12th Sunday after Pentecost (Year C)

Worship Ideas

• The Luke 12:32-40 passage includes the phrase “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”, which is often used when talking about stewardship.  You may want to use this as an opportunity to talk about things like estate planning and/or stewardship of time and talents.
• If you are talking about “treasure”, you could use decorative boxes/chests in your worship display.  Check your local craft store for boxes that you can use.  If you are talking about money, you may want to use play money in your display.  If you are talking about talents, you may want to use the boxes to collect slips of paper on which people can write the talents they are willing and able to share.
• Instead of “doing church” like always, why not switch things up a bit and focus on “doing justice”?  After a time of prayer and scripture reading, invite the congregation to participate in a variety of mission projects. Here are a few (fairly easy) mission project ideas:
  • Make greeting cards for hospital or home-bound members
  • Bake cookies and deliver them to a homeless shelter
  • Make fleece blankets or pillows to donate to nursing homes and hospitals
  • What mission project ideas do you have?

Liturgy Suggestions

Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 50:1-8)

The goodness of God shines brightly;

the Lord speaks a single word, and the universe is put into motion.

The Holy One gathers us together;

the Covenant Maker calls us to be faithful.

Prayer of Confession (inspired by Isaiah 1:1, 10-20)

Almighty Lord, you call us to do justice, serve those in need, and reach out to others in love.  But, we confess that we busy ourselves with spectacle more than sacrifice.  We favor doing things that make ourselves feel good, rather than doing things that make a difference.  Forgive us, Lord.  By your Spirit, make us clean. Teach us to do your will and be people of the Way.

Charge and Benediction (inspired by Luke 12:32-40)

Dare to risk it all for the sake of the Kingdom.  Give what you have to others.  Focus on people rather than possessions.  Strive to be ready for everything and open to anything the Spirit may have in store for you.  And may the One who calls us find us to be faithful – now and always.