|
|
Woship Resources 2009-2010 — Year C: Live Generously, Love Courageously
Return to Year C: 2009-2010
Resource Index
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Creator, Redeemer, Guide
First Sunday after Pentecost
Scriptures: Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31; Psalm 8; Romans
5:1–5; John 16:12–15; Mosiah 1:102–103; Doctrine and Covenants 10:4a, b, c
Prelude
Gathering Hymn: “All Creatures of Our God and King” HS 72
OR “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” HS 56
OR “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” NS 33
Welcome, Announcements, and Concerns
Instrumental Interlude
Call to Worship: Mosiah 1:102–103
*Opening Hymn: “Seek Ye First” NS 44
OR “How Majestic Is Your Name” NS 16
OR “Fountain of All Revelation” HS 298
*Invocation
*Response
Spontaneous Response: “Creator, Redeemer, Guide—”
In addition to the names in the theme, invite the congregation to call
out other names they might think of for God. Suggest some to people ahead of
time to get things going: Gentle Shepherd, Holy Spirit, Presence, Giver of
Life, etc. When the people are finished, add one more name and say, “We
are aware of your presence in many forms. We open ourselves to your
guidance. Amen.”
Scripture for Confessional Reflection: Doctrine and Covenants 10:4a, b, c
Lord, we pray that we have lived so that our children will see you in us.
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.
Offertory Statement: “A disciple saves wisely in order to create a better
tomorrow for self, family, the church’s mission, and the world.” This is
stewardship principle #5 from Becoming a Generous Disciple
(The Presiding Bishopric, 2004), 3. For the expanded statement, see
www.CofChrist.org/generosity/default.asp.
Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes
Ministry of the Word
Based on Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31. Also use Romans 5:1–5, if desired.
Hymn: “Creator God, Creating Still” HS 190
OR “Creating God, Your Fingers Trace” SP 7
OR Ministry of Music
Prayer for Peace
Also, there is a suggested prayer following this worship outline.
*Closing Hymn: “We Limit Not the Truth of God” HS 309
OR “With a Steadfast Faith” HS 497
OR “Shine, Jesus, Shine” NS 45
*Benedictory Statement: John 16:12–15
*Closing Prayer
*Postlude
Prayer for Peace by Jennifer Redfern,
Springfield, Virginia, USA
O God—Creator of the trees, birds, lions, rivers, mountains, and lakes—we
welcome you in our hearts. We accept you, O God. You honor us by calling us
your children. Guide us in our daily work. Show us your ways that we may
grow strong in our devotion to you and the work you have called us to. O
mighty God, thank-you for showing us the way to your heavenly kingdom. The
way is not easy. We stumble and fall, but know you are there to pick us up
and set us back on course. O God, merciful Redeemer, continue to shower us
with love and protect us as we strive to follow you. Amen.
Sermon Helps
Scriptures: Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31; Psalm 8;
Romans 5:1–5; John 16:12–15
Exploring the Scriptures
The book of Proverbs is an example of what scholars refer to as “wisdom
literature.” Wisdom writings were writings that tended to (a) focus on giving
practical advice about common worldly things and (b) address larger issues of
meaning, suffering, and the nature of humanity and the universe. It was
understood that wisdom was both a gift from God and something that humans should
pursue. In ancient Israel, as well as other places, wisdom was often personified
as feminine. This is why Proverbs uses the pronoun “she” when referring to
wisdom. In Proverbs 8, wisdom is portrayed as a participant with God in
creating.
Proverbs 8 begins with the statement that wisdom’s voice is raised throughout
the city: “On the heights, beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her
stand.” Of particular note is the proverb’s affirmation that wisdom cries out
“beside the gates in front of the town” and “at the entrance of the portals.”
The gates and portals were extremely important in the life of any city in
ancient Israel. These were the places where estranged parties would attempt
reconciliation, where city life was discussed, where business deals were made,
and even where marriages were sometimes arranged. Are these not the places where
God would inspire wisdom to cry out? This proverb attests that the presence of
God is not confined to the walls of a sanctuary. Quite the contrary. The call is
to be found in the midst of life’s commerce and everyday affairs.
As we turn to verses 22–29, a new image arises. It is the image of God the
Creator who is personally engaged in creation. In Genesis, God spoke the word
and creation began. In Proverbs, though, God is portrayed as the divine
architect, marking out the horizon “on the face of the deep.” God secures the
foundations of the sea and outlines the foundations of the earth. Verse 29 even
states that God assigned a limit to the sea so that the waters will not
transgress his command. This is significant, since the ancients understood the
sea to be the home of chaos and danger. This proverb makes clear, however, that
this planet is God’s—both land and sea. Chaos may exist, but it will have no
authority over God. This wonderful proverb affirms that the earth is not a
passive divine whim, but a creation that God tended to very carefully. The earth
is clearly a precious stewardship for those entrusted with its care.
As the proverb progresses to verses 30–31, a remarkable insight is shared.
There is rejoicing “in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race.” In
the twenty-first century, we hear some Christians describing the world as an
ugly place, filled with evil, and something to shun. What a different worldview
Proverbs has to offer! Proverbs is not naive to the dangers and sin resident in
the earth. Proverbs, though, does not surrender to this image. Instead, it holds
up a created order that can be the source of wonderful delight. Proverbs would
have us be wise to the danger, but would not have us rob ourselves of savoring
the beauty of God’s world. Proverbs asks us to be wise and seek the ways of God.
In so doing, an awareness of beauty increases.
Central Ideas
1. Divine presence is not limited to religious sites. Rather, God’s
presence is to be found in the midst of busy life and in the everyday
affairs of human interaction.
2. God is not a creator who works at a distance. God is a creator who is
personally invested in the creation, tending to this planet with great care.
3. There is delight to be found in this world. It is the handicraft of
God.
Questions for the Speaker
1. How can you become more aware of God’s presence in the midst of life’s
more ordinary events and common moments?
2. How, guided by wisdom, can you better delight in the human race and
the people around you?
3. How can you be a better steward of the planet in such a way that
recognizes it is God’s precious creation?
4. The pace of life is often fast. How can you take the time to actually
delight in creation as portrayed in this proverb?
Return to Year C: 2009-2010
Resource Index
|
