16th Sunday after Pentecost

COLOR: Green
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15; Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16; 1 Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31

THEME IDEAS

These passages present the benefit of a life connected to God and the consequences of living disconnected from God. Psalm 91 speaks poetically of the protection offered under God’s wings for those who trust in God. First Timothy instructs us that our top priorities should include righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. One of our “disconnects” centers around money. The rich man in Luke is condemned because he did not use his money to help his neighbor. Jeremiah metaphorically portrays God’s desire that humanity turn from its disconnectedness. The prophet is instructed to purchase the land as a symbol of God’s “right of redemption” and as a promise of hope for those who have chosen paths that have led them from God.

INVITATION AND GATHERING

Call to Worship (Psalm 91)

Those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
They will say of the Lord, “God is my refuge
and fortress, the one in whom we trust.”
Those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the refuge of God’s wings.
They will not fear the terror of the night
nor the arrow that flies by day.
“Those who love me, I will deliver,” says the Lord.
O Lord, we call to you now.
Show us your salvation.

Opening Prayer (Jeremiah 32, Psalm 91)

God our Redeemer,
you promise deliverance to those who love you.
Draw unto us as we draw unto you in worship.
Open our eyes to see, our ears to hear,
our minds to comprehend,
and our spirits to encounter
the revelation you have for us this day.
Transform us with the truth of your love and grace,
in the name of the one who loved us
and gave his life for us. Amen.

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE

Prayer of Confession (Luke 16, 1 Timothy 6)

Gracious and generous God,
you lavishly bestow the gift of your love.
Forgive us, we pray—
when we don’t see or recognize your gifts
for what they are;
when we think we have somehow earned
or are entitled to your generosity;
when we take what you give
and beg you for more;
when we hoard our gifts
and do not hear the mournful cry
of those around us;
when our desire for more
plunges us into ruin and destruction.
Teach us the ways of godliness,
and grant us a spirit of contentment,
that we may be grateful for your provision
and share the gifts you give with others.
As we are blessed by you,
so may we be a blessing to others,
in the name of your matchless gift,
our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Words of Assurance (1 Timothy 6)

People of God, do not set your hopes
on the uncertainty of riches,
but rather on the richness of God,
who provides us everything for our enjoyment.
Be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Passing the Peace of Christ (1 Timothy 6)

As we are commanded to share, let us turn to our fellow pilgrims on the journey and offer one another the peace of Christ.

Response to the Word (Luke 16)

God of Abraham, of Moses and the prophets,
we pray that your word will not fall on deaf ears,
on closed minds, on hardened hearts.
May the truth that is spoken today
transform our minds and our hearts,
unveiling the richness of your love,
the depth of your grace,
and the goodness of your mercy. Amen.

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION

Invitation to the Offering (1 Timothy 6)

Scripture reminds us that we brought nothing into the world and take nothing out of it. If we have food and clothing, we are to be content with these. We are told in scripture to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share. For when we do good deeds, are rich in good works, and are generous and sharing, we store up the treasure of a good foundation for the future.
We take hold of life that really is life. Life that really is life. What does that look like to you? Perhaps your offering today will help bring this life to someone else. What greater gift can we give?

Offering Prayer (Psalm 91)

God, our refuge and fortress,
our deliverer and protector,
we thank you for hearing our call
and for rescuing us.
We thank you for the gift of our salvation.
Bless now these gifts that we offer back to you—
the gifts of our resources,
the gifts of our hearts.
Use these gifts so that others may come to know
the life that really is life. Amen.

SENDING FORTH

Benediction (1 Timothy 6)

People of God, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,
love, endurance, and gentleness.
Fight the good fight.
Take hold of eternal life.
To God, who dwells in unapproachable light,
and to Jesus Christ, the blessed Sovereign,
the King of kings and Lord of lords,
and to the Spirit, be all honor and glory,
now and forever.
Amen.

CONTEMPORARY OPTIONS

Contemporary Gathering Words (Psalm 91)

(Response may be spoken or sung.)
I will live in the shelter of the Most High
and abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will call upon the Lord.
The Lord is my refuge and fortress,
my God in whom I trust.
God is worthy to be praised.
The Lord will save me from the snare of the fowler,
from the terror of the night and the arrow that flies by day.
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
The Lord lives!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted.

Praise Sentences (Psalm 91)

God delivers and protects us.
Praise be to God!
God saves us in times of trouble.
Thanks be to God!
God satisfies us with the gift of our salvation.
Glory be to God!

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From The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press.