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UID:10001644-1816473600-1816559999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 12 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 11: 1-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The onset of spring seems to arouse powerful men\, and military campaigns were usually undertaken after the winter ended. One year\, King David sent out the Israelite army under the command of Joab and his officers. They decimated the Ammonite army and marched on their capital city\, Rabbah. \nDavid himself had his feet up in Jerusalem while his troops laid siege to Rabbah. Late one day\, after an afternoon siesta\, David wandered out onto his rooftop balcony. Looking down into the homes of his neighbours\, he spied a woman undressing to take a bath. He couldn’t take his eyes of her beautiful body. His lust got the better of him\, and he sent a servant to check out who she was. The servant reported back\, saying\, “Your Majesty\, her name is Bathsheba\, the daughter of Eliam. She is married to Uriah the Hittite who is presently serving in your army.” \nDavid was unperturbed and hastily arranged for his guards to grab her and bring her to him. She was escorted into the palace and left alone with the King. He had sex with her and then sent her home again. If he wanted to get away with it\, he had picked the wrong time of the month. A few weeks later he received a message from Bathsheba saying\, “I am pregnant with your baby.” \nDavid hatched a scheme to cover his tracks. He contacted Joab and arranged for Uriah the Hittite to be sent as a courier with military reports for the palace. When Uriah arrived\, David made a great show of asking him all about the war and how Joab and the troops were getting on. Then he said to Uriah\, “You’ve earned some leave. Go home\, enjoy a night with your wife\, and I’ll send you back in a day or two.” \nUriah left and David even had the palace kitchen send food and wine around to his house. But Uriah didn’t go home to his wife. He spent the night in the barracks of the palace guard. When David heard about it in the morning he sent for Uriah and said\, “I gave you some leave\, Soldier. You’ve been on a tough assignment. Why didn’t you go home?” \nUriah replied\, “It wouldn’t be fair to my mates. They’re all out there in tents – the whole army\, Joab and the other commanders\, and even the sacred Ark. How could I go home to eat and drink and sleep with my wife when they’re still roughing it? On a stack of bibles I swear to you\, I couldn’t do it.” \nDavid was getting desperate. He said to Uriah\, “I need you to stay here another day and then tomorrow you can take a delivery back to Joab.” \nSo Uriah hung around in Jerusalem as instructed. David invited him to dinner and made sure that his glass was never empty. By the time Uriah left that evening\, he was quite drunk\, but he still didn’t go home to his wife. He slept on a stretcher in the barracks again. \nDavid had only one card left. In the morning he sent Uriah back to the front with a dispatch for Joab. It included a royal order saying\, “Send Uriah to attack the enemy’s strongest defence post. Then\, pull back the rest of the troops so he’ll be stranded and killed.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 14			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Heartless\, mindless scum kid themselves\nthat there is no God. \nThey are corrupt and callous.\nThe things they do would make you sick.\nThere is not an ounce of good among them.  \nThe LORD scans the human race\, one at a time\,\nlooking for any who are still wise;\nfor even one who still has a heart for God. \nBut it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack!\nThey’ve all lost the plot.\nEveryone is caught up\nin their own perverse ways.\nEvery last one of them.  \nDon’t they know where all this will get them?\nThey never look to the LORD for anything;\nthey chew up God’s people and spit them out.  \nBut it will soon be their turn to cringe in fear\,\nbecause God sides with those who play straight. \nIf you think you can trample\nthe dreams of the battlers\,\nWatch out! The LORD will be there for them.\nWe can hardly wait to hear the songs of freedom\nas justice marches down from God’s mountain!  \nWhat a day it will be\nwhen the LORD redistributes the wealth\nand God’s people are compensated\nfor their suffering! \nOur ancestors will rise up with joy!\nThe streets will fill with singing and dancing! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 3: 14-21			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Because of the overwhelming goodness of all God has done for us in Christ\, I fall on my knees in gratitude. I pour out prayers of thanks and praise to the God who conceived us\, to this God in whom every people of every place find their life and their true identity. \nI offer up prayers for you too. God overflows with rich and vibrant life\, and I’m praying that through God’s Spirit this overflow will be channelled into you\, to put new steel into every fibre of your being. I pray that through your trust in Christ\, he may put down roots in your heart\, and that you may put down roots in his love. You can’t have your feet on any firmer ground than that! \nI’m also praying that you and all God’s beloved people might somehow be able to fathom the astonishing extent of the mysteries God has opened to us\, even though they stretch from the depths of the earth to the outer reaches of the galaxy\, from horizon to horizon\, and from here to eternity! And finally I’m praying that you will be intimately acquainted with the love of Christ — a love that goes far beyond anything we can get our heads around. For it is that love that will pump you full of life\, the rich and vibrant life of God. \nSo now\, credit where credit’s due — all glory to God. It is God whose Spirit\, working powerfully within us and through us\, is capable of things beyond our wildest dreaming — things so extraordinary we’d have never even thought to ask for them. So all the accolades belong to God. \nIn the church\, glory to God!\nIn the messiah\, Jesus\, glory to God!\nIn every generation\, glory to God!\nIn every age\, from now to forever\, glory to God!\nAnd so say all of us! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 6: 1-21			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Shortly before the annual Passover\, a sacred Jewish festival\, Jesus took a trip over to the other side of Lake Galilee. As usual\, a sizable crowd followed him. Indeed\, every time he helped a sick person\, people said it was a sign\, and growing numbers began to follow his every move. After beaching the boat\, Jesus headed up the hill with his closest followers. As they sat down\, they looked back and sure enough\, there was the crowd coming up to join them. Jesus put a question to Philip: “Where can we buy bread to feed all these extra guests?” \nHe actually knew what he was going to do\, but he wanted to see how far he could stretch Philip’s thinking. Philip replied\, “Even if there was a bakery out here\, you’d need to take out a mortgage to pay for a slice each!” \nAnother of the disciples\, Simon Peter’s brother Andrew\, spoke up: “There is a lad over here with five bread rolls and a couple of fish. It’s a drop in the ocean for this mob though.” \nJesus said\, “Get everyone to sit down\,” and they did. The grassy clearing where they sat was quite spacious\, and it needed to be — there were close to five thousand people there. Jesus took the bread rolls\, and after giving thanks to God\, he began handing them out among the people sitting on the grass. He did the same with the fish\, and somehow there was enough to go around. More than enough in fact. When everyone had eaten their fill\, he sent his disciples to gather up the leftovers\, saying\, “Don’t let anything go to waste!” \nHaving started with only five bread rolls\, they gathered up twelve shopping bags full of bits that people couldn’t eat! When it began to dawn on people what he had done\, they started saying\, “It’s a sign! He’s got to be the great prophet who God promised to send into the world.” \nJesus realised that they were getting carried away and that if he wasn’t careful they’d be starting a revolution and proclaiming him king\, whether he liked it or not. Discretion seemed the better plan\, so he slipped off and went bush by himself. \nThat evening his disciples went back down to the lake. Jesus hadn’t come back but darkness had fallen\, so they loaded the boat and pushed off toward Capernaum. A squall blew up and they’d been pushing through rough waters for about an hour when they saw Jesus walking across the waves\, not far from the boat. It scared them half to death\, but Jesus called out to them\, “Look who I am. There’s no need to be afraid!” They pulled themselves together and were keen to bring him on board\, but suddenly the boat ran aground — in the exact place they had been heading for! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Kings 4: 42-44			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	During the famine\, a man arrived from Baal-shalishah\, bringing a sack of food as the required offering to God from the first fruits of his harvest. He gave the offering to Elisha\, as God’s representative. The sack contained twenty loaves of barley bread and some fresh ears of grain. Elisha told his servant to give it to the hungry people outside so that they could eat. But his servant said\, “There’s a hundred people outside. How am I supposed to give this to them without it seeming like a cruel joke?” \nBut Elisha stood his ground\, saying\, “Give it to the people and let them eat. It will be enough for them all and they’ll have some left over. We have the LORD’s word for it.” \nSo the servant handed it out to the people. They all ate and there was some left over\, just as the LORD had promised. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 145: 10-18			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, everyone and everything will thank you\, their creator\,\nand all who are loyal to you will sing your praises. \nAs your people\, we will promote the glory of your reign\,\nand broadcast the news of your power for good. \nWe will tell everyone about the great things you have done\nand about the magnificent splendour of your reign. \nYou will reign forever and ever\, LORD\,\nyour rule is in place for all generations to come. \nEverything you say can be relied on\, LORD\,\nand everything you do is generous and loving. \nWhen people fall\, you put them back on their feet;\nwhen people are crushed\, you stand them tall again. \nEveryone looks to you for what they need\,\nand you meet their needs when the time is right. \nYou open your hands\nand satisfy the desires of every living thing. \nJustice marks everything you do\, LORD\,\nand generous love colours your every deed. \nWhen honest hearts cry out to you\, LORD\,\nyou are right there alongside them. \nYou satisfy the desires of those who respect you;\nyou hear their cries and rescue them from death. \nYou watch out for those who love you\, LORD\,\nand wipe out corruption when it threatens. \nYour praises will be always on our lips\, LORD\,\nand with all who live\,\nwe will single out your name for the highest honour\nforever and ever. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor we are overwhelmed\nby the length and breadth\, height and depth\nof your mysteries\, your glory\, and your love for us in Christ. \nYou brought forth the earth and the heavens\,\nand from tiny fragments you created a rich abundance\nto nurture and strengthen all who look to your hand.\nYou have given yourself generously to your people\,\ndespite their eagerness to crown every new hero\nand corrupt themselves before idols\nof wealth\, sex and power. \nIn your Son\, Jesus\,\nyou have given us the saviour we longed for.\nThough he was crucified by the corrupt\,\nyou raised him to life and he comes to us again\,\nstriding over chaos and death\,\ndispelling our fears with a love beyond comprehension\,\nstrengthening us in our inner beings\,\nand bringing us safely to the land of our destiny. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwho comes to us\, striding over chaos and death\,\nfeeding us with your abundance\nand making known to us\nthe length and breadth\, height and depth\nof your mysteries\, your glory\, and your love for us in Christ. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor we are overwhelmed\nby the length and breadth\, height and depth\nof your mysteries\, your glory\, and your love for us in Christ. \nYou brought forth the earth and the heavens\,\nand from tiny fragments you created a rich abundance\nto nurture and strengthen all who look to your hand.\nYou have given yourself generously to your people\,\ndespite their eagerness to crown every new hero\nand corrupt themselves before idols\nof wealth\, sex and power. \nIn your Son\, Jesus\,\nyou have given us the saviour we longed for.\nThough he was crucified by the corrupt\,\nyou raised him to life and he comes to us again\,\nstriding over chaos and death\,\ndispelling our fears with a love beyond comprehension\,\nstrengthening us in our inner beings\,\nand bringing us safely to the land of our destiny. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	With a love that surpasses knowledge\,\nChrist comes to us saying\, “Trust in me. Do not be afraid.”\nThough we have nothing to offer but our broken selves\,\nhe brings forth an abundance of mercy beyond our imagining. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out into the world.\nSeek God\, and the wisdom of God.\nHide yourself from the corruptions of power and adulation.\nEntrust whatever you have to Christ\nfor with him\, there will always be more than enough. \nAnd may God strengthen you in your inner beings.\nMay Christ Jesus dwell in your hearts through faith.\nand may the Holy Spirit plant your roots deeply\nin the abundant richness of God’s love. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nIs Gratitude a Performance Enhancing Drug?A sermon on Ephesians 3:14-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nPaul’s PrayerA sermon on on Ephesians 3:14-21 by Alan Marr\n\n\n\nAbundance & CorruptionA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nTaking By ForceA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nConfronting a RapistA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBread That Breaks RulesA sermon on John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nToxic ChosennessA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp12/2027-07-25/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/P12.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270725T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270725T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200907T111624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000535Z
UID:10002795-1816473600-1816559999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 12 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 11: 1-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The onset of spring seems to arouse powerful men\, and military campaigns were usually undertaken after the winter ended. One year\, King David sent out the Israelite army under the command of Joab and his officers. They decimated the Ammonite army and marched on their capital city\, Rabbah. \nDavid himself had his feet up in Jerusalem while his troops laid siege to Rabbah. Late one day\, after an afternoon siesta\, David wandered out onto his rooftop balcony. Looking down into the homes of his neighbours\, he spied a woman undressing to take a bath. He couldn’t take his eyes of her beautiful body. His lust got the better of him\, and he sent a servant to check out who she was. The servant reported back\, saying\, “Your Majesty\, her name is Bathsheba\, the daughter of Eliam. She is married to Uriah the Hittite who is presently serving in your army.” \nDavid was unperturbed and hastily arranged for his guards to grab her and bring her to him. She was escorted into the palace and left alone with the King. He had sex with her and then sent her home again. If he wanted to get away with it\, he had picked the wrong time of the month. A few weeks later he received a message from Bathsheba saying\, “I am pregnant with your baby.” \nDavid hatched a scheme to cover his tracks. He contacted Joab and arranged for Uriah the Hittite to be sent as a courier with military reports for the palace. When Uriah arrived\, David made a great show of asking him all about the war and how Joab and the troops were getting on. Then he said to Uriah\, “You’ve earned some leave. Go home\, enjoy a night with your wife\, and I’ll send you back in a day or two.” \nUriah left and David even had the palace kitchen send food and wine around to his house. But Uriah didn’t go home to his wife. He spent the night in the barracks of the palace guard. When David heard about it in the morning he sent for Uriah and said\, “I gave you some leave\, Soldier. You’ve been on a tough assignment. Why didn’t you go home?” \nUriah replied\, “It wouldn’t be fair to my mates. They’re all out there in tents – the whole army\, Joab and the other commanders\, and even the sacred Ark. How could I go home to eat and drink and sleep with my wife when they’re still roughing it? On a stack of bibles I swear to you\, I couldn’t do it.” \nDavid was getting desperate. He said to Uriah\, “I need you to stay here another day and then tomorrow you can take a delivery back to Joab.” \nSo Uriah hung around in Jerusalem as instructed. David invited him to dinner and made sure that his glass was never empty. By the time Uriah left that evening\, he was quite drunk\, but he still didn’t go home to his wife. He slept on a stretcher in the barracks again. \nDavid had only one card left. In the morning he sent Uriah back to the front with a dispatch for Joab. It included a royal order saying\, “Send Uriah to attack the enemy’s strongest defence post. Then\, pull back the rest of the troops so he’ll be stranded and killed.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 14			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Heartless\, mindless scum kid themselves\nthat there is no God. \nThey are corrupt and callous.\nThe things they do would make you sick.\nThere is not an ounce of good among them.  \nThe LORD scans the human race\, one at a time\,\nlooking for any who are still wise;\nfor even one who still has a heart for God. \nBut it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack!\nThey’ve all lost the plot.\nEveryone is caught up\nin their own perverse ways.\nEvery last one of them.  \nDon’t they know where all this will get them?\nThey never look to the LORD for anything;\nthey chew up God’s people and spit them out.  \nBut it will soon be their turn to cringe in fear\,\nbecause God sides with those who play straight. \nIf you think you can trample\nthe dreams of the battlers\,\nWatch out! The LORD will be there for them.\nWe can hardly wait to hear the songs of freedom\nas justice marches down from God’s mountain!  \nWhat a day it will be\nwhen the LORD redistributes the wealth\nand God’s people are compensated\nfor their suffering! \nOur ancestors will rise up with joy!\nThe streets will fill with singing and dancing! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 3: 14-21			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Because of the overwhelming goodness of all God has done for us in Christ\, I fall on my knees in gratitude. I pour out prayers of thanks and praise to the God who conceived us\, to this God in whom every people of every place find their life and their true identity. \nI offer up prayers for you too. God overflows with rich and vibrant life\, and I’m praying that through God’s Spirit this overflow will be channelled into you\, to put new steel into every fibre of your being. I pray that through your trust in Christ\, he may put down roots in your heart\, and that you may put down roots in his love. You can’t have your feet on any firmer ground than that! \nI’m also praying that you and all God’s beloved people might somehow be able to fathom the astonishing extent of the mysteries God has opened to us\, even though they stretch from the depths of the earth to the outer reaches of the galaxy\, from horizon to horizon\, and from here to eternity! And finally I’m praying that you will be intimately acquainted with the love of Christ — a love that goes far beyond anything we can get our heads around. For it is that love that will pump you full of life\, the rich and vibrant life of God. \nSo now\, credit where credit’s due — all glory to God. It is God whose Spirit\, working powerfully within us and through us\, is capable of things beyond our wildest dreaming — things so extraordinary we’d have never even thought to ask for them. So all the accolades belong to God. \nIn the church\, glory to God!\nIn the messiah\, Jesus\, glory to God!\nIn every generation\, glory to God!\nIn every age\, from now to forever\, glory to God!\nAnd so say all of us! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 6: 1-21			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Shortly before the annual Passover\, a sacred Jewish festival\, Jesus took a trip over to the other side of Lake Galilee. As usual\, a sizable crowd followed him. Indeed\, every time he helped a sick person\, people said it was a sign\, and growing numbers began to follow his every move. After beaching the boat\, Jesus headed up the hill with his closest followers. As they sat down\, they looked back and sure enough\, there was the crowd coming up to join them. Jesus put a question to Philip: “Where can we buy bread to feed all these extra guests?” \nHe actually knew what he was going to do\, but he wanted to see how far he could stretch Philip’s thinking. Philip replied\, “Even if there was a bakery out here\, you’d need to take out a mortgage to pay for a slice each!” \nAnother of the disciples\, Simon Peter’s brother Andrew\, spoke up: “There is a lad over here with five bread rolls and a couple of fish. It’s a drop in the ocean for this mob though.” \nJesus said\, “Get everyone to sit down\,” and they did. The grassy clearing where they sat was quite spacious\, and it needed to be — there were close to five thousand people there. Jesus took the bread rolls\, and after giving thanks to God\, he began handing them out among the people sitting on the grass. He did the same with the fish\, and somehow there was enough to go around. More than enough in fact. When everyone had eaten their fill\, he sent his disciples to gather up the leftovers\, saying\, “Don’t let anything go to waste!” \nHaving started with only five bread rolls\, they gathered up twelve shopping bags full of bits that people couldn’t eat! When it began to dawn on people what he had done\, they started saying\, “It’s a sign! He’s got to be the great prophet who God promised to send into the world.” \nJesus realised that they were getting carried away and that if he wasn’t careful they’d be starting a revolution and proclaiming him king\, whether he liked it or not. Discretion seemed the better plan\, so he slipped off and went bush by himself. \nThat evening his disciples went back down to the lake. Jesus hadn’t come back but darkness had fallen\, so they loaded the boat and pushed off toward Capernaum. A squall blew up and they’d been pushing through rough waters for about an hour when they saw Jesus walking across the waves\, not far from the boat. It scared them half to death\, but Jesus called out to them\, “Look who I am. There’s no need to be afraid!” They pulled themselves together and were keen to bring him on board\, but suddenly the boat ran aground — in the exact place they had been heading for! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Kings 4: 42-44			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	During the famine\, a man arrived from Baal-shalishah\, bringing a sack of food as the required offering to God from the first fruits of his harvest. He gave the offering to Elisha\, as God’s representative. The sack contained twenty loaves of barley bread and some fresh ears of grain. Elisha told his servant to give it to the hungry people outside so that they could eat. But his servant said\, “There’s a hundred people outside. How am I supposed to give this to them without it seeming like a cruel joke?” \nBut Elisha stood his ground\, saying\, “Give it to the people and let them eat. It will be enough for them all and they’ll have some left over. We have the LORD’s word for it.” \nSo the servant handed it out to the people. They all ate and there was some left over\, just as the LORD had promised. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 145: 10-18			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, everyone and everything will thank you\, their creator\,\nand all who are loyal to you will sing your praises. \nAs your people\, we will promote the glory of your reign\,\nand broadcast the news of your power for good. \nWe will tell everyone about the great things you have done\nand about the magnificent splendour of your reign. \nYou will reign forever and ever\, LORD\,\nyour rule is in place for all generations to come. \nEverything you say can be relied on\, LORD\,\nand everything you do is generous and loving. \nWhen people fall\, you put them back on their feet;\nwhen people are crushed\, you stand them tall again. \nEveryone looks to you for what they need\,\nand you meet their needs when the time is right. \nYou open your hands\nand satisfy the desires of every living thing. \nJustice marks everything you do\, LORD\,\nand generous love colours your every deed. \nWhen honest hearts cry out to you\, LORD\,\nyou are right there alongside them. \nYou satisfy the desires of those who respect you;\nyou hear their cries and rescue them from death. \nYou watch out for those who love you\, LORD\,\nand wipe out corruption when it threatens. \nYour praises will be always on our lips\, LORD\,\nand with all who live\,\nwe will single out your name for the highest honour\nforever and ever. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor we are overwhelmed\nby the length and breadth\, height and depth\nof your mysteries\, your glory\, and your love for us in Christ. \nYou brought forth the earth and the heavens\,\nand from tiny fragments you created a rich abundance\nto nurture and strengthen all who look to your hand.\nYou have given yourself generously to your people\,\ndespite their eagerness to crown every new hero\nand corrupt themselves before idols\nof wealth\, sex and power. \nIn your Son\, Jesus\,\nyou have given us the saviour we longed for.\nThough he was crucified by the corrupt\,\nyou raised him to life and he comes to us again\,\nstriding over chaos and death\,\ndispelling our fears with a love beyond comprehension\,\nstrengthening us in our inner beings\,\nand bringing us safely to the land of our destiny. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwho comes to us\, striding over chaos and death\,\nfeeding us with your abundance\nand making known to us\nthe length and breadth\, height and depth\nof your mysteries\, your glory\, and your love for us in Christ. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor we are overwhelmed\nby the length and breadth\, height and depth\nof your mysteries\, your glory\, and your love for us in Christ. \nYou brought forth the earth and the heavens\,\nand from tiny fragments you created a rich abundance\nto nurture and strengthen all who look to your hand.\nYou have given yourself generously to your people\,\ndespite their eagerness to crown every new hero\nand corrupt themselves before idols\nof wealth\, sex and power. \nIn your Son\, Jesus\,\nyou have given us the saviour we longed for.\nThough he was crucified by the corrupt\,\nyou raised him to life and he comes to us again\,\nstriding over chaos and death\,\ndispelling our fears with a love beyond comprehension\,\nstrengthening us in our inner beings\,\nand bringing us safely to the land of our destiny. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	With a love that surpasses knowledge\,\nChrist comes to us saying\, “Trust in me. Do not be afraid.”\nThough we have nothing to offer but our broken selves\,\nhe brings forth an abundance of mercy beyond our imagining. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out into the world.\nSeek God\, and the wisdom of God.\nHide yourself from the corruptions of power and adulation.\nEntrust whatever you have to Christ\nfor with him\, there will always be more than enough. \nAnd may God strengthen you in your inner beings.\nMay Christ Jesus dwell in your hearts through faith.\nand may the Holy Spirit plant your roots deeply\nin the abundant richness of God’s love. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nIs Gratitude a Performance Enhancing Drug?A sermon on Ephesians 3:14-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nPaul’s PrayerA sermon on on Ephesians 3:14-21 by Alan Marr\n\n\n\nAbundance & CorruptionA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nTaking By ForceA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nConfronting a RapistA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBread That Breaks RulesA sermon on John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nToxic ChosennessA sermon on 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 & John 6: 1-21 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp12/2027-07-25/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/P12.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270801T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270801T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200907T124624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000535Z
UID:10002793-1817078400-1817164799@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 13 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 11:26 - 12:13a			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The news that Uriah had been killed in battle reached his wife\, Bathsheba\, and she went into mourning. When the customary time of mourning was over\, King David arranged for her to move into the palace. She became his wife\, and a son was born to them. But David’s actions had put him off side with the LORD. \nThe LORD sent the prophet Nathan to speak to David. Nathan addressed the King saying: \nConsider this case\, your Majesty. Two men lived on neighbouring properties. One of them was filthy rich. He owned huge mobs of sheep and cattle\, and plenty of land to graze them on. The other man was dirt poor. He rented his land and owned only one small lamb. The lamb was like a pet to him and his children. It even used to eat at their table and sleep on the end of their bed. People used to joke that he treated the lamb like one of his daughters. One day the rich man had a guest from out of town. He was too stingy to butcher any of his own animals to prepare a meal for his guest\, so he sent a servant over the fence to steal the poor man’s lamb. He had the lamb roasted and carved up for the evening meal.”\nDavid was so outraged he nearly exploded! He thumped the table and said\, “I swear by God\, such a cruel and callous crime will not go unpunished. Hanging’s too good for a man like that! I order that he be made to pay compensation at four times the value of what he stole.” \nNathan looked David straight in the eye and said\, “You are the man! You stand condemned by your own words! Now listen to what the LORD\, the God of Israel\, says to you: \nI chose you to be king of Israel. When Saul was trying to kill you\, I rescued you. I gave you his throne and his wives and made you king over both Israel and Judah. If that wasn’t enough\, you should have said so. I would have gladly given you whatever you asked for. So why do you spit in my face now? Why have you rejected what I taught you and committed such a horrible crime? You murdered Uriah the Hittite so you could get your hands on his wife. He was fighting for you against the Ammonites – he shouldn’t have had to guard his back against you! And now the cat’s out of the bag. Your despicable behaviour will sow seeds of violence and betrayal that will tear apart your family generation after generation. Watch your back. Rebellion will come from within your own family and I’ll hand over your wives to the rebel before your very eyes. He’ll have sex with them right out in the open. Your crime was hidden away where no one could see\, but your humiliation will happen in public where everyone can see.”\nDavid cried out to Nathan\, saying\, “I have sinned against the LORD.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 51: 1-12			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	O God\, your love never gives up.\nHave mercy on me now! \nI’m relying on your record of generous mercy:\nplease wipe my slate clean! \nScrub away the filth I’ve been living in;\nScour away the stain of my sin. \nI know only too well what I’ve done;\nmy sins stare me in the face. \nIt is you I’ve double-crossed\, you I’ve betrayed;\nI’ve done things which I knew you despised. \nYou have all the facts and you know what I deserve;\nwhat ever you decide is fair enough.\nI’ve been on the wrong side of you forever.\nI turned my back on you before I was born. \nYou want honesty that comes from deep within\,\nso teach me your wisdom\,\nlet it take root in my heart. \nGet the bleach out and give me the treatment!\nSoak me and wash me\nuntil I’m as white as snow. \nOpen my ears to laughter and music.\nThough you ground me into the dirt\,\nlet me now rise to the sounds of joy. \nTurn a blind eye to my record;\ndisregard my prior convictions. \nRenovate me from the inside\, O God;\nrebuild my heart and rewire my brain;\ninstall in me a new fault-free operating system. \nDon’t cut me off from you now\,\nor withdraw your Holy Spirit from me. \nRekindle in me the joy of being safe in your care\,\nand fill me with an insatiable desire to follow you. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 4: 1-16			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	I am still in this detention centre\, locked up for the Lord\, but you are free to live out the life God has called you to. It’s a high calling\, but on bended knee I beg of you — live up to it. Give it everything you’ve got! Don’t let your zeal make you aggressive though. In all your dealings\, stay humble\, gentle\, patient. Even when things get rocky among you\, hang in there with each other. Don’t let your love give up. In the Spirit you are one people\, held together in peace. Put every effort in to making sure that that vision is a lived reality and not just a pious ideal. \nThis unity is evident in everything. The Spirit is one; the body into which we have been incorporated is one; and the quest we are called to is one. We have only one Lord; we share one faith; and we all came into it through the one baptism. We are all children of the one God\, who surrounds everything\, permeates everything\, and embraces everything. \nThat doesn’t mean we’re a bunch of clones though. In his extraordinary generosity\, Christ takes care to give us each the gifts that are just right for us. As the scriptures say\, \n“When he rose to the heights\nhe took confinement itself a prisoner\,\nand handed out gifts to the people.” \nNow\, when you think about it\, it becomes clear that if he ‘rose to the heights’ he must first have come down to the earth — right down into the depths of the earth. He who plumbed the depths and he who rose to the heights are one and the same\, and he fills everything in the universe with his presence. \nIt was he who ‘handed out gifts to the people’. He gifted some to be apostles and some to be prophets; others to be missionaries; and still others to be pastors and teachers. All these gifts are given for the task of equipping everyone in the church for the work of ministry. In this way the church\, as the body of Christ\, can grow strong and healthy. The work continues until we are all truly one — united by the shared experience of knowing and trusting the Son of God. That’s our destiny — full maturity — the realisation of our quest to live up to our role-model\, Jesus Christ. \nSo it’s time immaturity became a thing of the past. We’ve been as gullible as little children\, easy prey to those who offer sugar-coated deceptions. Racketeers and snake-oil merchants are always offering yet another new gimmicky life-change plan for those who fall for one scam after another. It’s time we grew up! It’s time we had the guts to face the truth\, and to speak it with love. That’s what it will take for us to grow to be like Christ\, to be part of Christ. We’ve got to let him call the shots. He is like the brain\, which communicates through the nervous system to keep every organ and muscle functioning harmoniously. Only with every part answering to him will the conditions be right for the body to grow strong and robust\, bulked up in love. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 6: 24-35			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	When the crowd who Jesus had fed realised that he and his disciples were gone\, they piled into the boats and headed across to Capernaum to look for him. \nWhen they tracked him down on the far side of the lake\, they questioned him\, “Rabbi\, when did you arrive here?” \nJesus took them to task\, saying\, “If the truth be known\, you’re not looking for me because you saw signs of God in what I did\, but simply because you got a free meal out of me. You’ll never satisfy your real hunger with a belly full of food\, no matter how much effort you put into it. Put your energy instead into finding the life-giving food that will never stop nourishing you. The New Human will give it to you\, and he has been guaranteed by God the Father.” \nHearing that\, they asked\, “What do we have to do to get in on what God’s doing?” \nJesus replied\, saying\, “This is all God asks: that you stake everything on the One he has sent.” \nBut they began beating around the bush\, saying\, “Show us a sign. What proof can you give us so that we’ll know it is right to commit ourselves to what you say? Show us what you can do. Moses brought down bread from heaven for our ancestors to eat in the desert. It says so in the scriptures.” \nThen Jesus set them straight: “If the truth be known\, Moses wasn’t the one who gave you the bread from heaven. It is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. The bread that God is offering you is the real stuff — bread direct from heaven that gives life to the world.” \n“We’ll take it\, Sir!” they said. “Give us this bread from now on.” \nJesus said to them\, “It’s me. I am the bread of life. Anyone who comes on board with me will never hunger or thirst again. Put your trust in me and you will always be satisfied.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Exodus 16: 2-4\, 9-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Once they were on their own in the outback\, the Israelite people began to lose their nerve and worry about how they were going to survive\, and the whole crowd started whingeing and criticising Moses and Aaron. The people were saying\, “We would have been better off waiting for the LORD to kill us back in Egypt. At least there was always a pot of stew on the boil there\, and as much bread as we could eat. But you two have dragged us out into the scrub so that you can starve us all to death out here.” \nThen the LORD said to Moses\, “I am going to make bread fall from the sky like rain for you. Each day the people are to go out and collect enough for that day only. I am going to test out the people to see whether or not they will do what I tell them. They are not to stockpile it.” \nThen Moses said to Aaron\, “Give this message to the whole Israelite congregation: ‘Draw close to the LORD\, for the LORD has listened to your complaints.’” \nAnd even as Aaron was addressing the gathered people\, they looked out across the desert and witnessed an awesome display of the LORD’s glory in the clouds. \nThe LORD spoke to Moses and said\, “Because I have listened to the people’s problems\, I want you to give them this message: ‘At sundown you will have meat to eat\, and in the morning you will have plenty of bread. Then you will know for sure that I am the LORD your God.” \nThat evening\, an enormous flock of game birds came in and settled all over the camp where the people could pick them off with ease. Then in the morning\, the ground was covered in dew\, and as the dew dried\, it left a layer of fine flaky stuff on the ground. It looked like a light sprinkling of snow on the desert floor. When the people saw it\, they had no idea what it was and began to ask one another\, “What on earth is this stuff?” \nMoses told them\, “This is the bread that the LORD has provided for you to gather up and eat.” \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 78: 23-29			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, when our ancestors were wandering in the outback\nyou gave orders to the sky\,\nand opened the storerooms of heaven;\nyou rained down manna for them to eat\,\nthe grain of heaven as a gift to them. \nMere human beings ate the bread of angels\,\nfor you sent them all the food they could eat. \nYou set the wind blowing in the sky\,\ngusting from south and east with your power;\nand on the wind you sent more food still;\ngame birds coming in like wind-blown sand\,\nfalling thick on the ground around the camp\,\nmeals-on-wings landing on their doorstep. \nThe people stuffed themselves happily\, LORD\,\nbecause you had given them just what they were craving. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have sent us bread from heaven\nto give life to the whole world. \nYou are above all and through all and in all\,\nand by your word all things were created.\nYou fed your people with manna from heaven\,\nand even when they defied you\,\nif they turned from their callous ways\,\nyou fed them again with your wisdom and truth. \nIn your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nyou have offered yourself to us as the bread of life\nthat we might be nourished and built up\nas one body in the bond of peace.\nThough he was murdered by those he fought to save\,\nyou raised him from the depths of the earth\nto fill the whole universe with his gifts\nand baptise all things into one body\,\nheld together by one spirit\, under one Lord. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nin whom you offer yourself to us as the bread of life\nthat we might be nourished in truth\nand baptised into one body\,\nheld together by one spirit\, under one Lord. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to the one hope;\none Lord\, one faith and one baptism. \nYou are above all and through all and in all\,\nand by your word all things were created.\nYou fed your people with manna from heaven\,\nand even when they defied you\,\nif they turned from their callous ways\,\nyou fed them again with your wisdom and truth. \nYour Son\, Jesus Christ\, came among us\ndoing your works\nand speaking your truth in love\nthat we might be bound together\nas one body in the bond of peace.\nThough he was murdered by those he fought to save\,\nyou raised him from the depths of the earth\nto fill the whole universe with his gifts\nand baptise all things into one body\,\nheld together by one spirit\, under one Lord. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God\, in tender mercy\, does not cast us aside\,\nor withdraw the Holy Spirit from us\,\nbut saves us\, washing away our sin\nand cleansing us from our guilt. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out from here and live lives worthy\nof the one calling which we all share.\nIn humility\, gentleness and patience\,\nspeak only what is true and loving\nand so grow into the unity that is ours in Christ. \nAnd may God the creator reshape your hearts;\nMay Christ Jesus\, the bread of life\, sustain you always;\nand may the Holy Spirit unite you in the bond of peace. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nLove that Body!A sermon on Ephesians 4:1-16 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBread and CircusesA sermon on John 6:24-35 & 2 Samuel 11:26 – 12:13a by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nGrow UpA sermon on Ephesians 4:1-16 & John 6:24-35 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nConfronting the AlmightyA sermon on 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a\, Ephesians 4:1-16 & John 6:24-35 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nA Question of RepentanceA sermon on 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThank God for Painful People!A sermon on Ephesians 4:1-16 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Spirit of Oneness and OneingA sermon on Ephesians 4:1-16 by Karen Quah
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp13/2027-08-01/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/P13.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270801T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270801T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200907T124624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240901T050356Z
