Description

Mark 9:30-37

Jesus and His disciples traveled through Galilee but avoided crowds, focusing on teaching His disciples. He foretold of His impending betrayal and death, which troubled the disciples. Upon arriving in Capernaum, Jesus taught the disciples about humility, using a child as an example, emphasizing that greatness comes through serving others. We can learn much from Jesus in that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humility and service rather than hostility and seeking recognition.

 

…  We Lift Our Hearts in Worship  … 

[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]

 

Welcome & Time of Greeting

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

  Welcome, beloved friends, to this gathering of hearts and spirits. We gather in the light of truth and love illuminate by the Holy Spirit. Today, let us reflect on the wisdom of humility and service.

 

Worshipers

May our hearts be open to the lessons of compassion.

 

 

Time of Praise and Worship

With Every Act of Love

Jason Gray, Jason Ingram, © 2013 Centricity Music Publishing, Nothing Is Wasted Music (Admin by Music Services) Sony-ATV Timber Publishing, Open Hands Music (Admin Sony ATV)

More Like Jesus

Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood, Brett Younker, Kristian Stanfill, © 2018 SHOUT! Music Publishing, sixsteps Music, worshiptogether.Com Songs (Admin by Capitol CMG Publishing)

Change My Heart, O God

Eddie Espinosa, ©1982 Mercy Publications 

[Traditional Options]

Our Father, Who From Heaven Above

ELW 746; LSB 776; LW 430/431

Lord Jesus, Think On Me                   

EH 641; ELW 599; HLC 341; LBW 309; LSB 610; LW 231; PH 301; WC 462; WAR 366

 

 

Invocation

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   May we embody the humility of the disciples who sought understanding.

 

Worshipers

   Help us, O Lord, to see with eyes of compassion.

 

 

Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   Let us pray together.

 

Worshipers

   Gracious God, hear our prayer. Loving Creator, You who exalt the lowly and embrace the meek, teach us the beauty of humility and the strength found in service. In our pursuit of greatness, remind us of your Son’s words: “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” May we, like children in your kingdom, embrace each other with kindness and care, and find joy in lifting others above ourselves.

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   Bless this gathering, O God, and fill our hearts with your love, so that we may go forth from here as bearers of peace and compassion.

 

Worshipers

   Amen.

 

 

Time of Confession and Forgiveness

[Alternate location:  following Message]

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   Gracious God, we come before You humbly, recognizing our human frailty and the times we have failed to live as Your disciples.

 

Worshipers

   Lord, have mercy on us and forgive us.

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   We confess the times we have sought after greatness and recognition, 

 

Worshipers

   Lord, have mercy on us and forgive us.

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   Forgive us for the times we have overlooked the needs of others, 

 

Worshipers

   Lord, have mercy on us and forgive us.

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   We repent for our selfish ambitions and desires for status, 

 

Worshipers

   Lord, have mercy on us and forgive us.

 

Pastor / Worship Leader

   Help us, O God, to embrace humility and to serve others in love, as Christ taught us.

Worshipers

   May your Spirit guide us and transform us into true servants of your kingdom. Amen.

 

 

 

…  We Hear God’s Word  …

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]

First Reading                             Jeremiah 11:18-20

The Lord revealed to Jeremiah the conspiracy of his enemies plotting against him. Jeremiah discovered their plans and realized they sought to kill him like a lamb led to slaughter. He prayed for God to avenge him and bring justice upon those who intended him harm. 

18 Because the Lord revealed their plot to me, I knew it, for at that time he showed me what they were doing. 19 I had been like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; I did not realize that they had plotted against me, saying, “Let us destroy the tree and its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name be remembered no more.” 20 But you, Lord Almighty, who judge righteously and test the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause.