September 21: 15^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20)

OR St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

15 Pentecost Lessons and Hymns

Amos 8:4-7 (God sees the deeds of the greedy who despoil the poor)

Psalm 113 (Praise God; he raises the poor from the dust!)

1 Timothy 2:1-15 (Pray for all, including rulers, so we may live at peace; women dress modestly and be silent in assembly)

            ELW/RCL: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (gee, can you guess what’s missing?!)

Luke 16:1-15 (Parable of dishonest servant)

            ELW/RCL: Luke 16:1-13 (Eliminates rebuke of Pharisees)

*******

Opening Hymn: Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace: LBW #419, ELW #716, LSB #844

Hymn of the Day: Seek Where You May, to Find a Way: LSB #557 (neat old hymn!)

OR Jesus, Priceless Treasure: LBW #457/8, ELW #775, LSB 743

Communion Hymn #1: We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

Communion Hymn #2:, Praise and Thanksgiving, Father We Offer:

LBW #409, ELW #689, LSB #789

Closing Hymn: God the Omnipotent! LBW #462

OR Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God: WOV 783, LSB #712

OR This Little Light of Mine: ELW #677

************************************

St. Matthew Lessons and Hymns

Ezekiel 2:8-3:11: God commissions Ezekiel to speak to Israel, warn them

Psalm 119:33-40: Lord, teach me to go in the way of your commandments, which is my delight

Ephesians 2:4-10: Though dead in sin, we’re made alive by God in Christ, and saved by grace

Matthew 9:9-13: Jesus calls Matthew, who throws a party

*******

Opening Hymn: God’s Word is Our Great Heritage: LBW #239, ELW #509, LSB #582

Hymn of the Day: Today Your Mercy Calls Us: LBW #304, LSB #915

OR By All Your Saints: LBW #178, v. 1,18,3; ELW #421, v. 1,20,2,last; LSB #518, v.1,25,3

Communion Hymn #1: We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

Communion Hymn #2:, Praise and Thanksgiving, Father We Offer:

LBW #409, ELW #689, LSB #789

Closing Hymn: God the Omnipotent! LBW #462

OR Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God: WOV 783, LSB #712

OR This Little Light of Mine: ELW #677

*******

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for the prophets and evangelists who speak your holy Word, even when it makes us squirm. Thank you for being patient with us. Thank you for lifting us up when we fall away from your commands. Thank you for restoring us, when we have repented, to positions of trust and to the task of proclaiming the Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your Church throughout the world. Fill it with faithful teachers and preachers of your Word. Kindle its worship to be a living flame of praise to you. Make it wise as serpents and innocent as doves as it bears witness to Jesus. Give it grace to lavish the treasures of your Kingdom on all who need them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, we may smile or shudder to hear the parable of the dishonest servant – especially at a time of year when stewardship is often lifted up! And we remember that today is the feast of St. Matthew, himself a former tax collector! Bless this congregation in its stewardship of time, talents, treasures, and testimony. Help us to be honest, eager, and ingenious as we use whatever has been entrusted to us, for the sake of your Kingdom, and for the benefit of our neighbor.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give faithfulness and wisdom to theologians, evangelists, missionaries, and seminarians. Raise up new pastors, deacons, and discipleship guides, for the need is great. And give courage and grace to your suffering and persecuted church throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant integrity and common sense to our earthly leaders. Make them honest stewards of the power and authority granted to them, for they must give an account of their stewardship to you, their Master and King. Be the shield and defender of first responders and those in the military. Use their labors to accomplish your will in places of chaos and violence. Help us all to have a heart for the poor, and the will to assist them effectively and graciously.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless volunteers and workers, not only in this church, but throughout the world, who seek to serve you and neighbor. Multiply their gifts and talents, so that through their labors, many people receive mercy, comfort, and a clear sign of your providential care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You raise the poor from the dust and care for all who cry out to you. Therefore with confidence and hope, we remember before you all who are afflicted in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Bring them out of darkness into your glorious light; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Father, receive into your Kingdom all the faithful departed, especially those dearest to us. Keep us steadfast in faith, diligent in service, truthful in word, and honest in deed. Bind us together in cords of love and compassion for one another. Bring us, with all whom you have redeemed, into the fullness of your presence. Give us hearts, minds, and voices, forever to adore and glorify you, in the blessed communion you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

