Gathering Pentecost 1 2019 Lectionary - united-church.ca · Web viewPentecost comes from the Greek word . ... flame creative kids Lego prayers). Sermon Starter. The themes of slavery

GATHERING, PENTECOST 1 2019Pentecost Sunday to Labour Day

Pentecost................................................................................................................................3Ordinary Time (a.k.a. Season of Pentecost)............................................................................3June 9 – Pentecost Sunday......................................................................................................4June 16 – Trinity Sunday..........................................................................................................6June 23 – Second after Pentecost............................................................................................8June 30 – Third after Pentecost.............................................................................................10July 7 – Fourth after Pentecost..............................................................................................12July 14 – Fifth after Pentecost................................................................................................14July 21 – Sixth after Pentecost...............................................................................................16July 28 – Seventh after Pentecost..........................................................................................18August 4 – Eighth after Pentecost.........................................................................................20August 11 – Ninth after Pentecost.........................................................................................22August 18 – Tenth after Pentecost........................................................................................24August 25 – Eleventh after Pentecost....................................................................................26September 1 – Twelfth after Pentecost.................................................................................28

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2 Gathering, PENTECOST 1 2019

PentecostDates: Pentecost is celebrated on a Sunday 50 days after Easter (counting Easter Sunday), or seven weeks (seven times seven) not counting Easter Sunday.

Meaning of NamePentecost comes from the Greek word pentēkostē meaning “50th” (day). Pentecost is a reference to the Jewish festival Shavuot or the Festival of Weeks, which is held on the 50th day after the second day of Passover. This festival celebrates the giving of the Torah to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. In Acts 2, it is said that the disciples had gathered on the day of Pentecost, or the day of the festival of Shavuot. That’s when the wind and fire and Spirit came!

Liturgical Colour: RedRed is a primary colour and a warm colour. It symbolizes fire, spirit, energy, passion, strength, power, intensity, courage, and determination. It draws to mind the flames dancing over the disciples and friends of Jesus gathered in the upper room on the day of Pentecost.

Ordinary Time (a.k.a. Season of Pentecost)Dates: Trinity Sunday through to Reign of Christ Sunday—the longest season of the church year.

Feast Days* and Special Days*Trinity Sunday – the Sunday after Pentecost.Season of Creation – the Sundays after Labour Day to Thanksgiving.World Communion Sunday – the first Sunday of October.Thanksgiving Sunday – the Sunday before the second Monday of October.*Reformation Day – October 31: the day in 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses.*All Saints’ Day – November 1: for Protestants, a general commemoration of those who have died. In the Celtic tradition, November 1 is Samhain, marking the end of harvest and beginning of winter.Remembrance Sunday – Sunday closest to Remembrance Day (November 11), honouring those in the armed forces who fought and died for their countries in times of war.*Reign of Christ – the last Sunday before Advent.

Meaning of Name“Ordinary” comes from the Latin ordo, meaning “order.” Ordinary Time is the commonplace, the regular, the everyday time. In between feasts and grand celebrations is the regular time of our lives, the time when faith lives and grows and sustains.

Liturgical Colour: GreenGreen is a cool colour, evoking nature, growth, vitality, freshness, harmony, endurance, and fertility. It is associated with healing and rest. It is the depth and stability of blue combined with the warmth and joy of yellow.


Gathering, PENTECOST 1 2019 3

June 9 – Pentecost SundayWorship materials for Pentecost Sunday to the Third Sunday after Pentecost were contributed by Michele Rowe, Maple Creek U.C., Maple Creek, Sask.

Acts 2:1–21The Spirit comes on the day of Pentecost.or Genesis 11:1–9Language confused at the Tower of Babel.

Psalm 104:24–34, 35b (VU p. 827 Part Two)God and Wisdom create the earth creatures.

Romans 8:14–17A spirit of adoption, not slavery.

John 14:8–17, (25–27)God will send you the Spirit of Truth.

To PonderDo you feel free in your life? If not, what binds you?

SparkIf your focus will be the Genesis passage, use bricks, mortar, bricklaying tools, and Lego as visual sparks. An alternative is to display signs of the Spirit appropriate to your context, such as photos of local birds instead of doves, wind, water, fire, clouds, and trees in red, orange, and green.

With ChildrenSit down in front of an oscillating fan. Talk about how the Spirit can feel like that fan, where sometimes we feel it strongly, while at other times, we hardly notice it at all. Point out that the fan doesn’t stop blowing, even when it’s pointing in a different direction. In the same way, the Spirit of God is always at work somewhere, even if we do not personally feel it. Perhaps also point out that the Spirit helps God build all of Creation and invite children to use the blocks to build something they can then share. Or build something and knock it down, relating it to the story of the Tower of Babel.

Flame: Creative Children’s Ministry has great prayers and activities using a variety of materials to spark prayers (internet search: flame creative kids Lego prayers).

