At-Home Worship for March 15, 2020
We have suspended worship services due to the COVID-19 outbreak, so we offer this at-home worship service for you to use. If you're with others, you can alternate the narrative parts (in regular font) and the unison parts (in bold-type).
James Tissot, "The Tribute Money (Le denier de César)"
ENTERING THE STORY
CROSSING THE THRESHOLD
We continue on our journey through Lent as we step inside the story of a teacher who turned the world upside down. We put ourselves in the picture of Holy Week so that we might take a closer look and let the ancient story open us to deeper conviction for the call to follow the Teacher, Jesus.
CROSSING THE THRESHOLD
We continue on our journey through Lent as we step inside the story of a teacher who turned the world upside down. We put ourselves in the picture of Holy Week so that we might take a closer look and let the ancient story open us to deeper conviction for the call to follow the Teacher, Jesus.
That last week, Jesus doesn’t “lay low.” He puts himself out there, susceptible to those who want to trap him, twist his words, get him to say something damning. He cannot turn from his vocation—he is not only a master teacher, but also a prophet and voice of the Divine. It is his ability to draw the people to his teachings that poses a threat, a challenge, to the authorities. We place ourselves in the crowd this week, to be moved and motivated by Jesus for our lives—to get a faithful perspective. What would we have seen, heard and felt? What do we do now?
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
We come here to encounter the teachings of Jesus. Many wanted to destroy him for these teachings, and sometimes we too find that his words challenge us, calling us to more than we think we can be or do. Forgive us, O God. Let us be shaped into a new people, made in the mold of justice, not the stamp of Caesar’s coin. You entered our story through Jesus, now help us to enter fully into the story of your kin-dom on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
OPENING HYMN Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates #213 (UMH)
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
We come here to encounter the teachings of Jesus. Many wanted to destroy him for these teachings, and sometimes we too find that his words challenge us, calling us to more than we think we can be or do. Forgive us, O God. Let us be shaped into a new people, made in the mold of justice, not the stamp of Caesar’s coin. You entered our story through Jesus, now help us to enter fully into the story of your kin-dom on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
OPENING HYMN Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates #213 (UMH)
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates;
Behold, the King of glory waits!
The King of kings is drawing near;
The Savior of the world is here.
Fling wide the portals of your heart;
Make it a temple, set apart
From earthly use for heaven's employ,
Adorned with prayer and love and joy.
So come, my Sov'reign; enter in!
Let new and nobler life begin;
Thy Holy Spirit guide us on,
Until the glorious crown be won.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON AND ENTERING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
Know this: There are people whose lives
have been changed completely
by Jesus’ story of love and passion.
Transformation is possible.
You are forgiven and freed,
encouraged and loved
by a God who wants you to live fully.
Let us enter the passion of Christ,
and pass the peace of Christ with each other.
GETTING PERSPECTIVE
THE GOSPEL STORY
Matthew 22:15-22
Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
THE SECOND READING
The bystanders who were within earshot of the exchange between Jesus and his interlocutors would have been familiar enough with scripture to know the definition of “the things that are God’s”. They might well have called to mind Psalm 24, which asserts God’s ownership of everything that exists, and warns against the sort of deceitfulness demonstrated by the Pharisees and Herodians who sought to trap Jesus.
Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
They will receive blessing from the Lord,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory.
Behold, the King of glory waits!
The King of kings is drawing near;
The Savior of the world is here.
Fling wide the portals of your heart;
Make it a temple, set apart
From earthly use for heaven's employ,
Adorned with prayer and love and joy.
So come, my Sov'reign; enter in!
Let new and nobler life begin;
Thy Holy Spirit guide us on,
Until the glorious crown be won.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON AND ENTERING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
Know this: There are people whose lives
have been changed completely
by Jesus’ story of love and passion.
Transformation is possible.
You are forgiven and freed,
encouraged and loved
by a God who wants you to live fully.
Let us enter the passion of Christ,
and pass the peace of Christ with each other.
GETTING PERSPECTIVE
THE GOSPEL STORY
Matthew 22:15-22
Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
THE SECOND READING
The bystanders who were within earshot of the exchange between Jesus and his interlocutors would have been familiar enough with scripture to know the definition of “the things that are God’s”. They might well have called to mind Psalm 24, which asserts God’s ownership of everything that exists, and warns against the sort of deceitfulness demonstrated by the Pharisees and Herodians who sought to trap Jesus.
Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
They will receive blessing from the Lord,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory.
DWELLING IN THE STORY (a monologue)
Jesus kept showing up at the Temple that week, even after the skirmish in the temple market. You’d think he would back off, lay low, stay out of the way. His name was on the watch list for sure. Had been for some time. I hear that even when he was born he was perceived as a threat. That’s what I hear. Before my time here, though.
My allegiance is to King Herod and I’ve been sent here to help keep him informed about any potential trouble. The Passover crowd makes me so nervous. The place is packed. A number of us were sent out to mix with the crowds – to be inconspicuous, but keep an eye on things. Some of us were instructed to see if we could get this Jesus to say something that would prove he means harm to the state, that he will encourage people to disobey the Roman laws, or that he will create a rebellion that will get ugly.
So we were told to get this guy to say something we can charge him with. They teamed us up with some Pharisees – religious leaders that oversee the rules for their own people. These particular Pharisees are no more than spies, I would say. They want him shut down as much as Herod does. But they lay it on thick, I tell you. Cozying up, telling him that he’s such an amazing teacher. I decided to stay out of the way. It actually makes my stomach turn, all this deceitful stuff. I’m sure this guy will go off the rails soon enough and end up in prison or worse. I just hope it is over quick.
