Epiphany 5
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook
Series II, Cycle C Gospel Texts
Liturgical Color: Green
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
Theme: Jesus Teaching from the Boat; Jesus Instructing the Disciples about How to Fish; Jesus Inviting the Fishermen to Follow Him. What kind of a fisher of persons are you?
The Gathering
Choral Invitation
"Welcome Song," words and music by Paul Graham; from New Wine. (See Appendix I for address.)
Pastoral Invitation
Pastor and Ministers
In the name of the Master Fisherman, welcome to the fifth Sunday of Epiphany. I hope by now that the Epiphany season has taken new significance for all of you. Raise your hand if it has. Would anyone care to respond in what way Epiphany has grown on you? (Wait. If no response, share one of your new appreciations for this season.)
P: Now, are you ready to move into the second half of Epiphany?
M: Yes, though we do so both with fear and joy.
P: How so, friends?
M: We rejoice in our new learnings; we are fearful that our new learnings will require of us new commitment.
P: You're right. Remember that Christ promises us his power.
M: Thank God for that! We are ready, despite our fear.
P: And, all the people said ...
Hymn of Praise
"With Glad, Exuberant Carolings," Thomas H. Troeger, 1984; Carol Doran, 1984.
Prayer of Praise
Express praise to and thanks for the Master Fisherman who calls the church into being, into mission.
The Introspection
Introduction to the Act of Recognizing Our Humanity
I invite you to compare or to contrast these two statements: (1) William Danker, in a Christian Century article, "Two Worlds or None" (June 5, 1963), writes: "In the United States the church exists as a peripheral, leisure-time activity on the free-will offerings of the largest, richest, and at times, the most frightened middle class in history." (2) Thomas Collins, in Pulpit Digest, writes that "the genuine Communist is a missionary. He will go anywhere, become all things for all men, win any who will listen. The genuine Communist is a dedicated person. He does not hold life or possessions dear. He will consider no cost too great for victory. If called, he will leave home and family in the middle of the night, not knowing where he is going. He will make any sacrifice if, by doing so, his cause is advanced." (Two minutes of silence.) Write down your thoughts about these two quotes. Any willing to respond? Share your own fear, maybe even your own cowardice, about saying anything, because of your own complicity in the culture.
Response
"Just As I Am, Without One Plea," Charlotte Elliott, 1834; William Batchelder Bradbury, 1894; harm. The Hymnbook, 1955.
Introduction to the Act of Receiving New Life
When we look at the commitment of others, we may cringe and complain, "No fish, no fish." Jesus refuses to let us get away with that. "Quit whining. Put your nets out into the deep; take some risks; stop playing games with my life and yours. I'm calling you to a new ministry. And I promise to stay with you, no matter what." D. Reginald Thomas has pointed out that "for a Christian even the valleys are on higher ground." And I add, even our greatest risks in the name of the living Christ are worth more than our sitting around waiting for something to happen. Jesus promises us his discipline, our freedom, and together, an exciting adventure.
Response
"I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me," African-American spiritual; arr. Wendell Whalum, 1932-1987.
The Teaching
Message with the Children of All Ages
Do any of you children like to fish? Tell us about one of your favorite fishing trips. (Perhaps you want to prime someone before worship.) Do you know about that day when Jesus taught his disciples how to catch fish? (Tell the story in brief.) Now, what do you suppose Jesus had in mind when he told his disciples, "Don't be afraid; from now on, you'll fish for people." (Wait; if no response, offer them your idea about what that means.)
Dramatizing the Scripture
Use the congregation as the crowd of listeners. Enact the passage with "Jesus" and "Peter." Have someone emphasize the last line, "And when they got their boats back to shore, they gave up everything and started living like him" (Cotton Patch Translation, by Clarence Jordan).
