WORSHIP RESOURCES
Ordinary Time (Proper 25)
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Keep Faith
Additional Scriptures
Joel 2:23-32; Psalm 65; Luke 18:9-14; Doctrine and Covenants 162:7a; 164:9b-d
Preparation
This is the second week of the Generosity Cycle which focuses on discovering God’s blessings in our life and the second principle of a Disciple’s Generous Response: Respond Faithfully. 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.
You will need a piece of paper for every worshiper and colored pens, pencils, or markers for the Disciples’ Generous Response, Centering Moment, as well as two glasses half filled with water and a sponge and tea bag for the Disciples’ Generous Response, Object Lesson.
Prelude
Welcome
Welcome to this sacred time of worship. This is the second week of the Generosity Cycle. Our theme is Keep Faith.
Today, our service centers around discovering the connection between faith and generosity. Our scripture reading is from 2 Timothy. Paul speaks of a life of purpose and dedication to building God’s peaceable kingdom. In our Doctrine and Covenants we’re reminded, “There are many lives waiting to hear the redeeming words of the gospel…but they will be lost to us without the generous response of disciples who share from their own bounty that others might know the joys of the kingdom.” [Doctrine and Covenants 162:7a]
This second week of the Generosity Cycle focuses on the second principle of the Six Principles of a Disciple’s Generous Response: Respond Faithfully. It reminds us that our response to God’s gifts of love and grace is to serve others and let generosity become part of our nature.
We might want formula-based answers about what it takes to be faithful, yet there is no easy answer. That is the nature of faith. At the same time, Jesus’s life gives us insights about how to live faithfully. Loving God, self, and others is at the heart of responding faithfully. As we learn to love like God, we grow in our capacity to express God’s grace and generosity in our relationships with others. We also grow in our faithfulness or ability to consistently and dependably respond like Jesus.
May our worship today offer gratitude, faith, and generosity. Let us be inspired by the example set before us in 2 Timothy and strive to live a faith-filled life.
Call to Worship: Psalm 65:11-13
Hymn of Thanksgiving
“This Is God’s Wondrous World” CCS 136
OR “For the Beauty of The Earth” CCS 130
Opening Prayer
Response
Prayer for Peace
Light the peace candle.
Peace Poem: “It’s the Spirit’s Faithful Presence”
1. When the path lacks clear direction,
When night yawns for lack of light,
And each voice cries for attention,
What brings dawn to endless night?
It’s the Spirit’s faithful presence
Standing fast through night and day
Sowing trust amid the shadows
Step by step to show the way.
2. When your dreams are scattered ashes,
When all hope seems torn apart,
And faith falters from life’s clashes,
What brings healing to the heart?
It’s the Spirit’s constant whisper
Weaving hope within the soul,
Knitting fragile faith together
Thread by thread to make us whole.
3. When each face is blurred by traffic,
When your soul seeks sacred space,
And the press and pace rob family
What fills life with saving grace?
It’s the Spirit’s faithful presence
Pouring peace upon the soul,
Draining doubt of its tomorrow,
Welling up to make us whole.
4. When we gaze upon a sunrise,
When we hear a robin sing,
When the colors of creation
Paint the darkest night with spring.
It’s the Spirit’s joyful heartbeat
Here and now—it makes us whole
Rolling stories from live lived empty,
Resurrecting every soul.
—Danny Belrose, Wave Offerings,
Herald House, 2005.
Peace Prayer
God of Assurance,
We pray for faith to finish the race set before us.
We want to be a people of your peace.
Send your faithful Spirit as our companion on this journey of peace.
Amen.
Scripture Reading
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn of Reflection
“Jesus, Jesus, Ever Near Us” CCS 254
OR “God Within God Around” Sing several times. CCS 20
Message
Based on 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Disciples’ Generous Response
Statement
As we share God’s grace and love through service to others, we learn that God’s blessings are limitless – the more we give away, the more blessings are returned…Receiving and giving are equal and reciprocal actions that create an ongoing cycle
—Choose Generosity: Discovering Whole-Life Stewardship
Object Lesson
Fill two clear glasses halfway with water. Place a sponge in one glass and a tea bag in the other. Ask “When we share God’s generosity with others, are we like sponges or tea bags?”
Let participants respond. There are no right answers.
Centering Moment
As we learn to love like God, we grow in our capacity to express God’s grace and generosity in our relationships with others. …Faithfulness and generosity are companions on the road to discipleship” (Choose Generosity: Discovering Whole-Life Stewardship).