Sermon StarterThe themes of slavery and freedom are found in several of the lectionary texts. Israelites were enslaved to build structures in Egypt; the Tower at Babel serves to divide the people. There is opportunity to reflect upon the Genesis passage as an example of how we once prized unity in sameness and now we strive to achieve unity through diversity. We are reminded that we are free children of God, not enslaved, and therefore live out our lives of faith in unique ways. An exploration of diversity in unity could include how, from the time of that first Pentecost experience in the upper room, the Spirit has blessed the church as it has embraced diversity.

HymnsActs 2:1–21 or Genesis 11:1–9MV 28 “God of the Bible”



MV 62 “There is room for all”MV 145 “Draw the circle wide”

Psalm 104:24–34, 35bVU 220 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”VU 226 “For the beauty of the earth”

Romans 8:14–17VU 477 “I come with joy”MV 157 “I am a child of God”MV 178 “Who is my mother”

John 14:8–17, (25–27)VU 481 “Sent forth by God’s blessing”MV 90 “Don’t be afraid”MV 150 “Spirit God, be our breath”



June 16 – Trinity SundayProverbs 8:1–4, 22–31Wisdom’s part in Creation.

Psalm 8 (VU pp. 730–732)How glorious is God’s name.

Romans 5:1–5Suffering-endurance-character-hope does not disappoint.

John 16:12–15The Spirit of Truth.

To PonderWhen have you been confronted by a surprising or discomforting truth? How did you react?

SparkFor a lighthearted look at the Trinity, watch the video St. Patrick’s Bad Analogies (Lutheran Satire, March 14, 2013; internet search: Lutheran satire St. Patrick bad analogies).

With ChildrenAcknowledge that the idea of the Trinity is a hard one to understand, in that we say God is one, but three. Give the children objects, such as a cardboard tube, a plain piece of cloth, a rock, a spoon, a bowl, etc. Send them out into the congregation to form small groups. The groups should try to come up with three different and creative ways to use the same object. Finish by affirming that God is very creative and expresses love and presence in so many more ways than we can imagine.

Sermon StarterContinue with the theme of creativity whereby God reveals Godself through Creation, the person of Jesus, a community of faith, etc. How might we struggle with the Spirit of Truth? Why can’t Jesus have sent the Spirit of Unconditional Acceptance or the Spirit of Warm Fuzzies? What are some of the ways in which we shield ourselves from seeing and acting upon the truth? How does the Spirit reveal the truth of God’s will for us in surprising and discomforting ways, sometimes through hardship or through people we struggle to love?

Reflection piece to share: “God’s Bathrobe” by Michael Coffey. (Internet search: God’s bathrobe Michael Coffey. Note instructions on the website for seeking permission to use.)

HymnsProverbs 8:1–4, 22–31VU 232 “Joyful, joyful we adore you”VU 248 “When long before time”MV 10 “Come and seek the ways of Wisdom”

Psalm 8VU 242 “Let all things now living”VU 541 “Praise God from whom all blessings flow”MV 30 “It’s a song of praise to the Maker”

Romans 5:1–5VU 374 “Come and find the quiet centre”



VU 424 “May the God of hope go with us”VU 658 “O Love that wilt not let me go”MV 33 “Jesus came bringing us hope”

John 16:12–15VU 368 “Holy Spirit, truth divine”MV 13 “O let the power fall on me”MV 150 “Spirit God, be our breath”



June 23 – Second after PentecostProper 7

1 Kings 19:1–4, (5–7), 8–15aElijah hears God in the sound of silence.

Psalm 42–43 (VU pp. 766–769)As a deer longs for the water.

Galatians 3:23–29No longer Jew or Greek, male or female; all one in Christ.

Luke 8:26–39Jesus heals a man filled with demons.

To PonderWhen have you experienced God? In silence or conversation, rest or activity?

SparkAsk: Do you consider yourself to be an introvert, an extrovert, or both? Why? Provide time for small-group discussion (about five minutes).

With ChildrenDiscuss with the children (and the young at heart) how different parts of the church service speak differently to people at different times. Explain how services are planned to include times of quiet and times of conversation or speaking, times of rest and times of activity. Perhaps use a flip chart and ask the children to help you list the parts of the service that go under each category. Why do we need both quiet and conversation, rest and activity? Briefly tell the story of Elijah experiencing God in the sound of silence. What would the sound of silence be like? That is how Elijah experienced God. How might you experience God? Ask the children and others to identify how particular elements of worship feed their souls.

Sermon StarterThe wonderfully descriptive passage about Elijah is often held out as a litmus test for experiencing God in the quiet times and places. This may be true for many introverts, but, in our preaching, we often neglect the ways that extroverts experience Spirit. This is an opportunity to expand that understanding and explore how God may be found in quiet for some, while others may need noisier ways to experience God. The story also holds together the need for individual meditation and contemplation, as well as the value God places on feeding one another. The Galatians passage acknowledges diversity within unity, which we try to emulate within worship.

