WORSHIP RESOURCES
Ordinary Time (Proper 27)
2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
Hold Fast to God’s Vision
Additional Scriptures
Haggai 1:15b—2:9; Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; Luke 20:27-38; Doctrine and Covenants 163:1, 2a, 3b
Preparation
This is the fourth week of the Generosity Cycle, which focuses on responding to God’s generous blessings and the fourth principle of a Disciple’s Generous Response: Share Generously. 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 and pen or pencil for every worshiper for the Disciples’ Generous Response.
Prelude
Welcome
Welcome to this time of worship as we gather in the presence of our loving and gracious God. Today, our theme is Hold Fast to God’s Vision and our scripture is from 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17. In this scripture we hear a wonderful reminder of God’s love and grace as well as a call to live in hope that Christ’s mission can transform the world into God’s vision of shalom.
Today is also the fourth week of the Generosity Cycle with a focus on Saving Wisely, the fifth principle of a Disciple’s Generous Response. As stated in Sharing in Community of Christ, we share a future: “Our future is full of possibility, necessary challenges, and hope as we continue to respond to the guidance of God, who has led the church from its beginning.” When we are good stewards of our resources, saving and sharing wisely, we help prepare for this wonderful, challenging, and hopeful future.
As we share together in worship this morning, may we be reminded that receiving God’s grace and generosity are opportunities to extend grace to others, transform us, and help us glimpse and hold fast to God’s vision of Shalom.
Call to Worship: Psalm 145:1, 3a, 21
Hymn of Praise
“O God of Vision” Stanzas 1, 4 and 5 CCS 78
OR “Gather Your Children” CCS 77
OR “Jésus est le rocher de ma vie/Jesus Is the Rock for You and Me” CCS 265
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own. If this is unfamiliar, consider singing along with the vocal recording on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings, available from Herald House.
Opening Prayer
Response
Disciples’ Generous Response
Statement
Consumerism is present in many modern societies. Apostle Catherine Mambwe shares a story about Stella, a widow in Africa who, despite difficulties, always managed to save. Catherine writes, “Saving has helped [Stella] be disciplined in the use of her resources on things that are important”
—Choose Generosity: Discovering Whole-Life Stewardship
Activity
· Have each worshiper make a list of “gotta haves”—things that often are not used once they have them, that turn out to be bad for them, or that they enjoy but could do without.
· Then have everyone estimate how much money is spent on these “gotta haves.”
· Allow children to participate by asking them to write or share the things they really want but may not need.
Jesus’s life taught us that we should use all the gifts we have received in glorifying God, even if we perceive them smaller than everyone else’s gifts. Jesus taught that loving God means loving others by helping provide for their physical needs.
· Ask worshipers to consider the monetary value of one of the “gotta have” items they identified.
· Ask them to consider contributing the value of that item to Mission Tithes.
· Ask: What might become possible if our whole congregation, or if the whole church, contributed the value of just one “gotta have” item for a year?
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: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn of Vision
“Jesus, Partner, Lover, Friend” CCS 40
OR “God of the Future” CCS 360
Message
Based on 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
Prayer for Peace
Light the peace candle.
Responsive Peace Prayer
Leader: “Community of Christ,” your name, given as a divine
blessing, is your identity and calling.
People: We are called to pursue peace.
Leader: Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s shalom, invites all
people to come and receive divine peace in the midst of the difficult questions and struggles of life.
People: We are called to pursue peace.
Leader: Follow Christ in the way that leads to God’s peace and
discover the blessing of all the dimensions of salvation.
People: We are called to pursue peace.
Leader: Above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the
peaceable kingdom of God on Earth.
People: We are called to pursue peace.
All: O God, grant us a vision of your peace. Go with us as we
pursue peace on and for the earth. Amen.
—From Doctrine and Covenants 163:1, 2a, 3b
Closing Hymn
“Christ’s Partners All Are We” CCS 630
OR “Rain Down” CCS 260
Sending Forth: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Go in peace.
Postlude
SERMON AND CLASS HELPS
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 27)
2 Thessalonians 2:1–5, 13–17
Exploring the Scripture
Chapter 2 of 2 Thessalonians introduces the primary purpose of the letter: the coming of Jesus Christ at the end times. The Thessalonians had heard that God already had launched the final days. This misconception may have come from Paul’s previous letter (1 Thessalonians) or a false letter supposedly written by Paul. Or it may have come from a misguided prophet or teacher. Whatever the source, it’s wrong.
Many Christians believed that one first event to occur at the end of time would be gathering all the faithful to be with God. If the Day of the Lord already were realized, it meant that those still alive had missed the opportunity to be gathered into God’s kingdom. They faced a future with no hope of being saved.
Paul is quick to assure them the end times have not begun, and “…that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction” (v. 3). “Rebellion” could refer to persecution or political upheaval. “The lawless one” could be a local persecutor, a false prophet, the Roman emperor, or Satan’s tool. Trying to identify the exact meaning of these symbolic phrases misses the point: Evil is real and present in various forms and systems. But God’s love and grace will conquer evil, and the faithful have no cause to fear.
Rumors of the end times haunt us today. People point to climate disasters, wars, economic instability, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and political quakes as signs of the last days. Some give up on life and wait in despair. Some parade proudly, sure they will be among the elite whom God will save from trouble. Some devote time to identifying the “lawless one,” the anti-Christ, or other apocalyptic figures. Few of us realize how easily we can support the rebellion against God through systemic injustice and marginalization of people.
