For Sunday September 28, 2014
Year A, Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost :: Green ::
Exodus 17:1-7 :: Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 :: Philippians 2:1-13 :: Matthew 21:23-32
Call to Worship (Responsive)
Adapted from Psalm 78
L: Give ear, O God’s people to the teachings of the LORD;
Incline your ears to the words you will hear.
P: Things we have heard and known, which our ancestors have told us, We will not hide from our children, but will tell to the coming generation.
L: Tell the glorious deeds and might of the LORD;
P: We will celebrate the wonders which the LORD has done.
Invocation:
Almighty God, ruler of the vineyard of our lives. We come this day seeking to know your will and to do your will. Guide our words and thoughts during this time together, so that we will not only say the words you want to hear, but do the things you would have us do. Make each of us aware of your presence and your spirit, and guide our hearts, souls, and minds during this time of worship. Let your name be praised, and your mighty works be done. Now and forever in the name of Christ our Lord.
Stewardship Moment: (US Congregations)
Philippians 2:3 and 4 says: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” (NRSV) Today is the beginning of our Disciples emphasis on Reconciliation: A time when we look to the inequalities of our past, and seek to heal our superiority complexes in the now and into the future. Too often those from privileged backgrounds forget that even if they personally have never abused or disrespected another; the society of privilege is built on the backs of those who might have. It is time for healing to commence. Today let us bring not only our tithes for this church and its ministries, but also an offering. An offering built out of each one’s humility and desire to look to the interests of others. Let us receive the tithes and offerings which sow seeds of hope.
Stewardship Moment: (Canadian Congregations)
Philippians 2:3 and 4 says: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” (NRSV) Thank you for the difference you have made in others lives through your giving. You are making a difference feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, helping the powerless, and bringing clean water to communities around the world through our support of Disciples Mission Fund. We will now receive the tithes and offerings which make ministries like these possible.
Offertory Prayer:
God of all people. We come this day to bring our tithes and offerings before you. We give them with the prayer that these gifts will truly bless others. We bring them not looking out for our own interests, but for others. Multiply and use these gifts that all your children may know the confidence and peace which comes through your abiding love. Amen.
Communion Meditation:
Exodus chapter 17 tells the story of the Israelites at Rephidim, when Moses struck the rock with his staff to provide water. Moses called the place Massah and Maribah; the place of test and quarrel, loosely translated. We come to this table to receive a drink from the Lord. Yet here, there is no doubt. No testing of God or divine love for us. We know with absolute certainty that this is a table of forgiveness and reconciliation. Here we come knowing God has provided. Come, taste and see that the Lord is good.
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