The Fellowship Blogs

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Week of: January 28, 2018
Scripture: Mark 1:21-28

And the unclean spirit ... came out of him.
(Mark 1:26, NRSV)

Devotion

By what do we measure our worship services? By style: traditional, modern, blended? By participation: "The congregation really sang those praise songs today!"? Perhaps by the feedback we receive: "Great sermon today! ... Never heard the choir sound better! ... The altar flowers were gorgeous! ..."?

In today's gospel lesson one might think it was the latter — measured by the feedback: "What is this? A new teaching — with authority!" (Mark 1:27b, NRSV). Wouldn't we all as preachers, worship leaders and designers love to be complimented on the new thing we did so convincingly!?  However, what was truly important that day in the synagogue was that one man came sick, wounded, and hurt — and Jesus healed him. He was transformed. 

In the midst of all our careful worship planning and preparation may we not lose sight of those who are broken, hurt, and in need of God's healing touch. May all we do and say in worship leave room for the new thing God is doing to transform our lives and the lives of everyone within our congregations. 

God's transforming power can heal and change each one of us — the true measure of Christian worship!

Prayer

I thank you God, for your transforming power to heal us. Amen.

Nancy Hastings Hornsby
Pastor and Retreat Leader
North Alabama Conference of The UMC
Tuscaloosa, AL

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Week of: January 21, 2018
Scripture: Mark 1:14-20

Follow me and I will make you fish for people.
(Mark 1:17, NRSV)

Devotion

We hear again the familiar story of Jesus calling the fishermen with the words, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people" (Mark 1:17, NRSV). The beginning of Jesus' public ministry included gathering together a close circle of friends; not a planning team or task force, but friends — ones who would follow him, hang out with him. He needed the kind of friends who would be in relationship with him.

I recall reading somewhere this impactful statement: Before we are called to do anything, we are first called into relationship — to fall in love with Jesus. "Follow me," we hear Jesus say to Simon and Andrew and to us. Follow me, love me, be my friend and then I’ll make you into one who preaches, teaches, sings, dances, directs, creates ...

I don't know what's on your "To Do" list today ... perhaps a worship team meeting, sermon writing, anthem selection, ensemble preparation, visual proclamation planning ... the many creative and mundane ways we are called to "fish for people." But before the doing begins, take a moment to remember that you were first called by name to follow, to love, to be a friend of Jesus. Taking the time to be with Jesus will make the doing far more fruitful and joy-filled!

Prayer

Jesus, dearest friend, help me to follow you, love you, and be your friend today. Amen.

Nancy Hastings Hornsby
Pastor and Retreat Leader
North Alabama Conference of The UMC
Tuscaloosa, AL

Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Week of: January 14, 2018
Scripture: John 1:43-51

... Philip said to him, "Come and see."
(John 1:46b, NRSV)

Devotion

Philip has become a follower of Jesus and he shares this news with Nathanael. Don’t you just love Philip’s description? “Come on Nathanael, you know who I’m talking about, Jesus son of Joseph of Nazareth.” And Nathanael’s reply, “Who? From Nazareth? Impossible!” So Philip, searching for the right words, throws up his hands and says, “Oh, just come and see!”

Who of us has all the right words, names, phrases to describe a love so great, a power so amazing found in the person of Jesus? No one word or witness will do. Come and see. No one expression will do. Come and hear. Come and feel. Come with all your senses!

Perhaps Philip is the patron saint of worship artists. As worship leaders, our mission is to invite others to come and see. Come. Bring all your senses. Come and see, hear, feel, touch. Come. Bring your own witness to the love of God made manifest through Jesus Christ.

It is not our job to have all the answers and hand them to our congregation. No. In the spirit of our St. Philip, we invite all to come. We prepare the space and create the avenues for everyone to discover and know the love of Jesus. 

Prayer

Loving Jesus, may I not wait for Sunday to open all my senses to experience your love today. 

Nancy Hastings Hornsby
Pastor and Retreat Leader
North Alabama Conference of The UMC
Tuscaloosa, AL

Baptism of the Lord

Week of: January 7, 2018
Scripture: Mark 1:4-11

You are my Son, The Beloved; with you I am well pleased.
(Mark 1:11b, NRSV)

Devotion

It is the first week of January, the first week of a new year. Time seems to move so fast! The church calendar also speeds along. Little time has passed since our adoration of Jesus in a manger surrounded by Mary and Joseph and shepherds.

