18 Sep Online worship resources for Sunday 20 September

Posted at 16:32h in Worship by

Sunday 20 September 2020

We are currently not worshipping as a gathered community due to the COVID–19 pandemic but we are still worshipping together in new ways. Below you will find an audio recording for worship at home that includes prayer, the bible readings and discussion for September 20th. You may like to light a candle as you begin, and have paper and pen nearby to make your own notes or art responses during this worship service. You can listen to this with others or on your own.

If you would like to connect with the Richmond Uniting Church community in other ways as well as in audio worship, for example for Midday Prayers or Zoom ‘morning teas’ or theological discussion groups please email: richmond.uniting@bigpond.com

Never enough? What might life be like beyond scarcity narratives?

This week we continue to explore the epic story of the people of Israel in Exodus 16.2-15, as well as Matthew 20.1-16. Now, liberated from slavery in Egypt, God’s people are captive to the fear that there is not enough. Rev Dr Sally Douglas invites us investigate the scarcity narratives of consumerist culture and challenges us to take seriously Jesus’ invitation to trust in God for our daily bread.

Listen to this week’s service using the embedded player below. You can also copy this link into your podcast player of choice if you would like to receive updates as they are released: https://anchor.fm/s/c70d97c/podcast/rss

(The embedded player seems to be having issues on mobile. The player is working on desktop. Here is a link to the episode page on the Anchor website: https://anchor.fm/richmond-uniting/episodes/Richmond-Uniting-online-worship-20-September-2020-ejqhr4)

Music Suggestions for Worship:

Open the eyes of my heart Lord
Written by Paul Baloche
This version by Audrey Assad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9uL_Jpkfik

Jesus, bread of life
By The Porter’s Gate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cJoolYVasE

Wondering Questions

  • How do you react to the idea that consumerist culture cultivates a scarcity narrative, in which we are constantly told that we are not enough and that we do not have enough?
  • In the ancient story of Israel, the people are called to trust in God and only gather enough bread for each day. Likewise, Jesus teaches us to pray for the bread we need for today. What practices might help you to stay present in this day and open to God’s ongoing nourishment here and now?
  • There is a quote attributed to St Augustine ‘Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.’ How might you balance relaxing in God’s sustaining presence for today and taking part in working with God for the humble, loving kingdom to grow on earth?
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