September 14: 14^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19)

OR Holy Cross Day

14 Pentecost Lessons and Hymns

Ezekiel 34:11-24 (God will be the Good Shepherd, will judge between strong and weak sheep)

            ELW/RCL: Exodus 32:7-14 (Moses pleads for Israel after they make gold calf)

Psalm 119:169-176 (Teach me your statutes; I will sing your praises!)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 51:1-10 (Have mercy on me for my wickedness and sin!)

1 Timothy 1:(5-11), 12-17 (The Law is good; meant to convict evildoers of their sin; yet Christ came to save sinners)

            ELW/RCL: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 (Eliminates warning against bad teachers, and discussion of why the law exists to convict the wicked)

Luke 15:1-10 (Jesus eats with sinners, parables of lost sheep, lost coin)

*******

Opening Hymn:   Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481, ELW #789, LSB #711 (ELW and LSB use the tune found also in SBH,  the “old red book.” The LBW tune is uninspiring. Find the “real” tune if you have SBH, or go online to Hymnary.org, as it’s probably public domain)

OR The Lord’s My Shepherd; I’ll Not Want: LBW #451, ELW #778, LSB #710

Hymn of the Day: Jesus Sinners Will/Doth Receive:  LBW #291, LSB #609

I suggest setting this to LBW #535, Holy God, We Praise Your Name.

OR In Adam We Have All Been One: LBW #372, LSB #569

Communion Hymn #1: Amazing Grace: LBW #448, ELW #779, LSB #744

Communion Hymn #2: One There is, Above All Others: LBW #298

Closing Hymn: Now Thank We All Our God: LBW #534, ELW #840, LSB #895

**************************************

Holy Cross Lessons and Hymns:

Isaiah 45: 21-25 (I am God of the whole earth; look to me and be saved)

Psalm 98:1-5 (God has given mercy, truth, and salvation to Israel and the whole world)

1 Corinthians 1:18-24 (The cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but salvation to all who believe in Christ)

John 12:20-33 (I, when I am lifted up, will draw all people to myself)

*****

Opening Hymn: Will You Come and Follow Me: ELW # 798

OR Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: LBW #549, ELW #865 (#865 is the de-gendered version); LSB #793

Hymn of the Day: Lift High the Cross: LBW #377, ELW #660, LSB #837

OR The Royal Banners Forward Go (Words are perfect for today. First LBW tune is sorta okay-ish. Tune Vexilla Regis is a bit tricky. A fine alternate is Mendon, commonly used for “Thee We Adore, Eternal God”): LBW #124, 125; LSB #455

Communion Hymn #1: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross:

LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425, 426

Communion Hymn #2: What Wondrous Love Is This: LBW #385, ELW #666, LSB #543

Closing Hymn: Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854

OR O Christ Our Hope, Our Heart’s Desire: LBW #300, LSB #553

*******

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy God, thank you for Jesus! Thank you for making him our good Shepherd. Thank you for loving us so much that you give us forgiveness, life, fellowship with you, and love beyond all telling. Thank you most of all for giving us your Son, crucified, raised, and ascended to your right hand for our salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, give your Church the grace and desire to faithfully follow Jesus. Give it leaders who rightly proclaim your Word and lift high the Cross of Christ. Give it your Holy Spirit, so it is a place of welcome, forgiveness, and transformation for every sinner who enters it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your grace to this congregation. Forgive us when, like unruly sheep, we head-butt and distress your flock. Help us to repent of thoughtless words, self-centered actions, and anything else that hinders one of your dear children from loving and trusting you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give us strength to carry our crosses and follow Jesus wherever he leads us. Give us courage, to bear his love in the dark and ugly places of our world. Give us hope, so we believe that his Light will shine in every darkness, and no darkness can comprehend or overcome it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Our nation continues to struggle with enemies within and beyond its borders, and with political and ideological divides that threaten to bring out the worst rather than the best in us. Shepherd us through these troubled times. Bring healing to our hearts, homes, and communities. Anoint our eyes to see one another as fellow citizens and as beloved children of the same heavenly Father. And bring a measure of your peace to this weary world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be merciful to all who are hurting, weak, abused, hungry, or grieving; or who in any way need the abundance of your grace. Especially we lift before you: {List}. Be their Good Shepherd, and bring them healing and hope. Help us all to be gentle, gracious, compassionate and kind to them, so that together, we may praise your goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, we entrust into your care all our beloved dead. Comfort all who mourn, and fill us with your Holy Spirit’s wisdom and grace. Teach us to love each other tenderly and care for one another diligently, and keep us ever in Christ’s care. Of your goodness, grant that he should heal us from every sin and infirmity. Keep our eyes fixed on the Cross of our Savior as he leads us into your Kingdom. With one voice, as one flock may we may praise, adore, and glorify our Good Shepherd forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

