tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3155518555490820472024-03-13T11:38:54.301-04:00Liberal Mormon SpiritualityReflections on LDS teaching and experienceJohn-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.comBlogger400125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-69671021780900049852016-11-11T07:18:00.001-05:002016-11-11T07:20:58.112-05:00Post-election thoughtsI don't feel like fighting.<br />
I don't even feel like "bearing witness against," an activity that normally yields me a lot of satisfaction.<br />
<br />
It's not that I'm giving up.<br />
But I want to try some different verbs.<br />
<br />
I want to build.<br />
I want to nourish. I want to nourish individuals, relationships, communities.<br />
I want to support.<br />
I want to give.<br />
I want to compassion. That's not a verb, but it needs to be.<br />
I want to stand with.<br />
I want to mourn with.<br />
I want to suffer with. Amend that: I want to have the courage to suffer with.<br />
<br />
I want to reason.<br />
I want to persuade.<br />
I want to build on common beliefs.<br />
I want to listen.<br />
I want to go forth. I want to get outside my usual circles.<br />
I want to speak as inspired by the Spirit that teaches to do justly, to judge righteously, <i>and </i>to walk humbly.<br />
<br />
I don't want to be naive about this.<br />
I want to be wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove.<br />
I don't want to hide behind pious platitudes.<br />
I understand that this is a call to make myself exposed and vulnerable.<br />
<br />
But I don't want to do that under the banner of fighting.<br />
I want to lift up an ensign of peace. I want to figure out what that means in this context.<br />
<br />
I think I'm beginning to get an inkling of why someone who preaches "Love your enemy" ends up on a cross. And why it looks like foolishness.John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-67429804997252007502016-07-18T22:28:00.003-04:002016-07-18T22:39:05.997-04:00A title of liberty for election 2016After the 2004 election, another student in my graduate program remarked that she hadn't voted because she "didn't want to be part of the system." My reaction at the time was an exasperated, "Well, thank you for helping to give us four more years of Bush." Which I said to her out loud because I'm a d--k that way.<br />
<br />
And now, 12 years later, I find myself wondering if I might sit out this year's election, at least the presidential race. Because as appalled--<i>appalled!!!!</i>--as I am to see the Republican Party reconciling itself to Donald Trump and setting itself the task of pitching him to the nation, and as frightened--<i>frightened!!!!</i>--as I am that he could actually win... I don't like being in the situation of doing what I'm appalled at Republican moderates for doing: i.e., reconciling myself to a presidential candidate I have qualms about because I think that at least that person's better than the other party's candidate.<br />
<br />
Not that the situations are equivalent. But they're analogous enough to make me feel icky.<br />
<br />
I dunno. Maybe I'll write in a candidate.<br />
<br />
Whatever I do, I'm taking the following as my guide for election 2016:
<br />
<blockquote>
In memory of our God,<br />
our religion,<br />
and our peace.<br />
<i>(Alma 46:12)</i></blockquote>
The original text also includes "freedom," of course, and I'm in favor of that, too. But that word gets thrown around so much in American political discourse that I'd rather let my attention linger over the other elements of Moroni's slogan.<br />
<br />
If I vote, it will be for candidates who I think will advocate policies in line with the values of the God I know and worship.<br />
<br />
If I vote, it will be for candidates who I think will advocate policies in line with the values of my religion--the values of Jesus.<br />
<br />
If I vote, it will be for candidates who I think will advocate policies that promote peace.<br />
<br />
And yeah, I know, I shouldn't expect purity in politics. So yeah, I know, maybe I have to vote for the lesser of two evils. Maybe that's my Christian duty here.<br />
<br />
And yeah, I know, this whole "a pox on both your houses" posture I'm articulating right now is annoyingly sanctimonious, because God knows I've found it annoying when I've read it being articulated by other religious commentators in the past. "Look at me, I'm up with God, in transcendent purity, above the fray."<br />
<br />
(It's people who like to imagine they're above the fray, able to criticize both sides, who will vote Donald Trump into the White House, if that happens.)<br />
<br />
But on the opening night of the Republican national convention, taking place less than a half hour's drive from the Kirtland Temple, this is the state of my thinking.<br />
<br />
And I'm praying. I'm praying that my fellow Americans will do what makes for peace. I pray that all those folks out there who talk about wanting America to be a Christian nation will recognize anti-Christ when they see it. I pray that I'll recognize it when I see it. And that I'll know what to do about it in my capacity as a citizen.John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-19420222401510960152014-06-27T08:55:00.000-04:002014-06-27T08:55:41.838-04:00For Kate Kelly and all who are heartbroken with her<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HgEI495G9DY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />
<b>"Heirs of that heritage"</b><br />
June 27, 2014<br /><br />
"Behind me is the Red Brick Store, in Nauvoo, Illinois. This is the place where the Relief Society was founded, and where Joseph Smith announced his intention to make that society 'a kingdom of priests.' This building is also the place where, for the first time, Latter-day Saint women were anointed to become 'queens' and 'priestesses' as part of the endowment.<br /><br />
"I'm not convinced that Joseph Smith intended those developments to lead to the ordination of women to priesthood office in the church, because I'm not convinced that Joseph Smith's vision was that progressive at that point in his life. But I do believe that the developments that occurred in this building offer Latter-day Saints windows onto wider possibilities--including the ordination of women, which I, like many of you, believe to be God's will, given the principle that, as we read in the Book of Mormon, male and female are alike to God.<br /><br />
"Kate Kelly's excommunication is a heavy blow to those who have been trying to work for the fulfillment of that wider vision.<br /><br />
"As I stand here in Nauvoo, I am very conscious of the fact that heavy blows, and setbacks, and tragedy, are part and parcel of the Latter-day Saint heritage. Here in Nauvoo, dreams and hopes were shattered. Our people became divided. Church members felt betrayed by church leaders. Nauvoo was a place of violence, and destruction, and loss, and grief.<br /><br />
"In Tony Kushner's play, <i>Angels in America</i>, Harper, a Mormon woman who has been betrayed by someone she loves, says near the end of the play: 'I've finally found the secret of all that Mormon energy. Devastation. That's what makes people migrate, build things. Heartbroken people do it...'<br /><br />
"Nauvoo is a witness to the heartbreak that has been part of Latter-day Saint history from the beginning. Nauvoo is also a witness to what heartbroken people can accomplish. Kate Kelly and all those who are heartbroken with her are heirs of that heritage."John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-68231147865587536472014-06-26T10:17:00.001-04:002014-06-26T10:19:03.330-04:00For John Dehlin, from Joseph Smith's gravesite<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/N-EOMZJg25w" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
June 26, 2014<br />
<br />
"This video is a message for John Dehlin.
<br />
<br />
"A couple of weeks ago, John, you posted to Facebook a
quotation from Joseph Smith that spoke to you after the announcement of your
impending church disciplinary council. It was the quotation in which Joseph
Smith says that he is dismayed to see a church member called up before a church
court over questions of doctrine because, Joseph says, that seems like
something that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the Methodists</i> would
do. <br />
<br />
"Now, before I say what I’m here to say, I feel a fastidious
professorial need to qualify things by pointing out that while that particular quotation
from Joseph Smith makes him sound supportive of freedom of thought within the
church, Joseph could also be, let’s say, firm about condemning what he regarded
as apostasy in the church—so I’m not certain that Joseph Smith would have
positively regarded you (or me, for that matter). <br />
<br />
"But with that fastidious caveat, I can certainly understand,
John, why those particular words of Joseph Smith spoke to you in your current circumstances.
And so I’m pleased to say that I am standing here with the man who spoke those
words. I am standing at the gravesite of Joseph Smith—in Nauvoo, Illinois, the
place where Joseph spoke those words that had inspired you. And I would like to
say to you, in his presence, that I agree with you, John, that those particular
words of Joseph Smith’s represent the better part of his legacy, a legacy that
you and many others in the bloggernacle are helping to carry forward into the
21st century—a legacy of expansiveness, of creative initiative, of continual
searching, exploring ideas, seeking truth wherever it may be found, envisioning
new possibilities.<br />
<br />
"I have extremely mixed feelings about this man. But to the
extent that I believe he deserves to be honored, I think that the work you have
been doing with Mormon Stories honors him. And so I hope you will continue that
work, regardless of the outcome of your upcoming meeting with your stake
president. <br />
<br />
"Joseph Smith is dead. But I hope that the best parts of his
legacy will live on and flourish. My thoughts are with you, John. God bless."
John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-18091952163972321262014-06-23T11:05:00.000-04:002014-06-23T11:05:18.113-04:00Sacred Grove, 6/21/14<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vkbuh5vTA9s" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
“I am sitting in the Sacred Grove, in Palmyra, New York
(where there are many mosquitos, which I am going to do my best to ignore).
Somewhere in this wooded area, the story goes, a confused teenager came to
pray, in the faith that God would provide an answer to his confusion. And
according to the story, God did, although the answer was not one that the
teenager had anticipated. Furthermore, the story continues, the teenager
discovered that not everyone approved of the answer he believed he had
received; some people, in fact, were very emphatic about expressing their
disagreement.
<br />
<br />
“As I sit here remembering that story, I am mindful of the
ongoing controversy around Kate Kelly and John Dehlin. And I’m mindful,
especially, of individuals for whom that controversy may be occasioning a
crisis of faith or identity—people who may be wondering if there is a place for
them in the LDS Church; and if not, where do they go from here?
<br />
<br />
“For what it may be worth, I would like to reach out to
people in that situation by offering my testimony of the principle taught by
the story of the Sacred Grove. At the end of the story as told in the Pearl of
Great Price, Joseph Smith draws an explicit moral from the story, which is, he
says, that anyone who lacks wisdom can ask of God and receive. I would like to
add my witness to that affirmation, based on my own life’s experience.
<br />
<br />
“When push comes to shove, every one of us has to decide for
ourselves what to believe, or who to believe, or who to follow, or who to stand
with, who to trust. We have to make that decision for ourselves; but as we make
that choice, we can receive guidance from God through personal revelation. That
guidance may not come on the timetable that we would like. It may not come in
the ways we would have expected. The answer might not be what we had hoped for.
Our understanding of the answer might evolve over time as we learn by
experience and grow in further light and knowledge. Living in keeping with the
answer we receive may be difficult. It may seriously disrupt our status quo. It
may strain our relationships with people we love who cannot accept the answer
that we believe we have received, and who may urge us not to trust our personal
revelation.
<br />
<br />
“Seeking your answer, and living your answer, can feel very
lonely. But the good news is that we are never actually alone. The scriptures
promise us that everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who seeks will find.
Everyone who knocks… will have <i>a</i> door
opened to them, even if it wasn’t the door you had hoped for. I have faith in
that promise because I believe I have seen it fulfilled in my own life.
