Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry

Transcription

1 Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Year C Second Sunday of Lent Scripture: Luke 13:31 35 NRSV Gathering Welcome Lent helps us center our attention on Jesus as we remember his life and ministry. Lent also provides a means to sharpen our focus on our own lives in relationship to Jesus. The Lenten season encourages us to turn away from whatever distracts or blocks our commitment to discipleship. May the season of Lent help us walk with Jesus, even though the path leads to the cross. Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace candle. God of peace, We pray this day for a transformation of the hearts, minds, and souls of those in position to lead their part of the world and instead cause untold anguish and injustice. We pledge ourselves to you so your world again can mirror the splendor of your purpose for us a land of peace and justice; a worldwide enterprise where goodness presides. As your people, we rejoice in your goodness as we pray: May it be so. Amen. Spiritual Practice Silent Personal Reflection Read the following to the group: Our journey in the wilderness often brings many paths and trails to choose from. Each path teaches us similar lessons. But each path has different ways to teach. Prayerfully consider the following psalm in silent reflection. We will allow two minutes for silent reflection following the reading. Consider this question: How are you waiting for God? Read Psalm 69:1 3 NRSV.

2 Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God. Spend two minutes in silent reflection. End the reflection time with a chime or bell. Sharing Around the Table Luke 13:31 35 NRSV At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you. He said to them, Go and tell that fox for me, Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Jesus is going from town to village, teaching along the way to Jerusalem. Jesus gives various descriptions of his coming death in the capital city. He talks about the importance of being alert and reading the signs of the times. Though he speaks of his own death, he continues to heal the sick and offer words of hope and encouragement. Jesus previously denounced the Pharisees, so it is surprising that here the Pharisees come to warn him of Herod s intent. Jesus assures the Pharisees and the crowds that he is safe outside the walls of Jerusalem. In the beautiful language of feminine images, Jesus describes his longings to protect. He yet has work to do, and Jesus will do as he must. Questions 1. Think of a time when someone you least expected or trusted came to your aid. How did you feel as their actions unfolded? How did the encounter impact your feelings about them? 2. In times of adversity, to whom do you look for help? How do you find it difficult to release control or share information? 3. How is God calling you to exercise courage, faith, and trust on your journey of discipleship?

3 Sending Generosity Statement Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint (Doctrine and Covenants 163:9). The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response. The offering prayer is adapted for Lent from A Disciple s Generous Response: Ever-present God, Forgive us when we are less than loving, less than hope-filled, less than you have created us to be. Your mercy and grace are always with us. May we find strength in your presence, and may we respond to your love with generous spirits. Amen. Invitation to Next Meeting Closing Hymn CCS 360, God of the Future Closing Prayer Optional Additions Depending on Group Sacrament of the Lord s Supper Thoughts for Children

4 Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace candle. God of peace, We pray this day for a transformation of the hearts, minds, and souls of those in position to lead their part of the world and instead cause untold anguish and injustice. We pledge ourselves to you so your world again can mirror the splendor of your purpose for us a land of peace and justice; a worldwide enterprise where goodness presides. As your people, we rejoice in your goodness as we pray: May it be so. Amen.

5 Spiritual Practice Silent Personal Reflection Read the following to the group: Our journey in the wilderness often brings many paths and trails to choose from. Each path teaches us similar lessons. But each path has different ways to teach. Prayerfully consider the following psalm in silent reflection. We will allow two minutes for silent reflection following the reading. Consider this question: How are you waiting for God? Read Psalm 69:1 3 NRSV. Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God. Spend two minutes in silent reflection. End the reflection time with a chime or bell.

6 Sharing Around the Table Luke 13:31 35 NRSV At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you. He said to them, Go and tell that fox for me, Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Jesus is going from town to village, teaching along the way to Jerusalem. Jesus gives various descriptions of his coming death in the capital city. He talks about the importance of being alert and reading the signs of the times. Though he speaks of his own death, he continues to heal the sick and offer words of hope and encouragement. Jesus previously denounced the Pharisees, so it is surprising that here the Pharisees come to warn him of Herod s intent. Jesus assures the Pharisees and the crowds that he is safe outside the walls of Jerusalem. In the beautiful language of feminine images, Jesus describes his longings to protect. He yet has work to do, and Jesus will do as he must. Questions 1. Think of a time when someone you least expected or trusted came to your aid. How did you feel as their actions unfolded? How did the encounter impact your feelings about them? 2. In times of adversity, to whom do you look for help? How do you find it difficult to release control or share information? 3. How is God calling you to exercise courage, faith, and trust on your journey of discipleship?

7 Generosity Statement Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint (Doctrine and Covenants 163:9). The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response. The offering prayer is adapted for Lent from A Disciple s Generous Response: Ever-present God, Forgive us when we are less than loving, less than hope-filled, less than you have created us to be. Your mercy and grace are always with us. May we find strength in your presence, and may we respond to your love with generous spirits. Amen.

8 Communion Statement We come together to share in the Lord s Supper as a visible witness of loving Christian fellowship and shared remembrance of Jesus Christ s death and resurrection (Doctrine and Covenants 164:4a). All committed followers of Christ are invited to partake, but no one should feel pressured to receive the emblems. During this Lenten Season let us share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community. In preparation let s sing from Community of Christ Sings 527, Bread of the World.

9 Thoughts for Children Materials: large poster board or paper, marker We are in the season of Lent. During Lent we remember that Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness while he prepared to be God s servant in the world. Forty days is a long time. We remember this by spending time in Lent thinking about how we can be peacemakers, offer kindness, and care for others. Let s see if we can think of 40 ways to build peace, mend relationships, show kindness, and care for others. Let s get everyone in the group to help us! Invite children and adults to brainstorm responses to the question. Record each one on the poster board (or paper). When you reach 40 ask everyone to applaud. Let s all commit to doing these things during Lent. This will help us remember that Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness to prepare to serve others. Hang the poster/paper on the wall. Thank the children for participating.