Now, suddenly, Jesus is an adult stepping into the waters of the river Jordan to be baptized, the beginning of his public ministry. He has received a sign ["… the Spirit descending like a dove…"] and a word ["… a voice came from heaven, 'You are my son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased'"] (Mark 1:10b-11, NRSV).

It is the beginning of a new year for us, the time to start anew in our own lives and worship arts ministry. What shall be our sign, our word to jumpstart our worship arts ministry this year? 

Water. Water shall be our sign. Water is at the font and in our daily drinking, cooking, washing …

Beloved. Beloved is the word we need as we embark on our daily tasks of ministry. We too are God’s beloved. We are baptized by the Holy Spirit. Remember: you are named and claimed as God’s own beloved child. You are not alone as you step into this new year. 

Prayer

Loving God, thank you for claiming me as your beloved child. Amen. 

Nancy Hastings Hornsby
Pastor and Retreat Leader
North Alabama Conference of The UMC
Tuscaloosa, AL

First Sunday After Christmas

Week of: December 31, 2017
Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God.
(Luke 2:28, CEB)

Devotion

Last Sunday we sang the Song of Mary and later that day we celebrated with a “new song.” This Sunday we sing the Song of Simeon filled with praise and fulfillment.

This is usually a week when we music and worship artists can “put our feet up,” relax and spend much-needed time with the ones we love, and replenish our spirit-soul.

I encourage all of us, as worship designers and liturgy leaders, to use these days of Christmas as a time to reflect upon and to marinate in the arts offered in worship – giving praise and thanks for the fulfillment of God’s mighty work in the coming anew of Jesus the Christ.

Prayer

God of Promise, like Simeon, we praise you for the fulfillment of your promise through your Son, Jesus Christ. Our hope, through your Holy Spirit, is that the arts in worship may germinate into acts of grace, mercy, and peace. We offer up praises of thanksgiving to you, not only this Christmas season, but until the close of our li​ves​ on earth. Amen.

Amy Youngblood
Director of Music Ministries
First United Methodist Church
Stuttgart, AR

Fourth Sunday of Advent / Christmas Eve

Week of: December 24, 2017
Scripture: Luke 1:46b-55, Psalm 96

With all my heart I glorify the Lord!
(Luke 1:46b, CEB)

Sing to the Lord a new song!
(Psalm 96:1, CEB)

Devotion

Mary, the mother of the promised Savior, will sing her song, the Magnificat, this Advent Sunday morning. She is just beginning her long Advent journey of HOPE, LOVE, JOY and yes, PEACE. With the daunting task of giving birth to the hope of Israel, it is amazing how she sings gloriously with the confidence of peace.

On Sunday night, the Eve of Christmas, Psalm 96 gives us a “new song” to sing. Our Advent worship journey has been completed. We can now celebrate the coming of the One to whom we have offered our gifts of worship this season. How can we not sing a “new song”?

Prayer

Holy Christ Child, you have come to give us PEACE so that we might sing, dance, play, visualize, dramatize and preach a glorious new song. Grant us the confidence of Mary to always magnify your name. Amen.

Amy Youngblood
Director of Music Ministries
First United Methodist Church
Stuttgart, AR

Third Sunday of Advent

Week of: December 17, 2017
Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

The Lord ... has sent me to bring good news ...
(Isaiah 61:1, CEB)

Rejoice always. ... Give thanks in every situation ...
(1 Thessalonians 5:16 & 18, CEB)

Devotion

It seems every day this year we have been inundated with news that creates fear and injustice, spreads rumors of war, and/or reports a new natural disaster.

In the midst of oppression, brokenness, and the prisons of our own minds, it can be difficult to seek joy. Yet, in Isaiah 61, God has promised to bring comfort, hope, and justice to this world through the promised Messiah.

We, who are caretakers of God’s people through our various worship arts, have the power to inspire people to be the hands and feet of the promised Savior. Take time during this week and season to be thankful for the gifts God has given you which serve as a vehicle of transformation and JOY in this world.

