WORSHIP RESOURCES
Ordinary Time (Proper 16)
Hebrews 12:18-29
With Reverence and Awe
Additional Scriptures
Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; Luke 13:10-17; Doctrine and Covenants 165:2a-b
Preparation
The song, “Shout to the Lord,” was added to the Core Repertoire of Community of Christ Sings at the 2023 World Conference, Number 56. You can find it at www.HeraldHouse.org/products/newly-translated-songs-from-world-conference-
2023-pdf-download?variant=45826935390481.
For the Visio Divina, choose two images to display or print that point to the awesomeness of God.
Prelude
Announcements, Joys, and Prayer Needs
Greet and Be Greeted
Our theme today is With Reverence and Awe. We do better with reverence and awe when we know the worshipers around us. Let’s take a few minutes to greet our fellow worshipers. Please retake your seats when the music for the Gathering Hymn begins.
If technology allows, invite online worshipers to participate by waving to the gathered congregation and the in-person worshipers waving back.
Gathering Hymn Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
“Shout to the Lord” World Conference Hymnal, No. 56 (See note above.)
If this is unfamiliar, consider singing along with a video version from the internet. Be sure you have appropriate permissions.
OR “All Creatures of Our God and King” CCS 98
OR “Jesu, Tawa Pano/ Jesus, We Are Here” CCS 71
Welcome
Today’s scripture verses are from Hebrews and conclude with the phrase, “Do not turn away; receive the kingdom; give thanks; offer acceptable worship with reverence and awe.” Our worship is planned with the hope that we will experience the power and majesty of Almighty God.
Call to Worship
In you, O Lord, we take refuge;
You, O Lord, are our hope and our trust, from our youth.
Our praise is continually of you.
—Psalm 71:1, 5-6; adapted
Hymn of Reverence and Awe
“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” CCS 52
OR “Praise with Joy the World’s Creator” CCS 57
OR “Santo, santo, santo/Holy, Holy, Holy” Sing several times. CCS 159
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Invocation
Almighty God,
When we think about it, we are in awe. Help us be fully present in our worship this morning. Give us clear minds that are open to your majesty and presence. Confirm in us your presence in our lives. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
Response
Disciples’ Generous Response
Scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 165: 2a-b
Testimonies
Invite two people to share about a time when they let generosity “show…the way.”
Statement
God’s generous compassion is limitless. As we open our hearts to courageously and generously share by placing money in the offering plates or through eTithing, we join the movement of God’s compassion in the world. God shares abundantly, we share faithfully, others share generously, and God’s love and compassion grow endlessly.
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
Prayer for Peace
Light the peace candle.
Peace Prayer
Awesome God, you truly are beyond our knowing. You are a God of peace. Even better, you motivate and empower us to work to bring your peace to fruition on the earth. We are willing workers. Your son, the prince of peace, as well as those who have worked for peace through the years, inspire us.
Today we seek to meet the needs of this hour. We feel inadequate when we see the divisions between and even within countries. Can there be unity in the face of such diversity? And can people and groups ignore differences, and celebrate similarities and do your work? Your answer is yes. May we believe that yes. Help our unbelief. Push into action even when the task seems too big. Empower us, we pray, in the name of Jesus the peaceful One. Amen.
Hymn of Assurance
“God Within God Around” Repeat several times. CCS 20
OR “Jesus Loves Me” CCS 251
OR “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” CCS 253
Find French and Spanish translations for these songs at: www.HeraldHouse.org/products/newly-translated-songs-from-
world-conference-2023-pdf-download?variant=45826935390481.
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:18-29
Focus Moment: Visio Divina (See below.)
Message
Based on Hebrews 12:18-29
Meditation As the Spirit leads…
Do not print this element in the bulletin or show it on the screen. Leave it to the discretion of the presider to use or not consistent with the ending of the Message. If it is appropriate, the presider can signal the musician to play some meditation music without the interruption of a verbal explanation.
Closing Hymn
“Lord, Speak to Me” CCS 179
OR “Bwana Awabariki/ May God Grant You a Blessing” CCS 660
Repeat several times.
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
OR “Awesome God”
Campfire song with many vocal recordings available
on the internet. If possible, ask a youth to lead this song.
Sending Forth
As you move toward a life of personal and political holiness, may your journey be blessed, and may your life and presence remind those around you of God’s presence. In the end, everything we do with our lives should point to God, radiate God, and lead others to God and God’s permanent nonviolent revolution of universal love.
