Return to Year B: 2008-2009 Resource Index
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
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
Questions for the Speaker