This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, August 30th, 2009.
August 2009 Archives
THE EPISTLE LESSON Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
THE GOSPEL LESSON James 1:17-27
SERMON "Being Doers of the Word"
WORSHIP NOTES
In our worship this morning we focus on the importance of being "Doers of the Word". This phrase is taken from the epistle James, a general letter to the churches in the first century. James focuses on the importance of works in faithful discipleship. Martin Luther referred to James as that "strawey epistle" in part because of its emphasis on works of faith. Our service this morning explores the connections between faith and actions through liturgy, song and proclamation.
This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, August 23rd, 2009.
THE EPISTLE LESSON Ephesians 6:10-20
THE GOSPEL LESSON John 6:56-69
SERMON "Offensive Bread"
Worship Notes
This is our final Sunday to examine the metaphor of bread in the lectionary. Over the past few weeks we have explored bread as an example of God's presence in ordinary things: bread as a sign of community; bread as a symbol of our need to slow down and embrace the goodness of God's creation around us; and bread as a way of Sacramental living.
Today we examine the rejection Jesus experienced because he called himself :the bread of life". The Call to Worship is an adaptation of the Psalm for today highlighting our need for God's life giving presence. Our opening hymn emphasizes the joy we find in worship; the hymn after the sermon reminds us of the shelter we find in God; and our final hymn is a blessing we give to each other as we venture out into the world.
THE EPISTLE LESSON Ephesians 5:15-20
THE GOSPEL LESSON John 6:51-58
SERMON "Sacramental Living"
Worship Notes
We continue examining the meaning and symbolism of bread as a metaphor for Jesus in our worship this morning. Two weeks ago we explored how bread embodies the presence of God in ordinary things and, in last week's service, how bread symbolizes community and connection. This week we discover the importance of a sacramental awareness in our daily life.
Our Call to Worship invites us to come with rejoicing and thanksgiving so that we can meet and experience the mysteries of God. The hymn selections highlight this spirit of thankfulness that opens us to God in the world and the sustaining presence of Jesus in our lives. The Affirmation of Faith is taken from the Directory of Worship for the PCUSA. While this document is not confessional in nature, it does express some basic beliefs about the religious life Presbyterians hold in common.
We pray you see, hear, and feel the Spirit of God in our worship today.
This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, August 9th, 2009.
THE EPISTLE LESSON Ephesians 4:25-5:2
THE GOSPEL LESSON John 6:35, 41-51
SERMON "The Bread of Eternal Life"
Worship Notes
We continue our exploration of the meaning of bread as a metaphor for Jesus presence in our midst. The central text driving our worship this morning is an interaction between Jesus and critics where he again lifts up images of bread and life. Much of the liturgy includes images of bread but also descriptions of the nature of life in Jesus. The Call to Worship and Prayer of Confession are adaptations of the Ephesians reading this morning in which Paul charges the church to exhibit the new life found in Christ. We also continue to have bread available for any one new to our worship signifying welcome and sustenance.
The hymn selections this morning purposely highlight the nature of the eternal life we find in the bread come down from heaven." For the Beauty of the Earth expresses our praise for God but also the importance of material reality in our experience of the grace of God. Just as I Am, Without One Plea expresses the nature of grace and our response to this gift of new life. The final hymn Lord, Make Us Servants of Your Peace is taken from the famous prayer of Francis of Assisi. These words are a beautiful summation of the Christian life experienced in Jesus Christ: "Where there is hate, may we sow love; Where there is hurt may we forgive; Where there is strife, may we make one."
THE EPISTLE LESSON Ephesians 4:1-16
THE GOSPEL LESSON John 6:24-35
SERMON "Manna in the Wilderness"
Worship Notes
We continue our exploration of the metaphor of bread for our spiritual lives. You will notice throughout the liturgy references to bread from our Call to Worship to the sacrament of communion. Our music especially highlights bread including the anthem of "One Bread, One Body." The central text for our worship comes from the sixth chapter of John in which Jesus describes himself as "the Bread of Life" evoking images of the manna provided by God for the Hebrews in the wilderness. We have loaves of bread available in the narthex to any of our visitors to remind them of the sustenance found in Jesus Christ.
It is appropriate we share communion this morning as a symbolic action of our reliance upon Jesus to sustain us in our journeys. It is the practice of Westminster that we hold the bread until we can all partake together signifying our oneness in the body of Christ. We believe communion is not confined to those who are members but instead invite everyone who is in need of God's grace to partake of this manna from heaven.