Hymns1 Kings 19:1–4, (5–7), 8–15aVU 477 “I come with joy”MV 18 “Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary”MV 77 “Be still and know”MV 156 “Dance with the Spirit”

Psalm 42–43VU 612 “There is a balm in Gilead”



VU 652 “Be still, my soul”

Galatians 3:23–29VU 602 “Blest be the tie that binds”MV 141 “We are all one people”MV 178 “Who is my mother”

Luke 8:26–39VU 117 “Jesus Christ is waiting”MV 115 “Behold, behold, I make all things new”



June 30 – Third after PentecostProper 8

2 Kings 2:1–2, 6–14Elisha sees Elijah ascend to heaven.

Psalm 77:1–2, 11–20 (VU p. 791)I cry to God in my distress.

Galatians 5:1, 13–25Called to freedom; the fruit of the Spirit.

Luke 9:51–62Foxes have holes, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.

To PonderWhat changes or transitions are you experiencing in your life right now? Honestly reflect on all the emotions associated with these changes.

SparkDisplay books dealing with the topic of grief and loss, deciding beforehand if you are willing to lend them out if asked. Find quotes related to change and place them on the walls. Ask people to change where they are seated and ask how they felt doing so. Change the order of the service, e.g., do the offering first, and elicit feedback. If preaching on the Galatians passage, display a large bowl of fruit.

With ChildrenWatch a clip of the fun children’s song “Fruits of the Spirit” (author unknown). For a video that shows the actions along with the song, search fruits of the spirit kids in action Jonek. Teach the song to the congregation. Print coloured pictures of fruits and tape them to sticks; ask the children to wave them when the appropriate fruit is named. Label the pictures of the fruit with the various words for the “fruits of the Spirit” and play a game where you call out a fruit of the Spirit and that person raises their fruit. Sometimes call out something that isn’t a fruit of the Spirit. When “fruit basket” is called, all of the fruits are raised. Chat briefly about why the Spirit would give us these gifts. How might God want us to use these gifts?

Sermon StarterOne of the themes expressed in these passages relates to transitions and the corresponding grief we experience with change. It can be helpful to note that all change involves loss, even in happy events like getting a new job or moving or having a child. Change is inevitable, but the way we accept and thrive in change is not. The ability to deal with transitions and change and to give space for emotional responses may, with support and spiritual nurturing, be expressed as those fruits of the Spirit listed in the letter to the Galatians.

Hymns2 Kings 2:1–2, 6–14VU 436 “Abide with me”“Swing low, sweet chariot” (African-American spiritual)

Psalm 77:1–2, 11–20VU 282 “Long before the night”



VU 288 “Great is thy faithfulness”

Galatians 5:1, 13–25MV 7 “Spirit, open my heart”MV 182 “Grateful”

Luke 9:51–62VU 229 “God of the sparrow”MV 195 “Long ago and far away”MV 216 “Wherever you may go”



July 7 – Fourth after PentecostProper 9

Worship materials for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost to the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost were contributed by Leigh Sinclair, Robertson-Wesley U.C., Edmonton, Alta.

2 Kings 5:1–14Naaman comes to Elisha for healing from leprosy.

Psalm 30 (VU p. 757)God turns my mourning into dancing.

Galatians 6:(1–6), 7–16You reap what you sow; sow in the Spirit.

Luke 10:1–11, 16–20The mission of the 70 who carried nothing.

To PonderHumility as a staple in our faithful living: To be open to change and surprise, to share the Good News, we must carry very little and trust in God’s Spirit.

SparkFor the next five weeks, we will explore what the “capsule wardrobe” is for people of faith. (A capsule wardrobe is a few essential, timeless pieces of clothing.) In Colossians 3:12 from The Message by Eugene Peterson, we hear of dressing in a wardrobe that God has picked for us. Note the words used.

Let’s have fun imagining what it means to have the five qualities Paul names as our staple pieces of clothing, coordinated for every season! Our weeks will take them in this order: humility, compassion, discipline of patience, quiet strength of meekness, and kindness. For more on the metaphor of the non-consumer, minimalist idea of the capsule wardrobe, search fashion magazine doing the capsule wardrobe wrong on the internet.

For these five weeks, have a suitcase, duffle bag, or backpack displayed in your worship space.

This Sunday, prior to the first service, fill it with many items (e.g., a purse, shoes, a toiletries bag) and empty it out during the reading of the Gospel lesson. Or have paper cut-outs of hands, eyes, feet, and hearts and have people place them in the empty bag while you sing MV 187 “We give our thanks” (handle one item per verse).

