gathering lectionary for pentecost 1, may 20-sept. 2, 2018 · web viewvu 151“lift high the...

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GATHERING, PENTECOST 1 2018Pentecost Sunday to Labour Day

May 20 – Pentecost SundayMay 27 – Trinity SundayJune 3 – Second after PentecostJune 10 – Third after Pentecost June 17 – Fourth after PentecostJune 24 – Fifth after PentecostJuly 1 – Sixth after PentecostJuly 8 – Seventh after PentecostJuly 15 – Eighth after PentecostJuly 22 – Ninth after PentecostJuly 29 – Tenth after PentecostAugust 5 – Eleventh after PentecostAugust 12 – Twelfth after PentecostAugust 19 – Thirteenth after PentecostAugust 26 – Fourteenth after PentecostSeptember 2 – Fifteenth after Pentecost

Excerpted from Gathering: Resources for Worship PlannersPublished four times a year, Gathering is a worship planning magazine for ministers and lay leaders, music directors, and United Church of Canada worship committees. Subscribe or browse single issues at UCRDstore.ca.

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2 Gathering, PENTECOST 1 2018

PentecostDates: Pentecost is celebrated on a Sunday 50 days after Easter (counting Easter Sunday), or seven weeks (seven times seven) not counting Easter Sunday.Meaning of Name Pentecost comes from the Greek word pentēkostē meaning “50th” (day). Pentecost is a reference to the Jewish festival Shavuot or the Festival of Weeks, which is held on the 50th day after the second day of Passover. This festival celebrates the giving of the Torah to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. In Acts 2, it is said that the disciples had gathered on the day of Pentecost, or the day of the festival of Shavuot. That’s when the wind and fire and Spirit came!Liturgical Colour: RedRed is a primary colour and a warm colour. It symbolizes fire, spirit, energy, passion, strength, power, intensity, courage, and determination. It draws to mind the flames dancing over the disciples and friends of Jesus gathered in the upper room on the day of Pentecost.

Ordinary Time (a.k.a. Season of Pentecost)Dates: Trinity Sunday through to Reign of Christ Sunday—the longest season of the church year.Feast Days* and Special Days *Trinity Sunday – the Sunday after Pentecost.Season of Creation – the Sundays after Labour Day to Thanksgiving.World Communion Sunday – the first Sunday of October.*Thanksgiving Sunday – the Sunday before the second Monday of October.*Reformation Day – October 31: the day in 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses.*All Saints’ Day – November 1: for Protestants, a general commemoration of those who have died. In the Celtic tradition, November 1 is Samhain, marking the end of harvest and beginning of winter.Remembrance Sunday – Sunday closest to Remembrance Day (November 11), honouring those in the armed forces who fought and died for their countries in times of war.*Reign of Christ – the last Sunday before Advent.Meaning of Name“Ordinary” comes from the Latin ordo, meaning “order.” Ordinary Time is the commonplace, the regular, the everyday time. In between feasts and grand celebrations is the regular time of our lives, the time when faith lives and grows and sustains.Liturgical Colour: GreenGreen is a cool colour, evoking nature, growth, vitality, freshness, harmony, endurance, and fertility. It is associated with healing and rest. It is the depth and stability of blue combined with the warmth and joy of yellow.


Gathering, PENTECOST 1 2018

May 20 – Pentecost SundayWorship materials for Pentecost Sunday to the Third Sunday after Pentecost were contributed by Catherine Tovell, Kilworth U.C., Komoka, Ont.

Acts 2:1–21The coming of the Holy Spirit.

or Ezekiel 37:1–14The valley of dry bones.

Psalm 104:24–34, 35b (VU p. 827 Part Two)Wisdom was creating at God’s side.

Romans 8:22–27The Spirit prays for us with sighs too deep for words.

John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15Jesus will send the Advocate, the Spirit of truth.

To PonderWhat are your first thoughts and reactions when an unusual (e.g., joyful or terrifying) event happens?

SparkProject or display pictures of people with a variety of emotions on their faces. Go for big emotion—happy, sad, terrified, excited, confused, etc.—without using photos that might be scary or traumatic for people, young or old.

With ChildrenThere are several story ideas that can depict Pentecost. Pinwheels, balloons, or kites all need air in order to function. Perhaps bring a large pinwheel and demonstrate how wind makes it move. We do not see the wind, just the results of the wind. Wind is like the Holy Spirit in that way. The children could then make a small pinwheel in Sunday school. If Ezekiel is the focus, there is a brilliant story called “The Cow-Tail Switch” that will tell the Ezekiel story well (in The Cow-Tail Switch and Other West African Stories, Harold Courlander and George Herzog [Square Fish, 2008]).

Sermon StarterTry to get people into the actions and the emotions of the Pentecost story. You might ask them to assume different roles or parts as you read the story from Acts. You might do that by referring to the images of emotion projected or displayed and ask them what feelings or thoughts they evoke. Or ask them what actions and emotions they can recall from the unusual situations they have experienced. This could be a short interactive piece at the very beginning of the sermon time. If your congregation members are shy about this kind of participation, you could name some of the emotions and thoughts yourself as you go through the pictures. What would it have been like to have been there that first Pentecost? How do you think you would have reacted if you were there in the room or when the wind blew in Ezekiel’s valley and the bones began dancing? How can we know that God is with us in these moments?



