narrative lectionary – Page 15

Seeds Resource for NL: Jesus Heals and Teaches

Jesus Heals and Teaches

Image result for jesus heals the paralytic

Mark 2:1-22

Psalm 103:6-14

Call to Worship

Bless the Lord, O my soul

Let all that is within me, bless his holy name

Bless the Lord all the angels that do his bidding and heed his word

Bless the Lord all of his work, bless the Lord O my soul.

Call to Worship

The Lord blesses and forgives

Bless God’s Holy Name

The Lord heals and comforts

Bless God’s Holy Name

Mighty is the God who loves us

Bless God’s Holy Name

Call to Worship

Those who wandered in darkness have seen the Light

God is good

Though we are dust God’s steadfast love is forever

All the Time, God is good.

Prayer of Confession: Lord we confess we are but dust, like dandelions in the field, we flourish and then quickly wither away. Because of this, we have trouble understanding that your love is forever. We live in fear of the day you stop living, hearing or acting. Remind us that your righteousness will extend to our children’s, children’s children we pray. Amen.

Prayer of Confession: Lord, we know so many humans who are suffering. We see how quickly life passes and we are afraid to act, afraid that we are too minuscule to matter. Remind us that love is everlasting, remind us that you are good all the time, remind us that we are but the seeds and that whatever we plant will be increased tenfold and a hundredfold past our time. Give us the courage to plant these seeds of healing we pray.

Assurance of Pardon: Grass withers and seasons change, but God’s love is from everlasting to everlasting; know the truth In Jesus Christ we are forgiven

Assurance of Pardon: God does not deal with us according to our sins but according to his love, which is mightier the the sun and longer than that seasons. Know the truth. Christ loves and forgives us.

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Lord help us to spread healing wherever we go, planting the seeds of love and giving the words of hope, we pray. Amen.

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Open us up to the Love of Jesus Christ, so that we can feel the hope of our ancestors and the energy of our children, continue to weave us together as a community so we no longer see our aches and pains, but our collective strength, we pray.

Communion Prayer: God, you created the world into being. Giving Adam and Eve gardens and animals and each other to take care of. When we faltered, and tried to climb mountains and build ladders to reach you, you stooped to earth in the form of Jesus Christ. Teaching us through love and healing and listening Jesus took the time to show us the value of grace and forgiveness. And when he ascended into heaven, he gave us this meal to celebrate our forgiveness, as many times as we need it. We ask you to send your Holy Spirit upon these elements so we might truly consume the bits of the Jesus Christ we need so that we can practice grace in the world. We pray this together. Amen.

Hymns: Great is Thy Faithfulness, Taize: Bless the Lord My soul, There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in This Place, There is A Balm in Gilead, We Walk By Faith and Not By Sight, Take My Life

With Children: Practice Anointing with Oil/Praying for those who are sick, Make cards for those who are ill, Put band aids on a world map and pray for places in need (Venezuela, Syria, Australia, Iran are appropriate this week in my context), Talk about forgiveness and how that is a different kind of healing/go over the Lord’s Prayer, Go over the Apostles’ Creed Talk about the Christmas story: review you are in the middle of Jesus Life. Play Doctor, Give Forgiveness to one another: symbolize it with cool band aids.

Note: Be cautious of Ableist language and assumptions: Be sure to point out that God loves everyone exactly as they are and it’s more important to be a good person–be sure to emphasize that there is no such thing as a perfect body.

Other Weeks of Seeds of Prayer Narrative Lectionary Resources available here

Advent 4: Zechariah’s Song: Waiting for Shalom/Love Luke 1:5-13 [14-25], 27-80, Psalm 113, Micah 4-5

Note: Micah 4-5can also be used throughout Advent

Advent 4: Zechariah’s Song: Waiting for Shalom Luke 1:5-13 [14-25], 27-80, Psalm 113, Micah 4-5

Advent Hymns to Christmas Carol Tunes

Narrative Lectionary Advent Liturgy

More Advent Resources for the Series Year 2 Mark

Luke 1:5-25, 57-80

https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=4222

Stresses the parallels between Abraham/Sarai and John/Elizabeth and the long history leading to salvation.

https://clergystuff.com/daily-devotions/luke-15-13-57-80-zechariahs-song

Devotional on Zechariah’s song and John as the last prophet of the Messiah (newly discovered NL site)

http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2305-08532013000100035

This dramatic, scholarly monologue, examines the events that Luke 1 recounts, retelling them from the eyewitness viewpoint of Elizabeth, from a female and gynocentric perspective.

https://www.preceptaustin.org/luke-1-commentary

Multiple translations & commentaries of Luke 1 presented in interlinear fashion

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedictus_(Song_of_Zechariah)

Wikipedia on Song of Zechariah

https://zenit.org/articles/reflection-on-canticle-of-zechariah/

Pope John Paul II on the Song of Zechariah

https://www.efca.org/blog/understanding-scripture/advent-devotional-zechariah%E2%80%99s-song-benedictus-luke-167-79-cf-15-25-57

Exegetical commentary on Song of Zechariah from the Evangelical Free Church tradition

https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/zechariahs-song/

https://www.oneplace.com/ministries/truth-for-life/

Sermons on Zechariah’s Song by Alistair Begg (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alistair_Begg)

https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/sermon-christmas-zecharaiah-song-benedictus-luke-1 Sermon: What did Zechariah sing? Includes retelling of story in Buechner-style fashion

https://spaciousfaith.com/new-testament-texts/luke-15-25/

Another one that reminds me of Buechner, but more pointed at the listeners than the last

https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/zechariah%E2%80%99s-song

Sermon Zechariah’s song of salvation focusing on the salvation of the listeners

For Psalm 113 resources, see https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTrw8s7zJwjvREBpy8

For Psalm 113 bulletin, see https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTry3rylKpfkNxFuf6

For a sermon (in two voices) on Psalm 113 focusing on word study, see https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTry4vtnRwmk5Lx4b1

For bulletin on Song of Zechariah/Fourth Sunday of Advent which we are treating as joy: Includes opening prayer, call to worship, rite of confession, hymns, offering prayer, Advent candle lighting (but we are calling this Sunday “joy.”) https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTgbxGz2NX22aFtG-eCA

Images

Newly discovered site for NL bulletin covers and other NL resources!! https://clergystuff.com/free-stuff#narrative-lectionary-2019-20-bulletin-covers Look for Zechariah’s song

Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwavglPhNGA

James Beuaregard’s song is based on Luke 1:67-79; request chords/lyrics/notation from jamesbeauregardmusic@gmail.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rYw41Tkk_c

Chant of Canticle of Zechariah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feBexmmxpjo

Vaughn-Williams version of Song of Zechariah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne9DOokin9s

A contemporary take with Powerpoint including lyrics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm-2aEZKh4k

An animated musical theater-style version of Zechariah’s song (likely entitled “His name is John!”)

Luke 1:57-80 hymns (Presbyterian Hymnal)

1.68-79

1 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

2 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

186 Thy Mercy and Thy Truth, O Lord

204 Psalm 72

205 All Hail to God’s Anointed

230 This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made

236 Now Israel May Say

423 Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun

601 Song of Zechariah (Benedictus) *

602 Song of Zechariah (Benedictus) *

1.78-79

4 Creator of the Stars of Night

5.3 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

9.2 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

20 Watchman, Tell Us of the Night

30.2 Born in the Night, Mary’s Child

31.3 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

32 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

68.3 What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright

69 O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright

141.2 A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing

301.3 Lord Jesus, Think on Me

454.2+3 Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

462 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies

463 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies

506.1+2 Deck Yourself, My Soul, with Gladness

510.1+5 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts

511.1+5 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts

548.1+2 O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine

549.1 O Gladsome Light

550.1 O Light Whose Splendor Thrills

Psalm 113 PH

113

204 Psalm 72

205 All Hail to God’s Anointed

225 Praise the Lord! *

226 Sing Praise Unto the Name of God *

253 I’ll Praise My Maker

254 Psalm 146

600 Song of Mary (Magnificat)

113.1-4

185 Psalm 33

213 God, Our Lord, a King Remaining

214 O Come and Sing Unto the Lord

215 Come, Sing with Joy to God

220 All People That on Earth Do Dwell

227 Not Unto Us, O Lord of Heaven

423 Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun

477 Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim

491 Stand Up and Bless the Lord

113.3

205.3 All Hail to God’s Anointed

229.3 From All That Dwell Below the Skies

423.1 Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun

473.5 For the Beauty of the Earth

546 The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended

113.4-6

148 At the Name of Jesus

155 Rejoice, the Lord Is King

185.10 Psalm 33

191.3 God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength

194 Peoples, Clap Your Hands!

204.8-11 Psalm 72

205.3+4 All Hail to God’s Anointed

213 God, Our Lord, a King Remaining

227.1 Not Unto Us, O Lord of Heaven

259.1 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

113.5-9

49.2 Once in Royal David’s City

67.4 Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning

253.2+3 I’ll Praise My Maker

254.9 Psalm 146

332 Live Into Hope

600.4 Song of Mary (Magnificat)

Advent 3: Rebuilding the Temple: Waiting for Joy

Advent 3: Rebuilding the Temple: Waiting for Joy Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13, Luke 2:25-32, Psalm 126 (used for Ruth), Psalm 98, Psalm 30

Hanging of Greens Worship

Note: Micah 4-5can also be used throughout Advent

Advent Hymns to Christmas Carol Tunes

Narrative Lectionary Advent Liturgy

More Resources for rest of Advent

Call to Worship

Praise to the Lord our God who is good.

God’s steadfast love endures forever.

Our eyes have seen salvation. A light for revelation which you have prepared for all peoples.

Joy to the World! Let us repeat the sounding Joy!

Call to Worship

Sing to the Lord a new Song

God has down marvelous things

God remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of faithfulness

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.

Call to Worship

Let the seas roar, and all that fills it

Let the world roar and all who live in it

Let the floods clap their hands, let the hills sing together for joy.

The Lord is coming! Praise the Lord!

Prayer of Confession: Lord, we confess that often times it feels like everything is crumbling; our buildings, our homes, our relationships, our savings, our jobs, our faith. You promise us that all can be rebuilt, in such a way that it will not even be recognizable. Some people will cry at the changes, others will shout out with joy. Teach us how to be part of the rebuilding, the joy and the love, we pray. Amen.

Prayer of Confession: God, we confess that we are waiting for joy to come. We don’t feel joy to the world, we feel like the waiting goes on forever. Sometimes, the growing and the changes that need to be made and instead of celebrating the changes, we cry out in the midst of it all. Hold us while we cry, we pray, and help us to do the work and the waiting to be transformed we pray.

Prayer of Dedication/the Day: As we wait for you and dwell deeply into the season of Advent we pray that you rebuild us. Transform the work we do into works of faith, Strengthen the support we give to one another with the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and light our hearts on fire with the light of the Holy Spirit we pray.

Eucharist Prayer: Lord God, remind us that you are the alpha and omega. At the beginning of the earth you breathed your spirit across the oceans, and they clapped for joy, and then you gently awakened us with your breath. You are with us from our first laugh, to our first cry. You help us when we are building up and when we are falling up. You restore our souls, refresh our spirits and rebuild our faith. Send your spirit onto these elements so that we might be restored, refreshed and rebuilt we pray.

Hymns: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Joy to the World, Come Sing to God (Psalm 30 Ellacombe), When God Delivered Israel (Psalm 126), God of Ages Whose Almighty Hand, Savior of the Nations, Come, Com Thou Long-Expected Jesus, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (which really could be seen as more prophetic than Christmas-day)

With Children: Knock over towers and rebuild, build things with Clay, Cry/Shout at the same time and see if you can tell the difference, Create a chain of prayers (paper chain) perhaps hang it on a Christmas tree, Create Christmas Cards for those in need

Narrative Lectionary Advent 2: Isaiah 40:1-11 (December 8, 2019)

Image by Jan Richardson; copyrighted and available for $15 or if you buy a membership. Go to

https://janrichardsonimages.com/details.php?gid=60&pid=560

This one is less mature/developed than some I have done, but there is a lot out there since this is also RCL.

Advent Hymns to Christmas Carol Tunes

Narrative Lectionary Advent Liturgy

EXEGESIS

https://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc4.Is.xli.html

As if it were designed for a prophetic summary of the New Testament, it begins with that which begins the gospels, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness” (ch. xl. 3), and concludes with that which concludes the book of the Revelation, “The new heavens and the new earth,” (ch. lxvi. 22).

“Speak to the heart of Jerusalem (v. 2); speak that which will revive her heart, and be a cordial to her and to all that belong to her and wish her well. Do not whisper it, but cry unto her: cry aloud, to show saints their comforts as well as to show sinners their transgressions; make her hear it:”

We must get into such a frame of spirit as will dispose us to receive Christ and his gospel: “Prepare you the way of the Lord; prepare yourselves for him, and let all that be suppressed which would be an obstruction to his entrance. Make room for Christ: Make straight a highway for him.”

http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=3491

(RCL context) Images, juxtapositions and sudden, surprising comfort

http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2254 (RCL context) Three proclamations build on the imperative to comfort God’s people in verse 1: highway in the desert; the Words; heralding good tidings.

http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah40a.htm “Voices Crying Out: Comfort and Transformation in an Age of Mass Incarceration,”

“How might Christians raise awareness of different forms of exile in our nation and world?”

https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1099 (NL context)

Double imperative: Comfort! Comfort! The people of Jerusalem are not “deserving” of comfort according to the norms of retributive justice, but God insists — no, commands — that they be comforted.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H4DcY7g3R8&feature=youtu.be

Two minute Youtube video on “The people are like grass.”

See complete list of Isaiah 40:1-11 Working Preacher commentaries at https://www.workingpreacher.org/search/Default.aspx?cx=001947499050786061073:fplx-aun2rq&q=Isaiah%2040&cof=FORID:10&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&search_domain=WWW

Preaching and Worship resources from Calvin College’s curated resources

https://preachingandworship.org/search/Isaiah%2040%3A1-11?per_page=5&utm_expid=.L5KxfuTYSbqP5Sj9IZIYNA.1&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fpreachingandworship.org%2F

TEXT

Jewish Bible translation

https://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/15971/jewish/Chapter-40.htm

Word study

Comfort

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H5162&t=KJV

speaking comfortably

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3820&t=KJV

bringing good tidings

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H1319&t=KJV

LITURGY RESOURCES

BULLETIN

Advent candlelighting; opening prayer; call to worship; rite of confession; hymns; offering prayer; and a confession of faith. Please note **/*** at the end indicating sources and give appropriate credit. If not **/*** then from Barb Hedges-Goettl, please give credit if using/adapting these as well. Thank you.

https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTgbczUlfR4L9bVY0YzQ

LITURGICAL PIECES

Call to worship

https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/11/call-to-worship-isaiah-40-1-11.html

Opening liturgy

https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/11/opening-liturgy-isaiah-40-1-11.html

Advent 1: Promise of Messiah: Waiting for Hope Jeremiah 33:14- 18, Mark 8:27-29, Psalm 89, Psalm 31 Narrative Lectionary

Note: Micah 4-5can also be used throughout Advent

Advent Hymns to Christmas Carol Tunes

Narrative Lectionary Advent Liturgy

Advent 1: Promise of Messiah: Waiting for Hope Jeremiah 33:14- 18, Mark 8:27-29, Psalm 89, Psalm 31

Call to Worship

Take heart, Jeremiah says the days are surely coming

The days are coming where God will fulfill God’s promises

And God will execute justice and righteousness throughout the land, and all people will be safe

Come Let us worship the lord.

Call To Worship

God is our very help in a time of trouble, what do we call Jesus?

Savior and Messiah, Wonderful Counselor, Protector of Peace

Come let us call upon the Lord

Let us worship God together

Call to Worship

Rejoice, O Pure of Heart.

We will rejoice, give thanks, and sing.

Let us praise God, for great things he has done.

Come let us worship the Lord

Prayer of Confession: At times I feel like do not want to give thanks. I forget that you are Lord and King, I sit in my smallness. Lord, remind me that I am blessed to be a blessing. Teach me to be as generous as you are, teach me to give thanks I pray. Amen.

Prayer of Confession: Lord, I confess I do not always know who you are and what it is you are doing in my life. I ignore you, or I get stuck in my own head. I get lost is petty thoughts or just feel too overwelmed by the trouble I see in the world. Teach me the grace to get through all of these things I pray.

Prayer of Confession: Lord, I confess that I get tired of waiting for things to change. So I give up. But you have promised that justice will ring out, and the all will be fulfilled. Grant me the hope I need I pray. Amen.

Prayer of Confession: You know I don’t have much hope right now. At best, I confess, I am hoping for hope. I feel empty–and yet you promise all will be fulfilled. Help me when hopelessness overwhelms me I pray.

Assurance of Pardon: God plants the seeds of hope in love, and our hope is in Jesus Christ, so we can be assured of the truth: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Assurance of Pardon: God is coming! But know the truth God already loves and forgives us, hear the good news: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Lord, you have promised to use us as a part of the promise of Jesus. This is our hope. Help us to go forward working so that all might be a fulfilled, we pray. Amen.

Communion Prayer: Lord, God, Jesus, Messiah. Let us name you and all the ways it is right to give you are thanks and praise. When we could no longer connect or feel your presence. When we felt distant from your love, you sent Jesus to be conceived and born of a human. Living, breathing, laughing and growing up, here on this earth. Jesus spent time with us, so we might truly begin to understand God’s love for us. And gifted us, even when he knew his time was up, with this Holy Meal, wherein we can call up a very real presence of Jesus whenever we might need it, and so that we can celebrate his love as a community. Send your Holy Spirit here on these elements, we pray, that we might taste and see your love, all the more, and so that we might live into the Hope of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymns: Live Into Hope, We Are One in the Spirit, Rejoice Ye Pure of Heart, For the Fruit of All Creation, God of the Sparrow, Advent Hymns to Christmas Carol Tunes

Children Ideas: Go through newspapers together and find stories of hope, Discuss what to do when one doesn’t feel hope, Light candles as beacons of Hope: Sing This Little Light of Mine, Discuss the Appearing of the Star and how that was a sign of Hope, Give everyone empty plates: discuss waiting and hoping for food–>pass out a snack to fill/fulfill the plate/hope

Narrative Lectionary Advent Candle Liturgy

Week 1 (Hope) Jeremiah 33:14- 18,

Who are you awaiting, my friends?

We are awaiting the Lord, God’s best, to come

The time is surely coming, when Christ will be with us.

Our hope is in the Lord our God, Eternal Protector, the Might of Peace. Let us wait in Hope

Sing: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

O come, Thou, Dayspring from on high
And cause Thy light on us to rise
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadow put to flight
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel

Or Magnify the Lord v1. to the tune of O Come All Ye Faithful

The time is surely coming Refuge and Salvation The Jesse, the Jesse branch will spring up from David. Justice and Righteousness, Will be the spice of worship

We hope for God’s justice; We hope for God’s justice; We hope for God’s justice; Magnify the Lord

Day 2 (Love) Isaiah 40: 1-1

Who are you awaiting beloved?

We are waiting for the Messiah, the embodiment of Love.

The time is surely coming, when Christ will be with us.

When God appears, we will no longer be lonely or alone, we will know we are loved. We wait in the midst of love.

O Come O Come Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel

Or Magnify the Lord v2. to the tune of O Come All Ye Faithful

Comfort, O my people with songs and preparation A voice, a voice cries out in wil-il-der-ness Cry Out and Stand Firm God’s Word never withers

We wait as God’s beloved; We wait as God’s beloved; We wait as God’s beloved; Magnify the Lord

Day 3 (Joy) Isaiah 40: 1-1

Who are you anticipating?

We are waiting for Jesus, in whom our joy grows.

The time is surely coming, when Christ will be with us.

When God appears, we will be comforted, able at last to put down our sorrows. We will say: this is the day that Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. How can we not wait for that kind of joy?

Sing: O Come O Come Emmanuel

O come, O come, true prophet of the Lord
And turn the key to heaven’s door
Be Thou our comforter and guide
And lead us to the Father’s side
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall by His word our darkness dispel

Or Magnify the Lord v 3. to the tune of O Come All Ye Faithful

Rebuild the Temple Built with ex-alt-ta-tions For God, is good an’ just, an’ loves us forev’r Shout with Rejoicing Come let’s praise our Savior

We practice our rejoicing; We practice our rejoicing; We practice our rejoicing; Magnify the Lord

Day 4 (Peace) Luke 1:5-13 [14-25], 27-80,

Who are you awaiting in such stillness?

We are being still, to know God.

The time is surely coming, when Christ will be with us.

When God appears, war will be but a memory, the lion will lie down with the lamb, and everyone will be made whole, so we wait for Shalom.

