Planning. 8th Sunday after Pentecost 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Proper 10 (15) July Things to keep in mind this week.

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1 Planning SAT 21 FRI 20 THUR 19 WED 18 TUES 17 MON 16 SUN 15 8th Sunday after Pentecost 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Proper 10 (15) Things to keep in mind this week Planning ahead July 2018 Sunday, July 15 Saturday, July S M T W T F S June 2018 S M T W T F S August 2018 S M T W T F S Revised Common Lectionary (Year B) 2 Samuel 6:1 5, 12b 19 Psalm 24 Ephesians 1:3 14 Mark 6:14 29 Seasons of the Spirit is based on semicontinuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Liturgical colour: green If you have Internet access, visit to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. Ecumenical Prayer Calendar Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama As listed in In God s Hands: Common Prayer for the World, ed. By Hugh McCullum and Terry MacArthur (Geneva: World Council of Churches, 2006). Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost

2 Pentecost Focus scripture Ephesians 1:3 14 Additional scriptures 2 Samuel 6:1 5, 12b 19 Psalm 24 Mark 6:14 29 Biblical Background July 15, 2018 God of blessing, help us hear again, as if for the first time, that we are holy, blameless, blessed. May we be the blessing you hope we will be, witnesses to your joy and love. Amen. Seasons of the Spirit is based on the semi-continuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Who Does God Say We Are? Who are we? Many voices compete in answer to that question. When we still all else and hear God speak, we are blessed; what joy may then overflow! Focus scripture: Ephesians 1:3 14 We will focus on the letter to the Ephesians in coming weeks, a letter whose author is said to be Paul but may not have been Paul after all. The lectionary omits verses 1 2, but these are important words in a first-century letter. As with any letter, it matters from whom the letter is sent; there is an authority to claim and establish so that its message will be effectively communicated and appropriately received. Many will know of or remember the practice of reading messages and telegrams at wedding receptions from guests not able to be there in person. A collective sigh of recognition and understanding emanates from the crowd when the message is read, and the sender is named. A message is better understood in its relational context. We do not know by whom the letter to the Ephesians was composed, so what do we make of that as we receive the letter today? For the original audience, the relationship between Paul and the church was chosen as the context and authority of the letter. We know Paul did have such a relationship. For us, knowing the letter is not from Paul himself but from a co-worker(s) tells us about the collaborative style of the ministry of Paul. The relationship between Paul and the churches is perhaps better understood as a relationship between communities rather than individuals. Paul stands in the authentic and pseudo-pauline letters. Greetings often come from others alongside those of Paul. Paul talks of his co-workers in many ways. Who is the letter from? It is from, as so many of the New Testament letters, the Pauline community of gospel workers. In this instance, likely not including the man whose name is invoked. This week, we consider who God thinks we are, and we find that we are blessed, holy, and blameless. In Mark 6:14 29, the people are asking who Jesus is, linking him to John the baptizer. In a flashback scene, we recall John s challenge to Herod and his wife. Who do you think you are? he asks, and it seems Herod s wife at least, not liking what she sees, seeks to remove the one holding up the mirror. The psalmist, in Psalm 24, offers an affirmation of who God is, the owner and overseer of all creation. Who are we? We, along with all that lives, are God s. The story from Samuel 6: b 19 picks up the anticipated identity change the people of Israel requested; they wanted to be a people with a king. David is understood to be blessed by God, and in his joyful receipt of that blessing, David dances (as the story continues). As we listen to Ephesians, and its affirmation that we are all who accept the invitation to be God s people, blessed with every blessing, will our response be to shrink in the revelation of who we are, or will it be as David s and the psalmist s, a dance and a song of joyful abandon? 110 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

3 Reflection and Focus July 15, 2018 Reflecting on the Word Adapt and use for youth and adult studies, sermon seeds, lay worship teams. Pentecost How does the revelation that all are part of one family in God help us engage the community, with Earth, with all creation in new ways? What do lives look like when lived for the praise of God s glory? Connecting with life The ocean refuses no river, no river. The open heart refuses no part of me, no part of you. I am one with all that is, one with all; All that is is one with me, one with all. (Sufi chant) Where, this week, have you experienced unity amid difference or diversity? Where have you refused or resisted what life offers? Scripture Ephesians 1:3 14 The tyranny of distance and time has erased the memories of the relationships in the context of which the letter to the Ephesians was forged. The language and theology of redemption, and destiny have caused confusion, judgment, and feelings of exclusion from the grace of God. We not only must consider who we are, but who the writer(s) of this letter is or are; consider our relationship with those from whom we receive this letter, and how that shapes our hearing of it. Consider using alternative or contemporary translations or paraphrases such as The Message to open to fresh understandings of this passage. How does God see us, according to the writer of this letter? How does God see us in relationship with each other and all creation? 2 Samuel 6:1 5, 12b 19 The joyful pictures depicted in this reading encourage these questions: How are we to dance with all our might in response to God s blessing? What inhibits the Spirit in the worship and work of the church? How might we encourage each other to seek the face of God? Psalm 24 When singing Who is the king of glory? (verse 10) in Young Messiah, a version of Handel s Messiah, a young soloist exudes joy and allows emotion to pierce through in a raw and worshipful expression that is not necessarily experienced in more traditional performances. How do we sing the tradition, in order to keep it alive? Polished and seeking musical perfection or raw still musically excellent, but perhaps a little pitchy because of the emotion that refuses to be reined in? Connecting scripture and life This week s readings speak of brokenness and unity of all creation. Focus for Worship, Learning, and Serving Do we think deeply about who we are, or who God says we are? It can be confronting, for all the messages about what we need to do to improve reinforce a message that we are not worthy, are broken, in need of fixing. In worship this week, invite the people into a safe space in which to meet God and be met, to truly hear that they are indeed holy and blameless in the eyes of God. Consider also ways to challenge the community as a whole to remember this identity in God as blessed, and in what ways you might, together, be a blessing in the world. There are some elements of worship that call for a considerable length of silence: if you are to invite people into the presence of God and ask them to see themselves as God does, they will need space and time. The option for the reading with sung response is such a chance to Where do you see brokenness in your community? In what ways might your church be the open heart that can contribute to the building together for the good of all? take time to hear; the poem for the gospel passage is another. Worship leaders who have spent time with the elements of the service before the moment will know each element well, and be equipped with the confidence and presence to guide the people through this contemplative worship experience. That doesn t mean it should be sombre. In the Bible story, there is great joy in hearing the letter s message that we are loved and joyfully welcomed into the presence of God. Don t be afraid to feel that joy! Music and poetry feature in this worship outline, but visual art may also enhance the experience. The poster Like Wind, Like Fire might evoke Ephesians 1:13, marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit, and might be a helpful image for use with the prayers for others. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost

4 Who Does God Say We Are? Music Suggestions Worship Outline July 15, 2018 Prepare NOTE: All of these suggestions are mere starting points; adapt, delete, and add according to your local needs. Have a few people offer each person a paper flame a symbol of being marked with the promised Holy Spirit, of being blessed. Offer a simple phrase to each person such as, You are blessed with every blessing, or, You are marked by the Spirit. The blessing could also be printed on or attached to the gift. Call to worship God has blessed us with every blessing: blessings from the holy realm, blessings from this sacred Earth. God has blessed us with every blessing. Christ has blessed us with every blessing: blessings of the Holy Presence, blessings of human essence, Christ has blessed us with every blessing. God has blessed us with every blessing: blessings to give us love and hope, blessings to share as peace and joy. God has blessed with every blessing; let us reply with our worship. Gather Recruit volunteers needed for worship: a few to distribute flames as people arrive, and offer a simple blessing. Choose an option for hearing Ephesians 1:3 14. For the Bible story, arrange for a storyteller to present Hearing for the First Time Who We Are (p. 116). For younger children, you might choose to have a storyteller present Dear Friends (on the children s activity leaflet at the end of this week s materials). For the reading with a sung response, be sure the musicians have the music, and perhaps rehearse a readthrough beforehand to help musicians and reader be comfortable with the setting. Bring items for setting the worship space: paper flames as a gift to people as they gather (pattern in the Virtual Resource Booklet in the Library at www. seasonsonline.ca); poster Like Wind, Like Fire displayed in the space, and/or printed in the bulletin, and/or projected (in the Images to Project and Print folder on the Pentecost 1 CD, and in the web version of SeasonsFUSION). For the prayer of confession and assurance, be prepared to offer a lengthy silence. It may be helpful to your congregation to introduce this before you pray, so that they may enter the silence with confidence. Bring song such as Children of the Spirit (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7, #4 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording are also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Children of the Spirit Monica O Brien, Gina Ogilvie; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 God Grant that We May Be Transformed Traditional Zimbabwe; Seasons Songbook vol. 7 Invocation Pastor de Lassala, James Jacka Coyle; Seasons Songbook vol. 7 I ve Got a Voice David MacGregor; Seasons Songbook vol. 7 Bless the Lord My Soul J. Berthier; Taizé A chart that shows the licence holder(s) for each song in each of the 9 Seasons of the Spirit Music Volumes can be found at Click on Library; Seasons Music Information. Please contact a licence holder for permission to duplicate. 112 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Set stations as described on p Opening prayer At time s beginning and well beyond, was Holy One, Holy Three. The depth of Wisdom and dance of Spirit, Spark of Life and Well of Love; Holy One, Holy Three, calling all that lives to be. And in reply our praises ring, we turn to fall in awe and sing, Holy One, Holy Three: ever to you, all glory be! Amen. Prayer of confession God sees us as holy and blameless, looking through the eyes of grace. To live with that truth, we must look at the things we would rather hide. In the silence, look now at the hurt you have caused and that you have felt, and forgive.

5 Worship Outline July 15, 2018 Look at the greed, the hate, the jealousy, the laziness, neglect, the lies. Be honest with God, and with yourself. If possible, leave a good two minutes silence. Words of affirmation One: Friends, God sees us as holy and blameless, for God looks through the eyes of grace. To live that truth, we take time to hear forgiven, to receive redemption, to accept beloved. Opening the word A poem in response to Mark 6: This may be read after the reading, perhaps with a time of silence, and then a second reading of the poem. Seen The prophet came and stirred my spirit, but I refused to listen. I refused to hear the message, to turn my spirit around. The prophet spoke truths that wounded, and she did not like the sting. I could not withstand her slings and arrows, preferred an easy, breezy court. The drops of prophet s life crashed clarion whips and my tears refused to listen to any reason else that night, and every other since. Sarah Agnew Moving into the focus scripture When someone says, I d rather stay in for a quiet night with you than go to that party, how does it make you feel? In the opening to the letter to the Ephesians, God is heard by the author to say to the people, I want to stay with you. After proclaiming the word, you might invite those who have not already done so to move to and around the stations, taking ten minutes or so with a chosen practice. Sing or listen to the song Children of the Spirit as people gather together again (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7, #4 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Engage Respond In the silence hear now that you are forgiven, you are redeemed from all that binds you, and you are loved. Leave the same length of silence as before we often brush over the assurance of grace, but may, in fact, need more time to hear it. Looking through the eyes of grace, All: God sees us as holy and blameless. Amen. Ephesians 1:3 14 Choose from the following for hearing the focus story. Bible story Have a storyteller present the story Hearing for the First Time Who We Are. For younger children, you might choose to have a storyteller present Dear Friends (on the children s activity leaflet at the end of this week s materials). Reading with sung response After each section of the reading, have people respond singing, To You, O God (refrain) by Marty Haugen (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7. Printed music also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, ca). Reader: Ephesians 1:3 4 Reader: Ephesians 1:5-8a Reader: Ephesians 1:8b 12 Reader: Ephesians 1:13 14 After the focus scripture Invite children, young people, and all who wish to move to the stations. Others will remain seated for proclaiming the word. Prayers of the people One: Marked by the seal of the promised Holy Spirit, we pray with the Spirit for ourselves and the world. With the afraid and uncertain, One: With the imprisoned, justly and unjustly, Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost

6 One: With political leaders, so often ruled and ruling by fear, One: With the searching, lost, and confused, One: With those who suffer abuse of power, One: With the vengeful, the hurtful, One: With children, pawns in adults intrigues, One: With the dying and the grieving, One: With the Spirit, ever present, ever praying on our behalf, Worship Outline July 15, 2018 One: We join our hearts in prayer for the world, and for ourselves. All: We join our hearts in prayer. Amen. Prayer of dedication or offering prayer We are God s own people, made holy because God is holy. These gifts we offer as God s people. Bless them, God, and send them as a blessing to share love, hope, peace, and joy. Amen. Affirmation of faith We believe in God who made all things, and blessed all things as a blessing, and we choose to be a blessing. We believe in God who writes a path of full and healthy living, and we choose to follow. We believe in God who breathes an inheritance of love to save us all from death, and we will breathe that love into the world, God s own people, in honour of God, Maker, Christ, and Spirit. Amen. God s own people, go now from this gathering place into the world, know that you are blessed with every blessing, share your blessing with all you meet, in love and honour of God, Maker, Redeemer, Sustainer, with you in joy and grace. Amen. Bless 114 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017