September 22, 2024

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00am

 

 

WELCOME

 

OPENING PRAYER

It says in the Bible, O God,
that you created the world
through your Word.
Your Word is powerful!
And so are our words.
They can heal, create a smile,
be a declaration of love;
but they can also hurt
and destroy a sense of self-worth.
Give us your wisdom, God of the Word,
so that as a church and as individuals,
we use our words to build up
and not to destroy. Amen.

 

PRELUDE                  “Consider and Hear Me”              Carl Pflueger

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

Blessed are those who delight in the law of the Lord,
And meditate on God’s word day and night.
They are like trees planted by streams of water,
Which yield their fruit in its season.
Let us worship the Lord, our source of wisdom and strength.

 

*HYMN No. 664                   “Morning Has Broken”

1 Morning has broken
like the first morning;
blackbird has spoken
like the first bird.
Praise for the singing!
Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing
fresh from the Word!

2 Sweet the rain’s new fall
sunlit from heaven,
like the first dewfall
on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness
of the wet garden,
sprung in completeness
where God’s feet pass.

3 Mine is the sunlight!
Mine is the morning,
born of the one light
Eden saw play!
Praise with elation;
praise every morning,
God’s re-creation
of the new day!

 

*CALL TO CONFESSION

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In humility and faith let us confess our sin to God.

 

*PRAYER FOR CONFESSION

Merciful God, we confess that we have often acted out of selfish ambition and vain conceit. We have allowed envy and self-interest to guide our actions, rather than the wisdom that comes from above. Forgive us for the times we have caused conflicts and quarrels among ourselves and others. Help us to submit ourselves to you, resist the devil, and draw near to your grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

*SILENT PRAYER FOR CONFESSION

 

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Friends, believe the good news of the gospel: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

As far as the East is from the West, so far has God removed our transgressions from us. Walk in the newness of life!

 

*RESPONSE No. 1                “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!”    v.4

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

 

*PASSING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST

Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

And also with you.

 

ANTHEM                   “The Wonder of Creation”                       Mark Patterson

 

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

 

UNISON PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

Please join me in the unison prayer…

Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed, we may be renewed and transformed. Amen.

 

SCRIPTURE              Mark 9:30-37

³⁰ They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it, ³¹ for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” ³² But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.

 

³³ Then they came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” ³⁴ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. ³⁵ He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” ³⁶ Then he took a little child and put it among them, and taking it in his arms he said to them,³⁷ “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”

 

Pause…

 

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God!!

 

SERMON                   “Did Not Understand”

Who is Jesus? And what does Jesus really mean for our lives?

That seems like a crazy question to begin a sermon. We all know enough about Jesus – or remain curious about Jesus – to get ourselves dressed so we can gather in our sacred sanctuary in downtown Woodbury. Or, we maintain enough interest in Jesus to orient our day in such a way that we tune into the streaming video of worship today.

Jesus is an amazing person, a great teacher. Jesus is God in the flesh. Jesus is the Savior of the world. Jesus is the way we seek to live life – by following Jesus – the way and the truth – as the gospel of John puts it. Jesus is the best example and spirit-person that the world has ever known. Jesus is the one who knows us, understands our troubles, meets us on the dusty roads of life. Jesus is the One who loves us, cries with us, helps us get through every challenge, and promises that nothing can separate us from God. This is something of what we affirm.

But who is Jesus, really? And what does Jesus mean for our lives, especially when we feel like life can be so overwhelming. We got big challenges facing us –

–       COVID-19 will not go away – it’s so frustrating and exhausting;

–       racism and all its complexities present great challenges for our day – still! And racism keeps haunting our common life;

–       climate change and environmental issues seem so daunting;

–       we have culture wars, aggressive protests, polarization perplexing us;

–       and then, . . .we all have real heartaches and fears, uncertainties and losses that hold center-stage in our daily lives.

Who is Jesus? And what does Jesus really mean for our lives?

I received a picture this week from one of you – a picture of Jesus! The picture had Jesus sitting by a big tree, holding a child, surrounded by lots of people – different looking people of various colors and costumes. And there was this caption: “So there I was – the only white guy in Jerusalem.”

Obviously that cartoon is building on the increasing conversations about who is Jesus? He has too often been depicted as a white guy, with flowing blond or brown hair, blue eyes, and other European features, when we all know that Jesus did not look like many of us. He likely had much darker skin and more characteristic of his native Palestinian land and culture.

Who is Jesus? And what does Jesus really mean for us?

