VERSION: 8 May 2002
SUNDAY BETWEEN 25 SEP AND 1 OCT (PROPER 21), YEAR B
In 2003: 16th Sunday after Pentecost, 28 Sep
In 2006: 17th Sunday after Pentecost, 1 Oct
In 2009: 17th Sunday after Pentecost, 27 Sep
In 2012: 18th Sunday after Pentecost, 30 Sep
In 2015: 18th Sunday after Pentecost, 27 Sep
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Note: For explanations and suggestions on the various resources provided, see the documents 'General notes and resources' and 'Time after Pentecost' in the 'General and seasonal' folder.
LITURGY
SENTENCE
See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder for suggestions on using a Sentence.
Are any among you suffering?
They should pray.
Are any cheerful?
They should sing songs of praise. (Jas 5:13 NRSV)
OR, use one of the general Sentences in the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.
INVITATION TO CONFESSION OF SINS
The following invitation may be used before the confession of sins.
Friends in Christ:
St James says:
'Anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.
Therefore confess your sins to one another,
and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.'
Continue with confession of sins as in the order.
PRAYER OF THE DAY (COLLECT)
Traditional
O God, since without you
we are not able to please you:
Mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit
may in all things
direct and rule our hearts;
through your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
OR, modernised traditional
Lord,
without you we are not able to please you.
Direct our hearts
by the working of your mercy.
We ask this through your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
OR, alternative
(Let us pray to be faithful stewards of our possessions. [silence])
Loving Father,
you have so generously given us
all that we are
and all that we call our own.
Help us to serve you
by managing our possessions wisely,
so that they may not be a curse in our lives,
but an instrument for blessing.
We ask this through your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
OR, new
(Let us pray for a strong and sincere faith. [silence])
Holy God,
take away any obstacles
that cause us to stumble or fall
in our faith,
and keep us from causing others to stumble.
We ask this through your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
FIRST READING AND PSALM
Note: There are two sets of first readings (with accompanying Psalms) given for the Sundays after Pentecost: (a) a new semi-continuous set, and (b) a set related thematically to the gospels (as in the earlier form of the lectionary). It is intended that either one of these two sets be used throughout and that they not be mixed.
1a
Esther 7:1-6,9,10; 9:20-22 The Jews celebrate victory over their enemies
(Begin: 'The king and Haman . . . '; if using TEV, resume at verse 9 with: 'Then one of the king's eunuchs, who was named Harbonah . . . ')
Psalm 124
Antiphon:
We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers.
(Ps 124:7a NRSV)
OR, 1b
Numbers 11:4-6,10-16,24-29 Moses chooses 70 leaders
(If using NRSV, begin: 'The rabble among the people of Israel had...'; if using NIV, begin: 'The rabble with the people of Israel began...')
Psalm 19:7-14
Antiphon:
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
(Ps 19:8a NIV)
SECOND READING
James 5:13-20 Prayer offered in faith
ALLELUIA VERSE (Mark 9:41 NRSV)
Alleluia, alleluia.
(Jesus said:) 'Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink
because you bear the name of Christ
will by no means lose the reward.'
Alleluia.
GOSPEL
Mark 9:38-50 Acting in Jesus' name; temptations to sin
(If using NRSV or TEV, begin: 'John said to Jesus . . . ')
PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL
This is the gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Thank you, Lord Jesus,
for giving people power to do good in your name.
Help us not to cause any believers to stumble.
Amen.
OFFERING PRAYER
Thank you, loving God,
for uniting us with Christ
and with one another.
Lead us to help and pray for each other,
and to live our lives in praise to you
and in service to all in need.
Amen.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Call to prayer
The Lord says through James, 'Pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.' So let us pray for the church, the world, and those in need, knowing that God will answer our prayers according to his love and promise in Christ.
Response
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Suggested intercessions
*
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for the church and its leaders (president, district presidents, department heads)
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*
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for pastors and their service to the church
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*
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for the witness of the church in all facets of mission
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*
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for all healers (doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, specialists, etc)
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*
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for all places of healing (hospitals, nursing homes, surgeries, etc)
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*
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for all who have incurable diseases or life-threatening injuries
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*
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for all children who don't understand why they are so often in hospital
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*
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for the sick and injured of the congregation
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Concluding prayer
Merciful God, you are the great healer and you provide all that we need for healing, and have given your own Son. Hear our prayer, and help all Christians to work together in your name to bring healing to their neighbours. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
PREFACE
It is indeed right and good,
Lord God, holy Father,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks to you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(On this day)*
he overcame death by his resurrection
and opened up for us
the way to eternal life with you.