UID:10001646-1817078400-1817164799@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 13 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 11:26 - 12:13a			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The news that Uriah had been killed in battle reached his wife\, Bathsheba\, and she went into mourning. When the customary time of mourning was over\, King David arranged for her to move into the palace. She became his wife\, and a son was born to them. But David’s actions had put him off side with the LORD. \nThe LORD sent the prophet Nathan to speak to David. Nathan addressed the King saying: \nConsider this case\, your Majesty. Two men lived on neighbouring properties. One of them was filthy rich. He owned huge mobs of sheep and cattle\, and plenty of land to graze them on. The other man was dirt poor. He rented his land and owned only one small lamb. The lamb was like a pet to him and his children. It even used to eat at their table and sleep on the end of their bed. People used to joke that he treated the lamb like one of his daughters. One day the rich man had a guest from out of town. He was too stingy to butcher any of his own animals to prepare a meal for his guest\, so he sent a servant over the fence to steal the poor man’s lamb. He had the lamb roasted and carved up for the evening meal.”\nDavid was so outraged he nearly exploded! He thumped the table and said\, “I swear by God\, such a cruel and callous crime will not go unpunished. Hanging’s too good for a man like that! I order that he be made to pay compensation at four times the value of what he stole.” \nNathan looked David straight in the eye and said\, “You are the man! You stand condemned by your own words! Now listen to what the LORD\, the God of Israel\, says to you: \nI chose you to be king of Israel. When Saul was trying to kill you\, I rescued you. I gave you his throne and his wives and made you king over both Israel and Judah. If that wasn’t enough\, you should have said so. I would have gladly given you whatever you asked for. So why do you spit in my face now? Why have you rejected what I taught you and committed such a horrible crime? You murdered Uriah the Hittite so you could get your hands on his wife. He was fighting for you against the Ammonites – he shouldn’t have had to guard his back against you! And now the cat’s out of the bag. Your despicable behaviour will sow seeds of violence and betrayal that will tear apart your family generation after generation. Watch your back. Rebellion will come from within your own family and I’ll hand over your wives to the rebel before your very eyes. He’ll have sex with them right out in the open. Your crime was hidden away where no one could see\, but your humiliation will happen in public where everyone can see.”\nDavid cried out to Nathan\, saying\, “I have sinned against the LORD.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 51: 1-12			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	O God\, your love never gives up.\nHave mercy on me now! \nI’m relying on your record of generous mercy:\nplease wipe my slate clean! \nScrub away the filth I’ve been living in;\nScour away the stain of my sin. \nI know only too well what I’ve done;\nmy sins stare me in the face. \nIt is you I’ve double-crossed\, you I’ve betrayed;\nI’ve done things which I knew you despised. \nYou have all the facts and you know what I deserve;\nwhat ever you decide is fair enough.\nI’ve been on the wrong side of you forever.\nI turned my back on you before I was born. \nYou want honesty that comes from deep within\,\nso teach me your wisdom\,\nlet it take root in my heart. \nGet the bleach out and give me the treatment!\nSoak me and wash me\nuntil I’m as white as snow. \nOpen my ears to laughter and music.\nThough you ground me into the dirt\,\nlet me now rise to the sounds of joy. \nTurn a blind eye to my record;\ndisregard my prior convictions. \nRenovate me from the inside\, O God;\nrebuild my heart and rewire my brain;\ninstall in me a new fault-free operating system. \nDon’t cut me off from you now\,\nor withdraw your Holy Spirit from me. \nRekindle in me the joy of being safe in your care\,\nand fill me with an insatiable desire to follow you. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 4: 1-16			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	I am still in this detention centre\, locked up for the Lord\, but you are free to live out the life God has called you to. It’s a high calling\, but on bended knee I beg of you — live up to it. Give it everything you’ve got! Don’t let your zeal make you aggressive though. In all your dealings\, stay humble\, gentle\, patient. Even when things get rocky among you\, hang in there with each other. Don’t let your love give up. In the Spirit you are one people\, held together in peace. Put every effort in to making sure that that vision is a lived reality and not just a pious ideal. \nThis unity is evident in everything. The Spirit is one; the body into which we have been incorporated is one; and the quest we are called to is one. We have only one Lord; we share one faith; and we all came into it through the one baptism. We are all children of the one God\, who surrounds everything\, permeates everything\, and embraces everything. \nThat doesn’t mean we’re a bunch of clones though. In his extraordinary generosity\, Christ takes care to give us each the gifts that are just right for us. As the scriptures say\, \n“When he rose to the heights\nhe took confinement itself a prisoner\,\nand handed out gifts to the people.” \nNow\, when you think about it\, it becomes clear that if he ‘rose to the heights’ he must first have come down to the earth — right down into the depths of the earth. He who plumbed the depths and he who rose to the heights are one and the same\, and he fills everything in the universe with his presence. \nIt was he who ‘handed out gifts to the people’. He gifted some to be apostles and some to be prophets; others to be missionaries; and still others to be pastors and teachers. All these gifts are given for the task of equipping everyone in the church for the work of ministry. In this way the church\, as the body of Christ\, can grow strong and healthy. The work continues until we are all truly one — united by the shared experience of knowing and trusting the Son of God. That’s our destiny — full maturity — the realisation of our quest to live up to our role-model\, Jesus Christ. \nSo it’s time immaturity became a thing of the past. We’ve been as gullible as little children\, easy prey to those who offer sugar-coated deceptions. Racketeers and snake-oil merchants are always offering yet another new gimmicky life-change plan for those who fall for one scam after another. It’s time we grew up! It’s time we had the guts to face the truth\, and to speak it with love. That’s what it will take for us to grow to be like Christ\, to be part of Christ. We’ve got to let him call the shots. He is like the brain\, which communicates through the nervous system to keep every organ and muscle functioning harmoniously. Only with every part answering to him will the conditions be right for the body to grow strong and robust\, bulked up in love. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 6: 24-35			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	When the crowd who Jesus had fed realised that he and his disciples were gone\, they piled into the boats and headed across to Capernaum to look for him. \nWhen they tracked him down on the far side of the lake\, they questioned him\, “Rabbi\, when did you arrive here?” \nJesus took them to task\, saying\, “If the truth be known\, you’re not looking for me because you saw signs of God in what I did\, but simply because you got a free meal out of me. You’ll never satisfy your real hunger with a belly full of food\, no matter how much effort you put into it. Put your energy instead into finding the life-giving food that will never stop nourishing you. The New Human will give it to you\, and he has been guaranteed by God the Father.” \nHearing that\, they asked\, “What do we have to do to get in on what God’s doing?” \nJesus replied\, saying\, “This is all God asks: that you stake everything on the One he has sent.” \nBut they began beating around the bush\, saying\, “Show us a sign. What proof can you give us so that we’ll know it is right to commit ourselves to what you say? Show us what you can do. Moses brought down bread from heaven for our ancestors to eat in the desert. It says so in the scriptures.” \nThen Jesus set them straight: “If the truth be known\, Moses wasn’t the one who gave you the bread from heaven. It is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. The bread that God is offering you is the real stuff — bread direct from heaven that gives life to the world.” \n“We’ll take it\, Sir!” they said. “Give us this bread from now on.” \nJesus said to them\, “It’s me. I am the bread of life. Anyone who comes on board with me will never hunger or thirst again. Put your trust in me and you will always be satisfied.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Exodus 16: 2-4\, 9-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Once they were on their own in the outback\, the Israelite people began to lose their nerve and worry about how they were going to survive\, and the whole crowd started whingeing and criticising Moses and Aaron. The people were saying\, “We would have been better off waiting for the LORD to kill us back in Egypt. At least there was always a pot of stew on the boil there\, and as much bread as we could eat. But you two have dragged us out into the scrub so that you can starve us all to death out here.” \nThen the LORD said to Moses\, “I am going to make bread fall from the sky like rain for you. Each day the people are to go out and collect enough for that day only. I am going to test out the people to see whether or not they will do what I tell them. They are not to stockpile it.” \nThen Moses said to Aaron\, “Give this message to the whole Israelite congregation: ‘Draw close to the LORD\, for the LORD has listened to your complaints.’” \nAnd even as Aaron was addressing the gathered people\, they looked out across the desert and witnessed an awesome display of the LORD’s glory in the clouds. \nThe LORD spoke to Moses and said\, “Because I have listened to the people’s problems\, I want you to give them this message: ‘At sundown you will have meat to eat\, and in the morning you will have plenty of bread. Then you will know for sure that I am the LORD your God.” \nThat evening\, an enormous flock of game birds came in and settled all over the camp where the people could pick them off with ease. Then in the morning\, the ground was covered in dew\, and as the dew dried\, it left a layer of fine flaky stuff on the ground. It looked like a light sprinkling of snow on the desert floor. When the people saw it\, they had no idea what it was and began to ask one another\, “What on earth is this stuff?” \nMoses told them\, “This is the bread that the LORD has provided for you to gather up and eat.” \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 78: 23-29			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, when our ancestors were wandering in the outback\nyou gave orders to the sky\,\nand opened the storerooms of heaven;\nyou rained down manna for them to eat\,\nthe grain of heaven as a gift to them. \nMere human beings ate the bread of angels\,\nfor you sent them all the food they could eat. \nYou set the wind blowing in the sky\,\ngusting from south and east with your power;\nand on the wind you sent more food still;\ngame birds coming in like wind-blown sand\,\nfalling thick on the ground around the camp\,\nmeals-on-wings landing on their doorstep. \nThe people stuffed themselves happily\, LORD\,\nbecause you had given them just what they were craving. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have sent us bread from heaven\nto give life to the whole world. \nYou are above all and through all and in all\,\nand by your word all things were created.\nYou fed your people with manna from heaven\,\nand even when they defied you\,\nif they turned from their callous ways\,\nyou fed them again with your wisdom and truth. \nIn your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nyou have offered yourself to us as the bread of life\nthat we might be nourished and built up\nas one body in the bond of peace.\nThough he was murdered by those he fought to save\,\nyou raised him from the depths of the earth\nto fill the whole universe with his gifts\nand baptise all things into one body\,\nheld together by one spirit\, under one Lord. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nin whom you offer yourself to us as the bread of life\nthat we might be nourished in truth\nand baptised into one body\,\nheld together by one spirit\, under one Lord. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have called us to the one hope;\none Lord\, one faith and one baptism. \nYou are above all and through all and in all\,\nand by your word all things were created.\nYou fed your people with manna from heaven\,\nand even when they defied you\,\nif they turned from their callous ways\,\nyou fed them again with your wisdom and truth. \nYour Son\, Jesus Christ\, came among us\ndoing your works\nand speaking your truth in love\nthat we might be bound together\nas one body in the bond of peace.\nThough he was murdered by those he fought to save\,\nyou raised him from the depths of the earth\nto fill the whole universe with his gifts\nand baptise all things into one body\,\nheld together by one spirit\, under one Lord. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God\, in tender mercy\, does not cast us aside\,\nor withdraw the Holy Spirit from us\,\nbut saves us\, washing away our sin\nand cleansing us from our guilt. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out from here and live lives worthy\nof the one calling which we all share.\nIn humility\, gentleness and patience\,\nspeak only what is true and loving\nand so grow into the unity that is ours in Christ. \nAnd may God the creator reshape your hearts;\nMay Christ Jesus\, the bread of life\, sustain you always;\nand may the Holy Spirit unite you in the bond of peace. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nLove that Body!A sermon on Ephesians 4:1-16 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBread and CircusesA sermon on John 6:24-35 & 2 Samuel 11:26 – 12:13a by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nGrow UpA sermon on Ephesians 4:1-16 & John 6:24-35 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nConfronting the AlmightyA sermon on 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a\, Ephesians 4:1-16 & John 6:24-35 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nA Question of RepentanceA sermon on 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThank God for Painful People!A sermon on Ephesians 4:1-16 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Spirit of Oneness and OneingA sermon on Ephesians 4:1-16 by Karen Quah
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp13/2027-08-01/
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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270808T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270808T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200908T024151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240908T101019Z
UID:10001648-1817683200-1817769599@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 14 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 18: 5-9\, 15\, 31-33			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	King David’s army\, led by Joab and his officers\, was preparing for battle against the Israelites who had rebelled with Absalom. David briefed them before they marched out\, saying\, “Absalom is still my son\, so for my sake\, capture him unharmed.” He gave these orders to the commanders\, and all the troops heard what he said about Absalom. \nWith that\, they headed out against the Israelite army. The battle was fought in the Ephraim forest and it spread out on several fronts. David’s men defeated the Israelite army that day\, but it was a horrible bloodbath. Twenty thousand men died in the carnage and the dangerous forest terrain claimed as many victims again. \nAbsalom ran into a patrol of David’s men\, led by Joab. He was pushing through a narrow track on his mule alone. As he passed under a great oak tree\, Absalom’s thick hair got caught in the low branches and dragged him off the back of the mule which continued on its way. Absalom was left hanging in mid air\, unable to get up or down. The patrol found him hanging there and they killed him. Joab thrust the first spear in and then ten of his men surrounded him and finished Absalom off. \nAn Ethiopian runner was sent to David to report on the outcome of the battle. He said to David\, “Your Majesty\, I bring you good news! The LORD has set things right for you today\, making you safe from those who rebelled against you.” \nThe king said to the messenger\, “What about Absalom? Is he okay?” \nThe Ethiopian answered\, “May all your enemies and anyone who wishes you harm\, my king\, meet the same fate that Absalom has met today.” \nThe king was distraught. He disappeared into the nearest room\, overcome with grief. Through his tears he cried out over and over\, “O my son Absalom! My son\, my son\, Absalom! If only I could have died instead of you! O Absalom\, my son\, my son!” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 130			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	From the depths of despair\, from rock bottom\,\nI cry to you\, O LORD.\nI beg you to listen!\nPlease tune in and hear what I’m asking! \nIf you put black marks against our names\nfor every failing\,\nLord\, wouldn’t you have to write off everyone? \nBut forgiveness is much more your style\,\nand for this we adore you. \nI wait in eager anticipation for your presence\, LORD.\nEverything inside me yearns for you\nand your promises fill me with hope. \nDeep in my guts there is a hunger for you\, LORD\,\nmore pressing than a woman\nwaiting for the birth of her baby\,\nmore impatient than a child\nwaiting for a birthday;\ncrossing off the days\, one by one. \nO People of Israel\, put your trust in the LORD!\nThe LORD’s love never lets us down\,\nand is always ready to rescue us from danger. \nIt is the Lord who will bail us out\nwhen we are caught in the consequences\nof our own sin. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Recognising that we are all parts of the one body\, let’s give up all pretence. It’s time to come out from behind our masks and get fair dinkum with one another. No doubt there are times when it’s right to get angry\, but make sure your response is right too. Justifiable anger doesn’t justify vengefulness\, bitterness or any other sin. And when you’re angry\, deal with the issues as soon as you can. Dragging it out just gives the devil a chance to get his foot in the door. \nThose who’ve been stealing to make ends meet need to change their ways. It’s time they applied their skills to some honest trade and hopefully before long they will have enough to give something to others in need. \nAnd all of you\, watch your mouths. Don’t allow any venom or malice to pass your lips. Instead let every word be constructive and generous. Talk up what is good. That way what you have to say will be welcomed as a gift. \nYou are now identified as God’s people — the signs of the Holy Spirit mark you out as those destined for life when the day of freedom finally comes. So don’t go causing any grief to the Holy Spirit or making God ashamed to be associated with you. There are some things you should quit completely — resentment\, vindictiveness\, mudslinging\, and any underhanded or malicious behaviour. Try living up to these labels instead — big-hearted\, compassionate\, tolerant. Try to be as generous in forgiving each other as God was with you. Children learn by imitating the parents they love. Take a tip from them and model yourself on what you’ve seen of God in Christ. Or in other words\, live a life of love — love that doesn’t stop at anything. Christ’s love for us cost him everything\, and there is no more pleasing gift anyone can give to God than a love that is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of others. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 6: 35\, 41-51			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus said to them\, “I am the bread of life. Anyone who comes on board with me will never hunger or thirst again. Put your trust in me and you will always be satisfied.” \nBecause of this\, people began to grumble about him. They objected to him claiming to be the bread that came from heaven. They muttered to one another saying\, “What does he take us for? We know who he is - Jesus\, Joe’s lad. Is he forgetting that we know his mum and dad? How does he expect us to take him seriously when he says\, ‘I have come from heaven’?” \nJesus answered them: \n“Don’t go getting all worked up over me. The One who sent me is responsible for drawing people to me — otherwise no one would come. I’ll always be there for those who do come - each and every one of them. Even on the last day\, I’ll be there\, raising them to new life. One of the prophets put it this way\, ‘Every last one of them will learn directly from God.’ So everyone who really tunes in to God and takes in what they hear will recognise who I am\, and come to learn from me. Everyone wants to learn from an eyewitness and the only person who has seen God is the one who came from God. No one else has. Let me set you straight on this: whoever has faith has life — life without limit. \nI am the bread of life. Sure\, your ancestors ate manna in the desert\, but they still died. Now it’s different. Now the real bread has come from heaven and you can eat it and be protected from death forever. I am the bread — living bread — straight from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live life without end and without limit. The bread that I’m offering is my own flesh\, and I give it for the life of the world.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 Kings 19: 4-8			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Fearing for his life\, Elijah went off-road and pushed on alone into the scrub. After a day of that\, he was in utter despair. He collapsed under the only tree for miles that offered any shade and spilled his guts\, saying\, “I can’t take any more\, LORD. Just kill me now! I’m as good as dead anyway.” \nExhausted\, he fell asleep where he lay. Suddenly someone tapped him on the shoulder\, saying\, “Get up and eat.” \nElijah looked around and there\, just near his head\, was a cake of damper bread and a full water bottle. He ate and drank and then went back to sleep. The messenger of the LORD came to him again\, tapping him on the shoulder and saying\, “Get up and eat\, or you’ll never survive the journey ahead.” \nSo Elijah got up and ate and drank his fill. That meal gave him the strength to push on for forty days and nights until he reached Mount Sinai – God’s own mountain. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 34: 1-8			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	I will speak up in your favour\, every chance I get\, LORD.\nEvery time I open my mouth\, I’ll sing your praises. \nEverything I’m proud of is your doing\, LORD;\nthe news of your goodness puts a smile on the face of the helpless. \nI’ll put the spotlight on you\, LORD;\nand gather a crowd to spread the word. \nWhen I pounded on your door\, LORD\, you opened up;\nyou calmed my fears and put my mind at rest. \nThose who look to you light up with joy;\ntheir faces never grow dark with shame. \nWhen I had nothing\, I cried out\, LORD\, and you answered;\nyou got me out of some serious trouble. \nYou station your angels to watch over those who trust you;\nthey watch us\, guard us\, and get us safely through. \nMay everyone taste for themselves how good you are\, LORD;\nmay everyone find shelter in you and be happy. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have sent us the bread of heaven. \nYou created the heavens and the earth\,\nand all your creatures draw their life from you.\nEven when we have rebelled against you\,\nyou have never left us hanging in fear\nor crying from the depths.\nIn love and mercy you hear our yearning prayers\nand mark us out for the day of redemption. \nYou sent to us your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nthe bread of life for our deepest hunger\,\nand you drew us to him that we might learn from him.\nWhen the world turned against him\,\nhe gave himself up\, in the fullness of love\,\na fragrant offering and sacrifice to you\nfor the life of the whole world\,\nso that we and all who trust him\nmight feed on him and have life without limit. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nwho gave himself up as a fragrant offering\nfor the life of the whole world\,\nso that we and all who trust him\nmight feed on him\, the bread of life\,\nand have life without limit. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor yu have drawn us to yourself in Christ\,\nand will raise us to life on teh last day. \nYou created the heavens and the earth\,\nand all your creatures draw their life from you.\nEven when we have rebelled against you\,\nyou have never left us hanging in fear\nor crying from the depths.\nIn love and mercy you hear our yearning prayers\nand mark us out for the day of redemption. \nYou sent to us your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nthe bread of life for our deepest hunger\,\nand you drew us to him that we might learn from him.\nWhen the world turned against him\,\nhe gave himself up\, in the fullness of love\,\na fragrant offering and sacrifice to you\nfor the life of the whole world\,\nso that we and all who trust him\nmight have life without limit. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	If the Lord recorded our sins\, no one could survive\,\nbut God’s capacity for forgiveness is extraordinary.\nThe Lord will bring mercy and grant full pardon. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out and imitate God\, living in love.\nPut your hope in God’s Word\nand let your own words be truthful and constructive.\nMay sin rouse your anger\,\nbut never let anger cause you to sin.\nDon’t allow any room for evil. \nAnd may God always hear your voice.\nMay Christ Jesus raise you to new life;\nand may the Holy Spirit nourish you for the life of love. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nTaking off our MasksA sermon on Ephesians 4:25-52 by Sylvia Sandeman\n\n\n\nThe Bread You Feed OnA sermon on John 6:35\, 41-51 & Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Way of the CrossA sermon on 2 Samuel 18: 5-9\, 15\, 31-33 and John 6: 35\, 41-51 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nCovid\, Canceling\, and a Culture of KindnessA sermon on Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nPutting our lives where our mouths areA sermon on Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp14/2027-08-08/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/P14.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270808T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270808T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200908T024151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000535Z
UID:10002791-1817683200-1817769599@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 14 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  2 Samuel 18: 5-9\, 15\, 31-33			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	King David’s army\, led by Joab and his officers\, was preparing for battle against the Israelites who had rebelled with Absalom. David briefed them before they marched out\, saying\, “Absalom is still my son\, so for my sake\, capture him unharmed.” He gave these orders to the commanders\, and all the troops heard what he said about Absalom. \nWith that\, they headed out against the Israelite army. The battle was fought in the Ephraim forest and it spread out on several fronts. David’s men defeated the Israelite army that day\, but it was a horrible bloodbath. Twenty thousand men died in the carnage and the dangerous forest terrain claimed as many victims again. \nAbsalom ran into a patrol of David’s men\, led by Joab. He was pushing through a narrow track on his mule alone. As he passed under a great oak tree\, Absalom’s thick hair got caught in the low branches and dragged him off the back of the mule which continued on its way. Absalom was left hanging in mid air\, unable to get up or down. The patrol found him hanging there and they killed him. Joab thrust the first spear in and then ten of his men surrounded him and finished Absalom off. \nAn Ethiopian runner was sent to David to report on the outcome of the battle. He said to David\, “Your Majesty\, I bring you good news! The LORD has set things right for you today\, making you safe from those who rebelled against you.” \nThe king said to the messenger\, “What about Absalom? Is he okay?” \nThe Ethiopian answered\, “May all your enemies and anyone who wishes you harm\, my king\, meet the same fate that Absalom has met today.” \nThe king was distraught. He disappeared into the nearest room\, overcome with grief. Through his tears he cried out over and over\, “O my son Absalom! My son\, my son\, Absalom! If only I could have died instead of you! O Absalom\, my son\, my son!” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 130			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	From the depths of despair\, from rock bottom\,\nI cry to you\, O LORD.\nI beg you to listen!\nPlease tune in and hear what I’m asking! \nIf you put black marks against our names\nfor every failing\,\nLord\, wouldn’t you have to write off everyone? \nBut forgiveness is much more your style\,\nand for this we adore you. \nI wait in eager anticipation for your presence\, LORD.\nEverything inside me yearns for you\nand your promises fill me with hope. \nDeep in my guts there is a hunger for you\, LORD\,\nmore pressing than a woman\nwaiting for the birth of her baby\,\nmore impatient than a child\nwaiting for a birthday;\ncrossing off the days\, one by one. \nO People of Israel\, put your trust in the LORD!\nThe LORD’s love never lets us down\,\nand is always ready to rescue us from danger. \nIt is the Lord who will bail us out\nwhen we are caught in the consequences\nof our own sin. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Recognising that we are all parts of the one body\, let’s give up all pretence. It’s time to come out from behind our masks and get fair dinkum with one another. No doubt there are times when it’s right to get angry\, but make sure your response is right too. Justifiable anger doesn’t justify vengefulness\, bitterness or any other sin. And when you’re angry\, deal with the issues as soon as you can. Dragging it out just gives the devil a chance to get his foot in the door. \nThose who’ve been stealing to make ends meet need to change their ways. It’s time they applied their skills to some honest trade and hopefully before long they will have enough to give something to others in need. \nAnd all of you\, watch your mouths. Don’t allow any venom or malice to pass your lips. Instead let every word be constructive and generous. Talk up what is good. That way what you have to say will be welcomed as a gift. \nYou are now identified as God’s people — the signs of the Holy Spirit mark you out as those destined for life when the day of freedom finally comes. So don’t go causing any grief to the Holy Spirit or making God ashamed to be associated with you. There are some things you should quit completely — resentment\, vindictiveness\, mudslinging\, and any underhanded or malicious behaviour. Try living up to these labels instead — big-hearted\, compassionate\, tolerant. Try to be as generous in forgiving each other as God was with you. Children learn by imitating the parents they love. Take a tip from them and model yourself on what you’ve seen of God in Christ. Or in other words\, live a life of love — love that doesn’t stop at anything. Christ’s love for us cost him everything\, and there is no more pleasing gift anyone can give to God than a love that is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of others. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 6: 35\, 41-51			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus said to them\, “I am the bread of life. Anyone who comes on board with me will never hunger or thirst again. Put your trust in me and you will always be satisfied.” \nBecause of this\, people began to grumble about him. They objected to him claiming to be the bread that came from heaven. They muttered to one another saying\, “What does he take us for? We know who he is - Jesus\, Joe’s lad. Is he forgetting that we know his mum and dad? How does he expect us to take him seriously when he says\, ‘I have come from heaven’?” \nJesus answered them: \n“Don’t go getting all worked up over me. The One who sent me is responsible for drawing people to me — otherwise no one would come. I’ll always be there for those who do come - each and every one of them. Even on the last day\, I’ll be there\, raising them to new life. One of the prophets put it this way\, ‘Every last one of them will learn directly from God.’ So everyone who really tunes in to God and takes in what they hear will recognise who I am\, and come to learn from me. Everyone wants to learn from an eyewitness and the only person who has seen God is the one who came from God. No one else has. Let me set you straight on this: whoever has faith has life — life without limit. \nI am the bread of life. Sure\, your ancestors ate manna in the desert\, but they still died. Now it’s different. Now the real bread has come from heaven and you can eat it and be protected from death forever. I am the bread — living bread — straight from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live life without end and without limit. The bread that I’m offering is my own flesh\, and I give it for the life of the world.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 Kings 19: 4-8			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Fearing for his life\, Elijah went off-road and pushed on alone into the scrub. After a day of that\, he was in utter despair. He collapsed under the only tree for miles that offered any shade and spilled his guts\, saying\, “I can’t take any more\, LORD. Just kill me now! I’m as good as dead anyway.” \nExhausted\, he fell asleep where he lay. Suddenly someone tapped him on the shoulder\, saying\, “Get up and eat.” \nElijah looked around and there\, just near his head\, was a cake of damper bread and a full water bottle. He ate and drank and then went back to sleep. The messenger of the LORD came to him again\, tapping him on the shoulder and saying\, “Get up and eat\, or you’ll never survive the journey ahead.” \nSo Elijah got up and ate and drank his fill. That meal gave him the strength to push on for forty days and nights until he reached Mount Sinai – God’s own mountain. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 34: 1-8			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	I will speak up in your favour\, every chance I get\, LORD.\nEvery time I open my mouth\, I’ll sing your praises. \nEverything I’m proud of is your doing\, LORD;\nthe news of your goodness puts a smile on the face of the helpless. \nI’ll put the spotlight on you\, LORD;\nand gather a crowd to spread the word. \nWhen I pounded on your door\, LORD\, you opened up;\nyou calmed my fears and put my mind at rest. \nThose who look to you light up with joy;\ntheir faces never grow dark with shame. \nWhen I had nothing\, I cried out\, LORD\, and you answered;\nyou got me out of some serious trouble. \nYou station your angels to watch over those who trust you;\nthey watch us\, guard us\, and get us safely through. \nMay everyone taste for themselves how good you are\, LORD;\nmay everyone find shelter in you and be happy. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have sent us the bread of heaven. \nYou created the heavens and the earth\,\nand all your creatures draw their life from you.\nEven when we have rebelled against you\,\nyou have never left us hanging in fear\nor crying from the depths.\nIn love and mercy you hear our yearning prayers\nand mark us out for the day of redemption. \nYou sent to us your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nthe bread of life for our deepest hunger\,\nand you drew us to him that we might learn from him.\nWhen the world turned against him\,\nhe gave himself up\, in the fullness of love\,\na fragrant offering and sacrifice to you\nfor the life of the whole world\,\nso that we and all who trust him\nmight feed on him and have life without limit. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nwho gave himself up as a fragrant offering\nfor the life of the whole world\,\nso that we and all who trust him\nmight feed on him\, the bread of life\,\nand have life without limit. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor yu have drawn us to yourself in Christ\,\nand will raise us to life on teh last day. \nYou created the heavens and the earth\,\nand all your creatures draw their life from you.\nEven when we have rebelled against you\,\nyou have never left us hanging in fear\nor crying from the depths.\nIn love and mercy you hear our yearning prayers\nand mark us out for the day of redemption. \nYou sent to us your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nthe bread of life for our deepest hunger\,\nand you drew us to him that we might learn from him.\nWhen the world turned against him\,\nhe gave himself up\, in the fullness of love\,\na fragrant offering and sacrifice to you\nfor the life of the whole world\,\nso that we and all who trust him\nmight have life without limit. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	If the Lord recorded our sins\, no one could survive\,\nbut God’s capacity for forgiveness is extraordinary.\nThe Lord will bring mercy and grant full pardon. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out and imitate God\, living in love.\nPut your hope in God’s Word\nand let your own words be truthful and constructive.\nMay sin rouse your anger\,\nbut never let anger cause you to sin.\nDon’t allow any room for evil. \nAnd may God always hear your voice.\nMay Christ Jesus raise you to new life;\nand may the Holy Spirit nourish you for the life of love. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nTaking off our MasksA sermon on Ephesians 4:25-52 by Sylvia Sandeman\n\n\n\nThe Bread You Feed OnA sermon on John 6:35\, 41-51 & Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Way of the CrossA sermon on 2 Samuel 18: 5-9\, 15\, 31-33 and John 6: 35\, 41-51 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nCovid\, Canceling\, and a Culture of KindnessA sermon on Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nPutting our lives where our mouths areA sermon on Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp14/2027-08-08/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/P14.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270815T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270815T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200908T030341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T100843Z
UID:10001650-1818288000-1818374399@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 15 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  1 Kings 2: 10-12; 3: 3-14			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	King David died and was buried in Jerusalem. He had ruled over Israel for forty years; seven years from Hebron\, and then thirty-three from Jerusalem. David’s son Solomon inherited the throne\, and he had a firm grip on the kingdom. \nSolomon honoured the LORD and lived as his father David had taught him. In addition he offered sacrifices and burned incense at some of the sacred sites in the hills. The most important of these sacred sites was at Gibeon and Solomon offered more than a thousand sacrifices on the altar there. \nOne night\, while he was staying over in Gibeon\, the LORD God appeared to Solomon in a dream. God said to him\, “Solomon\, what would you most like me to give you?” \nSolomon answered God\, saying: \nYou always loved my father\, your servant David. Your love was solid and unshakable\, because he was good and honest and did what was right by you. As a sign of your love and loyalty to him\, you gave him a son to inherit his kingdom. So here I am\, LORD God. I am your servant\, and you have made me king in place of my father\, even though I’m little more than a boy and have no idea how to conduct myself properly. I am your servant and you have given me the job of ruling your chosen people\, even though they are a great nation and there are more of them than anyone can count. So then\, what I would most like you to give me is a sharp mind to rule justly and to be able to pick the difference between right and wrong every time. Without such a gift\, no one could ever hope to rule your people. \nThe Lord was most impressed with Solomon’s request\, and said to him: \nYou could have selfishly asked me to give you a long life\, or to make you the richest man on earth\, or to wipe out your enemies. But instead you have asked me for the wisdom to make the right decisions for my people. You have chosen well and I will give you exactly what you have asked for. You will have more wisdom and insight than anyone else who has ever lived or ever will. And to top it all off\, I will also give you what you could have asked for\, but didn’t. All your life you will be extraordinarily rich\, and you will be greatly honoured by everyone. No other king will be able to hold a candle to you. And if you do things my way and play by the rules I have given you\, much as your father did\, then I will give you a long and healthy life. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 111			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Wow! More power to you\, LORD!\nWe can’t thank you enough.\nWith all who stand for justice\nour hearts burst with gratitude. \nThe things you do are fantastic\, LORD\,\nand those who see and understand\nnever tire of exploring them. \nYour works are magnificent\, majestic\,\nand their integrity will never be eroded. \nYou have a reputation for doing amazing things\,\nand all of them generous and merciful. \nYou nourish those who honour you\nand you are always true to your word. \nYou have left your people in no doubt\nabout your power;\nyou have given them the whole world on a plate. \nEverything you put your hands to\nis faithful\, fair and trustworthy\,\nas is everything you say. \nWhat you say goes\, now and forever\,\nand no one can afford to ignore it. \nYou rescue your people and bring them home safe\,\nfor you have committed yourself to them\nfor all time. \nThe mere mention of your holy name\nmakes us go weak all over! \nWisdom is born when your awesome presence\nknocks us to our knees\nand those who never lose sight of that\nhave got their heads on straight. \nAwestruck\, we give you honour and respect for ever. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 5: 15-20			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	When it comes to the way you live\, watch your step! Don’t go acting without thinking. Use your heads and live wisely. Make the most of your time\, because these days\, evil never stops trying to seduce us. So don’t be naive and stupid. See to it that you get the will of the Lord clear in your heads. And if you’re going to go getting yourselves “under the influence”\, make sure its the influence of the Spirit and not of the wine! It will still get you singing! Sing together often — psalms\, hymns and spiritual songs — offer them as a toe-tapping gift to the Lord\, and when you’re not together\, do the same thing in your hearts. As children filled with gratitude and wonder\, give thanks to God — all the time and for everything. Mention the name of our Lord Jesus Christ when you do\, as a reminder of where our gratitude comes from. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 6: 51-58			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus said\, “I am the living bread — straight from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live life without end and without limit. The bread that I’m offering is my own flesh\, and I give it for the life of the world.” \nThis got the people all worked up and they began arguing among themselves\, saying\, “What is this bloke talking about? He can’t serve a meal of his own flesh\, can he?” \nHearing this\, Jesus said to them: \nLet me set you straight on this. Unless you swallow the New Human — consume him flesh and blood — you’ll be lifeless. Those who do consume me are nourished by my flesh and blood and have life without limit. I’ll be there for them on the last day\, raising them to new life. You see\, my flesh and blood are the real stuff — true food and drink. What you eat and drink becomes a part of you\, but when you consume my flesh and blood\, not only will I become a part of you\, but you’ll find yourself in me\, becoming a part of me. The God who conceived me is the source of my life and has sent me\, serving me up to you. In much the same way\, I will be the source of life for whoever digests me. Do you see then? This is the real bread which has come from heaven. It’s not like what your ancestors ate in the desert. They still died. This is different. Those who eat this bread will live life without end and without limit. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Proverbs 9: 1-6			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Wisdom has established herself in the neighbourhood;\nher house has seven rooms\, a place for everyone. \nShe has laid her table for a great house-warming feast;\nthe meat is roasted\, the wine is poured\,\nher servant-girls are ready to wait on the guests. \nOn the busiest corner in town she makes her invitation\,\n“Is life a riddle to you? Then come with me!\nDo the concerns of each day\nleave you scratching your head?\nCome over to my place and we’ll chew the fat.\nShare my bread and wine and things will fall into place.\nThe time has come to turn the corner\,\nto grow up\, to embrace life.\nThink before you act\nand walk with understanding.” \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 34: 9-14			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	May the people you have chosen treat you with respect\, LORD;\nfor those who do never want for anything. \nEven fearsome sharks go hungry sometimes\,\nbut people who entrust themselves to you never miss out. \nWhen the children gather\, I’ll teach them to trust you\, LORD;\nthis is the message I’ll pass on to them: \n“Do you hunger for life;\ndo you want to know the secret of a long and happy life?\nDon’t vilify anyone with what you say\,\nand let every word that passes your lips be the honest truth.\nGive evil a wide berth\, and embrace goodness instead.\nSeek peace\, and work hard to maintain it.” \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nin the company of those who live with integrity\,\nfor you have given yourself to us as flesh and blood\nand become the bread that nourishes us for eternal life. \nYour righteousness was established before time began\nand all you have created reflects your honour and majesty.\nYou made a covenant with your people\nand gave yourself generously to all\nwho seek your wisdom and walk in your ways. \nIn your great and steadfast love\,\nyou have come to redeem your people\,\noffering us life in your Son\, Jesus.\nThough his blood was poured out\nand his flesh sent to the grave\,\nyou raised him up to new life\,\nand now he offers himself to us\nas the bread of heaven\,\nso that all who eat and drink of him\nmight live forever as one with him. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwho you raised to new life\,\nand who now offers himself to us\nas the bread of heaven\,\nso that all who eat and drink of him\nmight live forever as one with him. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nin the company of those who live with integrity\,\nat all times and for everything\nin the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. \nYour righteousness was established before time began\nand all you have created reflects your honour and majesty.\nYou made a covenant with your people\nand gave yourself generously to all\nwho seek your wisdom and walk in your ways. \nIn your great and steadfast love\,\nyou have come to redeem your people\,\noffering us life in your Son\, Jesus.\nThough his blood was poured out\nand his flesh sent to the grave\,\nyou raised him up to new life\,\nand now he offers himself to us\nas the bread of heaven\,\nso that all who eat and drink of him\nmight live forever as one with him. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The Lord is gracious and merciful\nand comes to us to redeem us.\nChrist Jesus offers himself to us\, forgiving our sins\nand promising to raise us to life on the last day. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, nourished by the bread of heaven\,\nand take care to walk in the ways of wisdom.\nDiscern carefully between right and wrong.\nUnderstand what the will of the Lord is.\nFeed on Christ and be filled with the Spirit. \nAnd may God give you a wise and discerning mind;\nMay Christ Jesus fill you with life in all its fullness;\nand may the Holy Spirit overflow in you\nin songs of joy and praise forever. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nOn Political WisdomA sermon on 1 Kings 2: 10-12; 3: 3-14 & Psalm 111 by Mark Brett\n\n\n\nThe Violence of CommunionA sermon on John 6:51-58 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBreadA sermon on John 6:51-58 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nCannibalism and CommunionA sermon on John 6:51-58 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Wounded BodyA sermon on John 6: 51-58 and Matthew 5: 3-10 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nDrunk and Disorderly for JesusA sermon on Ephesians 5:15-20 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nFilled with the SpiritA sermon on Ephesians 5:18 by Joel Sierra\n\n\n\nSinging our Way into LifeA sermon on Ephesians 5:15-20 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp15/2027-08-15/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/P15.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270815T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270815T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200908T030341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000534Z