Luke 14:1, 7-14

Script: 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Pastor, I cannot wait for our lunch together today.

Pastor: That’s news to me, Sammy.

Sammy: Jesus commanded you to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.

Pastor: [Pause. Long pause.] And which one of those are you, Sammy?

Sammy: I am a poor little lamb.

Pastor: How are you a poor little lamb?

Sammy: I am growing. Because I am growing, I am always hungry. Since I am always hungry, I eat a lot. And that makes me a poor little lamb.

Pastor: I don’t know, Sammy.

Sammy: Well, you can think about it, Pastor.

Pastor: I will do that. I think you can come over to my house. I know my family would love to host you. We love serving lamb. I mean, we love lambs.

Sammy: Baaaaaa! Good one, Pastor!

Pastor: Boys and girls, the school year is starting for many of you, and when you go to preschool or elementary school or even a playdate with a friend, I want you to be on the lookout.

Sammy: What are we on the lookout for, Pastor?

Pastor: I want you to be on the lookout for a new friend. Boys and girls, has there ever been a time when you saw someone sitting or playing by himself or herself? What did you do?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: These answers are excellent. I think this year, we can all make an effort to reach out and invite people that others may forget about.

Sammy: That’s a great idea, Pastor. By the way, did you remember your lunch invitation? I’ll bring chips.

Pastor: That sounds great, Sammy. Boys and girls, will you pray with me? Let’s fold our hands and bow our heads. Dear Jesus, thank you for helping us to see the blind, lame, crippled, and poor in our community. Please let us be good friends to them. Help us to show them your love. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Luke 13:10-17

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning!

Pastor: Sammy, what happened to your leg?

Sammy: Well, I was playing with my friends in the meadow, and I fell and scraped my leg.

Pastor: Are you okay?

Sammy: Yes I am okay. My maa-maa says I am a brave little lamb. I did cry when I fell down, but she held me and told me that Jesus would heal all my boo-boos.

Pastor: Boys and girls, have you ever needed a band-aid or help from your family after you fell down or got hurt?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: I am glad that your families helped you all feel better. That’s what our families are for.

Pastor: Exactly, Sammy. God gives us each other and we are called to take care of one another.

Sammy: Pastor, there is something that I don’t understand.

Pastor: What’s that, Sammy?

Sammy: In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath. What is the Sabbath?

Pastor: Sabbath is the holy day of worship for Jews. It’s like how we go to church on Sunday. God commands his people to respect the Sabbath and keep it holy. Today, we as Christians are called to set Sunday or another day of worship aside to devote to God.

Sammy: That makes sense. I do a lot of things all week at the farm. It’s nice to have a day of rest and worship with you, Pastor. And with our church family.

Pastor: Yes; God’s original design for our world was broken by sin, but he still wants us. He calls us to honor and worship him through a day of rest. He wants all of his people to take a break.

Sammy: So why didn’t Jesus listen to that rule?

Pastor: What do you mean, Sammy?

Sammy: Well, doesn’t the leader of the Synagogue (the pastor) in the Gospel have a point? Jesus did do work on the Sabbath instead of resting.