And so, with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we adore and praise your glorious name:
* The words 'on this day' are used only on Sundays.
COMMUNION INVITATION
For a choice of communion invitations, see the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Communion invitation', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
See the service order for a standard post-communion prayer. Alternatively, use the fourth prayer of the day (as listed above) at this point. It may be modified as follows.
Holy God,
we thank you for strengthening our faith
in this sacrament.
Take away any obstacles
that cause us to stumble or fall
in our faith,
and keep us from causing others to stumble.
We ask this through your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace, because you bear the name of Christ.
Thanks be to God. OR In the name of Christ. Amen.
HYMNS AND SONGS
FOR THE READINGS
Please note: * = Modernised version available
G3, G4 . . . = Guitar chords available in the Music Package 3, 4 . . .
GS = Guitar chords in the Supplement to LH
First reading (a): Esther 7:1-6, 9,10; 9:20-22
LHS
405
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In God, my faithful God* G4
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407
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If thou but suffer God to guide thee* G6
|
AT
150
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Sing a new song unto the Lord
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219
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When I feel miserable
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253
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He turned my mourning into dancing
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384
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If we will trust in God to guide us
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TIS
554
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If we will trust in God to guide us
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560
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All my hope on God is founded
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First reading (b): Numbers 11:4-6,10-16,24-29
LHS
134
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Come, O come, Thou quickening Spirit* G3
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227
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O Spirit of the living God G5
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244
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Lord, pour your Spirit from on high* G5
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245
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Lord of the Church, we humbly pray* G6
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AT
218
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Spirit, spirit of gentleness
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249
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As a dream receive your history
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251
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God sends us his Spirit
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TIS
402
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Come, gracious Spirit, heavenly dove
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405
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O Spirit of the living God
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451
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Pour out your Spirit from on high
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574
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Captain of Israel's host, and guide
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Second reading: James 5:13-20
LHS
237
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Almighty God, whose only Son G5
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422
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Great Shepherd of Thy people, hear* G6
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439
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I will sing my Maker's praises G5
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506
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Jesus, where'er Thy people meet G5
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780
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We go to God when we are sorely placed GS
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815
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O Christ the healer, we have come G6 (alt tune 223, G6)
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AT
235
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In your hand, my Saviour
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272
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Help, O Lord, the thrown away
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278
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Lord, hear our prayer
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385
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If there ever was a time
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TIS
240
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All go to God when they are sorely placed
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444
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Dear Shepherd of your people, hear
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445
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Jesus, where'er your people meet
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472
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Father of mercy, God of consolation
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638
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O Christ the healer, we have come
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737
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Lord Jesus Christ, lover of all
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Gospel: Mark 9:38-50
LHS
356
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Lord of glory, who hast bought us* G3
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803
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Peace with the Father G7
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821
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Where cross the crowded ways of life (alt tune 373, G5)
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AT
292
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Because we bear your name
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TIS
466
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Peace with the Father
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608
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Where cross the crowded ways of life
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686
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Lord Jesus, we belong to you
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'BECAUSE WE BEAR YOUR NAME'
Note that the song 'Lord Jesus, we belong to you' (Because we bear your name) AT 292, TIS 686 is based directly on the gospel.
PSALM 124
For musical settings of Psalm 124, see Music Packages 3, 4 and 6.
TIS 79, Now Israel, is a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 124. The following paraphrase, by David Sch¸tz, may be sung to the contemporary tune and chorus of 'God is on our side' (LHS 861, ATN 21) by Peter Schmidt. If a traditional version is required, omit the chorus and sing to the tune of St Magnus [Nottingham] (LH 169, TIS 378). If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Sch¸tz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm.
If God had not been on our side -
let Israel now say -
if God had not been on our side,
our foes had won the day!
If God is on our side,
God is on our side,
who can be against us?
They would have swallowed us alive,
with anger hot as flames;
they would have tossed us like a flood,
and drowned us in their waves!
If God is on our side,
God is on our side,
who can be against us?
So, blessed be the Lord our God,
who snatched us from their jaws!
