STARTERS FOR SUNDAY 16th January 2011

STARTERS FOR SUNDAY

16^th January 2011

This is the second Sunday after the Epiphany. It also falls within the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Friday 18th January to Friday 25th January).

Readings

Isaiah 49: 1-7

Verses 1 to 6 of this passage are often given the title 'the second servant song'. Many consider this to be one of a series of Messianic poems, which can stand apart from the neighbouring passages. The second servant song contains the personal testimony of the 'servant', but as ever the precise identity of the servant figure remains somewhat ambiguous. In verse 3 the servant is identified as being 'Israel', but the nature of the testimony may point to an individual, who effectively represents or embodies the nation.

Verse 1 indicates that the servant's message (ie Israel's story) is being proclaimed to other nations.  The Old Testament scholar Claus Westermann identified three stages in the servant's story: (i) the account of the election, call and equipment of the servant (verses 1 to 3); (ii) The servant's time of despondency (verse 4); (iii) The servant's calling to a new and even greater task (verses 4 to 6). This structure is suggested as a guide for preaching (see below).

Psalm 40: 1-11

The theme of Psalm 40 divides neatly into two parts, with the opening section often being termed a 'song of thanksgiving' and the final verses being described as a 'song of lament'. Opinions differ as to whether the Psalm was originally written in this form, or whether two separate songs were later combined together. This scripture reading focuses on the opening 'thanksgiving' verses. The writer hails God as a merciful rescuer and celebrates the joy of those who worship the one true God. Verses 6 to 8 indicate that obedience to the law is more important than ritual sacrifice, which perhaps indicates that this Psalm belongs to the post-Exilic period (ie after the destruction of the Temple).

1 Corinthians 1: 1-9

This passage contains the opening greetings in Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth. As such the passage does not enter directly into the substance of letter, but the manner of Paul's greeting nevertheless reflects his later message. The letter will address significant divisions and disagreements within the church. Paul therefore greets the people, as those who are joined to one another through their unity in Christ.

St John 1: 29-42

It is at the beginning of this passage that Jesus makes his first 'appearance' in John's Gospel. Before Jesus has even spoken, or acted, the Baptist declares Jesus to be the 'Lamb of God'. In this way we are given a sense that the destiny of Jesus was mapped-out from the very beginning. John the Baptist subsequently provides a first-person account of Jesus' baptism, which contrasts with the third-person narratives in the synoptic gospels.

This passage has a theme of 'discipleship', indicating that the first two followers of Jesus had previously been disciples of John. Andrew, and another disciple, accompanied Jesus to his home. Afterwards Andrew felt sufficiently confident to proclaim Jesus as 'Messiah' and Andrew introduced his brother Simon to Jesus.

Prayers

Call to Prayer

Let us listen for the voice that is calling us:

the voice that speaks to all of our hearts,

inviting us to search

and inviting us to follow the Lord.

Collect (Common Order, page 655)

Almighty God,

your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ

is the light of the world.

Grant that your people

may shine with the radiance of his glory,

that he may be known,

worshipped, and obeyed

to the ends of the earth;

who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever

Amen

God has caused his light to shine in our hearts, the light

which is knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:6

Prayer of Approach

Almighty God,

we praise and thank you for the opportunities that you give us.

For as Jesus called the disciples of old,

so too you call us,

that we might walk in the footsteps of your Son.

This morning we respond to his words,

meeting in your house for this time of worship.

It gladdens us that you count us as your disciples,

alongside the fishermen of Galilee.

Loving Father,

we confess that we have often followed our own paths,

ignoring the voice that has been calling us.

You have offered guidance and teaching to your disciples,

but we have chosen not to learn from your wisdom.

Our minds have been entranced by worldly things

and we have paid little heed to the wonders of eternity.

Forgive us, Lord.

May we hear your voice calling again

so that we can renew our discipleship

and once more walk in your footsteps.

Lord Jesus Christ,

give us courage as we journey with you,

so that we can face the difficult challenges that lie ahead.

Give us strength and patience along the way,

so that we may keep on journeying

wherever you lead us.

May our discipleship be fulfilled

through the love that we show in our lives.

And now we pray together in the words that Jesus taught us, saying:

Our Father ….

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

Most generous God:

we praise and thank you for your forgiving love,

and for your constant willingness to renew your relationship with us.

No matter how far we stray,

you are the shepherd who comes searching,

ready to embrace us again within your fold.

We thank you for the teaching of Jesus,

who inspires us to reflect your forgiveness in our lives.

We give thanks for all who have shown us tolerance and clemency,

- those who were willing to offer us new starts and fresh beginnings,

despite the wrongs we have done

Lord God,

in response to this loving kindness

we now bring you our prayers for the world.

We pray for reconciliation in any places of conflict:

help people everywhere to forgive the wrongs of the past

and to overcome the hardened attitudes of yesterday.

We pray for peace and forgiveness:

between Catholic and Protestant in Northern Ireland

and between Jew and Arab in Palestine.

In this week of prayer for Christian Unity

we pray for tolerance and understanding between Christian people everywhere.

We pray for a merciful spirit in our own community:

may dignity may be the hallmark of our dealings with others,

regardless of any evil they may have done.

We pray for those who administer the law

that their actions will seek rightful justice

rather than exacting vengeance.

Inspire our leaders with the teaching of Jesus,

so that our common life is shaped by his compassion.

We pray for any who have suffered at he hands of others:

for those who carry physical scars,

or who are held back by painful memories.

Heal and help any who have been badly wronged

that they may be freed from bitterness

and attain new peace of mind.

We bring you our personal prayers,

acknowledging where we ourselves need to be forgiven

and wherever we need the good grace to forgive.

