Generosity Cycle Worship Suggestions
October 20, 2024
Mark 10:35-45
Can You Drink This Cup?
Preparation:
Each week for the next six weeks, the gathered community will be asked to write thoughts related to creating a communal statement of generosity. You will need pens and paper for the community to write. These papers will be collected during the Disciples’ Generous Response and will need to be compiled by the pastor team or another group after each service to begin development of the statement. You can find instructions for each week at this link (insert link here). This week is the second week of the Generosity Cycle. The focus is on Discover. You can find information about the Generosity Cycle at (insert link here).
Prelude
Welcome and Call to Worship
Welcome to this sacred time of worship. This is the second week of the Generosity Cycle. Our theme is Can You Drink the Cup?
Today, our service centers around discovering the connection between generosity and servant ministry. As we express generosity, whether through time, talents, treasures, or testimony we are embodying the very essence of Christ's teachings. Jesus’ example reminds us that generosity is not just about giving; it's also about serving.
Jesus was not about wealth or recognition or even power. He found himself enmeshed in the needs of others and responded with a compassionate and humble heart. This heart of generosity and compassion is what we are exploring in our journey to create a communal statement of generosity.
Today through centering moments, reflection time and the Disciple’s Generous response we will reflect on the question: Why should we be more purposeful in how we use our resources?
May we be reminded to follow in the footsteps of Christ and give of ourselves in servant ministry extending compassion and love to all creation.
Praise the Lord!
Happy are those who fear the Lord,
who greatly delight in his commandments.
Their descendants will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures forever.
They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright;
they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
It is well with those who deal generously and lend,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
For the righteous will never be moved;
they will be remembered forever.
(Psalm 112:1-6)
Hymn of Calling
“According to the Gifts”
CCS 591
or “As We Gather”
CCS 73
Opening Prayer
Scripture Reading
Mark 10:35-45
Children’s Focus Moment
Read (or tell the story of) “A Bike Like Sergios” by Maribeth Boelts
Synopsis: A Bike Like Sergio’s tells the story of a lucky find and a difficult choice. Ruben is aware that his parents cannot afford to buy him a bike, but it’s all he wants–a bike like Sergio’s and the money to pay for it. When Ruben picks up a fallen $100 bill, he knows he should give it back, but it’s not easy to return your wish. Boelts makes readers feel for Ruben and his inner turmoil, while Jones’s illustrations depict the reality of financial struggle. Ultimately, Ruben is reminded of what he does have–his family.
Discussion and questions:
- Have you ever had a struggle like Sergio? When you have wanted something so badly and your parents say that you cannot have it?
- It’s very difficult when you hear the word no and you so badly want to hear the word yes. Isn’t it?
- Even if it was just a dollar, what do you think Ruben should have done? What would you have done?
- What makes Ruben regret keeping the money?
- In the end, did Ruben get what he wants?
- Do you think Ruben will be happy about his choice?
- Is there another way Ruben might be able to get a bike later?
Centering Moment
Introduction:
Today, in our centering moment we are invited to open our hearts and minds to the divine spark within every person, especially those society has marginalized.
Guided Reflection:
Let us begin with a moment of silence, allowing ourselves to settle into the stillness. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let external distractions fade away. In this quiet space, picture the faces of those who are often pushed to the periphery—the homeless, the outcast, the disenfranchised.
Take a moment to ponder these words.
In prisons and jails, Lord, we find a surprise; we see you in people whom others despise.
(pause)
(repeat the phrase again)
Again, picture in your mind the faces of marginalized individuals—those who may be struggling, suffering, or simply seeking acknowledgment. Envision the light of Christ shining within each of them.
(pause for a moment)
Whatever you do to the least ones of these, you do unto you me.
Closing:
Let the awareness of Christ's presence in marginalized souls linger within you. Carry this awareness into your daily life, seeking opportunities to uplift and empower those who are often pushed to society's edges.
Hymn of Reflection
"Whatever You Do”
CCS 355
or “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love”
CCS 367
Reflection Time
We could easily go through the year or even many years without ever understanding the importance that generosity plays in our discipleship as individuals and as a community. Sure, we have a business meeting every year, where we discuss the budget and folks get excited about how much we are spending on electricity, but that quickly fades into the background until the next budget meeting comes around. What would it mean if we were more intentional about the resources we spend, save, and share in service to those around us? What would it mean to others if we purposefully planned where and how our congregation or group used all the gifts in our lives - time, talent, treasure, and testimony to compassionately serve others?
(Ask the congregation to take some time and think quietly to themselves, get with a partner, or get with 3-4 people and discuss why they think that having plan for the way we use our gifts, time, talent, treasure, and testimony, is important.)
(Post this question on a slide or easel board)
Why should we be more purposeful in how we use our resources? How can we do this?
(Feel free to discuss as a congregation by having people share their answers out loud.)
Hymn of Servanthood
“Make Me A Servant” (sing twice)
CCS 597
or “Take MY Life and Let It Be”
CCS 608
Morning Message: Based on Mark 10:35-45
Disciples’ Generous Response
Items needed: (give each person a piece of paper with the question: Why should we be more purposeful in how we use our resources? How can we do this?)
Earlier in the service, we talked about the importance of being intentional about how we use our gifts, time, talent, treasure, and testimony. Intentionality means that we are making deliberate choices to show what is important to us – what is in our hearts. Being intentional can also increase the focus and commitment to a certain set of goals that we deem important. Intentionally living our congregation’s purpose means that what we do and say means something because we back that up with action.
Take some time and write down why and how our congregation/group should be more intentional about how we spend our time, talent, treasure and testimony.
Each week as we answer questions about generosity they will be gathered and reviewed by the pastor team (or whatever group has been selected) to help create a communal statement of generosity that will be presented in the fifth week of the Generosity Cycle. Once you’ve written your answers down, please place them in the offering baskets/plates when they are passed.
(provide 3-4 minutes for this activity)
Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes
Closing Hymn
“Christ’s Partners All Are We”
CCS 630
or “Go Now Forth into the World”
CCS 646
Benediction
Sending Forth (Doctrine and Covenants 164:9b-d)
When your willingness to live in sacred community as Christ’s new creation exceeds your natural fear of spiritual and relational transformation, you will become who you are called to be. The rise of Zion the beautiful, the peaceful reign of Christ, awaits your whole-hearted response to the call to make and steadfastly hold to God’s covenant of peace in Jesus Christ.
This covenant entails sacramental living that respects and reveals God’s presence and reconciling activity in creation. It requires whole-life stewardship dedicated to expanding the church’s restoring ministries, especially those devoted to asserting the worth of persons, protecting the sacredness of creation, and relieving physical and spiritual suffering.
If you truly would be Community of Christ, then embody and live the concerns and passion of Christ.
Postlude