WORSHIP RESOURCES
Ordinary Time (Proper 20)
Heritage Day
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Pray for Peace
Additional Scriptures
Jeremiah 8:18—9:1; Psalm 79:1-9; Luke 16:1-13; Mosiah 8:47-53;
Doctrine and Covenants 161:2a, 6b; 163:3a-b
Preparation
Instead of a Morning Message, you can choose to incorporate a service project into your time together:
· Make cards for those on your prayer list, for a local shelter, for anyone you want to share encouraging words with.
· Bake cookies or pack food boxes for a local food bank.
· Pack small bags of essential items (soap, shampoo, etc.) for a local shelter.
· Discuss a specific plan to visit people and follow through at a different time.
If you choose to do a service project, you will need to plan to communicate with your group, gather materials if they are needed, etc. If you meet online, you can give those participants a list of materials they will need ahead of time to participate.
For the Focus Moment, you will want a 10-12 inch/25-30cm piece of ribbon/string for all participants. If you meet virtually, omit the ribbon/string activity and use the other examples.
Prelude
Song of Centering
“Spirit Fill Us” CCS 160
OR “As the Deer” CCS 148
OR “Into My Heart” CCS 573
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Welcome, Joys, and Concerns
Call to Worship
How beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!
They who have published peace,
Who brought good tidings of good,
Who published salvation;
Who said our God reigns!
How beautiful upon the mountains are their feet!
Who are still publishing peace!
Who shall hereafter publish peace!
Who shall say our God reigns!
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the One that brings good tidings,
Who is the founder of peace;
Who has redeemed God’s people;
Who has granted salvation to God’s people.
Because of the redemption made for God’s people,
Which was prepared from the foundation of the world;
All have life in the Founder of Peace!
How beautiful upon the mountains are their feet!
—Mosiah 8:47-53, adapted
Song of Praise
“Now in This Moment” CCS 96
Find French and Spanish translations at:
www.HeraldHouse.org/products/newly-translated-songs-from-world-conference-2023-pdf-download?variant=45826935390481
OR “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” CCS 101
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Invocation
Response
Disciples’ Generous Response
Statement
As disciples, we are called to commit our lives to building God’s kingdom, but what is God’s kingdom? The mission statement of Community of Christ is “to proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.” We believe that building God’s kingdom is the same as promoting communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.
We use these phrases as well as others to capture the essence of what we are called to build as disciples. Other phrases include the peaceable kingdom, God’s kingdom on Earth as it is in heaven, God’s vision of shalom, God’s reign on Earth, and Zion. These phrases and others express our belief that God invites us to help create on Earth a place where the nine Enduring Principles of Community of Christ are experienced by everyone: Grace and Generosity, Sacredness of Creation, Continuing Revelation, Worth of All Persons, All Are Called, Responsible Choices, Pursuit of Peace (Shalom), Unity in Diversity, and Blessings of Community.
We believe God’s vision is that everyone experiences the Enduring Principles in tangible ways daily. God invites us to be cocreators in making God’s kingdom real by living Christ’s mission of invitation, compassion, justice, and peacemaking.
Stewardship is how we support Christ’s mission—not just financial stewardship but whole-life stewardship. Our whole-life response in living Christ’s mission is how we create God’s vision of shalom. Discipleship is the hard and messy work of living Christ’s mission, and whole-life stewardship is the framework within which we give in support of this mission.
When we fully receive God’s grace and generosity, every breath expresses gratitude to God, and we respond by living Christ’s mission.
During this time of a 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.
—Choose Generosity: Whole-Life Stewardship,
Herald Publishing House, 2019
We can help spread God’s love by being kind and sharing with others. Maybe by giving our money, we can be a rainbow for someone else, and that can help God’s beautiful love shine for everyone to see.
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
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-7
Focus Moment: Praying Together
Although this time can be especially engaging with children, encourage all to participate.
I have a few activities for you this morning.
Hand each participant a piece of ribbon/string.
I want you to tie this ribbon/string on your wrist using your other hand.
Allow some time to attempt tying the ribbon/string, which should be rather difficult.
That seemed to be quite tricky and challenging. Let’s try another one. Can you describe exactly what the back of your head looks like?
Offer a short time for participants to consider this question.
I guess that isn’t easy either, at least not without a mirror.
Maybe this last one will be easier. To do it, put one hand behind your back. Using your other hand, I want you to clap!
These things seemed hard to do…at least by yourself, they were challenging. What would happen if we worked with another person to do each activity?
Ask participants to work with someone near them and repeat the activities.
When you worked with another person, was the task easier? Many things in life are easier when you have someone to be with you and help you. Sometimes, you just need a hand.