Prayer

Come, Lord Jesus, to give us JOY! Amen.

Amy Youngblood
Director of Music Ministries
First United Methodist Church
Stuttgart, AR

Second Sunday of Advent

Week of: December 10, 2017
Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

A voice shouting in the wilderness: "Prepare the way for the Lord …"
(Mark 1:3, CEB)

Devotion

When you truly think about it, John the Baptist is an amusing and intriguing character! He is clothed in camel’s hair held together with a leather belt. He eats only locusts and honey AND he is in the wilderness loudly shouting what some would perceive as crazy stuff.

The significant thing about John is he knew his place in God’s magnificent plan to save the world, and he played the part well. John knew his message and proclaimed it in a place away from the hierarchy of wealth and privilege. Yet, as a human being, it must have been a lonely existence for him.

We may also succumb to the traps of loneliness as we proclaim the message through sacred arts. At times we can feel apart from the world that rushes on without us. But remember the Christ Child comes to those set apart for God’s creative work so that God might be revealed to others.

Prayer

In the Advent wilderness of our lives, come, Lord Jesus, and deliver us into your LOVE. Amen.

Amy Youngblood
Director of Music Ministries
First United Methodist Church
Stuttgart, AR

First Sunday of Advent

Week of: December 3, 2017
Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-9

From ancient times, no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any god but you who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
(Isaiah 64:4, CEB)

Devotion

We live in a world where waiting is not popular. We can obtain any information or order anything we want and receive it the next day with just a click of a mouse or a touch on a screen. In his gospel, Mark tells us in 13:33 & 37 to “Watch out!” and “Stay alert!”

In our society, “watch out” and “stay alert” scream at us with an element of fear. Watch out for people who are different; “stay alert” and avoid unsafe areas. But Isaiah’s and Mark’s words were not meant to be of fear and competition, but a message of “Listen, God is about to do something grand!” Be on the lookout so you can participate in the joy!

We, as creators and leaders of worship, have the unique privilege and responsibility of leading God’s people away from the shouts of this wilderness world and into an Advent experience: an experience of “quiet waiting,” as we “watch out” and “stay alert” for the coming of the Christ Child.

Prayer

God of Advent, may we nurture your people and ourselves to wait with patience, be alert to your presence, and stay ready to spread the word of your coming to the entire world. Come, Lord Jesus, and give us HOPE. Amen.

Amy Youngblood
Director of Music Ministries
First United Methodist Church
Stuttgart, AR

Reign of Christ / Christ the King Sunday

Week of: November 26, 2017
Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?
(Matthew 25:37, NRSV)

Devotion

Ah, the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats — there is so much to love about this passage! First, there is no mystery about what it looks like to be a "saved" people; the test and the answers are listed right here, plain for all to see! When you see someone in hunger, feed them! When you see someone in prison, don’t let them suffer in isolation; visit them, for God’s sake!

Secondly, the sheep don’t know they are sheep and the goats don’t know they are goats! Do you see it? We read this gospel lesson on Reign of Christ / Christ the King Sunday because it is Christ who is the head of God’s reign, Christ and not anyone else. And because Christ sits where he does, he sees the image of God in each person on earth.

Even though we can’t always see the image of God in others as quickly as Jesus does, we are still called to treat everyone as if they are Christ: it is not up to us to judge whether anyone is worthy of help, love, grace, justice, mercy and dignity! Our calling is to help those who need help. "Be Thou My Vision," indeed!

How are we, as worship artists, helping our people see that God is at work and already present in the lives of all people, not just the ones who come through the doors of our institutions? And, further, how do we serve as a bridge between the worship inside the walls of our institutions and our people’s worship outside of those walls?

Prayer

Jesus, on this Sunday when we celebrate the goodness, righteousness, and holy justice embodied in your reign, may the Spirit enable us to move beyond our preconceived ideas about our fellow humans and break open our hearts to their needs, so that we may alleviate suffering wherever we see it, just as Jesus did. Amen.

Joe Stobaugh
Executive Minister of Worship and Arts
Grace Avenue United Methodist Church
Frisco, TX

Twenty-Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

Week of: November 19, 2017
Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

For to all those who have, more will be given ...
(Matthew 25:29a NRSV)

Devotion

“For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.”

YIKES! That doesn’t feel good, does it? But, what if … just what if, God has already innately given everyone what they need to thrive, and given it to them in abundance? If we are truly made in God’s image, and called supremely good by God — what if we have all we need to thrive and grow in the world already? What if we have already been given the conditions in which growth is possible?

Could it be that God intends for us to take the talents we’ve been given, in whatever measure we have them, and develop them for the further realization of God’s dream for us and for creation? And, as worship artists, are we not called to create the space for others' talents to be used, grown and multiplied? We are the ones who are called to help others develop their talents, so when that day comes, God will say to us and to those whom God has entrusted to us, “Well done, good and faithful servants.”

Prayer

God, you have given us so much, all that we need, and for that we are deeply grateful. Help us to be the people who carve out space for the growth of the talents of others. Amen.

Joe Stobaugh
Executive Minister of Worship and Arts
Grace Avenue United Methodist Church
Frisco, TX

Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost

Week of: November 12, 2017
Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came ...
(Matthew 25:10a, NRSV)

Devotion

The gospel blues song, “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning,” often springs to mind when I encounter this parable. Attributed by many scholars to Texas bluesman Blind Willie Johnson, his original recording paints a vibrant picture of this scripture! Indeed, we must be ready, for Jesus comes to us in surprising and unexpected ways.

In the month of November it is easy to get so wrapped up in preparations for Advent that we can miss out on what God is doing in the world right now. Even though we are busy looking to the future, Jesus continues to work in the world through us in the present. The Spirit continues to guide us in our worship artistry and God’s dreams for the world continue to be realized! Therefore, we must not neglect attending to the means of grace in our lives, lest we be too busy, or so sleepy, that we miss a holy visitation.

May we remain awake to welcome the bridegroom as we feed those who hunger, give water to those who thirst, clothe those who are naked, and visit those who are imprisoned.

Prayer

Jesus, we know that you are always amongst us and that your reign breaks out in the most surprising and sometimes scandalous ways. Help us be awake to your presence! Amen.

Joe Stobaugh
Executive Minister of Worship and Arts
Grace Avenue United Methodist Church
Frisco, TX

All Saints' Sunday

Week of: November 5, 2017
Scripture: Revelation 7:9-17

... I looked, and there was a great multitude, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages ...
(Revelation 7:9, NRSV)

Devotion

All Saints’ Sunday provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on death, the afterlife, those who have gone before us, and the tenuous relationship between this life and the next. As worship artists we have a unique role in this regard, as we create space that allows for a fuller exploration of these universal themes. It’s an exploration that includes words, but also holds a mystery that transcends them.

My family (perhaps yours as well) has been touched by death in profound ways this year, especially in the loss of a patriarch in our family, my father-in-law. His was a “bigger than life" personality, and it is only in his passing that I understand that phrase in a fuller way. In the days following his passing I didn’t want to make art, but I felt compelled to do so: not to give understanding, but to find expression — and meaning. I found meaning in his life and in his death through art, especially in worship, as old forms of worship came alive to me in new ways.

Often we have no idea who our art in worship touches; but make no mistake, it does touch people in deep and profound ways. Through our art we can transcend the differences that constrain us — differences of tribes, and nations, and peoples, and language. Don’t hold back from giving this great gift to those around you in worship on this important day!

Prayer

God of all life, you made every person and called them not just good but supremely good. Help us remember that there is nothing, not even death, that can separate us from your love. Amen.

Joe Stobaugh
Executive Minister of Worship and Arts
Grace Avenue United Methodist Church
Frisco, TX

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: October 29, 2017
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

… but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the Gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts.
(1 Thessalonians 2:4, NRSV)

Devotion

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!”

The children of Action Ministries’ after-school program shone with pride and joy as they sang their hearts out as part of our church’s Christmas pageant. These children, many of whom were new to worship, radiated with excitement to offer their very best to God.

Disclaimer: This was not the most technically proficient singing I have ever heard. It was, however, some of the most beautiful.