<br />
<br />
“That is my testimony from the Sacred Grove. May God be with
you—God <i>will </i>be with you—as you seek
answers in your own Sacred Grove. In Christ’s name, amen.”
John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-27372752187350381162014-06-19T18:33:00.000-04:002014-06-19T18:34:18.354-04:00We Limit Not the Truth of GodYesterday I was looking through Community of Christ's new hymnal, <i>Community of Christ Sings.</i> They have several hymns on the theme of Continuing Revelation. One of these spoke to me particularly powerfully in light of the ongoing controversy around Ordain Women.<br />
<br />
Here are the words. The tune to which the words are matched in <i>Community of Christ Sings</i> doesn't appear in the 1985 LDS hymnal, <i>Hymns</i>; but it could be sung to the tune that accompanies "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" (<i>Hymns</i>, #41).
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>"We Limit Not the Truth of God"</b> (<i>Community of Christ Sings</i>, #69)<br />
Words by George Rawson (1807-1889)<br />
<br />
We limit not the truth of God<br />
to our poor reach of mind<br />
by notions of our day and sect,<br />
crude, partial, and confined.<br />
No, let a new and better hope<br />
within our hearts be stirred--<br />
the Lord hath yet more light and truth<br />
to break forth from his word.<br />
<br />
Who dares to bind to their dull sense<br />
the oracles of heav'n<br />
for all the nations, tongues, and climes,<br />
and all the ages giv'n?<br />
That universe, how much unknown!<br />
That ocean unexplored!<br />
The Lord hath yet more light and truth<br />
to break forth from his word.<br />
<br />
O Father, Son, and Spirit, send<br />
us increase from above;<br />
enlarge, expand all Christian souls<br />
to comprehend thy love,<br />
and make us all go on to know,<br />
with nobler pow'rs conferred,<br />
the Lord hath yet more light and truth<br />
to break forth from his word.
John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-87742173105412385302014-06-17T10:33:00.000-04:002014-06-21T23:36:21.200-04:00A prayer for Kate and JohnThe cynical, embittered pessimist in me watches the unfolding events with resignation and even, I shamefully confess, a taste of Schadenfreude. ("You see--I <i>told</i> you.") This video comes from a different part of me.
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vO_3EHZE5vs" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
"Behind me is the Kirtland Temple. When this temple was dedicated in 1836, Joseph Smith prayed that the Saints would be empowered, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, to go forth and do God's work in the world. He prayed that as they did this, prejudices against them would be swept away, and that the hearts of those who opposed them would be softened. <i>[D&C 109:56.]</i>
<br />
<br />
"Tonight that is my prayer on behalf of Kate Kelly and John Dehlin. For Kate, and John, and all those who are in mourning because of the actions being taken against Kate and John, I pray in words adapted from words that were used at the dedication of this temple:
<br />
<br />
Holy One--<br />
May your name be upon them.<br />
May your glory be round about them.<br />
May your angels have charge over them. <i>[D&C 109:22]</i><br />
Remember all your church, O Lord. <i>[D&C 109:72]</i><br />
Amen."
John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-86613323173750891042014-06-11T19:13:00.003-04:002014-06-11T23:13:40.563-04:00For Kate and John: Let the caravan move onI just saw the news about Kate Kelly's and John Dehlin's impending disciplinary councils: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/12/us/two-activists-within-mormon-church-threatened-with-excommunication.html?_r=0" target="_blank">Two Activists Within Mormon Church Threatened with Excommunication</a> (<i>New York Times</i>). As an excommunicant myself, I'd like to offer the following to Kate and John and their supporters:<br />
<br />
I remember how it felt to be contacted--out of the blue--by the local church leadership. Even though I'd always figured that moment was likely to come someday, it was more distressing than I had expected. I felt targeted. I suspected right away that this action was being directed from higher up; and when talking to the stake president first bolstered, then outright confirmed, those suspicions, that revelation intensified the feeling that I was being secretly monitored from afar by some shadowy presence who wanted to get me "under control." "Threatened" (as the <i>New York Times</i> headline puts it) is a good description of what it felt like. <br />
<br />
Excommunication is an institution speaking in the name of an entire faith community to say, "We disown you." And even though I had mentally disowned that institution long before (my relationship was, and is, with the Mormon <i>tradition</i>, not with the LDS Church), it's still intimidating when the institution's representatives turn up to declare their intention to formally cut you off. (Linger on that metaphor.) Kate and John appear to feel more invested in the institution than I did at that point, which must make the experience more painful.<br />
<br />
Excommunication serves as a kind of smear campaign. Because the institution won't go on record explaining why they disowned you--apart from deliberately vague generalities like "apostasy" or "conduct unbecoming a member of the church"--the LDS faithful are free to cast doubt on whatever you say about what happened and what you did or did not do to "deserve" this action. If your supporters try to give you the halo of martyrdom, suave apologists like Terryl Givens can say, as he said about excommunicated intellectuals for the PBS special <i>The Mormons</i>: Well, you know, since the church can't comment, we're only hearing one side of the story... At which point, the faithful can imagine whatever they want about why you were "really" excommunicated. Maybe it wasn't just because of your podcasts or your public questioning of church policy. Maybe church leaders knew there was something going on in your private life. Maybe that something else--some secret sin you felt a need to rationalize--is the real reason you questioned church teachings... And then they can feel that much more justified in ignoring whatever issues you were trying to raise.<br />
<br />
It's a nasty business. I'm scoffing bitterly: Just a day or two ago, inveterate optimists like John Gustav-Wrathall and Joanna Brooks were gushing about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir having sung "Somewhere over the Rainbow" on the same Sunday that gay pride was being celebrated in Salt Lake City... grasping, as they do, for signs that the church is changing, reasons for hope. And now--the same old same-old. We don't know, of course, what's going on behind the scenes. We don't know which individuals at church headquarters may be responsible for these disciplinary councils going forward; we don't know which other individuals at headquarters may have favored a different approach. Maybe the relatively more progressive-leaning folks, or at least more image-conscious folks, will manage to work behind the scenes to get these disciplinary councils indefinitely postponed. But what's happening right now makes clear that the old guard are still on duty.<br />
<br />
If any of you out there are <i>surprised</i> by this turn of events--I'm sorry, but you need to get wise. You can't assume good faith on the part of church leadership; you have to always assume that at least some of them are working to figure out how to stab you in the back. If you can't assimilate that picture of church leadership into your worldview--then it's only a matter of time before you get struck on the head by a rock you had no idea someone was getting ready to throw at you.<br />
<br />
Okay, I hadn't intended to get that bitter. Let me try to be more... pastoral.<br />
<br />
First, to Kate and John: Unsolicited advice from someone whose been in your shoes. Your top priority right now is figuring out how to respond to the disciplinary council in a way that will leave you feeling, at the end, that you have acted with integrity, that you have acted in a way that is spiritually healthy for you, that you have been proactive rather than simply reactive, and that you have no lingering regrets about the way in which you have brought closure to your formal church membership--and you should assume that excommunication will be the outcome. I would urge you not to let your role as public figures play any consideration in how you go about doing those things. This moment is about what you need to do for yourself--period.<br />
<br />
Second, to Kate and John and their supporters: These excommunications--if they happen, which, again, you should assume they will--should make no difference whatsoever in how you go about doing your work. Don't let a change in Kate's or John's membership status change anything else. Just go on doing what you've been doing. To paraphrase a famous metaphor of Bruce R. McConkie's: Let the dogs snap at your heels; the caravan moves on. Mormon Stories moves on. Ordain Women moves on. In Christ's name, amen.John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-46971953236181876802013-10-13T16:15:00.002-04:002013-10-13T16:16:12.790-04:0010/13/1993 - The end of the missionTwenty years ago today was my last proselytizing day as an LDS missionary. On Oct. 14, I was taken to the mission home, and the day after that, I was handed over to my parents, who had come down to the Dominican Republic to pick me up.<br />
<br />
When I started this "looking back 20 years" series of what were supposed to be monthly posts, I was hoping to reconnect with the Dominican Republic--the contemporary Dominican Republic, not my nostalgic memories of the Dominican Republic. I wanted to do that out of a sense of guilt. Guilt that I connected with all these people, I lived in this country, this culture, and the experience impacted me very deeply, at least I feel like it did--but at the end of the day, was that just a kind of extended spiritual tourism? Was it ultimately an exercise in narcissism posing as concern for people in the Third World?<br />
<br />
Yeah. Yeah it was. I mean, it may not have been exclusively that; I trust--I have to trust--that there are redeeming or redeemable aspects to the experience. But, yeah. It was very much about me, and the connections I've continued to feel for the Dominican Republic are very much about me. That's why in the end, this series petered out. My spiritual engagement ended up flowing in other directions over these past couple of years, and the Dominican experience stopped being so meaningful.<br />
<br />
This is not good. This is very icky. I am not proud of myself in this moment.<br />
<br />
And that's the end of my 20th-anniversary series of mission reflections. S**t.<br />
<br />
<b>Other posts in this series: </b><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2013/05/5121993-safety-in-dominican-republic.html">5/12/1993 - Safety in the Dominican Republic</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2013/04/471993-alma-rosa.html">4/7/1993 - Alma Rosa</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2013/02/231993-ensanche-espaillat.html">2/3/1993 - Ensanche Espaillat</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/09/la-milagrosa.html">9/30/1992 - La Milagrosa</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/08/8122002-year-after-call.html">8/12/1992 - A year after the call</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/07/711992-fedopo.html">7/1/1992 - FEDOPO</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/05/561992-guaricano.html">5/6/1992 - Guaricano</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/04/411992-first-day-in-guaricano.html">4/1/1992 - First day in Guaricano</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/02/251992-zona-franca.html">2/5/1992 - The Zona Franca</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/12/12491-la-romana.html">12/4/1991 - La Romana</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/11/11691-my-first-day-in-dominican.html">11/6/1991 - My first day in the Dominican Republic</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/10/10991-entered-mtc.html">10/9/1991 - Entered the MTC</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/09/9491-waiting-to-serve.html">9/4/1991 - Waiting to serve</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/09/8191-mission-call.html">8/1/1991 - Mission call</a>John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-90067660889182815652013-08-04T16:40:00.003-04:002013-08-04T16:40:52.051-04:00Sacred GroveMy 20-year anniversary missionary posts are shot to heck. There's really only a couple months left in which to do any. My spiritual life has moved into a different channel. I would like to do one or two more posts in that series, though.<br />
<br />
Today, though, I want to talk about a visit I made last month to the Sacred Grove. My husband and I spent the Fourth of July week in Cleveland, partly so I could make a presentation to the Community of Christ interns at the Kirtland Temple visitors center. While we were in the vicinity, we took a day trip out to Palmyra, something we've been talking about for years, even since we came back east so I could return to grad school. I haven't been to Palmyra since I was a toddler.<br />
<br />
The weather was wretched, although in a way I guess that was a blessing because it meant I basically had the Sacred Grove to myself. No one else wanted to be out there in the pouring rain.<br />
<br />
I appreciate how the grove is being managed: limited, low-key interpretative apparatus, a wonderfully extensive trail system so that even if there were lots of visitors, I imagine you could achieve some privacy. <br />
<br />
I walked back for a good long ways until I found a spot that felt right for no particular reason, and then I paced for a while talking out loud to God. I had this feeling of having arrived at the place of origin, a place where the Presence is specially concentrated. I didn't have Eliade on the brain at that particular moment, but yes, we're talking hierophany here.<br />
<br />
But I was also aware that I was standing in a <i>mythic </i>place of origin. This is the place where the story begins--and yet it's not. That paradox is true in a couple of different senses.<br />
<br />
One: It's not really the place of origin because the story we tell about this place of origin probably didn't happen the way we tell it. Anyone who saw or heard the "Diagnosing the Seer" session I did at Salt Lake Sunstone last year, with Mark Thomas and Dan Vogel, on the historicity of the 1838 First Vision account knows that I voted gray or black on all the propositions we discussed. But that doesn't stop me from wanting to make my pilgrimage to this place. It doesn't stop me from experiencing the heightened Presence.<br />
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Two: It's not really the place of origin because even if the story were strictly historical, the site has changed since the 1820s. This is the insight that struck me during my trip last month, as I was pacing, looking up through the trees, getting drenched in the rain. My understanding is that site that is preserved as the "Sacred Grove" encompasses more than the original Smith property, ergo more than the original grove. Whether I'm understanding that correctly or not, the fact remains that the site I'm seeing now is not the site Joseph Smith prayed in. They're not the same trees. These trails weren't here. Who knows how else the landscape has been altered.<br />
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So it's the Sacred Grove, but the Sacred Grove has changed. It's not what it was in 1820. It has evolved into something different. But we still call it the Sacred Grove.<br />
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When that thought came to me in the grove, I also thought: That's an apt metaphor for my own Mormon identity. It has evolved into something different from what it was. But it's still Mormon. John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-66269329413427749482013-05-12T18:25:00.000-04:002013-05-12T18:25:12.886-04:005/12/1993 - Safety in the Dominican RepublicThis post is part of an ongoing series in which I "look in" on the contemporary Dominican Republic while "looking back" at my mission there twenty years ago. Today, I feel inspired to write about safety in the DR.<br />
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Shortly after I arrived in the DR as a missionary, another missionary showed me a document which had been provided to the missionaries by the U.S. embassy around the time of the Gulf War (which preceded my mission by several months). I don't remember if the mission president had solicited this document or if the embassy had proffered it. It was a basically a guide on what to do if you're kidnapped. The advice I still remember is: Your best chance for escape is when they're first nabbing you; you need to psychologically prepare yourself for a long captivity; and you should press your captors to improve your conditions by demanding things like toilet paper and books.<br />
