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Sunday, March 2, 2008

Prepare a Table

World Hunger Emphasis
Fourth Sunday in Lent

Scriptures: I Samuel 16:1–13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8–14; John 9:1–41; III Nephi 4:44–52; Doctrine and Covenants 152:4a

Sharing Christ’s Peace

Be vulnerable to divine grace. —Doctrine and Covenants 163:10b

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship: Psalm 23

*Hymn of Invocation

“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” HS 31
OR “O Lord, Grace Our Communion” HS 1

*Invocation

*Response

Focus Moment

Set two tables—one with formal and one with everyday dishes. Discuss why you set them differently. What kind of table would you set if you knew that Jesus was coming to dinner? if your pastor was coming to dinner? if your family was coming to dinner? Why would you choose that setting? How prepared are we for Jesus to come to dinner at our table?

Ministry of Music: “Big, Big House” from Don’t Censor Me by Audio Adrenaline, ForeFront Records, 230 Franklin Road, Building 2, 1st Floor, Franklin, Tennessee 37064. Phone: (615) 771-2900. ASIN B000005KUW. Lyrics and guitar chords are also available at numerous places online.

Scripture Lesson: John 9:1–41

Hymn

“Yesu, Yesu, Fill Us with Your Love” HS 407
OR “I am Standing Waiting” SP 27

Lenten Confession

Invite the congregation to silently meditate on the text of either HS 407 or SP 27.

The Spoken Word

Based on Psalm 23 and/or John 9:1–41

Hymn of Preparation

“Let Us Break Bread Together” HS 342
OR “Beneath the Forms of Outward Rite” HS 339

Blessing and Serving of Bread and Wine

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. Offertory 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/offertory to print a copy, or contact your pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.

Scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 152:4a

Blessing and Offering of Oblation and Mission Tithes

*Hymn

“Make Us, O God, a Church That Shares” HS 484
OR “Lord, as We Rise to Leave” HS 491

*Benediction

*Postlude

Sermon Helps

Scriptures: I Samuel 16:1–13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8–14; John 9:1–41; III Nephi 4:44–52; Doctrine and Covenants 152:4a

Exploring the Scriptures

The beloved Twenty-third Psalm is well known and often used, but seldom preached in association with the sacrament of Communion. It is a poem of faith filled with metaphorical imagery that begins by reminding us that the Lord is our shepherd (v. 1). The role of shepherd and the duties associated with it were clearly understood in Israel’s culture. A shepherd provided for the needs of the sheep and protected them from harm and danger. Shepherd was also a “label” that was often associated with kings or rulers who were seen as being responsible for the people in their charge.

This “song of thanksgiving” seeks to restore our souls and renew our faith in God’s promise to be our shepherd. Israel’s faith was grounded in God’s covenant to protect and provide for them in times of need. The Psalmist reminds us that God’s shepherding love, commitment, and trust are available for all who desire to come and experience it (v. 5). God prepares a table before us and our “cup overflows with goodness and mercy” (vv. 5–6), causing us to recognize God’s all-inclusive, shepherding love in our lives and share that love with others.

The story of Jesus “healing the man who was born blind,” as recorded in John 9:1–41, is also an important reminder of the all-inclusive love of God. There are numerous theological themes in this story, and it will be important for the preacher to connect the congregation to the broader theme that reminds us of this love of God transcending boundaries created by fear, prejudice, and religious piety. The blind man’s testimony proclaiming how his eyes were opened and his sight restored by Jesus (vv. 8–12) creates problems in the religious community that subjects his family and him to the fear of being cast out of the synagogue and excluded by their faith community (vv. 18–33). The scripture writer wants the reader to understand that suffering should not be attributed to God’s injustice. Rather, in the midst of suffering in our lives, we can experience God’s presence when our hearts and minds are open to new understandings of God’s grace available to all persons.

The sacrament of Communion provides an opportunity to again experience the healing and comforting presence of God’s grace in our lives and in our communities. With a sense of community we come to the table seeking forgiveness and healing for those things that separate us from God and from one another. New insights and possibilities for sharing our witness are made known to us when we profess our belief in Christ’s peace and share that belief with others.

Central Ideas

1. God’s shepherding love, commitment, and trust are available to all people.

2. Like the blind man, we too are called to bear affirmative testimony of the mystery of God’s unconditional love in our lives.

3. Our fears, prejudices, and “religious piety” are challenged when we allow the Holy Spirit to enter into our hearts and minds.

4. The Communion table is a place where we can confront the walls that separate and divide us from a closer relationship with God and with one another.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How have you experienced God as “shepherd” in your life? What difference did it make?

2. What are the “walls/barriers” in your life that separate you from fully experiencing the promises that are present in the Twenty-third Psalm?

3. How can you become more “inclusive” in your sharing of God’s unconditional love in your life and in congregations, communities, and the world?

4. Are you willing to accept the fullness of the all-inclusive love of Jesus Christ represented in this sacrament, be forgiven, forgive yourself, forgive others, and share that love with others?
   
    

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