—Adam Bucko in Let Your Heartbreak Be Your Guide:
Lessons in Engaged Contemplation
Go and be awesome witnesses for God!
Postlude
Visio Divina
Prepare photos, paintings, or pictures suitable for meditation. Choose two photos that point to the awesomeness of God or reverence found in God’s creation. For example, a photo of the cosmos or the sun’s eclipse, a roaring waterfall, a beautiful flower garden, or the Independence Temple spiral. The possibilities are endless. For live worshipers, this could be projected or printed and handed out. For online worshipers, arrangements could be made to project or share the images on-screen.
In the next few minutes pray with the pictures provided. As we ponder these images, we want to open ourselves to God’s presence. Take time to view every nuance without critique or judgment.
· Observe the colors, shapes, shadows, lines, etc.
· Allow your feelings, memories, and thoughts about the images to arise.
· Notice and welcome all reactions.
Here are questions to ponder as you view the images:
· What captures your attention in these images?
· Where do you see yourself in these images?
· How is the Spirit calling you through these images?
After the allotted time, invite several participants to share their responses to these questions. This may be done in small groups or as a whole.
SERMON AND CLASS HELPS
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 16)
Hebrews 12:18–29
Exploring the Scripture
The verses just before today’s passage speak of Esau, who sold his birthright (inheritance) for a bowl of soup because he returned from work hungry. Today’s lection begins by saying Christ’s disciples are not dealing with something tangible, like soup, but spiritual realities.
The author is taking them on a pilgrimage with two possible destinations. Do they wish to return to Mount Sinai, where the law was given to Moses? Or to the cross of Christ on Mount Zion (Jerusalem)? The choice is not as easy as it might appear, with a God of fire waiting at both mountains.
Although “fear” in the Hebrew scriptures often refers to awe and reverence, the language of Hebrews shows the presence of God is dangerous. At Mount Sinai, fire, darkness, smoke, and lightning made the mountain terrifying. The people were warned not to touch the holy mountain, or they would be killed. Even Moses was frightened.
Christians approach God’s heavenly reign, the New Jerusalem, and at first, this appears an easy choice. In this Holy City, angels, saints, and martyrs gather with God and Christ. But even here, at the “festal gathering,” God is the great Judge, and Jesus is crucified to bring about the new covenant. The writer presents old Hebrew beliefs as inadequate compared to Christian beliefs, but also shows the God of the Hebrew covenant is the God of the new covenant.
Hebrews insists the holy blood of Christ “speaks a better word” (v. 24) than Abel’s human blood that flowed when his brother, Cain, murdered him. God forgave Cain, but that forgiveness can’t compare to the grace and forgiveness that resulted from Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. God remains God: judging, forgiving, loving, and terrifyingly powerful. And the word of warning comes next.
The author warns his hearers not to dismiss the voice of God, speaking from heaven with more power and insistence than even the voice at Mount Sinai. He cites a passage from Haggai 2:6. The prophet Haggai encouraged the people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and purify their lives after they returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile. If they succeeded, God’s voice would shake the heavens and Earth and bring all nations to Jerusalem. The writer of Hebrews reminds the Christians of this promise, but the stakes are higher. God will shake the heavens and Earth so much that all created things will be removed. Only those spiritual things that cannot be shaken will remain. Does that include Christians?
The author affirms that Jesus’s faithful followers will enter God’s peaceable reign. Therefore, they should praise and worship God “with reverence and awe (fear)” (v. 28). Whether, on Mount Sinai or Mount Zion, God is a consuming fire. You cannot have only half a fire. Like a flame, God is all or nothing. Discipleship, too, cannot be half-measures, but must be full dedication and commitment to the new covenant of grace.
Fire purifies. God’s holy fire burns away all the selfishness and separation within people, allowing room for God’s love to live and grow. Only love is permanent. All created things will pass away, but love will endure to the end.
Central Ideas
- Hebrews invites disciples on a pilgrimage to the past (Mount Sinai) or the future (Mount Zion).
- The God of the Hebrew covenant and the God of the new covenant are the same: judging, forgiving, loving, and terrifyingly powerful.
- God is a consuming fire that purifies and makes us holy by removing our selfish natures.
- All created things will pass away, but love will endure to the end.
Questions for the Speaker
- How do you reconcile a loving and forgiving God with one who shakes heaven and Earth, destroying all created things?
