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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, August 30, 2009
Honor with Your Heart
Ordinary Time (Proper 17)
Scriptures: Song of Solomon 2:8–13 (not found in IV); Psalm
45:1–2, 6–9;
James 1:17–27; Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23/7:1–8, 14–15, 20–21 IV;
II Nephi 11:146–147; Doctrine and Covenants 161:3d
Prelude
Hymns of Praise
“My Life Flows On in Endless Song” HS 157
“Meet Me in a Holy Place” NS 36
Welcome
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Introit: “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”
This song is written by Ken Medema, arranged by Jack Schrader, and
published by Hope Publishing Company (Carol Stream, IL), (987S). Use for a
medium voice in the Key of D.
OR “O Holy Dove of God Descending” HS 285
Prayers for the People
Two people may give prayers for the congregation.
*Hymn: “Praise Ye the Lord” HS 62
OR “Face to Face” NS 9
*Invocation
*Response
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: Doctrine and Covenants 161:3d OR II Nephi 11:146–147
Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes
God, we are grateful for your presence in our lives. We acknowledge
that every gift in our lives is from you. We offer to you our first
fruits. Lord, make us quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger
so that we may serve you more fully. Help us to be doers of the word.
May these gifts be used to care for your children everywhere. We pray in
the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.—James 1:17–27 adapted
Hymn: “This Is My Song” HS 315
OR “The Cause of Zion Summons Us” HS 314
Prayer for Peace see
page 27
Spoken Word
Based on Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23
Congregational Activity
Ask people to form groups and write an acrostic prayer using the word
“heart.” At the end of the activity display all of the group prayers. Allow
time for people to quietly reflect on the written prayers. Or plan time for
each group to share their prayer aloud. (An acrostic is a poem in an
alphabetic script where the first letter of each line spells out another
message. If the example below is presented, you may want to point out that
it’s not necessary for the prayer to rhyme.)
Example:
Honor the Lord in every heartbeat.
Enjoy and protect the whole of creation.
Accept God’s presence in each person you meet.
Renew your spirit each day in contemplation.
Turn to God in all times, whether bitter or sweet.
*Hymn: “Now Let Our Hearts Within Us Burn” HS 495
OR “Called by Christ to Love Each Other” SP 36
*Sending Forth read in unison
We go now into the world to fulfill our calling as the people of God and
the body of Christ. We know we are blessed and we want our lives to reflect
our gratitude. May our words, actions, and devotion be a witness to the
transforming power of love. Help us show our gratitude in how we live and
give ourselves to you. Amen.
*Response
*Postlude
Sermon Helps
Scriptures: Song of Solomon 2:8–13 (not found in IV); Psalm 45:1–2, 6–9;
James 1:17–27;
Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23/7:1–8, 14–15, 20–21 IV
Exploring the Scriptures
Today’s scripture from Mark precedes passages where Jesus travels to places
identified as gentile territory. Jesus knew that a break from tradition and
ritual would be necessary to enable the taking of the gospel message to those
who were not of Jewish heritage. He also recognized that interpretation of
scripture had taken on more importance among religious leaders than the truths
of knowing God for which the scripture was intended.
The dietary laws and other traditions had originally been intended as a way
of helping lead the Jewish people to a closer relationship with God. Over time,
as the practices became more ritualistic, they separated them socially from
other people. It was not possible for a Jew and a non-Jew to share together in a
meal that had not been prepared under the proper ritual. The word “thoroughly”
in verse 3 refers to a specific ritual required and not to proper sanitation.
Sometimes it is difficult to identify what is human interpretation or tradition
and what is the real meaning of scripture. Doctrine and Covenants 163:7 should
be reviewed for its relationship to this passage in Mark.
The Greek word for hypocrite (v. 6) originally meant an actor, but here it
refers to people whose lives are inconsistent with their professions. The
Pharisees seemed to be more concerned about outward appearance than the contents
of their hearts. They could easily demonstrate their outward “purity” but had
more difficulty showing compassionate hearts.
The statement by Jesus in verse 15 is an example of the parallelism he often
uses. Here, he tells us not only that the laws are being misused but also
promotes a higher calling to what is most important. What comes out of us in
words and actions is more important than what goes into our bodies. Jesus states
that we should not expect our behaviors to direct our hearts, but our hearts
should lead us to proper behaviors.
In verse 23, Jesus emphasizes what he said in verse 15. He makes the point
that although the Pharisees define defilement by what goes into the body, he is
more concerned with what comes out of the heart.
Central Ideas
- Tradition and ritual are appropriate to remind us of God’s continuing
call to faithfulness, but should not be used to replace or hinder ongoing
discernment of what matters most.
- The proper worship of God does not depend on the correct implementation
of certain acts, but on living a just and ethical life.
Questions for the Speaker
- What rituals or traditions enable people to come closer to God? Which
ones need to be eliminated to make the message more universal?
- How can you recognize when your life is inconsistent with what you
profess?
- What are some examples of times when having a just heart led you to
proper behaviors?
- What are the common threads you see that tie together this passage in
Mark with Doctrine and Covenants 163:7, paying particular attention to 7b?
Return to Year B: 2008-2009
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