Ordinary Time 13
Pentecost 6
Genesis 22:1-14 Psalm 13
Romans 6:12-23 Matthew 10:40-42
Hymns
Faith Of Our Fathers (the Martyrs) (LBW500, NCH381, CBH413, UM710)
Amazing Grace (NCH547, CBH143, UM378, PH280)
Take My Life (CBH389, UM399, PH341)
Eternal Light (CBH518, PH340)
Every Time I Feel The Spirit (UM404, PH315)
Blessed Assurance (PH341, UM369)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (NCH543, CBH405, PH408)
There's A Spirit In The Air (PH433)
Anthems
God Will Provide A Lamb, Michael Card, The Beginning, Solo
Amazing Grace, George Linn, Abingdon, SATB
Rock-A-My Soul, Hopson, CGA, Unison 2-part
Sing Thankful Songs (Cantad Cancion de Gratitud), Arr. Gay, Unison 2-part
Call to Worship
Leader: Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me."
People: We welcome all who wish to offer praise to the living God.
Leader: All who come to this house of God receive welcome and nurture.
People: Let us worship our God with shouts of praise!
All: Alleluia! Amen.
Call to Confession
"How long, O Lord? How long must I bear pain in my soul?" says the Psalmist. But we know God is with us to listen and forgive. Let us confess together those things for which we beg forgiveness.
Prayer of Confession
God, what is it that you ask of us? We don't always know. In fact, we rarely know. Is it because what you ask of us is too hard, and we just don't want to listen? Or is it because it is too easy, and we can't believe it can be that easy? Forgive us, God, for not discerning your will for us. We struggle through our daily existence, trying to do what is right and good and pleasing in your sight. But we are constantly confounded by noise and information that clutters our mind - and our connection with you. Help us, God, to make time in our day simply to be quiet and listen for and with you. Forgive us for succumbing to the craziness of the culture. Hear our prayer, O God.
Assurance of Forgiveness
Have you heard the good news? Jesus died for us so that we could be saved from our sins. In one incredible act, we are forgiven. Praise the Lord for such a great gift!
Scripture Readings
Genesis 22:1-14: This passage is perfect for drama. It could be done by children, youth, or adults. It is interesting that there is no emotion mentioned in the scripture passage at all, but it is hard to imagine that there wouldn't be incredible stress, worry, and fear in Abraham, and Sarah who has been left at home, and even Isaac as they got closer to the act itself. Depending on the thrust of the sermon, the story could be done using all the emotions - or could simply be a literal interpretation of the story. Cast includes: Narrator (speaking from the lectern or pulpit), God (a voice offstage), Abraham, two young men who are helpers, and Isaac. Have Abraham start at left front. After God speaks to him, he would go to the middle of the center aisle to prepare for the trip. The group would then wander slowly up the center aisle. The altar could be the place where the fire is built and Isaac is to be sacrificed. A stuffed sheep could be used in the floral decorations for the day so that Abraham could find it to sacrifice instead of Isaac. The donkey is a dilemma so in the script, the young men carry wood and matches to give to Isaac.
Narrator: God tested Abraham.
God: Abraham!
Abraham: Here I am.
God: Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you. (Abraham looks completely stricken, but slowly walks to center aisle)
Narrator: So Abraham rose early the next morning, took two of his young men and his son Isaac, cut the wood for the burnt offering (Each person takes two or three sticks/logs), and set out and went to the place in the distance that God had shown him. (Begin moving around the sanctuary. End up at the bottom of the steps to the chancel) On the third day, Abraham looked up and saw the place far away.
Abraham: (To young men) Stay here and make camp; the boy and I will go over there; we will worship, and then we will come back to you.
Narrator: Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. (Abraham also needs to have rope) So the two of them walked on together.
Isaac: Father?
Abraham: Yes, my son.
Isaac: The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
Abraham: (With sorrow) God will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son. (Isaac looks up at him)
Narrator: When they came to the place that God had shown him, Abraham built an altar there and laid the wood in order. He bound his son Isaac (Abraham ties Isaac with the rope), and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. (Abraham builds fire on ground in front of altar. Isaac sits in front of the wood, looking very frightened, but not saying anything) Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son.
God: Abraham, Abraham!
Abraham: (Lowering the knife) Here I am.
God: Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.
Narrator: (Abraham unties Isaac and hugs him, then looks around) And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. (Abraham places sheep in the middle of the wood - then slowly walks back to young men and heads up the middle aisle and out) So Abraham called that place, "Yahweh will provide"; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of Yahweh it shall be provided."
Matthew 10:40-42: This passage can be read from the pulpit. It is the ending of Jesus' instructions to his disciples. The best way to connect these two passages may be through the image of obedience and reward.
Benediction
Leader: Whoever gives even a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple - receives their reward.
People: We go, offering ourselves and our faith to those whom we meet.
All: Jesus Christ is our reward for every act of kindness.
Leader: Go, in the name of God our Creator, Christ our Redeemer, and with the Holy Spirit who will sustain you. Amen.