With ChildrenTo introduce the idea of a capsule wardrobe, start by asking people what their absolute favourite articles of clothing are, and then, together, come up with some words to describe them. In your community, are people drawn to fancy or simple, comfort or style, boots or shoes? Each context is different: celebrate your town and church’s styles. For farmers and hunters, what is their “capsule wardrobe” for fall work? For urban folks who travel by subway, what essentials do they take with them each day? If you wear your alb in the summer, you may wish to “surprise” people by wearing something unexpected underneath, like summer shorts or sneakers or fancy boots. God welcomes us no matter how we dress!



You might also make the connection by telling the story of Jesus sending the disciples out with the instruction to travel lightly. Why might that be?

Sermon StarterJesus speaks of shoes, money, and large groups as weighing the 70 down. He asks them to travel with nothing but the Good News, to trust in the hospitality that is offered, and not to have resentment even if they are not welcomed! What weighs down Naaman (e.g., his greatness, his expectation of who would heal him)? What weighs down the king of Israel (e.g., his fear, his doubt in God, his role)? What allows Elisha and the young girl to be freer with their advice and healing presence?

What expectations are weighing you, your community, and the wider world down (e.g., resentments, fears, pride)? How can we lighten our load by sharing in the work and letting go of those things not necessary to living abundantly?

Hymns2 Kings 5:1–14VU 369 “O Holy Spirit, enter in”VU 613 “We cannot measure how you heal”

Psalm 30MV 156 “Dance with the Spirit”

Galatians 6:(1–6), 7–16VU 372 “Though I may speak”VU 448 “We know that Christ is raised”

Luke 10:1–11, 16–20VU 353 “’Tis the gift to be simple”VU 595 “We are pilgrims”MV 139 “True faith needs no defence”MV 187 “We give our thanks”

General/SeasonalIf you are sharing communion, MV 202 “Bread for the journey”



July 14 – Fifth after PentecostProper 10

Amos 7:7–17God holds a plumb line in the midst of God’s people.

Psalm 82 (VU p. 799)God judges in the midst of the divine council.

Colossians 1:1–14The word of God is bearing fruit in you.

Luke 10:25–37The parable of the Good Samaritan.

To PonderCompassion is the basic “colour scheme” or guide in our faithful living: the compassionate way must be followed even when it means breaking cultural taboos or role expectations.

SparkContinue having the suitcase, duffle bag, or backpack displayed in your worship space.

This Sunday, you will be putting in compassion as the guide that all acts are measured against. Symbols for this could include a plumb line (from the Amos reading), an actual measuring tape, or a prayer shawl, warm blanket, or bowl for soup (or something your church has shared to show compassion in your community).

With ChildrenDiscuss exceptions to the rules and examples of times when we need to break a rule in order to practise compassion. Tell the parable of the Good Samaritan. Tell reasons why the priest and the Levite felt they could not help the hurt man (e.g., cleanliness practices of temple, expectations of others, time constraints) and why it is so surprising and beautiful that a foreigner helped the person who is robbed. If we are not sure whether it is okay to break a rule to help someone, we can talk to our parents or to other people at church to help us decide. We are always here for each other.

Sermon StarterWhen have you, your congregation, or your town had to make a hard decision between customary actions and a compassionate action? How does using Christ’s compassion as a guide remind us that all are redeemed and acceptable in God’s kin-dom? How does his compassion inspire us? Explore how Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan can be a plumb line (or touchstone or colour scheme) when we have to decide about important issues such as immigration, inclusion, justice, or membership. Remember: a plumb line shows straightness of a thing; a touchstone can be something that helps us remember the qualities of the original; a colour scheme in interior or website design helps us discern the things that belong.

HymnsAmos 7:7–17VU 212 “Eternal Christ, you rule”MV 46 “Bless the Lord”



Psalm 82VU 636 “Give to the winds your fears”

Colossians 1:1–14VU 425 “God, dismiss us with your blessing”VU 686 “God of grace and God of glory”

Luke 10:25–37VU 120 “O Jesus, I have promised”VU 488 “Friends, let us love each other”

General/SeasonalVU 316 “Praise our Maker”



July 21 – Sixth after PentecostProper 11

Amos 8:1–12God will turn feasts to mourning and songs to lamentation.

Psalm 52 (VU p. 777)Why do you boast of evil?

Colossians 1:15–28Paul, the servant of the gospel.

Luke 10:38–42Jesus visits Mary and Martha.

To PonderThe discipline of patience is essential in faithful living: the patience to realize that in different seasons of our lives, we will need to ask for help or be the help others need; the patience to acknowledge what we do not yet know or understand; and the patience to ask for clarity—to understand before we seek to be understood (as St. Francis of Assisi would say).


This Sunday, you will be putting the discipline of patience into it as a necessity for learning faith and caring for others. Symbols for this could include something from school (like a pencil case) to signify the patience we need as we learn in community, where everyone learns at a different pace, or a walking cane to signify the patience we need to go for a walk with someone who is slower or faster than us.