Proclamation of the Good News
Incorporate some of these ideas: (1) "Confronted with an abundance of anything, we may become bored with everything ... we involve ourselves in everything, and find that we are involved in nothing." (2) "Apathy is the key form of sin in today's world. For Adam and Eve, it meant letting a snake tell them what to do; for us, it means allowing others to dictate the identities with which we live out our lives" (both quotes from Who's Killing the Church). (3) Contrast this story with the two previous quotes: A missionary home on furlough was talking with a woman who was expressing her pity for the missionary. "When I think of you poor missionaries, I feel guilty about all the conveniences and luxuries we have here at home." The missionary quickly replied, "Don't apologize. You need to make up for the joy you miss in not seeing men and women won to Christ on the mission field" (Stella Ratzloff, Alliance Witness).
Response
"TÏ Has Venido a la Orilla," "Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore," Cesàreo Gabaràin, 1979; trans. Gertrude Suppe, George Lockwood and Raquel Ach--n, 1988; alt., harm. Skinner Chàvez-Melo.
The Dedication
Stewardship Challenge
Someone has said that "the church in mission is the church acting as the agents of God's reconciling love, through its members as the body of Christ, in all the realms of God's creation." How will you, and you, and you (look everyone in the eye) and I live out that mission today as Christ's fisher people? (Wait to receive the offering; ask the people to write down their response.)
Response
Grant, O Lord, that what has been said with our lips, we may believe in our hearts, and that what we believe in our hearts, we will practice in our lives, in the name of the Master Fisherman.
Charge to the Congregation
"Mission is not a special function of a part of the church. It is the whole church in action. It is the body of Christ expressing Christ's concern for the whole world. It is God's people seeking to make all persons members of the people of God. Mission is the function for which the church exists" (Donald Miller). Does it seem strange to you that we share everything with family, friends, neighbors, except the greatest news of all? Once again, how will you share good news, both verbally and non-verbally, this week?
Meditation
Come on, follow me, was not a call to individual salvation, by removal from historical reality, but rather a call to involvement and participation in the world for which Christ died.
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Music for Preparation: Medley of Epiphany hymns; or "Adagio" (violin solo), Franck.
Response to the Scripture: (Chancel Choir) "Notes from John," Butler.
Offertory: "Chorale," Brahms.
Music for Dismissal: Medley of Epiphany hymns; or "Credo," Haydn.
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
Theme: Jesus Teaching from the Boat; Jesus Instructing the Disciples about How to Fish; Jesus Inviting the Fishermen to Follow Him. What kind of a fisher of persons are you?
The Gathering
Choral Invitation
"Welcome Song," words and music by Paul Graham; from New Wine. (See Appendix I for address.)
Pastoral Invitation
Pastor and Ministers
In the name of the Master Fisherman, welcome to the fifth Sunday of Epiphany. I hope by now that the Epiphany season has taken new significance for all of you. Raise your hand if it has. Would anyone care to respond in what way Epiphany has grown on you? (Wait. If no response, share one of your new appreciations for this season.)
P: Now, are you ready to move into the second half of Epiphany?
M: Yes, though we do so both with fear and joy.
P: How so, friends?
M: We rejoice in our new learnings; we are fearful that our new learnings will require of us new commitment.
P: You're right. Remember that Christ promises us his power.
M: Thank God for that! We are ready, despite our fear.
P: And, all the people said ...
Hymn of Praise
"With Glad, Exuberant Carolings," Thomas H. Troeger, 1984; Carol Doran, 1984.
Prayer of Praise
Express praise to and thanks for the Master Fisherman who calls the church into being, into mission.
The Introspection
Introduction to the Act of Recognizing Our Humanity
I invite you to compare or to contrast these two statements: (1) William Danker, in a Christian Century article, "Two Worlds or None" (June 5, 1963), writes: "In the United States the church exists as a peripheral, leisure-time activity on the free-will offerings of the largest, richest, and at times, the most frightened middle class in history." (2) Thomas Collins, in Pulpit Digest, writes that "the genuine Communist is a missionary. He will go anywhere, become all things for all men, win any who will listen. The genuine Communist is a dedicated person. He does not hold life or possessions dear. He will consider no cost too great for victory. If called, he will leave home and family in the middle of the night, not knowing where he is going. He will make any sacrifice if, by doing so, his cause is advanced." (Two minutes of silence.) Write down your thoughts about these two quotes. Any willing to respond? Share your own fear, maybe even your own cowardice, about saying anything, because of your own complicity in the culture.
Response
"Just As I Am, Without One Plea," Charlotte Elliott, 1834; William Batchelder Bradbury, 1894; harm. The Hymnbook, 1955.
Introduction to the Act of Receiving New Life
When we look at the commitment of others, we may cringe and complain, "No fish, no fish." Jesus refuses to let us get away with that. "Quit whining. Put your nets out into the deep; take some risks; stop playing games with my life and yours. I'm calling you to a new ministry. And I promise to stay with you, no matter what." D. Reginald Thomas has pointed out that "for a Christian even the valleys are on higher ground." And I add, even our greatest risks in the name of the living Christ are worth more than our sitting around waiting for something to happen. Jesus promises us his discipline, our freedom, and together, an exciting adventure.
Response
"I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me," African-American spiritual; arr. Wendell Whalum, 1932-1987.
The Teaching
Message with the Children of All Ages
Do any of you children like to fish? Tell us about one of your favorite fishing trips. (Perhaps you want to prime someone before worship.) Do you know about that day when Jesus taught his disciples how to catch fish? (Tell the story in brief.) Now, what do you suppose Jesus had in mind when he told his disciples, "Don't be afraid; from now on, you'll fish for people." (Wait; if no response, offer them your idea about what that means.)
Dramatizing the Scripture
Use the congregation as the crowd of listeners. Enact the passage with "Jesus" and "Peter." Have someone emphasize the last line, "And when they got their boats back to shore, they gave up everything and started living like him" (Cotton Patch Translation, by Clarence Jordan).
Proclamation of the Good News
Incorporate some of these ideas: (1) "Confronted with an abundance of anything, we may become bored with everything ... we involve ourselves in everything, and find that we are involved in nothing." (2) "Apathy is the key form of sin in today's world. For Adam and Eve, it meant letting a snake tell them what to do; for us, it means allowing others to dictate the identities with which we live out our lives" (both quotes from Who's Killing the Church). (3) Contrast this story with the two previous quotes: A missionary home on furlough was talking with a woman who was expressing her pity for the missionary. "When I think of you poor missionaries, I feel guilty about all the conveniences and luxuries we have here at home." The missionary quickly replied, "Don't apologize. You need to make up for the joy you miss in not seeing men and women won to Christ on the mission field" (Stella Ratzloff, Alliance Witness).
Response
"TÏ Has Venido a la Orilla," "Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore," Cesàreo Gabaràin, 1979; trans. Gertrude Suppe, George Lockwood and Raquel Ach--n, 1988; alt., harm. Skinner Chàvez-Melo.
The Dedication
Stewardship Challenge
Someone has said that "the church in mission is the church acting as the agents of God's reconciling love, through its members as the body of Christ, in all the realms of God's creation." How will you, and you, and you (look everyone in the eye) and I live out that mission today as Christ's fisher people? (Wait to receive the offering; ask the people to write down their response.)
Response
Grant, O Lord, that what has been said with our lips, we may believe in our hearts, and that what we believe in our hearts, we will practice in our lives, in the name of the Master Fisherman.
Charge to the Congregation
"Mission is not a special function of a part of the church. It is the whole church in action. It is the body of Christ expressing Christ's concern for the whole world. It is God's people seeking to make all persons members of the people of God. Mission is the function for which the church exists" (Donald Miller). Does it seem strange to you that we share everything with family, friends, neighbors, except the greatest news of all? Once again, how will you share good news, both verbally and non-verbally, this week?
Meditation
Come on, follow me, was not a call to individual salvation, by removal from historical reality, but rather a call to involvement and participation in the world for which Christ died.
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Music for Preparation: Medley of Epiphany hymns; or "Adagio" (violin solo), Franck.
Response to the Scripture: (Chancel Choir) "Notes from John," Butler.
Offertory: "Chorale," Brahms.
Music for Dismissal: Medley of Epiphany hymns; or "Credo," Haydn.
