|
Woship Resources 2007-2008 — Year A: Passionate for Peace
Return to Year A: 2007-2008
Resource Index
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Plea for Peace
Ordinary Time (Proper 23)
Scriptures: Exodus 32:1–14; Psalm 106:1–6, 19–23;
Philippians 4:1–9; Matthew 22:1–14; Jacob 4:2–6;
Doctrine and Covenants 59:2a–e
Sharing Christ’s Peace
The seventy are to be the forerunners of Christ’s peace,
preparing the way for apostolic witness to be more readily received. —Doctrine
and Covenants 163:5b
Prelude
Gathering Hymn
“We’re Singing a Peace Song” SP 19
OR “We Are Called to Be Peacemakers” SP 23
Welcome
Call to Worship: Doctrine and Covenants 59:2a–e
*Opening Hymn
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” HS 67
OR “Declare, O Heavens, the Lord of Space” HS 21
*Invocation
*Response
Focus Moment
Have a good storyteller share this story:
One Wednesday night after a late prayer meeting in London, Ontario,
Canada, Sarah Lively and Mary Taylor offered themselves for baptism. About
twenty members and ten others went to witness the baptism. They arrived at
the Thames River about half past eleven o’clock. The night was dark with
heavy clouds and a misty rain.
Among the outsiders was one who began to harass the group. Because of the
darkness of the night, it was hard to navigate through the rough hills and
valleys, and occasionally the Saints fell and got wet. This provoked more
harassment. They finally reached the river and opening statements were made.
As J. J. Cornish and one of the candidates held hands, stepping into the
water, there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing wind and with it came
a bright and brilliant light.
They noticed that the light was just large enough to highlight the thirty
people, along with the small section of river where the baptism was taking
place. As it shone brightly, all except the persecutor fell to their knees.
They did not allow taunting words, the lateness of the hour, the dampness of
the night, or the slippery slopes to come between them and the blessings of
the Lord. They were passionate in their desire to experience the peace of
Christ.
—Adapted from an account by J. J. Cornish in
Inez Smith Davis, The Story of the Church, 13th ed. (Herald
Publishing House, 1989), 541–542.
Hymn
“God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian” verses 1 and 2 The New Century Hymnal 355
(Pilgrim Press) ISBN 978-0-8298-1050-1
OR “God! When Human Bonds Are Broken” verses 1–3
SP 18
Sermon
Based on Philippians 4:1–9
Hymn
“God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian” verses 3 and 4 The New Century Hymnal 355
OR “God! When Human Bonds Are Broken” verses 4 and 5
SP 18
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.
Praise the Lord!
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good:
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Who can utter the mighty doings of the Lord,
or declare all his praise?
Happy are those who observe justice,
who do righteousness at all times. —Psalm 106:1–3
Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes
Hymn
“Now in This Moment” HS 58
OR: “Let Us Give Praise to the God of Creation” HS 398
Sung during the offertory
*Sending Forth
Leader: Jesus has broken down the walls that divide us.
People: We proclaim that Christ is our peace.
Leader: We are no longer strangers and aliens.
People: We are members of the household of God,
Leader: Built upon the foundation of the apostles and
prophets,
People: With Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.
Leader: May the peace of Christ be with you,
People: And also with you.
All: Amen.
*Song
“Dona Nobis Pacem” camp song
OR “Canto de Esperanza” SP 25
*Postlude
Sermon Helps
Scriptures: Exodus 32:1–14; Psalm 106:1–6, 19–23; Philippians
4:1–9; Matthew 22:1–14; Jacob 4:2–6; Doctrine and Covenants 59:2a–e
Exploring the Scriptures
In this passage, Paul writes a plea to the church in Philippi to resolve a
quarrel between two beloved church members so that the focus of congregation
life can return to its mission. While conflict is a concern whenever it occurs,
it is somewhat comforting to know that the church has never been free of such
conflict! Unresolved conflict, however, can divert precious time and energy from
other ministerial priorities. The key to healthy congregational life is how such
disputes are managed.
In this epistle, Paul encourages the congregation to help resolve the
conflict for the sake of their continued work in the church, with a final call
to always rejoice in that work. If our ultimate focus is on our common faith and
calling, conflict between people can be put in proper perspective and resolved
in healthy ways.
If we consciously choose, we can replace conflict, trauma, dissension, and
anguish with those things that are true, honest, just, pure, and virtuous. This
occurs when we keep our hearts and minds focused on Jesus Christ, the center of
our faith. When the mind of Christ is enlarged in us and in our faith community,
we will grow in the peace of God, which is beyond our full understanding or
ability to comprehend. The peace of God must be embraced and experienced through
faith.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of
God” (Matthew 5:9). As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are all called to be
passionate for peace, even with our coworkers in the church with whom we may
have serious disagreement from time to time. Being passionate for peace, in our
individual and congregational lives, is an urgently needed witness in the world
today.
Central Ideas
1. There are many people, political groups, and organizations that work
hard to convince us to live in fear of our differences. If we truly desire
to have the peace of God in our lives, we will continually think about the
characteristics and qualities of Christ’s life and message.
2. We are called to be passionate for peace in all relationships of our
lives, especially our church life.
Questions for the Speaker
1. What is the difference between productively resolving conflict and
just ignoring conflict by hoping it will go away?
2. One of the first steps in resolving differences is to establish common
ground. How does focusing on common calling and mission in Christ help
resolve personal conflicts?
3. What is your personal experience with the peace of God that passes
understanding or explanation?
4. How can your congregation demonstrate its passion for peace in your
community?
Return to Year A: 2007-2008
Resource Index
|
