WORSHIP RESOURCES
Ordinary Time (Proper 28)
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Make Responsible Choices
Additional Scriptures
Isaiah 65:17-25; Isaiah 12; Luke 21:5-19; Doctrine and Covenants 161:7; 162:7b
Preparation
This is the fifth week of the Generosity Cycle, which focuses on discovering God’s generous blessing —the fifth principle of a Disciple’s Generous Response: Save Wisely. Find information about the Generosity Cycle at CofChrist.org/generosity-cycle. Find information about the Six Principles of a Disciple’s Generous Response at CofChrist.org/our-beliefs.
Ask participants in advance to prepare for the Musical Drama. See below.
For the Disciples’ Generous Response, find a large glass container filled halfway with water, packing peanuts, and a wooden spoon.
Prelude
Welcome
Welcome to this time of worship. Today our theme is Make Responsible Choices, and our scripture is from 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 where the Apostle Paul urges the Thessalonians to work diligently and to live in a manner that reflects the teachings of Christ. He emphasizes the value of a strong work ethic and contributing to the community’s well-being.
It is also the fifth week of the Generosity Cycle, during which we will focus on Spending Responsibly, the sixth principle of a Disciple’s Generous Response. Paul’s words remind us that generosity is not merely an act of giving but a way of life, an embodiment of the love and compassion that flow from God’s heart.
God sends us into the world to be living testimonies of God’s heart. But we often are influenced and distracted by our culture, making it difficult to stay focused on the culture of God’s kingdom, as taught by Jesus. Part of our whole-life stewardship is making Responsible Choices about how we live so we are faithful to God’s purposes. God cares about our hearts and our finances—what we save and what we spend.
As we share in worship this morning, may we be reminded of the blessings we have received, and that generosity is not just something we do but a living expression of our faith.
Call to Worship
Can we calculate our giving, placing limits on our praise
when the blessings we are given multiply and grace our days?
Let us share from life’s abundance, God provides enough to spare -
shaken down and pressed together, overflowing everywhere.
—Danny Belrose, “Can We Calculate Our Giving,” CCS 617, Stanza 1
Hymn of Gathering
“Can We Calculate Our Giving” CCS 617
OR “Of All the Spirit’s Gifts to Me” CCS 45
Opening Prayer
Response
Prayer for Peace
Light the peace candle.
Peace Scripture Reading: Isaiah 65:25
Song of Peace
“O Day of Peace” CCS 380
OR “We Are People of God’s Peace” CCS 306
Peace Prayer
Creator God,
We approach you in deep humility as our eyes and hearts are opened to an awareness of the generosity of your Spirit’s blessings to us. We also sense the need of forgiveness for our lack of vision at times in recognizing our stewardship over these blessings. Our physical world is beautiful, but we often leave it scarred and ugly in our misuse and neglect of its wonderful resources. Our relationships, so precious and important to our well-being, are sometimes neglected in our busyness and result in significant losses to your children.
In the storms and uncertainties of our lives, we call forth strength
from the steadfastness of your love and concern for your world. We know you are there for us in our darkest hours. Your Spirit helps us find a clearer vision of who we are and what we may become. We grow in our understanding of the call to create safe havens for the troubled areas of the world—and we feel deep within our souls the longing for relationships of caring support and nurture.
Bless us, our Creator and our God, as we offer ourselves to be participants in creating a new world with songs of hope, peace, love, and joy. We pray in the name of the Great Peacemaker, Amen.
—Helen Lents, October 24, 1995, adapted.
Scripture Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Musical Drama: “Let Your Heart Be Broken,” CCS 353, sung by a soloist or ensemble.
People of any age can participate in the silent tableau. During the singing of each stanza have the participants act out the words of the song in various locations in front of the worship space. See suggestions below. At the end of a stanza, the characters remain “frozen” until the song’s end.
Stanza 1: A child sharing his/her lunch with another child that has no food.
Stanza 2: A lonely elderly person seated in a rocking chair is visited by a
young person who shares a photo album or school yearbook.
Stanza 3: Two children are arguing over a candy bar. An older teen steps in to break up the argument. The teen breaks the candy bar in half for the children who are satisfied with the solution.
Stanza 4: An older gentleman is seated on an imaginary street corner,
shivering from the cold. A teen walks by in a coat, but returns to drape the coat over the man, who then reaches out and shakes
the teen’s hand.
