Online worship resources for Sunday 28 February

We are gathering for face-to-face worship at Richmond Uniting on Sunday 28th February at 5pm. Everyone is welcome. For those who cannot join us in person, we are offering online resources for worship at home.

For now, the online audio consists of the biblical reading(s) and the reflection (sermon). You may like to spend time in silent prayer before – and after – listening to the audio. Or you may like to utilise the written liturgy. This simple, inclusive liturgy is created to be used in conjunction with the audio. It seeks to create the shape for worship and to give space for your own prayer and reflection.

Download the Simple Liturgy for Use at Home

Readings

  • Psalm 22.23-31
  • Mark 8.31-38

Stop glorifying suffering! What denying self and taking up cross might mean.

This week, the second Sunday in Lent, Rev Dr Sally Douglas challenges us to explore Jesus’ call to deny self and take up cross in Mark 8.31-38 within its context. Beyond dangerous ideas that can contribute to the glorification of suffering, in Jesus we discover that divine power is very different to human constructs of power. Furthermore, in Jesus we are invited into G*d’s subversive compassion.

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

Wondering Questions

  • If you have had contact with the church in the past, what have you been taught about the notion of denying self and taking up your cross?
  • How do you react to the idea that here in Mark’s Gospel Jesus disrupts human constructions of power, in which dominance is understood as strength?
  • What is challenging you most as you reflect on this passage and the call to follow Jesus?