The Presbyterian Outlook - Worship resources for October 8, 2023

October 8, 2023 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 In order to preach or teach this Scripture, I feel like it is well worth our time to help frame the context surrounding it. So quick recap: God gave the Ten Commandments shortly after freeing God’s enslaved people from captivity in Egypt. The book of Genesis ends with Joseph dying in Egypt after bringing his extended family there. They were protected by the Egyptian king, who knew Joseph. The book of Exodus begins with a description of how Joseph’s extended family increased over time, becoming very numerous. A new king arose who knew nothing of Joseph and felt threatened by this increasing group of people — so he enslaved them. They cried out to God. God heard their cry, and he sent Moses and Aaron to demand that the new king release them. Eventually, after many plagues, including the final deadly one when every Egyptian’s firstborn son was killed, the king released them into the desert. They crossed the Red Sea, wandered through the wilderness, and landed at the base of Mount Sinai. God’s people had just lived through a lot! Their life together was chaotic and crazy. As slaves, God’s people did not have liberty. Their oppressors had forced rules on them for centuries. So when God delivered them from the hands of the Egyptians, God’s people experienced a previously unknown freedom. And this freedom created questions, such as: How do we live together and treat each other fairly? How do we become a community? How do we learn to trust? At the base of Mt. Sinai, the people were free but not flourishing. Moses was sent up the mountain to talk with God. He returned with the Ten Commandments which offered some guidance, answers, and structure to this new community. ... Thank you to this week's writer Brian Christopher Coulter.  You can read the rest of the commentary on our website. Order of worship for October 8, 2023. These liturgies are free to use. Prayer for parents of young children by Andrew Taylor-Troutman The truth about rules (October 8, 2023) by British Hyrams How to live with God and one another — Weekly Christian ed lesson by Joelle Brummit-Yale Want the worship resources for October 1, 2023? You can find them here. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Information fatigue In a world with seemingly unlimited books on church decline and innovation, what are pastors to do? — Eliza C. Jaremko Healing desire: Hindu and Buddhist wisdom for our post-truth predicament "Other traditions can reteach Christians what we have forgotten," writes John Thatamanil. A land that heals us Nature melts away our differences, writes Aaron Neff. We are all in need of this type of healing. Unification Commission consults PMA and OGA staff among others During their Sept. 17 meeting, the commission's consultations workgroup reported on 17 listening sessions. The group also considered hiring a unification director. — Lucinda Isaacs Do away with blind readers for PC(USA) ordination exams Looking at the Book of Order, Paul Hooker argues that the PC(USA) over-emphasizes written ordination exams. His solution? Localize and personalize the grading. The Book of (More) Delights In his new book of essays, New York Times best-selling author Ross Gay shows how delight and critical rage can coexist — and we are made better by attempting to hold both. — Rose Schrott Taylor

The Voice of the Martyrs - Urgent prayer needed

Witness, Share and Evangelize: The Voice of the Martyrs - Urgent prayer needed: How should we pray for our Eritrean brothers and sisters in Christ? Members of the global body of Christ are experiencing violence, imprison...

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, October 2 and Sunday, October 8, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, October 2, 2023 - That people take seriously God's call to be good stewards of creation.
• Tuesday, October 3, 2023 - That fathers and mothers in every American household would exercise godliness.
• Wednesday, October 4, 2023 - That American students would have a passion for God.
• Thursday, October 5, 2023 - That nations work to secure and enhance international peace.
• Friday, October 6, 2023 - That we chose to show generosity and compassion to the poor and the needy.
• Saturday, October 7, 2023 - That Americans would lead the world in protecting the natural environment that's been entrusted to our care.
• Sunday, October 8, 2023 - That Americans be thankful for the opportunities and responsibilities we've been given.

Sunday's Message - The Work of the Holy Spirit (The Holy Spirit Unites)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message - The Work of the Holy Spirit (Th...: The Holy Spirit is probably the most confusing member of the Trinity. Although we can understand the Father and the Son, it's more diffi...

