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Weekly texts: Leviticus 25:8–55; Luke 4:16–20
Faith focus: We follow Jesus to bring Jubilee.
Visuals: white (and/or blue) worship cloth; open Bible; symbols: heart, road sign, story figure, kazoo or party horn
Song suggestions:
“Unto Thy Temple, Lord We Come,” HWB 4
“Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service,” HWB 369
“We Give Thee But Thine Own,” HWB 384
“Cantai ao Senhor (O Sing to the Lord),” SJ 12
“Sithi Bonga (We Sing Praise),” SS 94
“Beauty for Brokenness,” SS 115
“Cantad al Señor,” HS 1029
Children’s time: Talk about parties and celebrations. Say, “When do you celebrate or have a party with your family?” Listen to their ideas. “In the Bible, God told the Israelites that every 50 years they should celebrate. They should forgive each other and set prisoners free. Even the fields would get a rest. It was called the year of Jubilee. Jubilee meant caring for the land and sharing with others, especially those who were poor. A ram’s horn or trumpet was blown.” If you have a trumpeter in your congregation, have this person play the trumpet. Invite the children to make a trumpet with their hands and shout “Dah-dah-dah-dah.” Find today’s worship symbol (kazoo or party horn). This symbol reminds us to celebrate the peace, justice, and freedom of Jubilee.
Ask, “Who are the people Jesus came to help? (Everyone, especially the poor.) What can we do to show others Jesus’ way? (Share our homes and food with others, show love.) One of the things we can do in the summer is share food from our garden.” Show children some garden fruits and vegetables. Eat a snack of fresh fruit or vegetables.
Pray together: “God who loves parties and celebrations, help us care for your earth. Help us share with others so everyone has what they need for a good and peaceful life. Amen.”
Lead the children through the sanctuary in a celebration march. They may “play” their “trumpets” as the congregation sings “Cantai ao Senhor,” SJ 12, or “Cantad al Señor,” HS 1029. Or, provide the children with kazoos or party horns and streamers.
Scripture reading: Leviticus 25:8-55, Luke 4:16-20
Sermon seeds: The year of Jubilee occurred every 50 years as a year of freedom, liberty, and justice. Jesus proclaimed this same message of peace and justice. How do we practice Jubilee in our modern world? How do the ways of God unsettle the economic status quo, lifting up the poor and shaking up the rich? What Jubilee practices can remind us of our connection with and responsibility for the land and each other?
Offering
Song:
“The Peace of the Earth Be With You,” SJ 77
“Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart,” HS 1030
Benediction: May God’s peace, justice, and freedom flow through you. Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Go in peace. Amen.
