WORSHIP RESOURCES
Ordinary Time (Proper 9)
Galatians 6:1-16
Let Us Not Grow Weary
Additional Scriptures
2 Kings 5:1-14; Psalm 30; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Preparation
If you are meeting online or in a hybrid arrangement, remind online participants to have emblems handy for the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
Sharing of News, Joys, and Prayer Concerns
If this is your tradition and a prayer is offered aloud for concerns expressed, consider including the phrase, “We remember them constantly in our prayers night and day.”
Prelude
Gathering Hymns
“God Within God Around” Sing several times. CCS 20
Consider adding instruments on the descant.
OR “God of Wonder, God of Thunder” CCS 18
OR “As God Is Joy” Sing twice. CCS 366
Welcome
Call to Worship: Psalm 30:4-5, 11-12
Congregational Hymn
“Mourning into Dancing/Tu as transforme toutes mes lementations/Tu has cambiado mi lament”
This song in English, French, and Spanish is No. 48 in the 2023 World Conference Hymnal:
It is also available in English in Sing a New Song, NS 39.
OR “Creator God We Sing/Cantemos al Creador” CCS 114
Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.
OR “How Shall We Find You” CCS 10
Prayer of Invitation
Response
Disciples’ Generous Response
Statement
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. On this Sunday as we share in the sacraments, our offerings are dedicated to Abolishing Poverty and Ending Needless Suffering. This is how God’s generous compassion grows more visible in tangible ways.
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 Oblation, Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes
Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:1-16
Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn of Hopefulness
“I Will Talk to My Heart” CCS 168
OR “When the Darkness Overwhelms Us” CCS 314
Homily
Based on Galatians 6:1-16
Prayer for Peace
Light the peace candle.
“We must walk this lonesome valley;
We have to walk it by ourselves.
Oh, nobody else can walk it for us;
We have to walk it by ourselves.”
—Based on “Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley,” CCS 452
Peace Prayer
God of Paradox,
We live in community, we long for community, and we work for peace in community. Yes, we are many, and yet, we are one. Empower us in community that we would stride with confidence into our lonesome valleys, knowing even as we walk in solitary paths in pursuit of peace, our friends walk with us. And the peace we walk toward is worth the price.
May we lean into these uncomfortable lonesome paths of peace with the assurance that our community waits for us, and that you, God, are ever-present.
In the name of Jesus, who walks ahead, beside, and within us. Amen.
Congregational Hymn of Peace
“Out of the Depths, O God, We Call” CCS 228
OR “What Comfort Can Our Worship Bring” CCS 199
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Spiritual Practice: Confession
The practice of confession is to examine one’s heart and to bring into the light those things that hide in the dark recesses of our being. In this way we can give them to God, ask forgiveness, and be made new in God’s mercy and grace. Place your hands in your lap, palms facing up in a posture of openness. The Psalm will be read three times, pausing after each reading. As we prepare for Communion, in the moments of silence, reflect on those things you wish to bring into the light and give to God in an act of confession and repentance. We will close the last period of silence with an “Amen.” Today’s scripture of confession is from Psalm 51:
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit.
Moment of silence
Repeat the scripture and Moment of silence two more times.
Amen.
Communion Scripture: Luke 22:14-20
Communion Testimony
Ask someone to share a testimony of the impact of the sacrament of Communion in their life.
Hymn of Preparation
“Eat This Bread” Sing several times. CCS 528
Consider adding instruments using parts included in Community of Christ Musician’s Edition.
OR “Coming Together for Wine and for Bread” CCS 516
OR “Let Us Break Bread Together” CCS 521
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
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
Log in to Our Ministry Tools and search for Guidelines Lord’s Supper. If you have not used this library of resources, go to CofChrist.org/our-ministry-tools.
Hymn of Mission and Calling
“Hark! The Voice of Jesus Calling” CCS 592
OR “Lord Jesus, of You I Will Sing/Jésus, je voudrais te chanter” CCS 556/557
Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.