- When have you experienced God’s anger? When have you experienced God’s, unconditional love?
- What role does worship play today in our pilgrimage toward an uncertain future that may include festive gatherings and purifying fire?
- What modern images and symbols would you use to share the truths about our life journey as a disciple?
SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 16)Hebrews 12:18–29 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.
Lord, we missed an opportunity to provide food to the hungry.
We resisted the request to meet the needs of the afflicted.
We uphold the Enduring Principle of the Worth of All Persons, but our actions are weak.
We honor the sabbath with our words but dishonor it with our actions.
How can we hope for peace when we struggle to respond to the needs around us?
Help us be sensitive to your nudges.
Free our hearts to respond generously.
Strengthen our resolve to work for peace as we work toward shalom for all creation.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Centering Prayer
Read aloud:
Centering prayer is a method of meditation used by Christians to sit in silence with God. This prayer helps us experience God’s presence within us. It also is a very calming activity and can help reduce stress and anxiety, clearing our mind to experience the divine presence more fully.
Read aloud:
As a symbol of your intent to be open to God’s presence, choose a word such as “aware,” “open,” or “peace.”
Sit comfortably, with your eyes closed and repeat your word slowly and silently.
When you become aware of thoughts, physical sensations, or emotions, allow them to pass from your mind. Gently return to your word.
We will continue this practice for three minutes.
Close with “Amen.”
As you invite people to share, ask:
“What word did you select?”
“How easy or difficult was it to allow distractions to pass from your thoughts?”
“What was this experience like for you?”
Sharing Around the Table
Hebrews 12:18–29 NRSVue
You have not come to something that can be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that not another word be spoken to them. (For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned to death.” Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.”) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
See that you do not refuse the one who is speaking, for if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject the one who warns from heaven! At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heaven.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what is shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe, for indeed our God is a consuming fire.
Today’s passage begins by saying Christ’s disciples are not dealing with something tangible, but spiritual realities. The author is taking them on a pilgrimage with two possible destinations. Do they wish to return to Mount Sinai, where the law was given to Moses? Or to the cross of Christ on Mount Zion (Jerusalem)? The choice is not as easy as it might appear, with a God of fire waiting at both mountains.
Christians approach God’s heavenly reign, the New Jerusalem, and at first, this appears an easy choice. But even here, God is the Great Judge, and Jesus is crucified to bring about the new covenant. The writer presents old Hebrew beliefs as inadequate compared to Christian beliefs, and shows the God of the Hebrew covenant is the God of the new covenant. God remains God: judging, forgiving, loving, and terrifyingly powerful. And the word of warning comes next.
The author warns his hearers not to dismiss the voice of God. He cites a passage from Haggai 2:6. The prophet Haggai encouraged the people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and purify their lives after they returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile. If they succeeded, God’s voice would shake the heavens and Earth and bring all nations to Jerusalem. The writer of Hebrews also reminds the Christians of this promise, but the stakes are higher. God will shake the heavens and Earth so much that all created things will be removed. Only those spiritual things that cannot be shaken will remain. Only love is permanent. Love will endure to the end.
The author affirms that Jesus’s faithful followers will enter God’s peaceable reign. Therefore, they should praise and worship God “with reverence and awe.” Whether, on Mount Sinai or Mount Zion, God is a consuming fire. You cannot have only half a fire. Like a flame, God is all or nothing. Discipleship, too, cannot be half-measures. It must be full dedication and commitment to the new covenant of grace.
Questions
1. How do you reconcile a loving and forgiving God with one who shakes heaven and Earth, destroying all created things?
2. How have you experienced God’s anger? How have you experienced God’s unconditional love?
3. What stands in the way of you being able to commit fully to God’s new covenant of grace?
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 606, “All Are Called”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
· Thoughts for Children
Thoughts for Children
Materials:
· two wastepaper baskets
God has made a covenant to be with us, to be our God, and we are to be a people of God. A covenant is a promise. When we accept God’s love for us, we promise to show that love to our friends, family, people we meet, and to Earth. We do this by being kind, compassionate, and caring for the well-being of all of God’s creation.
· Share a time when you were kind to someone else.
· Share a time when you helped someone.
· Share a way you can care for the Earth.
Say: One way we can be in a healthy relationship with Earth is to recycle.
Ask the children to help everyone present remember to recycle cans and bottles in one basket and paper in the other.
Thank the children for participating.