Sermon and Worship Resources

Antonyms: punish, blame, condemn, hold to

Showing 1 to 25 of 63 results

Bulletin Aid

Robert L. Linder and Rabbi Sol Ester

... of tyranny and injustice. As we partake of this cup of wine, symbol of joy, we acknowledge Thee our Creator, our Father, our Liberator. We praise Thy holy name in the traditional words of the Kiddush: Praised be Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, ... out of Egypt" (Exodus 13:8). "For me," not for him, for had he been there in Egypt, he would not have deserved to be liberated. The simple son asks: "What does this mean?" Tell him, "With a mighty hand, the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the house ...

2. Monday in Holy Week

Isaiah 42:1-9

Bulletin Aid

... to the nations. Make him a lamp for our way as well: that, our paths illuminated by his brilliance, we may advance along the road to righteousness established by his life and death. In his redeeming name we trust and pray. Amen Prayer of Confession Liberating God, it saddens us to confess to you the extent to which we allow ourselves to fall captive to sin and Satan, as well as to the powers and principalities of this world, and to admit our resulting failure to experience or embrace the perfect freedom ...

3. Advent 3

Isaiah 61:1-11, John 1:1-18, John 1:19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Bulletin Aid

Paul A. Laughlin

... and delighted to be your people in this pre-Advent time of great expectation. In the name of the coming Christ. Amen Prayer of Confession O God, our Sustainer, we readily admit that we have often lost sight of your promised Kingdom, and the healing, the liberation, the comfort, the joy and the justice that it will bring. We also confess that we have failed miserably, as individuals and as a church, to live our lives with those gifts as criteria of success or goals to be achieved. Forgive us, we pray, and ...

4. Proper 4

Genesis 6:11-22, Psalm 46:1-11, Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17, 3:22b-28 (29-31)

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... again your word warning of judgment to come and to prepare ourselves for your proffered salvation in the ark of the church. We rejoice in our baptism, which is a sign of our salvation: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen PRAYER OF CONFESSION Truthful God, Liberating Christ, humbling Spirit, we confess that we have sinned and are deprived of the divine splendor. We are not nearly as good as we were meant to be. Both the law and the prophets have clarified your justice and your willingness to justify us as ...

5. Maundy Thursday

Psalm 89:1-52, Exodus 12:1-30

Bulletin Aid

... us out of captivity through Jesus. Help us to internalize the liberty that you have given: that, no longer bound by sin, we may live lives of righteousness that show that Jesus did not die in vain. In his name we pray. Amen Prayer of Confession God of liberating love, it pains us deeply to admit the extent to which we still live as though in bondage to sin instead of reveling in the freedom that you have graciously granted us in the cross of the Christ. Forgive us, we pray, and teach us at last to embrace ...

6. Advent 2

Isaiah 40:1-31, 2 Peter 3:1-18, Mark 1:1-8

Bulletin Aid

Paul A. Laughlin

... free all who are enslaved and oppressed by any power or principality; that we may once again know the strength of your righteousness and the justice of your reign. In the name of the coming Christ we pray. Amen Prayer of Confession O loving and liberating God, we stand before you as people in bondage - to sin, starvation, and sadness; disease, despair, and death. We feel very much like grass that withers and flowers that fade. Blow your life-giving breath upon us, God, and sustain us with your nourishing ...

7. Proper 25

Jeremiah 30:1--31:40, Hebrews 4:14-5:10, Mark 10:46-52

Bulletin Aid

Paul A. Laughlin

... NEEDY TO THEIR RIGHTFUL AND JUST PLACES! Leader: For ours is a God who cares for those in every sort of bondage, who never leaves them, and finally saves them. People: LET US THEREFORE WORSHIP THE GOD OF ISRAEL FOR THE DIVINE LIBERATION THAT IS OURS! Collect Liberating God, who freed the children of Israel from Egyptian and Babylonian captivity, help us to see clearly your restoration of all humanity in Christ; that, knowing ourselves to have been freed from the oppression of sin, we may devote ourselves to ...

8. The Season Of The Holy Spirit

Mark 11:1-11

Bulletin Aid

Wayne H. Keller

... us alienated, rebellious, I-centered ones. In him, we are accepted, forgiven, reconciled, free, and responsible. Amen! M: I hear you, pastor; I hear you, Christ! This is Good News. Jesus the Christ came into the world to liberate me, by giving me a new King, to replace my own desire to be king of the hill. I am accepted, forgiven, reconciled, free, and responsible. (Invite the people to applaud! Such Good News deserves applause.) Response "The Doxology" COMMUNITY RESPONSE Message with the Children of ...