OR “Bear Each Other’s Burdens” CCS 374
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Benediction and Sending Forth
We are an Easter people clothed with joy. God’s unending grace, love, faithfulness, and ongoing relationship with individuals and the faith community are assured. God’s grace and restoring actions continue today for individuals, the faith community, and the world. Go now, and do not be weary. Let us work for the good of all.
Response
Postlude
SERMON AND CLASS HELPS
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 9)
Galatians 6:1–16
Exploring the Scripture
Paul continues to teach how to live in the Spirit (continuing from Chapter 5). The Galatians have erred by trying to earn their salvation by obedience to the law. It has led to competition, envy, and divisiveness (5:26). Chapter 6 outlines the actions needed to restore their community through grace.
Paul teaches those who live in the Spirit (or center their faith in Christ and the gospel of grace) to accept and gently restore those in error. Recriminations are counterproductive. But in accepting those who have stressed obedience, they should be cautious not to fall into the trap of also insisting on obedience as the way forward. “Bear one another’s burdens” (v. 2) is a reminder that all are human, needing support and understanding. None is perfect. The “law” of Christ is love, the foundation for all relationships and true community.
Paul addresses several kinds of pride in the next few verses. First, the pride of thinking too highly of oneself (v. 3). Second, false humility of idealizing the work of others and criticizing your own (v. 4). Third, the pride of thinking you are special and must be taken care of by others (v. 5). Freedom through grace doesn’t mean freedom to do whatever one wants.
Everyone must contribute to the community with their skills and abilities, no matter how small. All are needed to restore the whole. For example, those who have grown in discipleship through mentoring must recognize and honor the needs of their teacher (v. 6).
Using the symbols of sowing and reaping, Paul elaborates on contributing to the community. God knows what each person “sows” or contributes. Taking false credit for another’s efforts or selfishly contributing only to benefit oneself can corrupt and destroy the community. Paul encourages the saints to “not grow weary in doing what is right” (v. 9). The Spirit gives eternal life to those who contribute their gifts lovingly and generously for “the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith” (v. 10).
In verse 11, Paul begins a personal message written in his hand. He comments on how large his lettering is compared to the professional scribe who transcribed his previous words. Here Paul summarizes the themes presented throughout the letter:
1. Teachers who urged new Christians to be circumcised as Jews were promoting their worth, prestige, and popularity as Jewish Christians.
2. Paul upholds the cross of Christ as the center of the gospel. By embracing Christ’s death and resurrection, Paul affirms the world is dead to him and he to the world.
3. New life in Christ is all that matters. For all who embrace the gospel of grace, “… a new creation is everything!” (v. 15). He ends with a benediction that he makes conditional: He blesses those who follow the rule of grace and love.
We can benefit from following the guidance in Chapter 6. People should not think too highly or too little of themselves. Every skill and ability is needed. Consideration for others and the whole community is of top priority. God gives us grace, and we extend grace into the lives of others. Those who live the life of the Spirit are part of God’s new creation and find joy.
Central Ideas
- We are freed from legalism to live for others and build a loving community.
- Gospel freedom still requires shouldering responsibility.
- “Bear one another’s burdens” is a reminder that all are human, needing support and understanding, and none is perfect.
- The cross is at the center of the gospel. We enter Christ’s death and resurrection through faith, which is life in the Spirit.
- God’s new creation is everything!
Questions for the Speaker
- How do we “test” new members or seekers, asking them to prove they are worthy of the gospel of grace? How do we promote grace-filled-community thinking?
- How do you reconcile the statement “You reap what you sow” with Paul’s insistence on God’s grace and forgiveness?
- What does the sentence “New creation is everything!” mean for your congregation? How are you being called to new creation? Where is the resistance?
SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY
Year C Letters
Ordinary Time, Proper 9
Galatians 6:1–16 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.
God of peace, hear our prayers.
Help us to pray—even though our voices are silent.
Help us to pray through our breath.
Help us to breathe in your love and your peace.
Help us to breathe out injustice.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Teach us peace; grant us peace, O God.
Let peace fill your Earth. Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Tonglen
We have entered Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar year. Ordinary time represents all the weeks not included in the holiday seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. We will rotate through different spiritual practices during these weeks.
