Katy Matejka Kroondyk

A call to worship, litany of confession, and song suggestions for a worship based on Matthew 15:21-28, Jesus and the Canaanite Woman, which is the Revised Common Lectionary’s gospel reading for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost.

A call to worship, liturgy of confession, and song suggestions for a worship based on Matthew 14:13-21, the feeding of the five thousand, which is the Revised Common Lectionary’s gospel reading for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost.

A call to worship, liturgy of confession, and song suggestions for a worship based on Matthew 14:13-21, the feeding of the five thousand, which is the Revised Common Lectionary’s gospel reading for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost.

When Lori handed her the bread, she sat so seriously; when Gord passed her the juice, she carefully balanced the baby doll in her arms.

Communion, the sacramental act of eating the good news, calls believers to a simple table of complex meaning and experience. Our church wanted to explore more deeply the many meanings of this essential act of worship through a sermon series we called “Committed Communion: Eating More Grace.” We felt this was especially appropriate for Lent because, as Frederick Dale Bruner explains, the Last Supper is “paradoxically surrounded on either side by predictions of betrayal and denial—grace is surrounded by sin” (Matthew: A Commentary, Vol. 2 [Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1987], 610). In communion we participate in the communion of the Trinity, which is on full display in the holy meal, but in Lent we remember the many ways we have fallen short of being committed to communion with the triune God and our fellow believers. Our goal for this series was not just to teach about communion, but also to exhort all of us to remember what the Lord our God has done for us, to return to communion with God and each other, and to hope for the day of our full redemption. What follows is a basic outline of the series with a dramatic reading that could be used with the confession and assurance portion of the worship service or as one of the day’s Scripture readings. Each reading includes two individual readers, with the congregation speaking the parts in bold. In staging the liturgy we used traditional black banners as the backdrop for a rustic but full communion table. Our banners were made by Peggy Baas using shower curtains stretched over boards. The tablescape was designed and set by elder Ruby Meekhof.   Ash Wednesday Remember Communion in the Wilderness Context Liturgy: Psalm 51:1–17, adapted Sermon: Matthew 4:1–11, “Satan Tempts Jesus with Bread” Focus: Committing to acknowledge our guilt and to repent   Dramatic Reading [Torn bread pieces are strewn over the floor. The cup is knocked over.] Reader 1: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. [Reader 2 begins to gather the bread pieces.] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. You are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Reader 1: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. [Reader 2 brings the bread pieces to the table.] You desired faithfulness even in the womb. You desire a pure heart. You desire a steadfast spirit within me. Reader 1: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. [Reader 2 picks up the cup and brings it to the table. The table is set.] Reader 2: Therefore teach me wisdom! Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. [Reader 2 lights the Christ candle on the table.] Reader 1: We bring our broken pieces to the table, yet Jesus will sustain us with this bread, his body. We bring a cup of repentance, yet Jesus will fill it with his blood of salvation.   First Sunday Remember We Need Communion Context Liturgy: Psalm 91:1–2, 9–16, adapted Sermon: Matthew 27:11–26, “His Blood Is on Us and Our Children” Focus: Committing to Christ alone as the sacrifice for our sin   Dramatic Reading Reader 1: There is trouble around me. The serpent is underfoot. The lion pursues me. [Reader 2 begins at the back of the sanctuary and carries the bread and the cup toward the table.] Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Reader 1: Evil befalls me. They are at my tent. Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Reader 1: I need refuge. I need refuge! Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” [Reader 2 arrives at the table and places the bread and cup on it.] Reader 2: The Father says: “Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.” [Reader 2 lights the Christ candle.] Reader 1: Jesus has set a table for us. It is a place of shelter. It is a place of dwelling with the Most High. It is the place for which we have longed.   Second Sunday We Return to the Body in Communion Context Liturgy: Psalm 115:1–8, adapted Sermon: John 6:25–40, “Jesus is the Bread” Focus: Committing to being the body of Christ   Dramatic Reading [Reader 2 fastens signs to the front of the communion table that have names of common idols printed on them in large letters, such as money, politics, power, leisure, success, and food.] Reader 1: The nations have their idols. Their idols are silver and gold—merely works of their hands. Their idols do not speak to them. They do not listen to them. They do not feel their pain or walk with them. We feast on bread that does not satisfy. We look for sustenance and comfort where there is none. [Reader 2 removes the signs one at a time and throws them into a trash bin.] But our God became human. Our God speaks and listens to us. Our God knows our pain and walks with us. [Reader 2 continues to remove the signs.] Reader 1: Our God prepared a table for us, breaking his body and pouring out his blood for us. He welcomes us to a much better feast, one filled with the bread of life and the cup of salvation. [Reader 2 places the bread and the cup on the table and lights the Christ candle.] Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.   Third Sunday Made One in Communion Context Liturgy: Psalm 107:2–9, adapted Scripture: John 15:5–8; 1 Corinthians 11:17–26, “The True and Undivided Vine” Focus: Committing to being one with Christ   Dramatic Reading We have been wandering in the desert wastelands; we can find no way out. [Reader 2 picks up an empty plate from the table and raises it above their head.] We are hungry and thirsty. Our souls grow faint. [Reader 2 picks up the empty cup and turns it over. They look for any sign of a drop.] We cry to the LORD in our distress! Reader 1: The LORD delivers you from your distress! [Reader 2 fills the table with the elements as the reading continues and lights the Christ candle.] Reader 1: The LORD delivers you from the desert. He leads you to a place where you can settle. He satisfies your thirst. He fills your hunger with good things. He has gathered us from the east and the west, the north and the south at his table of steadfast love! His table unifies our diversity. Our wastelands become fertile valleys. Our distress becomes peace. We bear his fruit together!   Fourth Sunday Hope to Be Made Holy in Communion Context Liturgy: Psalm 32, adapted Scripture: Matthew 9:14–17; 1 Corinthians 11:27–29, “New Wine at the Table” Focus: Committing to holy living   Dramatic Reading Reader 1: When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. My strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Reader 2: But Scripture says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” [Reader 2 brings the bread and the cup to the table.] Reader 2: Jesus has prepared a table for all who love him and trust in him alone for their salvation. All who are truly sorry for their sins and desire to live in obedience to him as LORD are invited to come with gladness to the table. Reader 1: Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. [Reader 2 lights the Christ candle.] Therefore let us pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach us. You are our hiding place; you will protect us from trouble and surround us with songs of deliverance. Reader 2: Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit, for while they were still sinners, the LORD made a space for them at his table.   Palm Sunday Hope for God’s Kingdom in Communion Context Liturgy: Luke 19:28–40, adapted Sermon: Revelation 19:7–9, “The Wedding of the Bride and the Lamb” Focus: Committing to the foretaste of the kingdom   Dramatic Reading Reader 1: Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” [Reader 2 exits the stage toward the back of the sanctuary.] Reader 1: Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They replied: “The Lord needs it.” Reader 1: They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: [Reader 2 begins to walk from the back of the sanctuary towards the communion table while carrying the bread and the cup. They place the elements on the communion table.] “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Reader 1: Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus: “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” [Reader 2 lights the Christ candle.] Reader 2: “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”   Maundy Thursday Remember the Sacrifice of Communion Context Liturgy: Psalm 116:1–4, 12–19, adapted Sermon: Matthew 26:17–30, “The Lord’s Supper” Focus: Committing to remembering Christ’s death and resurrection   Dramatic Reading [The communion table is empty.] Reader 1: The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: [Reader 2 brings the Christ candle to the table.] I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. [Reader 2 brings plates and cups to the table and sets the table as for a meal.] Reader 1: What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me? [Reader 2 brings the cup and wine to the table.] I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. Reader 1: What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me? [Reader 2 brings the bread to the table.] I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. Reader 1: What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me? [Reader 2 lights the Christ candle.] I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD. We do this in remembrance of our LORD, who heard our cry for mercy and turned toward us.   Easter Sent Out in Hope from Communion Context Liturgy: Psalm 118:1–2, 19–24, adapted Sermon: Luke 24:36–49, “The Disciples Touch the Wounds” Focus: Committing to participating in the joy of the kingdom because we are in the presence of the risen Christ   Dramatic Reading [The communion table is already set with the elements.] Reader 1: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let his church cry out: “His love endures forever!’ [Reader 2 brings out decorations for the table. The decorations should be joyous, brightly colored, and maybe even love themed (think Valentine’s hearts). This decorating continues throughout the rest of the reading.] Reader 1: The LORD opened the gates of righteousness for us; this is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter his kingdom. We will give you thanks, for you answered us; you have become our salvation! Reader 1: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone of Christ’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. The LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes! [Reader 2 finishes decorating the table and lights the Christ candle.] Reader 2: The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. God’s love endures forever!

