Service For The Lord’s Day
Observance Of Rural Life Sunday • April 27, 2008
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Assemble In God’s Name
Leader: Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what God has done for me.
All: Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, nor withheld God’s love from me.
Leader: In truth God has heard me; God has attended to the voice of my prayer.
All: Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, nor withheld God’s love from me.
Leader: Let us worship our holy God.
See listing of suggested hymns.
Prayer of confession and assurance of pardon
Leader: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and
just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In humility
and faith, let us confess our sins to God.
Awesome God we come before you seeking your forgiveness for the thoughts, words and deeds that have diminished our relationship with you and with our neighbor. Cleanse our hearts and minds that they may live and move and have our being as your faithful disciples, loving and serving you and our neighbor all our days.
One: Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is right? Have no fear of them, nor be troubled.
All: For Christ also died for sins once and for all, that he might bring us to God.
One: Keep your conscience clear, so that those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
All: For Christ also died for sins once and for all, that he might bring us to God.
One: Baptism now saves you, as an appeal to God for a clear conscience,
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
All: For Christ also died for sins once and for all, that he might bring us to God.
One: Christ has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to God.
All: For Christ also died for sins once and for all, that he might bring us to God.
Leader: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.
The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
(Depending on your congregation’s tradition, you may/may not exchange signs
of Christ’s peace with one another.)
Proclaim God’s word
Leader: Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of
your Holy Spirit, that as the scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed,
we may hear with joy what you say to us today; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Scripture readings from the Lectionary for Sunday, April 29, 2008
- Acts 17:22-31
- Psalm 66:8-20
- 1 Peter 3:13-22
- John 14:15-21
Message
[The following message reflects on today’s scripture readings. You are
encouraged to weave into this message, particular examples of rural connections
experienced in your community, region, or presbytery.]
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus, who knew his time on earth was coming to a close, continues to prepare his disciples for their future ministry. He challenges them to keep his commandments while assuring them that an “Advocate” will be given to them who will be with them forever. Keeping the commandments will grow out of their love for him because of the relationship among God, Jesus, and the disciples. Imagine their perplexity in absorbing and understanding all that Jesus was teaching them. They may have wondered who this “advocate” might be.
Peter’s letter written from Rome to the leaders of the early churches in Asia Minor speaks of doing what is “good”, what is “right.” Here Peter is guiding the early Christians who were being persecuted for their faith. He describes baptism not merely as a cleansing but as “an appeal to God for a good conscience.”
In the Acts of the Apostles, we find Paul addressing the Athenians. He teaches them that God is ever present—not confined in a shrine. In fact, it is through God that we humans live and move and have our being.
The psalmist proclaims God’s power and awesome deeds and invites people to come and hear of his experiences. But, he points out that these experiences were possible because he did not hold iniquity in his heart. God heard his prayer and loved him unconditionally.
These lectionary readings provide a guide for our striving to live a Christ-like life. Jesus exhorts us to keep the commandments. He summed up all the commandments into two—loving God and loving neighbor. As Christians we keep these commandments out of our love for Christ and our awareness that as today’s disciples we are in loving relationships with God and Jesus the Christ. We are no longer little children whose parents have to tell us to do something “because I said so.” As believers, we possess a maturity to do these things because we want to do them knowing that God loves us. Peter’s letter boiled it down even more—we are to do “good” and do what’s “right.” Finally we hear Paul reminding us that in God we live and move and have our being. If we believe this, how could we not want to do what is right?
In Peter’s letter to the church in Asia Minor and in Paul’s “sermon” to the Athenians, we are reminded that the early church was not staying put but extending into other regions of the world and, thus, encountering different cultures. Both Peter and Paul knew that they had to pay attention to the variety of cultures they were entering. They met people where they were rather than simply imposing themselves. Paul compared the gods whom the Greeks were worshipping with the God about whom he preached. In fact, commentators tell us that the memorable part of this text, “in whom we live and move and have our being,” came from an ancient Greek poet. Peter was aware that the new Christians in Asian Minor were being harassed and persecuted for accepting this new religion. He exhorts them to be faithful in spite of their situation. Their life and witness will send a message of what it means to be a Christian.
Today many communities are experiencing changing demographics and are often challenged as they try to welcome and receive new cultures into both the community and church. We need to follow Peter’s and Paul’s examples and learn something about the cultures we are encountering, perhaps for the first time, so that our outreach may be effective.
The psalmist sings praises to God for the wonderful experiences he’s had encountering God. His song invites people to come and listen to his stories, while reminding them that one must be faithful to God.