HymnsActs 2:1–21VU 195 “On Pentecost they gathered”VU 196 “Wind who makes all winds that blow”VU 380 “She comes sailing on the wind”MV 23 “Come, O Holy Spirit”

Psalm 104:24–34, 35bVU 335 “At the name of Jesus”

Romans 8:22–27 VU 209 “Fire of God, undying flame”VU 367 “Come down, O love divine”VU 373 “As comes the breath of spring”

John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15 VU 161 “Welcome, happy morning”VU 170 “O sons and daughters, let us sing”VU 194 “Filled with the Spirit’s power”VU 382 “Breathe on me, breath of God”



May 27 – Trinity SundayIsaiah 6:1–8 The call of Isaiah.

Psalm 29 (VU p. 756) God’s voice is over the waters.

Romans 8:12–17 Adopted by the Spirit as children of God.

John 3:1–17 Nicodemus visits Jesus by night.

To PonderWhat does it mean to be called by God? Which comes first, answering God’s call, or having what we need for the call?

SparkSince the next two weeks involve “call,” place various communication devices (or photos of them) around the sanctuary. Be creative and expansive. Perhaps focus this week on some older devices such as a rotary-dial phone, early cellphones, a telegraph or teletype, old letters, cards, and telegrams etc. Next week focus on more current devices such as smartphones, tablets, etc.

With ChildrenHave the children look at some of the communication tools that are present. They may never have seen some of them before (e.g., the rotary-dial telephone). Discuss with them how technology changes, but the same end is accomplished; that is, we communicate. In the same way, God calls us in many different ways and uses the tools of our times to accomplish the task. The message remains the same: follow me and I will show you the way. You might share your own story of God’s call to you. How do we know that it is God calling? It is always good and loving.

Sermon StarterLiving in a corrupt and self-indulgent time and place, Isaiah has become part of his society. Then he hears the call of God and realizes how much he has become a part of this debauchery. This moment or time of decision is a turning point for him, his time of call to faithful service. God forgives him and sets him on a new path. His is one of many “call” stories, both past and present. This could be part one of a two-part sermon series on call. In this part, the focus could be on the fact that once we hear the call and answer it, God will then equip us with what is needed for the task and the life ahead.

HymnsIsaiah 6:1–8VU 315 “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty”VU 509 “I, the Lord of sea and sky”VU 562 “Jesus calls us”VU 690 “From the slave pens of the delta”



Psalm 29VU 382 “Breathe on me, breath of God”

Romans 8:12–17VU 376 “Spirit of the living God”VU 378 “Spirit of God, descend upon my heart”

John 3:1–17VU 151 “Lift high the cross”VU 217 “All creatures of our God and King”VU 314 “Come now, almighty King”VU 606 “In Christ there is no east or west”MV 201 “I am the bread of life”



June 3 – Second after Pentecost Proper 41 Samuel 3:1–10, (11–20) God calls to the boy Samuel.

Psalm 139:1–6, 13–18 (VU pp. 861–862) You have searched me and known me.

2 Corinthians 4:5–12 A treasure in clay jars.

Mark 2:23—3:6 Gathering and healing on the Sabbath.

To PonderOkay! So, now that you have received the call of God, what will be your response?

SparkSee last week’s Spark and continue with it.

With ChildrenHave the children act out the Samuel story (they can all be Samuel) and then discuss it. What do you think you would have done if you were Samuel? Talk about the ways that God calls us at different times in our lives. What do you think God is asking you to do? Ask them if they can name other children whom they believe have been called by God. Not just ministers are called; each person is called to share their gifts in a special way as part of the family of Jesus.

Sermon StarterFollowing up on the sermon from last week on “call,” today we have another example of God calling an unlikely person. Samuel was a young boy working with Eli in the temple at a time of rising secularism and little attention or discipline around spirituality. Samuel heard the call but imagined it was Eli calling him. With Eli’s help, he then realized that it was God calling. But wait, the news is difficult. God is telling him that Eli’s house will be destroyed. No wonder it took more than one call to convince young Samuel. Like Isaiah, here is another example of God calling in difficult times and the person making a decision to follow. If the focus in last week’s sermon was on God’s actions when God calls, perhaps this sermon could focus on our actions when we hear God’s call.

Hymns1 Samuel 3:1–10, (11–20)VU 507 “Today we are all called to be disciples”VU 509 “I, the Lord of sea and sky”VU 567 “Will you come and follow me”MV 161 “I have called you by your name”

Psalm 139:1–6, 13–18



VU 288 “Great is thy faithfulness”

2 Corinthians 4:5–12 VU 652 “Be still, my soul”

Mark 2:23—3:6 VU 273 “The King of love”VU 402 “We are one”VU 570 “Jesus’ hands were kind hands”VU 614 “In suffering love”VU 678 “For the healing of the nations”



June 10 – Third after Pentecost Proper 51 Samuel 8:4–11, (12–15); 16–20, (11:14–15)Appoint a king for Israel.

Psalm 138 (VU p. 860)I praise God with all my heart.

2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1 Our inner nature is renewed day by day.

Mark 3:20–35Who gives Jesus his power?

To PonderWhat is your understanding of power? What power do you feel you have? Whom do you see as powerful leaders? Why?

SparkDisplay or project images of powerful things, e.g., power tools.

With ChildrenHave the children look at and touch the tools on display. Talk to them about what these tools are used for, how they can be misused, and how to handle the tools safely. Using that concrete object lesson, transfer to the more abstract and talk about power in people. What makes people powerful? What happens when powerful people misuse that power? How do we stay safe in those situations? How does God expect us to use power? God wants us to use it for the good of others and the earth.

Sermon StarterThe reading from Mark’s gospel addresses that thorny issue of power. Who gives Jesus his power? And what is his power, anyway? It might be worthwhile to explore the power dynamic in first-century Palestine to place Jesus in context. Perhaps what made him so threatening to his contemporaries is that he had a very different understanding of power and a different leadership style. And it worked. Are there current parallels? How do we respond to those whose leadership styles are different from the rest and who understand and use power differently than we do? How do we use our own power? What kind of power do we have as a church community?