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, September 24, 2023

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: The Holy Spirit is probably the most confusing member of the Trinity. Although we can understand the Father and the Son, it's more diffi...

WCC NEWS: WCC and the Roman Catholic Church jointly prepare materials for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 📚

A joint international editing group comprised of individuals appointed by the Dicastery for promoting Christian Unity and the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches met in the Bose Monastery, Italy, 11-15 September, to prepare materials for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, 2025. A joint international editing group appointed by the Dicastery for promoting Christian Unity and the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches met in the Bose Monastery, Italy, 11-15 September, to prepare materials for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, 2025, Photo: WCC 22 September 2022 With roots going back over 100 years, the dedicated octave of prayers has been jointly commissioned and prepared since 1968, after the Second Vatican Council, by the Roman Catholic Church and the WCC. The observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an international Christian ecumenical observance kept annually between 18-25 January in the Northern Hemisphere and around Pentecost in the Southern Hemisphere. In many parts of the world, joining in prayer for Christian unity is a significant moment especially as they worship together using the order of worship that has been prepared.  Preparations for the resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity usually start two years in advance. Each year ecumenical partners in a different region are asked to prepare the materials. It is customary for the choice to alternate between the Dicastery and the WCC. The year 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first Christian ecumenical council, held in Nicaea, near Constantinople, from 20 May to 25 July 325 AD. Consequently, given the upcoming Nicea celebration, the focus of the annual observance will not be on a region but rather on the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. There was consensus that the ecumenical monastic community of Bose be chosen to prepare the 2025 resource. They did so considering the theme “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 25 – 27). This theme takes its cue from the dialogue between Jesus and Martha and Mary in the episode of the resurrection of Lazarus narrated by the evangelist John. The spiritual environment at the Bose community provided an inspiring atmosphere for the editorial team as it did its work. There were daily opportunities to share in the daily prayers of the community: early in the morning, at noon and again at evening. The depth of the spirituality experienced in the chapel was equally matched by the rich and gracious hospitality of the sisters and brothers of the Bose monastic community. As the 2025 materials are being prepared for translation, the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is a few months away.  We will pray the resources that were prepared by Christians in Burkina Faso, guided by the theme: “You shall love the Lord your God ... and your neighbour as yourself.” (Luke 10:27)   Resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2024 Nicaea 2025 Learn more about the work of the WCC Faith and Order Commission Learn more about the WCC Spiritual Life New WCC Faith and Order Commission holds inaugural meeting Dr Andrej Jeftic reflects on history and future of WCC Faith and Order Commission (video interview)   See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland

The Wedding Service for Tom Beadnell and Rachel Thompson on Saturday, September 23, 2023

On Saturday, September 23, I officiated the wedding of Tom Beadnell  and Rachel Thompson at the family camp, Sligo, Pennsylvania. Below a picture and a podcast of the service. If you're planning your wedding and need an officiant, please give me a call at 304-479-3402.

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, September 25 and Sunday, October 1, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, September 25, 2023 - That governments recognize that their nations will be judged based on how they treat the poor and the powerless.
• Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - That children be protected from those who are not seeking their best interest
• Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - That businesses, unions and government officials would be ethical in all tax reporting and financial transactions.
• Thursday, September 28, 2023 - That people are sensitive to the vulnerability of their neighbors.
• Friday, September 29, 2023 - That loving families would be valued and protected by all authorities in this nation.
• Saturday, September 30, 2023 - That people reflect the love and mercy of God in their daily lives.
• Sunday, October 1, 2023 - That the Body of Christ claim a renewed sense of unity.

Sunday's Message - The Work of the Holy Spirit (The Holy Spirit Intercedes)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message - The Work of the Holy Spirit (Th...: The Holy Spirit is probably the most confusing member of the Trinity. Although we can understand the Father and the Son, it's more diffi...