Sing: O Come O Come Emmanuel

O Come, Thou King of nations bring
An end to all our suffering
Bid every pain and sorrow cease
And reign now as our Prince of Peace
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come again with us to dwell

Or Magnify the Lord v 4. to the tune of O Come All Ye Faithful

Peace Seed, we await thee Mighty and Graceful Deliver, deliver us; Jesus, Messiah Come strengthen justice Fill the world with mercy

Create the earth’s-Shalom; Create the earth’s-Shalom; Create the earth’s-Shalom; Magnify the Lord

Advent Hymns

https://wp.me/p2rhxZ-2hf,

2. https://wp.me/p2rhxZ-2hg,

3. https://wp.me/p2rhxZ-2mJ

Magnify the Lord to the carol O Come All Ye Faithful

Pairs with Narrative Lectionary Year 2 and Advent Candles

As Always, you can email me for a doc version as the formatting can get weird online katyandtheword at gmail

Magnify the Lord: Words by Pastor Katy Stenta

(Hope) Jeremiah 33:14- 18,

The time is surely coming Refuge and Salvation

The Jesse, the Jesse branch will spring up from David

Justice and Righteousness

Will be the spice of worship

We hope for God’s Justice (x3) Magnify the Lord

(Love) Isaiah 40: 1-11

Comfort, O my people

with songs and preparation

A voice, a voice cries out in wil-il-der-ness

Cry Out and Stand Firm

God’s Word never withers

We wait as God’s beloved (3x); Magnify the Lord

(Joy) Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13

Rebuild the Temple

Built with ex-alt-ta-tions

For God, is good an’ just, an’ loves us forev’r

Shout with Rejoicing

Come let’s praise our Savior

We practice our rejoicing (3x); Magnify the Lord

(Peace) Luke 1:5-13 [14-25], 27-80,

Peace Seed, we await thee

Mighty and Graceful

Deliver, deliver us; Jesus, Messiah

Come strengthen justice

Fill the world with mercy

Create the earth’s-Shalom (x3); Magnify the Lord

Narrative Lectionary: 1 Kings 12:1-7, 25-29 (October 27, 2019)

More Narrative Lectionary Seeds Resources can be found here.

Kingdom Divided: Power & Prophecy of Service 1 Kings 12:1-17; 1:25-29, Mark 10:42-45, Psalm 146

A Question/Crisis of Servanthood: 1 Kings 12:1-17; 25-29; (Mark 10:42-44)

CROSS REFERENCES

The labor protested by the people is depicted in 1 Kings 5

Two golden calves cf Exodus 32

Comparison of Aaron (Ex. 32) and Jeroboam https://www.jstor.org/stable/3263268?read-now=1&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

God’s response to Israel’s request for a king 1 Samuel 8:11-17

The king as the helper of the needy Psalm 72:12-14

Bethel (where Jeroboam puts a golden calf): Genesis 12:8; 28:10-19 and 35:9-15.

POTENTIAL THEME:

Servant leadership means that the leaders serve the people rather than vice versa

This means that Christians are called to serve the world, and also to let others help/serve them. (While some help too little, others do not accept help enough.)

Of course there is a whole field in and outside of Christian circles dealing with servant leadership For a general overview, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servant_leadership.

For a Christian overview, see https://faithandleadership.com/programs/spe/articles/200706/servant.html

Patheos has numerous articles on Christian servant leadership; see https://www.google.com/search?q=patheos+servant+leadership&oq=patheos+servant+leadership&aqs=chrome..69i57j33.10598j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Theology of Work has a five day devotional on servant leadership

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/2931

Other articles by Theology of Work at https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNSX4mrWVe7FGx5_8ficOXGl_wsj4Q:1571017107630&q=theology+of+work+servant+leadership&spell=1&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjQmIvlzprlAhXhlOAKHcUVBV4QBQguKAA&biw=1821&bih=876

Institute of Faith, Work and Economics offers this take

https://tifwe.org/a-biblical-mandate-for-servant-leadership/

ILLUSTRATIONS

The servants (and lords!) at Downton Abbey, who see service as honorable and rewarding

Public servants today: Marie Yovanovitch (could be contrasted with others!)

IMAGES

Engravings https://preachingandworship.org/search/1%20kings%2012

Children’s illustration http://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/rehoboam-jeroboam/

Servant leadership images https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNTZfGKwA5ChwdT7BtQobd5aj4lYhg:1571016590950&q=images+servant+leadership&tbm=isch&source=univ&sxsrf=ACYBGNTZfGKwA5ChwdT7BtQobd5aj4lYhg:1571016590950&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj60tvuzJrlAhWCY98KHdu7DKAQsAR6BAgKEAE&biw=1821&bih=876#imgrc=E4oR051DF6aJvM

PRAYERS

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Mighty God, your servant Rehoboam divided your kingdom with his tyranny, yet you remained faithful to both kingdoms, even in the midst of conflict. Show us your presence in conflict, and help us to resolve our differences, uniting this world in your name. Amen. https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2564

HYMNS

Built on a rock ELW 652
God of tempest, God of whirlwind ELW 400

CITY (Presbyterian Hymnal)