Today is Rural Life Sunday, a day set apart by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for the whole church to recognize and celebrate the ministry of congregations that “live and move and have their being” in rural communities. Our faith is rooted in relationships, and today we give thanks for our particular connections with rural sisters and brothers, their congregations and communities.
While they continue to struggle with the volatility of the economy, rural congregations continue to reach out to their communities, often partnering with other churches and organizations so that together they can do what is right. Let us listen to the stories of several congregations who are delighting in their encounters with the Holy.
Today’s minute for mission found in the Mission Yearbook of Prayer and Study comes from the Community Presbyterian Church of St. Maries, Idaho. With a population of 2,600, this community is set in a beautiful area of forests. For many years, its timber has been harvested. In recent years, retirees have taken up residence in this beautiful area. St. Maries recognized and responded to this demographic change. They welcomed the new residents and received them into the life of the congregation. Today, church members reach out to the community in a variety of ways. Several participate in the governance of the community by serving on boards and agencies. Others serve those in need by providing basic furnishings and home equipment.
In Bison, S.D., Commissioned Lay Pastor, Florence Hoff, manages two food banks in addition to serving as pastor of the Presbyterian Church. Why two food banks in this remote ranching region? Rural people are often unable to go to a food bank in their own town because they do not want to be noticed as needing the services of a food bank. Driving a number of miles to another town provides a safer environment for those in need.
A cooperative parish in rural Maine, the Mission at the Eastward, has a long history of serving its immediate community. In recent years, it welcomed a visitor from South Africa and that was the beginning of what has grown into a partnership with churches in South Africa. The churches in both countries are in rural, agricultural settings. They share agricultural information. They travel to each other’s country to witness to and participate in its ministry and mission. Their youth enjoy exchanges with one another.
The people at First Presbyterian Church in Sisseton, S.D., wanted to grow but their resources were limited. They risked calling a part-time tentmaker pastor who is also a physician. This, in itself, was a challenge as a schedule of the pastor’s/physician’s time needed to respect both the church and medical communities. The congregation knew if they were to grow they would have to change. Worship became the focal point of change for this congregation. With the pastor’s leadership, the worship service has transformed from a traditional to a blended service. Even the music has changed and now includes familiar hymns, praise music, and even a bit of bluegrass. This congregation understands that evangelism is sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ as ell as their particular encounters with God. Such sharing is now an integral part of worship at First Church. During each service, time is set aside for the Witness of
Sharing when people have the opportunity to tell of their encounters with God. Now, members eagerly talk with their friends and neighbors about their transforming congregation. Three years ago, average worship attendance was around 15-20; today it is 80. Transformation is not seen as a program with a beginning and ending. The members of First Church know that the Spirit will continue to lead them and they will ever be “transforming”.
We, too, need to be open to the workings of Holy Spirit—the “advocate” —and affirm and enjoy our relationships with one another—rural, suburban, and urban—for we are all one in Christ. We need not fear becoming acquainted with each other—even if we seem different from one another. We will learn from each another. We might even discover ways in which we can support one another in ministry and mission as we try to do the “good and right” thing.
Affirmation of faith
(The ecumenical version of The Apostles’ Creed, to be proclaimed in
unison)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our
Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered
under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended to the
dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at
the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and
the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the
communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and
the life everlasting. Amen.
See listing of suggested hymns.
Minute for Mission
Taken from the Mission Yearbook of
Prayer and Study 2008 for Sunday, April
27, 2008:
Minute for Mission: Rural Life
The responsibility of the church is to minister to the pastoral and sacramental needs of the community.’ So states an essential tenet of the mission statement of the Community Presbyterian Church of St. Maries, Idaho. St. Maries, with a population of 2,600, is the county seat and largest town in Benewah County.
In small rural communities, mission opportunity is an ever-present reality that does not show itself in programmatic design so much as in ‘pitching tent’ wherever those needs appear. Over the years, members of Community Presbyterian Church, working alongside a wide variety of churches and community organizations, have been a visible mission presence engaged in meeting the needs of the area. Members of the church have been the presence of Christ by serving on the hospice and hospital boards of directors, the board of education, the human rights task force, the long -term care center, and the city council.
One of the ministries that touches needs daily is the Community Warehouse. Operated for more than twenty years by Deacon Ginny Oakes, the Warehouse gathers donated items that range from kitchen utensils to furniture and money and distributes them to those who need them. The Warehouse has touched many lives, including those of persons who have addiction problems or are in abusive situations. It offers hope to those who are rebuilding their shattered lives. The motto of the Warehouse is ‘If they need it and we have it, it’s theirs.