By the time we get to this story in Mark 9, the disciples of Jesus had been learning so much about who he was and what he meant for their lives. Jesus came on the scene and announced – in his teachings and life – the Kingdom of God was at hand. He was baptized by John in the Jordan River. He called disciples. Jesus healed a man with an unclean spirit, helped a paralyzed man walk. He took on religious authorities. He shared many parables. He fed 5000 people with a few loaves and fishes. He walked on water, gave sight to the blind. He even went up to the mountain and they had this mystical, transfiguration moment. Then, in this passage, and for the second time, Jesus tells his disciples that he must suffer at the hands of others, die a cruel death, and then be raised from the dead.

So often in Mark, Jesus speaks to the fears of people. We all have fears – fears about ourselves, fears about our loved ones, fears about problems getting so big that we become paralyzed and perplexed. And, over and over, Jesus seeks to speak to the fear, urging faith and fortitude, courage and commitments. Life is full of challenges and uncertainty, but God is always present and certain.

In today’s passage, that fear emerges again: “the Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” And the next verse says, “But they did not understand what he was saying and were . . . AFRAID . . . to ask him.”

They did not understand what Jesus was saying, and were afraid, because their strong ideas about a Messiah had to do with conquering and prevailing with power. A Messiah for Peter and his pals was someone who delivered the long-suffering people of God with a commanding victory, vanquishing all the enemies and coming out on top.

But that is not what they heard from Jesus – he was talking about suffering and dying, a new way God was choosing to redeem the world. Jesus points to a descending way of greatness – not conquering and prevailing with power – but changing the world through sacrifice and service.

Then he came to Capernaum. Capernaum is in the region of Galilee. Jesus spent lots of time here. They all go into a house and Jesus brings up again this question of “greatness.” He knows the disciples. He knows us. He knows what we too often worry about and think about. How do we become great? How do we create more influence? How do we make sure we are liked, have more people paying attention to us, have a richer and more meaningful sense of self?

So, Jesus asks, “What were you arguing about on the way? But they were silent, for on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.”

Remember the initial questions – who is Jesus? And what does Jesus mean for our lives? This is at the heart of what is always going on.

Imagine that Jesus listens to all our conversations. Imagine that Jesus knows the real hopes and longings of our hearts. I take great comfort in knowing that Jesus knows me, knows my heart, knows us, knows what we are worried about and working on.

Then it says, Jesus sat down, called the disciples together, and said, “whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.”

Descending into greatness. Greatness – for Jesus – and for us – is never about power and prevailing, never about dominating and doting over another, never about asserting ourselves or our way. Greatness is about serving, sacrificing, caring, and sharing. He took a child and said, “whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes me, . . . and also the One who sent me.”

Let’s be clear – the child in this little story – is not to show how Jesus loved little children, though he did. It is not a message about glorifying children. It is absolutely a message about sacrificing and serving, caring and sharing. It is an illustration of his previous point – whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.

We all assume greatness is something we ascend to. Greatness is something we achieve by climbing, proving, winning, gaining. Jesus shows another way – in his very life and in his teaching.

The descending way brings real greatness – sacrificing, serving, giving, sharing, losing life to find it.

 

So, we are great, not when we have power and influence, but when we descend toward loving service. We are great, not when we have money, degrees, status, or professional success, but when we sacrifice and support the promised reign of Jesus with justice and joy. We are a great church, not because we have lots of members or strong finances, or a beautiful building, but because all of our energy is directed toward the spread of God’s love and hope in the city and world.

So, this little passage is all about “Who is Jesus?” and “what does Jesus mean for our lives?”

It’s as if Jesus says: You have heard it said, “Conquer and be great!” — but I say to you, God will redeem the whole world not with a mighty army but through a suffering servant. You have heard it said, “Be dominant, and get what’s yours!” — but I say to you, live your life in gentleness and love, not as a master but as a “servant of all” (Mark 9:35). You have heard it said, “Consort with the powerful, and gain power!” — but I say to you, welcome the powerless, the outsider, the ones whose supposedly low status offers you no promise of conventional gain in return. Take this child, (a symbol of the lowly) . . .  “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and . . . . welcomes . . . the one who sent me” (Mark 9:37).

We are often taught that life is about ascending a ladder toward worldly success. Jesus counters that – life is about a graceful descent filled with compassion toward the outcast, the forgotten. That is the way to greatness.

If you are looking for some more inspiration and enrichment in this message, I urge you to revisit the streaming series: “Ted Lasso.” This is a story about an American football coach, Ted Lasso, a common guy from the Midwest, who was hired in a crazy move by a London Premier Soccer team, to coach soccer. Lasso’s way to coach soccer, in the Premier League, which he knows very little about, is all about “descending into greatness.” Rarely do we see gospel values dominating a TV series. You will find it in “Ted Lasso.” Life and greatness are not about power, but personal care and connections. Life is often not mostly about prowess, but understanding people. The way to greatness is always through confession, compassion, and character, instead of arrogance, aggression, and greed. These themes are so present in this show – “Ted Lasso” – which is full of seriousness and humor, complex characters, and . . . descending into greatness.

That is what made Jesus so great – the greatest person ever. That is our way toward greatness – loving and serving with commitment and care.

I love the way the wonderful theologian and spiritual writer Howard Thurman put it: Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.  (HOWARD THURMAN)

 

Liturgy and Commentary provided by The PC(USA) Book of Common Worship, the Presbyterian Outlook, Alex Evans, Gusti Newquist, and Bobby Hulme-Lippert.

 

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

from the Barmen Declaration

As Jesus Christ is God’s assurance of the forgiveness of all our sins, so in the same way and with the same seriousness is he also God’s mighty claim upon our whole life. Through him befalls us joyful deliverance from the godless fetters of this world for a free, grateful service to God’s Creatures.

 

We reject the false doctrine, as though there were areas of our life in which we would not belong to Jesus Christ, but to other lords – areas in which we would not need justification or sanctification through him.

 

*HYMN No. 800                  “Sometimes a Light Surprises”

1 Sometime a light surprises
the child of God who sings;
it is the Lord who rises
with healing in his wings;
when comforts are declining,
he grants the soul again
a season of clear shining
to cheer it after rain.

2 In holy contemplation
we sweetly then pursue
the theme of God’s salvation
and find it ever new;
set free from present sorrow,
we cheerfully can say,
“Let the unknown tomorrow
bring with it what it may.”

3 It can bring with it nothing
but he will bear us through;
who gives the lilies clothing
will clothe his people, too;
beneath the spreading heavens
no creature but is fed;
and he who feeds the ravens
will give his children bread.

4 Though vine nor fig tree neither
their longed-for fruit should bear,
though all the fields should wither,
nor flocks nor herds be there,
yet God the same abiding,
his praise shall tune my voice;
for while in him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

Gracious God, as autumn unfolds around us, we are reminded of your steadfast love that endures through all seasons. Like trees planted by streams of water, may we be rooted in your wisdom and bear good fruit in due season.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for our nation as we approach elections. Grant our leaders and candidates the humility to serve rather than to be served. May they seek the wisdom that comes from above — pure, peace-loving and full of mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift up to you the conflicts and crises in our world. [Specific world events can be mentioned here]. Bring your peace to areas of strife, com- fort to those who suffer, and justice to the oppressed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for your church, that we may embody the servant leadership of Christ. Help us to welcome the children and the vulnerable, to care for the least among us, and to resist selfish ambition.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We remember those in our community who are struggling — the sick, the lonely, the unemployed. May our hands be your hands, reaching out in love and support.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

As we enter this season of harvest, we thank you for your abundant blessings. Like the woman of noble character, may we use our resources wisely and generously for the good of others.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Guide us, O Lord, in the coming weeks and months. May we resist envy and selfish ambition, draw near to you, and pursue the righteousness that comes from heavenly wisdom.

 

We offer these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying: “Our Father…”.

 

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

 

MINUTE FOR MISSION                JOHNSONBURG                 _____________________

 

OFFERING OF TITHES & OFFERINGS

In gratitude to God for all our blessings, let us bless others with a portion of all we have been given. Let us present our offerings to God.

 

OFFERTORY

 

*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 THANKSGIVING

Gracious God, we offer these gifts to you as an expression of our gratitude and love. May they be used to nurture wisdom, foster peace, and serve those in need. As we dedicate these offerings, help us to embody the spirit of humility and service that Christ has witnessed among us. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

 

*HYMN No. 634                   “To God Be The Glory”

1 To God be the glory;
great things he has done!
So loved he the world
that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life
an atonement for sin,
and opened the life-gate
that all may go in.

Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord;
let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord;
let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father
through Jesus the Son,
and give him the glory:
great things he has done!

2 Great things he has taught us;
great things he has done,
and great our rejoicing
through Jesus the Son;
but purer and higher
and greater will be
our wonder, our transport,
when Jesus we see.

 

Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord;
let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord;
let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father
through Jesus the Son,
and give him the glory:
great things he has done!

*BENEDICTION

Go forth into the world in peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast to what is good.
Render to no one evil for evil.
Strengthen the fainthearted,

support the weak,

help the afflicted.

Honor all people.

Love and serve the Lord,

rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit nourish you,

animate you and lead you — this day and forever more.