With ChildrenDistractions! In our Bible story today, one sister is distracted by a list of things she wants to do because a guest has come over for supper. She also wants her sister to help her out. She is so distracted by her multi-tasking and her anger at her sister for not helping that she misses how special her guest is! What are some distractions that might make us ignore or miss important things (e.g., playing games outside that make it hard to hear a parent call us home; listening to music with headphones and missing the conversation in the room; a feeling of fear that makes us miss a chance to help)? God offers us the gift of patience. When might you need to ask the Spirit to help you have patience?

Sermon StarterMulti-tasking is a myth: we actually can only do one thing well at a time. We can try to listen to a podcast and do the dishes, but we might miss words as we place a glass in the drying rack so it doesn’t break. Or we may miss a spot on a dish if the podcast is really surprising or funny! How much more can we be distracted by resentment (and miss someone’s good intentions), by planning out our response in a debate (instead of listening to the other opinions fully), or by focusing on an outside “expert” (and miss our child’s or an elder’s insight)? Delve into the discipline of patience and mindfulness of fully doing only one thing. How does that help us hear, ask for help, or even see Christ in another person?



HymnsAmos 8:1–12MV 10 “Come and seek the ways of Wisdom”

Psalm 52VU 288 “Great is thy faithfulness”VU 662 “Lead me, God”

Colossians 1:15–28VU 212 “Eternal Christ, you rule”VU 325 “Christ is made the sure foundation”MV 178 “Who is my mother”

Luke 10:38–42VU 223 “Eternal, Unchanging, we sing”VU 371 “Open my eyes, that I may see”VU 555 “Our Parent, by whose name”

General/SeasonalVU 506 “Take my life and let it be”



July 28 – Seventh after PentecostProper 12

Hosea 1:2–10Hosea’s marriage is a metaphor for Israel’s relationship with God.

Psalm 85 (VU p. 802)God restores fortunes and pardons sin.

Colossians 2:6–15, (16–19)Buried in baptism, raised in faith.

Luke 11:1–13Jesus teaches the disciples to pray.

To PonderOne aspect of our primary “wardrobe” as Christians is an intentional prayer practice. The regular practice allows us to grow a faith that is made known in quiet strength (meekness). This means that we can faithfully acknowledge our limitations while praising God’s great ability to create and sustain.


This Sunday, you will be putting quiet strength (meekness) into it by adding a practice of prayer. Symbols for this could include a candle, a prayer journal, a yoga mat, a prayer shawl, or a book of prayers.

With ChildrenPray together a short prayer in four different ways. You may wish to use one verse of Luke 11:2–4 or the beginning-of-a-meal grace you use in your community. Each time, invite everyone into a different body position. Have the children and congregation repeat the words once after you with pauses. Go slowly. Afterward, you can ask what felt awkward and what felt comfortable. Here are four ways to try:*1) while everyone is seated, with eyes closed and heads bowed down, hands closed on lap2) while everyone is seated, eyes closed, heads up to the sky, palms up on lap3) while everyone who is able stands, eyes open, and looks at a window, cross, or

communion table, with hands clasped to heart4) while everyone who is able stands, eyes open, looking at ceiling, with arms raised above

heads

We each find our own ways to pray. What is most important is that we pray and find quiet strength in God to help us day by day.

*Add or adapt these as appropriate for your context.

Sermon StarterThis week, explore a few different ways people can incorporate prayer into their lives. Some may need to pray in small groups; others prefer to be alone. Busy households may need to use transit times (in a car or on a bus) for prayer. Those who spend most of their time at home may wish to have a list of people to call in order to share a prayer by phone. Another



way to explore this theme is to ponder the wisdom in one of our hymns, such as VU 672 “Take time to be holy” or VU 664 “What a friend we have in Jesus,” or perhaps share the experience of the prayerful singing of a chorus multiple times (one of VU 400 or MV 95, 96, or 97 would work well).

HymnsHosea 1:2–10VU 421 “Lead on, O cloud of Presence”VU 653 “Come let us to the God of love”

Psalm 85VU 426 “Saviour, again to your dear name”

Colossians 2:6–15, (16–19)VU 658 “O Love that wilt not let me go”

Luke 11:1–13VU 326 “O for a thousand tongues to sing”

GeneralVU 661 “Come to my heart”VU 664 “What a friend we have in Jesus”VU 672 “Take time to be holy”MV 18 “Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary



August 4 – Eighth after PentecostProper 13

Hosea 11:1–11God cares for Israel like a mother for a child.

Psalm 107:1–9, 43 (VU p. 831 Part One)God satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry.

Colossians 3:1–11Set your mind on things that are above.

Luke 12:13–21The rich fool who builds bigger and bigger barns.

To PonderKindness: the basic toolkit we include in our wardrobe for repairing relationships with ourselves and others along the way! This includes reminders to use our words carefully, to do self-examination before criticizing, and to tell the truth and apologize when needed.