Anything that draws one toward God is grace, and every human response to God is a grace response (Understanding the Way, by Anthony Chvala-Smith).
Hand a piece of paper to every worshiper. Have pens, pencils, markers, colored pencils available. Ask worshipers to think about something in nature, art, music, architecture etc. that speaks to them of God’s presence. Have worshipers draw, write, or simply meditate about this item and consider how it shows God’s faithfulness and generosity. Be sure to include children in this activity. Provide a place for people to post or share their drawings or writings. Suggest worshipers spend time after the service looking at what others have written or drawn.
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
“With a Steadfast Faith” CCS 649
OR “My Life Flows on in Endless Song” CCS 263
Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 164:9b-d
Postlude
SERMON AND CLASS HELPS
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 25)
2 Timothy 4:6–8, 16–18
Exploring the Scripture
Our exploration of 2 Timothy ends on a sad note. We read of Paul’s losing battle against martyrdom. He undoubtedly regretted the lost opportunities to witness of Jesus Christ due to his approaching death. But he affirms the joy of uniting with God and anticipates his reward for faithful service. His message is one of fortitude, acceptance, and trust in God—tinged with bitterness against those who deserted him in his hour of need.
Paul viewed his coming martyrdom as a way to honor God and Christ. He says he is “being poured out as a libation” (v. 6). Greeks and Romans honored their gods by pouring wine, oil, honey, or grain on the deity’s altar or the earth. Romans often built “libation tubes” into the graves of deceased family members. They would pour liquid or grain down the tube into the grave below, especially on festival days. This practice connected them to their loved ones, honored their memory, and “fed” the departed soul in the afterlife.
Viewed through this cultural tradition, Paul helped connect the living Christians with the dead and “fed” the church with his martyrdom. His example of dying for his faith helped bring others to Christ.
As Paul reflects on his faith journey, he likens it to an athlete completing a grueling race. He has done his best and “kept the faith” (v. 7) despite multiple difficulties. He expects a “crown,” just as Greek athletes received laurel wreaths after winning athletic competitions. Jews also used wreaths of leaves or flowers to symbolize joy at weddings and family celebrations. Paul’s “crown of righteousness” (v. 8) is more than a token of success for a faithful life. It is the salvation offered by Jesus Christ, God’s unmerited love and grace, and new life in the coming reign of God.
All of Christ’s faithful followers will be rewarded similarly when they stay loyal to Christ in the face of suffering.
The scripture lesson skips over verses 9–15, where Paul lists the names of those who abandoned him in prison. These sentences provide insight into Christians’ difficulties supporting those imprisoned for their faith. Some followers, like Luke, remained faithful to their friends and risked death to bring them food, clothes, blankets, and other resources. Others would turn away, fearing being identified as a Christian and facing a similar fate.
As we pick up our lection again, Paul strives to deal gently with those who deserted him. “May it not be counted against them!” (v. 16). His bitterness toward them must be balanced by Christian mercy, which is never easy. When Paul appeared before a court to defend himself (probably against accusations of sedition), he continued to witness of Jesus Christ as Savior. Although others deserted him, God stood by him, and he escaped a death sentence. But Paul is still in prison and anticipates that his next trial will end differently since he already is “being poured out as a libation.”
What is the final message Paul leaves as he faces violent death? “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom” (v. 18). God will not preserve his life on Earth, but will rescue him for God’s heavenly kingdom to come. For Paul, the final word is faith in new life and glory to God.
Central Ideas
- As Paul anticipates martyrdom, he expresses joy in uniting with God and affirms his reward for faithful service.
- Paul’s faith, hope, and peace in the face of persecution helped bring others to Christ.
- Although others may turn away, God stands by us through all circumstances.
- For Paul, the final word is faith in new life and glory to God.
Questions for the Speaker
- Where are Christians being persecuted for their faith in today’s world? How does that affect your faith journey?
- What “crown” do you hope to receive due to your faith and service? Is it a self-centered reward or one that opens the door for others to find Christ?
- When have you felt betrayed by trusted friends? How did you sense God’s presence with you during that time?
- What would your final message be if you knew you were facing a violent death because of your faith?
SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 25)
2 Timothy 4:6–8, 16–18
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.
Dear God, our Maker, our Sustainer, and Friend, we come today asking for peace. The peace you have promised is always with us. This peace brings comfort that the world cannot. Lord, we struggle to sense your incredible love when we allow the world’s distractions to scatter and frazzle us. We know that if we reconnect with you, we can find a sense of comfort and peace like no other. So we pause today to sense your loving Spirit and peace.
As we are filled with the your Spirit, we pray that we also might be filled with a longing to share. When we truly are aware of your love for us, we cannot help but want to spread that love to those around us, in our neighborhoods, and in our world.
Thank you, Lord, for the promise to be with us, for the change that can come in our lives when we stay connected to your presence, and for the power that comes from that love. May we keep our eyes focused on you and become aware of your children yearning for connection with you. May we bring your peace to others. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Being Present
Read the following aloud:
Ordinary Time can be a time to celebrate the beauty in everyday life. Pure joy can arise from taking genuine interest in the tiny details of our ordinary life and turning them into a practice of awe and wonder.
Read the following aloud:
Today we are going to practice being present with one another. Choose a partner for this exercise. Sit across from one another so you can see and hear each other. Think of an experience you had in the last week when you felt God working with you in your life.
Take turns sharing these experiences with one another. Allow your partner to tell the story fully before asking questions. Listen with your whole self to the story. Notice the voice changes and emotions during the story.
When your partner is done telling a story, you may ask questions. When you hear the chime, it’s time for the other person to share a story. I will ring the chime to begin, when it is time to switch to the other person, and to conclude our sharing time.
Ring the chime. Wait five minutes. Ring the chime again. Wait five minutes. Ring the chime again to end the exercise.
Offer a prayer of gratitude for Ordinary Time.
Sharing Around the Table
2 Timothy 4:6–8, 16–18 NRSVue
As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
These verses come at the end of the letter, where the author who represents Paul speaks of Paul’s expected death: “the time of my departure has come.” He is reflecting on the meaning of his life, which shows total dedication to God. He struggled in battle and endured much suffering while he fought the good fight against those who rejected truth and preached a counterfeit faith. In the race of life, he crossed the line while keeping the faith of sound traditions, practices, and beliefs. He is joyful, proud of his accomplishments, and confident as he looks forward to judgment day on Christ’s return, when all who have longed for his appearance will be rewarded if they offered faithful service and stayed loyal to Christ.
In a preliminary trial, Paul was abandoned by most of his closest friends, but he asserts that God remained present and gave him strength to continue proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles. While he showed mercy and reconciliation to those who deserted him, it was God who could be relied on in times of struggle and suffering.
Paul uses his life and death as models for church leadership throughout the letter. Here he describes ministry in the face of conflict. When he speaks of the trial, we are reminded that sometimes, even when the stakes are not high, we chose to not testify to the truth of the gospel in our daily lives as opportunities show themselves in dorms, workplaces, neighborhoods, restaurants, and during conversations with people we know and strangers we meet. We all are called to be witnesses.
What is the final message Paul leave as he faces violent death? “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom” (v. 18). God will not preserve his life on Earth but will rescue him for God’s heavenly kingdom to come. For Paul, the final word is faith in new life and glory to God.
Questions
1. When have you felt betrayed by trusted friends? How did you sense God’s presence with you during that time?
2. Have you held back from being a witness for Christ when an opportunity presented itself? Why did you remain silent?
3. Paul wants to inspire effective church leadership in challenging environments. What in Paul’s life, ministry, and death might help him achieve that goal?
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 659, “Now Go in Joy”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
· Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
· Thoughts for Children
Thoughts for Children
In today’s scripture, Paul was alone and perhaps lonely.
Have you ever felt lonely? What does that feel like? (Affirm all answers.)
Did you know that when you feel lonely you can talk to God? In the Old Testament, the people of Israel often would “cry out” to God when they were sad, scared, or alone. Crying out to God can take a lot of forms.
Can you think of some ways you can let God know you feel sad, scared, or alone? (Affirm all answers but offer positive alternatives if participants share negative ways of showing these feelings. Alternative examples include singing, praying, drawing a picture, making a dance, or meditating.)
Say: When we are really sad, scared, or lonely, letting God know can make us feel better. After sharing our feelings with God, we also can imagine what it would feel like for God to give us a big hug. Let’s try that together now. First, close your eyes and use your arms to give yourself a big hug. Imagine that your arms are surrounded with the light of God, and God’s light is embracing you in a warm hug. When you are ready, let go and open your eyes.
You can imagine God giving you a hug any time you want! Next time you are sad, scared, or lonely I hope you remember that God wants to know how you feel and wants to wrap you in the light of God’s love.