What?
[He puts his hand up to his eyes as if to see better]
What did he just say? Well this is something. He’s got the Pharisees reaching into their pockets to get a denarius.
[He pauses as if listening to Jesus’ answer].
Ha! Well, I’ll be! This guy is good! Nothing wrong with that answer! They won’t be able to get him today. Actually, I’d have to say I’m curious. There’s something about him. I wouldn’t mind hearing more. Perhaps I’ll volunteer to keep tabs on him. Although what I really want to do is just be around him and hear what else he has to say. There’s something about him….
MESSAGE:
"Whose Image Do You See?"
Correction: Martin Luther wrote his pastoral letter in 1527, not 1957. (Pastor needed more coffee!)
ZOOMING IN
We remember today the teachings of Jesus and we give thanks to God for the power of his words and actions that have transformed so many lives. We remember today those who teach and preach in the pursuit of right living and right relationship.
And now let us call to our “mind’s eye”—perhaps with eyes closed if you are comfortable doing that—those people in our lives that need our advocacy, presence and prayers. Let us especially remember in prayer those who have been infected with the novel coronavirus, for those on the front lines of battling COVID-19, and for those who are experiencing anxiety in these uncertain times.
Receive this gift of time to be in prayer. Don’t rush. Receive silence as well as words. Then join in the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples:
Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
ENTERING THE WORLD’S STORY
CLOSING HYMN: “Cry of My Heart”, #2165 FWS
And now let us call to our “mind’s eye”—perhaps with eyes closed if you are comfortable doing that—those people in our lives that need our advocacy, presence and prayers. Let us especially remember in prayer those who have been infected with the novel coronavirus, for those on the front lines of battling COVID-19, and for those who are experiencing anxiety in these uncertain times.
Receive this gift of time to be in prayer. Don’t rush. Receive silence as well as words. Then join in the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples:
Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
ENTERING THE WORLD’S STORY
CLOSING HYMN: “Cry of My Heart”, #2165 FWS
Teach me Your holy ways O lord
And make me wholly devoted to You
Make me wholly devoted to You
It is the cry of my heart to follow you
It is the cry of my heart to be close to you
It is the cry of my heart to follow all of the days of my life
It is the cry of my heart to follow you
It is the cry of my heart to be close to you
It is the cry of my heart to follow all of the days of my life
Teach me Your holy ways O lord
So I can walk in Your truth
Teach me Your holy ways O lord
And make me wholly devoted to You
It is the cry of my heart to follow you
It is the cry of my heart to be close to you
It is the cry of my heart to follow all of the days of my life
Open my eyes so I can see
The wonderful things that you do
Open my heart up more and more
And make me wholly devoted to you
It is the cry of my heart to follow you
It is the cry of my heart to be close to you
It is the cry of my heart to follow all of the days of my life
It is the cry of my heart to follow you
It is the cry of my heart to be close to you
It is the cry of my heart to follow all of the days of my life
All of the days of my life
All of the days of my life
BENEDICTION:
This season we are putting a frame around a bit of life
we section off a scene,
we look long into a face,
to see what we can see,
to know what we can know.
Just as we have done with the art and story today,
zoom in your focus on the art and story of life all through the week.
The Divine Artist offers us such poignant beauty each day
in our own stories,
in the stories around us,
in the heartbreak and pain and joy and awe
of a simple moment turned significant.
That’s what happens when we put a frame around it.
We zoom in
for an existential close-up
and search for clues
for living this life with more
attention and intention.
May you be blessed by the sacred frames
that surround the moments of your life
that you dare not miss.
Amen.
Liturgy and Design © 2019 worshipdesignstudio.com, adapted by permission.
"Enter the Passion" ©2019 Marcia McFee and Chuck Bell, used by permission.
"The Tribute Money" by James Tissot courtesy of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
And make me wholly devoted to You
Make me wholly devoted to You
It is the cry of my heart to follow you
It is the cry of my heart to be close to you
It is the cry of my heart to follow all of the days of my life
It is the cry of my heart to follow you
It is the cry of my heart to be close to you
It is the cry of my heart to follow all of the days of my life
Teach me Your holy ways O lord
So I can walk in Your truth
Teach me Your holy ways O lord
And make me wholly devoted to You
It is the cry of my heart to follow you
It is the cry of my heart to be close to you
It is the cry of my heart to follow all of the days of my life
Open my eyes so I can see
The wonderful things that you do
Open my heart up more and more
And make me wholly devoted to you
It is the cry of my heart to follow you
It is the cry of my heart to be close to you
It is the cry of my heart to follow all of the days of my life
It is the cry of my heart to follow you
It is the cry of my heart to be close to you
It is the cry of my heart to follow all of the days of my life
All of the days of my life
All of the days of my life
BENEDICTION:
This season we are putting a frame around a bit of life
we section off a scene,
we look long into a face,
to see what we can see,
to know what we can know.
Just as we have done with the art and story today,
zoom in your focus on the art and story of life all through the week.
The Divine Artist offers us such poignant beauty each day
in our own stories,
in the stories around us,
in the heartbreak and pain and joy and awe
of a simple moment turned significant.
That’s what happens when we put a frame around it.
We zoom in
for an existential close-up
and search for clues
for living this life with more
attention and intention.
May you be blessed by the sacred frames
that surround the moments of your life
that you dare not miss.
Amen.
Liturgy and Design © 2019 worshipdesignstudio.com, adapted by permission.
"Enter the Passion" ©2019 Marcia McFee and Chuck Bell, used by permission.
"The Tribute Money" by James Tissot courtesy of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library.