We have escaped just as a bird
flies from the hunter's claws!
If God is on our side,
God is on our side,
who can be against us?
Our help is in God's holy name,
the Lord of Israel,
for he made all of heav'n and earth,
and he does all things well!
If God is on our side,
God is on our side,
who can be against us?
PSALM 19:7-14
For musical settings of Psalm 19, see Music Packages 3, 5, 6 and 7.
TIS 8, God's law is perfect, is a version of Psalm 19:7-10.
The Iona song 'May the words of my mouth' in ATO 323 may be used as a congregational refrain, while a reader reads the verses of Psalm 19:7-14.
The following paraphrase of Psalm 19:7-14 by David Sch¸tz is sung to either St Denio (LH 392, TIS 143) or Foundation (LHS A4, TIS 578). If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Sch¸tz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm.
The Lord's law is perfect, reviving the soul;
his precepts are right, making saddened hearts whole.
His teachings are certain, they make us all wise;
and all his commandments give light to our eyes.
The fear of the Lord will forever endure.
His judgments are righteous and holy and pure,
far sweeter than honey, more precious than gold;
in them both a warning and promise is told.
But no-one can know all the things they've done wrong,
so cleanse me from those secret things that I've done.
From sinning intention'ly, Lord, keep me free,
then holy and blameless forever I'll be.
NOTES ON THE READINGS
See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Notes on the readings', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.
NUMERS 11:4-6,10-16,24-29: A small group of riff-raff, probably leaving Egypt with the Hebrews, managed to spread general dissatisfaction throughout the camp. The memory of previous home comforts became a more powerful factor in peoples' minds than the present reality of God's miraculous gracious guardianship and providence. Moses' outraged plea to the Lord for relief, even through his own death, shows his overwrought state. Responsibilities of leadership were huge, and now this! The gathering of elders was to share the responsibility and to support Moses. The once-up 'prophesying' was no doubt an ecstatic experience inducting them into office. Moses' delight is evident in his answer to Joshua's objection.
JAMES 5:13-29: In times of suffering, prayer and praise are avenues of positive response in times of suffering. The section verses 14-16 has been interpreted variously. However, it is clear that St James associates sickness of the body with sickness of the soul. Prayers over the sick together with anointing (oil has an outward healing connotation) and mutual confession and forgiveness make for peace of conscience and a physical answer of healing from the Lord. Prayer in the light of righteousness bestowed through God's forgiveness works effectively. Even more important is restoration of souls from death to life.
MARK 9:38-50: Exorcism is recorded in the New Testament as being performed by other agencies than Jesus. In this case he reproved John because the man was not a threat to the gospel ministry. However, even a much less spectacular service by way of a cup of cold water is given value by God in the work of the Kingdom. Leading another person into sin, especially infants in faith, produces such a stern and awesome warning because it leads that person to hell. Allowing one's own comfort zones to lead into sin is equally serious because of the reality of hell as the outcome. A soul is so precious to God because it can be saved eternally. Therefore Christians are 'salted' - they are permitted the refinement exercised through suffering.
VISUAL
VISUALS FOR THE READINGS
Pictures or visual symbols could be displayed on banners or the overhead screen during the readings. For instance, reading 1b from Numbers could be accompanied by a picture like the illustration in the TEV Bible for verse 14, and the second reading by a picture like the illustration in TEV for verse 15.
DRAMA
'MEGA DRAMA'
See a drama for the day in Mega Drama resources (Openbook Publishers), originally included in these worship resources when they were released on disks.
DRAMATISING THE READINGS
The readings can be read by more than one person to make the dramatic meaning of the text clearer. For instance, reading 1a from Esther could be read by four readers: narrator, the king, Esther, Harbonah; reading 1b from Numbers could be read by five or six readers: narrator, an Israelite, Moses, the voice of the Lord, (young man), Joshua; and the gospel could be read by three readers: narrator (the pastor), John, Jesus.
CHILDREN
'COME AND SEE JESUS'
The Come and See Jesus curriculum published by Openbook Publishers has a wealth of material and ideas that may be adapted for use in worship. Please note that a new edition of this material is currently available for the Revised Common Lectionary.
This week's story is 'Gideon's victory'. Material for this story may be found in
Original Edition, Series A, Semester 2 (11 Pentecost)
OR
Revised RCL Edition, Series B, Semester 2 (Proper 21)
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