UID:10002789-1818288000-1818374399@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 15 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  1 Kings 2: 10-12; 3: 3-14			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	King David died and was buried in Jerusalem. He had ruled over Israel for forty years; seven years from Hebron\, and then thirty-three from Jerusalem. David’s son Solomon inherited the throne\, and he had a firm grip on the kingdom. \nSolomon honoured the LORD and lived as his father David had taught him. In addition he offered sacrifices and burned incense at some of the sacred sites in the hills. The most important of these sacred sites was at Gibeon and Solomon offered more than a thousand sacrifices on the altar there. \nOne night\, while he was staying over in Gibeon\, the LORD God appeared to Solomon in a dream. God said to him\, “Solomon\, what would you most like me to give you?” \nSolomon answered God\, saying: \nYou always loved my father\, your servant David. Your love was solid and unshakable\, because he was good and honest and did what was right by you. As a sign of your love and loyalty to him\, you gave him a son to inherit his kingdom. So here I am\, LORD God. I am your servant\, and you have made me king in place of my father\, even though I’m little more than a boy and have no idea how to conduct myself properly. I am your servant and you have given me the job of ruling your chosen people\, even though they are a great nation and there are more of them than anyone can count. So then\, what I would most like you to give me is a sharp mind to rule justly and to be able to pick the difference between right and wrong every time. Without such a gift\, no one could ever hope to rule your people. \nThe Lord was most impressed with Solomon’s request\, and said to him: \nYou could have selfishly asked me to give you a long life\, or to make you the richest man on earth\, or to wipe out your enemies. But instead you have asked me for the wisdom to make the right decisions for my people. You have chosen well and I will give you exactly what you have asked for. You will have more wisdom and insight than anyone else who has ever lived or ever will. And to top it all off\, I will also give you what you could have asked for\, but didn’t. All your life you will be extraordinarily rich\, and you will be greatly honoured by everyone. No other king will be able to hold a candle to you. And if you do things my way and play by the rules I have given you\, much as your father did\, then I will give you a long and healthy life. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 111			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Wow! More power to you\, LORD!\nWe can’t thank you enough.\nWith all who stand for justice\nour hearts burst with gratitude. \nThe things you do are fantastic\, LORD\,\nand those who see and understand\nnever tire of exploring them. \nYour works are magnificent\, majestic\,\nand their integrity will never be eroded. \nYou have a reputation for doing amazing things\,\nand all of them generous and merciful. \nYou nourish those who honour you\nand you are always true to your word. \nYou have left your people in no doubt\nabout your power;\nyou have given them the whole world on a plate. \nEverything you put your hands to\nis faithful\, fair and trustworthy\,\nas is everything you say. \nWhat you say goes\, now and forever\,\nand no one can afford to ignore it. \nYou rescue your people and bring them home safe\,\nfor you have committed yourself to them\nfor all time. \nThe mere mention of your holy name\nmakes us go weak all over! \nWisdom is born when your awesome presence\nknocks us to our knees\nand those who never lose sight of that\nhave got their heads on straight. \nAwestruck\, we give you honour and respect for ever. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 5: 15-20			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	When it comes to the way you live\, watch your step! Don’t go acting without thinking. Use your heads and live wisely. Make the most of your time\, because these days\, evil never stops trying to seduce us. So don’t be naive and stupid. See to it that you get the will of the Lord clear in your heads. And if you’re going to go getting yourselves “under the influence”\, make sure its the influence of the Spirit and not of the wine! It will still get you singing! Sing together often — psalms\, hymns and spiritual songs — offer them as a toe-tapping gift to the Lord\, and when you’re not together\, do the same thing in your hearts. As children filled with gratitude and wonder\, give thanks to God — all the time and for everything. Mention the name of our Lord Jesus Christ when you do\, as a reminder of where our gratitude comes from. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 6: 51-58			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus said\, “I am the living bread — straight from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live life without end and without limit. The bread that I’m offering is my own flesh\, and I give it for the life of the world.” \nThis got the people all worked up and they began arguing among themselves\, saying\, “What is this bloke talking about? He can’t serve a meal of his own flesh\, can he?” \nHearing this\, Jesus said to them: \nLet me set you straight on this. Unless you swallow the New Human — consume him flesh and blood — you’ll be lifeless. Those who do consume me are nourished by my flesh and blood and have life without limit. I’ll be there for them on the last day\, raising them to new life. You see\, my flesh and blood are the real stuff — true food and drink. What you eat and drink becomes a part of you\, but when you consume my flesh and blood\, not only will I become a part of you\, but you’ll find yourself in me\, becoming a part of me. The God who conceived me is the source of my life and has sent me\, serving me up to you. In much the same way\, I will be the source of life for whoever digests me. Do you see then? This is the real bread which has come from heaven. It’s not like what your ancestors ate in the desert. They still died. This is different. Those who eat this bread will live life without end and without limit. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Proverbs 9: 1-6			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Wisdom has established herself in the neighbourhood;\nher house has seven rooms\, a place for everyone. \nShe has laid her table for a great house-warming feast;\nthe meat is roasted\, the wine is poured\,\nher servant-girls are ready to wait on the guests. \nOn the busiest corner in town she makes her invitation\,\n“Is life a riddle to you? Then come with me!\nDo the concerns of each day\nleave you scratching your head?\nCome over to my place and we’ll chew the fat.\nShare my bread and wine and things will fall into place.\nThe time has come to turn the corner\,\nto grow up\, to embrace life.\nThink before you act\nand walk with understanding.” \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 34: 9-14			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	May the people you have chosen treat you with respect\, LORD;\nfor those who do never want for anything. \nEven fearsome sharks go hungry sometimes\,\nbut people who entrust themselves to you never miss out. \nWhen the children gather\, I’ll teach them to trust you\, LORD;\nthis is the message I’ll pass on to them: \n“Do you hunger for life;\ndo you want to know the secret of a long and happy life?\nDon’t vilify anyone with what you say\,\nand let every word that passes your lips be the honest truth.\nGive evil a wide berth\, and embrace goodness instead.\nSeek peace\, and work hard to maintain it.” \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nin the company of those who live with integrity\,\nfor you have given yourself to us as flesh and blood\nand become the bread that nourishes us for eternal life. \nYour righteousness was established before time began\nand all you have created reflects your honour and majesty.\nYou made a covenant with your people\nand gave yourself generously to all\nwho seek your wisdom and walk in your ways. \nIn your great and steadfast love\,\nyou have come to redeem your people\,\noffering us life in your Son\, Jesus.\nThough his blood was poured out\nand his flesh sent to the grave\,\nyou raised him up to new life\,\nand now he offers himself to us\nas the bread of heaven\,\nso that all who eat and drink of him\nmight live forever as one with him. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwho you raised to new life\,\nand who now offers himself to us\nas the bread of heaven\,\nso that all who eat and drink of him\nmight live forever as one with him. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nin the company of those who live with integrity\,\nat all times and for everything\nin the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. \nYour righteousness was established before time began\nand all you have created reflects your honour and majesty.\nYou made a covenant with your people\nand gave yourself generously to all\nwho seek your wisdom and walk in your ways. \nIn your great and steadfast love\,\nyou have come to redeem your people\,\noffering us life in your Son\, Jesus.\nThough his blood was poured out\nand his flesh sent to the grave\,\nyou raised him up to new life\,\nand now he offers himself to us\nas the bread of heaven\,\nso that all who eat and drink of him\nmight live forever as one with him. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The Lord is gracious and merciful\nand comes to us to redeem us.\nChrist Jesus offers himself to us\, forgiving our sins\nand promising to raise us to life on the last day. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, nourished by the bread of heaven\,\nand take care to walk in the ways of wisdom.\nDiscern carefully between right and wrong.\nUnderstand what the will of the Lord is.\nFeed on Christ and be filled with the Spirit. \nAnd may God give you a wise and discerning mind;\nMay Christ Jesus fill you with life in all its fullness;\nand may the Holy Spirit overflow in you\nin songs of joy and praise forever. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nOn Political WisdomA sermon on 1 Kings 2: 10-12; 3: 3-14 & Psalm 111 by Mark Brett\n\n\n\nThe Violence of CommunionA sermon on John 6:51-58 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBreadA sermon on John 6:51-58 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nCannibalism and CommunionA sermon on John 6:51-58 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Wounded BodyA sermon on John 6: 51-58 and Matthew 5: 3-10 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nDrunk and Disorderly for JesusA sermon on Ephesians 5:15-20 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nFilled with the SpiritA sermon on Ephesians 5:18 by Joel Sierra\n\n\n\nSinging our Way into LifeA sermon on Ephesians 5:15-20 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp15/2027-08-15/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/P15.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270822T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270822T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200908T033145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000534Z
UID:10002787-1818892800-1818979199@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 16 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  1 Kings 8: (1\,6\,10-11)\, 22-30\, 41-43			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The sacred Ark of the Covenant had been kept on Mount Zion in the City of David. When King Solomon was ready to move it into the newly completed Temple\, he called all the elders and tribal leaders of Israel to come to Jerusalem for the occasion. The priests carried the sacred Ark into the Temple and placed it in the most holy place\, beneath the wings of the cherubim in the inner sanctuary. No sooner had they placed it there than a dazzling cloud filled the Temple. The awesome presence of God was so overpowering that no one could bear to stay inside. Even the priests had to make a hasty exit. \nOutside\, Solomon stood in front of the altar of the LORD and\, with his hands raised high\, he led the gathered people in prayer. He prayed: \n“O LORD\, God of Israel\, you are one of a kind! No other god in the universe is like you. Your love is rock-solid and you never forget the alliance you have made with those who follow you whole-heartedly. You made an alliance with my father David\, and today you have proven true to your word. Everything you promised him you have now put in place. \nO LORD\, God of Israel\, you promised my father that his descendants would occupy the throne of Israel forever\, so long as they stuck to your ways and kept nothing hidden from you. May this be true\, O God\, for my father David was your servant. May you always back up your promise to him. \nBut\, how could you possibly live on earth\, O LORD my God? You could hold the entire universe in your hand\, so how can we expect this little temple I’ve built to have enough room for you! But today I ask you to listen to my prayer\, for I am your servant. Hear me and answer me\, O God. This place bears your name because you have chosen it as the place for people to worship you. So keep your eye on it\, O LORD\, twenty four hours a day. Whenever I turn towards this place to pray\, lend me your ear. I am your servant\, and these people belong to you\, so any time one of us faces this Temple and prays\, hear us from your heavenly home and forgive any offence we have caused. \nAnd don’t stop with just us – foreigners will no doubt hear about you too. Attracted by your reputation and by news of the awesome things you do\, they will come from all sorts of far flung places to live among your people and offer their prayers within sight of this Temple. When they do\, listen to them from your heavenly home and answer their prayers. That way everyone on earth will hear of you and give you the same respect that your people Israel do. They will know that this Temple which I have built carries your authority. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 84			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The place where you live is just exquisite\,\nO LORD\, ruler of all!\nWith everything inside me\, I long to be there;\nI go all weak at the very thought of it.\nI want to be there\, body and soul\,\nsinging my heart out for you\, O God of life. \nEven the birds find a home in your house;\nthere are nests in every nook and cranny\nwhere pigeons and sparrows raise their young.\nBird song and incense rise together\nto honour you\, Sovereign God\, ruler of all.\nHow privileged are those who live in your house;\njoyous songs of praise are forever on their lips. \nThose who have tapped into your strength\nhave got it made.\nThe highway to heaven begins within them;\na direct route to your holy presence. \nThey are like people who can find water in the desert;\nthey drink from life giving springs\nthat no drought can ever dry up.\nThey go from strength to strength\,\nand will see you face to face on your holy mountain. \nO LORD\, ruler of everything\, hear my cry.\nTune in to my prayer\, O God of our ancestors. \nYour presence is our protection\, O God;\nsmile upon us\, your chosen ones. \nA day spent in your presence\nbeats a thousand nights in a five star resort.\nI’d rather scrub floors in your house\, O God\,\nthan rub shoulders with the rich and famous\nbeneath the flashing lights of greed and corruption. \nO LORD our God\, you are the sun that shines on us\nand the shield that keeps us safe.\nYou shower us with generosity and honour\,\nand deny nothing to people of integrity. \nO LORD\, ruler of all\,\neveryone who trusts in you has got it made! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 6: 10-20			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	If I could say one last thing to you\, it would be this: toughen yourselves up by drawing strength from God. Equip yourself with everything God offers\, because you’ll need it to detect and survive the guerrilla tactics the Devil will use against you. What we’re up against here is not simply human opposition. This is a life-and-death struggle against the corrupt spiritual forces and cosmic powers of evil that are responsible for the destructive chaos which is presently threatening to engulf the world. So arm yourselves with everything God gives you so that you’ll be ready and able to hold your ground when all hell breaks loose. \nIt’s time to stand up and be counted. Kit yourselves out in truth\, righteousness\, peace\, faith and salvation\, and you’ll be ready for anything. Truth is like a belt on which everything else hangs. Justice and righteousness protect your heart like a bullet-proof vest. Your passion for spreading peace will get you through the hard miles like a sturdy pair of boots. Faith is like a riot shield that protects you from the fire bombs and anything else the evil one throws at you. God’s salvation is like a good helmet — even if you do get knocked down\, it will keep your head in one piece! And finally\, when it is time to go on the attack\, there is one indispensable weapon — the word of God — the same weapon the Spirit used to bring us to our knees. \nAnd speaking of being on your knees\, none of this armoury will be any use at all unless you are putting some serious time into prayer. Pray long and hard with the Spirit as your partner and mentor. Keep your eyes and ears open and keep plugging away in prayer for all your comrades in this holy quest. Remember me in your prayers too. I might be an ambassador bearing God’s message\, but my opportunities are rather limited here in the detention centre! So for the opportunities I do get to speak\, pray that I’ll know exactly what to say and that I’ll have the guts to come out with the whole thing\, the whole wondrous mystery of the good news in Christ. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 6: 56-69			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	While teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum\, Jesus said: \n“Whatever you eat and drink becomes a part of you\, but when you consume my flesh and blood\, not only will I become a part of you\, but you’ll find yourself in me\, becoming a part of me. The God who conceived me is the source of my life and has sent me\, serving me up to you. In much the same way\, I will be the source of life for whoever digests me. Do you see then? This is the real bread which has come from heaven. It’s not like what your ancestors ate in the desert. They still died. This is different. Those who eat this bread will live life without end and without limit.” \nWhen the people who had been following Jesus heard him say these things\, many of them began to say\, “Who can stomach what this man teaches? It is too tough by far.” \nJesus got wind of their complaints and said to them: \n“Are you ready to throw in the towel over this? How would you react if you saw the New Human entering heaven? After all\, that’s where he came from. Real life comes only from the Spirit. Without it you’re nothing. Everything I’ve said to you is life-giving and backed up by the Spirit. But for some of you\, that will make no difference — you’ve already put the shutters up.” \nJesus could tell\, right from the start\, that some wouldn’t have a bar of him once they knew what he was on about. He also knew who would betray him. He spelt it out to them\, saying\, “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: like a Father taking his children where they could not go alone\, God is drawing people to me. Otherwise\, no one would come.” \nThis was the last straw for many of those who had followed him. They cleared off and wouldn’t have anything further to do with him. That prompted Jesus to put the question to the twelve: “What about you? You’re free to join them if you want to give up on me too.” \nSimon Peter answered for them: “Lord\, who else could we turn to? Your words have opened our eyes to life without limit. You have won our trust and we are convinced that you are God’s Holy One.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Joshua 24: 1-2a\, 14-18			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel together at Shechem. He called a meeting of their leaders — the tribal elders\, the clan chiefs\, the judges\, and the civil officials — and they gathered under the authority of God. Joshua addressed them\, saying: \n“The LORD\, the God of Israel\, wants you to hear this. Treat the LORD with due respect\, and be absolutely fair dinkum and rock-solid in your commitment to doing all that the LORD asks of you. Have nothing more to do with any of the other objects of devotion that your ancestors worked for back in those days\, or when they were in Egypt. Put yourselves wholly at the service of the LORD. But if you are unwilling to serve the LORD\, then you can make up your own minds what you are going to devote yourselves to: the ignorant ways of your ancestors back there in the dark ages; or the trivialities of the culture around you here. But I have made up my mind for myself and for my family; we will devote ourselves to the LORD.” \nWhen Joshua finished his speech\, the leaders replied\, saying: \n“There is no way we would turn our backs on the LORD and devote ourselves to other gods. It was the LORD who broke us free from slavery and did such spectacular things before our very eyes in the land where we had been oppressed. As we travelled\, the LORD looked after us every step of the way and kept us safe from hostile nations. It was the LORD who made room for us by driving out the nations who were occupying this land. Therefore we will serve the LORD\, for the LORD is our God.” \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 34: 15-22			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	O LORD\, you keep a protective eye on those who play a straight bat;\nyou’re never out of earshot if they need you. \nYou grit your teeth and stand against evil though\,\nand you erase from history those who spread it. \nWhen good honest people need help\, you’re there for them\, LORD;\nyou get them out of whatever trouble they’re in. \nYou are especially close to the broken-hearted;\nwhen hope is crushed\, you come to the rescue. \nYour people endure as much suffering as anyone else\, LORD\,\nbut you ensure that they make it through. \nLike a vigilant bodyguard\,\nyou see that not a bone is broken. \nEvil is lethal to those who drink their fill of it;\nthose who despise the straight and narrow will stumble to destruction. \nBut you\, LORD\, are always ready to bail out those who serve your cause;\nno one who runs to you for safety will be handed over to death. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you are the giver of honour and grace\nand we are eager for your presence with us. \nThe heavens and the earth cannot contain you\nfor you have created them and hold them in your hand.\nAnd yet you dwell among your people\nand allow even the birds of the air\nto nest in your courts and honour you with their song. \nYou have sent your Holy One\, Jesus Christ\,\nto speak to us your word of Spirit and life.\nThough the forces of evil and death consumed him\,\nhe rose from the grave\nproclaiming your gospel of peace.\nNow he nourishes us with his body and blood\nand arms us with truth\, righteousness and salvation\nthat we might stand firm against the corrupt spiritual powers\nthat would tear down all who seek you with integrity. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Holy One\, Jesus\,\nwho nourishes us with his body and blood\nand arms us with truth\, righteousness and salvation\nthat we might stand firm against the corrupt spiritual powers\nthat would tear down all who seek you with integrity. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you are the giver of honour and grace\nand we are eager for your presence with us. \nThe heavens and the earth cannot contain you\nfor you have created them and hold them in your hand.\nAnd yet you dwell among your people\nand allow even the birds of the air\nto nest in your courts and honour you with their song. \nYou have sent your Holy One\, Jesus Christ\,\nto speak to us your word of Spirit and life.\nThough the forces of evil and death consumed him\,\nhe rose from the grave\nproclaiming your gospel of peace.\nNow he nourishes us for eternal life\nand arms us with truth\, righteousness and salvation\nthat we might stand firm against the corrupt spiritual powers\nthat would tear down all who seek you with integrity. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The Lord is steadfast in love\nand hears the prayers of all who come seeking mercy.\nGod reaches out to us in Jesus Christ\nforgiving our sins\nand nourishing us for life without limit. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, and make known the mystery of the gospel.\nKeep alert and pray at all times.\nDraw strength from God’s power\nand so stand firm against all that would corrupt you. \nAnd may God arm you with truth and righteousness;\nMay Christ Jesus give you words of Spirit and life;\nand may the Holy Spirit draw you near to God’s presence\nand bless you with honour and grace. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nToo Much to StomachA sermon on John 6:56-69 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhen all hell breaks looseA sermon on Ephesians 6:10-20 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nNot Against Enemies of Blood and FleshA sermon on Ephesians 6:10-20 & John 6:56-69 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nNo tenemos lucha contra sangre y carneA sermon on Ephesians 6:10-20 & John 6:56-69 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\n‘The words I have spoken are spirit and life’A sermon on Ephesians 6:10-20 & John 6:56-69 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nBiting off more than you can chewA sermon on John 6:56-69 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWith or Without a TempleA sermon on 1 Kings 8:1\,6\,10-11\, 22-30\,41-43 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp16/2027-08-22/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/P16.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270822T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270822T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200908T033145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240922T095505Z
UID:10001652-1818892800-1818979199@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 16 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  1 Kings 8: (1\,6\,10-11)\, 22-30\, 41-43			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The sacred Ark of the Covenant had been kept on Mount Zion in the City of David. When King Solomon was ready to move it into the newly completed Temple\, he called all the elders and tribal leaders of Israel to come to Jerusalem for the occasion. The priests carried the sacred Ark into the Temple and placed it in the most holy place\, beneath the wings of the cherubim in the inner sanctuary. No sooner had they placed it there than a dazzling cloud filled the Temple. The awesome presence of God was so overpowering that no one could bear to stay inside. Even the priests had to make a hasty exit. \nOutside\, Solomon stood in front of the altar of the LORD and\, with his hands raised high\, he led the gathered people in prayer. He prayed: \n“O LORD\, God of Israel\, you are one of a kind! No other god in the universe is like you. Your love is rock-solid and you never forget the alliance you have made with those who follow you whole-heartedly. You made an alliance with my father David\, and today you have proven true to your word. Everything you promised him you have now put in place. \nO LORD\, God of Israel\, you promised my father that his descendants would occupy the throne of Israel forever\, so long as they stuck to your ways and kept nothing hidden from you. May this be true\, O God\, for my father David was your servant. May you always back up your promise to him. \nBut\, how could you possibly live on earth\, O LORD my God? You could hold the entire universe in your hand\, so how can we expect this little temple I’ve built to have enough room for you! But today I ask you to listen to my prayer\, for I am your servant. Hear me and answer me\, O God. This place bears your name because you have chosen it as the place for people to worship you. So keep your eye on it\, O LORD\, twenty four hours a day. Whenever I turn towards this place to pray\, lend me your ear. I am your servant\, and these people belong to you\, so any time one of us faces this Temple and prays\, hear us from your heavenly home and forgive any offence we have caused. \nAnd don’t stop with just us – foreigners will no doubt hear about you too. Attracted by your reputation and by news of the awesome things you do\, they will come from all sorts of far flung places to live among your people and offer their prayers within sight of this Temple. When they do\, listen to them from your heavenly home and answer their prayers. That way everyone on earth will hear of you and give you the same respect that your people Israel do. They will know that this Temple which I have built carries your authority. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 84			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The place where you live is just exquisite\,\nO LORD\, ruler of all!\nWith everything inside me\, I long to be there;\nI go all weak at the very thought of it.\nI want to be there\, body and soul\,\nsinging my heart out for you\, O God of life. \nEven the birds find a home in your house;\nthere are nests in every nook and cranny\nwhere pigeons and sparrows raise their young.\nBird song and incense rise together\nto honour you\, Sovereign God\, ruler of all.\nHow privileged are those who live in your house;\njoyous songs of praise are forever on their lips. \nThose who have tapped into your strength\nhave got it made.\nThe highway to heaven begins within them;\na direct route to your holy presence. \nThey are like people who can find water in the desert;\nthey drink from life giving springs\nthat no drought can ever dry up.\nThey go from strength to strength\,\nand will see you face to face on your holy mountain. \nO LORD\, ruler of everything\, hear my cry.\nTune in to my prayer\, O God of our ancestors. \nYour presence is our protection\, O God;\nsmile upon us\, your chosen ones. \nA day spent in your presence\nbeats a thousand nights in a five star resort.\nI’d rather scrub floors in your house\, O God\,\nthan rub shoulders with the rich and famous\nbeneath the flashing lights of greed and corruption. \nO LORD our God\, you are the sun that shines on us\nand the shield that keeps us safe.\nYou shower us with generosity and honour\,\nand deny nothing to people of integrity. \nO LORD\, ruler of all\,\neveryone who trusts in you has got it made! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Ephesians 6: 10-20			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	If I could say one last thing to you\, it would be this: toughen yourselves up by drawing strength from God. Equip yourself with everything God offers\, because you’ll need it to detect and survive the guerrilla tactics the Devil will use against you. What we’re up against here is not simply human opposition. This is a life-and-death struggle against the corrupt spiritual forces and cosmic powers of evil that are responsible for the destructive chaos which is presently threatening to engulf the world. So arm yourselves with everything God gives you so that you’ll be ready and able to hold your ground when all hell breaks loose. \nIt’s time to stand up and be counted. Kit yourselves out in truth\, righteousness\, peace\, faith and salvation\, and you’ll be ready for anything. Truth is like a belt on which everything else hangs. Justice and righteousness protect your heart like a bullet-proof vest. Your passion for spreading peace will get you through the hard miles like a sturdy pair of boots. Faith is like a riot shield that protects you from the fire bombs and anything else the evil one throws at you. God’s salvation is like a good helmet — even if you do get knocked down\, it will keep your head in one piece! And finally\, when it is time to go on the attack\, there is one indispensable weapon — the word of God — the same weapon the Spirit used to bring us to our knees. \nAnd speaking of being on your knees\, none of this armoury will be any use at all unless you are putting some serious time into prayer. Pray long and hard with the Spirit as your partner and mentor. Keep your eyes and ears open and keep plugging away in prayer for all your comrades in this holy quest. Remember me in your prayers too. I might be an ambassador bearing God’s message\, but my opportunities are rather limited here in the detention centre! So for the opportunities I do get to speak\, pray that I’ll know exactly what to say and that I’ll have the guts to come out with the whole thing\, the whole wondrous mystery of the good news in Christ. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 6: 56-69			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	While teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum\, Jesus said: \n“Whatever you eat and drink becomes a part of you\, but when you consume my flesh and blood\, not only will I become a part of you\, but you’ll find yourself in me\, becoming a part of me. The God who conceived me is the source of my life and has sent me\, serving me up to you. In much the same way\, I will be the source of life for whoever digests me. Do you see then? This is the real bread which has come from heaven. It’s not like what your ancestors ate in the desert. They still died. This is different. Those who eat this bread will live life without end and without limit.” \nWhen the people who had been following Jesus heard him say these things\, many of them began to say\, “Who can stomach what this man teaches? It is too tough by far.” \nJesus got wind of their complaints and said to them: \n“Are you ready to throw in the towel over this? How would you react if you saw the New Human entering heaven? After all\, that’s where he came from. Real life comes only from the Spirit. Without it you’re nothing. Everything I’ve said to you is life-giving and backed up by the Spirit. But for some of you\, that will make no difference — you’ve already put the shutters up.” \nJesus could tell\, right from the start\, that some wouldn’t have a bar of him once they knew what he was on about. He also knew who would betray him. He spelt it out to them\, saying\, “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: like a Father taking his children where they could not go alone\, God is drawing people to me. Otherwise\, no one would come.” \nThis was the last straw for many of those who had followed him. They cleared off and wouldn’t have anything further to do with him. That prompted Jesus to put the question to the twelve: “What about you? You’re free to join them if you want to give up on me too.” \nSimon Peter answered for them: “Lord\, who else could we turn to? Your words have opened our eyes to life without limit. You have won our trust and we are convinced that you are God’s Holy One.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Joshua 24: 1-2a\, 14-18			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel together at Shechem. He called a meeting of their leaders — the tribal elders\, the clan chiefs\, the judges\, and the civil officials — and they gathered under the authority of God. Joshua addressed them\, saying: \n“The LORD\, the God of Israel\, wants you to hear this. Treat the LORD with due respect\, and be absolutely fair dinkum and rock-solid in your commitment to doing all that the LORD asks of you. Have nothing more to do with any of the other objects of devotion that your ancestors worked for back in those days\, or when they were in Egypt. Put yourselves wholly at the service of the LORD. But if you are unwilling to serve the LORD\, then you can make up your own minds what you are going to devote yourselves to: the ignorant ways of your ancestors back there in the dark ages; or the trivialities of the culture around you here. But I have made up my mind for myself and for my family; we will devote ourselves to the LORD.” \nWhen Joshua finished his speech\, the leaders replied\, saying: \n“There is no way we would turn our backs on the LORD and devote ourselves to other gods. It was the LORD who broke us free from slavery and did such spectacular things before our very eyes in the land where we had been oppressed. As we travelled\, the LORD looked after us every step of the way and kept us safe from hostile nations. It was the LORD who made room for us by driving out the nations who were occupying this land. Therefore we will serve the LORD\, for the LORD is our God.” \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 34: 15-22			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	O LORD\, you keep a protective eye on those who play a straight bat;\nyou’re never out of earshot if they need you. \nYou grit your teeth and stand against evil though\,\nand you erase from history those who spread it. \nWhen good honest people need help\, you’re there for them\, LORD;\nyou get them out of whatever trouble they’re in. \nYou are especially close to the broken-hearted;\nwhen hope is crushed\, you come to the rescue. \nYour people endure as much suffering as anyone else\, LORD\,\nbut you ensure that they make it through. \nLike a vigilant bodyguard\,\nyou see that not a bone is broken. \nEvil is lethal to those who drink their fill of it;\nthose who despise the straight and narrow will stumble to destruction. \nBut you\, LORD\, are always ready to bail out those who serve your cause;\nno one who runs to you for safety will be handed over to death. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you are the giver of honour and grace\nand we are eager for your presence with us. \nThe heavens and the earth cannot contain you\nfor you have created them and hold them in your hand.\nAnd yet you dwell among your people\nand allow even the birds of the air\nto nest in your courts and honour you with their song. \nYou have sent your Holy One\, Jesus Christ\,\nto speak to us your word of Spirit and life.\nThough the forces of evil and death consumed him\,\nhe rose from the grave\nproclaiming your gospel of peace.\nNow he nourishes us with his body and blood\nand arms us with truth\, righteousness and salvation\nthat we might stand firm against the corrupt spiritual powers\nthat would tear down all who seek you with integrity. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Holy One\, Jesus\,\nwho nourishes us with his body and blood\nand arms us with truth\, righteousness and salvation\nthat we might stand firm against the corrupt spiritual powers\nthat would tear down all who seek you with integrity. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you are the giver of honour and grace\nand we are eager for your presence with us. \nThe heavens and the earth cannot contain you\nfor you have created them and hold them in your hand.\nAnd yet you dwell among your people\nand allow even the birds of the air\nto nest in your courts and honour you with their song. \nYou have sent your Holy One\, Jesus Christ\,\nto speak to us your word of Spirit and life.\nThough the forces of evil and death consumed him\,\nhe rose from the grave\nproclaiming your gospel of peace.\nNow he nourishes us for eternal life\nand arms us with truth\, righteousness and salvation\nthat we might stand firm against the corrupt spiritual powers\nthat would tear down all who seek you with integrity. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The Lord is steadfast in love\nand hears the prayers of all who come seeking mercy.\nGod reaches out to us in Jesus Christ\nforgiving our sins\nand nourishing us for life without limit. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, and make known the mystery of the gospel.\nKeep alert and pray at all times.\nDraw strength from God’s power\nand so stand firm against all that would corrupt you. \nAnd may God arm you with truth and righteousness;\nMay Christ Jesus give you words of Spirit and life;\nand may the Holy Spirit draw you near to God’s presence\nand bless you with honour and grace. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nToo Much to StomachA sermon on John 6:56-69 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhen all hell breaks looseA sermon on Ephesians 6:10-20 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nNot Against Enemies of Blood and FleshA sermon on Ephesians 6:10-20 & John 6:56-69 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nNo tenemos lucha contra sangre y carneA sermon on Ephesians 6:10-20 & John 6:56-69 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\n‘The words I have spoken are spirit and life’A sermon on Ephesians 6:10-20 & John 6:56-69 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nBiting off more than you can chewA sermon on John 6:56-69 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWith or Without a TempleA sermon on 1 Kings 8:1\,6\,10-11\, 22-30\,41-43 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp16/2027-08-22/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/P16.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270829T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270829T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200909T035235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000534Z
