August 18, 2019
Worship Resources from
the Center for Faith and Giving
Proper 15
Hebrews 11:29 – 12:2
Luke 12:49-56
Call to Worship (from Psalm 80)
One: We come together, eager to cry out to the Shepherd of Israel.
Many: With one voice, we seek God’s care for this hurting world.
One: As we worship the One who makes us strong,
Many: may we never turn back from God!
One: For it is the Holy One who gives us life!
Many: May the Lord God restore us and bring us safely home.
Opening Prayer
Like a faithful farmer, God, you plant and care for your creation. You brought your people out of Egypt, and have never forsaken those you call “my beloved”. You sent Jesus to draw us to you, and he promised to not leave us comfortless. So, today, we give you thanks for giving us life and making us strong. Help us see and share your “doxa”, your glory, even when all around us we’re surrounded by division, debt and destruction. AMEN
Moment for Stewardship
Often in the church, we preach the power of positive words and unified action. Yet Jesus spoke bluntly to his followers; “Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No…but rather division!”
Across the centuries, division has been one regular response in society, in the legal system and often in the church. Once again, today we recognize how Jesus came to challenge the “go along, get along” nature of many.
Today, we come to make a claim with our financial resources for what is right. The present time might seem to push us toward “playing it safe”, but we’re launching into the stormy seas.
This is one opportunity for us to identify ourselves clearly with Jesus. Because of God’s love made visible in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we offer our gifts and put them to use for the sake of love.
Will you cast your lot with Jesus as the captain of our ship? If so, let your treasure go where your heart already stands.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Lord of heaven and earth, please receive these gifts as signs of our intention to cast our lot with you! Where there is division, help us take a clear stand on your side. Even when others may turn away and seek to hide from the tough challenges, help us hold fast to the confession we make once more: we are disciples of Christ. We are followers on the Way of love. Thanks be to God! AMEN
Invitation to Communion
We come to this table week by week, recognizing it isn’t up to us to decide who is welcome here.
From the beginning of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the invitation has been for all to come to this feast. This is not a table of judgment and division, but a table where each of us may connect with our Creator and with Christ.
Is it possible some might use the language of Jesus, describing themselves or others as “hypocrites”? Of course! For the word “hypocrite” comes from a Greek word meaning “stage actor or pretender.” A hypocrite is someone who pretends to be a certain way but acts and believes the opposite.
Today, know you are welcome at this table not because of who you are or what you’ve accomplished. Rather, you are welcome here because of who Jesus is, and what Jesus has done for you and for many – forgiving our brokenness and restoring us to abundant LIFE.
(If you have someone who could sing this as a solo, or introduce it to the congregation, sing Audrey Borschel’s “Come to the Table of the Lord”, from Chalice Praise #163)
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