348 Christian Women, Christian Men

408 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life

413 All Who Love and Serve Your City

424 O Jesus Christ, May Grateful Hymns Be Rising

431 O Lord, You Gave Your Servant John

437 Our Cities Cry to You, O God

Also PH 477 Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim

COMMITMENT: PLEDGE OF

100.2 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

101.2 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

157 Our King and Our Sovereign, Lord Jesus

183.4 In You, Lord, I Have Put My Trust

227.3 Not Unto Us, O Lord of Heaven

252.1 O Lord, You Are My God and King

339 Be Thou My Vision

342.4 By Gracious Powers

343 Called as Partners in Christ’s Service

350 Fill My Cup

364 I Sing a Song of the Saints of God

365 Jesus, Priceless Treasure

369 I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

370.4 Just as I Am, Without One Plea

372 Lord, I Want to Be a Christian

375 Lord of All Good

384 O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

388 O Jesus, I Have Promised

389 O Jesus, I Have Promised

391 Take My Life

392 Take Thou Our Minds, Dear Lord

398 There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit

410 When I Had Not Yet Learned of Jesus

354 Index of Topics and Categories

414 As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought

427 Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service

447 Lead On, O King Eternal

448 Lead On, O King Eternal

461.4 God is Here!

516 Lord, We Have Come at Your Own Invitation

522 Lord, When I Came Into This Life

525 Here I Am, Lord

COMMITMENT: PRAYER FOR

132.1 Come, Great God of All the Ages

316.3 Breathe on Me, Breath of God

321 Holy Spirit, Truth Divine

339 Be Thou My Vision

351 Give to Me, Lord, a Thankful Heart

357 O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee

360 Hope of the World

366 Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me

378 Make Me a Captive, Lord

387 Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

396 O for a Closer Walk with God

397 O for a Closer Walk with God

425 Lord of Light, Your Name Outshining

456 Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun

461.4 God is Here!

516 Lord, We Have Come at Your Own Invitation

522 Lord, When I Came Into This Life

535 Go with Us, Lord

COMMITMENT: URGED

333.1 Seek Ye First

398.2 There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit

490.4 With Glad, Exuberant Carolings

EXEGESIS

Brueggemann on the results of oppressive leadership (last 3 paragraphs deal with this passage): http://www.jmm.org.au/articles/2620.htm

Working Preacher’s commentaries and podcasts:

https://www.workingpreacher.org/search/Default.aspx?cx=001947499050786061073:fplx-aun2rq&q=1%20kings%2012:1-17,%2025-29&cof=FORID:10&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&search_domain=WWW

Working Preacher podcast addressing servant leadership, faithfulness of God, Reformation Sunday setting, and Jeroboam’s actions https://www.workingpreacher.org/narrative_podcast.aspx?podcast_id=1186

Another entry on leadership

http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=4214

Working Preacher podcast addressing bully leadership and how to understand power & God’s power https://www.workingpreacher.org/narrative_podcast.aspx?podcast_id=677

Working Preacher: The yoke amid the rivalry https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2564

America, Trump and the Two Golden Calves. Written right after Trump’s election, this Israel-based evangelical/conservative author proposes the two golden calves, placed by Jeroboam in two very different geographic/socio-political settings could represent the Democrats and Republicans (neither one actually being God!)

https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/78807/america-trump-two-golden-calves-opinion/

Blogging the Bible: Two golden calves. Actually. So, why doesn’t God get angrier about them? Asks lots of questions about God’s actions in this time period; addresses broader context of chapters 12-16. https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2006/11/two-golden-calves-actually-so-why-doesn-t-god-get-angrier-about-them.html

PRAYERS, ETC.

Except the Sarasota Statement, these are all by Barb Hedges-Goettl; please give credit if using/adapting.

Opening Prayer (Psalm 72:12-14 The Message)

God, our Parent and Creator, you are worthy to rule over us. You rescue the poor and the destitute. You open a place in your heart for the down-and-out. You restore the wretched of the earth. You free them from tyranny and torture. You bleed with those who bleed. You die with those who die. Teach us, your people, to be more like you. In the name of Jesus, our best example, and in the power of the Spirit, we pray. Amen.

Call to Worship

One: O God, you have served us from eternity. Many You made us. You provide for us. You watch over us. You rescue us. You stay with us. You save us. You have compassion on us. You love us. And so, O Lord, this day and forevermore we love and serve you.

*Opening Hymn O Worship the King, O Glorious Above Blue Hymnal, 476

*Call to Confession Reader

We are called to serve one another and to serve the Lord. This call is not easy, and we do not do it consistently or well. Let us ask for—and receive–God’s forgiveness.

*Prayer of Confession (unison)

Reader God, sometimes we are all too human. We hedge our bets by not giving you our all. We like to be needed, serving others to feel important. We like to be in charge, refusing the help offered by others.

(Silent confession) Forgive us and cleanse our motives. Empower us to serve you fully. Enable us to treat those we help as the important ones. Humble us so that we accept the help of others.

*Assurance of Pardon (Matthew 20:28) The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Thanks be to God for the Good News: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Offering Hymn Lord of Light, Your Name Outshining Blue Hymnal, 425

* Prayer of Dedication (unison) Pastor Barb

O God, make us servants of your grace. Use our talents in your service. Commission us to fulfill your purpose. Invest these gifts with your love. Amen.

Prayer for Illumination (sung ) Blue Hymnal, #129 v. 3

Come, O spirit, dwell among us; Give us words of fire and flame.

Help our feeble lips to praise You, Glorify Your Holy name.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in one: what mystery!

