Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry

Transcription

1 Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Year B Focus: Ordinary Time Scripture: Mark 6:14 29 NRSV Gathering Welcome Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace candle. Read each stanza of CCS 302, Beauty for Brokenness. End the hymn-reading with Amen. Spiritual Practice Jesus Prayer The traditional form of the Jesus Prayer comes from the petition of the beggar on the road to Jericho, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. However, a shorter phrase that focuses on the name of Jesus and the desire for God s mercy can be used as a meditative prayer. Today we will use Lord Jesus, have mercy on me. Sit in a comfortable position. Let your breathing become relaxed and easy. Let the words Lord Jesus, have mercy on me form in your mind. Gradually fit the words of the prayer to the natural rhythm of your breath. For example, internally say the words Lord Jesus Christ as you inhale and have mercy on me as you exhale. Remember, the prayer is not intended for rational analysis of content and words. Allow your mind to simply rest in the words as you breathe. We will silently pray the Jesus Prayer together for three to five minutes. Draw the prayer time to a close by saying amen. Engage in a brief time of sharing about the experience of the Jesus Prayer. Sharing Around the Table Mark 6:14 29 NRSV Herod heard of it, for Jesus name had become known. Some were saying, John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him. But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, It is a prophet, like one of the

2 prophets of old. But when Herod heard of it, he said, John, whom I beheaded, has been raised. For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, It is not lawful for you to have your brother s wife. And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it. And he solemnly swore to her, Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom. She went out and said to her mother, What should I ask for? She replied, The head of John the baptizer. Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter. The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. King Herod was hearing reports of Jesus teachings and actions. With the reports came various explanations of his identity. But Herod believed he was John the Baptist, raised from the dead. Mark then tells the story of the death of John the Baptist. Herod Antipas visited his brother, Philip, on a trip to Rome. During his stay, he began an affair with Philip s wife, Herodias. Antipas then divorced his wife and married Herodias, who became a powerful influence at Herod s court. Mark offers this story as commentary on the morals of Herod and his court. Taking his brother s wife was immoral. It was improper for a woman to dance for strangers. It was shameful for a man to lust after a woman in public. Mark portrays Herod as an immoral father who makes a public pledge he then must honor to save face. John the Baptist s death parallels Jesus trial before Pilate. Both Herod and Pilate were weak rulers, threatened by the popularity of the man before them. Neither was personally convinced execution was proper. Both gave in to public demand. Mark uses the story to say something about the nature of life as a disciple. Just before this story, Jesus sent his apostles to preach and heal. After telling the story, he relates the return of those followers and their success. The fate of John the Baptist placed between the sending and the returning offers a warning. It says that following Jesus in ways that speak truth to power or challenge the status quo can carry a significant cost. Questions 1. What questions come to mind when you consider who Jesus was, is, and might be? 2. When have you acted to please public demand instead of your personal convictions? When have you braved public censure to act with integrity?

3 3. How does political and religious power suppress the gospel today? How is the gospel subverting the systems of power and control? Sending Generosity Statement Sharing for the common good is the spirit of Zion (Doctrine and Covenants 165:2f). We receive God s grace and generosity. The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response. This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple s Generous Response: Covenant God, As we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us to save wisely. In this way may we better prepare for the future and create a better tomorrow for our families, friends, the mission of Christ, and the world. Amen. (If Thoughts for Children is used, have children share their drawings.) Invitation to Next Meeting Closing Hymn CCS 222, Gentle God, When We Are Driven 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. Read each stanza of CCS 302, Beauty for Brokenness. End the hymn-reading with Amen.

5 Spiritual Practice Jesus Prayer The traditional form of the Jesus Prayer comes from the petition of the beggar on the road to Jericho, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. However, a shorter phrase that focuses on the name of Jesus and the desire for God s mercy can be used as a meditative prayer. Today we will use Lord Jesus, have mercy on me. Sit in a comfortable position. Let your breathing become relaxed and easy. Let the words Lord Jesus, have mercy on me form in your mind. Gradually fit the words of the prayer to the natural rhythm of your breath. For example, internally say the words Lord Jesus Christ as you inhale and have mercy on me as you exhale. Remember, the prayer is not intended for rational analysis of content and words. Allow your mind to simply rest in the words as you breathe. We will silently pray the Jesus Prayer together for three to five minutes. Draw the prayer time to a close by saying amen. Engage in a brief time of sharing about the experience of the Jesus Prayer.

6 Sharing Around the Table Mark 6:14 29 NRSV Herod heard of it, for Jesus name had become known. Some were saying, John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him. But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old. But when Herod heard of it, he said, John, whom I beheaded, has been raised. For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, It is not lawful for you to have your brother s wife. And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it. And he solemnly swore to her, Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom. She went out and said to her mother, What should I ask for? She replied, The head of John the baptizer. Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter. The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. King Herod was hearing reports of Jesus teachings and actions. With the reports came various explanations of his identity. But Herod believed he was John the Baptist, raised from the dead. Mark then tells the story of the death of John the Baptist. Herod Antipas visited his brother, Philip, on a trip to Rome. During his stay, he began an affair with Philip s wife, Herodias. Antipas then divorced his wife and married Herodias, who became a powerful influence at Herod s court. Mark offers this story as commentary on the morals of Herod and his court. Taking his brother s wife was immoral. It was improper for a woman to dance for strangers. It was shameful for a man to lust after a woman in public. Mark portrays Herod as an immoral father who makes a public pledge he then must honor to save face. John the Baptist s death parallels Jesus trial before Pilate. Both Herod and Pilate were weak rulers, threatened by the popularity of the man before them. Neither was personally convinced execution was proper. Both gave in to public demand. Mark uses the story to say something about the nature of life as a disciple. Just before this story, Jesus sent his apostles to preach and heal. After telling the story, he relates the return of those followers and their success. The fate of John the Baptist placed between the sending and the returning offers a warning. It says that following Jesus in ways that speak truth to power or challenge the status quo can carry a significant cost.

7 Questions 1. What questions come to mind when you consider who Jesus was, is, and might be? 2. When have you acted to please public demand instead of your personal convictions? When have you braved public censure to act with integrity? 3. How does political and religious power suppress the gospel today? How is the gospel subverting the systems of power and control?

8 Generosity Statement Sharing for the common good is the spirit of Zion (Doctrine and Covenants 165:2f). We receive God s grace and generosity. The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response. This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple s Generous Response: Covenant God, As we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us to save wisely. In this way may we better prepare for the future and create a better tomorrow for our families, friends, the mission of Christ, and the world. Amen. (If Thoughts for Children is used, have children share their drawings.)

9 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. We share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community. In preparation let s sing from Community of Christ Sings (select one): 515, In these Moments We Remember 516, Coming Together for Wine and for Bread 521, Let Us Break Bread Together 525, Small Is the Table 528, Eat This Bread

10 Thoughts for Children Materials: poster board or large paper, markers, paper, and crayons Sometimes people became confused when they heard about Jesus. They would try to guess who he was. Is he John? Is he Elijah? Is he a prophet? Let s make a list of all the names we can use for who Jesus is. List the answers on poster board or a large piece of paper. Help children frame their answers. Affirm everyone who shares. On your paper you can draw a picture of who Jesus is to you and at the end of our time together you can share your drawings. Give each child a piece of paper and crayons.