October 21 Twenty-first after Pentecost
World Food Day
Job 38:17, (3441)
Gods rebuttal to Jobs complaint.
Psalm 104:19, 24, 35c (VU pp. 826827 Parts One and Two)
With Wisdom, God created Earth and all its creatures.
Hebrews 5:110
Christ learned obedience and was made perfect.
Mark 10:3545
James and John request to sit on Jesus right and left.
Spark
Both New Testament readings focus on humility. Which movie or television characters exude humility for you? Which do not, and instead give us an idea of how not to live?
Theme Engagement Question
Where in your life do you, or do you need to, focus on goodness rather than greatness?
With Children
Check out Imagine a Day by Sarah L. Thomson (Simon and Schuster, 2005). Using the theme of the psalm as a jumping-off point, draw on the story to dream with the children about the wonder of each day and all that God has created in which we delight. Ask the children what they think about all that God has made. You might also use Somewhere in the World Right Now by Stacey Schuett (Alfred A. Knopf, 1995), which invites us to think about the fact that while we are starting a new day, other folk are getting ready to sleep.
Sermon Starter
In Carol Shields Unless (Vintage Canada, 2002), a young woman, Norah, sits daily on the streets of Toronto with a cardboard sign that reads Goodness. A key element of Unless is the focus on goodness rather than greatness. In this passage from Mark, the sons of Zebedee are seeking greatness, but Jesus calls them to goodness. How are we seeking greatness in our churches, in our culture, and in our lives? When do we need to be humble? Where do we need to focus on goodness rather than greatness? How are we becoming servants of goodness? Where are we choosing to be last instead of first?
Hymns
Hebrew Scripture
VU 278 In the quiet curve of evening
VU 660 How firm a foundation
MV 77 Be still and know
MV 92 Like a rock
Psalm
VU 296 This is Gods wondrous world
MV 122 This is the day
Epistle
VU 337 Blessed assurance
VU 348 O love, how deep
VU 506 Take my life and let it be
MV 85 Take, O take me as I am
Gospel
VU 264 Immortal, invisible, God only wise
VU 560 O Master, let me walk with thee
VU 595 We are pilgrims
VU 684 Make me a channel of your peace
MV 151 Your will be done