, Elijah. You must eat before you set out on the journey ahead of you.
(Elijah stands, stretches, eats, drinks, then begins to weave a walk toward the cave -- in center aisle or back of chancel if there is room -- nibbling a piece of bread.)
Elijah: (looks around) How quickly it got dark. I'm tired -- ready for bed. Hope I can sleep.
(Elijah relaxes in front of the cave.)
God's Voice: Elijah, what are you doing?
Elijah: (sleepily) Hmmm, you know I'm doing what you asked me to do. I'm very loyal to you, you know. But I'm tired. The people haven't kept their promises; they have destroyed altars built to honor you; they have killed all my faithful classmates -- I'm the only prophet left! And they're trying to kill me!
God's Voice: Well now, you're rather morose. Get up and look around you.
Elijah: (stands, looks around) Oh, my! Where did that furious wind come from? My! Trees are shattering! Oh! The ground is shaking! Fire is lighting all around! God, where are you? (very frightened) God!?
God's Voice: I'm here, Elijah, but not in the wind or the earthquake or the fire. I'm here with you as a soft whisper.
(Elijah puts on his jacket and pulls it close, looks around, and listens.)
God's Voice: What are you doing now, Elijah?
Elijah: I'm trying to do what you asked. I'm loyal to you. But the people are not. I'm the only prophet they haven't killed. I'm afraid they'll kill me.
God's Voice: Elijah, I am with you. When morning comes, return to the desert area near the city. I will be with you.
(Elijah packs up the props and exits by the aisle where the servant/friend is waiting. Together they exit the sanctuary. A bell tolls the hour.)
Contemporary Affirmation (Unison)
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)
With your own creativity as well as your own fears, you may give of your resources to continue ministry in this place.
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)
God of Elijah and Us -- thank you for being with us as guiding whispers. Thank you for this money and for the talents gathered here. Amen.
Intercessory Prayers (Leader or Readers)
God of Fire and Rock -- in sound waves and visual images, in drama and conversation, we experience your life-changing activity. For those of us in pain, speak encouragement; for those of us struggling with disease, speak healing; for those of us who are depressed and disillusioned, speak hope. For those of us whose burdens are too heavy, lift us with options; for those of us whose baggage weighs us down, touch us with surprising possibilities. Whatever our needs, meet us and fill us with shalom.
God of Whispers and Loud Noises -- some of us put our imaginations in boxes and forget to get them out on Sunday mornings. Some of us get depressed and can't imagine anything good. Some of us think we know exactly how you think and speak and plan. Some of us don't even bother to ask questions and find guidance in ancient stories. Do come to us as you did to Elijah. Thank you for your Spirit always close by.
God of Storms and Gentle Breezes -- we are informed people; we know that storms and breezes are simply a part of the created order. Yet the storms in our minds are not so easily explainable. Sustain us like you did Elijah when he was too tired to think and feel. Guide us in our sleeping and dreaming; open us to the possibilities of your ways in our lives.
God of Activists and Pacifists -- political maneuvering has been around for a very long time! Peace escapes us year after year; hungry children and adults go on being hungry; homeless people find bridges to protect them. Come to politicians with visions of how to be honest and how to use their power for all people, especially for those whose blessings are minimal, whose skills do not support their will to live. Banish corruption and evil intent; stop hatred and ugliness. Let us and this planet experience real truth, real neighborliness, and real godliness. Let there be no more war; instead, inspire all humankind to wage peace. Amen.
Benediction (Leader)
Life is a journey to Mystery.
Experiment with multiple names for God;
Explore different ways to respond to 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
As Deer Long For The Streams
Words: Christopher L. Webber, 1986
Music: Second Supplement to Psalmody in Miniature, 1783; harm. Edward Miller, 1790
ROCKINGHAM
Come, O Spirit
Words: John A. Dalles, 1983
Music: Union Harmony, 1837; harm. Hilton Rufty, 1934
BOUNDLESS MERCY
Gather Us In
Words and Music: Marty Haugen, 1981
GATHER US IN
Silence, Frenzied, Unclean Spirit
Words: Thomas H. Troeger, 1984
Music: Carol Doran, 1984
AUTHORITY
Spirit
Words and Music: James K. Manley, 1975
SPIRIT
Religion faces the same problem.
Certain illusions about freedom plague them both.
-- Yann Martel, Life of Pi
Call To Worship
Leader: I'm so glad you're here! There are seats for everyone; there's slight air movement; the windows engender tranquility and imagination and words will stimulate fresh thoughts.