Hymns1 Samuel 8:4–11, (12–15), 16–20 VU 533 “When in our music God is glorified”

Psalm 138 VU 245 “Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet”MV 2 “Come all you people”

2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1



VU 374 “Come and find the quiet centre”VU 376 “Spirit of the living God”VU 409 “Morning has broken”VU 713 “I see a new heaven”

Mark 3:20–35 VU 264 “Immortal, invisible, God only wise”VU 313 “God, whose almighty word”VU 314 “Come now, almighty King”VU 651 “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah”MV 92 “Like a rock”



June 17 – Fourth after Pentecost Proper 6Worship materials for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost to the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost were contributed by Don Uhryniw and Arlene Gray, Emmanuel U.C., Peterborough, Ont.

1 Samuel 15:34—16:13 David is anointed as king.

Psalm 20 (VU p. 742) Trust not in horses or chariots, but in God.

2 Corinthians 5:6–10, (11–13), 14–17 Walk by faith, not by sight.

Mark 4:26–34 Parables of the growing seed and the mustard seed.

To PonderHow big is your God?

SparkScatter symbols of majesty and humility, drawn from scripture or current society, throughout the worship space, placing contrasting ones side by side. Examples: a crown and a shepherd’s crook or sandals; fancy dinner table setting and seeds with garden tools; purple cloth and burlap; lush plants and ashes.

With ChildrenHave you ever felt sorry about something you’ve done? Have you ever felt sorry about a choice you’ve made? Sometimes we think something is the right thing to do at the moment. Sometimes we are so frustrated that we respond in a way that we later wish we hadn’t. That’s all part of being human. (Share a story about a time when you felt sorry about a choice you made.) The good news is that God understands. The good news is that we’ve all experienced those moments, so we can understand what they are like for each other. When we realize that we’ve done something we wish we hadn’t, we usually want to say that we are sorry. We might need to say sorry to another person. We might need to say sorry to ourselves or to God. How might we show that we are sorry? (Invite some responses.) God always accepts our “sorry” and loves us just as we are.

Sermon StarterThese lections are full of opposites in tension: divine sight/mortal sight; trusting in the name of God/trusting in chariots and horses; walking by faith/walking by sight; inward appearance/outward appearance; new creation/old creation. The most significant contrast is the mustard seed in tension with the reign of the divine. Is the holy found in vastness or in the tiny mustard seed? All of these tensions might need to be seen through the lens of a verse from the 1 Samuel 15:35 passage: “And the Lord was very sorry that he had made Saul king over Israel.” Wow! I had never imagined God



regretting something. That verse, which puts a “human” face on God, should make it easier to live with the tensions we, as human beings, experience between the outward and inward appearance, the awe and the mustard seed. In our society, we are constantly caught in such tensions. Have we ever regretted the choices we’ve made in the face of such tensions? Do we feel sorry about choices and wish we could have a “do-over”? That one verse in 1 Samuel tells us that God understands what we face and the choices, sometimes regrettable, that we make. How can we walk by faith in the midst of these tensions and choices? Reminder: parables place things parallel to each other, inviting comparison.

Hymns1 Samuel 15:34—16:13 VU 662 “Lead me, God”

Psalm 20 VU 506 “Take my life and let it be”MV 106 “I am the dream”MV 161 “I have called you by your name”“Trust and Obey” by Sammis/Towner, in Songs of the Gospel (Gordon V. Thompson, 1948)

2 Corinthians 5:6–17 VU 663 “My faith looks up to thee”MV 20 “God of still waiting”MV 154 “Deep in our hearts”

Mark 4:26–34VU 227 “For the fruit of all creation”VU 503 “When seed falls on good soil”VU 660 “How firm a foundation”MV 156 “Dance with the Spirit”



June 24 – Fifth after Pentecost Proper 7 1 Samuel 17: (1a, 4–11, 19–23), 32–49David and Goliath.

or 1 Samuel 17:57—18:5, 10–16 David meets Saul and Jonathan.

Psalm 9:9–20 (VU pp. 732–733) I will tell of God’s marvellous deeds.

or Psalm 133 (VU p. 856) It is good for God’s people to be together.

2 Corinthians 6:1–13 Now is the acceptable time, the day of salvation.

Mark 4:35–41 Jesus stills a storm.

To PonderHave you ever thought of the story from Goliath’s point of view?

SparkSpread some nautical objects around the worship space: paddles, oars, life jackets, rope, etc. If possible, create a boat or bring in a rowboat or canoe to set the stage for the gospel.

With ChildrenWhat makes you scared? Has anyone ever called you a scaredy-cat? When you are scared, what do you do? Find Mom or Dad or a friend? Pray? Run away? All of us are scared at one time or another, but the best thing to do is to find someone who can comfort us. (Tell the story of the disciples being scared in the boat during the storm. If you have a boat, dramatize it together.) When the disciples were scared, they turned to Jesus and he brought calm. We can turn to Jesus and we can turn to each other when things are feeling scary and chaotic in our lives.

Sermon StarterIt is so easy to focus on the story of David and Goliath rather than the story of David and Jonathan’s love. Yet one cannot be told without the other. The story of David and Jonathan may make some feel uncomfortable, but it is time, long past time, to live with this part of the biblical narrative. The author of 2 Corinthians uses the word kairos, the “acceptable time,” to speak of the new creation that has been made with the resurrection of Jesus. But kairos can also mean the right time, the favourable time, a difficult time, or a time of crisis. For too long, too many have stepped back from some realities that might make others feel uncomfortable, afraid of the storm that might follow. Jesus did not fear the storm. Matthew shares this story in order to attribute divine power to Jesus, something I don’t think Jesus would have attributed to himself.