This Sunday, you will be putting in a mini first-aid kit or a small bike-repair kit during the story or teaching time (see below). You might want to take time to review all the items placed during the past weeks. When your offering is taken up this week, put your suitcase, duffle bag, or backpack with the other offering to celebrate the capsule wardrobe of faith you have all put together. Take it with you when you leave the sanctuary to remind people to take their imaginary ones with them.

With ChildrenShow everyone what is in the first-aid kit, representing the repair kit of kindness. Explain the symbolism and ask for examples of real actions they can take to be kind. Items could include Band-Aids to signify the comfort of a hand held, a tongue depressor to remind us to take care to limit hurtful words and gossip, a small mirror to help our self-examination before criticizing (Luke 6:42), and some cream or oil to remind us to apologize or to compliment others. Adapt if using a bike repair kit. Why would God offer us the gift of kindness? What difference does kindness make? Share a story of someone who has offered kindness to you.

Sermon Starter Our Christian scripture readings remind us to let go of habits of greed, malice, and lying and to pick up habits (or strengthen the good ones we have) of truth-telling, forgiving, and generosity. Strengthening our use of habitual acts of kindness takes the support of a faith community to grow our faith in God’s sustaining power to continue with us all of our days. You can explore the opposing pulls involved in the “do not” and “please do” lists of today’s readings, such as:

sharing resources now instead of accumulating them for the future forgiving now instead of accumulating resentment into the future telling the hard truth now instead of storing up the lies for the future



limiting your use of resources now instead of dealing with an earth too depleted to care for our grandchildren

HymnsHosea 11:1–11MV 42 “Praise God for this holy ground”MV 46 “Bless the Lord”

Psalm 107:1–9, 43VU 472 “O Jesus, joy of loving hearts”

Colossians 3:1–11VU 361 “Small things count”VU 362 “Here, O God, your servants gather”MV 172 “God says”

Luke 12:13–21VU 654 “All my hope is firmly grounded”

General/ThematicVU 507 “Today we all are called to be disciples”VU 647 “Travel on, travel on”VU 652 “Be still, my soul”MV 176 “Three things I promise”



August 11 – Ninth after PentecostProper 14

Worship materials for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost to the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost were contributed by Bill Steadman, St. Andrew’s U.C., Sudbury, Ont.

Isaiah 1:1, 10–20Come, let’s argue it out, says God to Israel.

Psalm 50:1–8, 22–23 (VU p. 775)God the Almighty has spoken.

Hebrews 11:1–3, 8–16Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.

Luke 12:32–40Do not worry about what to eat or what to wear.

To PonderWhat is your biggest fear or worry right now? How do you react to being told, “Don’t worry”?

SparkProvide a ritual for releasing worries into the hands of God, such as writing/drawing the worries on tissue paper and letting them dissolve in water during the service.

With ChildrenSummer holidays are more than halfway done. Ask the children what they have been doing so far (some may have travelled; others have had fun in their neighbourhood or at day camp: celebrate each one equally). Ask what they hope to experience and do before going back to school. Do they like surprises? Some people get worried or fearful when they are surprised. Have they ever helped a friend who was afraid or worried? Or a younger brother or sister? What did they do to help? Remind them that God promises to help us when we are worried or afraid. Jesus asked us to encourage and help people who are afraid or worried.

Sermon StarterFear and worry are powerful forces in everyday life that can immobilize, disturb, and knock us off the pathway. Many face fear and uncertainty these days and declare, “There is no such thing as a safe place to be.” We are deluged by information about shootings, accidents, disasters, and armed conflict that can leave us shaken. For some, faith is defined as the powerful force that can conquer such fear and worry. Jesus never wants us to give time and attention to being afraid. Nowhere in the Bible does it say “being afraid” is a gift of the Spirit.

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield has gone a long way to making space travel and the science of space exploration a popular topic. He speaks of it with an easy, relaxed manner. He offered music from space, read inspirational pieces while circling the earth, and relayed the beauty of the universe he saw outside the International Space Station windows. Travel on the space station is a very dangerous mission, but Hadfield never gives an impression of worry or fear. His message is upbeat, instructional, and inspirational. He accepts the risks but shares the joy and inspiration of the mission: a Christlike message. The biblical witness,



originating in a time of even more widespread disasters and uncertainty, always reminds us to live without being afraid. The biblical call is to live open to hope.

