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Sunday, April 13, 2008

Each Day Share, Each Day Grow

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Scriptures: Acts 2:42–47; Psalm 23; I Peter 2:19–25; John 10:1–10; I Nephi 6:19–27; Doctrine and Covenants 162:1

Sharing Christ’s Peace

Truly authoritative priesthood ministry emerges from a growing capacity to bring blessing to others.—Doctrine and Covenants 163:6b

Worship Setting: Create a cardboard garden of large, colorful flowers to place in the front of the sanctuary.

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship: Acts 2:42–47

*Opening Hymn

“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” HS 20
OR “Lord, Thou Hast Brought Us to This Place” HS 6

*Invocation

*Response

Ministry of Music

“Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” HS 464
OR “Lord, Help Me to Know Your Presence” NS 31

Clown (or Mime) Ministry: “Grow Something” 

Hymn

“Bring Forth the Kingdom” SP 9
OR “Go, Make of All Disciples” HS 392

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: I Peter 2:19–25

Blessing and Offering of Mission Tithes: Use Psalm 23 as the prayer.

Sermon

Based on Acts 2:42–47

*Closing Hymn

“Make Us, O God, a Church That Shares” HS 484
OR “Tell It! Tell It Out with Gladness” HS 470

*Benediction

*Postlude

Grow Something

Participants: 2 clowns, 5 children or youth to hold cards
Materials:

Large plastic flowerpot labeled COMMUNITY
Four large flowers (real or silk) placed inside the flowerpot
Four large cards labeled JOY, HOPE, LOVE, PEACE, one word on each card
Large card labeled OF
One long, wide ribbon to tie around the flowers to make a bouquet
Real or imaginary seeds
Watering can

Clown 1 carries the pot with the flowers (hidden inside) to the front of the sanctuary, bringing the other clown forward as well. Clown 2 has the seeds and ribbon hidden in a pocket. Have four children or youth face the congregation wearing or holding the large cards JOY, HOPE, LOVE, PEACE. Have a fifth child or youth remain seated close by hiding the card labeled OF.

Clown 1 shows the congregation the pot, being sure to point out the label, COMMUNITY.

Clown 2 pulls out a seed, shows it to the congregation, puts it in the pot, and pretends to water the seed. Clown then crosses arms, taps a foot, and pretends to get impatient. Clown then peeks in the pot, reaches in, pulls out a large flower, then turns and points to the youth wearing or holding JOY and dances joyfully. Clown 1 looks amused.

Clown 2 pulls out the second seed and repeats the process. After picking the flower, clown points to the youth with HOPE, then holds up clasped hands in an attitude of hope.

Clown 1 looks up to see what Clown 2 is expecting.

Clown 2 pulls out the third seed and once again repeats the process. Clown points to the youth with the LOVE sign, then turns and hugs the surprised Clown 1 and blows kisses to the congregation.

Clown 2 pulls out the last seed and repeats the process for the last time. Clown points to the youth with the PEACE sign, gives self a hug, pauses, pulls out the ribbon, ties the flowers together, and places them back in the pot as a bouquet. Clown points to the youth holding OF, who shows the card to the congregation, then beckons for the five to come forward and places them in order so that the group’s signs read COMMUNITY OF JOY, HOPE, LOVE, PEACE.

Sermon Helps

Scriptures: Acts 2:42–47; Psalm 23; I Peter 2:19–25; John 10:1–10; I Nephi 6:19–27; Doctrine and Covenants 162:1

Exploring the Scriptures

The scripture theme for today centers on the Greek word “koinonia.” Translated as fellowship, koinonia is not just any kind of fellowship. It is a community of believers who not only share common beliefs and values but also have a high regard for each one’s spiritual and physical well-being. The community described in Acts also believed in God’s generosity and acted on that principle by trying to share all goods in common.

This principle was practiced in the beginning of the Restoration movement. The first attempts at funding the new church through tithing began in Kirtland, Ohio, in the 1830s. Called the law of consecration, the Saints were to give all their possessions to the bishop who, in turn, would distribute these goods based on the needs of the people. This practice was an attempt to have all things in common.

In the Acts scriptures, decisions about bread and worship seem to define the character of a congregation or community. This particular group of people would worship together and then share “table fellowship” in each other’s homes. We have lost that practice, haven’t we? Do we need to reinvest in table fellowship? God calls us to be a people willing to invest in relationships that bring common purpose, common understanding, and a common heart (koinonia).

Central Ideas

1. Discipleship is our faithful response to the gospel and one another.

2. Faith draws us into a common bond where each person’s needs may be met.

3. Praising God and sharing our lives with glad and generous hearts allows God to add to the church daily.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How do you strengthen your devotion to the gospel of Christ and to others?

2. How does the church build a common bond of fellowship so needs may be identified and met?

3. How can Christians restore “table fellowship” in a congregation? in community?

4. God desires to add daily to our congregations. What does this require?
    

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