WCC NEWS - WCC sends warm greetings to Jewish communities on Rosh Hashanah

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay sent warm greetings to Jewish communities around the world as they celebrated Rosh HaShanah. A man and his daughter pray by the Western Wall, a holy place for the Jews, Jerusalem 2019, Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 19 September 2023 “Rosh HaShana is, in some rabbinic traditions, interpreted as the anniversary of the creation of humanity,” said Pillay. “May these be days of renewal that engender joy, peace, and hope.” Pillay expressed gratitude for Jewish partners, and for the sustained dialogue that the WCC has had with the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC).   Letter from the WCC General Secretary for the Jewish New Year - RoshHashanah 2023 Strengthening inter-religious trust and respect    See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland

The Wedding Service for Robert Beam and Colleen Zickefoose on Saturday, September 16, 2023

On Saturday, September 16, I officiated the wedding ofRobert Beam and Colleen Zickefoose in the Gateway Lodge, Cooksburg, Pennsylvania. Below a picture and a podcast of the service. If you're planning your wedding and need an officiant, please give me a call at 304-479-3402.

The Presbyterian Outlook - Worship resources for September 24, 2023

September 24, 2023 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 20:1-16 "I wonder what happened the next day!" my friend commented after we discussed Matthew's parable over lunch. He is the owner of a successful business with approximately 140 hourly workers. I asked him two questions: Could you pay your employees as the landowner in the parable paid his workers? What do you think would happen at your business? He said he could pay his employees however he chose, but following the landowner's example would inevitably cause workplace problems. As for the next day? We wondered if many potential workers would show up early because they would want to work for a generous landowner or if all the workers would show up one hour before closing time. My friend honestly admitted that even as he tries to care for his laborers, he still has a responsibility to make a profit at the end of the day. The landowner's business model would not allow him to do that. However, he observed, "This story really isn't about good business practices and a fair payment structure, is it?" It's not. Our sense of fair play is offended here by the landowner's distribution of his assets, even though the people who worked all day received exactly what they had agreed to. Those workers remind me of the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). His complaint against his father ("I have been working like a slave for you … yet you killed the fatted calf for him.") sounds much like the laborers who worked all day ("We have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat . . . yet you have made them equal to us."). Of course, the father's response to the elder brother ("Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours") is similar in tone to the landowner's defense of his actions ("Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?"). ... You can read the rest of the commentary on our website. Thanks to this week's contributor Philip Gladden.  Order of worship for September 24, 2023. These liturgies are free to use. Horizons — Elizabeth’s Sacred Encounter by Rosalind Banbury Casting stones (September 24, 2023) by Daniel Frayer-Griggs Pastoral prayer for the anniversary of 9/11 by Jill Duffield Want the worship resources for September 17, 2023? You can find them here. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... A new kind of pluralism: Lessons and observations on a changing paradigm Joe Morrow says contemporary life in the 21st century is about “coming to terms with the array of options.” Fall devotional recommendations Looking for a re-fresh in your devotional life this fall? Amy Pagliarella has some recommendations. The theology of bartending Jo Wiersema, a University of Dubuque Theological Seminary student and bartender, shares their ministry behind the bar. Sometimes, they write, you can find the love of God next to a pint of beer. Giving is up at churches and people are back, but clergy still thinking about quitting While life at local congregations has returned mostly to normal, the future remains uncertain. Faithful cooperation across differences Teri McDowell Ott sat down with author, speaker, educator and interfaith leader Eboo Patel for a faithful conversation about his recent book, "We Need to Build." We must hope well of all The Bible offers a key to how to live faithfully and lovingly in a world full of diverse opinions, writes John Williams. Is being prophetic killing the church? Can being apostolic save it? Most pastors were trained to be prophetic by tenured seminary professors who have typically never led congregational transformation. Graham Standish believes the Bible offers us a much better example of ministry in Acts: the apostolic model.