WORSHIP RESOURCES
Ordinary Time (Proper 4)
2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Treasure in Clay Jars
Additional Scriptures
1 Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18;
Mark 2:23—3:6; Doctrine and Covenants 162:8c
Preparation
Prior to today’s worship, find an old jar or vase that looks completely worthless. An empty milk carton or plastic bottle works as well. Inside your jar, bottle, or carton, place something of great worth, like jewelry, money, or even a beautiful bouquet of flowers. If you choose to use a vase, one that leaks water would be perfect for the Congregational Focus Moment. Display your jar, bottle, or carton at the front of your sanctuary or worship space for all to see throughout worship.
Prelude
Songs of Presence and Praise Choose two.
“Seek Ye First"
CCS 599
“Jesu, Tawa Pano/Jesus, We Are Here”
CCS 71
"All Creatures of Our God and King”
CCS 98
"Earth and All Stars"
CCS 102
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Welcome
Reading of Praise
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. …I praise you!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. …I praise you!
You search out my path and my lying down. …I praise you!
Even before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely… I praise you!
You formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb…
I praise you!
Your eyes beheld my unformed substance when none of them existed…
I praise you!
You know what is inside and love all of me… I praise you!
—Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, adapted
This Reading of Praise can become a Responsive Reading, asking participants to respond to each statement with, “We praise you!”
Hymn of Assurance
“Blessed Be Your Name”
CCS 252
OR “My Life Flows On in Endless Song”
CCS 263
OR “All My Days”
CCS 266
Invocation
Musical Response
Poem Reading
“Let My Spirit Always Sing”
Let my spirit always sing your name,
though my heart winters though the seasons of despair
and no sign you are there,
God to whom my days belong,
let there always be a song!
Though my body be confined, let your word search my mind,
let the inner eye discern how much more there is to learn,
see a world becoming whole through the window of my soul!
Let my spirit always sing to your Spirit answering,
through the silence, through the pain know my hope is not in vain,
like a feather on your breath trust your love, through life and death,
you know all of me.
—Shirley Erena Murray, CCS 269,
Stanzas 1, 2, and 4, adapted
Prayer for Peace
Light the Peace Candle.
Prayer
O God of Peace,
The heavens and all the Earth tell of your love and the
handiwork of your mysterious craft.
Grant us courage to join this heavenly chorus…
Pause.
Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares
knowledge.
Help us discover your truth even in the darkest of nights…
Pause.
There is no speech, nor are there words; too many cries go
unheard; yet their voices goes out through all the Earth and their
words to the end of the world.
Be with us even if we don’t know what to say…
Pause.
Today, O God, let the words of our mouths and the meditation
of our hearts be acceptable to you.
Pause.
Hear our prayers for peace, for love, for you Kingdom.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the Peaceful One and Seeker of Justice.
Amen.
—Psalm 19:1-5, 14, adapted
Focus Moment: Discover Your Gift See below.
Includes Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Scripture Homily Based on 2 Corinthians 4:5-12
The Meaning of Communion
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Communion Hymn
“You Satisfy the Hungry Heart”
CCS 531
OR “O Christ, My Lord, Create in Me”
CCS 507
OR “Bread of the World”
CCS 527
Communion Scripture: Mark 14:12-26
Invitation to Communion
All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others might have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.
Blessing and Serving of the Bread and Wine
For guidelines on the Lord’s Supper, including online participation, see
CofChrist.org/our-ministry-tools.
Disciples’ Generous Response
Statement
The treasure inside of us is a gift. Even if we feel like we do not deserve it, God’s grace and generosity proves otherwise. In Choose Generosity: Discovering Whole-Life Stewardship, page 10, we read:
When we choose to believe that God is continuously
pouring out grace and generosity we begin to see God in
everything—the good, the bad, and everything between…
Seeing all of life as a gift from God is a choice of faithful disciples.
This is especially true when we feel like a broken vase or jar. Although we may not be perfect, God’s treasure flows through us.
Testimony
Invite someone to share a testimony about a time when they felt unworthy of God’s generosity but shared their gifts.
This is our opportunity to share the financial gifts to support testimonies like this here and around the world!
In addition, the first Sunday of the month focuses the Disciples’ Generous Response on Abolish Poverty, End Suffering, which includes oblation ministry. As you consider the ways you can give also think of the ways you can work and act generously to abolish poverty and end suffering in the world.
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 Commitment
“When We Lift Our Pack and Go”
CCS 634
“Lord, Who Views All People Precious”
CCS 637
OR “Might God Who Called Creation” CCS 641
Benediction
Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 162:8c
Postlude
Focus Moment
Display the ugly, worthless vase with a beautiful bouquet of flowers or other “treasures.”
Leader: What do you think of this vase?
Allow time for responses.
Leader: It is very ugly, dirty. It leaks water, making it worthless as a vase. What do you think about placing these treasures in such a worthless vase?
Allow time for responses.
Leader: Do you think this vase deserves to hold these treasures?
Allow time for responses.
Leader: Today’s scripture passage speaks of jars of clay or earthen vessels. These were valueless containers in the Bible, just like this vase. Listen closely as we study it together to find out how we are like these jars of clay.
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Leader: One essential aspect of living in service to Christ is sharing the gospel, which is sometimes called “the New Covenant.” In the New Covenant, the veil of separation has been torn between us and God. We can know God personally and be part of a Divine/Human relationship. Our ministry is about sharing our knowledge of the New Covenant, talents, and gifts with all peoples! This is an awesome truth that is a treasure and brings light to the hearts of those who accept Christ!
How do you share the treasure inside you?
Allow time for responses.
Leader: We are like this vase. Just as this vase appears completely undeserving of this beautiful treasure, we may feel undeserving of the treasure of Christ. But God chooses each of us! God chooses you and me to share the amazing truth of love and grace! When you feel weak and undeserving, I want you to see how great God’s love and grace is for you, that God chooses to use you to share with all people.
SERMON AND CLASS HELPS
Year B—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 4)
2 Corinthians 4:5–12
Exploring the Scripture
Second Corinthians may have originated as two or three letters, later compiled into one. The first nine chapters may come from one letter, or chapters 8–9 may represent a second letter. Paul outlines the nature of Christian ministry in chapters 1–6, from which several of the following lectionary texts are drawn.
The lectionary scripture for Transfiguration Sunday, which is the last Sunday before Lent, ends with the affirmation, “For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves…" (v. 5). The text further affirms it is the light of Christ (“let light shine out of darkness”) that shines through us in our witness of God and Christ (v. 6). Today’s passage begins with those verses and provides the foundation for all that follows.
Genesis 1:3 proclaims that God spoke light into the darkness and chaos even before creating the sun, as the first step toward creating the world. Isaiah 9 expands the image to proclaim the coming Messiah as the ruler who brings light in the darkness. Paul adds the final word: Christ is the mover in creation, whose light is life to all—a light that no evil can overcome.
The light of Christ is the foundation of our life and shines in our hearts, regardless of how dark they may seem, to affirm the glory of God and the witness of Jesus Christ. The light of Christ is the source of Christian ministry. Lest we begin to feel smug about being vessels that contain the light of Christ, Paul hastens to add that we are merely clay jars, weak, malleable, easily broken, and limited.
His letters to the Corinthians provide insights into a power struggle between Paul and other leaders. He goes to great pains to provide his credentials and authority as an apostle. Here, Paul also counters the egotistical centering of power and authority in himself and other leaders in Corinth. Christ’s followers are not “translated beings,” radiating glory and holiness. We are vulnerable, cracked, as transient as the cheap clay jars that households use and toss aside. Whatever power and authority we have is God working in us. And the successes are God’s, not ours.
Verses 8–10 provide memorable, dramatic assertions of the inner light of Christ overcoming afflictions, despair, persecution, and attacks—all of which Paul endured. Suffering is part of the reality in which we live, but suffering isn’t permanent, nor does it control our identity. Paul points out that whatever we suffer for our faith means we engage in the very process that led to Jesus’ death. That is, the broken systems that resulted in the crucifixion are part of who we are and contribute to our suffering. But the pain of taking part in Christ’s death is coupled with the hope of Christ’s resurrection. Pain and hope are the life and heritage of disciples.
The resurrected Christ lives in each follower and shines through the misfortune that each must face while living and following. The life of Christ becomes visible to others as we face life’s inconveniences, difficulties, and sufferings. There is always light in the darkest places, hope in the most tremendous loss, trust amid betrayal, and love that can transform violence and conflict into resurrected life.
Central Ideas
- The light of Christ shines through our vulnerable, fragile humanness to bring about ministry and life in others.
- Suffering is part of the reality in which we live, but suffering isn’t permanent.
- The brokenness of the world that led to Jesus’ crucifixion is part of who we are and contributes to our suffering.
- The life of Christ becomes visible to others because of how we face life’s difficulties.
Questions for the Speaker
- When have you provided ministry despite feeling vulnerable and inadequate?
- When have you been engaged in a power struggle? How did you resolve it? How did your faith help you?
- Tell of a minister you know who consistently gives God credit for ministerial successes.
- What distress have you faced recently? How has the light of Christ brightened your path amid the difficulties?
SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY
Year B Letters
Ordinary Time, Proper 4
2 Corinthians 4:5–12 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.
God, we pause in gratitude for the gift of life and the way you have guided us in our life journey. We realize our journey has been interrupted by fear, doubt, anger, loneliness, and despair. But then we remember your guiding hand, and peace is restored.
Tears form in our eyes, and pain comes to our bodies when we see those who suffer as we have but do not know where to turn. Your divine presence came to us, and we were lifted; we were able to walk with new hope, dream new dreams, and mend relationships that had gone wrong.
Bring this peace to all who seek relief. Enter and let them know a power is seeking to bring hope, joy, relief, and peace unto them. In the name of Christ. Amen.
—Gary Zimmerman
Spiritual Practice
Receiving in Gratitude
Read the following to the group:
Enduring Principles are a foundation of Community of Christ. We will rotate through each principle with a spiritual practice over the season of Ordinary Time. Today we are focusing on Grace and Generosity. The first thing we do in life is receive. Our first breath is a gift we receive. It is a gift given freely. The spiritual practice for today is a breath prayer. During the prayer we use words to breathe in and words to breathe out. Today we will breathe in receive life and breathe out thank you.
Slowly read the following:
Sit in a relaxed posture and close your eyes. We will spend three minutes in breath prayer.
Breathe in a regular, natural rhythm.
As you breathe in, silently say, “receive life.” As you exhale, respond, “thank you.”
Breathe in and out, focusing on what you are breathing in and what you are exhaling.
Watch the time for three minutes. Urge participants to continue the breath prayer for the full three minutes. When time is up, ask participants to respond to the following question:
What is one thing you are grateful for in this moment?
Close with this statement of thanksgiving.
Thank you, God, for another day. Thank you for the opportunity to connect with others, to receive and to give to one another. Amen.
Sharing Around the Table
2 Corinthians 4:5–12 NRSVUE
For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’s sake. For it is the God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed, always carrying around in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For we who are living are always being handed over to death for Jesus’s sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us but life in you.
Have you ever been in a situation of trying to prove that you have the credentials to claim authority regarding something for which someone else also is claiming authority…even greater authority. This is the situation that Paul faces in today’s passage from the letter to the Corinthian church.
He wants to make clear that his authority, however, doesn’t come from his doing but directly from the light of Christ, which has been given to him and us by God.
Christ’s followers are not “translated beings,” radiating glory and holiness. Rather, we are like clay jars, vulnerable and cracked. Whatever power and authority we have is God working in us. And the successes are God’s, not ours.
It is Christ’s light that is life to all. The light of Christ is the foundation of our life. It shines in our hearts, regardless of how dark they may seem, to affirm the glory of God and the witness of Jesus Christ.
Suffering is part of the reality in which we live. But suffering isn’t permanent, nor does it control our identity. The broken systems that resulted in the crucifixion are part of who we are and contribute to our suffering. But the pain of taking part in Christ’s death is coupled with the hope of Christ’s resurrection.
The resurrected Christ lives in each follower and shines through the misfortune that each must face while living and following. The life of Christ becomes visible to others as we face life’s difficulties and sufferings. There is always light in the darkest places, hope in the most tremendous loss, trust amid betrayal, and love that can transform violence and conflict into resurrected life.
Questions
- When have you been engaged in a power struggle? How did you resolve it? How did your faith help you?
- What distress have you faced recently? How has the light of Christ brightened your path amid the difficulties?
- When have you carried the light of Christ to others despite feeling vulnerable and inadequate?
Sending
Generosity Statement
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 240, “Light Dawns on a Weary World”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
- Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
- Thoughts for Children
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
—1 Corinthians 11:23–26 NRSV
Communion Statement
All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.
We share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community. In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings (select one):
515 “In these Moments We Remember”
516 “Coming Together for Wine and for Bread”
521 “Let Us Break Bread Together”
525 “Small Is the Table”
528 “Eat This Bread”
Thoughts for Children
Note: During this focus moment, be aware of differently abled people. Make sure to include examples unique to them.
Begin by asking participants how they use their…
Hands
Feet
Brains
Eyes
Ears
Say: Wow! You can do so many things with your mind and body! In today’s scripture, we read about the various ways we can embody Jesus. This means we use our minds and bodies to share love in the world like Jesus did.
Ask: What are some ways we can share love in the world using our…
Hands
Feet
Brains
Eyes
Ears
Say: Thank you so much for sharing those wonderful examples and for being willing to embody Jesus in the world!