UID:10002785-1819497600-1819583999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 17 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Song of Solomon 2: 8-13			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	I await the voice of my lover!\nI see him coming\, running through the alpine bush\,\nleaping rocks and logs\,\nas surefooted as a wallaby\,\nmuscles rippling like a mountain thoroughbred. \nLook\, now he arrives\, there by the garden wall\,\nhis eyes scanning the windows\,\nsearching the balcony\,\neager to catch a sight of me. \nMy lover calls out for me alone\, saying: \n“Come now\, my darling\, my lovely one\,\ncome away with me. \nThe outdoors will welcome us\,\nfor the cold wet winter has released its grip.\nWildflowers explode with colour\nand the air is filled with song;\nBellbird calls ring through the bush\nlike the summons to a wedding.\nBerries and grapes ripen with promise\nand every flower adds it fragrance\nto the wafting breeze. \nSo come\, my darling\, my lovely one\,\ncome away with me.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 45: 1-2\, 6-9			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	My heart overflows with words of delight;\n    a song of love bursts forth for the king;\n    my voice as charmed as the poet’s pen. \nYou\, my king\, are a man of unsurpassed beauty.\n    Every word that passes your lips is generous and inspiring.\n    God’s richest blessings are yours forever. \nYour throne is God-given\, and will never be shaken.\n    Your royal power is wielded for justice.\nYou have a passion for integrity\n    and a loathing for corruption.\nTherefore God has chosen you above all others\,\n    crowned you with joy like no other has known. \nRich and exotic fragrances cascade from your royal robes\,\n    and your palace is alive with music and dancing.\nThe daughters of kings wait on you\, hand and foot;\n    and on your arm is your chosen bride in a gown of liquid gold. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  James 1: 17-27			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Genuine no-strings-attached generosity is found only in God\, and everything that is really worth having comes as a gift from the God who lights up our darkness. There is nothing two-faced about God — nothing fickle or shifty\, nothing hidden in the shadows. We were conceived by God’s own love and desire and\, with the Word of Truth as midwife\, God gave birth to us and held us up for all to see\, just as besotted parents always show off their precious newborn children. \nMy beloved friends\, let me spell out some crucial wisdom: listening is your number one priority when you interact with others. Listen long and hard before you do anything else. There will be time to speak later\, and if there is to be anger\, see that it comes last of all when you’re sure you’ve got everything perfectly clear. Anger\, by itself\, never gives birth to the sort of active integrity God desires. \nThink of yourselves as a garden in need of attention. Clear away the putrid garbage and all those noxious weeds that choke off any desirable thing that tries to get established. Pull them out roots and all. Then\, like well prepared soil\, welcome what God plants in you. Let the seed of God’s Word send down roots deep inside you\, saving you from ruin and restoring you to rich fruitfulness. \nWhen the Word is sown in you\, don’t let anything stop it bearing fruit in your actions. Don’t let it go in one ear and out the other while kidding yourself that you’ve heard it. Hearing the word and then failing to act on it is about as ridiculous as taking a good look at yourself in the mirror and then still walking out the front door with gravy on your chin! If\, on the other hand\, you carefully look into the ways of God — the laws of freedom — and consistently put them into practice instead of just filing them away for later reference\, then you will find God backing you up at every turn\, making everything you do fruitful and satisfying. \nThere are those who think of themselves as being the epitome of true religion\, and yet they can’t even control their own tongues. They are deluding themselves and their religion is not worth a zack. The religion that really shows us to be God’s children — the religion that is free of any fault or hypocrisy — is this: care for those who no one else cares for\, and don’t allow yourself to be corrupted by the callous ways of the world. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 7: 1-8\, 14-15\, 21-23			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	A group of religious lawyers and members of the devoutly religious Pharisee party had come from Jerusalem and were keeping a close eye on Jesus and his followers. They noticed that some of them were eating their meals without first washing their hands in the customary way. The Pharisees\, like most Jewish people\, observed strict purification rituals before eating. There were numerous rules spelling out the required ways of washing\, not only for people’s hands\, but for the food and the cooking utensils as well. Careful observance of these traditions was believed to protect people from defilement\, and the religious types wouldn’t have dreamed of taking any shortcuts. So\, when they saw what was going on\, they spoke to Jesus and demanded an explanation. “Why do your followers spit in the face of our ancestors by flouting the rules they passed down to us? Look they are eating with defiled hands!” \nJesus said to them\, “Isaiah hit the nail on the head when he spoke about you. He saw right through your hypocrisy when he wrote this: \n‘These people mouth all the right words\,\nbut their hearts aren’t in it.\nTheir worship is just one big sham.\nThey invent rules to suit themselves\nand then teach them as the word of God.’ \n“At the end of the day\, you lot are more concerned about your own rules and traditions than you are about what God really wants of people.” \nHaving said that\, Jesus turned and spoke to the crowd again\, saying\, “Listen up\, and try to get this clear in your own minds. The things that really pollute people are not the things that they put into their mouths\, but the muck that spews out from within them. \n“If you are looking for the cause of evil\, look inside yourselves. Evil intentions are conceived in the human heart\, every one of them: lechery\, disregard for people’s rights\, murder\, sexual betrayal\, unbridled greed\, callousness\, deceit\, promiscuity\, jealousy\, vilification\, conceit\, senselessness. All these things bubble up from inside people. They don’t get in from the outside. And these are the things that really pollute your lives.” \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Deuteronomy 4: 1-2\, 6-9			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Moses addressed the people\, saying: \n"Listen up\, people of Israel. I am laying down the law on how you are to live. Get these things clear in your heads and put them into practice. That way you will have life and be able to make yourselves at home in the land that is being given to you by the LORD\, the God of your ancestors. The directions I am spelling out to you are from God\, and you must not go adding new rules of your own\, or cutting out bits that don’t suit you. Follow everything the LORD your God is asking of you\, just as I have told you. Follow these instructions consistently and you will become known for your wisdom and good judgement. Other nations will hear of the standards you live by and say\, “What a great nation: you can back their judgement every time.” Our God is always there for us when we cry out for help. Can any other nation boast of that? And these directions that God has given us today cover everything we could possibly need to know. Does any other nation have anything as good as that? \n"But take care and keep a close eye on yourselves. Don’t forget the things you have seen God do. Don’t forget them as long as you live. Pass on the stories to your children and to your children’s children." \n©2012 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, who is welcome at your table?\nWho can stay in the place you call your own? \nYou have given us the answer\, LORD.\nIt is those who walk with integrity\nand do the right thing;\nthose who speak the honest truth\nand do not use their words to wound;\nthose who do not exploit their friends\nor put down their neighbours.\nIt is those who hate corruption\nand look up to those who honour you\, LORD;\nthose who give their word\nand stand by it even if it costs them;\nthose who lend freely\, without seeking a profit\,\nand cannot be bribed into shafting the innocent. \nYou honour such people\, LORD\,\nand anchor them on unshakable ground. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor there is nothing deceitful or shadowy in you\nand every good and perfect gift comes from your hand. \nYour throne endures forever and ever\,\nand in your passion and desire\nyou conceived the entire universe.\nYou gave birth to us through the word of truth\,\nand gave us first place among your creatures. \nThrough your servant Moses your holy law was given\,\nand through your Son\, Jesus\,\nit was cleansed of all that obscured its truth.\nThough he was opposed and killed\nby those who honoured you in word but denied you in deed\,\nyou raised him from the grave\,\nbringing all the world back to life.\nNow he seeks us out like an ardent lover\nto restore in us a passion for righteousness\nthat brings forth purity and truth\nin both word and in action. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for every good and perfect gift\nthat comes from your hand\,\nand especially for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwho seeks us out like an ardent lover\nto restore in us a passion for righteousness\nthat brings forth purity and truth\nin both word and in action. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor there is nothing deceitful or shadowy in you\nand every good and perfect gift comes from your hand. \nYour throne endures forever and ever\,\nand in your passion and desire\nyou conceived the entire universe.\nYou gave birth to us through the word of truth\,\nand gave us first place among your creatures. \nThrough your servant Moses your holy law was given\,\nand through your Son\, Jesus\,\nit was cleansed of all that obscured its truth.\nThough he was opposed and killed\nby those who honoured you in word but denied you in deed\,\nyou raised him from the grave\,\nbringing all the world back to life.\nNow he seeks us out like an ardent lover\nto restore in us a passion for righteousness\nthat brings forth purity and truth\nin both word and in action. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus Christ has delivered us by the Word of Truth\,\nsetting us free from the judgment of the law\nand planting his word within us\,\nto save us from all that would pollute us. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, and be doers of the Word.\nCleanse your hearts of all pollution\,\nbe quick to listen and learn\,\nwelcome the Word that God implants in you\,\nand bring it to birth in acts of righteousness and compassion. \nAnd may God pour grace upon you and bless you forever;\nMay Christ Jesus reveal to you the truth of God’s ways;\nand may the Holy Spirit fill your life with passion and love. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nWhen The Bible Makes You BlushA sermon on the Song of Songs by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nModern Sex and Ancient Purity LawsA sermon on Mark 7:1-8\, 14-15\, 21-23 & Song of Solomon 2:8-13 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nDisgusting!?!A sermon on Mark 7: 1-8\, 14-15\, 21-23 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nYou Are Not DefiledA sermon on Mark 7: 1-8\, 14-15\, 21-23 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nHot Sex & HypocrisyA sermon on Song of Songs; Mark 7: 1-8\, 14-15\, 21-23; & James 1:17-27 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLove and GrubbinessA sermon on Mark 7:1-8\, 14-15\, 21-23 & Song of Songs 2:8-13 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp17/2027-08-29/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/P17.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270829T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270829T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200909T035235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240929T105136Z
UID:10001654-1819497600-1819583999@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 17 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Song of Solomon 2: 8-13			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	I await the voice of my lover!\nI see him coming\, running through the alpine bush\,\nleaping rocks and logs\,\nas surefooted as a wallaby\,\nmuscles rippling like a mountain thoroughbred. \nLook\, now he arrives\, there by the garden wall\,\nhis eyes scanning the windows\,\nsearching the balcony\,\neager to catch a sight of me. \nMy lover calls out for me alone\, saying: \n“Come now\, my darling\, my lovely one\,\ncome away with me. \nThe outdoors will welcome us\,\nfor the cold wet winter has released its grip.\nWildflowers explode with colour\nand the air is filled with song;\nBellbird calls ring through the bush\nlike the summons to a wedding.\nBerries and grapes ripen with promise\nand every flower adds it fragrance\nto the wafting breeze. \nSo come\, my darling\, my lovely one\,\ncome away with me.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 45: 1-2\, 6-9			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	My heart overflows with words of delight;\n    a song of love bursts forth for the king;\n    my voice as charmed as the poet’s pen. \nYou\, my king\, are a man of unsurpassed beauty.\n    Every word that passes your lips is generous and inspiring.\n    God’s richest blessings are yours forever. \nYour throne is God-given\, and will never be shaken.\n    Your royal power is wielded for justice.\nYou have a passion for integrity\n    and a loathing for corruption.\nTherefore God has chosen you above all others\,\n    crowned you with joy like no other has known. \nRich and exotic fragrances cascade from your royal robes\,\n    and your palace is alive with music and dancing.\nThe daughters of kings wait on you\, hand and foot;\n    and on your arm is your chosen bride in a gown of liquid gold. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  James 1: 17-27			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Genuine no-strings-attached generosity is found only in God\, and everything that is really worth having comes as a gift from the God who lights up our darkness. There is nothing two-faced about God — nothing fickle or shifty\, nothing hidden in the shadows. We were conceived by God’s own love and desire and\, with the Word of Truth as midwife\, God gave birth to us and held us up for all to see\, just as besotted parents always show off their precious newborn children. \nMy beloved friends\, let me spell out some crucial wisdom: listening is your number one priority when you interact with others. Listen long and hard before you do anything else. There will be time to speak later\, and if there is to be anger\, see that it comes last of all when you’re sure you’ve got everything perfectly clear. Anger\, by itself\, never gives birth to the sort of active integrity God desires. \nThink of yourselves as a garden in need of attention. Clear away the putrid garbage and all those noxious weeds that choke off any desirable thing that tries to get established. Pull them out roots and all. Then\, like well prepared soil\, welcome what God plants in you. Let the seed of God’s Word send down roots deep inside you\, saving you from ruin and restoring you to rich fruitfulness. \nWhen the Word is sown in you\, don’t let anything stop it bearing fruit in your actions. Don’t let it go in one ear and out the other while kidding yourself that you’ve heard it. Hearing the word and then failing to act on it is about as ridiculous as taking a good look at yourself in the mirror and then still walking out the front door with gravy on your chin! If\, on the other hand\, you carefully look into the ways of God — the laws of freedom — and consistently put them into practice instead of just filing them away for later reference\, then you will find God backing you up at every turn\, making everything you do fruitful and satisfying. \nThere are those who think of themselves as being the epitome of true religion\, and yet they can’t even control their own tongues. They are deluding themselves and their religion is not worth a zack. The religion that really shows us to be God’s children — the religion that is free of any fault or hypocrisy — is this: care for those who no one else cares for\, and don’t allow yourself to be corrupted by the callous ways of the world. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 7: 1-8\, 14-15\, 21-23			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	A group of religious lawyers and members of the devoutly religious Pharisee party had come from Jerusalem and were keeping a close eye on Jesus and his followers. They noticed that some of them were eating their meals without first washing their hands in the customary way. The Pharisees\, like most Jewish people\, observed strict purification rituals before eating. There were numerous rules spelling out the required ways of washing\, not only for people’s hands\, but for the food and the cooking utensils as well. Careful observance of these traditions was believed to protect people from defilement\, and the religious types wouldn’t have dreamed of taking any shortcuts. So\, when they saw what was going on\, they spoke to Jesus and demanded an explanation. “Why do your followers spit in the face of our ancestors by flouting the rules they passed down to us? Look they are eating with defiled hands!” \nJesus said to them\, “Isaiah hit the nail on the head when he spoke about you. He saw right through your hypocrisy when he wrote this: \n‘These people mouth all the right words\,\nbut their hearts aren’t in it.\nTheir worship is just one big sham.\nThey invent rules to suit themselves\nand then teach them as the word of God.’ \n“At the end of the day\, you lot are more concerned about your own rules and traditions than you are about what God really wants of people.” \nHaving said that\, Jesus turned and spoke to the crowd again\, saying\, “Listen up\, and try to get this clear in your own minds. The things that really pollute people are not the things that they put into their mouths\, but the muck that spews out from within them. \n“If you are looking for the cause of evil\, look inside yourselves. Evil intentions are conceived in the human heart\, every one of them: lechery\, disregard for people’s rights\, murder\, sexual betrayal\, unbridled greed\, callousness\, deceit\, promiscuity\, jealousy\, vilification\, conceit\, senselessness. All these things bubble up from inside people. They don’t get in from the outside. And these are the things that really pollute your lives.” \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Deuteronomy 4: 1-2\, 6-9			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Moses addressed the people\, saying: \n"Listen up\, people of Israel. I am laying down the law on how you are to live. Get these things clear in your heads and put them into practice. That way you will have life and be able to make yourselves at home in the land that is being given to you by the LORD\, the God of your ancestors. The directions I am spelling out to you are from God\, and you must not go adding new rules of your own\, or cutting out bits that don’t suit you. Follow everything the LORD your God is asking of you\, just as I have told you. Follow these instructions consistently and you will become known for your wisdom and good judgement. Other nations will hear of the standards you live by and say\, “What a great nation: you can back their judgement every time.” Our God is always there for us when we cry out for help. Can any other nation boast of that? And these directions that God has given us today cover everything we could possibly need to know. Does any other nation have anything as good as that? \n"But take care and keep a close eye on yourselves. Don’t forget the things you have seen God do. Don’t forget them as long as you live. Pass on the stories to your children and to your children’s children." \n©2012 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, who is welcome at your table?\nWho can stay in the place you call your own? \nYou have given us the answer\, LORD.\nIt is those who walk with integrity\nand do the right thing;\nthose who speak the honest truth\nand do not use their words to wound;\nthose who do not exploit their friends\nor put down their neighbours.\nIt is those who hate corruption\nand look up to those who honour you\, LORD;\nthose who give their word\nand stand by it even if it costs them;\nthose who lend freely\, without seeking a profit\,\nand cannot be bribed into shafting the innocent. \nYou honour such people\, LORD\,\nand anchor them on unshakable ground. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor there is nothing deceitful or shadowy in you\nand every good and perfect gift comes from your hand. \nYour throne endures forever and ever\,\nand in your passion and desire\nyou conceived the entire universe.\nYou gave birth to us through the word of truth\,\nand gave us first place among your creatures. \nThrough your servant Moses your holy law was given\,\nand through your Son\, Jesus\,\nit was cleansed of all that obscured its truth.\nThough he was opposed and killed\nby those who honoured you in word but denied you in deed\,\nyou raised him from the grave\,\nbringing all the world back to life.\nNow he seeks us out like an ardent lover\nto restore in us a passion for righteousness\nthat brings forth purity and truth\nin both word and in action. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for every good and perfect gift\nthat comes from your hand\,\nand especially for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwho seeks us out like an ardent lover\nto restore in us a passion for righteousness\nthat brings forth purity and truth\nin both word and in action. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor there is nothing deceitful or shadowy in you\nand every good and perfect gift comes from your hand. \nYour throne endures forever and ever\,\nand in your passion and desire\nyou conceived the entire universe.\nYou gave birth to us through the word of truth\,\nand gave us first place among your creatures. \nThrough your servant Moses your holy law was given\,\nand through your Son\, Jesus\,\nit was cleansed of all that obscured its truth.\nThough he was opposed and killed\nby those who honoured you in word but denied you in deed\,\nyou raised him from the grave\,\nbringing all the world back to life.\nNow he seeks us out like an ardent lover\nto restore in us a passion for righteousness\nthat brings forth purity and truth\nin both word and in action. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus Christ has delivered us by the Word of Truth\,\nsetting us free from the judgment of the law\nand planting his word within us\,\nto save us from all that would pollute us. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, and be doers of the Word.\nCleanse your hearts of all pollution\,\nbe quick to listen and learn\,\nwelcome the Word that God implants in you\,\nand bring it to birth in acts of righteousness and compassion. \nAnd may God pour grace upon you and bless you forever;\nMay Christ Jesus reveal to you the truth of God’s ways;\nand may the Holy Spirit fill your life with passion and love. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nWhen The Bible Makes You BlushA sermon on the Song of Songs by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nModern Sex and Ancient Purity LawsA sermon on Mark 7:1-8\, 14-15\, 21-23 & Song of Solomon 2:8-13 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nDisgusting!?!A sermon on Mark 7: 1-8\, 14-15\, 21-23 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nYou Are Not DefiledA sermon on Mark 7: 1-8\, 14-15\, 21-23 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nHot Sex & HypocrisyA sermon on Song of Songs; Mark 7: 1-8\, 14-15\, 21-23; & James 1:17-27 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLove and GrubbinessA sermon on Mark 7:1-8\, 14-15\, 21-23 & Song of Songs 2:8-13 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp17/2027-08-29/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/P17.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270905T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270905T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200909T041706Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241007T003547Z
UID:10001656-1820102400-1820188799@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 18 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Proverbs 22: 1-2\, 8-9\, 22-23			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Given the choice between a good reputation\nand triple-A credit rating\,\ntake the good reputation.\nRespect will earn you what money can’t buy. \nGod created everybody equal;\nand at the end of the day\,\nthe rich and the poor both answer to the same God. \nAnyone who invests in injustice\nwill reap dividends of disaster\,\nand angrily throwing their weight around\nwon’t get them out of trouble. \nIf you really want to maximise your returns\,\nopen your hands\, open your table\,\nshare what you have with those in need. \nDon’t rip off the poor just because they’re easy targets\,\nand don’t use the law to take advantage of them\njust because you can afford better lawyers.\nIf you do\, you’ll find God rising to their defence\,\nand if you’ve stomped them into the mud\,\nthe LORD will stomp you into the mud. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 125			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Those who put their trust in you\, O LORD\,\nare like Mount Dandenong:\nsolid\, calm and dependable. \nLike the mountain watching over the city\,\nso you\, LORD\, watch over you people\,\noffering protection\, now and forever. \nWhere people are committed to playing straight\,\nyou will not let injustice dominate.\nIf it did\, even trustworthy people\nmight let evil through their guard. \nO LORD\, may good things come\nto those who have stayed true\,\nto those who have integrity\nand goodness in their hearts. \nBut as for those who have embraced the ways of corruption\,\nbe it on their own heads if they are swept away\nwhen you bring evil to its final end. \nMay all your people enjoy peace\, O LORD. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  James 2: 1-10\, (11-13)\, 14-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Sisters and brothers\, if you really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ\, how come you still play favourites? If people walk into one of your meetings and you make a fuss of the ones dressed up to the nines and looking a million dollars\, ushering them to the best seats in the house\, while at the same time turning up your nose at those dressed like battlers\, down on their luck\, telling them to stand out in the foyer\, aren’t you practising apartheid\, segregating God’s children? You’re as crooked as a judge who bases your sentence on the length of your skirt! \nGet this straight in your minds\, dear friends. God has turned the world’s opinion polls upside down. Those who have been deprived of what the world values have a huge head-start in the faith stakes. Their names are at the top of the list of those who God has chosen to inherit the riches of the kingdom. All who love God have an equal share in God’s promises\, but you’re insulting some of them by means-testing your welcome. And just think about it — it’s the fat-cats who cut your wages and increase your hours\, isn’t it? It’s the silvertails who use their fancy lawyers to bleed you dry. Aren’t they the ones who even make a mockery of Christ by invoking his name to baptise their positions of privilege? \nIt is quite simple to do the right thing — just fulfil the basic law of God’s realm\, as spelt out in the scriptures: “Love everyone else as you love yourself.” But if you show favouritism to the young and beautiful or the wealthy and powerful\, then you are violating that law and you stand convicted by it. It will show you for what you are — a sinner. You see\, you can’t pick and choose when it comes to the law of God. You can’t claim exemption from one law on the grounds that you’ve kept the rest. You can’t pretend that because you’ve never had an affair you should be regarded as a model of virtue and excused one little murder. God ruled out both sexual betrayal and murder\, and either one puts you outside the law of love. See to it that everything you say and do is consistent with the law of love which sets us free\, for your living of it sets the tone for how you’ll be judged by it. If you’ve been harsh and intolerant in your judgment of others\, you can be sure of copping the same yourself. Mercy and generosity however will outbid judgment every time. \nBrothers and sisters\, what’s the good of claiming to be a person of faith if you never put love into action? Do you think a head full of theoretical faith is enough to save you? You’ve got to be kidding. Think about this: if someone you know has barely got a stitch to wear or a scrap to eat\, and you walk past saying\, “Praise the Lord\, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and fail to offer even a coat or a sandwich\, what good is that? You’ve been worse than useless. Faith that doesn’t express itself in compassionate action is obviously dead — rotting\, putrid and no use to anyone. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 7: 24-37			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus moved on to the district around the city of Tyre\, and stayed in a house where he didn’t think anyone would be able to find him. He stuck out like a sore thumb though\, and the word got around in no time. He’d barely had time to take the weight off his feet when there was a woman bowing and scraping before him\, begging for help. She wasn’t even Jewish\, but came from the part of Syria known as Phoenicia. She had a daughter who was deeply disturbed by some demonic force\, and she begged Jesus to set her free from it. But Jesus said to her\, “First things first. You can’t snatch food out of the children’s mouths and throw it to the dogs.” \nBut she didn’t give up. “Sir\, even dogs know to sit under the table when the children are eating because there is always plenty of scraps for them.” \nJesus was won over. “You’re absolutely right! Your words have carried the day. Go home. The demons are gone. Your daughter is free.” \nSo she hurried home and sure enough\, her daughter was relaxing on the bed and the demonic torment was completely gone. \nJesus moved on again\, leaving the district of Tyre and heading back towards Lake Galilee via Sidon. As he passed through the district of the Ten Towns\, some people begged him to stop and lay a healing hand on a man who was stone deaf and had such a severe speech impediment that he could hardly make himself understood. Jesus took the man aside\, away from the eyes of the crowd. In the customary way\, Jesus put his fingers in the man’s ears and then spat on his finger and touched the man’s tongue as he prayed for him. Looking heavenward\, Jesus gave a deep groan and said\, “Effatha!” which is the Aramaic word for “Open up.” \nAnd it happened\, just like that. The man’s ears began to hear perfectly and his speech became steady and clear. \nJesus gave them strict instructions to keep this to themselves\, but he was wasting his breath. The more he tried to hush it up\, the more energetic the grapevine got! Everyone was just so blown away by the things he did\, that they told anyone who would listen. “You should see the things he can do – wonderful things. He even restores hearing to the deaf and the power of speech to the dumb!” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Isaiah 35: 4-7a			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Encourage those who are fearing the worst;\ntell them not to give in to their fears but to hang in there.\nAssure them that God is at hand;\ncoming to pay back oppressors what they deserve;\ncoming to rescue you\, to set you free! \nWhat a day that will be!\nEyes long blind will open to colour and light!\nEars long deaf will hear music and laughter!\nLegs long paralysed will dance like brolgas!\nTongues long tied will sing like lyrebirds! \nFor reviving rains will fall on dry dusty land\,\nand rivers will flow in the desert.\nHard-baked salt pans will become inland lakes\,\nand cool water will gush up between scorching rocks. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 146			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	You are the best\, LORD!\nWith all my heart I sing your praises.\nI will never stop talking you up;\nI won’t stop spruiking your goodness till the day I die. \nThere is no one but you that we can depend on\, LORD;\nnot experts\, not leaders\, no one.\nNo human being can give what we most need;\nno matter what their plans and schemes promise\,\nthe minute they’re gone\, their promises die with them. \nBut we hit the jackpot when we look to you for help\, LORD;\nwhen we put all our hopes in you – the God of our ancestors.\nYou are the one who made earth and sky\,\nwho poured out the seas and filled them with life.\nYou are true to your word no matter what;\nwhen people are ground into the dirt\, you bring about justice;\nwhen people are left to starve\, you come with food. \nYou\, LORD\, set the prisoners free.\nYou\, LORD\, open the eyes of those who can’t see.\nYou\, LORD\, put the downtrodden back on their feet. \nYou\, LORD\, love those who do the right thing.\nYou\, LORD\, keep a caring eye on the asylum seekers.\nYou stick up for those who have no one else to stick up for them\,\nbut you make the schemes of the corrupt backfire on them. \nTake charge forever\, LORD\,\nrule from your sacred Mountain for all time.\nYou’re the best\, LORD. We’re with you all the way! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you embrace your people now and forever\nand promise the Kingdom to all who love you. \nThe universe came into existence at your command\nand rich and poor alike have you as their maker.\nThrough Moses you taught your people\nto provide for the welfare of those in need\,\nand through the prophets you thundered against our injustice\nand called for repentance in word and deed. \nIn your son\, Jesus Christ\,\nyour love and healing mercy\nreached beyond the bounds of our prejudice\nand demonstrated your compassion\nfor all who are needy\, afflicted or vulnerable.\nThough he was killed by those who sow injustice\,\nyou raised him to new life\nthat he might sow in us the seeds of faith\,\nfilling our communities with love and justice\nand bringing forth a rich harvest of good works. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your son\, Jesus Christ\,\nthrough whom your love and healing mercy\nreached beyond the bounds of our prejudice\,\nand who is now sowing in us the seeds of faith\,\nthat we might bring forth a rich harvest of good works. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you embrace your people now and forever\nand promise the Kingdom to all who love you. \nThe universe came into existence at your command\nand rich and poor alike have you as their maker.\nThrough Moses you taught your people\nto provide for the welfare of those in need\,\nand through the prophets you thundered against our injustice\nand called for repentance in word and deed. \nIn your son\, Jesus Christ\,\nyour love and healing mercy\nreached beyond the bounds of our prejudice\nand demonstrated your compassion\nfor all who are needy\, afflicted or vulnerable.\nThough he was killed by those who sow injustice\,\nyou raised him to new life\nthat he might sow in us the seeds of faith\,\nfilling our communities with love and justice\nand bringing forth a rich harvest of good works. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	When we fail to keep even one point of God’s law\,\nwe become accountable for all of it\,\nbut God’s mercy triumphs over judgment\,\nsetting us free and giving us a faith that is active for good. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now\, and invest your lives in the works of faith.\nMake a name for yourselves for generosity and compassion.\nFulfil God’s holy law\nby putting love into action as eagerly for others\nas you would for yourselves. \nAnd may God be your defender and provider;\nMay Christ Jesus dispel all that disturbs or disables you;\nand may the Holy Spirit make you rich in faith\nand loving and merciful in action. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nWas Jesus a racist?A sermon on Mark 7:24-37 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nA Prayer-shaped Investment StrategyA sermon on Proverbs 22 & James 2 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBe OpenA sermon on Mark 7:24-37 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nPoverty\, borders\, and the Meaning of FaithA sermon on James 2:1-17 & Mark 7:24-37 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nComing Out From Under the TableA sermon on Mark 7:24-37 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nA Contagion To Open Up ToA sermon on Mark 7:24-37 by Doug Morrison-Cleary\n\n\n\nPlaying FavouritesA sermon on James 2:1-17 & Mark 7:24-37 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp18/2027-09-05/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270912T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270912T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200910T025607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241014T034206Z
UID:10001658-1820707200-1820793599@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 19 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Proverbs 1: 20-33			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Wisdom shouts aloud in the streets.\nWherever people gather\, her call rings out.\nOn the station steps at rush hour she sets up her soap box;\nover the roar of the traffic she raises her voice\, crying: \n“Are you thick-headed people determined to stay brainless forever?\nIs taking the mickey out of others the only thing you enjoy?\nHow long will you mindless morons turn your backs\non every opportunity to learn anything? \nListen up\, and let me set you straight;\nI’m ready to let you in on my thinking;\nI’ll happily teach you everything I know. \nBut I’m at my wits end with you.\nYou don’t answer my calls;\nyou look away when I hold out my hand.\nWhether I offer advice gently or scream blue murder\,\nit makes no difference. You still take no notice. \nSo how do you expect me to be there for you?\nWhy shouldn’t I turn my back when trouble come your way?\nWhy shouldn’t I just laugh when it hits the fan?\nYour turn will come.\nYou’ll be looking up at rock bottom\,\nwith the broken pieces of your life\nfalling through your fingers. \nWhy is it only then that anyone ever calls for me?\nThey reach out for me in desperation\, but it’s too late.\nThey’d already told me where to go\, and I’d gone. \nThey spat in the face of knowledge\nand thumbed their noses at the LORD.\nThey wouldn’t have a bar of any suggestions from me\nand they laughed in my face when I tried to set them straight. \nSo they’ve made their own beds\,\nnow they’ll have to lie in them.\nThey bit off what they wanted\,\nand now it will stick in their throats. \nThose who are stupid enough to wander off the path\nget run over in the street.\nThose who never think ahead\nstill have their feet up when the fire comes through. \nBut if you listen to me\,\nyou’ll be in safe hands.\nYou can relax\nwithout a care in the world.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 19			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Your glory is written in the sky\, God;\nyour artistry is carved on the face of the earth.\nFrom one day to another\, the message passes on\,\nand each night puts the next one in the know. \nNot a word is spoken\,\nnot a sound do they make;\nyet their silence reverberates around the earth\nand their unspoken message echoes from pole to pole. \nYou made the sun at home flying across the sky.\nIt takes to its task with the eagerness of a bridegroom;\nas exultant as an athlete breasting the tape.\nAs your messenger\, God\, it does its rounds\,\nfrom one end of the sky to the other\,\nwarming everything in its path. \nYour revealed will is right on the mark\, LORD;\nit gives our souls their second wind.\nWhat you says goes\,\nand any fool can wise up by taking note. \nYour instructions are spot on\, LORD;\nanyone who follows them will be glad they did.\nWhat you direct us to do is easy to see\,\nand once seen\, everything become clear. \nRespect for you keeps us true\, LORD\,\nnothing can corrupt it\, now or ever.\nWhat you decide is always accurate;\na fair ruling\, beyond dispute. \nYour Word is worth far more\nthan even diamond encrusted gold!\nIt is sweeter by far\nthan any mouth watering delicacy\,\neven chocolate dipped strawberries with cream! \nBut that’s not all!\nYour Word\, O LORD\, keeps me out of danger\,\nand following it pays off richly. \nCan anyone put their finger on all their own faults?\nLORD\, eradicate the bugs I haven’t even identified yet. \nRemind me not to entertain sour contemptuous thoughts\,\nand don’t let them start pulling my strings.\nWithout them\, I can stay on course\,\nand keep my record clean. \nThat’s what I want\, O LORD.\nI want all the things I say\,\nand all the things I mull over in my heart\,\nto be things I’d be proud to offer to you\,\nfor you are the bedrock of my life;\nthe one who puts me back where I belong. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Wisdom of Solomon 7:26 - 8:1			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The Spirit of Wisdom is like a polished mirror\,\nreflecting bright light onto everything God is and does.\nIn her we see a crystal clear image of God’s goodness. \nAlthough there is only one of her\,\nthere is no limit to what she can do.\nWithout needing to change\, she is always fresh\,\nand she renews and refreshes everything she touches. \nAgelessly passing from one generation to the next\,\nshe embraces those who dedicate themselves to God.\nMaking a home in their hearts\,\nshe nurtures their friendship with God. \nShe enables them to pass on God’s word to others\,\nfor God’s greatest delight is in those\nwho are at home with wisdom. \nThe beauty of Wisdom outshines the sun\,\nand the stars in the sky look pale by comparison. \nShe is more illuminating than light itself\,\nbecause light is regularly subdued by the dark of night\,\nbut there is no evil that can ever get the better of Wisdom. \nShe stretches out her arms and embraces the whole earth.\nShe uses her strength to set everything right for the benefit of all. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  James 3: 1-12			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Sisters and brothers\, don’t all go rushing off to set yourselves up as teachers. In the final evaluation\, the required performance indicators will be much tougher for those of us who are teachers. None of us measure up perfectly. We all make mistakes\, both in what we say and what we do. If you never got anything you said wrong\, you’d be perfect\, you’d have your whole life completely under control. It only takes a leash to keep a dog under control. A captain can control a huge ocean liner by turning one little rudder. In the same way\, the tongue has an impact out of all proportion to its size. One little word can make a world of difference — for good or for bad! \nOne careless spark can start a bushfire that will rage out of control from here to the border. One careless word can be just as explosive. The tip of your tongue carries a destructive payload. One word dropped in the wrong place and all hell breaks loose — inflaming hostilities\, blackening reputations\, incinerating trust. Before you know it\, your whole life is a smouldering ruin. People manage to tame all kinds of animals — wild horses\, eagles\, even crocodiles — but the tongue can never be broken in. It is like a coiled snake\, unpredictable and deadly. \nBlessings and curses can come out of the same mouth. One minute we are pouring out praise to the God who conceived us\, and the next minute we are spitting out venom at someone made in God’s own image. Brothers and sisters\, it’s not right. If we couldn’t turn on a tap without knowing whether we were going to get fresh water or sewerage\, we’d never put up with it. You don’t go to an apple tree and find lemons\, do you? And you don’t go to lemon tree looking for strawberries. If you’re an infested swamp\, it’s no use anyone coming to you looking for fresh clean water. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 8: 27-38			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus and his followers made a trip out to the villages in the district of Caesarea Philippi. As they talked on the way\, Jesus asked them\, “What do people make of me?” \n“Some say you are John the baptiser\,” they reported. “Others reckon you are Elijah or some other prophet from the past.” \n“Well\, what about you?” he asked them. “Who do you think I am?” \nIt was Peter who spoke up. “You are the messiah – God’s anointed one.” \nJesus warned them to keep that opinion to themselves and not to breathe a word of it to anyone. \nThen he began to fill them in on what was going to happen to him. “The New Human is going to be put through the wringer. He’ll be done over by the politicians\, the priests and the religious lawyers. They’ll have him executed\, but after three days he’ll rise to life.” \nHe didn’t beat about the bush on this – he spelt it out as clear as you like. But Peter would have none of it. He pulled Jesus aside and gave him a piece of his mind. Recognising that his followers were losing the plot\, Jesus made an example of Peter\, saying\, “Get out of my face\, you satan! You’ve got no idea what God is on about. You’re just pursuing the same things as everyone else.” \nThen he called everyone to gather round – his followers and the whole crowd – and he said to them\, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to hand over the keys\, sign their own death warrant\, and then do as I do. If you try to hold on to control of your life you’ll end up losing the lot. But if you let go\, even if you pay the ultimate price for your commitment to me and to our message\, you’ll gain real life. What’s the point of getting control of the whole world if getting it kills you. There’s no trade-in on a burned out soul. There are some who find it embarrassing to be associated with me and with what I’m on about\, when they’re hanging around with their deceitful and easily distracted peers. If they don’t sort themselves out\, they’ll find that when the New Human arrives\, full of the glory of God and surrounded by the angels\, he’ll be too embarrassed to associate with them.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Isaiah 50: 4-9a			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The LORD God has given me the gift of the gab\nso that my words can teach others\nand put a spring in the step of the weary. \nAs I wake up each new day\,\nGod makes me hungry for learning.\nThe LORD cleaned out my ears\nso that I could hear every word.\nI learned eagerly;\nI never rebelled or quit. \nI was opposed by others\,\nbut I gritted my teeth and stood my ground.\nI looked them in the eye\nwhen they insulted me and spat in my face.\nI took it on the chin and did not fight back\,\nwhen they gave me a belting and tore out my hair. \nThe Lord GOD is always there for me\,\nso no disgrace ever gets to me.\nI have steeled my jaw and dug in my heels\,\nand I’m sure I’ll never be ashamed of my stand\nbecause I can trust God to back me up. \nSo\, who thinks they can take me on?\nLet them stand up and face me!\nWho are my opponents?\nLet’s see what they’re made of! \nThe Lord GOD is backing me;\nso who is going to accuse me of doing wrong? \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 116: 1-9			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	I love you\, LORD!\nHow could I not love you\nwhen you always respond to my cries? \nYou are always ready to listen to me\,\nso I will bring my needs to you as long as I live. \nOnce death was closing in on me;\nthe grave’s icy fingers had me in their grasp;\nTormented and desperate\, I cried out to you\,\n“Please\, LORD. Help me! Save my life!” \nYou are so generous\, LORD;\nyou do the right thing by us\nwhether we deserve it or not. \nYou side with the nobodies\,\nand you bailed me out\,\nwhen I hit rock-bottom. \nI can let go of my fears and calm my mind;\nyour goodness and love keep me safe. \nYou saved my life\, LORD;\nyou dried my tears;\nyou supported me when I stumbled. \nI can stand before you with my head held high;\nI’m back on my feet in the land of the living. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor yours is the eternal Spirit of Wisdom\nwho renews everything and gives life to all. \nThe heavens and earth are your handiwork\,\nand you have made all people in your own likeness.\nThrough the law and prophets you revealed your wisdom\,\nand all who listen are safe in your care. \nWhen we refused your counsel\nand failed to offer you our respect\,\nyou came to us in your anointed one\, Jesus\,\nto be our rock and our redeemer.\nTaking up the cross\nand suffering rejection as one of us\,\nhe was killed and cast into the pit of hell.\nBut after three days\, you raised him to life\,\nlighting a fire of renewal that will never go out\,\nand he now calls us to take up the cross\nand follow him on the road to resurrection. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your anointed one\, Jesus\,\nwho suffered rejection as one of us\,\nand who now lights a fire of renewal that will never go out\,\nas he calls us to take up the cross\nand follow him on the road to resurrection. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor yours is the eternal Spirit of Wisdom\nwho renews everything and gives life to all. \nThe heavens and earth are your handiwork\,\nand you have made all people in your own likeness.\nThrough the law and prophets you revealed your wisdom\,\nand all who listen are safe in your care. \nWhen we refused your counsel\nand failed to offer you our respect\,\nyou came to us in your anointed one\, Jesus\,\nto be our rock and our redeemer.\nTaking up the cross\nand suffering rejection as one of us\,\nhe was killed and cast into the pit of hell.\nBut after three days\, you raised him to life\,\nlighting a fire of renewal that will never go out\,\nand he now calls us to take up the cross\nand follow him on the road to resurrection. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	No one knows all their faults\nand none of us have brought sin under complete control.\nBut Christ is not ashamed to identify with us.\nIn his own suffering love\, he offers us his life. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out with your minds set on the things of God.\nTake up your cross and follow Jesus.\nSee to it that the words of your mouths\nand the thoughts of your hearts\nare acceptable to God and enlightening to all. \nAnd may God make the holy Word known to you;\nMay Christ Jesus lead you in the ways of sacrificial love;\nand may the Holy Spirit set you ablaze with divine wisdom. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nBeing Part of the SolutionA sermon on Mark 8:27-38 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThat’s not a cross!A sermon on Mark 8:27-38 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWisdom for a time of madnessA sermon on Proverbs 1.20-33; Psalm 19; James 3.1-12; Mark 8.27-38 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nHoly GossipA sermon on James 3:1-12 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nA Matter of IntegrityA sermon on Mark 8: 27-38 & James 3: 1-12 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWho do you say that I am?A sermon on Mark 8:27-38 by Adam Couchman\n\n\n\nWisdom CallsA sermon on Proverbs 1.20-33 & Mark 8: 27-38 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp19/2027-09-12/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270912T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270912T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200910T025607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000534Z
UID:10002783-1820707200-1820793599@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 19 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Proverbs 1: 20-33			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Wisdom shouts aloud in the streets.\nWherever people gather\, her call rings out.\nOn the station steps at rush hour she sets up her soap box;\nover the roar of the traffic she raises her voice\, crying: \n“Are you thick-headed people determined to stay brainless forever?\nIs taking the mickey out of others the only thing you enjoy?\nHow long will you mindless morons turn your backs\non every opportunity to learn anything? \nListen up\, and let me set you straight;\nI’m ready to let you in on my thinking;\nI’ll happily teach you everything I know. \nBut I’m at my wits end with you.\nYou don’t answer my calls;\nyou look away when I hold out my hand.\nWhether I offer advice gently or scream blue murder\,\nit makes no difference. You still take no notice. \nSo how do you expect me to be there for you?\nWhy shouldn’t I turn my back when trouble come your way?\nWhy shouldn’t I just laugh when it hits the fan?\nYour turn will come.\nYou’ll be looking up at rock bottom\,\nwith the broken pieces of your life\nfalling through your fingers. \nWhy is it only then that anyone ever calls for me?\nThey reach out for me in desperation\, but it’s too late.\nThey’d already told me where to go\, and I’d gone. \nThey spat in the face of knowledge\nand thumbed their noses at the LORD.\nThey wouldn’t have a bar of any suggestions from me\nand they laughed in my face when I tried to set them straight. \nSo they’ve made their own beds\,\nnow they’ll have to lie in them.\nThey bit off what they wanted\,\nand now it will stick in their throats. \nThose who are stupid enough to wander off the path\nget run over in the street.\nThose who never think ahead\nstill have their feet up when the fire comes through. \nBut if you listen to me\,\nyou’ll be in safe hands.\nYou can relax\nwithout a care in the world.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 19			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Your glory is written in the sky\, God;\nyour artistry is carved on the face of the earth.\nFrom one day to another\, the message passes on\,\nand each night puts the next one in the know. \nNot a word is spoken\,\nnot a sound do they make;\nyet their silence reverberates around the earth\nand their unspoken message echoes from pole to pole. \nYou made the sun at home flying across the sky.\nIt takes to its task with the eagerness of a bridegroom;\nas exultant as an athlete breasting the tape.\nAs your messenger\, God\, it does its rounds\,\nfrom one end of the sky to the other\,\nwarming everything in its path. \nYour revealed will is right on the mark\, LORD;\nit gives our souls their second wind.\nWhat you says goes\,\nand any fool can wise up by taking note. \nYour instructions are spot on\, LORD;\nanyone who follows them will be glad they did.\nWhat you direct us to do is easy to see\,\nand once seen\, everything become clear. \nRespect for you keeps us true\, LORD\,\nnothing can corrupt it\, now or ever.\nWhat you decide is always accurate;\na fair ruling\, beyond dispute. \nYour Word is worth far more\nthan even diamond encrusted gold!\nIt is sweeter by far\nthan any mouth watering delicacy\,\neven chocolate dipped strawberries with cream! \nBut that’s not all!\nYour Word\, O LORD\, keeps me out of danger\,\nand following it pays off richly. \nCan anyone put their finger on all their own faults?\nLORD\, eradicate the bugs I haven’t even identified yet. \nRemind me not to entertain sour contemptuous thoughts\,\nand don’t let them start pulling my strings.\nWithout them\, I can stay on course\,\nand keep my record clean. \nThat’s what I want\, O LORD.\nI want all the things I say\,\nand all the things I mull over in my heart\,\nto be things I’d be proud to offer to you\,\nfor you are the bedrock of my life;\nthe one who puts me back where I belong. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Wisdom of Solomon 7:26 - 8:1			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The Spirit of Wisdom is like a polished mirror\,\nreflecting bright light onto everything God is and does.\nIn her we see a crystal clear image of God’s goodness. \nAlthough there is only one of her\,\nthere is no limit to what she can do.\nWithout needing to change\, she is always fresh\,\nand she renews and refreshes everything she touches. \nAgelessly passing from one generation to the next\,\nshe embraces those who dedicate themselves to God.\nMaking a home in their hearts\,\nshe nurtures their friendship with God. \nShe enables them to pass on God’s word to others\,\nfor God’s greatest delight is in those\nwho are at home with wisdom. \nThe beauty of Wisdom outshines the sun\,\nand the stars in the sky look pale by comparison. \nShe is more illuminating than light itself\,\nbecause light is regularly subdued by the dark of night\,\nbut there is no evil that can ever get the better of Wisdom. \nShe stretches out her arms and embraces the whole earth.\nShe uses her strength to set everything right for the benefit of all. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  James 3: 1-12			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Sisters and brothers\, don’t all go rushing off to set yourselves up as teachers. In the final evaluation\, the required performance indicators will be much tougher for those of us who are teachers. None of us measure up perfectly. We all make mistakes\, both in what we say and what we do. If you never got anything you said wrong\, you’d be perfect\, you’d have your whole life completely under control. It only takes a leash to keep a dog under control. A captain can control a huge ocean liner by turning one little rudder. In the same way\, the tongue has an impact out of all proportion to its size. One little word can make a world of difference — for good or for bad! \nOne careless spark can start a bushfire that will rage out of control from here to the border. One careless word can be just as explosive. The tip of your tongue carries a destructive payload. One word dropped in the wrong place and all hell breaks loose — inflaming hostilities\, blackening reputations\, incinerating trust. Before you know it\, your whole life is a smouldering ruin. People manage to tame all kinds of animals — wild horses\, eagles\, even crocodiles — but the tongue can never be broken in. It is like a coiled snake\, unpredictable and deadly. \nBlessings and curses can come out of the same mouth. One minute we are pouring out praise to the God who conceived us\, and the next minute we are spitting out venom at someone made in God’s own image. Brothers and sisters\, it’s not right. If we couldn’t turn on a tap without knowing whether we were going to get fresh water or sewerage\, we’d never put up with it. You don’t go to an apple tree and find lemons\, do you? And you don’t go to lemon tree looking for strawberries. If you’re an infested swamp\, it’s no use anyone coming to you looking for fresh clean water. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 8: 27-38			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus and his followers made a trip out to the villages in the district of Caesarea Philippi. As they talked on the way\, Jesus asked them\, “What do people make of me?” \n“Some say you are John the baptiser\,” they reported. “Others reckon you are Elijah or some other prophet from the past.” \n“Well\, what about you?” he asked them. “Who do you think I am?” \nIt was Peter who spoke up. “You are the messiah – God’s anointed one.” \nJesus warned them to keep that opinion to themselves and not to breathe a word of it to anyone. \nThen he began to fill them in on what was going to happen to him. “The New Human is going to be put through the wringer. He’ll be done over by the politicians\, the priests and the religious lawyers. They’ll have him executed\, but after three days he’ll rise to life.” \nHe didn’t beat about the bush on this – he spelt it out as clear as you like. But Peter would have none of it. He pulled Jesus aside and gave him a piece of his mind. Recognising that his followers were losing the plot\, Jesus made an example of Peter\, saying\, “Get out of my face\, you satan! You’ve got no idea what God is on about. You’re just pursuing the same things as everyone else.” \nThen he called everyone to gather round – his followers and the whole crowd – and he said to them\, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to hand over the keys\, sign their own death warrant\, and then do as I do. If you try to hold on to control of your life you’ll end up losing the lot. But if you let go\, even if you pay the ultimate price for your commitment to me and to our message\, you’ll gain real life. What’s the point of getting control of the whole world if getting it kills you. There’s no trade-in on a burned out soul. There are some who find it embarrassing to be associated with me and with what I’m on about\, when they’re hanging around with their deceitful and easily distracted peers. If they don’t sort themselves out\, they’ll find that when the New Human arrives\, full of the glory of God and surrounded by the angels\, he’ll be too embarrassed to associate with them.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Isaiah 50: 4-9a			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The LORD God has given me the gift of the gab\nso that my words can teach others\nand put a spring in the step of the weary. \nAs I wake up each new day\,\nGod makes me hungry for learning.\nThe LORD cleaned out my ears\nso that I could hear every word.\nI learned eagerly;\nI never rebelled or quit. \nI was opposed by others\,\nbut I gritted my teeth and stood my ground.\nI looked them in the eye\nwhen they insulted me and spat in my face.\nI took it on the chin and did not fight back\,\nwhen they gave me a belting and tore out my hair. \nThe Lord GOD is always there for me\,\nso no disgrace ever gets to me.\nI have steeled my jaw and dug in my heels\,\nand I’m sure I’ll never be ashamed of my stand\nbecause I can trust God to back me up. \nSo\, who thinks they can take me on?\nLet them stand up and face me!\nWho are my opponents?\nLet’s see what they’re made of! \nThe Lord GOD is backing me;\nso who is going to accuse me of doing wrong? \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 116: 1-9			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	I love you\, LORD!\nHow could I not love you\nwhen you always respond to my cries? \nYou are always ready to listen to me\,\nso I will bring my needs to you as long as I live. \nOnce death was closing in on me;\nthe grave’s icy fingers had me in their grasp;\nTormented and desperate\, I cried out to you\,\n“Please\, LORD. Help me! Save my life!” \nYou are so generous\, LORD;\nyou do the right thing by us\nwhether we deserve it or not. \nYou side with the nobodies\,\nand you bailed me out\,\nwhen I hit rock-bottom. \nI can let go of my fears and calm my mind;\nyour goodness and love keep me safe. \nYou saved my life\, LORD;\nyou dried my tears;\nyou supported me when I stumbled. \nI can stand before you with my head held high;\nI’m back on my feet in the land of the living. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor yours is the eternal Spirit of Wisdom\nwho renews everything and gives life to all. \nThe heavens and earth are your handiwork\,\nand you have made all people in your own likeness.\nThrough the law and prophets you revealed your wisdom\,\nand all who listen are safe in your care. \nWhen we refused your counsel\nand failed to offer you our respect\,\nyou came to us in your anointed one\, Jesus\,\nto be our rock and our redeemer.\nTaking up the cross\nand suffering rejection as one of us\,\nhe was killed and cast into the pit of hell.\nBut after three days\, you raised him to life\,\nlighting a fire of renewal that will never go out\,\nand he now calls us to take up the cross\nand follow him on the road to resurrection. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your anointed one\, Jesus\,\nwho suffered rejection as one of us\,\nand who now lights a fire of renewal that will never go out\,\nas he calls us to take up the cross\nand follow him on the road to resurrection. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor yours is the eternal Spirit of Wisdom\nwho renews everything and gives life to all. \nThe heavens and earth are your handiwork\,\nand you have made all people in your own likeness.\nThrough the law and prophets you revealed your wisdom\,\nand all who listen are safe in your care. \nWhen we refused your counsel\nand failed to offer you our respect\,\nyou came to us in your anointed one\, Jesus\,\nto be our rock and our redeemer.\nTaking up the cross\nand suffering rejection as one of us\,\nhe was killed and cast into the pit of hell.\nBut after three days\, you raised him to life\,\nlighting a fire of renewal that will never go out\,\nand he now calls us to take up the cross\nand follow him on the road to resurrection. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	No one knows all their faults\nand none of us have brought sin under complete control.\nBut Christ is not ashamed to identify with us.\nIn his own suffering love\, he offers us his life. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out with your minds set on the things of God.\nTake up your cross and follow Jesus.\nSee to it that the words of your mouths\nand the thoughts of your hearts\nare acceptable to God and enlightening to all. \nAnd may God make the holy Word known to you;\nMay Christ Jesus lead you in the ways of sacrificial love;\nand may the Holy Spirit set you ablaze with divine wisdom. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nBeing Part of the SolutionA sermon on Mark 8:27-38 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThat’s not a cross!A sermon on Mark 8:27-38 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWisdom for a time of madnessA sermon on Proverbs 1.20-33; Psalm 19; James 3.1-12; Mark 8.27-38 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nHoly GossipA sermon on James 3:1-12 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nA Matter of IntegrityA sermon on Mark 8: 27-38 & James 3: 1-12 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWho do you say that I am?A sermon on Mark 8:27-38 by Adam Couchman\n\n\n\nWisdom CallsA sermon on Proverbs 1.20-33 & Mark 8: 27-38 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp19/2027-09-12/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/P19.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20270914T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20270914T235900
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20220829T022014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251005T044939Z
UID:10001889-1820880000-1820966340@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:The Feast of the Holy Cross
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Numbers 21: 4b-9			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	As they travelled\, the people began losing the plot and mouthing off against God and Moses. They were whinging\, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt if we are just going to die out here in the desert? There is no food. There is no water. And we can’t stand this lousy stuff we’ve got to eat.” \nAt that\, the LORD let loose some dangerous snakes among the people. The snakes had a fiery venom and many people were bitten and died. The people came to Moses and pleaded with him\, saying\, “We were wrong to mouth off against the LORD and against you. Please ask the LORD to get rid of the poisonous snakes that are plaguing us.” \nSo Moses prayed for the the people\, and the LORD spoke to him\, saying\, “Make a statue of a poisonous snake\, and set it up on a pole where the people can see it. Whenever anyone is bitten\, they are to look at the statue of the snake\, and they will survive.” \nSo Moses made a snake out of bronze\, and set it up on a pole. Whenever anyone was bitten by one of the snakes with the fiery venom\, they would fix their gaze on the bronze snake\, and they would live. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 98: 1-5			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We sing like we’ve never sung before\, LORD\,\nbecause you have done fantastic things.\nWith your sleeves rolled up you got stuck in\nand came out on top. \nYour victory has made the headlines\, LORD\,\nnow the whole world can see that you were right all along. \nYou have never defaulted on your rock-solid love\,\nor your loyalty to your chosen people.\nFrom one end of the earth to the other\,\neveryone has seen your victory. \nWith all the world\, LORD\, we raise a noisy celebration\,\nsinging our lungs out and shouting your praise. \nThe bands strike up in your honour\, LORD\,\nfilling the air with festive music. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Psalm 78: 1-2\, 34-38 (Alternative Psalm)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We are keen to learn of you\, LORD;\nyour people are eager to hear what you have to say. \nWe listen to those who pass on the old stories;\nthe dark mysteries of ancient wisdom. \nWhen your anger cut down our ancestors\, they sought your mercy;\nthey pleaded with you and promised to mend their ways. \nThey remembered that you are as solid as rock;\nthat you are the greatest; the one who puts things right. \nBut they were all words and no action\,\ntrying to pull the wool over your eyes with sweet talk. \nThey were fickle and two-faced;\nthey did not stick to the terms of their alliance with you. \nAnd yet you remained compassionate;\nyou continued to let them off the hook\nand refrained from wiping them out.\nOver and over you swallowed your anger\nand chose not to let your fury have its day. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 Corinthians 1: 18-24			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The message about the cross sounds like a lot of mindless cock-and-bull to those who have thrown their lot in with this present world order and are going down with the ship. But to those of us who are being saved from that\, it is nothing less than the power of God! God spoke about this in the Scriptures: \n“I will expose the brilliant insights of your experts\nand the wise counsel of your gurus;\nI will expose them for what they really are\,\na load of codswallop!” \nSo where are the intellectuals now? Where are the religious experts? Where are those who have an answer for everything? What have they got to show for all their cleverness now that God has turned all the conventional wisdom on its head and made it look foolish? Seeing that no amount of human cleverness had ever woken anybody up to God’s ways\, God made the wise decision to use something that seemed utterly foolish to everyone — our preaching! — to rescue those who would trust the message. Most people want something more than this. Those with a religious world view demand to see miraculous signs to prove that it is from God. Those with a modern rational world view insist that it should have to prove its intellectual credibility. But what we are preaching is a Messiah who was strung up and killed. The religious people find this unthinkable\, and the intellectuals regard it as primitive nonsense; but to those who have heard the call of God\, whatever their background\, it is the ultimate good news of God’s chosen one — as miraculous and profound as one could ever wish for! \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 3: 13-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus said: \n“No one has ever gone up and stood face to face with God. The only one who has done that is the New Human\, the one who came from God in the first place. You know the old story from the desert: the one about Moses lifting up the hand-made snake so that the people could look at something that would help them to focus their trust in God. Well\, the New Human is going to be lifted up for much the same reason. Everyone who looks up to him in trust and hope will receive life without limit. \n“God’s love for the world is so overwhelming that even giving up his own son was not too great a cost to ensure that no one need succumb to death. All those who put their trust in him can have boundless life instead. \n“God didn’t put his son’s life on the line merely to bring down the hammer and pass sentence on us. Rather\, God saw the world in desperate trouble and sent the Son on a cosmic rescue mission.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton Laughingbird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nEating from the Tree of LifeA sermon for the Feast of Holy Cross by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/abc46/2027-09-14/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/46.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20270914T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20270914T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20220829T022014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000526Z
UID:10002722-1820880000-1820966399@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:The Feast of the Holy Cross
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Numbers 21: 4b-9			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	As they travelled\, the people began losing the plot and mouthing off against God and Moses. They were whinging\, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt if we are just going to die out here in the desert? There is no food. There is no water. And we can’t stand this lousy stuff we’ve got to eat.” \nAt that\, the LORD let loose some dangerous snakes among the people. The snakes had a fiery venom and many people were bitten and died. The people came to Moses and pleaded with him\, saying\, “We were wrong to mouth off against the LORD and against you. Please ask the LORD to get rid of the poisonous snakes that are plaguing us.” \nSo Moses prayed for the the people\, and the LORD spoke to him\, saying\, “Make a statue of a poisonous snake\, and set it up on a pole where the people can see it. Whenever anyone is bitten\, they are to look at the statue of the snake\, and they will survive.” \nSo Moses made a snake out of bronze\, and set it up on a pole. Whenever anyone was bitten by one of the snakes with the fiery venom\, they would fix their gaze on the bronze snake\, and they would live. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 98: 1-5			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We sing like we’ve never sung before\, LORD\,\nbecause you have done fantastic things.\nWith your sleeves rolled up you got stuck in\nand came out on top. \nYour victory has made the headlines\, LORD\,\nnow the whole world can see that you were right all along. \nYou have never defaulted on your rock-solid love\,\nor your loyalty to your chosen people.\nFrom one end of the earth to the other\,\neveryone has seen your victory. \nWith all the world\, LORD\, we raise a noisy celebration\,\nsinging our lungs out and shouting your praise. \nThe bands strike up in your honour\, LORD\,\nfilling the air with festive music. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Psalm 78: 1-2\, 34-38 (Alternative Psalm)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We are keen to learn of you\, LORD;\nyour people are eager to hear what you have to say. \nWe listen to those who pass on the old stories;\nthe dark mysteries of ancient wisdom. \nWhen your anger cut down our ancestors\, they sought your mercy;\nthey pleaded with you and promised to mend their ways. \nThey remembered that you are as solid as rock;\nthat you are the greatest; the one who puts things right. \nBut they were all words and no action\,\ntrying to pull the wool over your eyes with sweet talk. \nThey were fickle and two-faced;\nthey did not stick to the terms of their alliance with you. \nAnd yet you remained compassionate;\nyou continued to let them off the hook\nand refrained from wiping them out.\nOver and over you swallowed your anger\nand chose not to let your fury have its day. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 Corinthians 1: 18-24			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The message about the cross sounds like a lot of mindless cock-and-bull to those who have thrown their lot in with this present world order and are going down with the ship. But to those of us who are being saved from that\, it is nothing less than the power of God! God spoke about this in the Scriptures: \n“I will expose the brilliant insights of your experts\nand the wise counsel of your gurus;\nI will expose them for what they really are\,\na load of codswallop!” \nSo where are the intellectuals now? Where are the religious experts? Where are those who have an answer for everything? What have they got to show for all their cleverness now that God has turned all the conventional wisdom on its head and made it look foolish? Seeing that no amount of human cleverness had ever woken anybody up to God’s ways\, God made the wise decision to use something that seemed utterly foolish to everyone — our preaching! — to rescue those who would trust the message. Most people want something more than this. Those with a religious world view demand to see miraculous signs to prove that it is from God. Those with a modern rational world view insist that it should have to prove its intellectual credibility. But what we are preaching is a Messiah who was strung up and killed. The religious people find this unthinkable\, and the intellectuals regard it as primitive nonsense; but to those who have heard the call of God\, whatever their background\, it is the ultimate good news of God’s chosen one — as miraculous and profound as one could ever wish for! \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 3: 13-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus said: \n“No one has ever gone up and stood face to face with God. The only one who has done that is the New Human\, the one who came from God in the first place. You know the old story from the desert: the one about Moses lifting up the hand-made snake so that the people could look at something that would help them to focus their trust in God. Well\, the New Human is going to be lifted up for much the same reason. Everyone who looks up to him in trust and hope will receive life without limit. \n“God’s love for the world is so overwhelming that even giving up his own son was not too great a cost to ensure that no one need succumb to death. All those who put their trust in him can have boundless life instead. \n“God didn’t put his son’s life on the line merely to bring down the hammer and pass sentence on us. Rather\, God saw the world in desperate trouble and sent the Son on a cosmic rescue mission.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton Laughingbird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nEating from the Tree of LifeA sermon for the Feast of Holy Cross by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/abc46/2027-09-14/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/46.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20270914T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20270914T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20220829T022014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000526Z
UID:10002715-1820880000-1820966399@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:The Feast of the Holy Cross
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Numbers 21: 4b-9			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	As they travelled\, the people began losing the plot and mouthing off against God and Moses. They were whinging\, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt if we are just going to die out here in the desert? There is no food. There is no water. And we can’t stand this lousy stuff we’ve got to eat.” \nAt that\, the LORD let loose some dangerous snakes among the people. The snakes had a fiery venom and many people were bitten and died. The people came to Moses and pleaded with him\, saying\, “We were wrong to mouth off against the LORD and against you. Please ask the LORD to get rid of the poisonous snakes that are plaguing us.” \nSo Moses prayed for the the people\, and the LORD spoke to him\, saying\, “Make a statue of a poisonous snake\, and set it up on a pole where the people can see it. Whenever anyone is bitten\, they are to look at the statue of the snake\, and they will survive.” \nSo Moses made a snake out of bronze\, and set it up on a pole. Whenever anyone was bitten by one of the snakes with the fiery venom\, they would fix their gaze on the bronze snake\, and they would live. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 98: 1-5			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We sing like we’ve never sung before\, LORD\,\nbecause you have done fantastic things.\nWith your sleeves rolled up you got stuck in\nand came out on top. \nYour victory has made the headlines\, LORD\,\nnow the whole world can see that you were right all along. \nYou have never defaulted on your rock-solid love\,\nor your loyalty to your chosen people.\nFrom one end of the earth to the other\,\neveryone has seen your victory. \nWith all the world\, LORD\, we raise a noisy celebration\,\nsinging our lungs out and shouting your praise. \nThe bands strike up in your honour\, LORD\,\nfilling the air with festive music. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Psalm 78: 1-2\, 34-38 (Alternative Psalm)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We are keen to learn of you\, LORD;\nyour people are eager to hear what you have to say. \nWe listen to those who pass on the old stories;\nthe dark mysteries of ancient wisdom. \nWhen your anger cut down our ancestors\, they sought your mercy;\nthey pleaded with you and promised to mend their ways. \nThey remembered that you are as solid as rock;\nthat you are the greatest; the one who puts things right. \nBut they were all words and no action\,\ntrying to pull the wool over your eyes with sweet talk. \nThey were fickle and two-faced;\nthey did not stick to the terms of their alliance with you. \nAnd yet you remained compassionate;\nyou continued to let them off the hook\nand refrained from wiping them out.\nOver and over you swallowed your anger\nand chose not to let your fury have its day. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 Corinthians 1: 18-24			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The message about the cross sounds like a lot of mindless cock-and-bull to those who have thrown their lot in with this present world order and are going down with the ship. But to those of us who are being saved from that\, it is nothing less than the power of God! God spoke about this in the Scriptures: \n“I will expose the brilliant insights of your experts\nand the wise counsel of your gurus;\nI will expose them for what they really are\,\na load of codswallop!” \nSo where are the intellectuals now? Where are the religious experts? Where are those who have an answer for everything? What have they got to show for all their cleverness now that God has turned all the conventional wisdom on its head and made it look foolish? Seeing that no amount of human cleverness had ever woken anybody up to God’s ways\, God made the wise decision to use something that seemed utterly foolish to everyone — our preaching! — to rescue those who would trust the message. Most people want something more than this. Those with a religious world view demand to see miraculous signs to prove that it is from God. Those with a modern rational world view insist that it should have to prove its intellectual credibility. But what we are preaching is a Messiah who was strung up and killed. The religious people find this unthinkable\, and the intellectuals regard it as primitive nonsense; but to those who have heard the call of God\, whatever their background\, it is the ultimate good news of God’s chosen one — as miraculous and profound as one could ever wish for! \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 3: 13-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus said: \n“No one has ever gone up and stood face to face with God. The only one who has done that is the New Human\, the one who came from God in the first place. You know the old story from the desert: the one about Moses lifting up the hand-made snake so that the people could look at something that would help them to focus their trust in God. Well\, the New Human is going to be lifted up for much the same reason. Everyone who looks up to him in trust and hope will receive life without limit. \n“God’s love for the world is so overwhelming that even giving up his own son was not too great a cost to ensure that no one need succumb to death. All those who put their trust in him can have boundless life instead. \n“God didn’t put his son’s life on the line merely to bring down the hammer and pass sentence on us. Rather\, God saw the world in desperate trouble and sent the Son on a cosmic rescue mission.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton Laughingbird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nEating from the Tree of LifeA sermon for the Feast of Holy Cross by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/abc46/2027-09-14/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/46.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20270914T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20270914T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20220829T022014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000526Z
UID:10002710-1820880000-1820966399@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:The Feast of the Holy Cross
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Numbers 21: 4b-9			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	As they travelled\, the people began losing the plot and mouthing off against God and Moses. They were whinging\, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt if we are just going to die out here in the desert? There is no food. There is no water. And we can’t stand this lousy stuff we’ve got to eat.” \nAt that\, the LORD let loose some dangerous snakes among the people. The snakes had a fiery venom and many people were bitten and died. The people came to Moses and pleaded with him\, saying\, “We were wrong to mouth off against the LORD and against you. Please ask the LORD to get rid of the poisonous snakes that are plaguing us.” \nSo Moses prayed for the the people\, and the LORD spoke to him\, saying\, “Make a statue of a poisonous snake\, and set it up on a pole where the people can see it. Whenever anyone is bitten\, they are to look at the statue of the snake\, and they will survive.” \nSo Moses made a snake out of bronze\, and set it up on a pole. Whenever anyone was bitten by one of the snakes with the fiery venom\, they would fix their gaze on the bronze snake\, and they would live. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 98: 1-5			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We sing like we’ve never sung before\, LORD\,\nbecause you have done fantastic things.\nWith your sleeves rolled up you got stuck in\nand came out on top. \nYour victory has made the headlines\, LORD\,\nnow the whole world can see that you were right all along. \nYou have never defaulted on your rock-solid love\,\nor your loyalty to your chosen people.\nFrom one end of the earth to the other\,\neveryone has seen your victory. \nWith all the world\, LORD\, we raise a noisy celebration\,\nsinging our lungs out and shouting your praise. \nThe bands strike up in your honour\, LORD\,\nfilling the air with festive music. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Psalm 78: 1-2\, 34-38 (Alternative Psalm)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We are keen to learn of you\, LORD;\nyour people are eager to hear what you have to say. \nWe listen to those who pass on the old stories;\nthe dark mysteries of ancient wisdom. \nWhen your anger cut down our ancestors\, they sought your mercy;\nthey pleaded with you and promised to mend their ways. \nThey remembered that you are as solid as rock;\nthat you are the greatest; the one who puts things right. \nBut they were all words and no action\,\ntrying to pull the wool over your eyes with sweet talk. \nThey were fickle and two-faced;\nthey did not stick to the terms of their alliance with you. \nAnd yet you remained compassionate;\nyou continued to let them off the hook\nand refrained from wiping them out.\nOver and over you swallowed your anger\nand chose not to let your fury have its day. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 Corinthians 1: 18-24			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The message about the cross sounds like a lot of mindless cock-and-bull to those who have thrown their lot in with this present world order and are going down with the ship. But to those of us who are being saved from that\, it is nothing less than the power of God! God spoke about this in the Scriptures: \n“I will expose the brilliant insights of your experts\nand the wise counsel of your gurus;\nI will expose them for what they really are\,\na load of codswallop!” \nSo where are the intellectuals now? Where are the religious experts? Where are those who have an answer for everything? What have they got to show for all their cleverness now that God has turned all the conventional wisdom on its head and made it look foolish? Seeing that no amount of human cleverness had ever woken anybody up to God’s ways\, God made the wise decision to use something that seemed utterly foolish to everyone — our preaching! — to rescue those who would trust the message. Most people want something more than this. Those with a religious world view demand to see miraculous signs to prove that it is from God. Those with a modern rational world view insist that it should have to prove its intellectual credibility. But what we are preaching is a Messiah who was strung up and killed. The religious people find this unthinkable\, and the intellectuals regard it as primitive nonsense; but to those who have heard the call of God\, whatever their background\, it is the ultimate good news of God’s chosen one — as miraculous and profound as one could ever wish for! \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 3: 13-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus said: \n“No one has ever gone up and stood face to face with God. The only one who has done that is the New Human\, the one who came from God in the first place. You know the old story from the desert: the one about Moses lifting up the hand-made snake so that the people could look at something that would help them to focus their trust in God. Well\, the New Human is going to be lifted up for much the same reason. Everyone who looks up to him in trust and hope will receive life without limit. \n“God’s love for the world is so overwhelming that even giving up his own son was not too great a cost to ensure that no one need succumb to death. All those who put their trust in him can have boundless life instead. \n“God didn’t put his son’s life on the line merely to bring down the hammer and pass sentence on us. Rather\, God saw the world in desperate trouble and sent the Son on a cosmic rescue mission.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton Laughingbird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nEating from the Tree of LifeA sermon for the Feast of Holy Cross by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/abc46/2027-09-14/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/46.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20270914T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20270914T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20220829T022014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000526Z
UID:10002719-1820880000-1820966399@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:The Feast of the Holy Cross