Paul assures the Thessalonians there will be an accounting for those who do evil. But he also says we don’t know when. Jesus himself said no one knows the day or hour. Our task is to continue working for justice and peace: feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, and bringing wholeness to those who are sick, broken, and depressed. We are to be found among those engaged in Christ’s mission, regardless of the day or hour.
Gratitude and hope are fitting responses to anxiety and despair. Verse 13 begins a second expression of thanksgiving for the faithful Thessalonians. God chose them as “the first fruits for salvation.” They are among the first Gentiles to convert to Christianity in Thessalonica. They are among the first to suffer and die for their “belief in the truth” (v. 13). Paul affirms that this is why God called them. Thus, they will be glorified with Christ Jesus.
“Glorified” refers to dying with Christ in martyrdom and living with Christ again through the resurrection. The passage ends by urging them to stand firm in their faith and hold fast to the beliefs, ethics, and proclamation of Christ, the foundation of the Christian witness.
The proclamation of the gospel that touches lives and creates disciples cannot be subverted by controversies over end times, false doctrines, and speculative prophecies. Love and grace remain at the heart of our covenant with God and Jesus Christ.
Central Ideas
- The end times have not yet begun, and we cannot know God’s timing for the Day of the Lord.
- The symbolic language of rebellion and the lawless one may have been clear to the Thessalonians but cannot be identified in our age.
- Evil is real, present in various forms and systems, but God’s love and grace will conquer evil.
- Stand firm in faith and hold fast to the beliefs, ethics, and proclamation of Christ, regardless of your life circumstances.
Questions for the Speaker
- What misunderstandings occur in your congregation about key Christian beliefs and faith features? How have world events and disasters robbed your congregation of focus, energy, and mission zeal?
- How relevant to Christ’s mission today is the discussion about the coming of the end times?
- What symbols are used today to personify evil in various forms? How easy is it to give support to systemic evil in your culture?
- How would you express God’s vision and hope for the future in symbolic language that connects to your congregation?
SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY
Year C—Letters
Ordinary Time (Proper 27)
2 Thessalonians 2:1–5, 13–17
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.
Today we all will have opportunity to share in the prayer for peace. I will read the beginning of our prayer. Then I will say, “Today we pray for peace in…” Starting with the person on my left, we will go around the circle, and each person will respond (for example: my family, in places where war rages). If you do not wish to share, simply say pass, and the next person may share.
When we have completed our circle, I will close our prayer.
Lord of grace and peace, we pray for peace in the world in which we live, the relationships we nurture, and the communities we serve.
Today we pray for peace in: (Go around the circle so all who wish may give a response.)
May your peace prevail. 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, and 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 non-profit organizations. (Pause for silent reflection.)
Gifts of science and research. (Pause for silent reflection.)
Gifts of art and music. (Pause for silent reflection.)
Gifts of community. (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
2 Thessalonians 2:1–5, 13–17 NRSVue
As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you?
But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.
This is a situation letter. It is a response to rumors that had arisen in Thessalonica, and possibly elsewhere, as the letter is expected to be circulated. In chapter 2, the writer urges the community to not be misled regarding the timing of the second coming of Jesus, which may have come from a misunderstanding of Paul’s previous letter (1 Thessalonians), a false letter attributed to Paul, or a misguided contemporary prophet/teacher who was teaching that Jesus already had returned.
Since the community members had not been gathered with the faithful to be with God, they likely felt they were facing a future with no hope of being saved.
The author advises Jesus’s followers to recall Paul’s teachings on this event, in which the day of the Lord would be preceded by a rebellion and the coming of a mysterious being called “the lawless one,” who refers to all kinds of immorality and source of suffering, persecution, and oppression experienced by believers.
That person had not yet been destroyed. He wanted the community to be assured there were events that must unfold before end-times, and they, indeed, were beloved by the Lord and as early believers in Christ, were the first fruits for salvation. Through the working of the Holy Spirit and acceptance of the gospel truths, the author says they have been elected/chosen, assured of salvation.
The writer concludes the chapter by admonishing the readers to “hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter,” dependable, authoritative sources. He is reminding the readers of the truth they already know. Evil must be overthrown before the return of Christ. Evil will not rule the world. While work for justice and peace is slow, evil will be defeated, and that should be comforting to all.
Questions
1. The Thessalonians lost hope in their salvation and feared for their future. What fears do contemporary Christians have? What are some helpful, comforting responses to these threats?
2. The writer of 2 Thessalonians does not mention Christ’s death and resurrection as integral to salvation and presents the day of salvation with the “day of the Lord,” a future event, when Christ returns. How do you respond to these different perspectives? Do they change the way you live?
3. How relevant to living Christ’s mission today is the discussion about end times?
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 288, “Let Justice Roll like a River”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
· Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
· Thoughts for Childre
Thoughts for Children
Materials:
· strips of paper two inches wide
· tape
· writing supplies
We are encouraged to have hope even when things aren’t going well. We are invited to look at the world as it is and see the possibility of what could be.
Today, I want you each to think of a situation that could use a little hope. This could be a hard thing a friend is going through or a situation in your life. It might be a place in the world suffering conflict or violence. Or perhaps it’s the poor or homeless in your community.
Think about the situation as it is and then imagine how it could be in God’s peaceable kingdom. We are going to use these situations and our hopes for them to make a chain of hope!
I am going to give you each a strip of paper. On the front of this strip, I want you to write about or draw a picture of what could be in the situation that you think needs hope. On the back write or draw symbols of love, hope, joy, and peace for this situation.
Allow time for participants to write or draw. Be prepared to provide examples for those who struggle.
When all are finished, use tape to attach links and make a chain. Encourage kids to make a chain of hope at home.