Pastor: Not quite, Sammy. You see, Jesus healed a woman. You have a boo-boo on your leg, and your body will continue to heal this boo-boo even during worship today. Your body will not stop working.

Sammy: Right. But what does that have to do with Jesus?

Pastor: Jesus heals our bodies. He created us; he loves us; and ultimately, he will heal us completely. His work of healing is for every day. The healing that Jesus does is a healing of our bodies and of our souls. He heals our boo-boos and forgives our sin. That is his gift for every day.

Sammy: I am glad that Jesus does not take a break from healing us. And that poor woman in the Gospel had a really big boo-boo.

Pastor: Yes, she suffered for a long time. But God received all of the glory through her life. Her life was a gift and she was part of a great healing miracle.

Sammy: Amen!

Pastor: Let’s pray. Boys and girls, will you fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for your healing power. Thank you for the gift of worship. Thank you for creating us. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, boys and girls!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy! 

Luke 12:49-56 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Good morning boys and girls! Good morning, Pastor! 

Pastor: Sammy, I am really glad that you and I are Christians.  

Sammy: Yes we are. Otherwise church would be really awkward. 

Pastor: Well, Sammy, in our Gospel reading today, Jesus is talking about families not getting along. Boys and girls, do you ever disagree with your siblings, cousins, or parents? What is that like? 

[Allow time for responses] 

Pastor: When Jesus walked on earth, he shared that he is God, and a lot of people believed in him and followed him. When they told their families about Jesus, some members of the family believed, and some didn’t. 

Sammy: That seems like a tricky situation. 

Pastor: It was. And it still is. During and after Jesus’s time, a lot of Christians had to go into hiding, even from their own families. Jesus proclaimed to be God—he is God, and that message divided a lot of people. 

Sammy: You know, Pastor, some of my family members don’t believe in Jesus. I don’t have to hide from them, but it’s hard to talk to them about my faith. 

Pastor: That’s understandable. It’s hard when you believe in the good news of Jesus Christ but someone in your family does not.  

Sammy: But what can I do? How can I encourage my family to see Jesus for who he truly is? 

Pastor: We can do lots of things. We can pray for them, love them, share stories from the Bible and our favorite scripture with them. One of the best things we can do is live a life that glorifies Jesus in all that we say and do. 

Sammy: And what happens when they come to believe in Jesus? 

Pastor: Well, the next step is baptism. When we are baptized, we become a part of God’s family. God wants each of us to be a part of his family. He chooses us, and we get to experience his great love through the Sacrament and gift of baptism. 

Sammy: That truly is a gift.  

Pastor: Yes it is. Boys and girls, will you please pray with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for the good news that you bring to us. Help us to pray for others and to live a life that brings you glory. We love you. Amen. 

Sammy: Bye, everyone! 

Pastor: Bye, Sammy! Bye boys and girls! 

Luke 12:32-40 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Are you ready, Pastor? 

Pastor: Ready for what, Sammy? 

Sammy: The wedding, of course! 

Pastor: Oh, you’re talking about the wedding from our Gospel reading for today. 

Sammy: Yes I am. I am so excited. I love weddings. 

Pastor: Sammy, how many weddings have you attended? You are just a little lamb after all. 

Sammy: I know I am little, but you have to keep up with the trends, Pastor. Didn’t you know that rustic barn weddings are totally in style right now? And moody colors, too. 

Pastor: Hang on a second. You’re telling me that at the farm, you’ve been to several weddings? 

Sammy: More than several, Pastor. Several dozen. And I have a subscription to “The Knot” Magazine.  We have weddings from April to October on the farm. And the farmers have a nice barn where the wedding guests have a banquet and lots of dancing. 

Pastor: That sounds like a good time. Boys and girls, have you ever been to a wedding before? What was it like? 

[Allow time for responses] 

Pastor: One of my favorite wedding memories… 

Sammy: That’s a good memory, Pastor. I really enjoy watching the weddings and seeing all of the people dancing and singing. There’s lots of food and wine, too. Sometimes I wish we could have a wedding at the farm every day! 

