October 6, 2024

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY

10:00am

 

CHIMING OF THE HOUR

 

WELCOME

 

OPENING PRAYER

Wondrous God of infinite love and boundless compassion

Mark our hearts with the seal of your handiwork

Create within us the joy of being in your presence.

Stitch into our souls the desire to serve,

the power to heal,

and the capacity to love deeply and genuinely.

Mold us into reservoirs of hope,

that we might pour out your bountiful blessings

upon all of your people.

 

May this time we partake of the body and blood of Jesus

unite us in the community of saints who know your love 

and proclaim your Son with fervor and grace

to a broken and hurting world.

 

May your healing hands be the salve 

for ending hurt and violence in this world, 

even as we prepare for the next.

In the holy Name of Jesus. Amen. 

 

PRELUDE & PROCESSIONAL                 “Processional”                    Warren Martin

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

O Lord, our God, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

We proclaim your name to the whole human family.

We praise you in the midst of this congregation:

O Lord, our God, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Let us continue to praise our majestic Creator.

 

*HYMN No. 641                   “When in Our Music God is Glorified”             vs.1-4
1 When in our music God is glorified,
and adoration leaves no room for pride,
it is as though the whole creation cried:
Alleluia!

2 How often, making music, we have found
a new dimension in the world of sound,
as worship moved us to a more profound
Alleluia!

3 So has the church, in liturgy and song,
in faith and love, through centuries of wrong,
borne witness to the truth in every tongue:
Alleluia!

4 And did not Jesus sing a psalm that night
when utmost evil strove against the light?
Then let us sing, for whom he won the fight:
Alleluia!

*CALL TO CONFESSION

When we reflect on the goodness and majesty of God, we cannot help but recognize our own mortal frailty and failing. And yet, God cares for us. Emboldened by God’s love, we can be honest in confession, assured already of God’s grace. Let us confess together:

 

*PRAYER FOR CONFESSION

Sovereign God, who are we humans, that you pay any attention to us? And yet, you have entrusted us to care for all of creation. We confess the times we have thought too highly of ourselves, and the ways we have twisted our charge to care for creation into permission to dominate and subdue it.

 

We confess the same human tendencies to dominate and subdue other people. It is easy for us to ignore or take for granted our own privilege, rather than seeking to dismantle unjust systems of supremacy. Your desire is for peace, but so often we choose comfort and call it peace.

 

Remind us of who we are, and whose we are. Remind us of our interdependence with creation, and our dependence on you, our Creator. Set our hearts and minds on your will, made known to us in Jesus Christ.

Amen.

 

*SILENT PRAYER FOR CONFESSION

 

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Hear the good news: the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all children of the one God. Jesus is not ashamed to call us his beloved siblings and family. Our sin is forgiven, we are made one with Christ and with each other. Thanks be to God!

 

*RESPONSE No. 641                       “When in Our Music God is Glorified”             v.5

5 Let every instrument be tuned for praise!
Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!
And may God give us faith to sing always:
Alleluia!

 

*PASSING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST

Welcome each other. Welcome the stranger. Welcome all who come. As Christ welcomed everyone, no matter what their background, no matter what their social status; as Christ welcomed enemies and friends, outcasts and leaders, foreigners and neighbors, let us open our hearts and homes and lives. Let us be Christ to everyone we meet.

 

Peace be with you.

And also with you.

 

ANTHEM                  “With a Voice of Singing”             Martin Shaw

 

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

 

UNISON PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

Please join me in the unison prayer…

God of wisdom, though we are mere mortals, you are mindful of us. You know the voices inside and out that distract us. You know the words we need to hear. By the power of your Holy Spirit, enable us now to receive your holy, life-giving Word. Amen.

 

SCRIPTURE              1 Corinthians 11:23-26

²³ For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, ²⁴ and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for^[f] you. Do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁵ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” ²⁶ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

 

Pause…

 

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God!!

 

ANTHEM                  “Anthem of Dedication”              Warren Martin

 

SERMON                  “why it is so centrally important?”

Syngman Rhee was born March 25, 1931, in Pyongyang, Korea (now North Korea). As the Korean War was breaking out in 1950, Rhee and a younger brother fled North Korea, leaving behind his mother and four sisters. His family was hoping they would return in two or three weeks. Rhee’s father had been a Christian minister and died in prison under the communists. Syngman Rhee never saw his mother again, but was reunited with his sisters, after decades of separation, in 1978.

As a refugee in South Korea, Rhee recalled:

Church World Service came with food, blankets, most of all hope in the hopeless situation for the people who were struggling. The ministry of compassion touched me very, very deeply. That’s one of the reasons why I was very active in National Council of Churches and Church World Service.

Syngman Rhee joined the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and in 1953 was sent to the States for special training at the U.S. Marine School in Quantico, Virginia. He said he struck close friendships with Christian Marine officers and continued to correspond with them after he went back to South Korea.

His friends from Quantico sponsored him as a student at Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia, where Rhee majored in English and religion.

While at Davis and Elkins College, he and several other international students were invited to the President’s house for dinner.  He met the President of the school and the President’s wife at the beginning of the evening.  All the guests enjoyed appetizers and drinks.  Then everyone was seated at a long table in the dining room.

During the meal the food was passed, and everyone served their plates with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, potato salad and rolls.  A delicious meal with wonderful company and conversation.  During the middle of the meal Syngman Rhee wanted another roll, but couldn’t remember the President’s wife’s name and he wanted to address her formally – to pass the rolls.  So, he waited for someone else to say her name.

He was listening for someone to ask her for something on the table, but no one did until, her husband – the President of Davis and Elkins College, said “Honey, would you please pass the green beans.”

Shortly after that Syngman Rhee who would attend Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, serve churches in the USA, worked with international mission agencies and was PCUSA moderator in 2000 -looked across the table and said “Honey, would you please pass the rolls.”  Meals can be nourishing, fulfilling and funny.  Meals can also have significance like the one we will celebrate shortly.

 

Before all of the theological language about this sacred meal, there was simply a story. A story told around dinner tables. A story told around campfires on chilly nights. A story told while walking up the road on a trip to a neighboring town. A story told each year when the Passover meal was celebrated. Perhaps a story told every time that the community sat down to share food and drink together.

This is a story that resists explanation. It is a ritual act that is first and foremost an experience, not a theory. Even centuries later, the founder of our Presbyterian stream of Christianity, John Calvin, who was never short on words or explanations, confessed that it was his experience of the meal that made him certain that God was doing something special in it.

Now if anyone asks me how, I will not be ashamed to admit that the mystery is too sublime for my intelligence to grasp or my words to declare: to speak more plainly, I experience rather than understand it. Here, then, without any arguing, I embrace the truth of God in which I may safely rest content. Christ proclaims that his flesh is the food, his blood the drink, of my soul. I offer him my soul to be fed with such food. In his sacred supper he bids me take, eat, and drink his body and blood under the symbols of bread and wine: I have no doubt that he truly extends them and that I receive them.

Calvin argued with Luther, who believed that Christ was somehow physically present in the communion elements, and he argued with Zwingli, who thought that the elements were only symbolic of some spiritual mystery. For Calvin, in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper we achieve some kind of mystical union with Christ. We become one with Christ.

But for what purpose? To achieve spiritual bliss, enlightenment, or nirvana? No, these are all too individualistic. The Lord’s Supper is by nature a communal event. It draws us out of ourselves and into community. This is not a single-serving meal on an airplane or a drive-through meal to be eaten alone in your car. It is a community gathering that reminds us of who we are and to whom we are responsible as followers of Christ.

It is common in our communion liturgies to pray that the bread and the cup may be for us the body and blood of Christ so that we may be the body of Christ in the world. It seems to me that this is the essence of this sacred and mysterious meal.

After all they had been through together, Jesus’ final meal with his friends wasn’t just a going-away party. It wasn’t a walk down memory lane. It wasn’t about blame and fear. It wasn’t about shame or self-doubt. It was preparation for something else. It was preparation for what was to come.

 

Way back when, at a place called Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples who they believed he was. When they correctly answered that he was the messiah, he began to teach them that his understanding of this, his way of living this out, was not what they had been taught to expect. In fact, he tells them that his messianic path will lead to his death. From that moment on, right up until the moment of the story we find ourselves in now, Jesus was preparing them for his death and departure. The kingdom of God was emerging all around them. But it was not bound by Jesus’ physical presence with them. He must go, and they must carry on in his absence.  We have been handed the tradition from previous generations.  We have heard the familiar story, and we should recognize it as centrally important to who we are as a community.  As Euguene Petersen paraphrases:

^23-26 Let me go over with you again exactly what goes on in the Lord’s Supper and why it is so centrally important. I received my instructions from the Master himself and passed them on to you.

We come to this table, like the many who came to Jesus’ table: the lost, the lonely, the outcasts, the sinners; those with respect and those with none; those with much and those with little; those with great faith and those with great doubt; those who understood and those who didn’t have a clue; those whom others loved and those whom others hated.

Jesus loved them all. Jesus welcomed them all. And Jesus changed them.

Jesus loves us all.  Jesus welcomes us all. And Jesus changes us all.

 

We have a beautiful story.  We have a simple story.  We have a story of central importance.  We have a meal to prepare us for service in the world as followers of Jesus!  Be the body of Christ for the world. Be the person God welcomes to this table. Be the person God calls you to be at this table. See others as God sees them. And love them as God’s children, for that is who they are. That is who you are, and that is centrally important to God!!

 

 

Commentary and Liturgy from the Book of Common Worship (PCUSA), “Call to Worship” Website, PCUSA Book of Confession, The New Interpreter’s Commentary, Teri McDowell Ott, David Lose, John Calvin, Brian Gerrish, Syngman Rhee, and John Vest

 

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH          The Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth;

 

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 

 

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.  Amen.

 

*HYMN No. 697                   “Take My Life”

300th Anniversary Hymn

1 Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise;
let them flow in ceaseless praise.

2 Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.

3 Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King;
take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.

4 Take my sliver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.

5 Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.

6 Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take myself and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.

 

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table

Today we celebrate World Communion Sunday, remembering our Christian brothers and sisters around the world who also celebrate this feast. We remember that this is our Lord’s Table, and all who seek Jesus are welcome.

 

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Matzah is unleavened bread reminds us of all who eat their bread in haste. It symbolizes for us all the refugees who, like the ancient Israel- ites, leave their homes and flee from danger. May it remind us, too, of the homeless in our own city and country.

 

We pray, O God, for your church among those with no place to call home. May we learn from their searching faith, and may we be a place of welcome for all who seek safety.

 

Frybread reminds us of Africa, the birthplace of humankind where Christianity continues to flourish. It also reminds us of a legacy of slavery, and of a people who endured.

 

We pray, O God, for your church in places where it flourishes,
and we confess the times and places when we have enslaved our brothers and sisters. May we learn from the vibrant faith of our African brothers and sisters, and may we build a more just and peace- able world.

 

Nom Chakie is a Cambodian bread that reminds us of Asia, where Christians are a minority among Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and others. It represents for us the ways our faith calls us beyond our culture and reminds us of our brothers and sisters who are persecuted for their beliefs.

 

We pray, O God, for your church in places where Christianity is dangerous, politically or socially. May we learn from the steadfast faith of our Asian brothers and sisters and walk with Jesus through every trial.

 

Tortillas remind us of Central and South America, where faith and culture have colored one another beautifully; but also, a place where Christians live with violence, drugs, and conflict as a daily reality.

 

We pray, O God, for your church in places beset by violence and still colored by hope. May we learn from the persistent faith of our Latino brothers and Latina sisters, and may we look upon them with compassion as our neighbors.

 

The baguette reminds us of Europe, with its vast cathedrals that are often empty. It represents those who keep the faith alive in lean times and reminds us that the church is not a building, but a community of people.

 

We pray, O God, for your church in places where its power is diminished, and its followers are few. May we learn from the age-old faith of our European brothers and sisters, and may we live our faith so that our faith might live.

 

Cornbread reminds us of Native Americans who first recognized God
in the rhythms of nature. It reminds us that the land we call home once belonged to others.

 

We pray, O God, for your church as it exists in every land. May we learn from the earthy faith of our Native American brothers and sisters, and may we care for the land and all those who call it home.

 

Come, Holy Spirit, dwell in these breads and in this cup that they might be for us the body and blood of Christ. Come, dwell in your people of every land and language that we might be united with one another to be the body of Christ in every corner of the world today. Amen.

 

ANTHEM                  “Draw Near”              Jonathan Willcocks

 

Words of Institution

Today, Christ-followers meet in public worship and secret gatherings to break bread together.

 

Today, in wealthy churches and hovels of poverty, wine is shared. In many different languages, by ordained clergy and volunteer pastors, these words of institution are given:

 

On the night he was betrayed, our Lord, Jesus, gathered for supper with twelve of his closest friends, his disciples. He took the unleavened bread of the Passover feast, and when he had given thanks to God for it, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “This is my body, broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

 

In the same way after supper Jesus took the cup and gave it to His disciples, saying, “This cup is the new covenant – a new relationship with God, marked by the forgiveness of your sins. Drink of it, all of you.”

 

And so today, every time we eat this bread and drink this cup, we re-member our Lord’s death, and we hope for the day when he shall come again. These are the gifts of God for all the people of God.

 

Communion of the People                      “O Great Mystery”                Morten Lauridsen

 

Prayer after Communion

You have met us at the table, Lord Jesus,
to unite us with you and with brothers and sisters around the world.
Go with us now into that world,
that we might be a living sign of welcome among refugees,
of freedom among the oppressed,
of hope amid persecution,
of peace amid violence,
of living faith amid a culture of skepticism,
and of loving kindness toward the earth and all her inhabitants.

We pray in the name of Jesus, even as we pray that prayer that he taught us: “Our Father …”.

 

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.  For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

OFFERING OF TITHES & OFFERINGS

On World Communion Sunday, we are especially mindful of our connection to the global church, and our call to work for peace and justice. Our financial gifts add to our offerings of time, energy, and love as we seek to be people of peace and reconciliation. We have received in abundance from God. From that abundance, let us give, joyfully and generously.

 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM                 “Vocalise”                   Rachmaninoff

 

*RESPONSE N0. 609                      “Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow”

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures high and low.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise God, in Jesus fully known:
Creator, Word, and Spirit one.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

 

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Holy God, we trust in the provision of your love and the abundance
of your grace. May the gifts we offer sow seeds of peace and justice. Enable us to use them according to your will, until each child finds welcome, and all of creation is healed and reconciled to you. Amen.

 

*HYMN No. 69                     “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky”

1 I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
my hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Refrain:
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

2 I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them.
Whom shall I send?

Refrain:
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

3 I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?

Refrain:
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

*BENEDICTION

Jesus said: Let the children come to me.

Beloved children of God,

we go from this place carrying the blessing we have received,

so that we may share it with all of God’s children.

Go and live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

And may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Amen.