Description
Mark 10:17-22
In the popular A&E TV show “Hoarders”, we can weekly watch as many seemingly innocent people become possessed by their own possessions. In this world, some will gain all that they physically can during their lifetime. They may struggle to part with those belongings. The biggest danger in that is it may be at the expense of losing the most Precious Gift possible: Eternal life. As followers of Christ, we need to hold on loosely to our earthly belongings, knowing they will one day be left behind. Instead, we are reminded to focus on the treasures being stored up for us in heaven, where they will last for eternity.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]
Time of Praise and Worship
Sing To The King
Billy James Foote, ©2003 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
I Can Only Imagine
Bart Millard, ©2001, 2002 Simpleville Music (Admin. by Simpleville Music, Inc.)
Your Love Oh Lord
Brad Avery, David Carr, Mac Powell, Mark Lee, & Tai Anderson, ©1999 New Spring (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Vandura 2500 Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
When In Our Music God Is Glorified
BH 91 435; CHH 7; EH 420; ELW 850/851; LBW 555; LSB 796; LW 449; NCH 561; PH 264; RS 665; STTL 29; WC 402/403; UMH 68; WOV 802; WAR 7
Christ Sits at God’s Right Hand
LSB 564
Glorious Things of Thee/You Are Spoken
BH 91 398; CH 400; CHH 709; EH 522, 523; ELW 647; HWC 278; HFG 376; HLC 209; HGP 165; LBW 358; LSB 648; LW 294; NCH 307; PH 446; RH 339; STTL 670; WC 694; UMH 731; WAR 598; WHM 35; WIS 308
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor Closet cleaning and de-cluttering can be a very freeing exercise. Repurposing and discarding unused items brings freshness to life. However, parting with our most treasured physical possessions can become an exercise that renders us emotionally fragile, even to the point of unable to part with things. Our spiritual lives have hidden, cluttered closets, too. We need to pare down and remove unnecessary thoughts, words and deeds. This requires self-discipline to accomplish.
ALL In the Gospel for today we hear Jesus words of the wealthy person needing to unload his camel in order to get through the gate. We are reminded what is needful for eternal life.
Opening Prayer
Pastor [Big audible sigh here.] Oh Lord, here we are again. Throughout the week we busily tend to our lives. We come to You house. . .too often stressed, rushed and preoccupied with details of our days. Help to spiritually and physically de-clutter our lives. We want to have a solid, yet simple relationship with You, Lord Jesus.
ALL And as for the rest of our “stuff”? Well, in the end, well…it really does not matter. Thank You, Father, for providing such an uncomplicated, uncluttered way to live; that is, to live for You. Thank You. We simply thank You. AMEN.
Time of Greeting
Invite the congregation to greet people across the aisle from them by asking them to describe an area of their life that could use organizing, cleaning or getting rid of completely.
[This would be a fitting time to share the peace of the Lord]
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor Using the paper handed to you as you came in this morning, please list as many items as come to your mind that currently clutter your life. Be they physical, emotional or spiritual, if they overload your life, include them in your list. (Allow 2-3 minutes for the lists to be completed.)
Pastor We would now invite you to bring your lists up to the empty basket[s] on the altar. Come when you personally are comfortable with the list you have. As the music plays please come.
Pastor [Once the people have returned to their places]. . .We confess,
ALL Oh Lord, that our lives are too cluttered and complex to sometimes see You….or hear You….or sense Your presence….or Your working in our lives. Forgive us and refresh our lives, body, mind and soul, so that we may simply be all You intend us to be.
Pastor God has promised to forgive you as you confess your sins to Him. From this time forward, may you strive to live out your uncomplicated faith in the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit in Whose Name you are forgiven. AMEN.
ALL AMEN.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
Amos preached to God’s people during a time of prosperity, but many of those with money were devoted to God in word only. Injustice and corruption were common, and those without money were afraid. Amos warned them that God could see through their false devotion.
Seek the Lord and live, or he will sweep through the tribes of Joseph like a fire; it will devour them, and Bethel will have no one to quench it. 7 There are those who turn justice into bitterness and cast righteousness to the ground. There are those who hate the one who upholds justice in court and detest the one who tells the truth. 11 You levy a straw tax on the poor and impose a tax on their grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine. 12 For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts. 13 Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil.14 Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. 15 Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.