The violence of some First Testament stories is something that we do not walk away from, but why do some find it so difficult to accept and embrace a story of love and relationship such as the story of David and Jonathan? In Mark, when evening falls, they go to “the other side”; that is, gentile or hostile territory. And Jesus knew that there would be a storm, but that did not stop him, and neither should it stop us. Being children of the Divine does not mean we can live in denial. We are a community in covenant with the Creator; our souls are bound together.

Hymns1 Samuel 17:32–49VU 262 “A mighty fortress is our God”VU 567 “Will you come and follow me”

1 Samuel 17:57—18:5, 10–16VU 372 “Though I may speak”VU 488 “Friends, let us love each other”VU 489 “When love is found”VU 620 “Silence, frenzied, unclean spirit”

Psalm 9:9–20 or Psalm 133VU 326 “O for a thousand tongues to sing”VU 715 “Come, we that love” MV 30 “It’s a song of praise to the Maker”

2 Corinthians 6:1–13VU 399 “God, whose love is reigning o’er us”VU 664 “What a friend we have in Jesus”MV 21 “Open our hearts”

Mark 4:35–41VU 374 “Come and find the quiet centre”VU 637 “Jesus, Saviour, pilot me”VU 652 “Be still, my soul”VU 659 “Eternal Father, strong to save”MV 153 “Body, mind and spirit”



July 1 – Sixth after Pentecost Proper 82 Samuel 1:1, 17–27 David’s lament for Saul and Jonathan.

Psalm 130 (VU pp. 852–853) Out of the depths, I cry to God.

2 Corinthians 8:7–15 Excel in generosity.

Mark 5:21–43Young girl raised; hemorrhaging woman healed.

To PonderHow do we grieve? How do you grieve?

SparkDisplay or project photos of those crying out of the depths and poems written out of the depths, alongside words and pictures of hope and healing.

With ChildrenWhat happens when you get a cut? Or break an arm? Or have a bad cold? What do people do to help you? Would you help someone if they got hurt? Helping each other when we are hurt is part of following the Way of Jesus. Just as Jesus healed people, we can help bring healing to others. That’s what Jesus wants us to do as his followers. Talk about the ways that your congregation is involved in healing (in the broadest sense), whether it is a food bank, prayer shawl ministry, prayer circle, or another way of bringing support, healing, and love.

Sermon StarterToday’s readings contain very familiar quotes from the sacred writings: “How the mighty have fallen,” “Out of the depths I cry,” and “Now as you excel in everything.” One phrase from these scriptures that we don’t hear often enough is “and they laughed at Jesus.” The reading from Mark (my absolute favourite story) is a story within a story. The two stories are related and have to do with power. Females are at the centre of the whole story—a woman, and a young woman. We too often focus on the power Jesus felt leave him and the power the woman with the flow of blood felt in her body. This story is not so much about Jesus as about the unnamed woman. She believed, and she reached out. She exercised her power, whereas Jesus exorcised the power of death. Both the younger and the older woman were restored to life and to a place within the community. Cure is what medicine seeks to do; healing is the community reaching out to include those who had been excluded. What forms of healing are needed in our communities, especially when we pay attention to those of us on the edges, such as Indigenous peoples, women, racialized people, or those of the LGBTQ community? Who is crying out of the depths? How do these stories speak to those cries?



Hymns2 Samuel 1:1, 17–27 VU 652 “Be still, my soul”

Psalm 130 VU 611 “Out of the depths, O God”MV 143 “We cannot own the sunlit sky”

2 Corinthians 8:7–15 VU 242 “Let all things now living”VU 537 “Your work, O God”

Mark 5:21–43VU 326 “O for a thousand tongues to sing”VU 510 “We have this ministry”VU 636 “Give to the winds your fears”MV 132 “Great sorrow prodded Jairus”MV 186 “Because Jesus felt”



July 8 – Seventh after PentecostProper 92 Samuel 5:1–5, 9–10 David is anointed king.

Psalm 48 (VU pp. 772–773) God be praised in the city of Zion.

2 Corinthians 12:2–10 My grace is sufficient; my power made perfect in weakness.

Mark 6:1–13 Jesus, rejected in Nazareth, sends out the 12 to teach.

To PonderWhat does the word revelation mean to you? How do you believe the Holy is revealed?

SparkCollect symbols of power—a gavel, a crown, part of a uniform, a cross—to share and display.

With ChildrenAs followers of Jesus (and within The United Church of Canada), we have certain ways that we publicly honour and acknowledge people and their response to God: baptism; confirmation (renewal of baptismal vows); ordination, commissioning, and recognition; and anointing. (Add any specific rituals of recognition in your congregation, such as presentation of Bibles to young people.) These are called rituals and they are important. Why? They help remind us of God’s love, and they give each of us a chance to respond to God and be supported by the community. Jesus gave special recognition to 12 disciples and anointed them with the authority to go and preach in his name. You might share how the church board/council is given authority to make decisions, as well as other examples in your congregation.

Sermon StarterAll of us crave affirmation of our success, such as being told that we are doing a good job, that we are helpful, and that we have made a contribution to something. Yet Paul says, “for power is made perfect in weakness.” As the institutional church moves further from the centre of society, we can lament the fact that we are not the dominant influence on society or we can understand that being pushed to the margins is a form of empowerment. That is where Jesus was, and is, and that is where the early Church was: on the margins. Rather than thinking in terms of power versus powerlessness, we are being called to think in terms of faithfulness versus unfaithfulness. The Church triumphant was “power over”; the Church faithful is “power with.”

Hymns2 Samuel 5:1–5, 9–10VU 662 “Lead me, God”



Psalm 48 VU 238 “How Great Thou Art”VU 357 “Tell me the stories of Jesus”VU 651 “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah”MV 51 “Yahweh be praised”

2 Corinthians 12:2–10 VU 271 “There’s a wideness”VU 686 “God of grace and God of glory”MV 120 “My soul cries out”

Mark 6:1–13 VU 334 “All hail the power of Jesus’ name”VU 560 “O Master, let me walk with thee”VU 639 “One more step along the world I go”MV 212 “Sent out in Jesus’ name”



July 15 – Eighth after PentecostProper 10Worship materials for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost to the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost were contributed by Beverly Brazier, Laurie Parker, and Carole Williams, Whitehorse U.C., Whitehorse, Yuk.

2 Samuel 6:1–5, 12b–19 David brings the ark to Jerusalem.

Psalm 24 (VU pp. 750–751) The earth is God’s and all that is in it.

Ephesians 1:3–14 Adopted through Christ and given an inheritance.

Mark 6:14–29 The death of John the Baptist.

To PonderWhat is the cost of speaking truth to power in our place and time? How have you experienced such cost?

SparkMany think Psalm 24 was originally sung as pilgrims ascended to the holy place to worship. Consider gathering a group together to begin the service by reading the psalm from the back of the church. They might enact knocking at the door, with the congregation answering them. They enter, bringing symbols of our experience of God: Bible, candle, globe, or other symbols your congregation uses. Follow this with a conversation about what our experience of God is and if we would change this psalm in any way: for example, who is God and, especially, what are the “requirements” for who may stand in God’s holy place (for example, see “Psalm 24 – For a New Day,” p. 62)?

With ChildrenSee Spark above. Start a conversation with the children about how they might change Psalm 24 by placing items on the communion table to symbolize ideas. Collect a wide variety ahead of time from which the children may choose. Or, you might tell the story of David dancing for joy. Ask them about times when they were so happy they felt like dancing or jumping. Ask if they have ever seen kittens or puppies running in circles or lambs jumping in the field. People do that, too! Knowing that God loves us can make us dance for joy. Sing MV 156 “Dance with the Spirit,” MV 48 “I can feel you near me God,” or MV 183 “I’m gonna shout, shout” and jump and dance to your heart’s content!

Sermon StarterThe gospel text is compelling for the ways it addresses the costs of speaking truth to power. The gospel presents the death of John the Baptist as the crisis that seems to propel Jesus to “go public,” as it were. You might take the sermon in that direction: When it comes to the Christian mandate to speak the truth no matter the cost, who are your mentors? Upon whose shoulders do you “stand”? Who has inspired you? Was



there a moment when you knew you were to continue the work that someone else had begun? Perhaps allow time to name those people aloud. Emphasize the continuity of Jesus’ message with that of the prophets and with John who came before him. The other way to make a sermon on this text is simply to explore the ways, locally and worldwide, that we are being called upon to speak the truth. Remember and pray for those who have always paid a costly price for doing just that, such as those whom members of Amnesty International seeks to assist.

Hymns2 Samuel 6:1–5, 12b–19VU 245 “Praise the Lord”VU 352 “I danced in the morning”MV 48 “I can feel you near me God”MV 156 “Dance with the Spirit”MV 183 “I’m gonna shout, shout”

Psalm 24 VU 295 “The earth and all who breathe”VU 412 “This is the day”VU p. 750 “Lift up the gates eternal”MV 8 “And on this path”MV 122 “This is the day”

Ephesians 1:3–14 MV 145 “Draw the circle wide”MV 178 “Who is my mother”

Mark 6:14–29VU 575 “I’m gonna live so God can use me”MV 1 “Let us build a house”



July 22 – Ninth after PentecostProper 112 Samuel 7:1–14a David is not the one to build God’s house.

Psalm 89:20–37 (VU p. 804) I will sing of God’s steadfast love.

Ephesians 2:11–22 You are holy citizens, members of God’s household.

Mark 6:30–34, 53–56 Jesus teaches from a boat and heals the sick.

To PonderThe image of God as “home” is a classic one: God as a source of true comfort, love, and acceptance. What does home mean to you? Is God your home?

SparkPlace signs relating to home around the sanctuary, such as “Home Sweet Home,” “Welcome to Our Home,” and “Neighbourhood Watch.” Ask people to bring small, framed photos of their families (as they choose to define them) and place them on the communion table or another space at the front. These could even be left up for a number of weeks, if people are willing.

With ChildrenWhat makes a home? People have homes. Animals do, too. So does God. What makes a home? Is it a building, a place, or the people? A home might be all of those things, but at the centre of the best home, there is love. God’s home is filled with love, too. Invite the children to name the ways we might see God’s love, such as in nature, in people, in music, in our home-cooked food. Most importantly, we feel God’s love in our own hearts. That’s God’s true home. Find heart-shaped stones or buy some glass ones at the dollar store. Give one to each child to remind them of God’s love. Did Jesus have a home on earth? Matthew 4:13 says that Jesus made his home in Capernaum, but we never hear about it since he was always travelling. His home was with the people wherever he was. What did Jesus give the people? Love. Sometimes people call the church the House of God. Why? Does our church seem like a home? One thing that makes it a home is that it has love. Give each child a second heart and ask them to give it to someone in the congregation who doesn’t have one.

Sermon StarterGod turns the idea of needing a house or temple upside down in the 2 Samuel reading. To David and Nathan, a house would represent permanence and stability. God is clear that not only has God never lived in a house, but God has never asked for one. Once again, we see that our human understanding is far removed from God’s. Yet God promises David that his own house will prosper. We find yet another reference to house in the Ephesians reading as we hear that God is now the God of everyone through Jesus, that we are members of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19), and that



together we are God’s dwelling place (Ephesians 2:22). Based on the idea of house and home, explore the paradox of whether we are God’s dwelling place or whether God is in fact our home. Could it possibly be both? Rewrite Ephesians 2:19–22 as either a Call to Worship or a Benediction.

Hymns2 Samuel 7:1–14a VU 395 “Come in, come in and sit down”VU 556 “Would you bless our homes and families” MV 1 “Let us build a house”

Psalm 89VU 529 “Great God, we sing that mighty hand”

Ephesians 2:11–22 VU 402 “We are one”MV 145 “Draw the circle wide”MV 178 “Who is my mother”

Mark 6:30–34, 53–56 VU 278 “In the quiet curve of evening”VU 374 “Come and find the quiet centre”VU 672 “Take time to be holy”



July 29 – Tenth after PentecostProper 122 Samuel 11:1–15 David and Bathsheba.

Psalm 14 (VU p. 735) Fools say, “There is no God.”

Ephesians 3:14–21 God’s power accomplishes more than we can ask for or imagine.

John 6:1–21 Jesus feeds the multitude and walks on water.

To PonderWhen have you experienced abundance, beyond what you could have imagined?

SparkCreate a still-life arrangement showing amazing growth: carrots surrounding a few carrot seeds, potatoes surrounding a seed potato, a branch with berries broken open to show seeds, a bowl of dough rising with a spoonful of dry yeast beside it.

With ChildrenIn the gospel reading, Jesus and his disciples faced a problem. How would they feed the large crowd of people who had come to hear Jesus speak? While they wondered what to do, knowing that they didn’t have enough money to buy food for so many, it was a child who offered them what he had, which was just five small loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus then transformed this offering into something awesome, enough to feed everyone. Can you think of a time you’ve experienced when a little of something has turned into something amazing? In my family, if we are cooking, perhaps carrots, for a crowd of friends coming over for supper, we count out one carrot for each person coming and then add “one for the pot.” That carrot isn’t really for the pot, is it? It is just to make sure there is plenty. I have a friend who is good at taking leftovers from the fridge and transforming them into a wonderful meal. Her son-in-law calls it “doing her loaves-and-fishes thing.” When we have a church potluck, everyone brings what they can, and somehow, there’s a feast. When we have a problem, inviting Jesus (and the faith community) to help us can make it into a “loaves-and-fishes thing.”

Sermon StarterPsalm 14 says, “Fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’” How do we know there is a God? We know that God is love and that God can be found in unexpected places. Jesus knew that people have different ways of knowing, and he showed us the nature of God in many different ways. In the gospel reading from John, Jesus used “signs” for the people who need physical proof. Some people experience God intuitively while gardening, knitting, or chatting with a friend over a pot of tea. I have known of people who, on returning from a flight over the St. Elias icefields in the Yukon (or use a site close to you) say, “Now I know there is a God.” What are the signs that tell us there is a God? Individuals might share stories of the moments they have known God’s presence.



Hymns2 Samuel 11:1–15VU 608 “Dear God, who loves all humankind”

Psalm 14VU 278 “In the quiet curve of evening”

Ephesians 3:14–21VU 232 “Joyful, joyful, we adore you”VU 271 “There’s a wideness in God’s mercy”VU 333 “Love divine, all loves excelling”

John 6:1–21VU 289 “It only takes a spark” VU 481 “Sent forth by God’s blessing”



August 5 – Eleventh after Pentecost Proper 132 Samuel 11:26—12:13aNathan’s story that condemns David.

Psalm 51:1–12 (VU pp. 776–777)Create in me a new heart, O God.

Ephesians 4:1–16A life worthy of your calling; speak the truth in love.

John 6:24–35The crowds ask for another sign from Jesus.

To Ponder“What must we do to perform the works of God?” (John 6:28). How can I “grow up in every way into him who is the head”? (Ephesians 4:15). What is my “job” as a Christian in today’s world?

SparkSet up one or two bread machines in the sanctuary ahead of time so that the scent of baking bread is present during the service. Add a sign or wall hanging that says, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Use the prayer at VU 587 as inspiration for the week.

With ChildrenBring in ingredients for making bread and discuss how each component has a job to do. We really only need flour, yeast, water, sugar, and salt to make bread. Flour provides structure and taste, yeast expands to give volume to the bread, water allows the yeast to multiply and carries flavouring throughout the bread, sugar helps the yeast rise, and salt brings out the flavour. We could also add fats to enhance flavour and eggs to help bind the bread. Every ingredient has a job to do in creating the finest loaf of bread possible. In the same way, we have jobs to do as God’s people. We are called to love. Discuss actions we can take that would demonstrate God’s love in the world and how each of our actions adds to the work of the whole people of God. You could also bake small loaves or rolls ahead of time and give one to each child as a reminder of God’s love. Remember to provide gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, allergen-free bread.

Sermon Starter“How then shall we live?” Each passage today considers a similar question. In David’s story, we see how not to live. In the psalm, we hear of apology and forgiveness. In Ephesians, we are encouraged to build up the body of Christ through love. And in John’s gospel, Jesus tells us to “work …for the food that endures for eternal life” (John 6:27). How shall we live in order to fulfill God’s potential for us? We have so many jobs in our lives—professional in our careers; personal as parents, children, spouses, and friends; and global as citizens of our communities, country, and the world. Most important of all, but often least considered, is what our job as Christians should be.



That all comes down to love, and once God’s love is evident in us, our responsibilities in the other realms of our lives become clearer as well.

Hymns2 Samuel 11:26—12:13aVU 364 “Forgive our sins as we forgive”MV 65 “When we are tested”

Psalm 51VU 105 “Dust and ashes touch our face”VU 665 “Pass me not, O gentle Saviour”

Ephesians 4:1–16VU 274 “Your hand, O God, has guided”VU 401 “Worship the Lord”VU 402 “We are one”MV 154 “Deep in our hearts” “How then shall I live” by Linnea Good

John 6:24–35VU 467 “One bread, one body”VU 594 “O Christian, love”VU 651 “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah”MV 194 “Bread of life, feed my soul”



August 12 – Twelfth after PentecostProper 14Worship materials for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost to the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost were contributed by Fran Ota, Trillium U.C., Caledon, Ont., and Nancy Arthur Best, Queenswood U.C., Orleans, Ont.

2 Samuel 18:5–9, 15, 31–33 David’s son Absalom dies.

Psalm 130 (VU pp. 852–853) Out of the depths I cry to God.

Ephesians 4:25—5:2 Do not let the sun go down on your anger.

John 6:35, 41–51 I am the bread of life.

To Ponder What emotions do you bring to the communion table? Hope, excitement, unworthiness, love? Picture yourself as part of the very long line of people who have come to the table for countless generations.

SparkSeveral weeks prior to this service, begin asking people to bring in types of bread that represent their heritage to share in today’s eucharist. These can be placed on the communion table.

With Children Ask about what kinds of bread we see. Hold the various breads up, one at a time. Let the children smell the bread, noses not too close, though. Be aware of any food allergies. Have the children or their parents or grandparents share why the bread represents their heritage, and, if their ancestors were not already here, where they came from and why they came to Canada. Fran Ota shares, “One Sunday when our congregation did this, we had Irish soda bread, German pretzels, Maritime brown bread, pita bread, and I made bannock from my own tradition.” Break off little pieces for the children to taste. Have allergen-friendly bread for those who need it in a container set apart from the rest. Talk about how Jesus said he is the bread of life, how we need food to sustain our spirits and not just bread for our bellies. According to the custom of your church, lay the breads on the communion table for tearing pieces for intinction or have someone sit beside the communion table and cut cubes for serving in the pews.

Sermon StarterWe all bring different emotions when we gather to worship. At times, people are carrying burdens we are unaware of. One of the elements of worship that unites us is when we share communion. We are one in the body of Christ. Just as our ancestors came from many places, so do we. We have different homes and different identities.



We might be grandparents, students, retired people, parents working from home, people dealing with illness, or lonely people. We might have joy in our hearts or some good news to share aloud. The bread and cup remind us that although we have diversity, we also share a common heritage of being Christians. Taking communion reminds us that we are together for table fellowship, one church family.

Hymns2 Samuel 18:5–9, 15, 31–33VU 494 “Those hearts that we have treasured”VU 496 “Grief of ending, wordless sorrow”

Psalm 130VU p. 852 “Up from the depths” (alternate tune: VU 625 KINGSFOLD)

Ephesians 4:25—5:2VU 376 “Spirit of the living God”VU 472 “O Jesus, joy of loving hearts”VU 658 “O Love that wilt not let me go”VU 684 “Make me a channel of your peace”

John 6:35, 41–51VU 461 “Bread of the world”VU 467 “One bread, one body”VU 471 “Eat this bread and never hunger”MV 192 “We come now to your table Lord”MV 194 “Bread of life, feed my soul”

General/SeasonalVU 198 “Come, O Spirit, dwell among us”MV 88 “Over my head”MV 173 “Put peace into each other’s hands”“Look to the Son” by Hillsong Worship



August 19 – Thirteenth after Pentecost Proper 151 Kings 2:10–12; 3:3–14 David’s death; Solomon’s prayer.

Psalm 111 (VU p. 833) The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

Ephesians 5:15–20 With thanksgiving, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

John 6:51–58 Whoever eats my bread has eternal life.

To PonderWhat does it mean for you to preach the resurrection and eternal life?

SparkOn the communion table, have two crosses displayed: the first one with Christ on the cross, signifying his suffering, agony, and crucifixion; the second one what we typically use in United Churches, the empty cross signifying that Christ has risen, that resurrection has occurred.

With Children Display or project pictures of what some people think heaven looks like, including Renaissance paintings, contemporary pictures, and Indigenous art depicting the aurora borealis. Discuss each picture in turn. Clarify that these are representing heaven from different people’s opinions. Share that some Indigenous people believe that the northern lights are our ancestors celebrating and dancing with joy, reminding us that we are all part of creation. Invite ideas about what heaven and eternal life will be like. We don’t know for sure, but because God loves us, we know it will be beyond amazing and full of love. You might share the YouTube video “The Legend of the Northern Lights—Alaska Legend.”

Sermon StarterIn this familiar reading from John, Jesus tells of being the living bread, which seems puzzling to some who are listening. They take his words literally, instead of metaphorically. He points out that he is the bread that came from heaven, not the bread that their ancestors ate. Those who eat of his bread will live forever. This lends itself to a sermon exploring what we and other faiths believe happens after death. The main focus is the common conviction that life continues in various forms after the body has ceased to live. None of us really know, but our Christian beliefs are rooted in a loving God who is with us “in life, in death, [and] in life beyond death” (A New Creed). What does it mean to preach the resurrection? What does eternal life, or heaven, mean to us? If you have Bible study, it would be helpful to ask these two questions to have a baseline of where people’s beliefs lie before preparing the sermon.

Hymns



1 Kings 2:10–12; 3:3–14 VU 493 “Today I live”VU 494 “Those hearts that we have treasured”VU 713 “I see a new heaven”MV 10 “Come and seek the ways of Wisdom”

Psalm 111VU 356 “Seek ye first the kingdom”VU 385 “Spirit divine, attend our prayers”VU 402 “We are one”

Ephesians 5:15–20 VU 236 “Now thank we all our God”VU 327 “All praise to thee”VU p. 835 “Praise to the Lord”MV 188 “I thank you, thank you, Jesus”

John 6:51–58VU 359 “He came singing love”VU 582 “There’s a spirit in the air”VU 642 “Be thou my vision”MV 113 “Jesus saw them fishing”MV 192 “We come now to your table Lord”MV 201 “I am the bread of life”

General/SeasonalVU 242 “Let all things now living”VU 274 “Your hand, O God, has guided”VU 278 “In the quiet curve of evening”



August 26 – Fourteenth after PentecostProper 161 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10–11), 22–30, 41–43 Solomon calls on God to keep God’s promise.

Psalm 84 (VU pp. 800–801) How lovely is your dwelling place, O God.

Ephesians 6:10–20 Put on the whole armour of God.

John 6:56–69 To whom do we go? You have the words of eternal life.

To PonderHow do you imagine God’s dwelling place?

SparkHere’s a chance to have fun. God’s dwelling place is beautiful, as we hear in Psalm 84. How do we make this home we worship in beautiful? Have a variety of items—plants, pictures, garlands, maybe a fountain—already set up and ready for decorating to make the surroundings beautiful. Ask people to bring things for making the surroundings as beautiful as possible.

With ChildrenAsk the children what they think God’s home should look like and why it should look like that. What does God’s home tell us about what God is like? Ask if God’s home is beautiful, even if the world around us is not so beautiful sometimes. What do they think is meant by “God’s dwelling place”? Have them decorate the sanctuary together with the things that have been brought in, creating a beautiful dwelling for God right here.

Sermon StarterHow many of us find solace in the outdoors, where we can experience and breathe in the natural world? What do we understand and mean by “eternal life”? God’s “dwelling place” is lovely, so we are told in Psalm 84. Is God’s dwelling place right here with us, in the surroundings and the people? Is God’s dwelling place external, or internal, or both? If God’s dwelling place is within us, how do we make that lovely for God? Perhaps God’s dwelling place, right here and now, is where eternal life is found. What words of eternal life is God speaking in this time and place?

Hymns1 Kings 8:22–30, 41–43VU 1 “O come, O come, Emmanuel” VU 288 “Great is thy faithfulness”MV 28 “God of the Bible”

Psalm 84



MV 154 “Deep in our hearts”

Ephesians 6:10–20VU 571 “Eternal Ruler of the ceaseless round”

John 6:56–69VU 220 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”VU 262 “A mighty fortress is our God”VU 337 “Blessed assurance”MV 1 “Let us build a house”

General/SeasonalVU 226 “For the beauty of the earth”MV 88 “Over my head”MV 94 “Love knocks and waits”MV 161 “I have called you by your name”



September 2 – Fifteenth after PentecostProper 17Song of Solomon 2:8–13 Arise, my love, and come away!

Psalm 45:1–2, 6–9 (VU p. 769) Praise for the anointed hero!

James 1:17–27 Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.

Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23 Not from outside but from within is a person defiled.

To PonderAre we quick to listen and slow to speak? Do we measure with care the words we express?

SparkAnger is just an emotion, but it can be expressed both destructively and constructively. We may react destructively instead of taking time to really listen. How many of us only listen partially, while we’re trying to think of a counter-argument and things we want to say? How often do we hear “I’m fine” from people, and never go further? Really active listening helps us pick up clues about the other person. You might dramatize some of these listening situations.

With ChildrenHave one child behave as if things are not going so well. Ask the others to really listen and ask questions. How was the week at school? What things were good? What might have been better? Do they have a good friend who really listens and hears them? God is always there to listen and to love us, no matter what. And we are there for each other as followers of Jesus.

Sermon StarterThe letter of James and the Gospel of Mark really go together well. James addresses anger and those who are too quick to express their thoughts instead of listening and thinking first. In the Mark passage, the Pharisees address, perhaps with some anger, the fact that the religious purity laws about eating are being broken by Jesus’ followers. These purity laws were very detailed and very specific. The Pharisees saw the strict following of these laws as a way to preserve their faith tradition, which was being challenged by Greek and Roman traditions. Jesus responds by calling them hypocrites and says that what is put into the body cannot make a person dirty or “unclean.” Instead, it is what comes out of the mouth that makes a person unclean. For Jesus, religious purity is about really living the way of a loving God. What “purity laws” might we be grasping tightly, in order to try and preserve our church?

Hymns Song of Solomon 2:8–13



MV 63 “Long before my journey’s start”

Psalm 45:1–2, 6–9 VU 213 “Rejoice, the Lord is King”MV 2 “Come all you people”

James 1:17–27 VU 509 “I, the Lord of sea and sky” VU 595 “We are pilgrims”

Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23VU 92 “In the darkness shines the splendour”VU 226 “For the beauty of the earth”VU 505 “As a chalice cast of gold”

General/SeasonalVU 508 “Just as I am”VU 520 “We plough the fields”VU 594 “O Christian, love” MV 135 “Called by earth and sky”MV 145 “Draw the circle wide”

gathering lectionary for pentecost 1, may 20-sept. 2, 2018 · web viewvu 151“lift high the...

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