People: It's good to be here, in sanctuary. We're glad for opportunities to gather and to express our gratitude to God and our appreciation for one another.
Leader: Set aside the remnants of last week; close the calendar for the week ahead. Be emotionally present for this hour, expecting Holy refreshment.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving (Leader)
Holy One -- as wild creatures search for water, so we search for you. We thirst for the living God! Thank you for being among us, for preparing refreshment for our bodies and souls. In the midst of the hassles of the world, we are eager to receive your grace and to respond with gratitude. Amen.
Call To Confession (Leader)
We each have demons that haunt us. In these next moments, we have opportunity to pay attention to internal chaos and to allow the Holy Spirit to give us peace and a plan to be free. Pray with me the printed prayer and then have your personal conversation with the Holy One.
Community Confession (Unison)
God of Jesus and Us -- there is insistent clamoring inside our heads and outside our ears: calls to be loyal to this and that, claims for energy from drugs and herbs, promises of satisfaction with certain merchandise.
But what we really need and want is freedom from external goods so that we have room for your Spirit.
Send away the rogues and set before us, again, the path toward home with your love. Amen.
Sermon Idea
First Kings 19:1-15 is great as a dramatic reading! Then for the sermon, pull in themes from the gospel and the psalms. Several ideas can be fun to explore:
* twenty-first-century exile -- from puritan roots, from early American values, from civility
* demons -- (negative energy) such as cynicism, criticism, judgmentalism, prejudices
* freedom to explore the realm of Spirit, psyche, and soul and be an activist for justice and resources enough for everyone, yet not welcomed by the world; Jesus was asked to leave the village (Luke 8:26-39)
* wilderness -- (see T. S. Eliot, The Wasteland) inner space/attitude, life view
* wish to die -- consider slang expressions like "It kills me" or "It'll be the death of me"; Elijah was so weary, so tired and hungry that death seemed a viable option; what fatigues us so much that death seems appealing? Psalms speak of wishing to be dead and of feeling abandoned, alone, fearful. When do we get to that point? What do we do when we are wishing to be dead? What role does community play in our experience of aloneness and weariness?
* rest and nutritious food as responses to a depressed affect
* telling our story as the freed man in Luke did as a means of wholeness
A Dramatic Rendering Of 1 Kings 19:1-15
7 Readers
King Ahab, Jezebel, messenger/servant, Elijah, servant/friend, angel, God's voice (offstage whisper)
Props
lapel microphones or cordless mics are helpful, paper and pen for Jezebel's letter to Elijah, facsimile of tree, food tray with loaf of bread, carafe of water and glass, cave entrance
Costumes
Jezebel in seductive contemporary outfit; Ahab in handsome suit and tie; Elijah in khaki slacks and long-sleeve white turtleneck shirt carrying a jacket; servants in blue jeans and black T-shirts
(Jezebel is seated at stage/chancel right doing some hand work. A messenger/servant stands nearby. Ahab hurries in from the far left.)
Ahab: Jezebel, darling. I'm glad you're here. I need someone to talk to! I am so mad! So upset! Elijah has done it again. He's brought fire from the skies and devoured a sacrifice meant for Baal! Then he killed all those prophets -- men we liked. Then he told me (mockingly) to get in my chariot and hurry home to you before it began to rain. We haven't had rain for more than three years! But he was right! Rain's in the air!
Jezebel: (stands, in a tizzy) How dare he! Mock my husband and kill my prophets! I'll give him a piece of my mind! (takes pen and paper and ostentatiously, hastily, jots a note) "May the gods strike me dead if by this time tomorrow I don't do the same thing to you that you did to Baal's prophets." (to the messenger) Here, take this to Elijah the Prophet, now!
(Ahab, Jezebel, and messenger/servant exit the sanctuary stage right. Elijah and his friend/servant begin walking from the back of the sanctuary toward stage left.)
Elijah: (to his servant/friend) Darn. I'm tired of running. I'm tired of Jezebel. Tired of Ahab. Tired of living like this. I'm glad you are willing to travel with me. But you know what? I think I want to be alone for a while. Will you wait here for me?
(At the front pew, so the congregation can see him, the servant/friend sits down to wait. Elijah meanders to chancel/stage left and sits down under the tree.)
Elijah: God, I'm tired. So tired, even here in the shade of this tree. I'm tired of Jezebel's threats. I wish I could die right now. Take my life. I'd rather be dead than keep on struggling with Ahab and running from Jezebel. God, she's awful.
(Elijah slumps into sleep. An angel appears from the back of the sanctuary carrying a tray of food, touches Elijah, speaks, and moves some distance behind Elijah.)