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Numbers 21: 4b-9			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	As they travelled\, the people began losing the plot and mouthing off against God and Moses. They were whinging\, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt if we are just going to die out here in the desert? There is no food. There is no water. And we can’t stand this lousy stuff we’ve got to eat.” \nAt that\, the LORD let loose some dangerous snakes among the people. The snakes had a fiery venom and many people were bitten and died. The people came to Moses and pleaded with him\, saying\, “We were wrong to mouth off against the LORD and against you. Please ask the LORD to get rid of the poisonous snakes that are plaguing us.” \nSo Moses prayed for the the people\, and the LORD spoke to him\, saying\, “Make a statue of a poisonous snake\, and set it up on a pole where the people can see it. Whenever anyone is bitten\, they are to look at the statue of the snake\, and they will survive.” \nSo Moses made a snake out of bronze\, and set it up on a pole. Whenever anyone was bitten by one of the snakes with the fiery venom\, they would fix their gaze on the bronze snake\, and they would live. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 98: 1-5			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We sing like we’ve never sung before\, LORD\,\nbecause you have done fantastic things.\nWith your sleeves rolled up you got stuck in\nand came out on top. \nYour victory has made the headlines\, LORD\,\nnow the whole world can see that you were right all along. \nYou have never defaulted on your rock-solid love\,\nor your loyalty to your chosen people.\nFrom one end of the earth to the other\,\neveryone has seen your victory. \nWith all the world\, LORD\, we raise a noisy celebration\,\nsinging our lungs out and shouting your praise. \nThe bands strike up in your honour\, LORD\,\nfilling the air with festive music. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Psalm 78: 1-2\, 34-38 (Alternative Psalm)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We are keen to learn of you\, LORD;\nyour people are eager to hear what you have to say. \nWe listen to those who pass on the old stories;\nthe dark mysteries of ancient wisdom. \nWhen your anger cut down our ancestors\, they sought your mercy;\nthey pleaded with you and promised to mend their ways. \nThey remembered that you are as solid as rock;\nthat you are the greatest; the one who puts things right. \nBut they were all words and no action\,\ntrying to pull the wool over your eyes with sweet talk. \nThey were fickle and two-faced;\nthey did not stick to the terms of their alliance with you. \nAnd yet you remained compassionate;\nyou continued to let them off the hook\nand refrained from wiping them out.\nOver and over you swallowed your anger\nand chose not to let your fury have its day. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  1 Corinthians 1: 18-24			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The message about the cross sounds like a lot of mindless cock-and-bull to those who have thrown their lot in with this present world order and are going down with the ship. But to those of us who are being saved from that\, it is nothing less than the power of God! God spoke about this in the Scriptures: \n“I will expose the brilliant insights of your experts\nand the wise counsel of your gurus;\nI will expose them for what they really are\,\na load of codswallop!” \nSo where are the intellectuals now? Where are the religious experts? Where are those who have an answer for everything? What have they got to show for all their cleverness now that God has turned all the conventional wisdom on its head and made it look foolish? Seeing that no amount of human cleverness had ever woken anybody up to God’s ways\, God made the wise decision to use something that seemed utterly foolish to everyone — our preaching! — to rescue those who would trust the message. Most people want something more than this. Those with a religious world view demand to see miraculous signs to prove that it is from God. Those with a modern rational world view insist that it should have to prove its intellectual credibility. But what we are preaching is a Messiah who was strung up and killed. The religious people find this unthinkable\, and the intellectuals regard it as primitive nonsense; but to those who have heard the call of God\, whatever their background\, it is the ultimate good news of God’s chosen one — as miraculous and profound as one could ever wish for! \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  John 3: 13-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus said: \n“No one has ever gone up and stood face to face with God. The only one who has done that is the New Human\, the one who came from God in the first place. You know the old story from the desert: the one about Moses lifting up the hand-made snake so that the people could look at something that would help them to focus their trust in God. Well\, the New Human is going to be lifted up for much the same reason. Everyone who looks up to him in trust and hope will receive life without limit. \n“God’s love for the world is so overwhelming that even giving up his own son was not too great a cost to ensure that no one need succumb to death. All those who put their trust in him can have boundless life instead. \n“God didn’t put his son’s life on the line merely to bring down the hammer and pass sentence on us. Rather\, God saw the world in desperate trouble and sent the Son on a cosmic rescue mission.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton Laughingbird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nEating from the Tree of LifeA sermon for the Feast of Holy Cross by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/abc46/2027-09-14/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/46.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270919T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270919T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200910T034115Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241020T095534Z
UID:10001660-1821312000-1821398399@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 20 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Proverbs 31: 10-31			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	How fortunate is the man who marries a gifted woman;\nHer love is as precious as life itself. \nHe entrusts himself to her\nand she doesn’t let him down. \nGenerous of spirit and never vindictive\,\nshe will be good to him all her life. \nShe is creative and diligent;\nnot afraid to get her hands dirty. \nWith the taste of a seasoned traveller\,\nshe shares her love of varied cuisine. \nShe is up early each morning\,\nseeing that everyone in her household\ngets their day off to a good start. \nShe conducts her business with confidence;\nbuying and selling\, and overseeing production. \nShe dresses appropriately for her work\,\nready to roll up her sleeves and get stuck in. \nShe knows what her labour is worth\,\nand will work late to get the job done. \nShe puts her shoulder to the wheel\nand makes the most of her many skills. \nThe goods she produces are widely sought;\nthey fetch top dollar in the shops. \nShe’s quick to help anyone facing hard times;\na generous friend to those in need. \nShe doesn’t panic when storms hit;\nall her household are well prepared. \nShe doesn’t waste money on appearances\,\nbut presents herself with colour and flair. \nHer strength and dignity are what people notice first\,\nand she approaches the future with joy and enthusiasm. \nShe and her husband are respected about town\,\nand admired for their leadership in the community. \nPeople seek out her opinions and value her wisdom;\nher advice is caring and considerate. \nShe keeps an eye on the interests of all her household\,\nand doesn’t indulge in laziness. \nHer children have nothing but good to say about her\,\nand her husband is always singing her praise:\n“There are some wonderful women in the world\,” he says\,\n“but you are the cream of the crop!” \nCharm can mask the truth\,\nand beauty may be only skin deep.\nThe woman who is worthy of admiration and acclaim\nis the one who knows who she is before God. \nShe deserves full credit for all she has achieved;\nher accomplishments speak for themselves. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 1			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, how good it will be for those\nwho turn a deaf ear to the advocates of greed;\nwho steer clear of corrupt short-cuts;\nand avoid those who sneer at goodness. \nInstead they relish your word\, LORD.\nCalming their minds\,\nthey savour the scriptures day and night. \nYou make them strong and healthy\,\nlike a Redgum tree with its roots deep in a river bank\,\nflowering abundantly every season\,\nand always laden with healthy leaves.\nAll that they do is vibrant with life. \nBut what a different story it is for the wicked;\nthey are about as secure as dry leaves in a cyclone. \nThey will have no defence\nwhen they are brought to justice\,\nand no friends among people of integrity. \nLORD\, you keep a protective eye\non all who walk a straight path of peace and justice\,\nbut nothing will save those who leave that road. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  James 3:13 - 4:3\, 7-8a			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Do any of you rate yourselves highly for wisdom and understanding? Well\, let’s see you live it then. It is the quality of your life that will prove that your actions are the offspring of a wise and gentle spirit. If the things you do reveal that inside you’re always comparing yourself to others and scheming to get one up on them\, then the more you boast about your wisdom\, the more apparent it will be that you are deluded. Any wisdom you might have would clearly not be from God. It would be nothing more than rat-cunning\, deviousness. The devil himself specialises in that sort of wisdom. Whenever people are set on being number one without regard for anyone else\, mayhem and inhuman behaviour follow\, as sure as night follows day. The wisdom that God gives is a very different matter. For starters it is not contaminated by any ulterior motives. It cultivates peace among people\, being gentle and willing to let others get their way. It is so full of the fruits of generosity\, forgiveness and love that it could never find room for even a shred of prejudice or hypocrisy. Those who invest in peace — not just hoping for it but really working for it — will reap rich dividends in a life of wholehearted integrity. \nWhy do you think these vicious conflicts keep erupting among you? Can’t you see that they are detonated by the greedy desires simmering within your hearts. You want something you don’t have and you fuel the hunger until you’re ready to kill for it. You covet something that you know can never be yours\, but you let your craving blaze out of control\, igniting spot fires all over the place. If you really want something\, ask God for it. But you could never do that could you\, because there’d be no way to word the request without exposing the naked selfishness that’s driving you. \nWhat can you do? Let God’s desires have their way with you. Dig in against the devil\, and he’ll be sent packing. Get alongside God\, and God will get alongside you. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 9: 30-37			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus and his group moved on and travelled through Galilee. He was keeping their location secret because the things he was teaching his closest followers were for their ears only. “Soon the New Human will be betrayed\,” he told them\, “and handed over to a hostile mob. They will kill him\, but three days after his murder\, he will rise up\, alive again.” \nHis followers\, however\, could not get their heads around any of this\, but they couldn’t bring themselves to ask him to go over it again. \nThey arrived home in Capernaum and after settling back into the house\, Jesus hit them with a question: “You blokes sounded like you were having a bit of a barney back there on the road. What was it all about?” \nThe silence was deafening! None of them were willing to own up\, because they had been arguing over status – which of them was number one. Jesus sat down and called the twelve to gather round. He said to them\, “Whoever wants to be number one must take a place at the bottom as the servant of everyone else.” \nHe called over a small child\, and right there in the midst of them\, gathered the little one up into his arms and said\, “Anyone who welcomes little tackers like this as though they were gold-medalists is welcoming me. And those who welcome me are not just welcoming me – they are welcoming the One who sent me.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Wisdom of Solomom 1:16 - 2:1\, 12-22			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Those who shun God are getting in to bed with death.\nYou can see it in everything they say and do.\nThey yearn for death like an absent lover.\nThey have signed up to a partnership with death\nbecause they seemed to be made for one another. \nListen to their thinking\, and see how screwed up it is.\nThey say\,\n“Life’s a bitch and then you die.\nHere today and gone tomorrow\, and there is no cure for death.\nDown you go\, and no one ever comes back. \nAnd then they say\,\n“These holier-than-thou do-gooders are such a pain.\nLet’s knock off the next one we see.\nThey are always in our way\,\nstopping us from getting what we want\,\ncalling us sinners and law-breakers\,\nand lecturing us about being a disgrace to our upbringing. \n“They claim to know God\nand they make themselves out to be the Lord’s children. \n“They make everything we think look bad.\nWe’re sick to death of the sight of them\nbecause they are so different from everyone else\nand their way of life gets up our nose. \n“They look down on us\nand avoid our ways like the plague.\nThey reckon that do-gooders will die happy\nand that God will call them his children. \n“Let’s grab the next one we see\nand make an example of him.\nLet’s see if his puffed up words about dying happy\nhold up when put to the test. \n“If this do-gooder is such a child of God\,\nhe can expect God to help him\, can’t he?\nLet’s see if God can rescue him\nwhen we get our hands on him. \n“Let’s see what happens to his patience and gentleness\nwhen we humiliate him\, torture him\,\nand make him fear for his life. \n“Let’s kill him slowly and humiliate him as he dies.\nThen we’ll see whether his ‘divine protection’\nis half as good as he says it is. \nSo that’s how corrupt people think.\nYou can see how how screwed up it is.\nThe lures of evil have sucked them in\,\nand blinded them to everything else. \nThey have never know what God is on about.\nThey have never tasted the fruits of living right.\nThey have never glimpsed the prize in store\nfor those with a clean record. \n©2012 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Jeremiah 11: 18-20			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The first I knew of the plot against me\nwas when the LORD tipped me off about it. \nUntil then I was like a lamb trotting to its fate\,\nknowing neither shearer nor slaughterer.\nIn my blissful ignorance I never guessed\nthat they were plotting my downfall\, saying\, \n“Let’s cut him down in his prime\nand make sure he never breeds.\nLet’s rid the world of him\nand erase all memory that he ever lived!” \nBut you are the LORD who rules over everything.\nYour investigations uncover our motives\nand your judgements get it right every time.\nI have put my case in your hands.\nHit them with everything they deserve! \n©2012 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 54			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Pull rank to save me\, God;\nuse your influence to clear my name.\nHear my prayer\, God;\nlend an ear to what I have to say. \nArrogant mongrels have got me in their sights;\nthey spit in the face of everything decent\nand now they are plotting to kill me. \nLook at them! They couldn’t care less about you\, God! \nBut you are there for me\, God; for sure you are.\nYou\, Lord\, are my bodyguard.\nWhen enemies come\, you’ll turn their evil back on them.\nI know you can be relied on. Finish them off! \nI will offer you my worship and bring my gifts to say thank you.\nI will put your name up in lights\, LORD\, for you are the best.\nYou have bailed me out of every crisis\nand with my own eyes I’ve seen my enemies fail. \n©2012 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor your wisdom and humility\nare the source of true greatness\nand you draw near to all who draw near to you. \nLike a woman planting a garden\,\nyou set out and tended the newborn earth\,\nand like one who sets food before her family\,\nyou nourished us with the fruits of the earth\nand the wise teachings of your Word. \nIn every age you have revealed your wisdom\nto the humble and insignificant ones\nand hidden it from the arrogant and violent.\nIn your Son\, Jesus\, you showed us\nthat true greatness is known in servanthood\,\nand that the way of wisdom is found in childlike simplicity.\nBetrayed into hostile hands and killed\,\nhe rose again and called us to follow him\,\nputting aside selfish ambitions\nand walking in the ways of peace\, mercy and humility. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nthrough whom you showed us\nthat true greatness is known in servanthood\,\nand that the way of wisdom is found in childlike simplicity\,\nputting aside selfish ambitions\nand walking in the ways of peace\, mercy and humility. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor your wisdom and humility\nare the source of true greatness\nand you draw near to all who draw near to you. \nLike a woman planting a garden\,\nyou set out and tended the newborn earth\,\nand like one who sets food before her family\,\nyou nourished us with the fruits of the earth\nand the wise teachings of your Word. \nIn every age you have revealed your wisdom\nto the humble and insignificant ones\nand hidden it from the arrogant and violent.\nIn your Son\, Jesus\, you showed us\nthat true greatness is known in servanthood\,\nand that the way of wisdom is found in childlike simplicity.\nBetrayed into hostile hands and killed\,\nhe rose again and called us to follow him\,\nputting aside selfish ambitions\nand walking in the ways of peace\, mercy and humility. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Resist the devil\, and he will flee from you.\nDraw near to God\nand submit yourselves to God’s ways\nand God will draw near to you in mercy. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, clothed in strength and dignity.\nSubmit yourselves to God and resist the devil.\nDelight in the Lord’s teaching\,\nopen your hands to the poor\,\nand let your actions arise from the wisdom of God. \nAnd may God draw near to you and strengthen you;\nMay Christ Jesus teach you the ways of simplicity;\nand may the Holy Spirit fill you with wisdom\n    and make your fruitful in peace and righteousness. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nGetting Put in your PlaceA sermon on Mark 9:30-37 & James 3:13-4:8 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWinning\, Losing and Child’s PlayA sermon on Mark 9:30-37 & James 3:13-4:8 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Kingdom as Kids’ StuffA sermon on Mark 9:30-37 & James 3:13-4:8 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nSnapshots of WisdomA sermon on Psalm 1; Mark 9:30-37; James 3:13 – 4:3\, 4:7-8a; & Proverbs 31:10-31 by Léon van Ommen\n\n\n\nMissing the PointA sermon on Mark 9:30-37 & James 3:13-4:8 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp20/2027-09-19/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/P20.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270919T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270919T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200910T034115Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000534Z
UID:10002781-1821312000-1821398399@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 20 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Proverbs 31: 10-31			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	How fortunate is the man who marries a gifted woman;\nHer love is as precious as life itself. \nHe entrusts himself to her\nand she doesn’t let him down. \nGenerous of spirit and never vindictive\,\nshe will be good to him all her life. \nShe is creative and diligent;\nnot afraid to get her hands dirty. \nWith the taste of a seasoned traveller\,\nshe shares her love of varied cuisine. \nShe is up early each morning\,\nseeing that everyone in her household\ngets their day off to a good start. \nShe conducts her business with confidence;\nbuying and selling\, and overseeing production. \nShe dresses appropriately for her work\,\nready to roll up her sleeves and get stuck in. \nShe knows what her labour is worth\,\nand will work late to get the job done. \nShe puts her shoulder to the wheel\nand makes the most of her many skills. \nThe goods she produces are widely sought;\nthey fetch top dollar in the shops. \nShe’s quick to help anyone facing hard times;\na generous friend to those in need. \nShe doesn’t panic when storms hit;\nall her household are well prepared. \nShe doesn’t waste money on appearances\,\nbut presents herself with colour and flair. \nHer strength and dignity are what people notice first\,\nand she approaches the future with joy and enthusiasm. \nShe and her husband are respected about town\,\nand admired for their leadership in the community. \nPeople seek out her opinions and value her wisdom;\nher advice is caring and considerate. \nShe keeps an eye on the interests of all her household\,\nand doesn’t indulge in laziness. \nHer children have nothing but good to say about her\,\nand her husband is always singing her praise:\n“There are some wonderful women in the world\,” he says\,\n“but you are the cream of the crop!” \nCharm can mask the truth\,\nand beauty may be only skin deep.\nThe woman who is worthy of admiration and acclaim\nis the one who knows who she is before God. \nShe deserves full credit for all she has achieved;\nher accomplishments speak for themselves. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 1			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, how good it will be for those\nwho turn a deaf ear to the advocates of greed;\nwho steer clear of corrupt short-cuts;\nand avoid those who sneer at goodness. \nInstead they relish your word\, LORD.\nCalming their minds\,\nthey savour the scriptures day and night. \nYou make them strong and healthy\,\nlike a Redgum tree with its roots deep in a river bank\,\nflowering abundantly every season\,\nand always laden with healthy leaves.\nAll that they do is vibrant with life. \nBut what a different story it is for the wicked;\nthey are about as secure as dry leaves in a cyclone. \nThey will have no defence\nwhen they are brought to justice\,\nand no friends among people of integrity. \nLORD\, you keep a protective eye\non all who walk a straight path of peace and justice\,\nbut nothing will save those who leave that road. \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  James 3:13 - 4:3\, 7-8a			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Do any of you rate yourselves highly for wisdom and understanding? Well\, let’s see you live it then. It is the quality of your life that will prove that your actions are the offspring of a wise and gentle spirit. If the things you do reveal that inside you’re always comparing yourself to others and scheming to get one up on them\, then the more you boast about your wisdom\, the more apparent it will be that you are deluded. Any wisdom you might have would clearly not be from God. It would be nothing more than rat-cunning\, deviousness. The devil himself specialises in that sort of wisdom. Whenever people are set on being number one without regard for anyone else\, mayhem and inhuman behaviour follow\, as sure as night follows day. The wisdom that God gives is a very different matter. For starters it is not contaminated by any ulterior motives. It cultivates peace among people\, being gentle and willing to let others get their way. It is so full of the fruits of generosity\, forgiveness and love that it could never find room for even a shred of prejudice or hypocrisy. Those who invest in peace — not just hoping for it but really working for it — will reap rich dividends in a life of wholehearted integrity. \nWhy do you think these vicious conflicts keep erupting among you? Can’t you see that they are detonated by the greedy desires simmering within your hearts. You want something you don’t have and you fuel the hunger until you’re ready to kill for it. You covet something that you know can never be yours\, but you let your craving blaze out of control\, igniting spot fires all over the place. If you really want something\, ask God for it. But you could never do that could you\, because there’d be no way to word the request without exposing the naked selfishness that’s driving you. \nWhat can you do? Let God’s desires have their way with you. Dig in against the devil\, and he’ll be sent packing. Get alongside God\, and God will get alongside you. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 9: 30-37			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus and his group moved on and travelled through Galilee. He was keeping their location secret because the things he was teaching his closest followers were for their ears only. “Soon the New Human will be betrayed\,” he told them\, “and handed over to a hostile mob. They will kill him\, but three days after his murder\, he will rise up\, alive again.” \nHis followers\, however\, could not get their heads around any of this\, but they couldn’t bring themselves to ask him to go over it again. \nThey arrived home in Capernaum and after settling back into the house\, Jesus hit them with a question: “You blokes sounded like you were having a bit of a barney back there on the road. What was it all about?” \nThe silence was deafening! None of them were willing to own up\, because they had been arguing over status – which of them was number one. Jesus sat down and called the twelve to gather round. He said to them\, “Whoever wants to be number one must take a place at the bottom as the servant of everyone else.” \nHe called over a small child\, and right there in the midst of them\, gathered the little one up into his arms and said\, “Anyone who welcomes little tackers like this as though they were gold-medalists is welcoming me. And those who welcome me are not just welcoming me – they are welcoming the One who sent me.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Wisdom of Solomom 1:16 - 2:1\, 12-22			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Those who shun God are getting in to bed with death.\nYou can see it in everything they say and do.\nThey yearn for death like an absent lover.\nThey have signed up to a partnership with death\nbecause they seemed to be made for one another. \nListen to their thinking\, and see how screwed up it is.\nThey say\,\n“Life’s a bitch and then you die.\nHere today and gone tomorrow\, and there is no cure for death.\nDown you go\, and no one ever comes back. \nAnd then they say\,\n“These holier-than-thou do-gooders are such a pain.\nLet’s knock off the next one we see.\nThey are always in our way\,\nstopping us from getting what we want\,\ncalling us sinners and law-breakers\,\nand lecturing us about being a disgrace to our upbringing. \n“They claim to know God\nand they make themselves out to be the Lord’s children. \n“They make everything we think look bad.\nWe’re sick to death of the sight of them\nbecause they are so different from everyone else\nand their way of life gets up our nose. \n“They look down on us\nand avoid our ways like the plague.\nThey reckon that do-gooders will die happy\nand that God will call them his children. \n“Let’s grab the next one we see\nand make an example of him.\nLet’s see if his puffed up words about dying happy\nhold up when put to the test. \n“If this do-gooder is such a child of God\,\nhe can expect God to help him\, can’t he?\nLet’s see if God can rescue him\nwhen we get our hands on him. \n“Let’s see what happens to his patience and gentleness\nwhen we humiliate him\, torture him\,\nand make him fear for his life. \n“Let’s kill him slowly and humiliate him as he dies.\nThen we’ll see whether his ‘divine protection’\nis half as good as he says it is. \nSo that’s how corrupt people think.\nYou can see how how screwed up it is.\nThe lures of evil have sucked them in\,\nand blinded them to everything else. \nThey have never know what God is on about.\nThey have never tasted the fruits of living right.\nThey have never glimpsed the prize in store\nfor those with a clean record. \n©2012 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  OR  Jeremiah 11: 18-20			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The first I knew of the plot against me\nwas when the LORD tipped me off about it. \nUntil then I was like a lamb trotting to its fate\,\nknowing neither shearer nor slaughterer.\nIn my blissful ignorance I never guessed\nthat they were plotting my downfall\, saying\, \n“Let’s cut him down in his prime\nand make sure he never breeds.\nLet’s rid the world of him\nand erase all memory that he ever lived!” \nBut you are the LORD who rules over everything.\nYour investigations uncover our motives\nand your judgements get it right every time.\nI have put my case in your hands.\nHit them with everything they deserve! \n©2012 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 54			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Pull rank to save me\, God;\nuse your influence to clear my name.\nHear my prayer\, God;\nlend an ear to what I have to say. \nArrogant mongrels have got me in their sights;\nthey spit in the face of everything decent\nand now they are plotting to kill me. \nLook at them! They couldn’t care less about you\, God! \nBut you are there for me\, God; for sure you are.\nYou\, Lord\, are my bodyguard.\nWhen enemies come\, you’ll turn their evil back on them.\nI know you can be relied on. Finish them off! \nI will offer you my worship and bring my gifts to say thank you.\nI will put your name up in lights\, LORD\, for you are the best.\nYou have bailed me out of every crisis\nand with my own eyes I’ve seen my enemies fail. \n©2012 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor your wisdom and humility\nare the source of true greatness\nand you draw near to all who draw near to you. \nLike a woman planting a garden\,\nyou set out and tended the newborn earth\,\nand like one who sets food before her family\,\nyou nourished us with the fruits of the earth\nand the wise teachings of your Word. \nIn every age you have revealed your wisdom\nto the humble and insignificant ones\nand hidden it from the arrogant and violent.\nIn your Son\, Jesus\, you showed us\nthat true greatness is known in servanthood\,\nand that the way of wisdom is found in childlike simplicity.\nBetrayed into hostile hands and killed\,\nhe rose again and called us to follow him\,\nputting aside selfish ambitions\nand walking in the ways of peace\, mercy and humility. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nthrough whom you showed us\nthat true greatness is known in servanthood\,\nand that the way of wisdom is found in childlike simplicity\,\nputting aside selfish ambitions\nand walking in the ways of peace\, mercy and humility. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor your wisdom and humility\nare the source of true greatness\nand you draw near to all who draw near to you. \nLike a woman planting a garden\,\nyou set out and tended the newborn earth\,\nand like one who sets food before her family\,\nyou nourished us with the fruits of the earth\nand the wise teachings of your Word. \nIn every age you have revealed your wisdom\nto the humble and insignificant ones\nand hidden it from the arrogant and violent.\nIn your Son\, Jesus\, you showed us\nthat true greatness is known in servanthood\,\nand that the way of wisdom is found in childlike simplicity.\nBetrayed into hostile hands and killed\,\nhe rose again and called us to follow him\,\nputting aside selfish ambitions\nand walking in the ways of peace\, mercy and humility. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Resist the devil\, and he will flee from you.\nDraw near to God\nand submit yourselves to God’s ways\nand God will draw near to you in mercy. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out\, clothed in strength and dignity.\nSubmit yourselves to God and resist the devil.\nDelight in the Lord’s teaching\,\nopen your hands to the poor\,\nand let your actions arise from the wisdom of God. \nAnd may God draw near to you and strengthen you;\nMay Christ Jesus teach you the ways of simplicity;\nand may the Holy Spirit fill you with wisdom\n    and make your fruitful in peace and righteousness. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nGetting Put in your PlaceA sermon on Mark 9:30-37 & James 3:13-4:8 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWinning\, Losing and Child’s PlayA sermon on Mark 9:30-37 & James 3:13-4:8 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nThe Kingdom as Kids’ StuffA sermon on Mark 9:30-37 & James 3:13-4:8 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nSnapshots of WisdomA sermon on Psalm 1; Mark 9:30-37; James 3:13 – 4:3\, 4:7-8a; & Proverbs 31:10-31 by Léon van Ommen\n\n\n\nMissing the PointA sermon on Mark 9:30-37 & James 3:13-4:8 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp20/2027-09-19/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/P20.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270926T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270926T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200928T112724Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241027T094424Z
UID:10001662-1821916800-1822003199@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 21 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Esther 7: 1-6\, 9-10; 9: 20-22			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(When Xerxes was King of Persia\, his prime minister\, Haman\, conspired to exterminate the entire Jewish population in a single day. The King’s wife\, Esther\, was Jewish\, and she and her cousin Mordecai set out to thwart Haman’s genocidal plan.) \nQueen Esther put on a special dinner and invited the King and Haman to join her. As they were enjoying the fine wine at the end of the meal\, the King said to Esther\, “You had something you wanted to ask me\, Esther my queen. What is it? I’d be happy to give you whatever you want\, even half my Kingdom if it would make you happy.” \nQueen Esther answered\, “Your Majesty\, if you really love me and you want to do something for me\, you can save my life and the lives of my people. That’s all I ask. A price has been put on our heads\, mine and all my people. The order has been given to wipe us out\, to eradicate us like vermin. We are to be marched off to our deaths\, exterminated. I would have kept my protest to myself if we were only to be sold as slaves – I couldn’t expect a king to be concerned over so small a matter\, but we are about to be massacred!” \nThe King nearly exploded. “Who is responsible for this outrage?” he demanded. “Name names.” \nEsther replied\, “The treacherous enemy is right here\, your Majesty. This murdering mongrel\, Haman!” \nHaman didn’t know where to look. He just froze on the spot between the king and queen\, like a scared rabbit. Then one of the King’s personal servants\, a eunuch named Harbona\, spoke up. “Your Majesty\, if you look out your window you will spot the biggest gallows you have ever seen right outside Haman’s house. He built them to hang Mordecai the Jew – the very same Mordecai who warned you of the plot to assassinate you.” \n“Right\,” said the King. “String Haman up on his own gallows!” \nSo the guards dragged Haman out and hanged him on the gallows he had built to get rid of Mordecai. That satisfied the King’s anger. \nMordecai kept written records of all that had occurred. He sent letters to all the Jewish communities in the empire with the following instructions: \nIn the sixth month of each year\, declare a long weekend on the 14th and 15th. Hold celebrations to remember that these were the days on which we Jews were saved from our persecutors. This month began in fear and grief but it has become a time of joy and celebration. So make these days a festival – throw parties\, eat and drink\, sing and dance\, give presents to one another\, and see that you include the poor in your giving. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 124			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	If you had not sided with us\, LORD\,\nwe all know where we’d have ended up. \nIf we had not had you on our side\nwhen people turned against us\,\nattacking with the fury of a wounded shark\,\nthey would have made mince meat out of us. \nTheir frenzied rage would have dragged us under\,\ntheir lust for blood would have torn us apart.\nThe thrashing waters would have closed over us\,\nhiding the violence\,\nconcealing our fate. \nAll the credit and all the honours go to you\, LORD;\nit was you who saved our flesh\nfrom the teeth of our enemies. \nThanks to you\, we have shaken off their grip\,\nand soared to safety\, as free as a bird.\nTheir savage attack was repelled\,\nand we have escaped unharmed. \nIt is you\, LORD\, the creator of heaven and earth\,\nwho guarantees our safety. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  James 5: 13-20			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Are some of you doing it tough? — well then\, pray. Are some of you on top of the world? — then sing! Sing songs of praise. Are some of you sick? Well\, call up the church leaders and ask them to come and anoint you with oil and pray for you. Take your medication\, but put your trust in the Lord. Faith-filled prayer can make all the difference. The Lord will put you back on your feet\, healed and whole. \nThose who are sick with guilt can do the same and their sins will be forgiven. Get into the practice of confessing your sins honestly to one another and praying for one another. This sort of prayerful openness and honesty will enable you to receive God’s healing. \nWhen people have got their lives in order\, their prayer is a potent force. Take Elijah for example. He was just as human as the next bloke\, but when he prayed hard\, asking God to send a drought\, there was not a drop of rain anywhere for the next three and a half years. Then he prayed again\, asking for rain\, and sure enough\, the clouds opened and the crops began to grow again. \nSisters and brothers\, if one of your number wanders off track and falls away from the truth\, don’t give up on them. No one is beyond hope\, so do your best to bring them back. No matter what sins they might have fallen into\, if you get someone back on track you will have rescued a precious life from disaster. Any number of sins will be forgiven as a result of your loving persistence. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 9: 38-50			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	John\, one of the twelve\, reported to Jesus\, saying\, “Teacher\, we came across a man who was exposing and expelling demonic forces and claiming to be doing it on your behalf. We tried to stop him because he was not a member of our group.” \nJesus wasn’t impressed. “Don’t stop him\,” he said. “If someone acts powerfully for good and gives me the credit\, they’re not going to then turn around and stab me in the back\, are they? Those who are not opposing us are our allies. I’m not kidding when I say that even if all a person does to support us is offer you a drink of water because you are associated with me\, they’ll get the thumbs up from God just like you. \n“On the other hand\, if someone – however insignificant they might seem – is believing in me\, and you put up a road block and turn them back\, you’ll be made to pay for it. You’d have been better off being dumped in the middle of the bay wearing concrete boots. \n“Don’t be hard on others and soft on yourselves. Take the axe to the roots of division within yourselves. If it was just your hand that kept causing trouble\, you could just hack it off! Disabled but embracing life is a whole lot better than having your perfect body sent to hell. If it was just your foot that kept tripping you up\, you could amputate it! Better hobbling into heaven than prancing into the fires of hell! And if hostility was caused by your eye playing tricks on you\, you could just gouge it out. Living the life of God with an eye patch is a whole lot better than having two eyes to feed to the worms in your grave. Eyes aren’t much use when they’re filled with smoke\, and in hell the fires never go out! \n“Don’t flee the refining fire though. It comes to everyone and\, as painful as it is\, it can burn away whatever is contaminating your heart. If you had a cup of salt that was so contaminated that it didn’t even taste salty any more\, what could you do with it? It would be useless. Keep your saltiness at full strength and the peace among you fully flavoured.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Numbers 11: 4-6\, 10-16\, 24-29			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	As the people travelled through the wilderness\, a group of rabble rousers among them began to stir up trouble over the lack of meat to eat. Before long all the Israelites were craving meat and whingeing about it endlessly: \n“What wouldn’t we give for some decent food?! Remember how good the food was back in Egypt: mouth-watering fish\, and a wonderful selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. We ate like kings! But now we are wasting away out here with nothing to eat but manna for breakfast\, lunch and tea.” \nEverywhere he went in the camp\, Moses heard the people standing around their tents whingeing and moaning about it. He was angry and embarrassed that the people under his leadership were causing such offence to God\, so he went and spoke to the LORD saying: \n“Why have you got it in for me? What did I do to deserve being made responsible for these people? They weren’t conceived or born because of anything I did\, so how come you have made it my job to nurse them like babies and carry them on my shoulders like toddlers. It was you\, not me\, who sealed the deal with their ancestors\, promising to give them this land\, so why is it my job to get them there? Where am I supposed to get meat to feed them all and stop them from whingeing to me all day about how hungry they are? The responsibility for these people is more than I can handle. I’m not up to the job. If you can’t treat me any better than this\, just kill me now! Do me a favour and put me out of my misery.” \nSo the LORD said to Moses\, “Gather together seventy of Israel’s most respected and influential tribal elders\, and get them to assemble with you at my Sacred Tent.” \nSo Moses went out and told to the people what the LORD had said. He sent for seventy key tribal elders and had them assemble in a circle around the Sacred Tent while he went inside. The LORD came down\, hidden in cloud\, and spoke with Moses. As they talked\, the LORD touched the seventy elders with the same spirit that was at work in Moses. During the short period of time that the spirit rested on them\, they were all shouting words of prophesy. \nTwo of the seventy elders who Moses had sent for were named Eldad and Medad. They had not made it to the Sacred Tent\, but the spirit touched them just like the others and they began shouting words of prophesy right where they were in the camp. A young man ran and reported this to Moses\, saying “Eldad and Medad are shouting like prophets in the camp!” \nJoshua son of Nun\, who served as right hand man to Moses\, said\, “You can’t let them do that\, Boss. Have them stopped.” \nBut Moses replied\, “Why? Are you worried about protecting my position? I only wish that the LORD would give the same spirit to all the people so that the whole lot of them would become prophets!” \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 19: 7-14			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Your revealed will is right on the mark\, LORD;\nit gives our souls their second wind.\nWhat you says goes\,\nand any fool can wise up by taking note. \nYour instructions are spot on\, LORD;\nanyone who follows them will be glad they did.\nWhat you direct us to do is easy to see\,\nand once seen\, everything become clear. \nRespect for you keeps us true\, LORD\,\nnothing can corrupt it\, now or ever.\nWhat you decide is always accurate;\na fair ruling\, beyond dispute. \nYour Word is worth far more\nthan even diamond encrusted gold!\nIt is sweeter by far\nthan any mouth watering delicacy\,\neven chocolate dipped strawberries with cream! \nBut that’s not all!\nYour Word\, O LORD\, keeps me out of danger\,\nand following it pays off richly. \nCan anyone put their finger on all their own faults?\nLORD\, eradicate the bugs I haven’t even identified yet. \nRemind me not to entertain sour contemptuous thoughts\,\nand don’t let them start pulling my strings.\nWithout them\, I can stay on course\,\nand keep my record clean. \nThat’s what I want\, O LORD.\nI want all the things I say\,\nand all the things I mull over in my heart\,\nto be things I’d be proud to offer to you\,\nfor you are the bedrock of my life;\nthe one who puts me back where I belong. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor in love and mercy you have rescued us\nfrom all that would harm us or lead us to destruction. \nThe earth and sky were created by your hand\,\nand the land brings forth its harvest when you say.\nYou committed yourself in love to your people\,\nand saved them from the teeth of their enemies. \nWhen we wandered into the pathways of death\,\nyou heard our plea for life\nand came to save us in your son\, Jesus Christ.\nConfronting demonic forces\nand offering your healing and forgiveness to all\,\nhe honoured as allies all who took the side of life.\nHe was killed by those who block the paths of the humble\,\nbut you raised him back to life\nand sent your Spirit to fill us with love\, mercy\nand an uncompromising passion for righteousness. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your son\, Jesus Christ.\nwho offered your healing and forgiveness to all\nand honoured as allies all who took the side of life.\nThough him you sent your Spirit to fill us with love\, mercy\nand an uncompromising passion for righteousness. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor in love and mercy you have rescued us\nfrom all that would harm us or lead us to destruction. \nThe earth and sky were created by your hand\,\nand the land brings forth its harvest when you say.\nYou committed yourself in love to your people\,\nand saved them from the teeth of their enemies. \nWhen we wandered into the pathways of death\,\nyou heard our plea for life\nand came to save us in your son\, Jesus Christ.\nConfronting demonic forces\nand offering your healing and forgiveness to all\,\nhe honoured as allies all who took the side of life.\nHe was killed by those who block the paths of the humble\,\nbut you raised him back to life\nand sent your Spirit to fill us with love\, mercy\nand an uncompromising passion for righteousness. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Our confession of sins before one another\nopens us to receive the healing that God offers.\nGod has promised that those who pray in faith\nwill be raised up to new life\nand forgiven for all their sins. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now and celebrate wherever God’s name is honoured.\nWhen suffering comes\, pray in faith.\nIn times of joy\, sing songs of praise.\nPersevere in prayer and action\nto bring the fallen back to the truth. \nAnd may God save you from all that would harm you;\nMay Christ Jesus heal you and raise you up;\nand may the Holy Spirit anoint you\nand give you peace with one another. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nChopping It OffA sermon on Mark 9:38-50 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nSolidarity in Sickness and SufferingA sermon on James 5: 13-20 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nHealing and SinA sermon on James 5: 13-20 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nGetting it Hellishly WrongA sermon on Mark 9:38-50 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nHellfire\, Border Protection\, and Self-MutilationA sermon on Mark 9:38-50 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nFrom Deadly Deliverance to Making PeaceA sermon on Esther 7.1-6\,9\,10; 9.20-22; Psalm 124; James 5.13-20 & Mark 9.38-50 by Harvey Howlett\n\n\n\nDid you hear the one about the Sex-goddess who fought Anti-Semitism?A sermon on the book of Esther & Mark 9:38-50 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp21/2027-09-26/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20271003T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20271003T215959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200929T033835Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241103T043127Z