God did not create us to be alone but to be interdependent with one another. We need other people, and other people need us. One way we can serve others is by praying for them. Our scripture for today tells us to pray for others, to ask for help when they are in need, and to offer thanks to others. We should pray for friends and loved ones, but we should also pray for people we might not know or like, and we should pray for leaders. Prayer can be very powerful.
We are going to pray for others right now. The prayer we are going to do is called a Five Finger Prayer. Each finger represents a group of people. Hold your hand up in front of you.
Touch your thumb with your other hand. Your thumb is closest to you right now, so will pray for those closest to us—our family. I will start the prayer, and you finish it by silently saying the names of your family.
God, thank you for our families. We ask a blessing on each of them.
Pause.
Now touch your pointer finger. We will pray for those who point us in the right direction: our teachers, doctors, ministers, and mentors. I will start the prayer, and you will finish it by silently saying the names of those who help point you in the right direction.
God, thank you for those that point us in the right direction. May you give them wisdom and support when they need it.
Pause.
Now touch your middle finger. This is the tallest finger, so we will pray for those who lead us. I will start the prayer, and you will finish it by silently saying the names of our leaders.
God, thank you for our leaders. May you guide them and grant them wisdom as they lead.
Pause.
Now touch your ring finger. This finger is the weakest, so we will pray for those who are weak, in trouble, in pain. I will start the prayer, and you finish it by silently saying the names of those in need.
God, thank you for all the people in our lives. Some people are sick, in trouble, in pain. We ask a blessing for each of them.
Pause.
Now touch your pinky. This is the smallest finger, so we will pray for ourselves and our needs. I will start the prayer, and you will finish it silently.
God, thank you for always being there with love, support, and guidance. I humbly ask you for help.
Pause.
Amen.
Song of Reflection Sing twice.
“O Lord, Hear My Prayer” CCS 192
OR “Spirit of the Living God” CCS 567
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Morning Message
Based on 1 Timothy 2:1-7
OR
Service Project
If you do a service project, connect it to the scripture and theme by discussing service as a way to tangibly bring peace to others.
Ministry of Music of Congregational Hymn
“I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me” CCS 581
OR “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed” CCS 633
Prayer for Peace
Light the peace candle.
Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 161:2a, 6b
About the Prayer for Peace
In 2023, Community of Christ celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of our denomination’s practice of offering a Prayer for Peace. People of different ethnic groups, nationalities, ages, religions, backgrounds, and interests unite their wishes for peace, and many more add their prayers from their church buildings, campgrounds, homes, and even places of work. Community of Christ around the globe is connected by this prayer expressing hope for peace. With the Prayer for Peace, we embody our calling to pursue peace. It is a discipline that offers a regular opportunity for silent introspection and meditation.
Peace Prayer: Anytime and Anywhere
Stirring Spirit,
The yearning for peace comes to us at many times and in many places. It is like the changing of seasons: a sprout of green spotted in the morning frost. The first snowflake in the dark of midnight. The cool breeze kissing the face of a sleeping child. We learn to watch for these moments and to treasure them as they come and go, ephemeral. We watch with our eyes and our ears; we watch with our hands and our souls.
May we also learn to watch for the moments when we can act for the good of humanity. Anytime and anywhere–these moments may be as brief as a breeze, but our actions can impact a lifetime.
We pray that you would bring a season of peace to our lands. We pray that would stir the branches of our trees. That peace would warm our toes and compel our inert hearts to move. We pray that we would live in your peace, and from your peace, and for your peace. Anytime. Everywhere. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
—Tiffany and Caleb Brian
Peace Hymn
“Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” CCS 605
OR “Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands” CCS 309
We Pray Peace for One Another
Ask participants to form a circle or other configuration that your worship space allows.
Ask each participant to focus on the person to their right and offer a silent prayer for their peace. Allow time for prayer.
Ask each participant to focus on the person to their left and offer a silent prayer for their peace. Allow time for prayer.
Ask participants to join hands, lift them skyward, and say, “Amen!”
Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 163:3a-b
Postlude
SERMON AND CLASS HELPS
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 20)
1 Timothy 2:1–7
Exploring the Scripture
Paul (or a disciple writing in Paul’s name) seeks to provide wise counsel to Timothy, new in the ministry. Having shared the testimony of his conversion to Christianity, Paul stresses first that a good minister prays for everyone, without exception (v. 1). It’s easy to focus only on the needs of family, friends, and place. Christians must look beyond their issues and those they prefer to the wider community, strangers, and opponents.
Praying for kings and those who have authority carries out three goals. First, it can transform the one praying from anger against the ruler toward inner peace and serenity. Second, it promotes good citizenship and stability within the political unit, values upheld in both Hebrew and New Testament passages. Respect for governmental authority was intended to prevent accusations of treason resulting in persecution. Third, regardless of other reasons, praying for everyone is proper because God’s salvation is for everyone.
The author quotes an early Christian creed stressing unity and universality. In strong, direct terms, Paul upholds universal grace: God wishes everyone to be saved and to know Jesus Christ. There is one God over all. God has provided one Redeemer for all. Christ gave himself for all. The “all” refers to people everywhere, not just the followers.
Some Christians believe God saves only Christians, and the “all” in this text refers to all believers. Some Christians believe God saves those of other religions who unconsciously are drawn closer to Jesus through their faith. Some people believe God has provided for salvation through all religious traditions in their own unique way.
Today’s passage ends with two affirmations. The first applauds the timeliness of instruction to Timothy. The second stresses that Paul was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles to proclaim universal grace for all. His missionary efforts among the Gentiles were a key reason for spreading Christianity and developing Christian theology.
Central Ideas
- Pray for everyone, including leaders, rulers, and those in authority.
- God’s salvation is universal. The exact interpretation of universal salvation varies widely among Christians. Christ’s sacrifice was for everyone.
- Proclaiming universal salvation was Paul’s purpose as an apostle to the Gentiles.
Questions for the Speaker
- Whom do you find it difficult to include in your prayers? What might be the results if you began praying for them?
- What do you think universal salvation means? Why do you believe that?
- What symbols and explanations would you use to explain salvation?
- You have been called for this time and place. How are you living that call in your life and ministry?
SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 20)
1 Timothy 2:1–7 NRSVue
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.
Creator of light, we are in the presence of your peace.
Forgive us for those times when we are like the dishonest manager who sells the master’s goods at a discount to gain favor.
We sell justice short by accommodating injustice to keep an unjust peace.
We pray, therefore, for true peace, where children in poverty are blessed, where marginalized people are welcomed fully at the table, and where institutionalized advantages are torn down. We pray in the name of our Lord, who overturned the tables in the temple, even Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Affirmations
Read the following aloud:
At the core of Christianity is the belief that life and creation are good and gifts from God. The practice of affirmations may be used daily to recognize and name divine goodness and love in your life.
Read the following affirmations aloud. Have the group repeat each one.
Ring the chime to begin affirmations.
God’s love breathes life into creation. (Group repeats.)
God’s love creates reconciliation within our hearts. (Group repeats.)
God’s love is experienced in friendship, family, and community. (Group repeats.)
God’s love brings understanding and peace. (Group repeats.)
God’s love is big enough for all (Group repeats.)
God loves me. (Group repeats.)
Ring the chime to end the affirmations.
Invite the participants to share their experience with this practice.
Sharing Around the Table
1 Timothy 2:1–7 NRSVue
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and acceptable before God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all—this was attested at the right time. For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), a teacher of the gentiles in faith and truth.
The author of this letter seeks to provide wise counsel to Timothy, who is new in the ministry. Having shared the testimony of his conversion to Christianity, Paul stresses here that a good minister prays for everyone, without exception. It’s easy to focus only on family, friends, and place. Christians must look beyond their issues and those they prefer, to the wider community, strangers, and opponents.
Praying for kings and those who have authority carries out two goals. First, it can transform the one praying, from anger against the ruler toward inner peace and serenity. Second, it promotes good citizenship and stability within the political unit, which is important because respect for governmental authority was intended to prevent accusations of treason resulting in persecution.
Not to mention, praying for everyone is proper because God’s salvation is for everyone.
The author quotes an early Christian creed stressing unity and universality. In strong, direct terms, Paul upholds universal grace: God wishes everyone to be saved and to know Jesus Christ. There is one God over all. God has provided one Redeemer for all. Christ gave himself for all. The “all” refers to people everywhere, not just the followers. We would do well to keep this in mind as we seek to create inclusive, sacred community.
Questions
1. Whom do you find it difficult to pray for? What might happen if you began praying for this person?
2. What does universal salvation mean to you?
3. What symbols and explanations would you use to explain salvation?
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 244, “There’s an Old, Old Path”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
· Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
· Thoughts for Children
Thoughts for Children
Followers of Jesus pray for others. One way we can do this is with a practice called a body prayer. In this prayer, we will ask God to use us to bless others around us.
Stand where you are and make sure you have enough room so you won’t hit anyone while praying. As we pray, we are going to be moving our bodies.
Move through the prayer, instructing the kids to join you in the motions as you pray.
Reach high above your head with your hands. God, please use my hands to heal others.
Move your head from side to side and roll it in a circle. God, help me to think and act like Jesus.
Open your eyes big then close them tight. God, help me to see the world and the people in it the way you do.
Massage your ears with your fingers. God, help me to hear the needs of others and respond with love.
Open your mouth like you are about to yawn. God, help me to speak words of love and peace.
Finally, place your hands over your heart. God, let your love flow through me and help me share it with others.
Amen.