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The document made such an impression on me that I became paranoid when my trainer and I were approached by a young man who was very keen to have us come to his house but didn't want to be seen talking to us on the street. As it turned out, he did have nefarious intentions, but of a more mundane kind: he feigned a desire to convert in the hope of fleecing us of things like tennis shoes--at which he succeeded; I wasn't sufficiently paranoid on <i>that </i>count.<br />
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Once I got acclimated, I felt quite safe as a missionary in the DR. During the Gulf War, a missionary had been the victim of a drive-by shooting, apparently motivated by anti-American sentiment (he survived largely unscathed; his temple garments took the credit). But that incident was anomalous. People regularly shouted "CIA" to us on the streets, but I understood it more as a taunt than a threat. Missionaries, the North Americans especially, were natural targets of petty crime: missionaries liked to swap stories about the ingenious ways people made off with their watches in the streets, that kind of thing. I had my bike stolen several months into my mission while I was inside an investigator's house one night--the horrific aftermath of which is that the police carted off a Haitian neighbor of the investigator, who I also knew, and beat him to try to force a confession. I'm not up to reliving that memory right now; but there's a moral there about safety and vulnerability for different kinds of foreign nationals in the Dominican Republic.<br />
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The DR didn't feel unsafe to me until the very end of my mission, when my parents came down to pick me up. We were walking at night to our hotel in a touristy area, when a man began approaching us, pulling a coiled wire out from under his shirt as he did so. My petite, iron-willed mother glared at the man, grabbed my hand and my father's, and pulled us across the street. It was a very unnerving experience, and it suddenly made the DR feel less like home to me than it had. I had been moving blithely through this country, feeling like I belonged; suddenly I felt foreign and targeted.<br />
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In 1997, when I was back in the DR working with a Catholic program, I visited Guaricano, which had been my favorite proselyting area. I learned that while LDS missionaries still worked there, they no longer lived there. The area had been ruled to unsafe to live after burglars broke into the elders' home one night and assaulted them. In 2000, I returned to the DR again looking for a job teaching English. While there, I heard chilling stories about American teachers--women, in these stories--being picked up by fake taxis full of thieves posing as passengers, forced to use ATM cards to empty their bank accounts, and in one case killed. During that same trip, I got into such a taxi and had my pocket picked. A good Samaritan found my discarded wallet later that day, found inside the phone number of the house where I was staying, and called. My Dominican hosts feared that the caller was actually one of the thieves trying to lure me into . . . a further assault or a kidnapping, I guess. A stake high councilman and his wife drove me over to the caller's home, who turned out to be legit; in fact, the high councilman ended up trying to turn the encounter into a missionary referral.<br />
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I was just looking at the U.S. State Department's <a href="http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1103.html#safety">travel advisory page</a> for the DR. They make it sound pretty scary, though there's reassuring perspective in their statement that "the dangers present in the Dominican Republic are similar to those of many major U.S. cities." <br />
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I can't end a reflection on safety in the DR without remembering . . . well, let's call her Guadi, a young mother living in the area where I was working on this day 20 years ago, whose musician husband was often away working a gig on the other end of the island. One night she was awakened at knifepoint by a thief who had broken into the house. Several days later, she saw the thief walking past their home; fortunately, her husband was home at the time, and he confronted the thief, which led to his arrest. I'm proud of the way ward members pulled together for her, spending the night with her when her husband had to go away again. My companion and I met with her one evening, when she was plainly under a lot of stress. We got the kids off in a corner playing with magnets, we three adults sat down to talk, she vented for a long while, my companion and I listened, the three of us sang "Abide with Me," we prayed. It's one of the spiritual highlights of my mission. <br />
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I thank God that I was safe during my time in the DR. I pray for the safety of the people I know who are living there now--Dominicans and Haitians and North Americans. Especially women. <br />
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<b>Other posts in this series: </b><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2013/04/471993-alma-rosa.html">4/7/1993 - Alma Rosa</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2013/02/231993-ensanche-espaillat.html">2/3/1993 - Ensanche Espaillat</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/09/la-milagrosa.html">9/30/1992 - La Milagrosa</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/08/8122002-year-after-call.html">8/12/1992 - A year after the call</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/07/711992-fedopo.html">7/1/1992 - FEDOPO</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/05/561992-guaricano.html">5/6/1992 - Guaricano</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/04/411992-first-day-in-guaricano.html">4/1/1992 - First day in Guaricano</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/02/251992-zona-franca.html">2/5/1992 - The Zona Franca</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/12/12491-la-romana.html">12/4/1991 - La Romana</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/11/11691-my-first-day-in-dominican.html">11/6/1991 - My first day in the Dominican Republic</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/10/10991-entered-mtc.html">10/9/1991 - Entered the MTC</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/09/9491-waiting-to-serve.html">9/4/1991 - Waiting to serve</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/09/8191-mission-call.html">8/1/1991 - Mission call</a>John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-10185702089716121922013-04-07T15:18:00.000-04:002013-04-07T15:18:26.884-04:004/7/1993 - Alma RosaTwenty years ago today, I was a missionary in Santo Domingo, a couple weeks into a new proselyting area--which turned out to be my last proselyting area. I spent six months here, an unusually long time by the norms of my mission. At the time, I interpreted that as a vote of confidence from the mission president: i.e., he trusted me to be diligent and persistent enough to keep building up the work in this area without getting bored and antsy to go somewhere else. But, um, who knows what his motive was. (Pessimistic speculation: Maybe it was the mission president's strategy for keeping me somewhere he thought I couldn't do too much damage.)<br />
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Anyway, Alma Rosa was the name of the area--Alma Rosa I, officially. Alma Rosa II was the next barrio eastward; the city was expanding in that direction. My companion and I lived in Alma Rosa II, but we worked and attended church in Alma Rosa I. The chapel we attended was the same one I had attended in late 1992-early 1993, while I was working in La Milagrosa, a neighborhood just northwest of Alma Rosa. In other words, I was in familiar territory.<br />
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In the map below, Alma Rosa is the area shaded green. La Milagrosa, where I'd served in late 1992-early 1993, is shaded pink. (In retrospect, I should have assigned the colors the other way around: Alma Rosa means "Pink Soul." I have no idea why that name.) The chapel in the center of the map, in Alma Rosa, is where our ward met. The chapel near the southwest corner of the map is where we attended zone conferences. The chapel toward the east edge of the map was where the missionaries in my district held our weekly meetings. Ah, yes: I was district leader while I was in Alma Rosa. A long awaited feather in my cap. <br />
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The blue circle on the map indicates the approximate location where I lived while I was working in Alma Rosa. The green circle indicates the street where the first YouTube video below was filmed. The red circle indicates where I <i>suspect</i> the second YouTube video was filmed, a judgment I make based on the lack of vegetation. The northern "triangle" of Alma Rosa was a relatively poorer area. The middle section (moving south) was where the most affluent housing was, although rich houses behind walls could exist literally side-by-side with tin shacks. The southernmost stretch of the neighborhood, parallel to the highway, had big apartment complexes that I have in my head were government projects.<br />
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I am proud to say that over the course of six months in Alma Rosa, I systematically tracted out--i.e., knocked doors on--every street in that barrio. We didn't just tract, of course; but tracting was what we always did when we had nothing else to do; I insisted on that as a matter of discipline. I might not pursue that same course if I could do things over, but I was proud of it then because the alternative would have been killing time while fooling ourselves that we were being productive. Six months and a few companions later, I'd worked through every street and started over. At a couple houses, people asked, "Weren't you just here?" Nope, that was six months ago. I've been keeping track.<br />
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About the videos:<br />
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1. This short rooftop look-about shows a stretch of Alma Rosa that has been "developed up" more than I remember it as being twenty years ago. That is, I don't remember there being so many multi-floor apartment buildings.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WHlQuUrY4zw" width="420"></iframe><br />
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2. This will be boring for anyone except a fellow Alma Rosa alum. I'm intrigued by the number of young people who have electronic devices--smart phones, whatever these things are called. (I don't keep up with technology.)<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/C9sExHuQxA8" width="420"></iframe>
<b><br /><br />Other posts in this series: </b><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2013/02/231993-ensanche-espaillat.html">2/3/1993 - Ensanche Espaillat</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/09/la-milagrosa.html">9/30/1992 - La Milagrosa</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/08/8122002-year-after-call.html">8/12/1992 - A year after the call</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/07/711992-fedopo.html">7/1/1992 - FEDOPO</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/05/561992-guaricano.html">5/6/1992 - Guaricano</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/04/411992-first-day-in-guaricano.html">4/1/1992 - First day in Guaricano</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/02/251992-zona-franca.html">2/5/1992 - The Zona Franca</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/12/12491-la-romana.html">12/4/1991 - La Romana</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/11/11691-my-first-day-in-dominican.html">11/6/1991 - My first day in the Dominican Republic</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/10/10991-entered-mtc.html">10/9/1991 - Entered the MTC</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/09/9491-waiting-to-serve.html">9/4/1991 - Waiting to serve</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/09/8191-mission-call.html">8/1/1991 - Mission call</a>John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-77061535642757274892013-02-03T15:39:00.003-05:002013-02-03T15:39:39.962-05:002/3/1993 - Ensanche EspaillatTwenty years ago today, I was working in Ensanche Espaillat, my fourth missionary area. I only spent a couple of months here--the shortest time I spent assigned to any area. Espaillat is a small rectangular-shaped neighborhood, about a ten minutes walk across in the narrower direction, about fifteen minutes in the longer direction. Our proselyting area extended beyond Espaillat proper (which ended at the cloverleaf) down to the river. That neighborhood was called Gualey; it was a substantially poorer neighborhood and was considered dangerous. We weren't supposed to go there by night, though there were a couple of members we visited fairly regularly there by day.<br />
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<b>1.</b> The missionaries' apartment. We shared with the companionship who worked in the area just southeast of us.<br />
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<b>2.</b> The street in Gualey where a couple of members and an investigator lived. I arrived just after Espaillat had been broken off from the adjacent ward to become its own branch. That decision had been made based on our having about 200 members on the records; 11 adults were active on a weekly basis. But church leadership in the DR really wanted a temple, and multiplying units was the way to get it.<br />
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<b>3.</b> La Escuela / Liceo Republica de Colombia. A public elementary school where my companion and I went once a week to volunteer as assistants for one of the teachers. Probably the most meaningful community service (meaningful for me, anyway) I did during my time as a missionary.<br />
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<b>4. </b>The meetinghouse attended by our branch, as well as by the ward from whom we had been broken off. There was conflict between the (mostly American) missionaries and the local leadership, centered in the ward but spilling over into my branch as well. It reached a heady adrenaline-laced crisis when our (American) mission president demanded that the (Dominican) stake president put a stop to certain prayer meetings being held by the priesthood leaders in our ward and branch, which our mission president (and the missionaries) regarded as apostate. I feel very differently about this incident now than I did at the time; I should blog about it, maybe next month.<br />
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<b>5.</b> According to the church's online meetinghouse finder, there's now a meetinghouse here, though it wasn't there when I served. <br />
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This is fun: Searching for information about Ensanche Espaillat online, I quickly discovered the blog of a neighborhood organization, <a href="http://elespaillat.com/">Amigos y Vecinos Ensanche Espaillat</a>. It looks like they hold block parties and do raffles; they post announcements of residents' deaths and marriages. I found <a href="http://elespaillat.com/2011/11/saludos-del-los-ausentes-del-espaillat.html">one post</a> featuring photos of the "ausentes de Espaillat"--former residents sending greetings back from New Jersey or Florida. Thumbs up for civil society! <br />
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One post <a href="http://elespaillat.com/2009/04/apuntes-del-ensanche-espaillat.html">provided the following government statistics</a> about Ensanche Espaillat: There are 4,000 dwellings in the neighborhood (not counting Gualey), and nearly 16,000 people living there! That figure blows my mind, to the point where I'm dubious--but Espaillat was a densely inhabited neighborhood, even 20 years ago. Unemployment is at a relatively low 7 percent. A little under 3,400 women in the neighborhood are reported as being "amas de casa" [homemakers]; the blogger juxtaposes that statistic with the fact that there are only 96 "empleadas domesticas" [domestic employees, female] to remark that "el barrio tiene verdaderas amas de casa" [the neighborhood has <i>true </i>homemakers]--which I take is meant as a commendation for the women who do their own cooking, cleaning, and washing instead of hiring someone to do it. Had this census been taken 20 years ago, the missionaries' maid would presumably have been one of those 96 empleadas domesticas. She would not have qualified, apparently, as a true homemaker even though she was actually running two households--ours, plus her own. <br />
