WORSHIP RESOURCES
Ordinary Time (Proper 23)
Hebrews 4:12-16
Practice Bold Discipleship
Additional Scriptures
Job 23:1-9, 16-17; Psalm 22:1-15; Mark 10:17-31; Doctrine and Covenants 164:9a
Preparation
Recruit someone to lead the Focus Moment and secure the supplies needed. See below.
Prelude
Hymn of Praise
“Takwaba Uwabanga Yesu!/There’s No One Like Jesus!"
CCS 121
OR “Santo, santo, santo/Holy, Holy, Holy"
CCS 159
OR “Louez le Seigneur!/Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord!"
CCS 106
Sing several times, encouraging participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Welcome
The world is changing. Old forms are crumbling. New possibilities are emerging. We live between what was and what will be. We need faith, curiosity, openness, and boldness. God is challenging assumptions, shaking up structures, disrupting routines, and making connections. The Holy Spirit breathes anew into our lives, the church, and creation. God’s aim is a new creation in us, among us, and around us!
—President Stephen M. Veazey, June 12, 2023
Call to Worship: Doctrine and Covenants 164:9a
Hymn of Vision
“Now in This Moment"
CCS 96
OR “There’s a Church within Us"
CCS 278
OR “Great and Marvelous Are Thy Works"
CCS 118
Opening Prayer
Response
Responsive Reading: Cry Out, Hear, and Deliver
The Lament
Leader: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
People: Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?
Leader: O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.
People: Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Leader: In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.
People: To you they cried, and were saved; in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.
—Psalm 22:1-5
The Response
Leader: Yes, God’s word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged blade, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Before the Word, no creature is hidden, all are seen by the one to whom we must render an account. We now have Jesus, the Son of God as our mediator, let us hold fast to our confession. Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses, was in every respect tested as we are, yet is without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
—Hebrews 4:12-16, adapted
Moment of Silent Meditation
Hymn of Assurance
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
CCS 11
OR “Into My Heart” Sing several times.
CCS 573
OR “Dios Está Aquí/God Is Here Today” Sing twice.
CCS 150
OR “Le louerai l’Eternal/Praise, I Will Praise You, Lord” Sing twice.
CCS 115
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Prayer for Peace
Light the Peace Candle.
Prayer
O Holy Disciple-maker,
We hear your call for peace. May we be bold for justice. May we be meek in mercy. May we be bold for righteousness. May we be poor in spirit. May we be bold in discipleship. May we be reviled and persecuted. Thy will be done. Amen.
Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn of Discipleship
“What Does the Lord Require of You?"
CCS 580
OR “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me"
CCS 576
Focus Moment: Focus on the Good Stuff See below.
Singing of the Kin-dom of God
“Sizohambe Naye/We Will Walk with God"
CCS 377
Sing several times, encouraging participants to sing in languages other than their own.
OR “Bring Forth the Kingdom"
CCS 387
The Message
Based on Hebrews 4:12-16
Disciples’ Generous Response
Statement
What would it look like if when practicing bold discipleship, we brought tithes and offerings in support of Christ’s mission that represented our true capacity and generous response? One example Jesus talked about is found in the story of the rich man.
Generosity Scripture: Mark 10:17-22
During this time of Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. We can tangibly express our gratitude to God through our offerings, who is the giver of all.
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
Hymn of Sending Forth
“All Are Called"
CCS 606
OR “O My People Saith the Spirit"
CCS 604
OR “Fanana"
CCS 596
Prayer of Benediction
Response
Postlude
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Focus Moment: Focus on the Good Stuff
Supplies: A clear glass, a spoon, pitcher of water, mixture of dirt and peat moss, a large clear basin to capture overflowing water.
Sample Script
In today’s scripture, we heard about Jesus as the word of God. Following Jesus is the good stuff in our lives. Now, I have before me a glass filled with water sitting in the basin. Pure water is like the good stuff that Jesus represents in our lives. I also have a pitcher of water and some dirty peat moss.
But what happens if we get some of the bad stuff in our glass? I’ll add a couple tablespoons of dirt representing the bad stuff. Uh-oh. I don’t want that in there!
