Ordinary Time

The first Sunday in February–we all know what that means, right? the Souper Bowl, of course! Are you working with the Souper Bowl of Caring in your worship service? Will there be a special moment for that, a litany or prayer specific to that collection, or perhaps some kind of liturgical action that allows people to participate in the offering and in praying for those in your community who are hungry while most of us gorge ourselves on junk food in front of a huge TV?

And of course there’s the lectionary–where Jesus meets those people in need, and the disciples show the first signs of not really “getting it.” There’s the good news in Isaiah that God is there even when we fail, and will lift us up. Paul sets the bar really high by claiming that he can be all things to all people–no pressure, pastors and preachers! The Psalm reminds us that God provides and is to be praised–perfect for a call to worship, don’t you think?

What are you thinking this week? What phrases are turning around in your mind, begging to be turned into liturgy? What hymn ideas do you have? Anyone have an original communion liturgy to share, or a dedication of food pantry donations, or other liturgical seeds we can water and grow together?

Maybe this week you’re particularly praying for God to put words in your mouth, to raise up a prophet…it’s the middle of winter for many of us, and it’s that part of the Epiphany season when we’re getting tired of the first chapter of Mark and simultaneously our minds are occupied with Lent planning. In many churches (well, okay, mine anyway!) it’s also chili cook-off season…which brings to mind Paul’s discourse on food. Perhaps when someone asks for your secret chili ingredient, you can say “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” (ha!) Or maybe you’ll seriously take it on–part of our constant seeking for both holiness and wholeness (of ourselves and community) means thinking about even mundane things. Or maybe you think this aspect of Scripture and everyday life needs to be addressed.

Are you continuing with Mark, the demons who know Jesus, the command to be silent, and the amazement at Jesus’ authority?

Or is this perhaps a week you just need some good news–the kind you can find in the Psalm with its praise, promise, and remembering?

Whatever you’re working on this week, we’re here to create worship together. Drop in to the comments with your ideas, seeds of ideas, words or phrases, hymn ideas, or liturgical resources we need to know about, so we can join in the creative process together!