Rural communities survive not by the success of individual efforts, but by the unified efforts of friends and families picking up the slack, plugging the holes, and helping out in whatever way they can. For Community Presbyterian Church, it is mission on our front doorstep.
—The Rev. Gary Foster, pastor
Community Presbyterian Church, St. Maries, Idaho
Prayers of the people and the Lord’s Prayer
[Follow the tradition of your congregation in offering prayers of the joys
and concerns of your congregation and community. On this Rural Life Sunday, we
encourage you to remember the congregations of the PC(USA) who serve rural congregations
and communities, for those who produce our food—especially the small family
farmer and rancher, for farm workers, and for those who labor in food processing
plants.]
See section on Giving Opportunities.
Give thanks to God
Leader: The Lord be with you,
All: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Leader: We come with assurance, O God, that you do not leave us alone. Your presence continues to guide us as we pursue the paths of discipleship. All that we have is a gift of your grace. As we offer gifts to you, accept them as signs of our commitment to Christ. May all that we do be in praise of your encompassing care. In the name of Jesus, the Risen Christ, we pray. And all of God’s people said,
All: Amen!
Go in God’s name
See listing of suggested hymns.
Leader: Now let us go out into the world to serve our
Triune God: Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer with love and joy.
All: Alleluia! Amen!
Suggested hymns
Taken from The Presbyterian Hymnal and published by Westminster/John
Knox Press, Louisville, KY, 1990.
- Sing Praise to God, Who Reigns Above #483
- God Is Here! #463
- Holy Spirit, Truth Divine #321
- There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit #398
- Spirit of the Living God
#322
- Great Is Thy Faithfulness #276
- I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use me #369
- O Jesus, I Have Promised #388
- Come Sing, O Church, in Joy! #430
Giving opportunities
We encourage you to consider allocating a portion of your
offering to support a particular rural ministry project in or near your community
or one of the General Assembly’s Extra Commitment Opportunities (ECO) listed
below.
This project supports the vital contextual educational opportunities offered
by AMERC in collaboration with seminaries and presbyteries.
This project provides quality materials and equipment for low-income
Appalachian crafters who participate in CAM's craft project. The goals of this
project include enabling economic strengthening of crafters and providing an
opportunity for ministry among crafters, purchasers and CAM.
Rural Communities are in transition. This project supports community-based
programs, co-sponsored by churches and community organizations, with a goal toward
revitalizing the life of the rural community.
This project supports Rural Ministry Networks — local, regional,
church wide — by providing resources for network participants, enabling
participants to attend events, advocating rural ministry concerns to the church-at-large,
sponsoring rural ministry events.
Resources and activities
Suggested activities
- Network with rural congregations in your presbytery and/or region to learn
about the issues that they face. Discover ways in which you might be supportive
of one another.
- Set up a resource table in a prominent area of your church building, displaying
rural resources on it, including shopping directories for locally grown food
products.
- Set aside time in your educational program to discuss issues related to food
production and consumption.
- If there is a farmers’ market in your area,
plan a visit. Be sure to include the children and youth. Take time to talk with
those selling food products, allowing the children and youth an opportunity to
ask questions.
- Consider serving locally produced food at church and community events. Invite
the food producers to tell about the role they play in food production, be it
a farmer, rancher, home gardener, or fisher.
- Encourage schools and other institutions in your community to purchase and
prepare locally produced food.
- Discuss public policy issues related to food production and consumption.
During 2007, the U.S. Congress will be considering a series of legislative actions
known as The Farm Bill (refer to the following list of resources for current
information about this legislation).
Rural ministry resources
Web sites
Print Resources
Available from Presbyterian Marketplace Web site or
by calling the Presbyterian Distribution Service (PDS) at (800) 524-2612.
A report adopted by the 214th General Assembly (2002).
PDS #6860002003 . Download this resource. 
By Jennifer Halterman Schrock
Participant’s book: PDS #7436505361
Leader’s guide: PDS #7436505362
From Horizons, the magazine for Presbyterian Women, November/December
2006 issue, page 25.
Soil and water stewardship week
April 27th is also the start of Soil and Water Stewardship Week, sponsored
by the National Association of Conservation
Districts (NACD).
This year’s theme is Water is Life.
Resources produced by NACD are available for the celebration
of Soil and Water Stewardship Week from NACD. Among them are a church leader’s
guide, litany, placemats with activities, program cover, and program insert.
Resources may be ordered from NACD: phone: (888) 825-6657 x3. |