We would sing our loud hosannas Now and through eternity.

Hebrew Scripture Reading: I Kings 12:1-19 Reader

Message Are You Being Served? Pastor Barb

*Confession of Faith (Preamble to the Sarasota Statement**)

We are people of hope who confess Jesus Christ is Lord over a Kingdom

in which no one is hungry, violence is no more, and all suffering is gone.

All sit together around a shared table, wolves and lambs enjoy each other’s company, and every tear is wiped away from every eye.

Our hope is not simply that we will experience this Kingdom in the future, but that, as Christ’s prayer demands, this Kingdom comes “to earth as it is in heaven.” So, we lament any and all instances of its absence. When we witness hunger, injustice, discrimination, violence, or suffering, we grieve deeply and repent of our sins that have enabled such brokenness to persist – knowing that these things should not be.

Furthermore, we are incited to act and to be vehicles of change through which God’s Kingdom breaks into the world and our earthly lives. Our commitment is to acts that feed, clothe, instruct, reconcile, admonish, heal, and comfort – reflecting the power of God’s hope and an eagerness to see the Kingdom made manifest.

We believe God’s Kingdom comes not because we are confident in our own capacities, but because we trust in God, who can do more than we can ask or imagine. We are humbled and amazed that, in and through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God includes us in the work of redeeming all creation and reconciling the whole world. And so we thank and praise God. Amen.

*Closing Hymn Lord, You Give the Great Commission Blue Hymnal, 429

More Narrative Lectionary Seeds Resources can be found here.

Seeds Week 4 Moses and God’s Name Exodus 1:8-14; 1:14-2:10; 3:1-15

Moses and God’s Name: God of enslaved/hidden/aunties Exodus 1:8-14; 1:14-2:10; 3:1-15, Mark 12:26-27, Psalm 135

More Narrative Lectionary Resources here

Art found at https://www.icollector.com/Marc-Chagall-The-Story-of-the-Exodus-Pharaoh-s-Daughter-and-Moses_i12151433

Call to Worship:

Living God, light a fire in our hearts today

Teach us to see how you burn within us, without consuming us

You are still the God of Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and Rachel, the God of Isaac and Rebecca.

Remind us of your presence today and everyday

Call to Worship

God you call so many to you; pharoh’s sons and daughters, slaves, even suffering children

Grant us strength that we can recognize your call

You are the God of the whole adoptive family, the kids we grow up with, the friends that are the closest to us, the aunties and uncles who mentor us.

Continue to be our God, today and everyday

Call to Worship

O house of Israel, bless the Lord!

O house of Aaron, bless the Lord!

O house of Levi, bless the Lord!

You that fear the Lord, bless the Lord!

Blessed be the Lord from Zion, he who resides in Jerusalem.

Praise the Lord, for we are in the House of God!

Call to Confession: When we come into the presence of God, we want to do so with an open heart. To do so, we confess and lay before God all that we have been carrying, so we might see the face of God upon our journey.

Prayer of Confession: Lord we confess that too often we recognize holy ground too late to take off our shoes. We look back on ordinary times of comfort and companionship. We expect burning bushes, and forget that God is present when we hold the hand of a loved one or take care of a baby in need. Help us to recognize that you are the I am, the God of presence, and to find those moments of holiness together.

Prayer of Confession: God, we confess that we too often pay attention to the pharaohs in power instead of the babies in turmoil. We confess that we have trouble seeing the midwives who are at work to save the world. Yet the Bible names Shiphrah and Puah, and not the Pharaoh, so we know whose deeds are important. Help us to name ourselves int eh service of God we pray.

Assurance of Pardon: Remember, our God lives, and is always breathing grace upon us, so we can proclaim the truth. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Eucharist Prayer: God you are the Great I am, present in the bread and the cup, in the hands of all those who bring forth life. You called Shiphrah and Puah and Miriam and the Pharaoh’s daughter to foster Moses. You lit the fire in their hearts, and when the time was ready, you let Moses in on the holiness. Extend that holy, fiery presence of the Spirit here on these elements, we pray. That we might remember that your true goal is love and freedom for all your people, and that you desire us all to be nourished together. We pray this is your most Holy Lord Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Lord, help us to recognize ourselves in the story of Moses, as the people of God. Send us forth to do the nurturing and freeing work you proscribe. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Hymns:

Go Down Moses

Here I Am Lord

Lord I Wanna Be a Christian in My Heart

Live Into Hope

God of Our Life

With Children: Take Off Shoes and Pray together, Talk about the meanings of Yhwh and Kids names, Prince of Egypt is always fun, Bless People By Name, Who Am I (to be called by God) have the children name each other’s gifts, Talk about Harriet Tubman and Moses as freedom fighters

More Narrative Lectionary Resources here

Seeds: 9-22 Narrative Lectionary Genesis 32: 22-30 Week 3

Genesis 32[9-13] 22-30, Mark 14:32-36, Psalm 24

More Info: https://katyandtheword.wordpress.com/2019/08/27/seeds-resource-page/

More Resources for this Week.

Bulletin

Concepts:

After wrestling with God, Jacob won’t let him go; he clings to him, seeking God’s blessing (see image at https://suzannewoodsfisher.com/faith/jacobs-wrestling-match-genesis-3226/ and https://pastorross1.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/wrestling41.jpg

You cannot walk away from encountering God without being changed (our friend Rev. Elizabeth Vandegrift); after Jacob’s confession of who he is (heel-grabber), he has no more reported conflicts with others (husband Len Hedges-Goettl’s take). See *** below under exegesis.

Night is a vulnerable time/space https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship/lectionary-calendar/eighth-sunday-after-pentecost4 Also Brueggemann below* under exegesis

What it means to wrestle with God See**Children’s sermon link below

Wrestling is a sign of intimacy; you can’t wrestle with someone you are far away from (Image of this saying at https://i.pinimg.com/736x/cb/b6/2c/cbb62c35b45738be1c8235302b1072d9–perfect-guy-wrestling.jpg

Images

https://www.creationswap.com/media/12018/wrestling-with-god

Sculptures by Nathan Rapoport at

https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNQeGXiGSA-3pv_RZtVDudQrQtFB8w:1568163897181&q=Jacob+Wrestling+with+the+Angel,%22+Nathan+Rapoport&tbm=isch&source=univ&sxsrf=ACYBGNQeGXiGSA-3pv_RZtVDudQrQtFB8w:1568163897181&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO1KngycfkAhUEtlkKHS14Cp0QsAR6BAgJEAE&biw=1821&bih=810#imgrc=haSJyS7LRSBmhM: This sculptor has done many versions of Jacob and the angel/God; would be interesting to look into why; see links from Wikipedia for more about him

Gaugin https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/4940/vision-sermon-jacob-wrestling-angel

Children’s sermon**

http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2016/09/year-c-proper-24-29th-sunday-in.html

Liturgical resources

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship/lectionary-calendar/eighth-sunday-after-pentecost4

Opening Prayer

Original resource by Barb Hedges-Goettl; please give credit if using/adapting.

O God, you continue to reveal yourself to us.

You continue to make and keep promises to us.

You continue to graciously give to us, even when we deserve nothing.

Draw us to yourself. Touch and change us. Amen

Call to Worship

Original resource by Barb Hedges-Goettl; please give credit if using/adapting.

One: God, like Jacob, we wrestle.

Many: Like Jacob, we confess who we are.

Like Jacob, we do not let you go.

Like Jacob, we seek your blessing.

ALL: Hear and answer us, O Lord, we pray. Amen.

RITE of CONFESSION

Original resource by Barb Hedges-Goettl; please give credit if using/adapting.

*Call to Confession Sometimes we think that no one would love us if they knew all about us. But God knows all about us and continues to love us. Let us confess our continuing need for God’

*Prayer of Confession

O God, we have things we would like to keep private—if not secret. We have done—and not done–things that keep us awake at night. We don’t always treat others as your children. We don’t always honor ourselves as made in your image. We don’t always trust your grace and love. Forgive us. Remake us in your image. (Silent Confession)

*Assurance of Pardon (Romans 8:28-29, New Living Bible) Pastor Len

Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thanks be to God for the Good News: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Hymns

BOW – The United Methodist Book of Worship
CLUW – Come, Let Us Worship (Korean)
MVPC – Mil Voces Para Celebrar (Spanish)
SOZ – Songs of Zion
TFWS – The Faith We Sing
UMH – The United Methodist Hymnal
URW – Upper Room Worshipbook
WSM – Worship & Song, Music Edition
WSW – Worship & Song, Worship Resources Edition
SoG – Songs of Grace

Genesis 32:22–31	UMH	MVPC	CLUW	TFWS	SOZ	URW	WSM	WSW	SoG
Be Thou My Vision	451	240				180
Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown	386					148
Faith Is Patience in the Night				2211
God Be with You till We Meet Again (God Be With You)	672		347		37
God Be with You till We Meet Again (Randolph)	673
God of Many Names	105
How Can We Name a Love	111
I’ll Praise My Maker While I’ve Breath	60		123
O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go	480	255	322
Oh, I Know the Lord’s Laid His Hands on Me				2139
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God	405	201	136
Source and Sovereign, Rock and Cloud	113
Sweet Hour of Prayer	496	248	330
The God of Abraham Praise	116	28
There Are Some Things I May Not Know				2147

Lutheran:

Blessed be the God of Israel ELW 250
Onward, Christian soldiers H82 562, UMH 575

Also

Fight the Good Fight (PCUSA blue #307)

Exegetical resources

***NL on Jacob having to name himself in a move that is both confession and a death leading to new life; http://www.workingpreacher.org/craft.aspx?m=4377&post=1597

How Jacob was changed http://www.verityfellowship.org/blogarchive/2017/6/12/the-dependent-prayer-of-jacob-jacob-part-1

NL on the whole Jacob cycle (I don’t agree that the passage is about persistence; that’s as though it’s a version of let’s make a deal—see alternatives above) https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2555

Another resource covering the whole Jacob cycle. Contains images, references to other books/resources, discussion/further questions, etc. https://www.journeywithjesus.net/Essays/20071015JJ.shtml

Buechner: https://www.frederickbuechner.com/blog/2016/10/10/weekly-sermon-illustration-jacobs-w

More compete Buechner on whole Jacob cycle http://day1.org/6297-the_magnificent_defeat

Interview of Brueggemann by Bill Moyer-video of part of interview; more in writing *https://billmoyers.com/content/god-wrestling/

Further resources: https://preachingandworship.org/search/Genesis%2032%3A22-30