In the silence we present our needs before you,

hoping for reconciliation and peace of mind.

Silence

Almighty God,

your Son our Jesus is the light of the world.

He brought us grace and forgiveness,

healing and reconciliation.

Grant that your people may reflect his mercy,

making his gentle love known in the world.

These and all our prayers

we offer through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever,

Amen

Hymns and songs

Hymn references are taken from Church Hymnary: fourth Edition, denoted as CH4, followed by the hymn number:-

Opening hymn               All people that on earth do dwell

CH4, number 63

or                                 Sing all creation, sing to God in gladness

CH4, number 64

Children’s Theme           I am the Church!  You are the Church!

CH4, number 204

or                                 The Church is wherever God’s people are praising

                                    CH4, number 522

Reflection on Scripture    Look upon us, blessed Lord

CH4, number 601

Or                                 Lord, you sometimes speak in wonders

CH4, number 606

Sermon Theme              Jesus calls us! O'er the tumult

CH4, number 509

or                                 Will you come and follow me

CH4, number 533

Closing Hymn                Your hand, O God, has guided

CH4, number 511

or                                 The Church's one foundation

CH4, number 739

The following extra choices of hymns and songs have been selected by the Music Panel, from the Worship and Doctrine Task Group:-

Psalm 40: 1-11              I waited for the Lord my God

CH4, number 30

I waited patiently for God

CH4, number 31

Isaiah 49: 1-7                Comfort, comfort now my people

CH4, number 274

Hope is a candle, once lit by the prophets

CH4, number 284

                        Alleluia!  Hurry, the Lord is near

CH4, number 280

When out of poverty is born

CH4, number 291

On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry   

CH4, number 334

‘Thy kingdom come!’ – on bended knee

CH4, number 473

People, look East.  The time is near

CH4, number 281

The great love of God is revealed in the Son

CH4, number 358

God the Omnipotent!  King, who ordainest

CH4, number 265

1 Corinthians 1: 1-9        Break not the circle of enabling love

CH4, number 206

Out of the flowing river

CH4, number 335

Lord, speak to me, that I may speak

CH4, number 542

                        O for a thousand tongues, to sing

CH4, number 352

John 1: 29-42                Behold the holy Lamb of God

CH4, number 389

See!  In yonder manger low

CH4, number 312

You, Lord, are both Lamb and Shepherd

CH4, number 355

Source and Sovereign, Rock and Cloud

CH4, number 133

This is the night, dear friends, the night for weeping

CH4, number 375

Lo, he comes with clouds descending

CH4, number 477

Oh, for a closer walk with God

CH4, number 552

            Just as I am, without one plea

CH4, number 553

There is a Redeemer

CH4, number 559

Sing, my tongue, how glorious battle

CH4, number 398

According to thy gracious word

CH4, number 668

Spirit divine, attend our prayers

CH4, number 583

O holy dove of God descending

CH4, number 591

            Like the murmur of the dove’s song

CH4, number 592

Spirit of God, unseen as the wind

CH4, number 600

Sing of Andrew, John’s disciple

CH4, number 339

Short songs                   Wait for the Lord, his day is near

CH4, number 276, verses 1 and 3

            Lamb of God

CH4, number 653

Lamb of God

CH4, number 778

O Lamb of God

CH4, number 790

Additional resources

Themes for preaching

In the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, these passages enable the Church to reflect on its calling as God's people. Isaiah's account of Israel's calling can be coupled with the disciples' calling in John chapter 1. The sermon can make use of Isaiah's 'threefold framework', focussing on the following points: 

1) The calling of the servant-church:

Israel's calling had come from God and from the outset the nation had been set-aside for a special purpose. Similarly, John told of the destiny that had been mapped out for Jesus. (A useful illustration of John Wesley's sense of 'destiny' can be found at: http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/d/destiny.htm).  As God's people of today, the Church needs to be conscious of God's intentions for us. We have a purpose - to reach out to the wider world and to call others to discipleship.

2) The despondency of the servant-church:

Isaiah wrote of Israel's sense of failure, when it seemed that the nation's purpose was unfulfilled. Far from being successful, the people endured exile in Babylon. Sometimes we feel despondent today, when the Church seems to be failing to fulfil God's plans. The inability of Christians to find unity can be one factor, which compounds our sense of weakness and failure. If the Church becomes consumed by internal competition, then its energy cannot be directed outwards.  (An illustration of the 'brokenness' of the church can be found in the following article about the Church of the Nativity: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_18_120/ai_107760347).

3) A new and greater task for the servant-church:

Rather than succumbing to a sense of hopelessness, the servant nation was reminded that it had a greater purpose. Israel was to be a light to other nations, so that the entire world could be saved. Like Israel, the Church should not be limited by boundaries. God calls us to overcome the restrictions, which limit our work and our vision. We need to have confidence in addressing the greater task, of calling others to discipleship.

For the Children

1) Teamwork:

Show the children some items of equipment, which are all used in 'team sports' (eg football, hockey stick, rugby ball, cricket ball). Ask if the children play these sports and explain that they are all 'team games'. They involve working alongside other people and team members must help one another in order to do well.

Explain that Jesus did not choose to do his work alone, but instead asked a team of people to help him. The team was made up of his disciples. They travelled together and they worked together. They had to learn to help one another to do their work well. Jesus once said a special prayer for his followers. He prayed that his disciples should all be one. If we are to do God's work, then we too need to work together - like good team-mates.

2) Unity gives strength:

Some well-known illustrations can be used to show that working together results in strength, eg demonstrate how easy it is to tear a single sheet of paper and how hard it is to tear a telephone directory. Alternatively use a single straw versus a handful of straws. When Christian people work together we have strength to achieve great things.

This information was printed from www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship