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Woship Resources 2008-2009 — Year B: Be a Sanctuary of Christ's Peace
Return to Year B: 2008-2009
Resource Index
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Journey in Compassion
Ordinary Time (Proper 11)
Scriptures: II Samuel 7:1–14a; Psalm 89:20–37; Ephesians
2:11–22;
Mark 6:30–34, 53–56/6:31–35, 56–58 IV; III Nephi 8:6–7;
Doctrine and Covenants 163:11a
Prelude
Welcome and Sharing
Gathering Hymn: “God of Grace and God of Laughter” SP 10
OR “God Who Gives to Life Its Goodness” HS 184
Call to Worship: Responsive Reading
Leader: We come to this service with so many needs and longings. We’ve
been many different places, conceived many different thoughts.
Group: But underneath all our differences is the same basic need for love
and forgiveness.
Leader: And that’s why we’re here—to admit to each other our need for
love,
Group: and to celebrate the most marvelous fact of the universe—that God
loves us and accepts us just as we are.
All: Alleluia!
—Prayers and Readings for Worship, Vol. 2, Peter
Judd, ed. (Herald Publishing House, 1996), 9.
*Opening Hymn: “Companions on the Journey” NS 7
OR “Creator of Sunrises” HS 186
*Opening Prayer
*Response
Hymn of Compassion: “Let Us Pray for One Another” HS 312
OR “Make Me a Servant” NS 35
Scripture Reading: Mark 6:30–34, 53–56
If possible, use two young people.
Prayer for Peace see
page 27
Disciples’ Generous Response
Each Sunday, as part of the Disciples’ Generous Response, we ask you to
integrate the message of “share equally” between Local and World Ministries
Mission Tithes. Generosity stories are provided to keep the church in touch
with how contributions to Mission Tithes spread the peace of Jesus Christ.
Please use the stories, testimonies, and up-to-date contribution information
as part of your offertory ministry. Visit
www.CofChrist.org/generositystories to print a copy, or contact your
pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.
Scripture: III Nephi 8:6–7
Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes
Ministry of Music: “Bear Each Other’s Burdens” HS 369
A soloist or the congregation may sing this.
Sermon
Based on Mark 6:30–34, 53–56
Moment of Silent Meditation
*Closing Hymn: “Brothers and Sisters of Mine” HS 388
OR “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” HS 485
*Sending Forth/Benediction
Leader: God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge.
People: Draw us from the nations of the world, God. We will answer.
Leader: This community will be characterized by uncommon devotion to the
compassion and peace of God…
People: …the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
Leader: This faith community has been given abundant gifts, resources,
and opportunities…
People: …opportunities to equip us to become such a people. We can
express this community locally and throughout the world in mission.
Leader: May we express a unity of vision in our worship.
People: May we be the Community of Christ. Amen.
—Doctrine and Covenants 163:11a adapted
*Response
*Postlude
Sermon Helps
Scriptures: II Samuel 7:1–14a; Psalm 89:20–37; Ephesians 2:11–22;
Mark 6:30–34, 53–56/6:31–35, 56–58 IV
Exploring the Scriptures
Compassion is an emotion that moves most profoundly in the face of the
suffering and the misfortune of others, and should always be accompanied by a
strong desire to help. Compassion is a characteristic of God and of his Son,
Jesus Christ. Especially in this period of indifference before the suffering of
others, Christ hopes that in our walk as disciples “compassion” will be one of
the primary characteristics we demonstrate.
In Mark’s lesson, we find Jesus tired after a busy day of ministry. He
suggests to his disciples that they get away from the crowds and go to a place
on their own. They get into a boat, but many people follow them. When Jesus sees
all the people who wanted to listen and be taught by him, he felt compassion for
them—knowing that at the end of the day everybody would need to be fed. The
story of the feeding of the 5,000 people follows. At the end of the chapter we
can see how this event was a true expression of compassion; Jesus fed the people
both spiritually and physically.
Central Ideas
- In his ministry Christ shows us true compassion in the face of human
need and suffering.
- It is basic to develop compassion in our ministry.
Questions for the Speaker
- How do you show compassion in your personal ministry as well as in your
congregation?
- What needs are expressed in people’s lives in your community and are
ones that the church has a responsibility to respond to?
- Personally and as a congregation, in what ways do you feel you are
making a journey in compassion?
- How can you change indifference to compassion in the lives of people who
don’t know the peace of Jesus Christ?
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Resource Index
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