Pastor: You know, Sammy, Jesus is teaching his disciples about how he is going to come back one day. He talks about himself as the master returning from the wedding banquet. Jesus is going to come from the banquet and is going to redeem his people and call us home to Heaven with him. In Heaven, each day is a wedding. Jesus is the groom, and we, the church, are his bride.  

Sammy: You know, Pastor, I like that we are the bride as a church. I look good in white.  

Pastor: Yes you do, Sammy. But we are Jesus’s bride because he loves us so much, just like a groom loves his bride.  

Sammy: That makes sense. I’ll think about Jesus’s love for me each time I see a wedding now. 

Pastor: That’s wonderful, Sammy. Boys and girls, will you say a prayer with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for your promise to come back one day. Thank you for helping us to keep our hearts open. Help us to be ready for you. We love you. Amen. 

Sammy: Bye, boys and girls! 

Pastor: Bye, everyone! 

Luke 12:13-21 

Script: 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Pastor! Pastor! Emergency! Emergency! 

Pastor: What’s wrong Sammy? 

Sammy: Farmer Luke’s garden is doing too well this year! We have thousands of tomatoes, hundreds of onions, bountiful squash. We’ve filled up our cellar. The freezer is full and we still have way too much.  

Pastor: That doesn’t sound like an emergency Sammy. It sounds like a good thing. Don’t you want abundant produce? 

Sammy: I thought that would be great too Pastor. But we have nowhere to put all the produce. It’s going to rot. I just don’t know what to do. 

Pastor: What does farmer Luke think? 

Sammy: That’s just the thing Pastor. He doesn’t seem to care at all.  

Pastor: Perhaps he already has a plan in place? Maybe he already knows what to do? Kids. What do you think farmer Luke should do with the produce? (Wait for responses) 

Sammy: Great answers everyone! 

Pastor: Yes they are. Perhaps he is going to share his crops with his friends, family and neighbors.  

Sammy: You know what. I think I did hear Farmer Luke on the phone with the food bank. I just didn’t know why.  

Pastor: It sounds like Farmer Luke plans to share. Sharing the gifts that God give us is important. He doesn’t give us anything that we should keep hidden away from people. He wants us to share.  

Sammy: That makes sense pastor. I will help farmer Luke share his crop this year.  

Pastor: Can everyone pray with me? Dear God, thank you for providing us with your great gifts. Thank you providing for our daily needs. Help us to share the gifts you give us with others. In Jesus name we pray. Amen! Bye! 

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13

Materials: Provide each child, or each member of the congregation, with a copy of the Lord’s Prayer. You can create a simple or fancy design. Maybe you want to print one that is laminated later or one that the children can color.

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, boys and girls!

Pastor: Today we are going to talk about the Lord’s Prayer.

Sammy: Yes! I love praying the Lord’s Prayer.

Pastor: This prayer is a very important prayer, Sammy. Jesus gave us this prayer as a great way to talk to our Father in Heaven.

Sammy: I worked really hard to memorize the prayer, Pastor.

Pastor: Excellent, Sammy. That’s a goal we can all have—to memorize this prayer. It’s short, and I know that all of us can do it.

Sammy: I love the parts of the Lord’s Prayer, Pastor.

Pastor: Yes. The Lord’s Prayer involves us declaring God’s holiness, asking Him in faith for the food we get to enjoy each day, and asking him for the forgiveness of our sins.

Sammy: What does Jesus mean when he teaches the disciples the part about “thy kingdom come,” Pastor?

Pastor: That’s a great question, Sammy. Jesus is teaching us to pray about his return and about heaven coming to earth. We want Jesus to come back to earth and to establish his kingdom here. He is our God and our true king, and one day when he returns and brings the kingdom of heaven to earth, we will live in the peace, power, and presence of Jesus. It’s going to be amazing.

Sammy: That sounds amazing, Pastor! Will there be a place for me there?

Pastor: Yes, there will be a place for each believer in the kingdom of Jesus. He makes a way for us. And he will provide a place for us.

Sammy: The Lord’s Prayer is beautiful. It gives me so much hope, Pastor.

Pastor: Me too. Let’s say it together. Ready? You can repeat after me, boys and girls.