HymnsIsaiah 1:1, 10–20VU 356 “Seek ye first the kingdom”VU 701 “What does the Lord require of you”MV 120 “My soul cries out”MV 212 “Sent out in Jesus’ name”

Psalm 50:1–8, 22–23VU 222 “Come, let us sing”VU 559 “Come, O Fount of every blessing”MV 30 “It’s a song of praise to the Maker”MV 44 “Shadow and substance”MV 188 “I thank you, thank you, Jesus”

Hebrews 11:1–3, 8–16VU 633 “Bless now, O God, the journey”VU 634 “To Abraham and Sarah”VU 663 “My faith looks up to thee”MV 28 “God of the Bible”MV 45 “You are holy”

Luke 12:32–40VU 637 “Jesus, Saviour, pilot me”VU 642 “Be thou my vision”VU 671 “I need thee every hour”MV 90 “Don’t be afraid”



August 18 – Tenth after PentecostProper 15

Isaiah 5:1–7The unfruitful vineyard will be purged.

Psalm 80:1–2, 8–19 (VU pp. 794–795 Part Two)Care, O God, for the vine you brought from Egypt.

Hebrews 11:29—12:2The great cloud of witnesses who lived by faith.

Luke 12:49–56Jesus comes to bring fire and division within households.

To PonderWhat change are you facing right now in your life? What role is your faith playing in that change?

SparkDisplay or project photos of change, such as a baby photo alongside a photo of the same person much older, a picture of your town or city 50 or 100 years ago, or a tree through the seasons of the year. Create two lists and invite people to add to them: 1. Changes I love. 2. Changes that are difficult. Use these lists to focus your prayer time.

With ChildrenChange is everywhere. Ask the children what changes they have seen in their neighbourhood over the summer holidays (e.g., trees have grown and have more leaves, gardens are bursting with produce, friends have gone away on holidays, new neighbours, a new pet, or a visiting relative). What would it be like to live in a world without change? (We would not have day and night nor see the change of seasons; we would never change our clothes from day to day; everything would be the same colour!) Change is normal. God expects us to accept change as part of life and learn from new opportunities and new experiences, but God also promises to be with us always when changes happen.

Sermon StarterLife is filled with new starts, renewal programs, or even personal transformation. Restaurants face regular renovations; streets are repaved; light fixtures get changed periodically; individuals change their wardrobes seasonally and buy new clothes or shoes as current ones get worn out. Renewal and change are everywhere, yet often we find it difficult to face renewal within the church. We get comfortable with patterns of traditional activity or the way a building looks, and we hate to change it, even when we would never want to live 20, 30, even 50 years without changing our clothes.

No one should seek change for the sake of change, but Jesus encourages us to seek renewal: to find energy in changes that help us tap into our inner spirit and allow us to see new life for the future.We often get lost by thinking that life is so changeable and chaotic today in a way that has never been experienced in the past. Yet the biblical witness does help us to see opportunity and order in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty of a different historical time and place. Change and chaos are common experiences throughout history; they are not unique to our



modern age. The readings for today provide examples of individuals who never lost a sense of following in the ways of God, even though change was ever present, all around them.

HymnsIsaiah 5:1–7MV 117 “By the well, a thirsty woman”MV 140 “As long as we follow”MV 144 “Like a healing stream”

Psalm 80:1–2, 8–19VU 271 “There’s a wideness in God’s mercy”VU 690 “From the slave pens of the delta”MV 98 “Like a river of tears”

Hebrews 11:29—12:2VU 705 “For all the saints”VU 707 “For the faithful who have answered”MV 148 “Hope of Abraham and Sarah”

Luke 12:49–56VU 713 “I see a new heaven”MV 115 “Behold, behold, I make all things new”MV 171 “Christ has no body now but yours”MV 176 “Three things I promise”



August 25 – Eleventh after PentecostProper 16

Jeremiah 1:4–10The call of Jeremiah; “But I’m only a boy!”

Psalm 71:1–6 (VU p. 789 Part One)A mighty fortress, a sheltering rock is God.

Hebrews 12:18–29Our God is a consuming fire with an unshakeable kingdom.

Luke 13:10–17Jesus heals the bent-over woman on the Sabbath.

To PonderTake time to remember the call you felt to the vocation you have undertaken.

SparkInvite people from various professions or occupations to speak of why they chose that area of work and the call they felt to do it.

With ChildrenIn the Bible, we hear about many young people spoken to by God. Briefly share the story of the boy Jeremiah. Have you ever received a message from God? What is it like to have God speak to you? I have friends who know God spoke to them; that is how they chose to become a minister or a doctor or a teacher or a plumber. Whatever we do in life is called a vocation. Vocation can also mean that what we do as a job reflects a call we received from God to use our talents to help others. How do you use your talents to help your friends and family right now? God has given you special gifts and God has shown you how you can be helpful, even if you have not had an experience exactly the same as Jeremiah. God can speak to us in many different ways.

Sermon StarterThe call of God is best understood when we realize that most people feel unready for the demand God places upon them when they are called or they feel incapable of living up to what God expects. When we think we have all the answers and know exactly what God demands of us, we are probably misguided. Following God demands a fair degree of humility, patience, and self-awareness, so that we are able to accept God’s guidance and wisdom.

