This is part of the worship series,
"August Adventures”
Series Introduction
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4
WEEK 1
MEMBER SUNDAY
The first goal of August Adventures was to get members back in the pews after a summer of travel and leisure. We were pleasantly surprised by the positive response to a members-only letter the week before. The letter was positive, and simply invited everyone to make a special effort to attend on this one Sunday if at all possible. We also gave what amounted to an RSVP—Regrets Only. “Please let me know if there is a reason you will be unable to join us.” (Word of caution: it can be depressing to hear from all those who will not be there, but it was encouraging to know that people read the letter and took it seriously.)
Prayer of Confession
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
—Psalm 51:1-2, 10 NIV
Assurance of Pardon
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.
—Psalm 51:17 NIV
Scripture
1 Samuel 17:1–11, 32–50; Ephesians 6:10–20
Sermon Notes: “Five Smooth Stones”
Our objective on Member Sunday is to begin evangelism with the members of the church. We invite the congregation to consider and renew their own relationship to Christ and their commitment to the community of faith.
The seed of the first sermon in the series came from a Bible study group discussing 1 and 2 Samuel. When we came to the familiar story of David and Goliath, our leader noted the “five smooth stones” David chose from the brook and asked, “What are five essential qualities for building a relationship to God and combating evil?” We chose as a key sentence 1 Samuel 17:47: “The battle is the Lord’s.”
Retelling a story as familiar as David and Goliath requires extra effort, but the story can live again for people of all ages. Let the story speak for itself. This narrative passage lends itself well to a dramatic reading by a group, prepared ahead. Include some background research. Who were the Philistines? Are they related to the modern Palestinians, whose name sounds the same? Was this “winner-take-all” battle challenge common? How tall was Goliath? How much did his armor weigh? Where was this battle fought?
The story of David and Goliath dovetails well with Ephesians 6:10–20, in terms of putting on the armor of God. We also made a connection between the five smooth “stones” or qualities necessary for church members to renew their commitment to God and one another. The “five smooth stones” we chose from Ephesians 6 were faith, initiative, courage, wisdom, and action. All of these call forth a renewed commitment of church members to God and to the church. Member Sunday is the time to issue a direct appeal to church members to support the church in attending and giving. But be sensitive to those members who may have drifted away from the church because of conflict or painful personal situations. It’s an important Sunday for balancing the preacher’s tasks of “afflicting the comfortable” and “comforting the afflicted.”
Song Suggestions
"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” Hoffman
“Faith Begins by Letting Go” Daw, Jr.
“Amazing Grace” Newton and Cowper
“When the Church of Jesus” Green
“If You and I Believe in Christ” Polman
“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” Owens-Collins
Benediction
Let those who take refuge in the Lord be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
May God spread his protection over you.
that all who love God’s name may rejoice.
Surely God blesses the righteous
and surrounds them with his favor.
—based on Psalm 5:11–12
Communion and Commitment
The Reformed tradition views every service of worship as an expression and affirmation of our covenant with God and with one another. On this Sunday we celebrated the Lord’s Supper. We also adapted part of John Wesley’s Service of Covenant Renewal of 1755 (also see "New Every Morning"), giving worshipers an opportunity to express their commitment verbally and even in writing. (A bulletin insert could be signed and taken home or placed in the offering plate.) The pastor wrote a brief word of thanks for those placed in the offering plate, and then mailed them to the signers.
Revised Common Lectionary
Year B: Season after Pentecost—Proper 7 (12)