Our Father,

Who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

On Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

 And forgive us our trespasses

As we forgive those who trespass against us

And lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory

Forever and ever

Amen.

Sammy: Great job, everyone! Pastor and I have a special copy of the Lord’s prayer for you to take home with you. You can use this copy to help you memorize the prayer. And you can pray this prayer anytime. Bye for now, everyone! See you next week.

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture:

Luke 10:38-42

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, boys and girls! Whew, Pastor! I am tired.

Pastor: Why are you tired, Sammy?

Sammy: I have been doing so many chores around the farm this morning. First, I helped Farmer Luke water the garden. Then I opened the chicken run so the chickens could free-range for a bit outside. After that, I helped Farmer Luke with training the puppies on the farm. They are going to be sheep dogs one day, but right now, they are a handful. And they like to play. A lot.

Pastor: That’s a lot of chores, Sammy. I am sure that Farmer Luke really appreciated your help this morning.

Sammy: You know, Pastor, that’s the thing. Usually Farmer Luke works with me to do all of these chores, but today, he just said, “You know what to do, Sammy,” and he left. I was doing all of the helping, but I was getting no help!

Pastor: I am sorry to hear that, Sammy. What was Farmer Luke doing instead?

Sammy: Well, when I was done with all of my chores, I went to go find him. It was then I realized he left and went to go pray in the meadow before church.

Pastor: What’s wrong with that, Sammy?

Sammy: Are you kidding me, Pastor? I had to do all of these chores—by myself—and I didn’t even get a thank you from Farmer Luke. And he was sitting in the meadow praying. Do you see what is wrong with that picture?

Pastor: I think Farmer Luke chose a great thing to do. We all need to devote more of our time to prayer.

Sammy: But, Pastor, I didn’t get any help. You should call Farmer Luke on your phone and tell him that he needs to help me next time.

Pastor: Farmer Luke chose the best thing.

Sammy: What!

Pastor: Think about it, Sammy. All of the chores you did were not urgent. They could all wait until later. When it’s time to spend time with Jesus, we should focus on him and listening to him.

Sammy: But what about all of the other chores and things I need to do today?

Pastor: We can worry about those things after church. Right now, we need to focus on listening to the Word of God and worshiping Jesus. That’s the most important job we have.

Sammy: I’ll try.

Pastor: That’s the spirit, Sammy. Boys and girls, would you please fold your hands and bow your heads so we can pray? Dear Jesus, thank you for helping us to remember what is most important. Help us to focus our attention on you. Please give us energy for our chores and for all we need to do. Please give us peace knowing you are Lord of all. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture:

Luke 10:25-37

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, boys and girls!

Pastor: Today I want to teach you all the most important commandment.

Sammy: I know! I know!

Pastor: Yes, Sammy?

Sammy: I know the most important commandment!

Pastor: Go ahead. What do you think the most important commandment is?

Sammy: Love God with all your heart.

Pastor: Great job, Sammy! In our Gospel reading for today, Jesus is quoting the book of Deuteronomy 6:5. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”

Sammy: What does loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength look like? How can I do that, Pastor?

Pastor: Sammy, that’s a great question. Boys and girls, what do you think? How can we love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: I like these answers! One of the things that I still don’t understand is how I can love my neighbor as myself. How can I do that?

Pastor: Let’s let the boys and girls answer this one too, Sammy. Boys and girls, how can we love our neighbor as ourselves?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: All of these ideas make a lot of sense to me. I am going to try to love everyone. I know sometimes others aren’t always kind to us, but Jesus calls us to love them. And sometimes it’s also hard to love someone who is really different from us. But God calls us to love that person, too.

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. We need to remember to love our God with all that we are. And that we should love our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus is asking us to live our lives in love and service to each other. We also have to remember that a lot of times, when we serve and love others, not everyone with thank us. And that’s okay. Remember that God always sees what you do and how you treat others. He knows your heart.

Sammy: That’s comforting to hear, Pastor.

Pastor: Boys and girls, can you all please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for helping us to love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Thank you for helping us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!