9. The Season Of Renewal

John 3:1-21

Bulletin Aid

Wayne H. Keller

... we also can believe that emotionally. Minister: Help us, Lord, to trust you to the point of obeying you, and your promises, with our whole being, with our heart, mind, will. Pastor: Amen to that! Minister: Yes, indeed! In the name of God the Creator, God the Liberator, God the Sustainer, God the Energizer! Response Once more, "I Am the Light of the World" WE ARE LISTENING Message with the Children of All Ages Do you do things in the dark that you would never do in the daylight? Maybe we ought not to respond ...

10. The Season Of The Holy Spirit

Mark 10:17-31

Bulletin Aid

Wayne H. Keller

... ! So, rejoice! M: We come from the bland sameness of daily life, preoccupied with little concerns which do not count ultimately, and the frustrations of ineffectiveness in a world aflame with crises and urgent concerns. P: Jesus the Christ has made us partners in liberating the world. M: We come to receive a vision and plan for significant living, a purpose to lift up your presence, and a power to change the world, beginning with ourselves and the people in our lives. P: We are a new breed of humanity ...

11. Epiphany 8

Mark 2:18-22, Mark 2:13-17, Psalm 103:1-22

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

CALL TO WORSHIP Bless God from your innermost heart and hallow God's name, forgetting none of the benefits of divine pardon and healing. PRAYER OF CONFESSION Liberating God, loving Christ, loyal Spirit, like Israel we can forget our liberation from bondage, and ignore the covenant you have made with us in the new testament. We confess our infidelity to the loving expectations you have of us as a community called out of service to lesser things to your worship and your mission in the world. We have ...

12. First Sunday after Christmas

Matthew 2:13-18

Bulletin Aid

... on Psalm 111) Collect Provider God, you have time and again moved to free your people from every kind of captivity. Turn our attention to the journey of the Holy Family with the Christ-child out of Egypt: that, seeing there the first steps upon a path of liberating love, we may feel our lives released from all that enslaves us. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen Prayer of Confession Protector God, we confess that we are in bondage in many areas of our lives, and have not yet either heard, or taken to ...

13. Epiphany 7

Isaiah 49:8-26

Bulletin Aid

... alone is our rock and our salvation! People: GOD ALONE IS OUR FORTRESS, AND WE SHALL NOT BE SHAKEN! (Based on Psalm 62) Collect God of constant love, you have always brought release to those in every sort of captivity. Help us to hear your message of liberation in this day and time: that, filled with the good news of your freeing grace, we may shake off the bonds and shackles of all that enslaves us, and live as free people redeemed in Christ Jesus. In his name we meet and pray. Amen Prayer of Confession ...

14. Advent 2

Matthew 3:1-12

Bulletin Aid

... the ready-made actions and responses of others. This betrayal of the self has left us "hollow persons." Forgive us when we fail to live up to our high calling, and reveal to us a future that transcends the sins of our past. May we come to know your liberating word that became Incarnate in him who is the living word. Let it be! (source unknown) Pastor: In Christ, we do experience forgiveness. To us is the promise of a Savior who is Christ the Lord. And to us is a promise born in him. We need no longer ...

15. A Responsive Prayer for Christmas Eve

Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) · Isaiah 9:2-7 · Psalm 96 · Titus 2:11-14

Bulletin Aid

Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson

... us and indeed, all of creation. You, Jesus our Savior, are God’s greatest, perfect gift! We laud and worship you, Jesus Christ: C: Light of the world, banish the darkness. (Stanza 1 of Silent Night is sung) P: We are truly thankful that you have liberated us from sin, death, and evil. We laud and worship you, Jesus Christ: C: Light of the world, banish the darkness. P: As inheritors of your superabundant grace, help us to work faithfully in your ever-coming realm. We laud and worship you, Jesus Christ: C ...

16. Getting Ready for The Coming Messiah

Mark 1:1-8

Bulletin Aid

Wayne H. Keller

... actions and others' responses. This betrayal of the self has left us "hollow persons." Forgive us when we fail to live up to our, and your, high calling; reveal to us a future that exceeds our past brokenness and separations. We want to know a liberating word, that became enfleshed in Christ the living word. So be it! Leader: In Christ, we do experience forgiveness. We are grateful for this coming Savior, who already is present with us. Because he already has presented himself to us, every moment of ours ...