In life, we receive many invitations or “calls,” yet when we are uncertain about ourselves or unclear about what we are capable of, we may run from those invitations or opportunities. When Jeremiah is unsure about the call to be a prophet, the hesitation rests solely within Jeremiah, for God has no hesitation in issuing the call. Jesus has no hesitation about the invitation to heal on the Sabbath when an individual’s well-being is at stake.

In his book David and Goliath (Little, Brown and Company, 2013), Malcolm Gladwell speaks to the fact that many major historical events did not conclude as one would have assumed. Armies with fewer soldiers than the enemy win wars; individuals with less power, height, or athletic ability win games. Being successful is not about our outer presentation but rather



the inner confidence we have and the ability to maximize our potential. Jesus was always about maximizing the potential in each person. In the church, stewardship is not about who has the most but who is committed to make the most of what they have.

HymnsVU 242 “Let all things now living”VU 312 “Praise with joy the world’s Creator”VU 703 “In the bulb there is a flower”

Psalm 71:1–6VU 262 “A mighty fortress is our God”VU 286 “If you will trust in God to guide you”MV 13 “O let the power fall on me”MV 92 “Like a rock”

Hebrews 12:18–29VU 289 “It only takes a spark”MV 18 “Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary”MV 174 “Soil of God, you and I”

Luke 13:10–17VU 570 “Jesus’ hands were kind hands”MV 81 “Love us into fullness”MV 82 “Bathe me in your light”MV 161 “I have called you by your name”

GeneralVU 271 “There’s a wideness in God’s mercy”VU 678 “For the healing of the nations”



September 1 – Twelfth after PentecostProper 17

Jeremiah 2:4–13The people have forsaken living water.

Psalm 81:1, 10–16 (VU pp. 796–797 Part Two)God will feed you wheat and honey.

Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16A list of instructions on living mutual love.

Luke 14:1, 7–14Those who exalt themselves will be humbled.

To PonderWho is honoured in our society and why? Who did Jesus honour and why?

SparkProvide thank-you notes and invite people to write and then deliver a note to someone who is part of their daily or weekly routine but who may never receive notice for what they do.

With ChildrenAdapt to your congregation. Remind the children about what we do in church each week: we ask different people to read the scripture from the Bible. Before they read, someone goes to the front of the church, places the Bible on the pulpit, and opens it to the reading. Someone else checks the microphone to make sure that the person reading can be heard. Someone else makes sure that the railing for the steps at the side of the pulpit is secure for holding onto while climbing the steps. Now, who is more important? The reader, the Bible carrier, the sound person, or the railing person? It may seem logical to say the reader is most important, because we want the reading as part of the service, but without a working sound system, or the Bible, or a safe way to the pulpit, the reading may not happen. Jesus reminds us that when we share in being the church together, no one is more important than the other. We are all important.

Sermon StarterBeing the “head of the table” (figuratively or in reality) at any function means taking responsibility. There may be little time to interact or even get a chance to eat in the midst of taking care of everyone else. Being the one in charge is about responsibility, not about receiving honour and glory. Jesus, in his humble way, reminds us not to make ourselves more important than we are. If others want to honour us, they will do so, but we are not to seek the honour, even as we take the responsibility. How does this apply to the way we function as a congregation?

Consider examples of people sharing in humble ways. One of the most powerful examples of service I have experienced took place on a busy corner in downtown Toronto. A car raced through a red light, and a young couple ahead of me, lawfully crossing in the crosswalk, were hit. The woman crumpled on the northbound lane; the man was thrown in the air and landed in a snowbank by the curb. In the chaos, people rushed to their aid; others directed traffic. Near the young man was a person I had seen seconds earlier sitting on the sidewalk with a blanket around him and a cup in front, asking for support. Now, that same person was



sharing his blanket with the young man who had been hit. He knew what it was like to be cold and alone on the street, and he quickly and quietly came to help. Many capable people watched and remained motionless; this fellow knew how to care, and he helped to comfort one who was injured.

HymnsJeremiah 2:4–13VU 460 “All who hunger”VU 690 “From the slave pens of the delta”

Psalm 81:1, 10–16VU 532 “Creator, we gather”VU 640 “Lead, kindly light”VU 708 “My Lord, what a morning”MV 147 “God, help us to treasure”

Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16VU 361 “Small things count”VU 606 “In Christ there is no east or west”VU 670 “Precious Lord, take my hand”MV 142 “Oh a song must rise”

Luke 14:1, 7–14VU 465 “Christ, be our Host”VU 592 “Come, now, you blessed”VU 696 “Homeless people, will you listen”VU 697 “O for a world”MV 150 “Spirit God, be our breath”


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Gathering Pentecost 1 2019 Lectionary - united-church.ca · Web viewPentecost comes from the Greek word . ... flame creative kids Lego prayers). Sermon Starter. The themes of slavery