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<b>Other posts in this series: </b><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/09/la-milagrosa.html">9/30/1992 - La Milagrosa</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/08/8122002-year-after-call.html">8/12/1992 - A year after the call</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/07/711992-fedopo.html">7/1/1992 - FEDOPO</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/05/561992-guaricano.html">5/6/1992 - Guaricano</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/04/411992-first-day-in-guaricano.html">4/1/1992 - First day in Guaricano</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/02/251992-zona-franca.html">2/5/1992 - The Zona Franca</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/12/12491-la-romana.html">12/4/1991 - La Romana</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/11/11691-my-first-day-in-dominican.html">11/6/1991 - My first day in the Dominican Republic</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/10/10991-entered-mtc.html">10/9/1991 - Entered the MTC</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/09/9491-waiting-to-serve.html">9/4/1991 - Waiting to serve</a><br />
<a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2011/09/8191-mission-call.html">8/1/1991 - Mission call</a>John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-9033342252088764682013-01-06T14:26:00.000-05:002013-01-06T14:26:38.525-05:00Spiral crecheAs today is Epiphany, Christmas is liturgically over, so I'm taking down all the Christmas decorations (minus the colored lights, which I'll leave up to help make the dark winter more cheery).<br />
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Every year I try to do something different with the creche. This year, I arranged the figures in a double spiral being drawn in toward the center, which until December 24 was empty but was then occupied by the baby Jesus.<br />
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As of New Year's, I reversed all the figures so that they were moving away from the center, back out into the world.<br />
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<br />John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-12632122645578697202012-12-25T08:56:00.000-05:002012-12-25T08:56:05.630-05:00Amahl and the Night VisitorsIn observance of Christmas, I'm doing a "nostalgia post." Back in 1985 and 1986, I sang the role of Amahl and Gian Carlo Menotti's light Christmas opera, <i>Amahl and the Night Visitors</i>, for Opera West, a shoestring opera company headquartered in the Utah County area. It's an experience I look back on each Christmas very fondly. I have especially fond memories of 1986, when we went on tour to out-of-the-way places like Arco, Idaho, and Vernal, Utah. I'm sure this will be "old hat" for people who do dramatic performance, but the bonding within the troupe as we toured was an unusual experience for me (loner by temperament), and one that I think of as having spiritual dimensions, in part because of the religious themes of the performance.<br />
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This year, I tried Googling and Facebooking the major cast members to see if I could find out what they're up to now, almost 30 years later. I found rather less information than I'd hoped for, but it seems that the young man who played Balthazar, Michael Wadsworth, went on to have a singing career with some national recognition. I really wish I could have found out something about Donna Wellman, who played my mother. I learned a little about her past--she'd been singing that role for several years--but couldn't find anything about her more recent life. I'm guessing that Gene Larsson, who ran Opera West and sang the role of Melchior in 1986, has since died. (Forgive me, Gene, if you're alive and reading this!) Director Jerry Elison is still <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865565931/SCERA-honors-director-with-Jerry-Elison-Scholarship-Concert.html?pg=all">a prominent and beloved figure</a> in the Utah County performing arts scene.<br />
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Here's a clip of my favorite aria from <i>Amahl</i>. It's not my troupe's performance--I don't have a DVD rip of that, unfortunately.<br />
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John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-1702909415165861362012-12-23T07:10:00.005-05:002012-12-23T07:10:53.461-05:00New blog for CofC worship resourcesAbout 6 months ago, I started doing weekly posts of worship resources for Community of Christ congregations. From here on out, I'll be posting those resources to a new blog:<br />
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<a href="http://thefarthesthills.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">thefarthesthills.wordpress.com</span></a> </div>
<br />
Because of that shift, I anticipate that I'll be posting much less often to Liberal Mormon Spirituality, although I'm not retiring the blog altogether. (For instance, I want to finish up the 20th-anniversary series of reflections related to my mission in the Dominican Republic.)John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-87605260806528902892012-12-15T17:30:00.003-05:002012-12-15T17:36:11.072-05:00Rejoice!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Some worship resources designed as options for <a href="http://www.cofchrist.org/worship12-13/12-12-23.asp">December 23</a>, the fourth
and final Sunday of Advent. Scroll down to find:</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Focus
Moment: </b>Mosiah 1:93-97</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Second
Witness” Scripture Readings:</b> 3 Nephi 1:12-14 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">or</i></b> Alma 12:150-154,
169-171</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Disciples’
Generous Response: </b>Hebrews 10:5-10</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">****************************************</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
FOCUS MOMENT</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Excerpted from Mosiah 1:93-97</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This passage from the
Book of Mormon is thematically appropriate for the Candle of Joy.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Contemporary language:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A messenger from God said to me: “Wake up!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I woke up and saw the messenger standing in front of me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The messenger said:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have come to share with you glad tidings of great joy,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
so that you may rejoice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and may share them in turn with your people,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
so that they too may be filled with joy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“These are the glad tidings:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The time is coming—it is not far off!—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
when the All-powerful Ruler, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the Immortal One,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
will come down from heaven,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and will live among human beings </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
in a body made from the dust.”<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">**</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">* </b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Or:</i> who always has been and always will
be</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">**</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Or:</i> in a body of clay</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Traditional language
(lightly updated):</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An angel from God said to me: “Awake.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I awoke, and he stood before me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He said to me: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am come to declare to you glad tidings of great joy,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that you may rejoice,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and that you may declare to your people</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that they may also be filled with joy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“For the time comes, and is not far distant,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigns, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
who was and is from all eternity to all eternity,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
will come down from heaven </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
among the human family<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and will dwell in a tabernacle of clay.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Original language:</i> among the children of
men. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The substituted phrase, “human
family” is taken from Mormon 2:86.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">****************************************</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“SECOND WITNESS” SCRIPTURE READINGS </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With sermon helps</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Either of these
passages might be read alongside the recommended preaching text from the
lectionary, Luke 1:39-45, in the “second witness” style. For an example of that
style, </i><a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/10/respond-generously-to-gods-grace.html"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">see this post</i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Option A. Excerpted
from 3 Nephi 1:12-14</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sermon help:</i> In
the lectionary reading from Luke, Mary and Elizabeth rejoice in knowing that
the long-awaited promise of God’s salvation is being fulfilled. Likewise, in
the following reading from the Book of Mormon, Nephi is encouraged to rejoice in
Christ’s birth as a sign that God’s promises will be fulfilled. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Contemporary language:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nephi heard the Lord’s voice say to him:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Look up! Cheer up!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The time has come—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
this very night, the sign will be given.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tomorrow<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">**</b> I
will come into the world</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to show the world </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that I will keep every promise</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have made through the prophets.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am coming to my people<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">***</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to carry out the plan that I have been revealing </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
since the beginning of the world.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Or: </i>Do not hang your head! Take heart!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">**</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Or:</i> In the morning</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">***</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Or:</i> I am coming into the world I created</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Traditional language
(lightly updated):</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The voice of the Lord came to Nephi, saying:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Lift up your head and be of good cheer,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
for the time is at hand,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and on this night will the sign be given.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“On the morrow I come into the world</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to show the world </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that I will fulfill all that I have caused to be spoken</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
by the mouth of my holy prophets.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I come to my own</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to fulfill all things that I have made known</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
from the foundation of the world.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Option B. Excerpted
from Alma 12:150-154, 169-171</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sermon help:</i> The <a href="http://www.cofchrist.org/worship12-13/12-12-23.asp">online sermon help</a>
for the lectionary reading explains that “Luke provides an interesting insight
into the leveling, or equalizing power of the mission of Jesus Christ by using
women as prophetic witnesses.” The following story from the Book of Alma
likewise places two women in a prominent role as witnesses of God’s saving work
in Christ. Like Mary and Elizabeth, Abish is a person considered to be of less
importance in her society—a servant, an ordinary person who nevertheless recognizes
that she has a mission to fulfill for God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Contemporary language:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the Lamanite women, named Abish,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
had converted to the Lord many years before,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
in secret.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When she saw that Lamoni’s servants,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and the queen—her mistress—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and the king, and Ammon,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
had all fallen to the ground while praying, as if they had
fainted,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
she realized that this was God’s power at work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So she ran from house to house,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
telling the people what had happened;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and they began to gather in the king’s house.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then Abish went and took the queen’s hand,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
as if to try to lift her from the ground.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As soon as Abish touched her hand,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the queen regained consciousness and stood up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She exclaimed:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“O blessed Jesus, who has delivered<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b> me!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
O blessed God, show your compassion to this people!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then she clapped her hands together for joy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and spoke many words in a language that no one could
understand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">* </b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Or:</i> rescued</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Traditional language
(lightly updated):</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the Lamanitish women, whose name was Abish,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
[had] been converted to the Lord for many years</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
[but] never had made it known.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When she saw that all of Lamoni’s servants,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and also her mistress, the queen,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and the king, and Ammon,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
lay prostrate on the earth,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