UID:10001664-1822521600-1822600799@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 22 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Job 1:1; 2: 1-10			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Once long ago\, in the land of Uz\, there was a man named Job who had a deep respect for God. He had a clean record\, always doing the right thing by everybody and having nothing to do with evil. \nOne day in Heaven\, all the beings who watch over the earth gathered to report to the LORD. The Accuser came with them to make his report. The LORD asked the Accuser\, “Where have you been?” \nThe Accuser replied\, “I have been wandering around on the earth\, going wherever I please.” \nThe LORD said to the Accuser\, “Have you checked out the form of my servant Job? No one else can hold a candle to him. His record is spotless. He honours me\, he does the right thing by everyone\, and he stays out of anything corrupt. Even after he was wiped out – his property trashed and his family killed – for no other reason than that you slandered him and persuaded me to allow him to be put to the test\, even then he didn’t miss a beat. He proved himself to be a man of integrity and he continues to trust me.” \nBut the Accuser spoke back to the LORD\, saying\, “Ha! Everyone has their price. You can get anyone to sell out if their life is on the line. Just try it – a direct hit. When his own body is wracked with pain\, he’ll curse you to your face.” \nThe LORD replied\, “Okay\, we’ll see. You can make him suffer as much as you want\, but you’re not allowed to kill him.” \nSo the Accuser headed off immediately and got stuck into Job. Horrific sores and lesions appeared all over Job’s body\, from the top of his head to the tip of his toes\, and the pain was excruciating. Sitting outside on the scrap heap\, he scratched\, and tried every lotion he could get his hands on\, but nothing helped. He was in agony. His wife said to him\, “Are you just going to cop this and let God get away with it? You’re a goner anyway – just curse God and die and get it over with.” \nBut Job said to her\, “You’re talking through your hat\, woman. If we are going to welcome all the good things that God gives us\, we’ve got to take the bad with the good. We can’t spit the dummy the moment trouble arrives.” \nDespite everything that had happened to him\, Job didn’t speak a word against God. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 26			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Clear my name\, LORD.\nI’ve been true to my word;\nI’ve staked everything on you and stood my ground. \nCheck me out thoroughly\, LORD;\nweigh up my every thought and desire. \nI keep myself focussed on your rock-solid love\,\nand I stay in step with you all the time. \nI don’t hang around with worthless scum;\nand I keep clear of those who talk the talk\nbut never walk the walk.\nI can’t stand corrupt company\,\nand I keep my distance from liars and cheats. \nThere’s no blood to wash off my hands;\nI can dance round your altar with a clear conscience\nsinging a song of thanks to you\, O LORD\,\nand telling the stories of the great things you’ve done. \nO LORD\, I love the temple you call your own\,\nthe place where we can bask in your presence. \nDon’t wipe out the good with the bad;\n........make sure I’m not on the list to be chopped\nwith those who ruthlessly trample over others\,\nwith the callous\, the corrupt\, the con-merchants\,\nthose who think their money puts them above the law. \nI’m not like that — I play a straight bat.\nBe good to me\, LORD. Put me back where I belong. \nYou know I’m on the level;\nI align myself with your people\,\nand sing your praises in their company. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Hebrews 1: 1-4; 2: 5-12			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Down through the years\, God has spoken to our ancestors through the prophets in all sorts of different ways. Lately though\, at long last\, God has sent a Son to speak to us directly. It was through this Son that God created the world in the first place\, and it will all belong to him in the end. You can see all the glory of God mirrored in this Son. God’s essential nature is imprinted on him perfectly. Everything in the universe holds together at his say so. The Son took action to bring about the forgiveness of sins\, and having done that he was given the most honoured seat in heaven as God’s right hand man. He had proven himself to be in a league above the angels\, and the title he was granted made this clear. \nNow on the subject of the coming new age\, God has not put the angels in charge of it. Somewhere in the scriptures someone said: \n“What are human beings that you take any notice of them?\nHere today and gone tomorrow —\nwhy would you give them a second thought?\nYet you have put them on a pedestal;\nstarting them off just a step below the angels.\nYou have honoured them highly — hung medals round their necks —\nand handed them control of the earth.” \nNothing is exempt from this — God has given human beings authority over absolutely everything. It may not look that way yet\, but take a look at Jesus. He too was\, for a while\, a step down from the angels\, but now\, having made it through the suffering of death\, we see him promoted to number one and receiving all the honour and glory that come with that position. In the extraordinary generosity of God\, everyone else can claim exemption from death on the grounds that Jesus has gone through it for them. \nEverything exists for God and because of God\, and God set out to gather everyone into one family on the road to glory. It was only right that the one who God chose as the trail blazer to lead people out of danger should first earn a perfect 10 in the same arena of suffering as them. You see\, the one who sets the pattern for holy living and the ones who are patterned by it are all children of the one God\, born through the same labour pains. That explains why Jesus has no hesitation in calling them his sisters and brothers. He says to God\, \n“I will tell these\, my sisters and brothers\, all I know of you.\nWhenever they gather\, I’ll be there\, trumpeting your virtues.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 10: 2-16			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Some members of the devoutly religious Pharisee party approached Jesus intending to give him a hard time. They asked\, “Is it legal for a man to kick out his wife?” \nJesus turned the question back: “What instructions did Moses give about it in the law?” \nThey replied\, “Moses said a man is allowed to fill out the divorce paperwork and send his wife on her way.” \nJesus wasn’t finished though. “Moses only said that because it was about the best he could hope for from a callous and cruel mob like you. But God created things to be different. You know the scriptures. First it says\, ‘God created them male and female.’ Then it says\, ‘Because of this\, a man leaves his parents and joins up with his wife\, and they will be a single union.’ In marriage\, then\, they are no longer just two individuals. They become one – something new and whole and greater than the two of them. Don’t anyone go tearing apart this union that God has created.” \nBack home\, later on\, his followers picked up the subject again. Jesus spelt it out to them: “Anyone who abandons his wife in order to take up with someone else has betrayed her. It’s still adultery – whether you’ve filled out the paperwork or not. The same goes for any woman who walks out on her husband for someone else.” \nAt another time\, some people approached Jesus with their children hoping that he might take the little ones in his arms and give them a blessing. His followers told them to clear off\, but when Jesus saw this\, he tore strips off them. “Little children can come to me any time they like\, and don’t you dare try to stop them. The culture of God can be found in the hands of children such as these. The fact of the matter is that little children and the culture of God welcome one another naturally. Anyone who won’t join in on that welcoming will miss the lot.” \nAnd with that\, he gathered up the children into his arms\, laid his hands on each one in turn\, and blessed them all. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Genesis 2: 18-24			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	After creating the man\, the LORD God said\, “It is a bit tough for the man to be all alone. I will make a partner for him\, to share the load.” \nSo getting to work\, the LORD God formed from the ground all the land animals and the birds of the air. The LORD brought them to the man to see what he would make of them. The man gave each living creature its first name\, and the names stuck. He named them all: the wild animals\, the farm animals\, and the birds of the air. But none of them made the grade as a suitable partner for the man. So the LORD God put the man into a deep sleep\, out for the count. While the man was under\, the LORD removed one of his ribs and sealed up the flesh where it had come from. And then\, using the rib from the man’s side\, the LORD God fashioned a woman\, and brought her to the man. This time the man said\, \n“Yes! At last! One of my own kind!\nMy own flesh and blood!\nThis one will be called Woman\,\nbecause there is a part of me in her from the start.”\nThat is why men and women leave their parents and tie the knot with one another. They become an item — one flesh. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 8			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Our LORD and ruler\,\nall over the world\nthe mere mention of your name sets hearts pounding! \nYour glory fills the universe! \nThe gurgling of babies makes more sense\nthan the clever arguments of your enemies.\nThe innocent chatter of children\nsilences the venomous talk of your opponents. \nWhen I gaze at your handiwork in the night skies\n— the moon\, the stars\, the milky way —\nthe whole cosmos under your control;\nI can’t help but wonder why you bother with us.\nWhy do you care so much for mere human beings\nwhen we count for so little in the scheme of things? \nAnd yet\, for reasons known to you alone\,\nyou created us almost on a par with yourself\nand decorated us with the highest honours and glory. \nYou have even entrusted us with power over your precious creation;\nyou placed the future of all life in our hands:\nsheep and cattle;\nemu and kangaroo\ninsects\, reptiles\, birds\, and sea creatures;\nair\, land and water and the planet itself. \nOur LORD and ruler\,\nall over the world\nthe mere mention of your name sets hearts pounding! \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor your love is always before us\nand you honour all who turn from evil and honour you. \nThrough your Son\, you formed the earth\nand created men and women in your image\nto be one\, as you are one.\nThrough your prophets you spoke to our forebears\,\nbut now you have spoken to us through your Son\, Jesus. \nThough he is the perfect imprint of your being\,\nhe was made for a little while lower than the angels\,\nand walked with us the road of our suffering.\nTasting death in his own body\,\nhe has pioneered the path to resurrection life\,\nand is now at your side\, crowned with glory and honour.\nHe has become our perfect priest\,\nmaking purification for sins\nand bringing us into your kingdom as joyous children —\nhis beloved sisters and brothers. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nthe perfect imprint of your being\,\nwho tasted death in his own body\,\nand pioneered the path to resurrection life\,\nbecoming our perfect priest\nand bringing us into your kingdom as joyous children —\nhis beloved sisters and brothers. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor your love is always before us\nand you honour all who turn from evil and honour you. \nThrough your Son\, you formed the earth\nand created men and women in your image\nto be one\, as you are one.\nThrough your prophets you spoke to our forebears\,\nbut now you have spoken to us through your Son\, Jesus. \nThough he is the perfect imprint of your being\,\nhe was made for a little while lower than the angels\,\nand walked with us the road of our suffering.\nTasting death in his own body\,\nhe has pioneered the path to resurrection life\,\nand is now at your side\, crowned with glory and honour.\nHe has become our perfect priest\,\nmaking purification for sins\nand bringing us into your kingdom as joyous children —\nhis beloved sisters and brothers. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	By the grace of God\, Jesus Christ has tasted death for all.\nWalking the path of suffering before us\,\nhe leads the way to salvation\nand brings about the forgiveness of sins. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now and welcome the signs of God’s kingdom\nwith the joyous simplicity of children.\nWalk boldly in God’s strength\,\nand do not sit with liars and hypocrites. \nAnd may God rescue you and be gracious to you.\nMay Christ Jesus welcome you as his brothers and sisters.\nand may the Holy Spirit give you courage in time of suffering\nand strengthen you in integrity. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nMarriage\, Divorce & AdulteryA sermon on Mark 10: 2-16 by Craig Thompson\n\n\n\nBecoming as ChildrenA sermon on Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 & Mark 10: 2-16 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nGetting a Good Look at GodA sermon on Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nA Hug or a Contract NegotiationA sermon on Mark 10: 2-16 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nDivorce\, War\, and Hugging ChildrenA sermon on Mark 10: 2-16 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp22/2027-10-03/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/P22.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20271010T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20271010T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200930T042053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000533Z
UID:10002779-1823126400-1823212799@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 23 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Job 23: 1-9\, 16-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	After hearing the attempts of his friends to explain his suffering\, Job said: \n“I continue to complain bitterly;\nGod is still kicking me while I’m down. \nIf only I knew where I could find God\,\nI’d pound on the door and demand a hearing.\nGod would have to listen to me state my case\nand argue my innocence.\nLet’s see what God would have to say to that!\nThen I could get God’s answer clear in my head. \nWould God simply pull rank and rule me out of order?\nI don’t think so. Surely God would listen.\nSurely if an honest bloke like me gets a fair hearing\,\nGod would judge in my favour\nand clear my name once and for all. \nBut I can’t find God anywhere.\nI look up\, down\, forwards\, backwards – nothing.\nI think I catch a glimpse to the left\, but no;\nI rush to the right\, but God vanishes like a mirage. \nMy hope and courage are almost gone;\nGod has left me a frightened wreck.\nGod has let a dark cloud close around me\,\nbut my protest will not be silenced!" \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 22: 1-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God\, my God\, why the hell have you turned your back on me?\nHow come in my most desperate hour\,\nyou are nowhere to be found? \nI called you all day\, God\, over and over;\nI tossed and turned all night\,\nbut I still didn’t hear back from you. \nAren’t you supposed to be our one and only?\nAren’t you the one we’ve always voted for?\nOur ancestors put their trust in you\nand you never let them down.\nThey cried out for help and you stepped in;\nyou saved them from disaster and shame. \nSo what about me?\nShouldn’t I still be treated as a human being\,\neven if I feel like a worm –\nlooked down on\, loathed\, stomped on? \nEveryone who sees me sticks the boots in;\nthey turn up their noses and dismiss me with a sneering joke;\n“Why don’t you see if God’s on your side?\nSurely if you’re a mate of God’s then God will help you out!” \nWhat’s the story God?\nYour hands eased me from my mother’s womb;\nYou kept me from harm as I suckled at her breast.\nAs a baby\, I rested trustingly in your arms;\nYou’ve been my God since the day I was born. \nDon’t quit on me now.\nAll hell is about to break loose\nand there is no one else I can turn to. \nI’m surrounded by enemies\nlike a mob of wild bulls.\nAngry\, snorting\, stampeding beasts;\nthey charge at me\, all horns and pounding hoofs. \nI’m chucked out like a bucket of dirty water\,\nand I’m so smashed up I can barely move a muscle.\nMy heart has gone to jelly\,\na quivering useless blob.\nMy throat is as dry as a salt pan\,\nand my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.\nAnd you? You have left me for dead\ncovered in dust and flies. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Hebrews 4: 12-16			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The word of God is no dead letter — it is full of life and constantly at work. It is as sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel\, and anyone who pushes against it will be cut to the bone. With great precision it opens us up\, layer by layer\, uncovering what really makes us tick and diagnosing the state of our hearts. You can’t hide your true self from God’s word any more than you hide your body from a surgeon while lying naked and unconscious on the table. No matter who you are\, your life is an open book to God. \nAs exposed as this makes us feel\, it is all the more reason to stand firm in the faith we’ve already put our hands up to. After all\, the one who will present us to God and speak on our behalf — our great high priest — is Jesus\, and as God’s own Son we can be sure he has God’s ear. We can also be sure that he can relate to the realities we have to live with\, because he has already been through everything we have to go through — weakness\, doubts and torments — and all without selling out to sin. What more could we want in a high priest?! So let’s not be timid. Whenever we’re in need of help\, let’s walk right up to the throne of God and ask\, for our God is extravagantly welcoming and generous — only too happy to wipe our debts and help us out. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 10: 17-31			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus was just about to hit the road when a man ran up with his hat in his hand and asked\, “Good Teacher\, what do I have to do to receive the limitless life that God gives?” \nJesus said to him\, “What are you calling me good for? Only God is really good\, not any of us. What must you do? You know the commandments: ‘Don’t murder. Be faithful in marriage. Don’t steal. Don’t tell lies about anyone. Don’t cheat anyone. Treat your parents with respect.’” \nThe man replied\, “Teacher\, I’ve kept all these rules ever since I was a youngster.” \nJesus looked him straight in the eye and\, filled with love for him\, said\, “You still haven’t found what you’re looking for though\, have you? Come and follow me and you’ll find it. First though\, go and flog off everything you own\, give the proceeds to charity\, and then\, with all your investments in heaven\, you’ll be free to find what you are looking for.” \nYou could have knocked the bloke over with a feather. The colour drained out of his face and he turned and walked off feeling sick at the very thought of giving up all the trappings of his success. \nJesus looked around at his followers and said\, “Some people seem to have everything\, but for them it is nearly impossible to get into the culture of God.” \nHis followers thought they must have been hearing wrong\, but Jesus pressed the point: “Embracing the culture of God is not the easiest thing in the world anyway\, but for the rich\, it is about the most difficult thing you can imagine. You’d have more chance of getting a container ship through the eye of a needle than getting a person who’s loaded into the culture of God.” \nHis followers were totally flabbergasted. “Can anyone at all be saved then?” they asked. \nJesus looked them in the eye and said\, “If people had to do it themselves\, then no\, it would be beyond us. But it’s not beyond God. God can do anything.” \nPeter was trying to sort this out in his head. “Look\,” he said. “We turned our backs on everything we had and followed you.” \nJesus cut in and said\, “Look\, I wouldn’t kid you about this. Everyone who has had to give up house or land\, brothers\, sisters\, mother\, father or children in order to cast their lot in with me and with my message will be more than compensated. Hundreds of homes will be open to them\, and they’ll have more brothers and sisters and mothers and children than they can poke a stick at! Of course they’ll need them\, because they’ll be persecuted a hundred times more too! Then in the coming new age they’ll get the biggest bonus of all – life without limit! Once again you can see that God is turning the world on its head – many of those on top now will be at the bottom\, and those at the bottom now will then come out on top.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Amos 5: 6-7\, 10-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Find your way back to the LORD if you want to save your lives.\nOtherwise all hell will break loose like a raging bushfire.\nEverything you hold sacred will go up in smoke.\nThere will be nothing anyone can do to control it. \nWhy? Because you have poisoned justice\,\nand trampled goodness and integrity into the dirt.\nYour hatred burns out of control against honest judges.\nYou can’t stand those who speak the whole truth. \nYou have made yourselves rich by riding roughshod over the poor\,\nripping them off blind with stacked odds and crooked charges.\nYou have built yourselves grandiose mansions with the proceeds\,\nbut you’ll never get to live in them.\nYou have established exclusive vineyards for yourselves\,\nbut you’ll be history before the first glass is poured. \nI have kept count of your many crimes.\nI know the full extent of your atrocities.\nYou are a nightmare to anyone who tries to do what is right.\nYou bulldoze your interests through the courts\nwith bribes and threats\,\ncrushing the needy in your path. \nBut those who’ve made a killing will be silenced\,\nfor such evil times sow the seeds of disaster. \nSet your sights on doing right\, and not evil.\nIt is your only chance to save your lives.\nYou have always made out that God is on your side.\nSee if you can turn things around and make it come true. \nReject evil and embrace what is good and right.\nClean up the courts so that justice can prevail.\nMaybe even now the LORD\, the God who rules over everything\,\nwill be generous enough to spare a few of you. \n©2012 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 90: 12-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Teach us to value each and every day\, LORD\,\nso that we will be wise enough to make the most of them. \nIt’s time for a change\, LORD.\nHasn’t this gone on long enough?\nFor pity’s sake\, it’s time to give us a break. \nLet a new day dawn\nand give us our fill of your love and loyalty\,\nso that our lives may be full of smiles and laughter\ntill the end of our days. \nGive us more days of happiness\nthan the days of suffering you sent.\nMay the years where evil reigned\nbe cancelled out by years of joy. \nMake your actions clear to those of us in your service;\nlet your children see your strength in all its glory. \nPut us in your good books\, O Lord our God\,\nand give us a rich return for all our labour —\nmay the work of our hands turn to gold! \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have suffered with us\nand tasted despair that we might taste mercy and grace. \nYour living and active word created all things;\nand everything lies exposed before your eyes.\nWhen our forebears put their trust in you\nyou rescued them\, for all things are possible for you. \nYou sent your Son\, Jesus\, into the world\,\npreaching your message and calling everyone to follow.\nHis word cuts to the core of all things\,\nexposing the addictions that bind us and blind us\nand hold us back from investing all we have in serving you.\nWhen Jesus was brought down to the dust of death\,\ndying in the horror of abandonment\,\nyou raised him to life again\,\nand through him we have the confidence\nto come into your presence\nand look to your grace for our life. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwhose word cuts to the core of all things\,\nexposing all that holds us back from serving you\,\nand through whom we have the confidence\nto come into your presence\,\nlooking to your grace for our life. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have suffered with us\nand tasted despair that we might taste mercy and grace. \nYour living and active word created all things;\nand everything lies exposed before your eyes.\nWhen our forebears put their trust in you\nyou rescued them\, for all things are possible for you. \nYou sent your Son\, Jesus\, into the world\,\npreaching your message and calling everyone to follow.\nHis word cuts to the core of all things\,\nexposing the addictions that bind us and blind us\nand hold us back from investing all we have in serving you.\nWhen Jesus was brought down to the dust of death\,\ndying in the horror of abandonment\,\nyou raised him to life again\,\nand through him we have the confidence\nto come into your presence\nand look to your grace for our life. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus\, the Son of God\, was tempted in every way that we are\,\nand is now at the throne of grace\npresenting to God our case for mercy.\nTherefore\, we can approach God's throne in confidence. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now in the confidence of people who have found mercy.\nFollow Jesus\,\nkeeping the commandments\,\nletting go of all that binds you to the ways of this world\,\nand investing everything in God’s realm. \nAnd may God come close to you and keep you safe;\nMay Christ Jesus reward your faithfulness a hundredfold;\nand may the Holy Spirit be your help in time of need. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nWhat Do Grace\, Love and Mercy Cost?A sermon on Hebrews 4:12-16 & Mark 10:17-31 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nCourage and VulnerabilityA sermon on Hebrews 4:12-16 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nGrace\, or the Power of PossibilityA sermon on Job 23.1-9\, 16-17; Psalm 22.1-15 & Mark 10.17-31 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nImpossible?A sermon on Job 23:1-9\,16-17 & Mark 10:17-31 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhen Courage Fails\, Seek CompassionA sermon on Job 23:1-9\,16-17 by Neville Callum\n\n\n\n#FirstWorldProblems?A sermon on Mark 10:17-31 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nThe Word that Lays us BareA sermon on Hebrews 4:12-16 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhat the hell\, God?A sermon on Job 23.1-9\, 16-17; Psalm 22.1-15; Hebrews 4:12-16 & Mark 10:17-31 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nClinging to Competitive GriefA sermon on Mark 10:17-31; Job 23.1-9\, 16-17; Psalm 22.1-15; & Hebrews 4:12-16 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp23/2027-10-10/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/P23.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20271010T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20271010T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20200930T042053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241110T091030Z
UID:10001666-1823126400-1823212799@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 23 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Job 23: 1-9\, 16-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	After hearing the attempts of his friends to explain his suffering\, Job said: \n“I continue to complain bitterly;\nGod is still kicking me while I’m down. \nIf only I knew where I could find God\,\nI’d pound on the door and demand a hearing.\nGod would have to listen to me state my case\nand argue my innocence.\nLet’s see what God would have to say to that!\nThen I could get God’s answer clear in my head. \nWould God simply pull rank and rule me out of order?\nI don’t think so. Surely God would listen.\nSurely if an honest bloke like me gets a fair hearing\,\nGod would judge in my favour\nand clear my name once and for all. \nBut I can’t find God anywhere.\nI look up\, down\, forwards\, backwards – nothing.\nI think I catch a glimpse to the left\, but no;\nI rush to the right\, but God vanishes like a mirage. \nMy hope and courage are almost gone;\nGod has left me a frightened wreck.\nGod has let a dark cloud close around me\,\nbut my protest will not be silenced!" \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 22: 1-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	God\, my God\, why the hell have you turned your back on me?\nHow come in my most desperate hour\,\nyou are nowhere to be found? \nI called you all day\, God\, over and over;\nI tossed and turned all night\,\nbut I still didn’t hear back from you. \nAren’t you supposed to be our one and only?\nAren’t you the one we’ve always voted for?\nOur ancestors put their trust in you\nand you never let them down.\nThey cried out for help and you stepped in;\nyou saved them from disaster and shame. \nSo what about me?\nShouldn’t I still be treated as a human being\,\neven if I feel like a worm –\nlooked down on\, loathed\, stomped on? \nEveryone who sees me sticks the boots in;\nthey turn up their noses and dismiss me with a sneering joke;\n“Why don’t you see if God’s on your side?\nSurely if you’re a mate of God’s then God will help you out!” \nWhat’s the story God?\nYour hands eased me from my mother’s womb;\nYou kept me from harm as I suckled at her breast.\nAs a baby\, I rested trustingly in your arms;\nYou’ve been my God since the day I was born. \nDon’t quit on me now.\nAll hell is about to break loose\nand there is no one else I can turn to. \nI’m surrounded by enemies\nlike a mob of wild bulls.\nAngry\, snorting\, stampeding beasts;\nthey charge at me\, all horns and pounding hoofs. \nI’m chucked out like a bucket of dirty water\,\nand I’m so smashed up I can barely move a muscle.\nMy heart has gone to jelly\,\na quivering useless blob.\nMy throat is as dry as a salt pan\,\nand my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.\nAnd you? You have left me for dead\ncovered in dust and flies. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Hebrews 4: 12-16			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The word of God is no dead letter — it is full of life and constantly at work. It is as sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel\, and anyone who pushes against it will be cut to the bone. With great precision it opens us up\, layer by layer\, uncovering what really makes us tick and diagnosing the state of our hearts. You can’t hide your true self from God’s word any more than you hide your body from a surgeon while lying naked and unconscious on the table. No matter who you are\, your life is an open book to God. \nAs exposed as this makes us feel\, it is all the more reason to stand firm in the faith we’ve already put our hands up to. After all\, the one who will present us to God and speak on our behalf — our great high priest — is Jesus\, and as God’s own Son we can be sure he has God’s ear. We can also be sure that he can relate to the realities we have to live with\, because he has already been through everything we have to go through — weakness\, doubts and torments — and all without selling out to sin. What more could we want in a high priest?! So let’s not be timid. Whenever we’re in need of help\, let’s walk right up to the throne of God and ask\, for our God is extravagantly welcoming and generous — only too happy to wipe our debts and help us out. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 10: 17-31			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus was just about to hit the road when a man ran up with his hat in his hand and asked\, “Good Teacher\, what do I have to do to receive the limitless life that God gives?” \nJesus said to him\, “What are you calling me good for? Only God is really good\, not any of us. What must you do? You know the commandments: ‘Don’t murder. Be faithful in marriage. Don’t steal. Don’t tell lies about anyone. Don’t cheat anyone. Treat your parents with respect.’” \nThe man replied\, “Teacher\, I’ve kept all these rules ever since I was a youngster.” \nJesus looked him straight in the eye and\, filled with love for him\, said\, “You still haven’t found what you’re looking for though\, have you? Come and follow me and you’ll find it. First though\, go and flog off everything you own\, give the proceeds to charity\, and then\, with all your investments in heaven\, you’ll be free to find what you are looking for.” \nYou could have knocked the bloke over with a feather. The colour drained out of his face and he turned and walked off feeling sick at the very thought of giving up all the trappings of his success. \nJesus looked around at his followers and said\, “Some people seem to have everything\, but for them it is nearly impossible to get into the culture of God.” \nHis followers thought they must have been hearing wrong\, but Jesus pressed the point: “Embracing the culture of God is not the easiest thing in the world anyway\, but for the rich\, it is about the most difficult thing you can imagine. You’d have more chance of getting a container ship through the eye of a needle than getting a person who’s loaded into the culture of God.” \nHis followers were totally flabbergasted. “Can anyone at all be saved then?” they asked. \nJesus looked them in the eye and said\, “If people had to do it themselves\, then no\, it would be beyond us. But it’s not beyond God. God can do anything.” \nPeter was trying to sort this out in his head. “Look\,” he said. “We turned our backs on everything we had and followed you.” \nJesus cut in and said\, “Look\, I wouldn’t kid you about this. Everyone who has had to give up house or land\, brothers\, sisters\, mother\, father or children in order to cast their lot in with me and with my message will be more than compensated. Hundreds of homes will be open to them\, and they’ll have more brothers and sisters and mothers and children than they can poke a stick at! Of course they’ll need them\, because they’ll be persecuted a hundred times more too! Then in the coming new age they’ll get the biggest bonus of all – life without limit! Once again you can see that God is turning the world on its head – many of those on top now will be at the bottom\, and those at the bottom now will then come out on top.” \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Amos 5: 6-7\, 10-15			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Find your way back to the LORD if you want to save your lives.\nOtherwise all hell will break loose like a raging bushfire.\nEverything you hold sacred will go up in smoke.\nThere will be nothing anyone can do to control it. \nWhy? Because you have poisoned justice\,\nand trampled goodness and integrity into the dirt.\nYour hatred burns out of control against honest judges.\nYou can’t stand those who speak the whole truth. \nYou have made yourselves rich by riding roughshod over the poor\,\nripping them off blind with stacked odds and crooked charges.\nYou have built yourselves grandiose mansions with the proceeds\,\nbut you’ll never get to live in them.\nYou have established exclusive vineyards for yourselves\,\nbut you’ll be history before the first glass is poured. \nI have kept count of your many crimes.\nI know the full extent of your atrocities.\nYou are a nightmare to anyone who tries to do what is right.\nYou bulldoze your interests through the courts\nwith bribes and threats\,\ncrushing the needy in your path. \nBut those who’ve made a killing will be silenced\,\nfor such evil times sow the seeds of disaster. \nSet your sights on doing right\, and not evil.\nIt is your only chance to save your lives.\nYou have always made out that God is on your side.\nSee if you can turn things around and make it come true. \nReject evil and embrace what is good and right.\nClean up the courts so that justice can prevail.\nMaybe even now the LORD\, the God who rules over everything\,\nwill be generous enough to spare a few of you. \n©2012 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 90: 12-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Teach us to value each and every day\, LORD\,\nso that we will be wise enough to make the most of them. \nIt’s time for a change\, LORD.\nHasn’t this gone on long enough?\nFor pity’s sake\, it’s time to give us a break. \nLet a new day dawn\nand give us our fill of your love and loyalty\,\nso that our lives may be full of smiles and laughter\ntill the end of our days. \nGive us more days of happiness\nthan the days of suffering you sent.\nMay the years where evil reigned\nbe cancelled out by years of joy. \nMake your actions clear to those of us in your service;\nlet your children see your strength in all its glory. \nPut us in your good books\, O Lord our God\,\nand give us a rich return for all our labour —\nmay the work of our hands turn to gold! \n©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have suffered with us\nand tasted despair that we might taste mercy and grace. \nYour living and active word created all things;\nand everything lies exposed before your eyes.\nWhen our forebears put their trust in you\nyou rescued them\, for all things are possible for you. \nYou sent your Son\, Jesus\, into the world\,\npreaching your message and calling everyone to follow.\nHis word cuts to the core of all things\,\nexposing the addictions that bind us and blind us\nand hold us back from investing all we have in serving you.\nWhen Jesus was brought down to the dust of death\,\ndying in the horror of abandonment\,\nyou raised him to life again\,\nand through him we have the confidence\nto come into your presence\nand look to your grace for our life. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus\,\nwhose word cuts to the core of all things\,\nexposing all that holds us back from serving you\,\nand through whom we have the confidence\nto come into your presence\,\nlooking to your grace for our life. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you have suffered with us\nand tasted despair that we might taste mercy and grace. \nYour living and active word created all things;\nand everything lies exposed before your eyes.\nWhen our forebears put their trust in you\nyou rescued them\, for all things are possible for you. \nYou sent your Son\, Jesus\, into the world\,\npreaching your message and calling everyone to follow.\nHis word cuts to the core of all things\,\nexposing the addictions that bind us and blind us\nand hold us back from investing all we have in serving you.\nWhen Jesus was brought down to the dust of death\,\ndying in the horror of abandonment\,\nyou raised him to life again\,\nand through him we have the confidence\nto come into your presence\nand look to your grace for our life. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus\, the Son of God\, was tempted in every way that we are\,\nand is now at the throne of grace\npresenting to God our case for mercy.\nTherefore\, we can approach God's throne in confidence. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now in the confidence of people who have found mercy.\nFollow Jesus\,\nkeeping the commandments\,\nletting go of all that binds you to the ways of this world\,\nand investing everything in God’s realm. \nAnd may God come close to you and keep you safe;\nMay Christ Jesus reward your faithfulness a hundredfold;\nand may the Holy Spirit be your help in time of need. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nWhat Do Grace\, Love and Mercy Cost?A sermon on Hebrews 4:12-16 & Mark 10:17-31 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nCourage and VulnerabilityA sermon on Hebrews 4:12-16 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nGrace\, or the Power of PossibilityA sermon on Job 23.1-9\, 16-17; Psalm 22.1-15 & Mark 10.17-31 by Garry Deverell\n\n\n\nImpossible?A sermon on Job 23:1-9\,16-17 & Mark 10:17-31 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhen Courage Fails\, Seek CompassionA sermon on Job 23:1-9\,16-17 by Neville Callum\n\n\n\n#FirstWorldProblems?A sermon on Mark 10:17-31 by Alison Sampson\n\n\n\nThe Word that Lays us BareA sermon on Hebrews 4:12-16 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhat the hell\, God?A sermon on Job 23.1-9\, 16-17; Psalm 22.1-15; Hebrews 4:12-16 & Mark 10:17-31 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nClinging to Competitive GriefA sermon on Mark 10:17-31; Job 23.1-9\, 16-17; Psalm 22.1-15; & Hebrews 4:12-16 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp23/2027-10-10/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20271017T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20271017T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20201001T054127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250514T000533Z
UID:10002777-1823731200-1823817599@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 24 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Job 38: 1-7\, (34-41)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	From the midst of a cyclone\, the voice of the LORD answered Job\, saying: \n“Who are you to mouth off against me\nwhen you’ve got no idea what you’re talking about?\nStand up straight like a man\nand see if you can give answers when I ask the questions. \n“Were you there when I laid the foundations of the earth?\nIf you’re so smart\, tell me all about it.\nWho drew up the plans and decided how big it would be?\nWho held the tape measure and marked it out?\nSpeak up – surely you know!\nWhat do the foundations sit on\, and how far down do they go?\nWho turned the first sod? Who laid the cornerstone?\nDo you remember what the morning stars sang at the celebration?\nIt brought everyone in heaven to their feet cheering. \n“Can you order the clouds around\nand tell them when and where to rain?\nWhen you give the word for the lightening to flash\,\ndoes it ask you first\, ‘How far?’ \n“Who tips off the water birds when the floods are coming?\nHow do ants know when it’s going to rain?\nWho has the wisdom to regulate the clouds\,\nor be put in charge of distributing the rain\nthat waters down the dust so it won’t blow away? \n“Can you help a hungry lion to hunt\,\nor hand feed lion cubs all they need?\nDo you lie around with them in their den\nand teach them how to pounce on their prey? \nWho do you think provides for the Currawong\nwhen it’s chicks wander about hungry\nand cry out to God for a feed? \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 104: 1-9\, 24\, 35c			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	With all that I am\, O LORD\, I declare you to be the best.\nO LORD my God\, you are the greatest. \nYou are decked out in glory and distinction\,\nand the brilliant rays of the sun are your robe.\nYou make the milky way the ceiling\nand the ocean bed the foundation for your house.\nYou fly first class on the clouds\,\ntaking off and landing with the wind.\nYou have appointed the winds to deliver your message\,\nand flames of fire to administer your will. \nYou built the earth on firm foundations\,\nso that nothing can shake it loose.\nYou wrapped the planet up in an ocean\nthat submerged even the mountains. \nOnly when you gave the word did the waters back off;\nwith a voice of thunder you sent them running.\nCascading from the mountain tops they poured down valleys\nand came to rest in the place you had marked out for them.\nYou marked out the shore and declared the land off-limits\nso that the oceans would not drown the earth again. \nO LORD\, what a wildly fabulous world!  \nWorking hand in hand with wisdom\nyou have made an earthful of wonderful creatures.  \nI give you all the credit\, LORD!  \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Hebrews 5: 1-10			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The person who is chosen to be a high priest is given the task of representing the people to God and offering to God the costly gifts that people bring as a sign that they are sorry when they have messed up. The high priest\, being just as prone to thoughtless and crooked behaviour as anyone else\, is able to be supportive and understanding of people instead of dealing harshly with them. After all\, priests have to offer gifts to God to say sorry for their own wrongdoing along with everybody else’s. No one can nominate themselves for this honour. A person only becomes a high priest if God hand picks them for the job. That’s how it was for Aaron and it has been ever since. \nIt was no different with Christ. He became a high priest\, but not because he campaigned for the position. It was God who tapped him on the shoulder and said\, in the words of scripture: \n“You’re it — my Son;\ntoday I have named you.” \nIn the same way\, in another place\, God says: \n“You are a priest forever;\nyour task is the priestly work begun by Melchizedek.” \nWhen Jesus was among us and the threat of death was closing in on him\, it was with agonized cries and tears that he did his priestly work of offering up prayers and appeals to the God who has the power to save us from death. His pleas were heard because of his prayerful acceptance of God’s will. He was given no special privileges as a Son — he got his lessons in obedience in the same school of suffering as the rest of us. Once he had made the grade\, perfecting all that he had to learn\, God marked him out as a high priest — the last of the line that began with Melchizedek. Thus\, Jesus became the one who sets free all who trust and follow him. For them he is the source of life without limit. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 10: 35-45			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Among the twelve closest followers of Jesus were two brothers\, James and John\, the sons of Zebedee. One day they approached Jesus on the quiet and asked\, “Teacher\, how about doing us a big favour?” \n“Tell me what it is and we’ll see\,” Jesus replied. \n“Well\,” they said\, “would you please reserve for us the top seats of honour on either side of yours\, when your day of glory comes?” \nBut Jesus shook his head and said\, “You’ve got no idea what you’re asking for. Can you drink the cup I have to drink? Have you got what it takes to be baptised with the baptism I am about to be put through? \n“No worries\,” they replied. “We’re up to it.” \nThen Jesus said to them\, “I’m afraid that you are going to drink the cup I have to drink\, and you will be plunged into the baptism I am about to go through\, but I don’t have the authority to give out the honours you’re asking for. God has already chosen who the seats on my right and left will be allocated to.” \nWhen the other ten got wind of what James and John had been asking for\, they were absolutely ropeable. Jesus stepped in and gave them all a good talking to. He said\, “I know you’ve seen how power is exercised outside of the people of God. A taste of power goes straight to the head. Leaders strut around\, flaunting their authority\, and before you know it they’ve set themselves up as dictators\, above the law. Don’t go making that your model. The measure of greatness among you is to be the measure of service. The person who will be honoured as number one among you will be the person who has slaved the hardest for everyone else. The New Human came serving everyone\, not looking to be served by them. He came offering his own life in exchange for the release of many who are held hostage. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Isaiah 53: 4-12			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Look at what the one who serves on the LORD’s behalf has suffered. \nThe sickness and brokenness he endured turned out to be ours;\nif it wasn’t for him\, it would have wiped us out.\nBut back then we thought it was his own fault\nand that God was punishing him for what he had done. \nIn reality\, it was what we had done that was to blame.\nIt was us who deserved to be punished\,\nbut him who copped the flak.\nWhen he was left battered\, broken and bleeding\,\nwe were off the hook;\nfree to enjoy the fruits of health and wholeness. \nWe were all doing our own thing in our own way;\nas far off-track as a penguin in the desert;\nas far off-key as a mob of galahs.\nAnd yet the LORD accepted his offer to take the rap\nfor the actions of each and every one of us. \nHe was ripped off and kicked around\,\nbut he took it on the chin.\nNot once did he ever whinge or protest;\nhe was as silent as a lamb that trots to its fate\,\nknowing neither shearer nor slaughterer. \nHis arrest and trial made a mockery of justice.\nNo one knew or cared what he was up against.\nHe was dragged off in the midst of life;\nput to death for crimes committed by our people. \nAlthough he had never breathed a lie\nor done anything to hurt anyone\,\nthey buried him alongside the callous and corrupt\n– thoughtless profiteers who died rich.” \nThe LORD says\,\n“It was me who decided to allow this tragedy\nto befall the one who serves on my behalf.\nHe made the ultimate sacrifice at your hands\,\nand won forgiveness for you in the process.\nSo now he will be rewarded with life;\nhe will live to see his children and their children.\nThrough his actions\,\nmy plans are able to succeed. \nIn the depths of agony and despair he discovered the truth\,\nand with the truth he found true peace.\nThe one who serves on my behalf was beyond reproach\,\nbut he took the rap for what others did\,\nand left their record as spotless as his own. \nBecause of all that he has done\,\nI\, the LORD\, elevate him to the hall of fame\nand give him the rewards of true greatness.\nHe deserves the best\, for he made the ultimate sacrifice\,\naccepting the death of common criminal\nso that through his suffering and prayers\nothers might be cut free from their sin.” \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 91: 9-16			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We have nothing to fear because we have found safety in you;\nwe have settled down within your care.\nThanks to you\, LORD of the universe\, no evil can touch us;\ndisaster can not get a foot in the door. \nYou have instructed your angels to look after us;\nmade it their job to protect us wherever we go.\nYou’ve told them to catch us when we fall;\nto keep us from coming to grief on hidden snags. \nWith your help we can face any danger;\nwe can stare down crocodiles and Tiger snakes. \nThose who know you and love you can depend on you\,\nyou are always there to pull them out of trouble. \nThe moment they call\, you answer;\nyou’re on their side when all hell breaks loose;\nyou save their lives and throw a party in their honour. \nYou give them long and fulfilling lives\, LORD;\nthey will see the realisation of all you have promised. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you alone know the secrets of the universe\nand you alone know who is to be honoured in glory. \nYou set the earth on its foundations\nand filled it with wonderful creatures.\nYour creative power is beyond our comprehension\nand your purposes in the world can only be glimpsed. \nYet you have come among us in your Son\, Jesus Christ.\nHe came as a servant of all\nand laboured and prayed with us for the release\nof all who are held hostage to sin and death.\nWhen tyrants rose against him\,\nhe drank the cup of suffering\nand was plunged into the baptism of death\,\nbut you raised him to new life\nand designated him a high priest forever\,\nmaking him the source of eternal salvation\nfor us and all who respond to your gracious call. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nwho came as a servant of all\,\ndrinking the cup of suffering\,\nand labouring and praying with us for the release\nof all who are held hostage to sin and death. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you alone know the secrets of the universe\nand you alone know who is to be honoured in glory. \nYou set the earth on its foundations\nand filled it with wonderful creatures.\nYour creative power is beyond our comprehension\nand your purposes in the world can only be glimpsed. \nYet you have come among us in your Son\, Jesus Christ.\nHe came as a servant of all\nand laboured and prayed with us for the release\nof all who are held hostage to sin and death.\nWhen tyrants rose against him\,\nhe drank the cup of suffering\nand was plunged into the baptism of death\,\nbut you raised him to new life\nand designated him a high priest forever\,\nmaking him the source of eternal salvation\nfor us and all who respond to your gracious call. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus Christ came not to be served but to serve\,\nand to give his life in exchange for those held hostage by sin.\nHaving been designated by God a high priest\,\nhe makes sacrifice for our sins\nand thus becomes the source of eternal salvation. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now with the words of your high priest in your ears:\n“You are a forgiven people.”\nThough Christ has welcomed you to his table\,\ndo not lord it over others.\nStrive not to be served\, but to serve\,\nand pray\, with cries and tears\, for the salvation of all. \nAnd may God be present to you in times of trial;\nMay Christ Jesus pray for you and secure your forgiveness;\nand may the Holy Spirit fill you with hope and humility. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nWho is the Priest?A sermon on Hebrews 5:1-10 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nKnowing Our PlaceA sermon on Psalm 104:24 by Keith Clements\n\n\n\nWishing to be GreatA sermon on Mark 10:35-45 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nStatus\, Sacraments and ServiceA sermon on Mark 10:35-45 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nRandom Acts of SufferingA sermon on the book of Job by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nPrima-donnas and Exuberant ChildrenA sermon on Mark 10:35-45 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nFollowing JesusA sermon on Mark 10:35-45 by Elie Haddad
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp24/2027-10-17/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/P24.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20271017T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20271017T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20201001T054127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241201T091049Z
UID:10001668-1823731200-1823817599@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 24 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Job 38: 1-7\, (34-41)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	From the midst of a cyclone\, the voice of the LORD answered Job\, saying: \n“Who are you to mouth off against me\nwhen you’ve got no idea what you’re talking about?\nStand up straight like a man\nand see if you can give answers when I ask the questions. \n“Were you there when I laid the foundations of the earth?\nIf you’re so smart\, tell me all about it.\nWho drew up the plans and decided how big it would be?\nWho held the tape measure and marked it out?\nSpeak up – surely you know!\nWhat do the foundations sit on\, and how far down do they go?\nWho turned the first sod? Who laid the cornerstone?\nDo you remember what the morning stars sang at the celebration?\nIt brought everyone in heaven to their feet cheering. \n“Can you order the clouds around\nand tell them when and where to rain?\nWhen you give the word for the lightening to flash\,\ndoes it ask you first\, ‘How far?’ \n“Who tips off the water birds when the floods are coming?\nHow do ants know when it’s going to rain?\nWho has the wisdom to regulate the clouds\,\nor be put in charge of distributing the rain\nthat waters down the dust so it won’t blow away? \n“Can you help a hungry lion to hunt\,\nor hand feed lion cubs all they need?\nDo you lie around with them in their den\nand teach them how to pounce on their prey? \nWho do you think provides for the Currawong\nwhen it’s chicks wander about hungry\nand cry out to God for a feed? \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 104: 1-9\, 24\, 35c			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	With all that I am\, O LORD\, I declare you to be the best.\nO LORD my God\, you are the greatest. \nYou are decked out in glory and distinction\,\nand the brilliant rays of the sun are your robe.\nYou make the milky way the ceiling\nand the ocean bed the foundation for your house.\nYou fly first class on the clouds\,\ntaking off and landing with the wind.\nYou have appointed the winds to deliver your message\,\nand flames of fire to administer your will. \nYou built the earth on firm foundations\,\nso that nothing can shake it loose.\nYou wrapped the planet up in an ocean\nthat submerged even the mountains. \nOnly when you gave the word did the waters back off;\nwith a voice of thunder you sent them running.\nCascading from the mountain tops they poured down valleys\nand came to rest in the place you had marked out for them.\nYou marked out the shore and declared the land off-limits\nso that the oceans would not drown the earth again. \nO LORD\, what a wildly fabulous world!  \nWorking hand in hand with wisdom\nyou have made an earthful of wonderful creatures.  \nI give you all the credit\, LORD!  \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Hebrews 5: 1-10			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The person who is chosen to be a high priest is given the task of representing the people to God and offering to God the costly gifts that people bring as a sign that they are sorry when they have messed up. The high priest\, being just as prone to thoughtless and crooked behaviour as anyone else\, is able to be supportive and understanding of people instead of dealing harshly with them. After all\, priests have to offer gifts to God to say sorry for their own wrongdoing along with everybody else’s. No one can nominate themselves for this honour. A person only becomes a high priest if God hand picks them for the job. That’s how it was for Aaron and it has been ever since. \nIt was no different with Christ. He became a high priest\, but not because he campaigned for the position. It was God who tapped him on the shoulder and said\, in the words of scripture: \n“You’re it — my Son;\ntoday I have named you.” \nIn the same way\, in another place\, God says: \n“You are a priest forever;\nyour task is the priestly work begun by Melchizedek.” \nWhen Jesus was among us and the threat of death was closing in on him\, it was with agonized cries and tears that he did his priestly work of offering up prayers and appeals to the God who has the power to save us from death. His pleas were heard because of his prayerful acceptance of God’s will. He was given no special privileges as a Son — he got his lessons in obedience in the same school of suffering as the rest of us. Once he had made the grade\, perfecting all that he had to learn\, God marked him out as a high priest — the last of the line that began with Melchizedek. Thus\, Jesus became the one who sets free all who trust and follow him. For them he is the source of life without limit. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 10: 35-45			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Among the twelve closest followers of Jesus were two brothers\, James and John\, the sons of Zebedee. One day they approached Jesus on the quiet and asked\, “Teacher\, how about doing us a big favour?” \n“Tell me what it is and we’ll see\,” Jesus replied. \n“Well\,” they said\, “would you please reserve for us the top seats of honour on either side of yours\, when your day of glory comes?” \nBut Jesus shook his head and said\, “You’ve got no idea what you’re asking for. Can you drink the cup I have to drink? Have you got what it takes to be baptised with the baptism I am about to be put through? \n“No worries\,” they replied. “We’re up to it.” \nThen Jesus said to them\, “I’m afraid that you are going to drink the cup I have to drink\, and you will be plunged into the baptism I am about to go through\, but I don’t have the authority to give out the honours you’re asking for. God has already chosen who the seats on my right and left will be allocated to.” \nWhen the other ten got wind of what James and John had been asking for\, they were absolutely ropeable. Jesus stepped in and gave them all a good talking to. He said\, “I know you’ve seen how power is exercised outside of the people of God. A taste of power goes straight to the head. Leaders strut around\, flaunting their authority\, and before you know it they’ve set themselves up as dictators\, above the law. Don’t go making that your model. The measure of greatness among you is to be the measure of service. The person who will be honoured as number one among you will be the person who has slaved the hardest for everyone else. The New Human came serving everyone\, not looking to be served by them. He came offering his own life in exchange for the release of many who are held hostage. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Isaiah 53: 4-12			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Look at what the one who serves on the LORD’s behalf has suffered. \nThe sickness and brokenness he endured turned out to be ours;\nif it wasn’t for him\, it would have wiped us out.\nBut back then we thought it was his own fault\nand that God was punishing him for what he had done. \nIn reality\, it was what we had done that was to blame.\nIt was us who deserved to be punished\,\nbut him who copped the flak.\nWhen he was left battered\, broken and bleeding\,\nwe were off the hook;\nfree to enjoy the fruits of health and wholeness. \nWe were all doing our own thing in our own way;\nas far off-track as a penguin in the desert;\nas far off-key as a mob of galahs.\nAnd yet the LORD accepted his offer to take the rap\nfor the actions of each and every one of us. \nHe was ripped off and kicked around\,\nbut he took it on the chin.\nNot once did he ever whinge or protest;\nhe was as silent as a lamb that trots to its fate\,\nknowing neither shearer nor slaughterer. \nHis arrest and trial made a mockery of justice.\nNo one knew or cared what he was up against.\nHe was dragged off in the midst of life;\nput to death for crimes committed by our people. \nAlthough he had never breathed a lie\nor done anything to hurt anyone\,\nthey buried him alongside the callous and corrupt\n– thoughtless profiteers who died rich.” \nThe LORD says\,\n“It was me who decided to allow this tragedy\nto befall the one who serves on my behalf.\nHe made the ultimate sacrifice at your hands\,\nand won forgiveness for you in the process.\nSo now he will be rewarded with life;\nhe will live to see his children and their children.\nThrough his actions\,\nmy plans are able to succeed. \nIn the depths of agony and despair he discovered the truth\,\nand with the truth he found true peace.\nThe one who serves on my behalf was beyond reproach\,\nbut he took the rap for what others did\,\nand left their record as spotless as his own. \nBecause of all that he has done\,\nI\, the LORD\, elevate him to the hall of fame\nand give him the rewards of true greatness.\nHe deserves the best\, for he made the ultimate sacrifice\,\naccepting the death of common criminal\nso that through his suffering and prayers\nothers might be cut free from their sin.” \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 91: 9-16			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We have nothing to fear because we have found safety in you;\nwe have settled down within your care.\nThanks to you\, LORD of the universe\, no evil can touch us;\ndisaster can not get a foot in the door. \nYou have instructed your angels to look after us;\nmade it their job to protect us wherever we go.\nYou’ve told them to catch us when we fall;\nto keep us from coming to grief on hidden snags. \nWith your help we can face any danger;\nwe can stare down crocodiles and Tiger snakes. \nThose who know you and love you can depend on you\,\nyou are always there to pull them out of trouble. \nThe moment they call\, you answer;\nyou’re on their side when all hell breaks loose;\nyou save their lives and throw a party in their honour. \nYou give them long and fulfilling lives\, LORD;\nthey will see the realisation of all you have promised. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you alone know the secrets of the universe\nand you alone know who is to be honoured in glory. \nYou set the earth on its foundations\nand filled it with wonderful creatures.\nYour creative power is beyond our comprehension\nand your purposes in the world can only be glimpsed. \nYet you have come among us in your Son\, Jesus Christ.\nHe came as a servant of all\nand laboured and prayed with us for the release\nof all who are held hostage to sin and death.\nWhen tyrants rose against him\,\nhe drank the cup of suffering\nand was plunged into the baptism of death\,\nbut you raised him to new life\nand designated him a high priest forever\,\nmaking him the source of eternal salvation\nfor us and all who respond to your gracious call. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nwho came as a servant of all\,\ndrinking the cup of suffering\,\nand labouring and praying with us for the release\nof all who are held hostage to sin and death. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you alone know the secrets of the universe\nand you alone know who is to be honoured in glory. \nYou set the earth on its foundations\nand filled it with wonderful creatures.\nYour creative power is beyond our comprehension\nand your purposes in the world can only be glimpsed. \nYet you have come among us in your Son\, Jesus Christ.\nHe came as a servant of all\nand laboured and prayed with us for the release\nof all who are held hostage to sin and death.\nWhen tyrants rose against him\,\nhe drank the cup of suffering\nand was plunged into the baptism of death\,\nbut you raised him to new life\nand designated him a high priest forever\,\nmaking him the source of eternal salvation\nfor us and all who respond to your gracious call. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus Christ came not to be served but to serve\,\nand to give his life in exchange for those held hostage by sin.\nHaving been designated by God a high priest\,\nhe makes sacrifice for our sins\nand thus becomes the source of eternal salvation. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go now with the words of your high priest in your ears:\n“You are a forgiven people.”\nThough Christ has welcomed you to his table\,\ndo not lord it over others.\nStrive not to be served\, but to serve\,\nand pray\, with cries and tears\, for the salvation of all. \nAnd may God be present to you in times of trial;\nMay Christ Jesus pray for you and secure your forgiveness;\nand may the Holy Spirit fill you with hope and humility. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nWho is the Priest?A sermon on Hebrews 5:1-10 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nKnowing Our PlaceA sermon on Psalm 104:24 by Keith Clements\n\n\n\nWishing to be GreatA sermon on Mark 10:35-45 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nStatus\, Sacraments and ServiceA sermon on Mark 10:35-45 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nRandom Acts of SufferingA sermon on the book of Job by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nPrima-donnas and Exuberant ChildrenA sermon on Mark 10:35-45 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nFollowing JesusA sermon on Mark 10:35-45 by Elie Haddad
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp24/2027-10-17/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laughingbird.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/P24.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20271024T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20271024T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20201002T054848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241201T091406Z
UID:10001670-1824336000-1824422399@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 25 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Job 42: 1-6\, 10-17			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	After the LORD had spoken\, Job replied: \n“LORD\, I know that you can do anything\,\nand that once you set your mind to something\,\nnothing can stop you. \nYou asked why I talk so much when I don’t have clue.\nYou’re right. I was talking through my hat!\nI couldn’t begin to understand such deep matters. \nYou put me in my place and told me to listen;\nYou hit me with a raft of questions\nto show me how little I knew. \nIn the past I only knew of you second hand;\nbut now I have met you face to face.\nSo now I am ashamed of myself. I’m eating dirt!\nI won’t go down that track again.” \nAfter this\, the LORD turned Job’s luck around again and gave him everything. If he was well off before\, he was twice as well off now! All his relatives and old friends came and shared a great feast with him at his place. They offered their condolences and comforted him for all he had suffered through the acts of God. Everyone gave him presents – money and gold jewellery and the like. From that time on the LORD blessed Job more than ever. His stock runs held massive herds and flocks and were highly productive. He became the father of seven sons and three daughters. He named the girls Jemimah\, Keziah\, and Keren Happuch\, and they grew up to be the most beautiful women in the land. Job gave them an equal inheritance in his will\, along with their brothers. He lived for another hundred and forty years – long enough to see his great-grandchildren having children of their own. By the time he died\, he’d had the kind of innings most people only dream of. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 34: 1-8\, (19-22)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	I will speak up in your favour\, every chance I get\, LORD.\nEvery time I open my mouth\, I’ll sing your praises. \nEverything I’m proud of is your doing\, LORD;\nthe news of your goodness puts a smile on the face of the helpless. \nI’ll put the spotlight on you\, LORD;\nand gather a crowd to spread the word. \nWhen I pounded on your door\, LORD\, you opened up;\nyou calmed my fears and put my mind at rest. \nThose who look to you light up with joy;\ntheir faces never grow dark with shame. \nWhen I had nothing\, I cried out\, LORD\, and you answered;\nyou got me out of some serious trouble. \nYou station your angels to watch over those who trust you;\nthey watch us\, guard us\, and get us safely through. \nMay everyone taste for themselves how good you are\, LORD;\nmay everyone find shelter in you and be happy. \nYour people endure as much suffering as anyone else\, LORD\,\nbut you ensure that they make it through. \nLike a vigilant bodyguard\,\nyou see that not a bone is broken. \nEvil is lethal to those who drink their fill of it;\nthose who despise the straight and narrow will stumble to destruction. \nBut you\, LORD\, are always ready to bail out those who serve your cause;\nno one who runs to you for safety will be handed over to death. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Hebrews 7: 23-28			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We have had lots of priests in the past\, but none of them ever lasted. They kept dying and having to be replaced. Now though\, Jesus is our priest\, and the job is his for keeps because his life is forever. This means that now and always\, Jesus is ready\, willing and able to save the lives of everyone who reaches out to God through him. Appealing to God on their behalf is what Jesus lives for\, and he’s always on the job. \nIf you listed everything anyone could possibly want in a high priest\, Jesus would fit the bill perfectly. He is completely dedicated to God. There is no blood on his hands and no skeletons in his closet. When it comes to resisting sin\, he’s in a league of his own. Even in heaven he has the highest honour because no one else can compare with him. Unlike any other high priest\, he doesn’t need to keep offering the same old sacrifices\, day after day. And unlike them\, he doesn’t have to concentrate on himself and his own sins before he can get around to offering sacrifices for anyone else. Jesus offered himself as the ultimate sacrifice\, and so dealt with all the sacrifices required for sin once and for all. The legislation that covered the appointment of the high priests was never able to do anything about the human weaknesses that limited their ability to do the job. It is different now though\, because God has made a promise that has superseded that old legislation. This promise sees a Son appointed as permanent high priest\, and he is perfectly suited to the job. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 10: 46-52			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus and his followers travelled through Jericho with a large crowd in tow. As they were leaving town\, there was a destitute blind man sitting at the side of the road begging for money from the passers-by. He was known only as Bartimaeus – a reference to his father. Bartimaeus picked up that it was Jesus of Nazareth going past\, and he began to shout at the top of his lungs\, saying\, “Jesus\, Son of David\, have mercy. Help me!” \nPeople tried to stand over him and shut him up\, but he just upped the volume even more: “Jesus\, Son of David\, have mercy. Help me!” \nJesus pulled up in his tracks and said\, “Call him over.” \nSo the people called him\, saying\, “Come on! It’s your lucky day. Jesus is calling you.” \nBartimaeus was on his feet in a flash. He didn’t even bother picking up his things. He just hurried over to Jesus. Jesus asked him\, “What can I do for you?” \nThe blind man answered\, “Teacher\, I want to see again.” \nJesus said to him\, “Done! Your faith has paid off\, making you whole.” \nAnd sure enough – just like that – Bartimaeus regained his vision and began to follow Jesus on the way. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Jeremiah 31: 7-9			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	This is what the LORD has to say: \nSing and celebrate with God’s people.\nRaise the shout for the number one nation.\nBroadcast the news and give due credit\,\nfor I\, the LORD\, have come to save my people\,\nthe few who have remained faithful. \nSee\, I am going to bring them home from across the border.\nI will gather them from the ends of the earth.\nI won’t only bring the strong and agile ones\,\nbut the blind and the crippled\,\nthe one’s who are heavily pregnant\nand those with small children clinging to their ankles.\nI will bring them all back here\,\nthe whole mob of them. \nThere will be floods of tears as they return\,\nbut I will reassure them and lead them home.\nI will make sure there are refreshments available along the route\,\nand that the road is clear and easy to follow\,\nfor I have made these people my own children\,\nand I love them as my one and only. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 126			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	When you brought us home to Zion from exile\, LORD\,\n    we had to pinch ourselves to be sure it wasn’t a dream. \nLaughter and singing kept bubbling up in us;\n    we were just over the moon! \nEven the nations around us had to admit\n    that you must have taken our side\, LORD.\nIndeed\, we could only celebrate and thank you\n.    for the wonderful things you had done for us. \nLORD\, we need your help again;\n    we are like dry creek-beds in need of rain. \nWe have worked with sweat and tears;\n    let us reap the rewards with celebration. \nLet those who laboured with heavy hearts\,\n    expecting nothing but despair\,\ncome home with pride renewed\,\n    celebrating unimaginable success. \n©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you save all those who keep faith\,\nand bring healing and wholeness to all who seek your help. \nYou created the heavens and the earth\nand no purpose of yours can be thwarted.\nYour mysteries are more than we can comprehend\,\nand though even the good endure great trials\,\nyou come in person to rescue and restore them. \nYou have come to us in your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nwho embodied your compassion\nfor all who suffer the darkness of a broken world.\nIn the face of the forces of evil and death\,\nhe offered himself\, once and for all.\nYou raised him to life again\,\nmaking him our perfect high priest\,\nand exalted him above the heavens\nwhere he now prays for us\, day and night\,\nthat he might save all who approach you through him. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nwho offered himself\, once and for all.\nYou raised him to life again\,\nmaking him our perfect high priest\,\nand exalted him above the heavens\nwhere he now prays\, day and night\,\nfor the salvation of all. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nfor you save all those who keep faith\,\nand bring healing and wholeness to all who seek your help. \nYou created the heavens and the earth\nand no purpose of yours can be thwarted.\nYour mysteries are more than we can comprehend\,\nand though even the good endure great trials\,\nyou come in person to rescue and restore them. \nYou have come to us in your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nwho embodied your compassion\nfor all who suffer the darkness of a broken world.\nIn the face of the forces of evil and death\,\nhe offered himself\, once and for all.\nYou raised him to life again\,\nmaking him our perfect high priest\,\nand exalted him above the heavens\nwhere he now prays for us\, day and night\,\nthat he might save all who approach you through him. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus is able to save all who approach God through him.\nHe has offered himself for the forgiveness of sin\,\nonce and for all\,\nand now he lives to pray for us\,\nand present us\, forgiven\, to God. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Go out with your eyes opened to the presence of God\nand follow Jesus on the way.\nDrink in the richness of God\nand enjoy the strength of the Lord. \nAnd may God give you a long and full life;\nMay Christ Jesus open your eyes to the wonder of life;\nand may the Holy Spirit fill you with the faith that makes you whole. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nSaved? From What?A sermon on Hebrews 7: 23-28 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhat if you could see clearly?A sermon on Mark 10:46-52 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nSeeing ClearlyA sermon on Mark 10:46-52 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nStanding Up to the SilencersA sermon on Mark 10:46-52 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nHappy Ever After\, or notA sermon on Job 42:1-6\, 10-17 & Mark 10:46-52 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nBeauty\, Freedom\, Healing\, and WisdomA sermon on Job 42:1-6\, 10-17 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nWhen It All Becomes ClearA sermon on Mark 10:46-52 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp25/2027-10-24/
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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20271031T000000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20271031T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T050734
CREATED:20201005T081515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241208T045455Z
UID:10001672-1824940800-1825027199@laughingbird.net
SUMMARY:Proper 26 - Year B
DESCRIPTION:Below you will find the Bible readings set for this occasion in the Revised Common Lectionary\, with our Australian idiomatic paraphrases of them\, plus prayers and sermons based on them. \n\n\n\nBible Readings (paraphrased)\n\n\n\nLections from The Revised Common Lectionary. Copyright 1992 by the Consultation on Common Texts(CCT) P.O. Box 340003\, Room 381\, Nashville\, TN 37203-0003\, USA. Used with Permission. \n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Ruth 1: 1-18			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Long ago in the days before the Jewish people had a king\, a severe drought caused a famine in the land of Judah. There was a man named Elimelech\, from the tribe of Ephrath\, living in Bethlehem with his wife\, Naomi\, and their two sons\, Mahlon and Chilion. When their crops failed\, they fled the famine and settled in the land of Moab. While they were there\, Elimelech died\, leaving Naomi to raise their sons alone. In time\, the young men both married Moabite women\, one named Orpah\, and the other named Ruth. Within ten years\, both Mahlon and Chilion also died\, and Naomi was left destitute with no husband and no sons. \nNaomi got word that the LORD had blessed her homeland with good rains and good crops again\, so she decided to pack up and move back home. Her two daughters-in-law\, now widows too\, prepared to go with her. They left their home in Moab and set out for Judah\, but before they had gone very far\, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law\, “This is crazy. It makes no sense for you to come with me. Why not go home to your own mothers and live among your own people? You have been very kind to me\, just as you were always kind to my husband and my sons. May the LORD be just as kind to you and enable you to marry again and have homes and families of your own.” \nWith that she kissed them both\, and they were all in tears. But the two young women refused to go\, saying\, “We want to go with you and live among your people.” \nBut Naomi leaned on them to change their minds saying\, “Don’t be stupid\, my daughters. What good will it do you to come with me? It’s not as though I’m going to have any more sons for you to marry. You’ve got your whole lives ahead of you. Go back and get a life. I’m over the hill\, and even if I could promise to get a new husband tonight and get pregnant straight away with twin boys\, you could hardly put off marrying while you waited for them to grow up\, could you? Of course not. My daughters\, your lives are a bed of roses compared to mine\, because the LORD has written me off.” \nThe tears flowed freely again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye\, but Ruth dug her heels in. Naomi tried one more time: “See\, your sister-in-law has seen sense. She has gone back to her own people with their own ways and their own religion. Follow her lead — go back home.” \nBut Ruth said\, \n“Don’t try to change my mind about this\,\nor pressure me into giving up.\nI’m coming with you\, wherever you go.\nWherever you live\, I’m going to live too. \nYour people will be my people\,\nand your God will be my God.\nI’m with you for life\,\nand in death I’ll be buried right alongside you. \nI’m giving you my word on this\, cross my heart.\nMay the LORD punish me from now to kingdom come\nif I let even death get between us!” \nWhen Naomi saw that Ruth’s mind was made up\, she backed off and let her have her way. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 146			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	You are the best\, LORD!\nWith all my heart I sing your praises.\nI will never stop talking you up;\nI won’t stop spruiking your goodness till the day I die. \nThere is no one but you that we can depend on\, LORD;\nnot experts\, not leaders\, no one.\nNo human being can give what we most need;\nno matter what their plans and schemes promise\,\nthe minute they’re gone\, their promises die with them. \nBut we hit the jackpot when we look to you for help\, LORD;\nwhen we put all our hopes in you – the God of our ancestors.\nYou are the one who made earth and sky\,\nwho poured out the seas and filled them with life.\nYou are true to your word no matter what;\nwhen people are ground into the dirt\, you bring about justice;\nwhen people are left to starve\, you come with food. \nYou\, LORD\, set the prisoners free.\nYou\, LORD\, open the eyes of those who can’t see.\nYou\, LORD\, put the downtrodden back on their feet. \nYou\, LORD\, love those who do the right thing.\nYou\, LORD\, keep a caring eye on the asylum seekers.\nYou stick up for those who have no one else to stick up for them\,\nbut you make the schemes of the corrupt backfire on them. \nTake charge forever\, LORD\,\nrule from your sacred Mountain for all time.\nYou’re the best\, LORD. We’re with you all the way! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Hebrews 9: 11-14			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	The priests of old served in a great tent which people had made as the place to approach God here on earth\, but when Christ came he bypassed the old tent. He came as the new high priest\, bringing a new improved way of approaching God. Once and for all he went in to the real Holy Place of God’s presence\, in the middle of the ultimate tent — heaven itself. He also bypassed the old sacrifices of goat and calf blood. Instead\, he shed his own blood in the process of winning permanent freedom for everyone. \nUnder the old arrangements\, people were not permitted to come and worship God if they had done something that made them officially unclean. They had to be purified first in a ritual that required them to be sprinkled with blood from goats and bulls and with the ashes of a sacrificed calf. Now if such a ritual was enough to clear up these problems\, imagine how much more thoroughly our lives can be cleaned up — inside and out — by the blood of Christ! Christ’s self-sacrifice — which because of his spotless record was the greatest possible sacrifice — was made in the power of God’s Spirit to wipe the slate clean for us. No longer are we weighed down by the emotional debris left over from previous futile efforts to sort things out with God. Now we are free to join the joyous dance of life that honours God! \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Mark 12: 28-34			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	One of the religious lawyers came across Jesus engaged in a vigorous debate with some members of the Sadducee party. He was impressed by the depth of insight Jesus displayed in the answers he was giving\, so he approached him with a question of his own. “Which would you say is the number one commandment of them all?” he asked. \nJesus answered\, “The number one commandment is this: \nListen carefully\, O people of Israel: the Lord our God is the one and only Lord. Therefore you will love the Lord your God with everything you are\, with all your heart and soul and mind and strength.\n\nAnd while we’re on the topic\, the number two commandment is this: \nYou will love your neighbour as attentively as you love yourself.\n\nThere are no other commandments that can top these two.” \nOn hearing this\, the religious lawyer applauded him\, saying\, “Teacher\, what a first rate answer! You are right on the mark when you say that ‘God is the one and only\, and there is no other.’ And as you have added\, ‘to love God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength\,’ and ‘to love your neighbour the way you love yourself\,’ – these things are way more important than all the religious offerings and sacrifices put together.” \nJesus was impressed by the wisdom revealed in the man’s answer\, so he said to him\, “It won’t take much to get you into the culture of God. You’re all but there already!” \nNo one was game to put any more questions to him after that. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Below are the alternative 1st Reading and Psalm themed to the Gospel lection			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Prior to the revision of the Lectionary in 1992\, the 1st reading and the psalm that responded to it were chosen to link thematically with the gospel reading. After hearing the critique of those who said that the Hebrew Scriptures\, from which the first reading is usually chosen\, should be allowed to speak with their own voice rather than just add support to the gospel reading\, the Lectionary was revised so that during Ordinary Time\, the 1st reading runs in its own semi-continuous series\, working through various books of the Hebrew Bible. The older themed series continues to be available as an alternative. \nThe weekly prayers offered here at LaughingBird Resources are based on the four readings above\, and do not draw on the themed 1st reading and psalm. \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Deuteronomy 6: 1-9			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Moses said to the people\, “I’m laying down the law to you here with a set of principles and a code of ethics. The LORD your God has given me the job of teaching you to live by these things in the land that you are about to move into and live in. Learning to live this way will be for the best for you\, and for your kids and grandkids after you. