WORSHIP RESOURCES
Ordinary Time (Proper 29)
Colossians 1:11-20
The Peaceful Reign of Christ
Additional Scriptures
Jeremiah 23:1-6; Luke 1:68-79; Luke 23:33-43; Doctrine and Covenants 165:1
Preparation
This is the final week of the Generosity Cycle, which focuses on reflecting on God’s generous blessings and stewardship of the Earth and the sixth principle of a Disciple’s Generous Response: Spend Responsibly. 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.
For the Focus Moment, Option 1, bring a coloring page for each participant along with markers, crayons, or colored pencils. See below.
Before the service, for Option 3A, prepare a large, flat surface (poster board, etc.) with a rough outline of a figure/bust representing Jesus. Attach tape loops, double-sided tape, or other adhesive to the outline. Gather pictures from publications or online images of all aspects of life: food, homes, pets, books, family, sports, work, environment, friends, etc.
Before the service, for Option 3B, procure a large, clear container such as a glass pitcher, an oversized jar, or a large glass bowl. Collect objects that could represent all aspects of life. Examples: apple, small ball, dog treat, leaf or twig, flower, feather, small sock or shoe, phone, birthday card.
Every worshiper needs a piece of paper and a pen or pencil during the Disciples’ Generous Response. You will also need a recycle bin for the Disciples’ Generous Response.
Prelude
Gathering Songs Choose two.
“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” CCS 13
“Fairest Lord Jesus” CCS 33
“Crown Him with Many Crowns” CCS 39
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
“Lord, You Have Brought Us” CCS 76
“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” CCS 105
Find French and Spanish translations: www.HeraldHouse.org/products/newly-translated-songs-from-world-conference-2023-pdf-download?variant=45826935390481
“I Will Sing, I Will Sing” CCS 112
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Welcome
Welcome to this time of worship. Today, our theme is The Peaceful Reign of Christ, and our scripture is from Colossians 1:11-20 where we find these words about Christ, “for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him.”
This is also the final week of the Generosity Cycle, during which we will focus on stewardship of the Earth. As we think about this incredible description of Christ, we are drawn into a deeper understanding of our role as stewards. Our stewardship is not merely an obligation but a sacred response to the abundant blessings we have received, as revealed in Christ's life. All things have been created through Christ. All things belong to God and should be cherished and used justly for divine purposes.
As we share together in worship this morning, may we be reminded that we have a responsibility to care for the Earth, including natural resources and all creation, individually and collectively.
Call to Worship: Doctrine and Covenants 165:1
Hymn of Creation
“God of Creation” CCS 147
OR “Morning Has Broken” CCS 143
Invocation
Response
Prayer for Peace
Peace Hymn
“One Common Prayer” Sing twice. CCS 313
OR “Wait for the Lord” Sing twice. CCS 399
OR “Kyrie Eleison” CCS 184
Light the peace candle.
Peace Prayer
O God, Author of Peace,
Forgive us for when we translate your peace for our comfort. For when we adore Jesus as healer but ignore him as challenger. For when we marvel at Jesus enduring the cross and overcoming death, but we forget that he empowers and calls us to carry a cross for justice. Let us never be satisfied with Band-Aid peace that hides but does not heal the infection of selfishness, apathy, and injustice. Let us have eyes wide open to see the suffering around us. Help us hear the calls for help, no matter the language or tone. Lord, we do not fear as you call us to soul searching because in you there is no condemnation, only refinement, redirection, and renewal. Give us the resolve to act even as we continue to pray for peace. We long to be more fully your disciples. Guide our feet in the way of peace, and let your ways be our ways. Hear our prayer, O Lord. Amen.
Peace Hymn
Repeat the song chosen previously as a response to the prayer.
Focus Moment: Hearing the Word - Colossians 1:11-20
Three possible activities are offered. Choose the one that best fits your group. The first is meditative, art-based, and allows for pair or group sharing. This one would be done simultaneously with the reading of the scripture. The second would follow the reading of the word and engage the practice of Visio Divina by viewing a short video while meditating on a focus question, with optional sharing afterward. The third is lighter, perhaps suitable for a group with children, and would be best after sharing Colossians aloud.
OPTION 1
Provide a coloring page at the end of the service and writing or coloring utensils for each in-person participant. Project the image on-screen so online attendees can duplicate the drawing on their paper.
The facilitator introduces the activity: “The verses in Colossians help us to meditate on the peaceful reign of Christ. As I read them aloud, note any words or phrases that stand out. Either write words or draw simple images or add colors that bring these verses to life for you.”
Facilitator reads Colossians 1:11-20 slowly with pauses and a longer pause at the end.
“Now I’m going to read the verses again. This time, as you gaze, write, or draw on the picture, let your mind be drawn to times when Jesus has been made clearer to you. What brought you to that understanding? What has been the lasting effect?”
Facilitator reads the scripture a second time, still slow with a long pause at the end. At the end, it is optional but recommended that sharing be allowed in pairs, small groups, or everyone together. Online worshipers could share in CHAT or unmute at the leader’s direction. These questions may bring focus to the sharing. If time is a concern, ask people to choose only one of the questions.
· What word, phrase, or image of the scripture stood out to you in a new way?
· How has your life been blessed by increased understanding of Jesus, the image of the invisible God?
OPTION 2
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:11-20
After sharing the Colossians scripture aloud, and before viewing the Community of Christ produced video, (it shows crosses transforming into a stream of light) post or read this question: How has Jesus and the cross transformed your life?
Ask worshipers to consider this question as they view the five-minute video.
Allow at least two minutes of silence at the end of the video for contemplation. If desired, share in pairs, small groups or with everyone if the congregation is small. In concluding this activity, provide a way for online members to share in chats or by unmuting. And the facilitator may share aloud verses 11 and 12 as a blessing.
Option 3 can be done in two or three dimensions
OPTION 3A: Two dimensions
Ahead of time, prepare a large, flat surface (poster board, etc.) with a rough outline of a figure/bust representing Jesus. Attach tape loops, double-sided tape, or other adhesive to the outline. Gather pictures from publications or online images of all aspects of life: food, homes, pets, books, family, sports, work, environment, friends, etc.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:11-20
After the verses from Colossians have been shared, the facilitator may attach pictures to the outline while narrating, saying something like this: “The scripture says “…in him all things hold together.” Who is the ‘him’? (Jesus) If Jesus holds all things together, that could mean we think of him at home (attach picture of home), while we read (attach picture of book)... ” Conclude: “Life can be so full when we keep all things together in Christ. The facilitator may invite children of the whole group to participate by handing out the pictures and narrating as they attach pictures to the outline.
OPTION 3B: Three dimensions
Ahead of time, procure a large, clear container such as a glass pitcher, an oversized jar, or a large glass bowl. Collect objects that could represent all aspects of life. Examples: apple, small ball, dog treat, leaf or twig, flower, feather, small sock or shoe, phone, birthday card, etc. Place the container in a visible central location. Scatter the items haphazardly.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:11-20
To begin, the facilitator says, “Sometimes life feels very unorganized. So many things are going on in so many places. Today’s scripture says, ‘… in him all things hold together.’” Who is the him? Jesus? Pick up the apple. What if when I eat, I think of the Lord who provided all our food? Place the apple in a container and pick up the ball. And when I play ball, I remember God gave me the strength to run? Continue with appropriate comments for each item added to the container.
Conclusion: “All the dimensions of life are better when all things are held together in Jesus.” If more involvement is desired, ask children or the whole group to pick up items and hand them to the facilitator, who narrates and adds items to the container. Online participants can best participate by viewing. Try to set up the scene within range of a camera.
Hymn For Our World
“Light Dawns on a Weary World” CCS 240
OR “For the Beauty of the Earth” CCS 130
Message
Based on Colossians 1:11-20
Disciples’ Generous Response
Hymn of Gratitude
“Give Thanks” CCS 134
OR “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” CCS 53
Sing twice. Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Activity
Have worshipers write a definition for Earth stewardship on a piece of paper.
Have worshipers pass their paper to the person to their right.
Have worshipers reflect on the definition they received and add to or modify it.
The first Earth Day was in 1970. It is generally celebrated worldwide on April 22 by people of all backgrounds and nationalities. The purpose of Earth Day is to promote environmental citizenship, heighten local and global awareness, and promote policies and behavior that support the Earth.
· Ask worshipers: What is one commitment you are willing to make today to improve your behavior or attitude as a steward of the Earth? Examples:
o I will plant three new trees this year.
o I will reuse shopping bags I already have.
o I will monitor what is happening in my country and write my politicians about pending legislation related to improving environmental matters.
o I will join and support a local environmental advocacy group.
· Have worshipers write their responses on the same paper as the Earth stewardship definitions and then, as the offering is received, place their responses in a recycle bin at the front of the space.
· Be sure children have the opportunity to participate.
A Young Disciple Asks
At our small congregation’s business meeting we were discussing a substantial budget item. Our youngest member, an eleven-year-old boy, raised his hand to voice a concern. “If we only have this much in the bank and we spend all this on one thing, that’s half of our money! How will we pay for other things?”
Almost in unison, three of the older members responded, “It’s okay. We keep putting in more money.” The boy was satisfied, and our congregation is forever blessed with a new outlook on generosity. We keep putting in more.
Christ’s mission is only possible because we keep putting in more time, talent, testimony, and treasure. And we can only do this because God keeps investing more in us.
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 and Earth Stewardship Pledges
Hymn
“Let Us Give Praise to the God of Creation” CCS 607
OR “As Saints of Old” CCS 620
OR “Christ’s Partners All Are We” CCS 630
Unison Sending Forth
Read together in unison, Stanza 5 of Community of Joy, CCS 631.
Postlude
DOWNLOAD: Cross Graphic for Focus Moment Option 1
SERMON AND CLASS HELPS
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 29), Reign of Christ
Colossians 1:11–20
Exploring the Scripture
Today is the Sunday of the “Reign of Christ.” Community of Christ affirms that Jesus Christ was fully human and Divine, a mystery beyond our rational understanding. Today’s lection upholds the divinity of Christ in stressing God’s revelation in Christ and his reign over Earth.
The passage opens with a blessing that asks and suggests strength, endurance, and patience “while joyfully giving thanks to the Father” (v. 11). God strengthens followers to receive the blessings and promises given to “the saints in the light” (v. 12)—prior Christian leaders, followers, and martyrs.
Paul reminds the church people of their lives before knowing Christ, when they were in bondage to the “power of darkness” (v. 13). The language of light and dark uses symbols common to Gnosticism, a group of ideas that reduced Christ to one spirit among many. Gnosticism was founded on a supposed secret knowledge and taught that all material creation is evil, but everything spiritual was good. But Paul leaves his listeners in no doubt about the true foundation: Christ. God has rescued them from the darkness and transferred them into a new worldview of redemption and forgiveness.
Entering Christ’s peaceable reign is transformative. Old rules, pressures, norms, and expectations are left behind. Christ’s followers are new creatures, exploring a new way to live within the reign of Christ. Verses 15–20 form a hymn, celebrating Christ’s centrality, power, role in the creation, and supreme victory in restoring all people to God. All people. No exceptions.
Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Humans, too, were created in God’s image, and God’s Spirit lives in each one, giving worth to all. But Christ was unique, the “firstborn” (v. 18), supreme over all. The hymn affirms that through Christ, everything was created, physical and spiritual. Contrary to Gnostic belief, Christ helped create any spirits or powers that might exist and therefore is superior to them. They serve him, and they are under his rule (v. 16).
In Christ, “all things hold together” (v. 17) in an organized unity and harmony that would not exist without him. Believers are called to strive for the wholeness present in Christ and adopt a counter-cultural worldview aligned with the gospel.
The Reign of Christ extends to the church, where he is the head of the body of believers and has “first place in everything” (v. 18). The entire fullness of God lives in him, not just a portion, as the Gnostics taught. Because of his willing sacrifice on the cross, Christ restores humans to God and God to humans, creating peace for all.
Believers are to extend hospitality, peace, and love to all people, regardless of differences. Believers are called to the task of reconciling the powers and systems of the world to Godly principles and goals.
Celebrating the Reign of Christ arrives one week before Advent, with an emphasis on his birth in Bethlehem. This King was once a human baby. The infant Jesus also was the Son of God and Redeemer of the world. As we move toward nativity, we carry with us the image of Christ crucified and Christ the King—fully divine, fully human. The reference to Christ’s death on the cross is a reminder that he also was fully human, subject to injustice, torture, and death.
Central Ideas
- The Reign of Christ Sunday highlights God’s revelation in Christ and his reign over all Earth.
- Entering Christ’s kingdom of redemption and forgiveness is transformative.
- Christ reconciles all people to God—no exceptions.
- Believers are called to extend hospitality, peace, and love to all people and reconcile the powers and systems of the world to Godly principles and goals.
- Jesus Christ was fully Divine and fully human.
Questions for the Speaker
- What contemporary vocabulary would you use to explore the divine nature of Christ?
- When has life transformed you as a disciple?
- What does it mean to be reconciled to God?
- What does it mean to help reconcile the powers and systems of our world to God?
SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 29), Reign of Christ
Colossians 1:11–20
Gathering
Welcome
Reign of Christ Sunday is the final Sunday of Ordinary Time and the Christian calendar year. On Reign of Christ Sunday, we celebrate God’s peaceable reign made manifest in our lives, relationships, the church, and the world. This is what we understand as shalom, God’s healing and restoring activity in the world.
Prayer for Peace
Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.
Light the peace candle.
God of all creation, we are so grateful for your reign on Earth! You are Alpha and Omega; you are Redeemer; you are Prince of Peace.
We see your peace in your world. We see the harmony between bees and flowers. We see peace between neighbors. We feel a deep calm within when we feel your presence. Yet, we know there is still work to be done. We don’t always know how to bring peace into existence. May we be inspired by Jesus’s words and actions. The reign of Jesus is not of this world. So, too, may we work toward peace that seems other-worldly.
In the name of the most high, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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 one aloud, we will spend a few moments in silent gratitude, then I will move 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 Sabbath and rest. (Pause for silent reflection.)
Gifts of reflection and new insights. (Pause for silent reflection.)
Gifts of the harvest and our food. (Pause for silent reflection.)
Gifts of family and friends. (Pause for silent reflection.)
Close by saying, “Amen,” aloud.
Invite group members to share how they experienced this practice of gratitude.
Thank everyone for participating.
Sharing Around the Table
Colossians 1:11–20 NRSVue
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, so that you may have all endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
Today is the last Sunday of the liturgical year. It is Reign of Christ or “Christ the King,” Sunday.
It is the day we affirm Jesus Christ as both human and Divine, a mystery beyond our human understanding. In Jesus Christ we sense the call to sacred community, to live into the divine reign of God’s restoring, reconciling purposes on Earth.
The scripture today begins with a blessing for strength, endurance, patience, and gratitude. We are blessed to be in community with all God’s creation, saints and sinners, those broken and those made whole, and all those who find themselves in God’s redemptive presence.
Paul reminds the church that God rescues people from the darkness of life and brings them into the light of God’s love.
God’s love is not secret, it simply is—and God shares it freely to bring persons into a new place of redemption and forgiveness. It is Christ’s reign, Christ’s place as God’s Son, that welcomes, heals, and unites believers. In this unity, the diversity of God’s creation is expressed and is reconciled as God’s created order.
Through his death and resurrection, Christ restores humans to God and God to humans, creating peace for all. Believers are to extend hospitality, peace, and love to all people, regardless of differences. Believers are called to the task of reconciling the powers and systems of the world to Godly principles and goals.
As we move toward Advent, we carry with us the Jesus that is born an infant, crucified a redeemer, and resurrected a divine presence. Jesus Christ fully divine, fully human.
Questions
1. What images does the phrase Reign of Christ bring to mind?
2. How has God’s presence brought light to dark places in your life?
3. As you review the past liturgical year, how have you been transformed by your spiritual journey?
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.
Pray with me:
God, may our generosity this day be in response to your presence in this space. May you bless our gifts so they might further your purposes of joy, hope, love, and peace in the world. May we continue to be generous with our financial offerings, and may we joyfully extend invitation and hospitality to others as we live into the peaceable reign of Christ. Amen.
Invitation to Next Meeting
Closing Hymn
Community of Christ Sings 32, “Jesus, Promise of an Angel”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
· Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
· Thoughts for Children
Thoughts for Children
Materials:
· Post-it notes
· posterboard with the words Invitational, Christ-centered communities of justice and peace.
Ask: What do you think of when you hear the word church?
Say: People sometimes use the word church to refer to a type of building…like when we say: “Let’s go to the church.” Other times people use the word to mean the kind of meeting that takes place inside the building: “Let’s start church now.” Church also can mean the people who make up the congregation or community: “We are the church.”
This last meaning—the community of people—is much more important than the type of building or meeting.
In Community of Christ, we all become the church when we gather in community to build meaningful relationships and live our shared mission. In this way, we live as part of God’s peaceable kingdom, or God’s community. In God’s community we all use our different skills and gifts to bless, serve, and care for others.
Hand out Post-it notes to each person. Have people (grown-ups help children) write what skills, talents, giftedness they bring to God’s community (riding a bike, drawing, laughter, singing, love, friendship, building).
Invite everyone to stick their Post-it notes on the poster board. Read the gifts/talents/skills aloud. Then offer a prayer of thanksgiving for all the gifts of this peace-filled community.
Thank the children for participating.
Adapted from Hamer, John “Community of Christ Coloring Pages,” 2015.