Deep beauty lies in giving the best we can with the fullness of our bodies and souls. There is, of course, value in creating worship that “pleases mortals” – the kind of grand worship that aims to achieve artistic and technical brilliance. We wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we didn’t strive for excellence in all we do!

However, there is also value in reflecting on more than the aesthetic value of our worship. 

Sometimes the most pressing question is, “How does our worship please God?”

May we strive in our planning and our worship to please God as we offer our best gifts. 

Prayer

God of joy, enliven us with a desire to offer praise that is pleasing to you. Help us to bring our very best to the glory of your name. Amen.

Michael Dauterman
Minister of Music and Worship Arts
Grace United Methodist Church
Atlanta, GA

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: October 22, 2017
Scripture: Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13)

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
(Psalm 96:1, NRSV)

Devotion

As a child, I was a picky eater. I stuck to a “cheese and anything that went with cheese” diet. Thankfully, I met someone who helped me broaden my culinary horizons, so now my plate takes on a lot more color.

What does your church’s worship arts palette look like? Is it full of different “spiritual foods?” I often think about the popular image of worship as a church potluck. While we will never like 100% of the items on the table, if everyone brings their best there’s sure to be something to please everyone. We should always have the opportunity to try that new hymn or way of praying that encourages us to discover God anew.

God can also sing new songs in familiar places. A standard liturgy or beloved doxology can provide the space to breathe in what God has to offer that day.

Whether it is a familiar rhythm of worship or trying a new hymn with an unfamiliar melody, we must always consider how we are nourishing our congregations.

Prayer

Creating God, cause new life to stir up in us so that we may sing a new song to you. Give us the courage to do a new thing or find the new in the old so that our worship of you includes a reflection of the ever-evolving world around us. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Michael Dauterman
Minister of Music and Worship Arts
Grace United Methodist Church
Atlanta, GA

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: October 15, 2017
Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
(Philippians 4:6, NRSV)

Devotion

We’ve all heard those words spoken in a moment of trouble – “Don’t worry! Everything will work out.” Most of us have uttered these words, too, when unsure how to react to challenging situations in the lives of our loved ones. While we know these platitudes come from a place of empathy, we also know that anxiety and worry are hard feelings to overcome.

Tough though it may be, one of our responsibilities as worship artists is to aid others in bringing their own struggles and burdens to God through prayer. Through spoken word, song, dance, and visual arts, we can create environments of sanctuary and peace that orient the hearts of our congregants away from anxiety and toward the Holy One. Through our preparation for worship, we also bring our own concerns to God and turn them into liturgies, hymns, and prayers of thanksgiving in which our communities share.

It may not be possible to end our worrying altogether. But, through creativity, we can turn our worrying into heartfelt prayer.

Prayer

Providing God, give to us the peace of knowing your abiding presence in all that we do. Help us to calm the hearts and minds of those we meet so we may work to do your will. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Michael Dauterman
Minister of Music and Worship Arts
Grace United Methodist Church
Atlanta, GA

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: October 8, 2017
Scripture: Matthew 21:33-46

Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be ... given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.
(Matthew 21:43, NRSV)

Devotion

If your Facebook feed looks anything like mine, you’ve seen “The Perfect Worship Service.” It’s a clever little meme featuring some frequent critiques of worship services. Does this sound familiar?

“More fast songs in the opening praise time and more slow songs in the opening praise time.” “More of those wonderful, lovely old hymns and less of those stupid, dead old hymns.” “Songs to be sung in higher and lower keys.”

It’s no secret that people have strong feelings about how worship “should be.” And, more often than not, the comments that we receive as leaders of worship center on the aesthetic. Our congregations want what they want – familiarity, beauty, quality.

All of these are perfectly legitimate, even admirable, desires. But worship quality does not exist for its own sake. Rather, when we strive to achieve aesthetic beauty or thematic coherence, we do so with the aim of orienting our congregations toward God. We strive to bear fruit.

The hard reality for worship leaders is that sometimes what we want to hear and what we need to hear are different. Let us ask not merely, “What will my congregation like?” but, “What does my congregation need in worship in order to bear fruit?”

Prayer

Nurturing and challenging God, give us the courage to offer you worship that produces the fruit of your kingdom. Amen.

Calissa Dauterman
Creative Worship Director
The Table Atlanta
Atlanta, GA

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: October 1, 2017
Scripture: Matthew 21:23-32

For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
(Matthew 21:32, NRSV)

Devotion

Jesus knew the truth: we often experience talent, faith, and dedication in the places we least expect it.

Each week, I recruit liturgists to assist with worship leadership. I have a list – full of familiar, dependable people, from whom I know exactly what to expect. And, I am grateful for those talented and faithful servants. But, I rely too heavily on them. Too frequently, I turn to my list before inviting someone new to participate.

As congregational leaders, God charges us to be attentive to the people we serve. Too often, though, we become so comfortable with our routines that we miss opportunities to involve new people, discover hidden talents, and show love by entrusting others with the important work that is worship.

This week, take the time to get to know someone new in your congregation. How might they bring their gifts to worship? Who else might have gifts and talents to offer? Who are you not inviting?

You may find new life where you least expect it.

Prayer

God of surprises, make us bold to encounter you in new ways and in new faces. Give us a spirit of invitation that our worship may reflect the gifts of all who gather with us. Amen.

Calissa Dauterman
Creative Worship Director
The Table Atlanta
Atlanta, GA

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: September 24, 2017
Scripture: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45

O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples.
(Psalm 105:1, NRSV)

Devotion

Psalm 105 is a hymn praising God’s faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants during their long period of journeying. This psalm begins with praise and thanksgiving to God, retells God’s wondrous deeds, and closes with a call to praise.

In 1 Chronicles 16, we learn that David appointed worship leaders and used a portion of this psalm as a model for worship. How privileged we are to be able to freely worship and to be able to lead others in worship. As we plan, rehearse, create, and put plans into action for our times of corporate worship, let’s remember to always give thanks, tell of God’s mighty deeds, and praise God!

Consider ...

• Turning your “forgiveness” visual/bulletin board (from last week's devotion) into a “thanksgiving” visual. Encourage your members to move from forgiveness prayers to thanksgiving prayers for all that God has done.
• Printing out verses 1-5 of Psalm 105. Lead each ensemble in a time of reflection at the end of your rehearsal. Dancers can improvise movements as the verses are read, visual artists can share what they “see” as they hear the verses, drama teams can set the scene and read them dramatically, singers can chant the text on one tone, and so on.

Prayer

Generous God, thank you for the many blessings we have been given. Like Israelites in the wilderness, we tend to complain. Please forgive us and strengthen us for your service so that we might live generous lives, making your deeds known among all people. Amen.

Shawn Gingrich
Fellowship President
Director of Music Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Hershey, PA

Photo: Members of the dance ensemble interpret a Scripture reading during worship at Journey: Music & Worship Arts Week 2017, held at Lake Junaluska, NC. 

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: September 17, 2017
Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times."
(Matthew 18:21-22, NRSV)

Devotion

Following his encounter with Peter, Jesus told a parable of the unforgiving debtor, in which forgiveness is extravagantly displayed. Jesus taught that God’s forgiveness is so far beyond our understanding and deserving, and he emphasized that we will only receive in exchange for what we have offered. When teaching his disciples how to pray, Jesus said, "Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us" (Matthew 6:12). This part of the Lord's Prayer is echoed many times in Jesus’ teaching: forgive as God has forgiven you.

As worship leaders, we model many things and the point of this parable is one that must be applied in our congregations today. The giving and the receiving of forgiveness is crucial, because one cannot have it without doing it. Be intentional with forgiveness. "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14-15).

Consider ...

• Asking a member of your dance team to come to your rehearsals this week to show a simple movement that embodies forgiveness. Incorporate that movement into your closing prayers and possibly also in worship as a part of the confession.
• Asking a member of your visuals team to create a visual/bulletin board in your rehearsal space that will allow space for members to add their prayers for and of forgiveness.

Prayer

Forgiving God, we are humbled by the love and grace that you give us. Help us to forgive others as extravagantly as you have first forgiven us. Amen.

Shawn Gingrich
Fellowship President
Director of Music Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Hershey, PA

Photo: Evening worship at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock, AR, during Awaken 2017, The Fellowship's Biennial Convocation. Worship visuals crafted by Karla Kincannon.