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.
