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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, September 27, 2009
Speak Boldly
Ordinary Time (Proper 21)
Scriptures: Esther 7:1–6, 9–10, 9:20–22; Psalm 124;
James 5:13–20;
Mark 9:38–50/9:36–50 IV; Helaman 3:53–54; Doctrine and Covenants 97:1c–d
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship: Helaman 3:53–54
Time of Blessing: Turn to your neighbor and greet them with the words of
the Psalmist.
“The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time
forth, and even for evermore.”—Psalm 121:8 IV
*Hymn: “Firm Foundation” NS 10
OR “Rejoice, Ye Saints of Latter Days” HS 36
*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.
“For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink
because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the
reward.”—Mark 9:41 NRSV
Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes
Ministry of Music Hymn: “Meet Me in a Holy Place” NS 36
OR “Holy Spirit, Come with Power” HS 287
Testimony of Boldness: “What Goes Around, Comes Around”
This is a chapter found in Courageous Witness by Jared Munson
(Herald Publishing House, 2003), 58–61.
Someone good at storytelling could present this testimony as if they were
the author, or it could be read by a younger member of the congregation. It
could also be acted out as a play.
Prayer for Peace see
page 27
Hymn: “All Are Called” R-9
OR “O May Thy Church Build Bridges” HS 431
Pastoral Prayer for Strength in Times of Fear and Hesitation
Proclamation of God’s Word
Based on Esther 7:1–6, 9–10; 9:20–22
*Hymn: “Rise Up, O Saints of God” HS 378
OR “We Are Called to Be Peacemakers” SP 23
*Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 97:1c–d
*Benediction
*Response
Sermon Helps
Scriptures: Esther 7:1–6, 9–10, 9:20–22; Psalm 124; James 5:13–20;
Mark 9:38–50/9:36–50 IV
Exploring the Scriptures
This Sunday is the only time the book of Esther is used in the entire three
years of the lectionary. Most modern scholars feel the book has a secular nature
(it doesn’t mention God), and the events said to have taken place in the Persian
Empire cannot be independently verified. However, the inclusion of the book of
Esther in the canon was to demonstrate the courage and tenacity of the Jews and
document the origin of the Feast of Purim to be celebrated by succeeding
generations. While the verses of today’s story are extracted from the middle of
the overall narrative, it would be better to hear the whole story of Esther.
Mordecai, a Jewish captive in a foreign land, refuses to bow to Haman because
only God is worthy of worship. Haman is angry and orders a gallows to be built
for Mordecai’s execution. Extending his anger to all Jews, he orders the
genocide of the Jewish people. Esther, Mordecai’s cousin, has been chosen queen
by King Ahasuerus after he disposed of Queen Vashti for opposing him. The king
does not realize that Esther is Jewish.
Esther cleverly designs a series of banquets during which the king offers her
anything she desires. She takes the opportunity to speak boldly and asks that
her life and the lives of her people be spared. The king is furious that Esther
has been threatened and asks the identity of the offender. When Haman is
identified, in an ironic twist, a servant suggests that the gallows built for
Mordecai be used to execute Haman. Haman is led away from the banquet to face
his demise. Mordecai records and communicates Esther’s courage to all Jews and
orders that her actions be commemorated with a festival. To this day the Jews
keep the Feast of Purim to honor Queen Esther’s bold action.
Esther showed a willingness to risk her own life to save not only her cousin,
Mordecai, but all Jews living in the Persian Empire. Her shrewd planning and
courageous action on behalf of God’s people provides a model for us: we are to
speak boldly when we see oppression and injustice. We are called to act bravely
in our daily lives when we see people at risk of harm or in need of protection
and support. We pray for personal courage like that of Esther—at school, at the
office, and in our communities—to bring about peace and justice in our world.
Central Ideas
- We are to speak boldly on behalf of the oppressed and marginalized.
- It takes courage to speak up, perhaps even a willingness to risk our
lives.
Questions for the Speaker
- Who might be at risk and need someone to speak boldly on their behalf?
- When did you speak boldly on behalf of someone in need?
- How do you feel when you do not speak up against an injustice?
- What are some methods for bolstering courage?
- What ways can you or your congregation speak up?
- While we might be asked to risk our lives, more often we are faced with
risking embarrassment or exclusion. How might speaking boldly be seen as
countercultural?
Return to Year B: 2008-2009
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