Angel: Wake up, Elijah. Wake up and enjoy this bread and water.
(Elijah sits up, looks around, and examines the food. He nibbles a bite or two and lays back down.)
Angel: (touches Elijah, shakes him awake) Get up, Elijah. You must eat before you set out on the journey ahead of you.
(Elijah stands, stretches, eats, drinks, then begins to weave a walk toward the cave -- in center aisle or back of chancel if there is room -- nibbling a piece of bread.)
Elijah: (looks around) How quickly it got dark. I'm tired -- ready for bed. Hope I can sleep.
(Elijah relaxes in front of the cave.)
God's Voice: Elijah, what are you doing?
Elijah: (sleepily) Hmmm, you know I'm doing what you asked me to do. I'm very loyal to you, you know. But I'm tired. The people haven't kept their promises; they have destroyed altars built to honor you; they have killed all my faithful classmates -- I'm the only prophet left! And they're trying to kill me!
God's Voice: Well now, you're rather morose. Get up and look around you.
Elijah: (stands, looks around) Oh, my! Where did that furious wind come from? My! Trees are shattering! Oh! The ground is shaking! Fire is lighting all around! God, where are you? (very frightened) God!?
God's Voice: I'm here, Elijah, but not in the wind or the earthquake or the fire. I'm here with you as a soft whisper.
(Elijah puts on his jacket and pulls it close, looks around, and listens.)
God's Voice: What are you doing now, Elijah?
Elijah: I'm trying to do what you asked. I'm loyal to you. But the people are not. I'm the only prophet they haven't killed. I'm afraid they'll kill me.
God's Voice: Elijah, I am with you. When morning comes, return to the desert area near the city. I will be with you.
(Elijah packs up the props and exits by the aisle where the servant/friend is waiting. Together they exit the sanctuary. A bell tolls the hour.)
Contemporary Affirmation (Unison)
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)
With your own creativity as well as your own fears, you may give of your resources to continue ministry in this place.
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)
God of Elijah and Us -- thank you for being with us as guiding whispers. Thank you for this money and for the talents gathered here. Amen.
Intercessory Prayers (Leader or Readers)
God of Fire and Rock -- in sound waves and visual images, in drama and conversation, we experience your life-changing activity. For those of us in pain, speak encouragement; for those of us struggling with disease, speak healing; for those of us who are depressed and disillusioned, speak hope. For those of us whose burdens are too heavy, lift us with options; for those of us whose baggage weighs us down, touch us with surprising possibilities. Whatever our needs, meet us and fill us with shalom.
God of Whispers and Loud Noises -- some of us put our imaginations in boxes and forget to get them out on Sunday mornings. Some of us get depressed and can't imagine anything good. Some of us think we know exactly how you think and speak and plan. Some of us don't even bother to ask questions and find guidance in ancient stories. Do come to us as you did to Elijah. Thank you for your Spirit always close by.
God of Storms and Gentle Breezes -- we are informed people; we know that storms and breezes are simply a part of the created order. Yet the storms in our minds are not so easily explainable. Sustain us like you did Elijah when he was too tired to think and feel. Guide us in our sleeping and dreaming; open us to the possibilities of your ways in our lives.
God of Activists and Pacifists -- political maneuvering has been around for a very long time! Peace escapes us year after year; hungry children and adults go on being hungry; homeless people find bridges to protect them. Come to politicians with visions of how to be honest and how to use their power for all people, especially for those whose blessings are minimal, whose skills do not support their will to live. Banish corruption and evil intent; stop hatred and ugliness. Let us and this planet experience real truth, real neighborliness, and real godliness. Let there be no more war; instead, inspire all humankind to wage peace. Amen.
Benediction (Leader)
Life is a journey to Mystery.
Experiment with multiple names for God;
Explore different ways to respond to 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
As Deer Long For The Streams
Words: Christopher L. Webber, 1986
Music: Second Supplement to Psalmody in Miniature, 1783; harm. Edward Miller, 1790
ROCKINGHAM
Come, O Spirit
Words: John A. Dalles, 1983
Music: Union Harmony, 1837; harm. Hilton Rufty, 1934
BOUNDLESS MERCY
Gather Us In
Words and Music: Marty Haugen, 1981
GATHER US IN
Silence, Frenzied, Unclean Spirit
Words: Thomas H. Troeger, 1984
Music: Carol Doran, 1984
AUTHORITY
Spirit
Words and Music: James K. Manley, 1975
SPIRIT