17. The Season Of The Holy Spirit

Mark 13:1-31

Bulletin Aid

Wayne H. Keller

... may come at any moment. Therefore, be ready! THE COMMUNITY GATHERS TO CELEBRATE Pastoral and Congregational Invitation In the name of the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, welcome to worship. We are here in the name of God the Creator, Liberator, Sustainer, Energizer. Are you glad? (Pause and repeat until you get a response.) Are you willing to listen to the Spirit of Christ, not only when the message is comforting, but also when the message is confronting? (Pause and wait for a response.) Are ...

18. The Season Of The Nativity

Luke 2:21-40

Bulletin Aid

Wayne H. Keller

... , by seizing ready-made actions and responses of others. This betrayal of the self has left us "hollow persons." Forgive us when we fail to live up to our high calling, and reveal to us a future that transcends the sins of our past. Help us to know your liberating word that became incarnate in him who is the living word. So be it! People: In Christ, we do experience and receive forgiveness. To us is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord, and to us is born, in this moment, life in him. We no longer yearn ...

19. Advent 1

Luke 21:5-38, Psalm 25:1-22

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... you will stand faultless with all those who appear with Jesus before our Maker. Friends, believe the Good News! In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Exhortation Keep awake and sober. The Son of Man is coming with great power and glory. Hold your heads high, for your liberation is near. Prayer of the Day Eternal One, who was, who is, and who is to come, keep us aware of the meaning of events in our own lives and in our times. Save us from panic that hinders our doing anything constructive in society and thwarts ...

20. Proper 20

Luke 16:1-15, 1 Timothy 2:1-15, Psalm 79:1-13, Jeremiah 8:4--9:26

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... salvation and come to know the truth. Friends, believe the Good News. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Exhortation Be trustworthy in little things, so that God will trust you with greater things, both in this life and in the life to come. Prayer of the Day Liberating God, free us from subjection to property, so that we may not be bound to money for the sake of power or privilege but use what we have for your purposes, the enrichment of the human spirit, others and ours; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen ...

21. Proper 22

Psalm 137:1-9, Lamentations 3:19-26, Luke 17:1-10

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... through the Gospel. Friends, believe the Good News. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Exhortation Stir into flame the glowing coals of the Spirit within you. The Spirit is given to you to inspire strength, love, and self-discipline. Prayer of the Day Liberating Lord, free us from self-imposed limitations that we may go on to do what we should as your faithful servants, carrying out your orders, without expecting praise and satisfied to do our duty. Amen. Prayer of Thanksgiving Fountain of faith, your living ...

22. Proper 26

Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:1-176

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... in selfish ways and persist in sins that take their toll on generations to come. We risk our own health and the health of the unborn with the use of substances you did not create for our bodily use. We refuse your offered power to liberate us from enslaving habits. Forgive our unwillingness to change even for our health's sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Declaration of God's Forgiveness Hear the Good News! Jesus came to pardon sinners and will bring to fulfillment every good promise and every ...

23. Proper 7

Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:15-25, Galatians 3:26--4:7, Psalm 43:1-5, Psalm 42:1-11, 1 Kings 19:1-8

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... have removed the distinction between Jew and Greek, both together becoming the spiritual issue of Abraham and Sarah. After long centuries not only has the discrimination between slave and freeman being diminished, but the existence of slavery, abolished. We praise you, liberating God. We anticipate with joy the further freedom of male and female as one person in Jesus Christ. We are heirs together of the promise, redeeming God, for we belong to Christ, your only true Child, Jesus of Nazareth. Amen. PRAYER ...

24. Christmas 2

John 1:1-18, Psalm 147:1-20

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... need to learn. Give us clearer vision of all that we are meant to be, so that by becoming fulfilled, we may increase the glory that is properly revealed in Jesus Christ, your beloved. Amen. Declaration of God's Forgiveness Hear the Good News! The liberator has come to free us from all proud pretenses. The Christ has come in Jesus of Nazareth to show us the undeserved favor of God. Friends, believe the Good News! In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Exhortation Accept the limitations of your own knowledge. Have ...

25. Maundy Thursday

John 13:1-17

Bulletin Aid

Dennis Koch

... ; no connection between the wine and blood is made; and the eschatological reference to the coming reign and Jesus' declaration of abstinence are placed before the distribution of wine and bread, thereby emphasizing that aspect of this pivotal Passover meal of liberation (because of its Exodus origins). Liturgical Color Scarlet or white Suggested Hymns We Who Once Were Dead Love Consecrates The Humblest Act Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared Around You, O Lord Jesus Maundy ...

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