Third Sunday after Pentecost

COLOR: Green
SCRIPTURE READINGS: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62

THEME IDEAS

The readings from 2 Kings, Luke, and Galatians look at times of transition, turmoil, and transformation. As the time nears for Elijah to ascend to heaven within the whirlwind, Elisha discovers his unique gifts of spiritual leadership. By pledging to follow Elijah as disciple, helper, and son, he gains experience, guidance, and his teacher’s blessing. Likewise, Luke speaks of the time before Christ ascends to heaven, when his disciples also learn what it will take to follow him wherever he goes. The Galatians passage adds Paul’s advice to believers—to act in accord with the Holy Spirit. He urges them to become living fruit of the Spirit, using their unique gifts for the kingdom of God.

INVITATION AND GATHERING

Call to Worship (2 Kings 2, Galatians 5, Luke 9)

Throughout the ages, disciples have said,
“I will follow you wherever you go.”
Lord, give us the freedom to follow you
in the ways of love.
We come from busy homes, filled with little time
to consider Christ in our lives.
Lord, give us the strength to follow you
in the ways of peace.
In times of struggle, we look to God for help.
Lord, give us the opportunity to follow you
in the ways of kindness.
Today, we celebrate the Holy Spirit,
who shows us the joy of following God.
Lord, give us the patience to follow you
in the ways of faith. Amen.

Opening Prayer (2 Kings 2, Galatians 5)

Holy One,
we come before you today:
full of hope,
full of desire,
full of promise.
Help us take up the mantle of faith
you have laid before us,
that we may use our own gifts of the Spirit
to face the challenges before us.
Help us face the turmoil
within and around us,
that we may face the future unafraid.
Show us your way, your truth,
and your life. Amen.

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE

Prayer of Confession (Galatians 5)

Gracious Lord,
you have blessed us with freedom—
freedom to follow or to turn away;
freedom to love or to hate;
freedom to heal or to hurt.
You ask only that we follow your ways,
loving our neighbors as ourselves.
In the midst of our turbulent lives,
help us find teachers
to show us the gifts you set within us.
And help us claim these gifts today.

Words of Assurance (Galatians 5)

Harvest the fruit of the Spirit, freely given by God,
and share it freely with others.
Know that you are loved and forgiven.
Trust that you are treasured, now and always. Amen.

Passing the Peace of Christ (2 Kings 2, Luke 9)

Disciples have said to their teachers, “I will follow you wherever you go.” May the peace of Christ follow you wherever you go: at home, at work, and in the world. Let us turn to one another and offer signs of this peace in our lives.

Response to the Word (2 Kings 2, Galatians 5)

We have each been fashioned for a unique purpose; each been given unique gifts; each been blessed with varying abilities. During times of turmoil and transition, we can choose to become stagnant, or we can choose to be transformed by God’s love. When we choose transformation, we choose to fully share in the vision of a community led by the Spirit—a community of love, gentleness, selfcontrol,
joy, patience, peace, faithfulness, kindness, and generosity. When we follow Christ, we take up his mantle, moving forward together. May we all say, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION

Offering Prayer (Galatians 5)

Receive our humble offerings, O Lord,
for your work in the world.
Bless those who give,
those who send,
and those who will receive these gifts.
May our offering sow seeds of hope
and bear the fruit of love
wherever they are sown.

Invitation to Communion or Communion Prayer

As the prophets of old knew, so may we also know. When we live by the Spirit, we will inherit the kingdom of God. The Spirit of love and forgiveness grows on the tree of life. This Spirit is available to all who seek it. Eat of this fruit, for it is the body of Christ, given for you.

SENDING FORTH

Benediction (Galatians 5, Luke 9)

May the transforming love of God
work in your lives, today and always.
Go forth into the world with peace, love, and joy.
Follow Christ wherever he leads you.
Fulfill the promise found in the fruit of the Spirit. Amen.

CONTEMPORARY OPTIONS

Contemporary Gathering Words (2 Kings 2, Luke 9)

We gather today as a community led by the Spirit.
Your way, O God, is holy.
Pick up the mantle of faith and follow Christ today.
Your way, O God, is holy.
Listen, pray, and believe.
Your way, O God, is holy.

Praise Sentences (Galatians 5, Luke 9)

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness,
and self-control.
Christ has set us free!
Follow Christ and know God’s love!