—Mark Tarwater for Outreach International
© Outreach International
Message
Based on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Hymn of Reflection
“Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love” CCS 367
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
OR “God of Creation” CCS 147
Disciples’ Generous Response
Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 162:7b
Statement
Choose Generosity: Discovering Whole-Life Stewardship states: “Part of our whole-life stewardship is making Responsible Choices about how we live our lives so we are faithful to God’s purposes. The culture we live in influences our choices. Similarly, our choices influence the world around us…Sometimes we need to make decisions that are counter to what our particular culture promotes if we are faithful in living as disciples following Jesus Christ…”
Activity
· Have a large glass container on a table filled halfway with water.
· State: “Often we try to fill our lives with stuff.”
· Start placing packing peanuts in the water and stir them around with the wooden spoon. They will dissolve.
· State: “But most often filling our lives with stuff only leaves us feeling empty.”
· Keep placing peanuts in water and stirring as they dissolve.
· Ask: “Why do you think we believe accumulating things will bring us security?” Encourage discussion among participants.
· Ask participants to come up with one area of their life to which they might apply Making Responsible Choices. After some time for reflection, move to the blessing and receiving of the offerings.
If you have participants joining the worship online, remind them that they can give through www.CofChrist.org/give or through eTithing at www.eTithing.org (consider displaying these URLs).
Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes
Closing Hymn
“Christ, You Call Us All to Service” CCS 357
OR “Your Cause Be Mine” CCS 639
Benediction
Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 161:7
Postlude
SERMON AND CLASS HELPS
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 28)
2 Thessalonians 3:6–13
Exploring the Scripture
2 Thessalonians was written to correct misunderstandings among the faithful about the coming of Jesus Christ and the end times. The Thessalonians had heard that God already had started the final days, and Jesus would return soon. Some believers stopped working, assuming there was no need to plan for the future. They lived off the generosity of others, waiting for the coming of Christ.
In the strongest terms, today’s lection commands faithful church members to stay away from those refusing to work. In keeping with customs throughout the ancient world, Paul (or one of Paul’s disciples writing in his name) is setting a Christian membership guideline. He makes clear the rules for behavior that must be kept among believers. One rule is supporting oneself whenever possible. In verse 15, he stipulates that idlers are not enemies but should be avoided. They should be warned that no one will support their idleness.
Paul worked for a living and paid for any support he received. As a traveling missionary, he would have been justified in expecting church members to supply his housing and meals freely, but he chose instead to set an example for others. His instructions are provided in 1 Thessalonians 2:9 and repeated here.
The new Christian movement encouraged members to share their resources and have “all things in common.” Rich and poor alike were urged to care for one another. But some people took advantage of communal sharing and let others provide for their needs. Before misunderstanding the last days, Paul had commanded, “Anyone unwilling to work should not eat” (v. 10). Everyone was expected to earn a living and contribute to the community for the benefit of all.
Providing for widows, for day laborers whose income was sporadic and minimal, and for those in poor health continued to be a normal part of the loving Christian community. This command never was intended to marginalize or reject those with a legitimate reason for not working. The Thessalonians understood the guideline within its background of continuing normal, productive lives before the coming of Christ.
Verse 11 also mentions “busybodies,” who mooch other people’s information, life circumstances, and personal details. Like the idler, a busybody lives vicariously off other people and disrupts the community by fomenting resentment and distrust. They damage the reputation of other followers and disgrace the church in the eyes of the world. Paul insists everyone be responsible for their life and contribute to the community. He upholds working “quietly” (v. 12) without drama, pomp, and dependence on others.
The summary statement of this passage provides guidance relevant to every facet of life as a disciple: “Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right” (v. 13). Following Christ is a full-time commitment. Believers who use theological truths to shirk their responsibility misuse the scriptures for selfish ends. Discipleship requires discipline. But it also requires setting personal boundaries and opportunities for renewal to avoid ministerial burnout. Achieving a balance allows a person to work quietly and feel fulfilled.
Central Ideas
- Expecting the Second Coming, some believers stopped working, assuming there was no future.
- A healthy Christian community is one where everyone’s skills and abilities contribute to the common good.
- Like the idler, a busybody lives vicariously off other people and disrupts the community by causing resentment and distrust.
- Do not become weary of doing what is right.
Questions for the Speaker
- What reputation does your congregation have among its neighbors? Do you have a reputation at all, or are you invisible?
- How do you explain the paradox between the Christian mandate to feed the hungry and Paul’s command, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat?”
- What if Paul’s command read, “Those who do not do spiritual work will not be spiritually fed?”
- Who in your congregation works quietly and steadily for the benefit of all?
- What are you doing to prevent burnout from the constant demands of ministry
SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 28)
2 Thessalonians 3:6–13
Gathering
Welcome
Ordinary Time is the period in the Christian calendar from Pentecost to Advent. This span 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.
Our gracious heavenly Parent, allow us to be sensitive to each other’s inner conflicts. May we be alert to our neighbors when they need an attentive listener. May we listen in a compassionate manner, not in judgment, to those who come to us with their conflicts. May we be available when others call for aid.
May we, also, be aware of the needs of those who struggle to maintain peace within themselves. Guide them as they reach out to people who have difficulty believing that peace can be achieved. Give them the strength they need to carry on this mighty work.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
—Sherry Southland
Spiritual Practice
Giving Thanks
We will spend several minutes in the spiritual discipline of gratitude. We are grateful for many aspects of our lives, communities, and Earth. As I say each topic aloud, we will spend a few moments in silent gratitude, and then I will move on to the next area of gratitude. After the last one, I will close our practice of gratitude by saying, “Amen,” aloud. Find a comfortable position. You may close your eyes if you wish. We will begin:
Gracious God, we offer gratitude for:
Gifts of non-profit organizations. (Pause for silent reflection.)
Gifts of science and research. (Pause for silent reflection.)
Gifts of art and music. (Pause for silent reflection.)
Gifts of community. (Pause for silent reflection.)
Close by saying, “Amen.” Invite group members to share how they experienced this practice of gratitude.
Thank everyone for participating.
Sharing Around the Table
2 Thessalonians 3:6–13 NRSVue
Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister living irresponsibly and not according to the tradition that they received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not irresponsible when we were with you, and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day so that we might not burden any of you. This was not because we do not have that right but in order to give you an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living irresponsibly, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.
The author of 2 Thessalonians writes to the early Jesus followers to correct misunderstandings. Earlier parts of the letter were written to correct their beliefs, especially those regarding the second coming of Christ. In this section of the letter, members are being told how to live, what they should do. And they are being told what to do in very strong language.
Based on Paul’s apostolic status and the name of the Lord, they are “commanded” to keep away from believers living in idleness (v. 6), not give food to members who are unwilling to work (v. 10) and not be busybodies involved in other people’s business (v. 11–12). The focus is on good order and responsible conduct according to the tradition/instruction they received in the past. He is concerned with relationships among the members and with the greater community.
The new Christian movement encouraged members to share their resources, and some forms of communal living must have developed. However, the author has heard that abuses have taken place at a level that demanded attention. While providing for widows, laborers with sporadic income, the poor, and orphans was intended to be part of loving communities, there were moochers who were unwilling to work (as opposed to unable to work) and had no legitimate reason for not working.
The author reminded the readers how they were taught to be imitators of Paul, who labored night and day so as not to be a burden, though he had every right to expect financial support from them.
Members of the Christian movement were being told to be responsible for their lives and contribute to the community, taking care not to damage the reputation of other followers and disgrace the church. The author upholds working “quietly” (v. 12), without drama and dependence on others.
The section ends with a pastoral tone, encouraging words. Following Christ is a full-time commitment. Believers who use theological truths to shirk their responsibility misuse the scriptures for selfish ends. Discipleship requires discipline. But it also requires setting personal boundaries and opportunities for renewal to avoid ministerial burnout. Balance allows a person to work quietly and feel fulfilled.
Questions
1. The author does not specify what it means to “stay away” from the idle who are taking advantage of the members. Do you think he is advocating some form of permanent shunning or excommunication? Could this mean exclusion from certain church activities? Could this be a temporary measure until more responsible conduct is exercised?
2. What reputation does your congregation have among its neighbors?
3. How do you explain the paradox between the Christian mandate to feed the hungry and Paul’s command, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat?”
4. Is burnout a problem in your congregation? What can be done to reduce the demands and still be engaged in the various aspects of mission (invite others to Christ, offer compassionate ministries, advance peace and justice).
Sending
Generosity Statement
Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.
—Doctrine and Covenants 163:9
The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response. You also may give at CofChrist.org/give.
This 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 552, “We Are Companions on the Journey”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
· Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
· Thoughts for Children
Thoughts for Children
Materials:
· globe or world map
· slips of paper
· pen or pencil
People share together in Community of Christ congregations and groups all over the world. One way we can be reminded we are one community of faith is to pray for people, friends, families, animals, and plants in the world.
Using a globe or world map, ask each child to close his or her eyes and point to a place to pray for the people, animals, and environment there.
Write the name of the country on a slip of paper. Encourage the child (and parents) to learn about that country this week. Ask the child to keep this country in his or her heart this week and pray for it each day.