Read the following to the group:
Today we will engage in a spiritual practice called Tonglen. Tonglen stems from the Buddhist tradition and is a meditation of sending and receiving. You breathe in something hurtful or something you are trying to avoid, and you breathe out something pleasant, affirming, or healing. You breathe in loss and send out gain.
Tonglen awakens our natural empathy and allows us to understand the pain of others. This practice helps us tap into deep compassion and empathy. As painful thoughts and images arise, we breathe them in and open ourselves to our own suffering and the suffering of others who feel the same way. Then we send relief to all of us.
We will breathe in for six counts while thinking of something that is or has been painful in your life and the lives of others.
We then will breathe out for six counts while thinking of something affirming, restoring, or healing to ourselves and others.
We will do five repetitions of this breathing exercise.
Let’s begin:
Breathe in for six counts and think of something that is or has been painful in your life and the lives of others.
Count to six slowly.
Breathe out for six counts and thinks of something affirming, restoring, or healing to breathe out to others.
Count to six slowly.
Repeat four more times.
Close with “Amen.”
Invite people to share about this experience.
Sharing Around the Table
Galatians 6:1–16 NRSVue
My brothers and sisters, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. For all must carry their own loads.
Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher. Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh, but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.
See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything, but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
In today’s passage, Paul continues to teach how to live in the Spirit. The Galatians have erred by trying to earn their salvation by obedience to the law. It has led to competition, envy, and divisiveness. Paul teaches those who center their faith in Christ to accept and gently restore those in error. “Bear one another’s burdens” is a reminder that all are human, needing support and understanding, and none is perfect. The “law” of Christ is love, the foundation for all relationships and true community.
Paul addresses several kinds of pride: thinking too highly of oneself, false humility of idealizing the work of others and criticizing your own, and thinking you are special and must be taken care of by others. He also uses the symbols of sowing and reaping to elaborate on contributing to the community. God knows what each person “sows” or contributes. Taking false credit for another’s efforts or selfishly contributing only to benefit oneself can corrupt and destroy the community.
The health of a community depends on everyone contributing their skills and abilities, no matter how small. The Spirit gives eternal life to those who contribute their gifts lovingly and generously for the good of all. God gives us grace, and we extend grace into the lives of others. Those who live the life of the Spirit are part of God’s new creation and find joy.
Questions
1. How have you seen pride get in the way of maintaining sacred loving community?
2. How might you live the call to “bear one another’s burdens” that will strengthen the community?
3. What skills and abilities do you have? How is God calling you to use them to build the Body of Christ?
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 232, “Healing River of the Spirit”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
- Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
- Thoughts for Children
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Communion Scripture
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 NRSVue
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 (choose from below options):
· 516, “Coming Together for Wine and for Bread”
· 521, “Let Us Break Bread Together”
· 523, “As We Gather at Your Table”
· 526, “Is There One Who Feels Unworthy?”
· 528, “Eat This Bread”
· 532, “We Meet as Friends at Table”
Thoughts for Children
Materials:
· painters tape or masking tape
· paper with “Morning,” “Midday,” “Afternoon,” and “Evening” written on different sheets
Beforehand, make a timeline on the floor, using masking tape or painters tape. Label the timeline with morning, middle of the day, afternoon, and evening (or some variation of chunks of time throughout the day).
God works in the world in big and small ways. This reminds us that we can help share God’s love and peace throughout the world by doing small things every day! Today, we are going to brainstorm ideas of small things we can do every day to help share God’s love and peace.
Think through your day and pick one small thing you can do. Once you’ve thought of your idea, come to our timeline and stand at the time of day when you can do your small thing. For example, if your little sister likes to be awakened with a cheerful song, your small act could be singing to awake her, and you would stand somewhere in the morning section of the timeline.
Once everyone has thought of their small action and found their place on the timeline, go through the day and invite the kids to share what they brainstormed.
All these small actions could bring a lot of peace and love into the world! I am so glad you each are willing to share God’s love with others!