In my margin notes I wrote, “How comforting to hear an incarnation every week.” And comfort it was until all of the sudden it was my responsibility to be the preacher picking out the human words to clothe the word of God.

The following is a series of readings for the lighting of the Advent wreath candles. The series connects with the assigned Scripture from the Revised Common Lectionary for Year C but would fit most Advent services, especially those that highlight the theme of waiting. Each reading includes a candlelighter and two readers. These could be the same persons or different people each week. The candlelighter doesn’t speak but does do some motions with the candle in addition to lighting it. The readings conclude with a short prayer that could be spoken by the congregation or another worship leader. It would be appropriate to sing something similar to the Taizé chant “Wait for the Lord” LUYH 480, GtG 90, SSS 580 each week of Advent before the candle lighting. The simple refrain could easily be taught to children who are not yet readers so they can more fully participate. Week 1 The Hope Candle Reading based on Psalm 25:1–10 Candlelighter: [Lifts the unlit hope candle above their head.] Reader 1: Lord, to you we lift our souls as we eagerly await your coming. Reader 2: In you, God, we put our trust as we are filled with hope for your arrival. Candlelighter: [Places the unlit candle in the wreath or stand and covers it with their hands.] Reader 1: While we wait for you, do not let us be put to shame. Reader 2: While we wait for you, do not remember the sins of our youth. Candlelighter: [Extends the unlit candle toward the congregation.] Reader 1: Lead us in your truth and teach us, Reader 2: for you are the God of our salvation, and for you we wait all day long. Candlelighter: [Places the unlit candle back in the wreath or stand and lights it.] Reader 1: We light the candle of hope this week because we know the Lord’s mercy and steadfast love has been from old. All of the Lord’s works display God’s faithfulness, so we know we have a hope for the future. Reader 2: We can wait with hopeful expectation because the Lord is good and upright. Surely the Lord will come and lead us in what is right. People of God: God of Hope, as we wait for you, please send your Spirit to renew our longing for the days when all will be made right in our relationships with you, one another, and your creation. As we wait for those days, give us eyes to see your faithfulness and ears to hear of your goodness so that our hearts may be humbled and filled with hope for Christ’s coming kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Week 2 The Love Candle Reading based on Malachi 3:1–4 Candlelighter: [Lights the hope candle from the previous week.] Reader 1: See, God is sending God’s messenger to prepare the way. Reader 2: The one whom we seek is indeed coming. Candlelighter: [Picks up the love candle and holds it, unlit, toward the hope candle.] Reader 1: We wait for the one who refines us. Reader 2: We wait for the one who purifies us. Candlelighter: [Extends the unlit candle toward the cross or toward another Christ symbol, such as the communion table.] Reader 1: The Lord’s purifying fire burns with love for us. Reader 2: The Lord’s cleansing soap washes us in his love. Candlelighter: [Places the love candle in the wreath or stand and lights it.] Reader 1: We light the love candle this week because, as we wait for the Lord’s coming, we remember that Christ has already demonstrated his great love for us so that we can be refined by his righteousness. Reader 2: When we see the love candle shining, we remember that our waiting is not empty, but must be filled with love for others. For as Christ loves us, so we must love each other. People of God: God of Love, may your Spirit spur us to actions of love during this period of waiting. As the Son demonstrated what love requires— submission, sacrifice, and sanctification— may we emulate his ways so that the world may know of your great love. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Week 3 The Joy Candle Reading based on Isaiah 12:2–6 [Place the baptismal font near the Advent candles.] Candlelighter: [Lights the hope and love candles from the previous weeks.] Reader 1: Surely God is our salvation. Reader 2: As we wait for the Lord, we will trust and not be afraid. Candlelighter: [Holds the unlit joy candle over the baptismal font.] Reader 1: With joy we will draw water from the well of salvation. Reader 2: Give thanks to the Lord and make known his deeds among the nations! Candlelighter: [Lifts the unlit joy candle above their head.] Reader 1: Sing praises to the Lord as we await his glory! Reader 2: Shout aloud and sing for joy! Candlelighter: [Places the joy candle in the wreath or stand and lights it.] Reader 1: With excited anticipation we light the joy candle this week. We have joy because our salvation is at hand. The Holy One of Israel is coming! Reader 2: His well of salvation is full and plentiful, and we are filled with a joy which will be known throughout all of the earth. People of God: God of Joy, may your Spirit renew in us the joy of our salvation. Lead us to share this joy with those around us. The light of this joy shines in a world full of darkness, so that all may see the path to the deep well of salvation. So we proclaim the joyous name of Jesus today! In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Week 4 The Peace Candle Reading based on Micah 5:2–5 Candlelighter: [Lights the hope, love, and joy candles.] Reader 1: The One who will rule Israel is from of old, from the ancient days. Reader 2: The One on whom we wait is from the most unexpected place, from Bethlehem of Ephrathah. Candlelighter: [Hides the unlit peace candle behind his or her back.] Reader 1: The Shepherd’s mother is in labor. Reader 2: The whole world cries out with her in labor pains. Candlelighter: [Extends the unlit peace candle toward the congregation.] Reader 1: We need the Shepherd to stand and feed his flock. Reader 2: For the whole world is groaning in need of God’s peace. Candlelighter: [Places the peace candle in the wreath or stand and lights it.] Reader 1: We light the peace candle this week because Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Reader 2: In Jesus we shall live securely as Christ’s peace extends to the ends of the earth. People of God: God of Peace, you send us the Prince of Peace. We long for his peace to rule in our lives and relationships. We yearn for every corner of your world to be subject to your peace. We eagerly await the days when your whole flock will live in the security of your peace. May we, through the power of your Spirit, shine the peace of Christ in the darkness. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. Christmas The Christ Candle Reading based on Isaiah 9:2–7 Candlelighter: [Lights the hope, love, joy, and peace candles.] Reader 1: We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light! Reader 2: We who have lived in a land of deep darkness have had the light of hope, love, joy and peace shined on us! Candlelighter: [Extends the unlit Christ candle toward the right.] Reader 1: For the yoke of our burden has been broken! Reader 2: For the rod of the oppressor has been broken! Candlelighter: [Extends the unlit Christ candle toward the left.] Reader 1: For a child has been born to us! Reader 2: And all authority rests on his shoulders! Candlelighter: [Lifts the unlit Christ candle over their head.] Reader 1: We call him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God! Reader 2: We call him the Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! Candlelighter: [Places the Christ candle in the wreath or candle holder and lights it.] Reader 1: The Lord establishes his kingdom with justice and righteousness. Reader 2: For this is the Christ on whom we have waited. People of God: Mighty God, you have sent us your Son, in whom we find our hope, who teaches us love, who gives us joy, and who rules with peace. In this baby, we have seen the Christ and his kingdom, which breaks the oppressive powers of this world. May the light of your kingdom shine from this time onward and forevermore. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.