Sometimes I focus on the bad stuff, and if I try to get it out with a spoon, it’s hard to get it all out. See! There is still bad stuff in the water.
But what happens if I focus on the good stuff? I’m pouring lots of water from the pitcher into the glass so that it overflows, flushing the peat moss out and leaving visibly cleaner water. You see? When you focus on the good stuff, like the teachings of Jesus, our lives are better.
SERMON AND CLASS HELPS
Year B—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 23)
Hebrews 4:12–16
Exploring the Scripture
Hebrews 4 introduces a primary theme: Christ, the High Priest of God. For the next four Sundays, the lectionary focus will develop this idea. We will explore different facets of High Priest ministry and how Christ transforms the role of an earthly high priest into the divine salvation of God’s High Priest.
Here’s a summary of the emphases for the next few Sundays:
- Hebrews 4: 12–16 Introduction of Christ as the High Priest of God
- Hebrews 5:1–10 A High Priest after the order of Melchisedec
- Hebrews 7:23–28 As High Priest, Jesus makes intercession for us
- Hebrews 9:11–14 Jesus, both High Priest and supreme sacrifice
- Hebrews 9:24–28 Jesus sacrifices for all
Our exploration of Christ’s high priest ministry begins by proclaiming our sinful state and need for redemption. The Word of God comforts and convicts. It is “living and active,” an affirmation that God’s word (revelation) continues in the present age (v. 12).
Like a double-edged sword, it wounds those who are enemies and wounds those who wield the sword as a weapon. It divides one’s soul (the union of body, mind, and spirit) from the spirit, which gives the union life and connects one to God. It divides the joints (the external levers of one’s arms and legs) from the bone marrow that gives the joints life and nurture.
Both metaphors point to how God’s word sets up law and affirms the covenant, which is at the heart (marrow) of our relationship with the Divine. God’s presence and word reveal our innermost being, exposing our brokenness and affirming our worth. Nothing is hidden from an all-seeing God who calls us to accountability.
God’s word to us is both grace and judgment. Our words to God must be words of thanks and confession. Hebrews says we must “hold fast to our confession,” completely vulnerable, naked, with our throats laid bare to the double-edged sword (v. 14). It’s an image drawn from gladiator contests.
We must not waver in being honest about our errors before God. Jesus understands what it is like to be a vulnerable human, experience weaknesses, and be tempted. Hebrews affirms he withstood those tests and was sinless. With Jesus as our high priest, we can approach God’s judgment “with boldness,” assured of divine grace and mercy (v. 16). Because of Christ, the Great High Priest, God’s grace judges us, and God’s judgment is filled with grace.
The written word of scripture came into being through human efforts to record and capture God’s revelatory presence. Scripture is, therefore, limited to the time, place, and filter of the author who recorded it—yet it transcends time and culture to speak anew to disciples of all generations. God’s word in scripture forms the foundation of our preaching, teaching, sacraments, hymns, and prayers. God’s word points us toward, and is part of, our spiritual practices and discernment. God’s word and Christ as the Living Word nourish our souls, lead into new paths of life as disciples, and draw us into God’s grace in our time of need.
Central Ideas
- Christ transforms the role of an earthly high priest into the divine salvation of God’s High Priest.
- The Word of God comforts and convicts, bringing both grace and judgment.
- Because of the great high priest Christ’s intercession, God’s grace judges us, and God’s judgment is filled with grace.
- God’s word and Christ as the Living Word nourish our souls, strengthen life as a disciple, and draw us into God’s grace.
Questions for the Speaker
- What would be the modern equivalent of the ancient role of the high priest? What image would you use to explain Christ’s role concerning God and humans?
- When did a moment of grace also judge and convict you in your humanness?
- How has scripture been divisive in the Body of Christ? When did you feel like it divided your spirit from your soul?
- When have you felt convicted by God’s word? When have you felt forgiveness and grace through scripture?
- Compare the theology of scripture in Hebrews with the Statement on Scripture in Community of Christ (https://CofChrist.org/scripture/).
SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY
Year B Letters
Ordinary Time, Proper 23
Hebrews 4:12–16 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 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, “We Call Out to You,” Community of Christ Sings 299, a Nepali song
...a song of proclamation to end discrimination;
each voice is heard, sung in chorus to you…
Spirit of mystery, we come with open hands, ready to receive your tools of peace. We come for discernment for our vision, strength for our feet, bravery for our hands, and compassion for our hearts. You grant gifts freely! Together, we have the power to end the violence, discrimination, and injustice on this beautiful planet. If only we would listen…if only we would sing in chorus.
Teach us to listen for your melody, to harmonize with peacemakers in our communities, and to follow the drum of justice until the song is complete. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Holding in the Light
Our Enduring Principle focus this week is on Blessings of Community.
We are taught to create communities of peace in our families, neighborhoods, congregations, nations, tribes, and around the world. A spiritual practice that helps us feel connected to our communities is called 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 also helping me hold the light.
Pause to let the group get situated.
While looking at the light from the candle center yourself and breathe in the word love, breathe out the word light. Repeat three times.
Say the names of the loved ones, communities, or countries you are holding light for. You can name them aloud to hold as a group or silently keep them in your heart.
Pause to let people offer names aloud or silently.
Now imagine these persons being surrounded by 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 the light of a sunset or sunrise, you can remember to hold a loved one in the light.
Sharing Around the Table
Hebrews 4:12–16 NRSVUE
Indeed, the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The written Word of scripture came into being through human efforts to record and capture God’s revelatory presence. Scripture, therefore, is limited to the time, place, and filter of the author who recorded it—yet it transcends time and culture to speak anew to disciples of all generations.
God’s Word in scripture forms the foundation of our preaching, teaching, sacraments, hymns, and prayers. God’s Word points us toward and is part of our spiritual practices and discernment. God’s Word and Christ as the Living Word nourish our souls, lead into new paths of life as disciples, and draw us into God’s grace in our time of need.
Our exploration of Christ’s high-priestly ministry begins by proclaiming our need for redemption. The Word of God comforts and convicts. It is “living and active,” an affirmation that God’s Word (revelation) continues in the present age. Like a two-edged sword, it divides one’s soul, and it divides the joints from the bone marrow. Both metaphors point to how God’s presence and Word reveal our innermost being, exposing our brokenness and affirming our worth.
God’s Word to us is both grace and judgment. We must “hold fast to our confession,” completely vulnerable (naked) before God. We must not waver in being honest about our errors. Jesus understands what it is like to be a vulnerable human, experience weaknesses, and be tempted. Hebrews affirms that he withstood those tests and was sinless. With Jesus as our high priest, we can approach God’s judgment “with boldness,” assured of divine grace and mercy.
Questions
- When have you experienced a moment of grace?
- Describe a time you felt forgiveness and grace through scripture?
- When have you confessed an error and asked for forgiveness? How did others receive your request? What did you learn from this experience?
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 570, “God, Whose Grace Redeems Our Story”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
- Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
- Thoughts for Children
Thoughts for Children
Say: Today, we are going to try a spiritual practice together. This is a practice you can do anytime.
Stand up straight, feet apart, arms at your sides.
As you take another deep breath, raise your arms and hug yourself. Lower your arms as you exhale. Repeat.
Now take a deep breath as you raise your arms high above your head, open your arms to the sun shining on you, stretch your arms up and out, receive the sun’s warm rays. Lower your arms as you exhale. Repeat.
Take a deep breath as you raise your hands and frame your face. Smile as big as you can, turn your head to each side so your smile can be seen by the whole universe. Lower your hands as you exhale. Repeat.
Take one more deep breath, raise your arms, and hug yourself. Lower your arms as you exhale.
Ask: How do you feel when you hug yourself? When you open yourself to the sun? When you smile at the whole universe?
Say: This week, remember to love and care for yourself! Share your smile and warmth with others and the whole universe.
Adapted from “Embraceable You” in the Kids Book Club Resources.