she knew that it was the power of God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Therefore she ran forth from house to house</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
making it known to the people,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and they began to assemble to the house of the king.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
[Then Abish] went and took the queen by the hand,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that perhaps she might raise her from the ground;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and as soon as [Abish] touched her hand,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
[the queen] arose and stood on her feet </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and cried:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“O blessed Jesus, who has saved me!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
O blessed God, have mercy on this people!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When she had said this, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
she clapped her hands, being filled with joy,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
speaking many words which were not understood.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">****************************************</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
DISCIPLES’ GENEROUS RESPONSE</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Based on Hebrews 10:5–10</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Readers
1 and 2 take up positions in front of the congregation. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader 1: </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader 2:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Christ came into the world,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
this brought to pass the scripture that says:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader 1:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You do not want sacrifices of animals or offerings of
grain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Daily sacrifices and sacrifices for purification mean
nothing to you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You have given me, rather, a body with which to serve you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Therefore I say: See, God—I have come to do your will!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[Psalm
40:7-8]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 58.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God—we have come to do your will!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader 2:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the scripture says </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that God does not want animal sacrifices, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
or grain offerings, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
or daily sacrifices, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
or sacrifices for purification—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
this is referring to the sacrifices </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that are commanded in the Law revealed to Moses.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 58.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i>God—if you do not want these sacrifices,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 58.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>what
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do</i> you want from us?</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader 1:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The scripture then adds,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“See, God—I have come to do your will!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These words are telling us</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that Christ came to end the Law and its sacrifices</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
in order to do the will of God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i> And what is your will,
God?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader 2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[slowly and emphatically]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The will of God is this:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that we be made holy,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
once and for all,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ’s body.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader 1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[after a short pause]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here ends the reading.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Readers
1 and 2 return to their places in the congregation. There is a short pause.
Then Reader 3 speaks up from within the congregation.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader 3:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus Christ,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
through the gift of your body,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
you have made us a holy people—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a people consecrated<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b>
to God’s service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">or:</b></i> dedicated</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Therefore, we offer you</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
our whole selves as a gift.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Allow a few minutes
of silence for prayerful reflection. The silence is followed by the Blessing and
Receiving of Mission Tithes.</i></div>John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-40503128165171365362012-12-08T00:05:00.002-05:002012-12-09T13:47:48.369-05:00God Is among You<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
A number of worship resources designed as options for <a href="http://www.cofchrist.org/worship12-13/12-12-16.asp">December 16</a>, the third
Sunday of Advent. Scroll down to find:</div>
<ul>
<li>Confession – Luke 3:7-16</li>
<li>Focus Moment – 3 Nephi 1:13-14 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">or</i></b>
1 Nephi 3:46-65</li>
<li>“Second Witness” Scripture Reading – D&C 108: 5g, 9d-10b</li>
<li>Disciples’ Generous Response – Philippians 4:4-6
</li>
<li>Sending Forth – Philippians 4:4-5, 7 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">or</i></b>
D&C 161:7</li>
</ul>
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****************************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
CONFESSION</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Based on Luke 3:7-16</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader 1:</i><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Crowds came to John to be baptized by him. </span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He said to them:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><i>Reader 2 / John: </i></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you wish to escape the coming judgment,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
bring forth the fruits of a changed life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even now, the ax is in place, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ready to strike at the roots of the trees.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every tree that does not bring forth good fruit</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
will be cut down and thrown into the fire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 58.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lord, we hear your prophet</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">’s words.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 58.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What must we do? </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 58.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tell
us how to change our lives.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader 2 / John:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone who has two coats</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
must give one of them to someone who has no coat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone who has food</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
must do the same.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 155.25pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 58.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lord, we hear you.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 58.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We will share what we have with others.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader 1:</i><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Some of those who came to be baptized</span><br />
were tax-collectors and soldiers—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[people who worked for the imperial government].<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They asked John: </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“What of us? What must <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i> do?</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">” </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He told them:</span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><i>Reader 2 / John:</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do not benefit yourself</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
by extracting more from people than the law requires.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do not take advantage of your position<br />
to mistreat anyone, or extort them,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
or take anything beyond your salary.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 58.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lord, we live and work in a world that is not just.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 58.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But we will treat others as justly as we are able.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><i>Reader 2 / John:</i></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></span>I immerse<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">**</b> you in water.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But someone else is coming—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
someone more powerful than me,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
someone far greater than me—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
who will immerse<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">**</b> you in the Holy Spirit</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and in fire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 58.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lord, immerse** us in your Spirit. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 58.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Transform us, and our world, with your fire.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Allow
a few minutes for silent prayer and reflection.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alternatives:</i> for the conquering powers; for the Roman occupation</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">**</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alternative:</i> baptize</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
****************************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
FOCUS MOMENT</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Option A uses part of
the scriptural passage proposed in the </i><a href="http://www.cofchrist.org/worship12-13/12-12-16.asp"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">suggested outline for worship</i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. Option B uses a different Book of Mormon selection, one that is more
explicitly related to the theme of the third Advent candle: love.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Option A. 3 Nephi
1:13-14</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Contemporary language:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am coming into the world</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to show the world</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that I will keep every promise</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have made through the prophets.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am coming into the world I created<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to carry out the plan </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been revealing to the human family</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
since the world began.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The work I come into the world to do,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do as both “Father” and “Son”:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
as “Father,” because I am God;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
as “Son,” because I am born in a mortal body.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Or:</i> I am coming to my people</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Traditional language:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I come into the world </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to show the world </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be
spoken </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
by the mouth of my holy prophets. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Behold, I come to my own </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to fulfill all things </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
which I have made known to the children of men </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
from the foundation of the world</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and to do the will </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
both of the Father and of the Son— </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
of the Father because of me, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and of the Son because of my flesh. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Option B. Excerpted
from 1 Nephi 3:46-65</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Contemporary language:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked and saw a tree,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
more beautiful than anything I could have imagined</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and whiter than snow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I said to the Spirit:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You have shown me the tree</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that is the most precious of all things.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Spirit said to me: “What do you want?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I replied: “To know what the tree means.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Spirit said to me, “Look!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked and saw the town of Nazareth,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and in the town, a young woman of marrying age.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sky opened up,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and a messenger from heaven came down and stood in front of
me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The messenger said to me:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The young woman you see</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
is the mother of the Son of God!”<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked again, and saw the young woman </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
carrying a child in her arms.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The messenger said to me:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you understand now the meaning of the tree?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I replied:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It stands for God’s love,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
which shines in people’s hearts.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">**</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is why the tree is the most desirable of all things.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The messenger said:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes—and the thing that brings people the greatest joy!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1830 edition: </i>is the mother of God</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">**</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Or: </i>which radiates out into people’s
hearts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Traditional language:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked and beheld a tree.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The beauty thereof was far beyond all beauty,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and the whiteness thereof exceeded the driven snow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I said to the Spirit:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thou hast shown me the tree which is precious above all.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He said to me: “What desirest thou?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I said to him: “To know the interpretation thereof.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He said to me, “Look!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked and beheld the city of Nazareth,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and in the city, I beheld a virgin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I saw the heavens open, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and an angel came down and stood before me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He said to me:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The virgin whom thou seest </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
is the mother of the Son of God.”<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked and beheld the virgin again,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
bearing a child in her arms.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The angel said to me:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Knowest thou the meaning of the tree?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I answered him:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It is the love of God,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children
of men;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
wherefore it is the most desirable above all things.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He spoke to me, saying,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And the most joyous to the soul.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1830 edition: </i>is the mother of God</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
****************************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“SECOND WITNESS” SCRIPTURE READING</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
D&C 108: 5g, 9d-10b</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This passage could be
read alongside the recommended preaching text from the lectionary, Zephaniah
3:14-20, in the “second witness” style. For an example of that style, </i><a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/10/respond-generously-to-gods-grace.html"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">see this post</i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Contemporary language:
</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lord,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b> the Savior, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
will stand among his people,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and his rule will extend over all who live.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He will proclaim:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have completed the work!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have established justice among all people!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I alone have done it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This was the day my heart longed for:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the day of reckoning for those who wronged my people!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my outrage, I have leveled them to the ground </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
like a worker trampling grapes in a winepress,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
like a warrior victorious in battle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The jubilee year has arrived—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the time appointed for my people to be set free!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They will praise their Lord<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">**</b> for his loving-kindness, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
for all that he has done for them in his goodness and love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They will praise him forever!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All that they suffered, he suffered with them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He sent his most trusted angel to rescue them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In his love and compassion, he freed them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All through the past, he supported and carried them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alternatives: </i>the
Mighty One; the Holy One</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">**</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alternatives: </i>their
Ruler; their Defender</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Traditional language: </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lord, even the Savior,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
shall stand in the midst of his people,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and shall reign over all flesh.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His voice shall be heard:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have trodden the winepress alone,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and have brought judgment upon all people;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and none was with me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have trampled them in my fury,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and I did tread upon them in mine anger;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
their blood have I sprinkled upon my garments,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and stained all my rainment;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
for this was the day of vengeance which was in my heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And now the year of my redeemed is come,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and they shall mention the loving kindness of their Lord, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and all that he has bestowed upon them,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
according to his goodness, and according to his loving
kindness, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
forever and ever.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In all their afflictions he was afflicted. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the angel of his presence saved them; </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and in his love, and in his pity, he redeemed them, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and bare them, and carried them all the days of old.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
****************************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
DISCIPLES’ GENEROUS RESPONSE</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adapted from Philippians 4:4-6</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At all times, rejoice in the Lord!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
repeat: Rejoice!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lord, this world is hard.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Still, you have
given me reasons for joy.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pause for prayer and silent reflection.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Be gentle to everyone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Lord is close!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lord, I want to be gentler,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>more loving,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>more generous.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pause for prayer and silent reflection.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do not be worried about anything.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Bring
all your needs and concerns to God</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>through
prayer,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>always
giving thanks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lord, I bring you my needs and concerns,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>my goals and hopes—</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and my gratitude.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pause for prayer and silent reflection.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mission tithes are then blessed
and received.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
****************************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SENDING FORTH</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Option A. Adapted
from Philippians 4:4-5, 7</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At all times, rejoice in the Lord!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I repeat: Rejoice! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lord is almost here! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do not be worried about anything.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Jesus Christ, you have God’s peace—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a peace beyond all understanding,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a peace that will set your hearts and minds at ease.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Option B. Adapted
from D&C 161:7. </b>Alternatively, this responsive reading might be used
during the Focus Moment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Spirit of the One we follow </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>is the spirit of love and peace. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That Spirit seeks to abide in the hearts </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of those who would embrace its call and live its message. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The path will not always be easy; </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the choices will not always be clear. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But the cause is sure, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and the Spirit will bear witness to the truth.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And those who live the truth </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>will
know the hope and the joy of discipleship in the community of Christ</b></div>
John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-16880516103297562502012-12-07T22:23:00.005-05:002012-12-07T22:24:49.086-05:00First-Friday service: Christ, the son of MaryToday I led a first-Friday service of contemplative song and prayer. In honor of Advent, the theme was "Christ, the son of Mary." The altar was adorned with images of the Madonna and Child.
<br />
<br />
************************
<br />
<br />
A hymn from the scriptures:
<br />
THE SONG OF MARY (Luke 1:46-55)
<br />
<br />
My soul proclaims your greatness, O God!
<br />
My heart rejoices in you, my Savior,
<br />
because you have showered your servant with blessing!
<br />
From now to the end of time,
<br />
all generations will know the great things you have done for me,
<br />
<br />
Mighty One! Your name is holy!
<br />
In every age, your mercy flows to those who reverence you!
<br />
But with the strength of your arm,
<br />
you have blasted the presumptions of the proud.
<br />
<br />
You have deposed the mighty from their thrones,
<br />
and have raised the lowly to high places.
<br />
You have filled the hungry with good things;
<br />
the rich, you have turned away empty-handed.
<br />
<br />
You have come to the aid of Israel your servant,
<br />
in fulfillment of the promise you made to our ancestors—
<br />
when you spoke blessing to Sarah and Hagar
<br />
and all their descendents, to the utmost generation!
<br />
<br />
************************
<br />
<br />
A reading from the apostles:
<br />
GALATIANS 4:3-7
<br />
<br />
In former times,
<br />
we were slaves to the powers of this world.
<br />
<br />
But when the time had waxed full,
<br />
God sent the Begotten One,
<br />
born of a human mother—
<br />
born, like us, a slave to the law,
<br />
yet with power to set us free.
<br />
<br />
Through him, we have been emancipated!
<br />
We have been adopted into God’s family!
<br />
God has sent into our hearts the Spirit of the Begotten One,
<br />
so that we, like him, may call God, “Abba! Father!”
<br />
<br />
Once you were slaves;
<br />
now you have become God’s children.
<br />
And because you are God’s children,
<br />
you are also God’s heirs.
<br />
<br />
************************
<br />
<br />
A reading from the Gospels:<br />
LUKE 1:26-45
<br />
<br />
God sent a messenger named Gabriel
<br />
to a Galilean village called Nazareth,
<br />
to a young woman named Mary,
<br />
who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendent of David.
<br />
<br />
The messenger came to Mary and said,
<br />
“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you!”
<br />
Mary was perplexed and troubled by this greeting.
<br />
<br />
The messenger said, “Do not be afraid, Mary.
<br />
God’s blessing is upon you!
<br />
You will conceive and give birth to a son.
<br />
You will name him Jesus—‘God liberates.’
<br />
He is destined for greatness!
<br />
He will be called the Son of God.
<br />
God will set him in the judgment seat
<br />
promised to David’s line,
<br />
to govern the people of the covenant forever.
<br />
His reign will never end!”
<br />
<br />
Mary said, “How can this be? I am a virgin.”
<br />
<br />
The messenger said to her,
<br />
“The Holy Spirit will rest upon you;
<br />
the power of God will overshadow you.
<br />
For this reason, your child will be holy
<br />
and will be called the Son of God.
<br />
<br />
“Does it seem hard to believe?
<br />
Listen: your kinswoman Elizabeth
<br />
has conceived a son in her old age.
<br />
She who was called barren is now six months pregnant!
<br />
You see—with God, nothing is impossible!”
<br />
<br />
Mary said, “I am God’s servant.
<br />
I accept what you have said—may it be.”
<br />
Then the messenger left her.
<br />
<br />
As soon as she could,
<br />
Mary traveled to the house of Elizabeth
<br />
in the hill country of Judea.
<br />
As she arrived, Mary called out to greet Elizabeth,
<br />
and Elizabeth felt the fetus kick inside her.
<br />
<br />
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
<br />
She exclaimed to Mary,
<br />
“Blessed are you among women!
<br />
Blessed is the child you will bear!
<br />
And what have I done to deserve to be blessed
<br />
by a visit from the mother of my Lord?
<br />
I knew it without your telling me,
<br />
for as soon as I heard you calling,
<br />
the child inside me leaped for joy.
<br />
Blessed is she who believed
<br />
that the Lord’s promise to her would be fulfilled!”
<br />
<br />
************************
<br />
<br />
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION<br />
<br />
Abba, Father—
<br />
you sent your Son to free us from all that enslaves us,
<br />
and to reconcile all things in himself.
<br />
Grant us peace! Deliver us from evil!
<br />
<br />
Son of Mary—
<br />
you shared our humanity, and our suffering,
<br />
so that you would know how to aid your people.
<br />
Give us the compassion and the strength
<br />
to be with others in their suffering.
<br />
<br />
Promised Child, Son of God—
<br />
by the indwelling of your Spirit in our hearts,
<br />
you have transformed us also into God’s children.
<br />
Give us grace to grow into your likeness.
<br />
<br />
Emmanuel, God-with-us—
<br />
you came into the world
<br />
through the courage of the one who agreed to be your mother.
<br />
Give us also the courage to say “yes” to your call.
<br /><br />
Word made flesh,
<br />
we encounter you in every person that we meet.
<br />
Fill us with your love,
<br />
and endow us with power
<br />
to minister to our fellow beings on your behalf.
<br />
<br />
************************
<br />
<br />
CONCLUDING PRAYER
<br />
<br />
Christ Jesus—
<br />
You were a human being.
<br />
You know our yearnings and our sufferings.
<br />
<br />
Our soul asks you:
<br />
Give us peace.
<br />
<br />
And in our darkness,
<br />
you kindle the fire
<br />
of your forgiveness and compassion.John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-32228335237758788052012-12-01T19:31:00.003-05:002012-12-01T19:46:16.439-05:00All Shall See God's Salvation<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Some additional worship resources for <a href="http://www.cofchrist.org/worship12-13/12-12-09.asp">December 9</a>, the second
Sunday of Advent. Scroll down to find:</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Responsive Reading – Luke 1:68-73, 78-79</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Responsive Reading – 1 Nephi 7:55-58, 64</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Confession – Based on Malachi 3:1-4 / 3 Nephi
11:4-7</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>“Second Witness” Scripture Readings and Sermon
Helps</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Sending Forth – Adapted from Philippians 1:6,
9-11</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
******************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
RESPONSIVE READING</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luke 1:68-73, 78-79</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This reading might be
used as a Call to Worship, during the Focus Moment, or at the lighting of the
Candle of Peace.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Praise to you, Holy One, God of Israel!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All: </i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You have blessed your people; you have set us free!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You have given us a Savior, mighty and
strong,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All: </i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>from the family of David, your servant.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>By doing this, you have kept the promise you
made long ago through the prophets—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All: </i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that you would rescue us from all our enemies.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You have given us the blessing you promised
to our ancestors.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All: </i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You have kept the sacred promise you made to Sarah and
Abraham.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In your compassion, O God,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All: </i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>you have sent us light from heaven, rising like the sun.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The light shines on all who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All: </i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The light shows us the path of peace.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
******************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
RESPONSIVE READING</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Nephi 7:55-58, 64 (contemporary language)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This reading might be
used during the Focus Moment or at the lighting of the Candle of Peace.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The time is coming soon when God will lead
the faithful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All: </i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>like carefree calves to the safety of their stall.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Holy One of Israel will rule
supreme—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>strong, and powerful, and glorious!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He will gather his children from every
part of the earth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They will come to him, like sheep that recognize their
shepherd’s call.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He will count them, to be sure that none
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They will form a single flock, with a single shepherd.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All nations, all tribes, all language
groups, all people</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>will live safely in the Holy One of Israel.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
******************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
CONFESSION</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Based on Malachi 3:1-4 / 3 Nephi 11:4-7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader: </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lord, for whom you are waiting, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
will come suddenly to his temple.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
The messenger of God’s promise—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
the one who brings you joy—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
is coming, says the Lord.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus, we long for your coming!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[Pause
for silent prayer and reflection.]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader: </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But when he comes,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
he will be like a purifying fire,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
or like corrosive soap.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who will be able to endure the cleansing?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When he appears,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
who will be able to stay on their feet?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus, make us able</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i>to stand without shame in your
presence.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[Pause
for silent prayer and reflection.]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader: </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He will purify those whom God has chosen to be priests,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
like a metalworker purifies gold and silver in a furnace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He will make the priests ritually clean,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
so that they can offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus, we want to serve you.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Change
us into what you need us to be.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[Pause
for silent prayer and reflection.]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reader: </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then the offerings of God’s people</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
will once again be pleasing to the Lord,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
as it was in days past,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
as it was in years gone by.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus, we have brought you offerings.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i>Do they please you?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[Pause
for silent prayer and reflection.]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
******************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“SECOND WITNESS” SCRIPTURE READINGS</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i></b> SERMON HELPS</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Either of the D&C
selections below might be read in tandem with Luke 3:1-6 (the suggested
preaching text) in the “two witnesses” style. For an example of this style, </i><a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/10/respond-generously-to-gods-grace.html"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">see this post</i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sermon help: </i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Both D&C
selections echo the call from Luke (quoting Isaiah) to “prepare the way of the
Lord, make his paths straight.” In the D&C, that call is presented as part
of the message that Latter Day Saints proclaim as they carry out </i><a href="http://www.cofchrist.org/mission/default.asp"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the church’s mission</i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> to
invite people to Christ. What situations in today’s world require us, as
Christ’s witnesses, to raise voices of warning and calls for change? </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Option A: D&C
32:2c-f</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Contemporary language:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Truly I say to you</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that the field is white, ready to harvest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Therefore, thrust in your sickle and reap</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
with all your might, mind, and strength.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open your mouths, and they will be filled.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will become like Nephi, from long ago,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
who journeyed from Jerusalem through the desert.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open your mouths; do not hold back . . . </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
for I am with you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open your mouths . . . , saying:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Repent, repent!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prepare the way of the Lord!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Make his paths straight,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
for God’s kingdom is near!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Traditional language:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Verily I say unto you, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that the field is white already to harvest;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
wherefore, thrust in your sickle, and reap</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
with all your might, mind, and strength.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open your mouths and they shall be filled;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and you shall become as Nephi of old,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
who journeyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
yea, open your mouths and spare not . . . </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
for lo, I am with you;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
yea, open your mouths . . ., saying,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Repent, repent</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and prepare ye the way of the Lord,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and make his paths straight;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Option B. D&C
33:1c-2b</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Contemporary language:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have called you to proclaim my gospel—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to lift up your voice like a trumpet,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
long and loud.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Call a crooked and perverse generation to repentance!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prepare the way of the Lord for his second coming!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Truly I say to you:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The time is coming soon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
when I will arrive in a cloud,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
with power and splendor;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and at the time of my coming, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
all nations will tremble. . . . </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 179.25pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Therefore, lift up your voice,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
do not hold back—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the Lord God has commanded it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will give you words to speak </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
by the power of the Holy Spirit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And if you are faithful,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am with you until I come.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Truly, I am coming quickly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Traditional language:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are called of me to preach my gospel;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
both long and loud,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and cry repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
preparing the way of the Lord for his second coming;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
for behold, verily, verily I say unto you,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the time is soon at hand, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that I shall come in a cloud</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
with power and great glory,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and it shall be a great day at the time of my coming,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
for all nations shall tremble. . . . </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wherefore lift up your voice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and spare not,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
for the Lord God hath spoken.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Therefore prophesy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and it shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and if you are faithful,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
behold, I am with you until I come;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and verily, verily I say unto you, I come quickly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sermon help, incorporating Luke 3:1-11 IV: </i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The lectionary reading from Luke (3:1-6) includes a quotation from
Isaiah 40:3-5. In the Inspired Version, the Luke passage is expanded (3:1-11)
to include what is, in effect, a commentary on the Isaiah quotation. The IV interprets
the Isaiah quotation as a prophecy of Christ’s ministry, which, according to the
IV passage, includes:</i></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">preparing
the way for the universal proclamation of the gospel.</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gathering
“those who are lost,” “the dispersed and afflicted.”</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">being “a
light unto all who sit in darkness.”</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bringing
to pass the resurrection.</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“administer[ing]
justice unto all.”</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">convincing
people of their “ungodly deeds.”</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How do we bear witness
to, and participate in, these aspects of Christ’s ministry?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
******************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SENDING FORTH</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adapted from Philippians 1:6, 9-11</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Note:</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> If the “Amen”
responses are omitted, this reading could be used instead as a preface to the
Disciples’ Generous Response. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1st Reader: </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May God, who has begun a good work in us,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
bring that work to completion </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
by the time Christ returns!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All: </i>Amen!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2nd Reader:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May our love increase to overflowing!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May we have the knowledge and insight </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to recognize perfectly what is good!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All: </i>Amen!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">3rd Reader:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May Christ bring forth in us</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
an abundant harvest of good deeds,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
for the praise and glory of God!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All: </i>Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!</b></div>
John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-16801736144834519352012-11-24T19:15:00.003-05:002012-12-01T19:28:22.526-05:00God's Promise Will Be Fulfilled<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Some additional worship resources for <a href="http://www.cofchrist.org/worship12-13/12-12-02.asp">December 2</a>, the
first Sunday of Advent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
******************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
CALL FOR WORSHIP</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">or </i></b>SCRIPTURE READING BEFORE THE PRAYER FOR PEACE </div>
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Adapted from Isaiah 2:3-5 / 2 Nephi 8:19–21 (contemporary language)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Note:</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> References to the
“God of Jacob” and the “house of Jacob” have been replaced in this adaptation
with more broadly applicable (but literally justifiable) references to the “God
of Abraham” and the “children of Abraham.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Come, let us go up to the mountain of the
Lord—</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to the house of the God of Abraham.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There God will teach us of his ways,</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and we will walk in his paths.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i>He will sit in judgment of the nations;</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>he will settle all their conflicts.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i>They will convert their swords into
blades for plowing</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and turn their spears into tools for pruning.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i>Never again will one nation take up the
sword against another;</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>no longer will people learn the arts of war.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i>Come, children of Abraham—</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>let us walk in the light of the Lord!</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
******************************</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
LIGHT THE CANDLE OF HOPE</div>
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Adapted from Ether 5:9-10 (contemporary language)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The following
scripture might be read in connection with lighting the Candle of Hope, either
in tandem with the lectionary reading from Luke 21 or as an alternative to it.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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By showing himself to the world</div>
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and carrying out the Father’s will,*</div>
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Christ has prepared a way </div>
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by which others can share in the heavenly gift</div>
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and can live in hope of things they have not seen.</div>
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For this reason, you too can have hope;</div>
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you too can receive the gift.</div>
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<br /></div>
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* <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Literally:</i>
glorifying the Father’s name</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
******************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SCRIPTURE READING</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3 Nephi 13:54-56 (contemporary language)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This reading is intended
to be read in tandem with Jeremiah 33:14-16 (the suggested preaching text) in
the “two witnesses” style. For an example of this style, <a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/10/respond-generously-to-gods-grace.html">see
this post</a>. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
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When the Lord, in his wisdom, sees fit</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that these sayings should come to the nations (as he has decreed),</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
then you may know </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that the sacred promise God made to the people of Israel—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that they would return home from exile—</div>
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is already beginning to be fulfilled.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In that day, </div>
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you may be assured </div>
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that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everything</i>
the Lord has promised, </div>
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through his prophets,</div>
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will be fulfilled. . . .</div>
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<br /></div>
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You need not worry </div>
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that the prophecies are empty words.</div>
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No—the Lord will remember </div>
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the sacred promise he made to his people.</div>
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<br /></div>
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******************************</div>
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SENDING FORTH</div>
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Adapted from 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13</div>
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<br /></div>
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May Christ cause us to grow in love</div>
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for one another, and for all people.</div>
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May he cause our love to grow more and more . . . </div>
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so that our hearts become strong and pure,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and we may stand before God unashamed</div>
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when our Lord Jesus comes with all the saints.</div>
John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-13942728075104375192012-11-21T07:04:00.001-05:002012-11-21T07:04:24.140-05:00November 25 - Christ the King<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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In the Catholic and Protestant liturgical cycle, <a href="http://www.cofchrist.org/Worship11-12/112512.asp">November 25</a> is the
feast of Christ the King. The lectionary-designated Gospel reading (John
18:33-37) was chosen to fit that theme. Here are some Restoration-grounded
worship resources also based on the theme of Christ’s kingdom. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The Good News of Jesus Christ is at
the center of the faith and beliefs of Community of Christ. We are a worldwide
community and are committed to follow Jesus, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">bring forth the kingdom of God</b>, and seek together the revealing,
renewing presence of the Holy Spirit. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(“<a href="http://www.cofchrist.org/ourfaith/faith-beliefs.asp">Basic Beliefs</a>”)</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*************************</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">RESPONSIVE CALL TO
WORSHIP</b></div>
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Adapted from D&C 65:1c-f</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Leader</u>:</i></div>
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A voice cries:</div>
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Prepare the way of the Lord!</div>
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Prepare the supper of the Lamb!</div>
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Make ready for the Bridegroom!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>All</u>:</i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pray to the Lord!</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Call upon his holy
name!</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Make known his
wonderful works among the people!</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Leader</u>:</i></div>
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Call upon the Lord,</div>
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that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth—</div>
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that the inhabitants thereof may receive it!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>All</u>:</i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">May the kingdom of
God go forth—</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that you, O God, may
be glorified,</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">as in heaven, so on
earth.</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Amen.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*************************</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SCRIPTURE READING</b></div>
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D&C 164:5, 9b-c</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This selection could
be read in tandem with John 18:33-37 in the “two witnesses” style. For an
example of the style, see <a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/10/respond-generously-to-gods-grace.html">this
post</a>.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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When you are truly baptized into Christ</div>
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you become part of a new creation. . . . </div>
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Through the gospel of Christ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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a new community of tolerance, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
reconciliation, </div>
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unity in diversity,</div>
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and love </div>
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is being born as a visible sign </div>
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of the coming reign of God. . . .</div>
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<br /></div>
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When your willingness to live in sacred community </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
as Christ’s new creation</div>
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exceeds your natural fear of spiritual and relational
transformation, </div>
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you will become who you are called to be.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rise of Zion the beautiful, </div>
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the peaceful reign of Christ, </div>
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awaits your wholehearted response </div>
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to the call to make and steadfastly hold to </div>
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God’s covenant of peace in Jesus Christ.</div>
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This covenant . . . requires whole-life stewardship</div>
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dedicated to expanding the church’s restoring ministries, </div>
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especially those devoted to asserting the worth of persons, </div>
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protecting the sacredness of creation, </div>
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and relieving physical and spiritual suffering.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*************************</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SENDING FORTH</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Option A:</b> Adapted
from D&C 77:4a-b</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Lord says:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Little children—</div>
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you have not yet understood </div>
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what great blessings the Father holds in his hands,</div>
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prepared for you.</div>
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<br /></div>
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You cannot bear all things now.</div>
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Nevertheless, I will lead you along.</div>
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The kingdom and its blessings are yours.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Option B: </b>Adapted
from D&C 61:6c</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Lord says:</div>
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<br /></div>
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Be of good cheer, little children,</div>
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for I am in your midst, </div>
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and I have not forsaken you.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me,</div>
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the blessings of the kingdom are yours.</div>
John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-61376215119022893632012-11-10T17:59:00.002-05:002012-11-12T19:56:59.672-05:00Help Us Remain Faithful<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Some worship resources appropriate for <a href="http://www.cofchrist.org/Worship11-12/111812.asp">November 18</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CALL TO WORSHIP AND
CONFESSIONAL RESPONSE</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adapted from D&C 162 and 163</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1st
Reader:</i> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>People of the Restoration!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Listen
to the Voice that speaks from beyond the farthest hills!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
calls you once again </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to
the work of the One whose name you claim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[D&C 162:1a-b]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i></b> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lord, help us remain faithful to your name, and to your work.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2nd
Reader:</i> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Listen carefully to your
sacred journey as a people.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
have been given a foundation of faithful service,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>even
as you build a foundation for what is yet to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[D&C
162:2a-b]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i></b> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lord, help us remain faithful to our heritage of service.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">3rd
Reader:</i> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Strive to be faithful to
Christ’s vision</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of
the peaceable kingdom of God on earth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God
is calling for a prophetic community,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>characterized
by uncommon devotion </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to
the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[D&C
163:3b, 11a]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lord, help us remain faithful ministers of your
compassion and peace.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">4th
Reader:</i> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Faithful disciples respond </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to
the abundant generosity of God</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>by
sharing according to the desires of their hearts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Give
generously according to your true capacity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[D&C 163:9]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lord, help us remain faithful to our commitment to
give.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 63.0pt 67.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">5th
Reader:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You are loved with an
everlasting love</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that
delights in each faithful step taken.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God
yearns to draw you close.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Come
before your Creator, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
discover the blessings of the gospel anew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[D&C 163:10:a-b]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lord, help us love you as faithfully as you love us.
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Help us
remain faithful.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*************************</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SCRIPTURE READING</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Excerpted from D&C 45:4a-b, 5a-b</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This passage could be
read in tandem with Mark 13:1-8 in the “two witnesses” style. For an example of
the style, </i><a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/10/respond-generously-to-gods-grace.html"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">see this post</i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Traditional language (lightly updated):</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
[I]n that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and the whole earth shall be in commotion,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and [people]’s hearts shall fail them,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and they shall say that Christ delay[s] his coming</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
until the end of the earth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
[People’s] love . . . shall wax cold,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and iniquity shall abound . . . </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
[N]ow, when I the Lord had spoken these words [to] my
disciples,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
they were troubled.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
. . . I said [to] them: Be not troubled,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
for when all these things shall come to pass,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
[you] may know that the promises which have been made [to]
you</div>
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shall be fulfilled.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Contemporary language:</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The news will be full of wars and threats of
war.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The whole world will be in turmoil.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People’s hearts will sink into despair.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They will say: “Unless Christ returns soon,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
there will be no earth left for him to return to!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People will turn cold and unloving.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Evil will thrive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I, the Lord, taught these things to my followers,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
they were disturbed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I told them: Do not be alarmed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you see these things happening, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
know that everything God has promised you</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
will be brought to pass. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SENDING FORTH</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adapted from D&C 102:11d</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Traditional language:</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lord says:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be faithful,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and behold and lo,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am with you even unto the end.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even so. Amen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Contemporary language:</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ says to us:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be faithful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look, and see—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am with you to the very end.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amen.</div>
John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-66115021291668687482012-11-03T22:57:00.005-04:002012-11-03T23:01:23.467-04:00Give Your All<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Here are a couple of worship resources appropriate for <a href="http://www.cofchrist.org/Worship11-12/111112.asp">November 11</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CALL TO WORSHIP</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Excerpted from Omni 1:44-47</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Traditional language:</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Come to God, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
believe in all things which are good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i></b> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">For
there is nothing that is good </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>save it comes from the
Lord.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Come to Christ,</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
partake of the power of his redemption.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i></b> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come
to him,</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and offer your
whole souls as an offering.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Contemporary language:</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Come to God,</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
believe in all things that are good.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i></b> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">For
everything that is good</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>comes from God.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leader:</i>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Come to Christ,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 45.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
experience the power of his redemption.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All:</i></b> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come
to him,</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and give your whole
self as an offering.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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*************************</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SCRIPTURE READING</b></div>
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Adapted from Mosiah 9:60-63</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This passage could be
read in tandem with Mark 12:38-44 in the “two witnesses” style. For an example
of the style, <a href="http://liberalmormonspirituality.blogspot.com/2012/10/respond-generously-to-gods-grace.html">see
this post</a>.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alma commanded that the people of the church</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
should impart of their substance,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
everyone according to what they had.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those who had more abundantly,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
should impart more abundantly;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and of those who had but little,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
little should be required;</div>
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and to those who had not, should be given.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Thus they should impart of their substance</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
of their own free will</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and good desires toward God </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to every needy, naked soul.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Alma said to them,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
having been commanded of God.</div>John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315551855549082047.post-66741716003583163972012-11-02T20:45:00.002-04:002012-11-02T20:45:35.260-04:00First-Friday service -- All Souls DayToday, as usual, I led a first-Friday service of contemplative prayer and song. This month's service coincided as an observance of All Souls Day. I prepared a "Day of the Dead"-style altar--which I stupidly didn't think to photograph--with candles and icons, plus photos and keepsakes of my dead and Hugo's dead. Some of those who attended brought additional photos or keepsakes to add to the altar. It was chaotic and familial.<br />
<br />
The theme this month was <b>Abiding in Christ</b>. Living or dead, all who have been made one with Christ abide together in him forever.<br />
<br />
******************************<br />
<br />
<b>PSALM 16</b><br />
<br />
Protect me, O God!<br />
I flee to you for refuge. <br />
You are my benefactor.<br />
All that is good, I have from you.
<br />
<br />
I praise you, my trusted guide!<br />
Even at night, you teach me through my dreams.<br />
Wherever I am, you are with me.<br />
With you always at my side, nothing can shake me.<br />
<br />
Therefore my heart is glad! My spirit rejoices!<br />
My body rests, assured of your protection.<br />
For I know you will not give me up to the underworld.<br />
You will not abandon your faithful servant to the grave.<br />
<br />
You have taught me the way that leads to life.<br />
You have invited me to sit at your right hand.<br />
Surely there is no greater pleasure!<br />
In your presence, my joy is full!<br />
<br />
******************************<br />
<br />
<b>ROMANS 8:35, 37-39</b><br />
<br />
Can anything separate us from Christ’s love?<br />
Hardship? <br />
Distress? <br />
Persecution? <br />
Famine? <br />
Poverty? <br />
Danger? <br />
Violence? <br />
<br />
No!<br />
Over all these things, we are victorious<br />
through the One who loved us.<br />
<br />
I am convinced <br />
there is absolutely nothing<br />
that can ever separate us <br />
from the love of God in Jesus Christ:<br />
<br />
nothing in heaven or on earth, <br />
nothing in the heights or in the depths, <br />
nothing present or future, <br />
not life, <br />
not death.<br />
<br />
******************************<br />
<br />
<b>JOHN 15:4-12 (selections)</b><br />
<br />
A branch cannot bring forth grapes by itself.<br />
It must abide in the vine.<br />
<br />
I am the vine;<br />
you are the branches.<br />
Abide in me, <br />
and you will bring forth much fruit.<br />
Apart from me, <br />
you can do nothing.<br />
<br />
As my Father has loved me,<br />
I have loved you.<br />
Abide in my love.<br />
<br />
You will abide in my love<br />
if you live the way I teach you,<br />
just as I abide in my Father’s love<br />
because I have lived the way my Father taught me.<br />
<br />
This is my teaching:<br />
As I have loved you,<br />
love one another.<br />
<br />
******************************<br />
<br />
<b>PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION</b><br />
<br />
Risen Christ—<br />
you are always with us, whether or not we perceive it.<br />
We praise you for all the ways that you have sustained and supported us.<br />
<br />
You have taught us that we should love others as you have loved us.<br />
We fail to live up to that teaching—yet your love flows to us still.<br />
Transform us, through your Spirit, so that we will love as you love.<br />
<br />
We pray for people who suffer—<br />
those who are burdened, <br />
those who mourn,<br />
those who are in need of comfort.<br />
Show us what you want us to do <br />
to be instruments of your love for people in need.<br />
<br />
We pray for your church—for all who have been joined to you.<br />
May we bring forth fruits worthy of your name.<br />
<br />
Risen Christ—<br />
you are Lord of the dead as well as Lord of the living.<br />
Those who have been made one with you, abide in you forever.<br />
We pray for our dead.<br />
<br />
******************************<br />
<br />
<b>CONCLUDING PRAYER</b><br />
<br />
When we feel alone, <br />
you are our companion.<br />
<br />
When we feel lost,<br />
you are our guide.<br />
<br />
When we are afraid,<br />
you are our strength.<br />
<br />
When we feel spent, or fruitless,<br />
you are the roots that infuse us with new life.<br />
<br />
And when at last we fall off the edge of this world,<br />
you are the warm, blue sea<br />
into which we will plunge.<br />
<br />
Amen.
John-Charles Duffyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08575560581349415001noreply@blogger.com0