WORSHIP RESOURCES
Ordinary Time (Proper 14)
Ephesians 4:25—5:2
Be Imitators of God
Additional Scriptures
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33;
Psalm 130; John 6:35,41-51
Preparation
Before worship, as participants assemble, pass out index cards and pencils that will be used during the Reflection Activity.
Prelude
Welcome, Joys, and Concerns
Include an overall vision for today’s service. The scripture for today calls worship participants to reflect on their life journey and assess if there are things present in their lives that are preventing them from being imitators of God. Do social or political issues divide us so that we are distant from one another? Do we have broken relationships that need restoration, forgiveness extended, and reconciliation practiced so we may genuinely be imitators of God? How shall we be together as imitators of God?
Call to Worship
Reader 1: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!
Reader 2: If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.
Reader 1: I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning.
Reader 2: O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
—Psalm 130
Hymn of Invitation
“As We Gather” Sing twice.
CCS 73
OR “Now in This Moment”
CCS 96
Invocation
Response
Lectio Divina: Ephesians 4:25—5:2
Sit quietly and enter a time of prayerful reflection. Breathe calmly and relax your body.
Briefly describe the four ways the scripture will be read and reflected on.
Listen the scripture four different times, allowing time for meditation and prayer between each reading.
Lectio
Listen to the passage to get a sense of Paul’s letter. Allow it to become as if it is written to you.
Meditatio
Listen to the scripture again but this time for meaning and understanding. Ask questions. Why was Paul writing this letter? What are the surface and underlying meanings? Where do you see the Holy in these words?
Oratio
Read the passage again, and this time pay attention to your emotional responses. What feelings surface as I read this scripture? Do I feel joy, sorrow, fear, anger, or guilt? Share your feelings with God in prayer. Ask for help in listening deeply to these emotions and meanings.
Contemplatio
Enter a time of receptive prayer. Let go of the images from the scripture and all other thoughts, interpretations, and worries. Breathe deeply and calmly, entering a profound silent state of listening. Wait for whatever God may bring to you in the quietness. If any insights or impressions come, note them with gratitude and then return to receptive listening. If no particular awareness comes, let your mind return to the scripture passage. When you feel your prayer/meditation has ended, offer a word of thanks to God, open your eyes, and return to the room around you.
Sung Response
“As God Is Joy”
CCS 366
OR “Santo, santo, santo/Holy, Holy, Holy” Sing several times.
CCS 159
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Reflection Activity: Lament and Hope
When I look at the scripture in Ephesians, I am confronted with two feelings lament and hope. Lament is not the dominant feeling, but it does cause me to pause and reflect on my behaviors. It also causes me to hope as I feel it is challenging to lament without having hope.
Some Christian theologians suggest that lament should always be integral to worship. The definition of lament is an expression of deep sorrow or grief. Our lament today may be deep sorrow and loss or an expression of listening to the Ephesians scripture calling us to be beloved children, imitators of God. Our lament could be understanding a need to change a behavior, custom, or belief that genuinely hold us back from being a full member of the body of Christ.
When you entered the sanctuary, you were provided an index card and a pencil. I invite you to write on the card what you need to address to become an imitator of God. What relationship do you need to mend? Some meditation music will be played. During the offering, you are invited to place the card in the offering to express your commitment to be more intentional in being an imitator of God. After the meditative music, we will share a hymn of lament.
—Poul Wilson
Meditation Music
Hymn of Lament
“What Comfort Can Our Worship Bring”
CCS 199
OR “When Senseless Violence”
CCS 205
Homily
Based on Ephesians 4:25—5:2
Prayer for Peace
Hymn of Peace
“Keep Your Lamps Trimmed”
CCS 633
Light the Peace Candle.
Peace Prayer
“Darker midnight lies before us…”
“Lo, the morning soon is breaking…”
“Children, don’t grow weary.”
God of midnight and morning,
We are grateful for your presence as we pursue peace. We are grateful to feel your strong yet soft hands holding our weary heads. Each of us has a different path, a different struggle. May we be there for our fellow strivers to hold them in their weariness. And may we be courageous to let them hold us in return.
We strive through the dark midnight.
We strive through the blinding sunrise.
We strive for your vision of peace.
Then, as we strive, show us your light. When we can see that light at the end of the tunnel then we know that our pursuit for peace is not in vain, that our fatigue and weary is worth the striving. That there will come a day when all children will be united in peace again.
In the name of Jesus, the ever-burning lamp, Amen.
—Tiffany and Caleb Brian
Disciples’ Generous Response
Statement
During the Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. Through our offerings we join in making God‘s work visible in the world.
The Hymn of Peace is a spiritual. Some congregations worldwide make it a matter of giving to African American ministries and agencies that affirm and uphold the worth of all in the community. Their contributions are a way to acknowledge past injustices. Please consider this additional offering as part of the worship experience.
As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission.
If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).
Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes
Closing Hymn
“Your Cause Be Mine”
CCS 639
OR “Go, My Children, with My Blessing”
CCS 650
Benediction
Postlude
SERMON AND CLASS HELPS
Year B—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 14)
Ephesians 4:25—5:2
Exploring the Scripture
Today, our scripture text focuses on the practicalities of living as one within the Body of Christ by addressing specific behaviors that divide people. The author urges Christians to put away the former way of life before baptism and be renewed in spirit (vv. 22–23). When converted from old ways to become a new creation in Christ, disciples die to the habits that once ruled their lives. They come up from the water with new expectations and behaviors to help build and uphold the community.
Our opening verse begins with putting away lies and speaking truth to one another in love (see v. 15), because we belong to one another as a family. Anger occurs but must not divide people. Reconcile your anger before sunset (the beginning of a new day), so it doesn’t fester and cause you to sin. Unresolved anger takes on a life of its own, growing larger as we rehearse and nourish our grievances.
Thieves are commanded to repent, find honest work, and then give generously of their wages to the needy. Thieves must join others in the community in providing for the less fortunate. Christians are to speak graciously to one another, with the intent of helping one another grow, mature, and develop in faith. This challenge goes beyond avoiding anger and speaking honestly, challenging disciples to make their speech count to encourage and strengthen the Body.
“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit…” (v. 30). Baptism opened the door for the gift of the Holy Spirit, set like a “seal” on the promises represented in the baptismal covenant (v. 30). The “seal” of the Holy Spirit also functioned like branding slaves—receiving the Holy Spirit was the mark of becoming Christ’s follower, of belonging to the Risen Lord. Converts cannot return to the old ways. The Spirit renews our hearts, guides our choices, and calls us into dedicated service modeled on Jesus’ ministry.
Christians are called to renounce bitterness, wrath, anger, wrangling, slander, and malice, to live together in kindness, forgiving one another as Christ forgave. As part of the Body of Christ, we give up selfishness and petty concerns to deepen and keep unity with others.
The first two verses of chapter 5 summarize the instructions given in chapter 4. As children of God, disciples are called to mimic God as one would mimic the behavior of a beloved head of household. What does it mean to mimic God? Christians proclaim God is love, so mimicking God means living out to the best of our human ability the unconditional mercy, kindness, and love of God. It is the love that wants the best for the beloved, no strings attached.
Where there is love, there is a desire to put away those things that irritate or grieve the beloved. Using Christ as the model for loving actions, thoughts, words, and intents brings about the transformation of the individual and the community of believers. Each day, we grow more like the One we worship and copy. In the process, the community of believers grows closer to taking on the identity of the kingdom of God.
Central Ideas
- Ephesians urges Christians to avoid lying, thieving, malice, and destructive behaviors, because they damage the unity and growth of the Body.
- Anger is natural. But we must face and work through our anger quickly to avoid deep rifts and grievances within the community.
- We are challenged to mimic God as if God were the head of our family, whom we choose to copy.
- Transformation of the Christian community into the kingdom of God begins with the personal choices and loving care of faith-filled individuals.
Questions for the Speaker
- Which of the negative behaviors mentioned in this scripture passage is hardest for you to overcome? Why? What can you do to change that?
- When have you dealt quickly and successfully with your anger? When have you helped another do so?
- How do you “mimic God?” How does your congregation, as a community, mimic God?
- How have personal choices made by your congregants contributed to the continuing work, maturation, and growth of your congregation?
SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY
Year B Letters
Ordinary Time, Proper 14
Ephesians 4:25—5:2 NRSVUE
Gathering
Welcome
Ordinary Time is the period in the Christian calendar from Pentecost to Advent. This period is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on our discipleship as individuals and a faith community.
Prayer for Peace
Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.
Light the peace candle.
Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn, “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed,” Community of Christ Sings 633, a Negro spiritual.
Darker midnight lies before us…
Lo, the morning soon is breaking…
Children, don’t grow weary…
God of midnight and morning, we are grateful for your presence as we pursue peace. We are grateful to feel your strong, yet soft, hands holding our weary heads. Each of us has a different path, a different struggle. May we be there for our fellow strivers to hold them in their weariness. And may we be courageous to let them hold us in return.
We strive through the dark midnight.
We strive through the blinding sunrise.
We strive for your vision of peace.
Then, as we strive, show us your light. When we can see that light at the end of the tunnel, then we know our pursuit for peace is not in vain, our fatigue and weariness are worth the striving. That there will come a day when all children will be united in peace.
In the name of Jesus, the ever-burning Lamp. Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Holding in the Light
Our Enduring Principle focus this week is Blessings in Community.
We are called to create communities of peace in our families, neighborhoods, congregations, nations, tribes, and world. A spiritual practice that helps us feel connected to our communities is Holding in the Light. It is a form of intercessory prayer/meditation adapted from the Quaker Movement.
We will stand in a circle together. I will have a candle to light in my hand. Each of you will hold your hands in front of you as if helping me hold the light.
Pause to let the group get situated.
While looking at the light from the candle, center yourself. Breathe in the word love, breathe out the word light. Repeat three times.
Say the names of loved ones, communities, or countries you are holding light for. You can name them aloud to hold as a group or keep them in your heart.
Pause to let people offer names aloud or silently.
Now imagine these persons being surrounded by the light as bright as the candle. We will hold these loved ones in light for three minutes.
Pause for three minutes.
Offer a moment of gratitude for your loved ones, your communities, and this experience of Holding in the Light.
Next time you see a sunset or sunrise, you can remember to hold a loved one in the light.
Sharing Around the Table
Ephesians 4:25—5:2 NRSVUE
So then, putting away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with your neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil. Those who steal must give up stealing; rather, let them labor, doing good work with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
This passage continues a section that contrasts the old and new life for new disciples, using concrete examples. It focuses on behaviors of living as one within the Body of Christ. The author urges Ephesian converts to discard their ways of life before baptism, be renewed by the Spirit, and become a new creation in Christ. Disciples come up from the water with new expectations and behaviors to help build and uphold the community of believers.
Disciples are to put away lies and speak truth to one another in love because we belong to one another as a family. Truth is essential to authentic communities. We should reconcile our anger, so it doesn’t fester, cause us to sin, and divide people. Unresolved anger takes on a life of its own, growing larger as we rehearse and nourish our grievances. Thieves are commanded to repent, find honest work, and then give generously of their wages to needy, less-fortunate members of the community. Words matter. Christians are to speak graciously to one another, with the intent of helping one another grow, mature, and develop in faith.
Bad behavior harms individuals and the community of believers. It grieves the Holy Spirit. Converts cannot return to the old ways. The Spirit renews our hearts, guides our choices, and calls us into dedicated service modeled on Jesus’s ministry. Christians are called to live together in kindness, forgiving one another as Christ forgave. As part of the Body of Christ, we give up selfishness and petty concerns to deepen and keep unity with others.
As children of God, disciples are called to mimic God as one would mimic the behavior of a beloved head of household. Christians proclaim God is love, so mimicking God means living to the best of our human ability the unconditional mercy, kindness, and love of God. It is love that wants the best for the beloved. Where there is love, there is a desire to put away those things that irritate or grieve the beloved.
Using Christ as the model for loving actions, thoughts, words, and intents brings about the transformation of the individual. The community of believers takes on the identity of the kingdom of God.
Questions
- Which negative/destructive behavior mentioned in this scripture is hardest for you to overcome?
- What helps most in unlearning negative behaviors and learning positive, affirming alternatives?
- What do you think it means to “mimic” God? How do you mimic God?
Sending
Statement of Generosity
Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.
—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a
The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.
The offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:
Discipling God, as we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us save wisely, spend responsibly, and give generously. In this way may we prepare for the future and create a better tomorrow for our families, friends, the mission of Christ, and the world. Amen.
Invitation to Next Meeting
Closing Hymn
Community of Christ Sings 360, “God of the Future”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
- Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
- Thoughts for Children
Thoughts for Children
You will need:
- skinny strips of purple paper (about 1.5 inches wide)
- pencil
- tape
Say: In today’s scripture we are reminded to say only kind words, even when we are tempted to say unkind things. Today we are going to play a game called Never, Better, Best.
For this game, I will give you a situation that you may or may not have experienced. Once you hear the situation, I want you to think of the various ways you could respond. First, I will ask you for a way you never would respond in this situation. If I call on you, you can tell me the unkind words you never would want to say.
Next, I will ask for someone to share a better way to respond, a way that doesn’t use unkind words. Finally, I will ask someone to share the best way they could respond, what you could say that would communicate God’s peace, even when you are upset.
All right, let’s try it:
- Your sibling comes into your room and takes one of your toys without asking.
- Your friends don’t want to join the game you want to play at recess.
- Your friends don’t want to include another student in a game at recess.
- You ask to go outside, but your adult says you need to clean your room first.
- Only one cookie is left; you and your sibling both want it.
Note: Let the kids have fun with this, especially when they are sharing the things they never would say—even if they are joking around, laughing, and trying really hard to think of unkind things. In later moments, when they are tempted to use unkind words, they will remember this activity and hopefully chose differently.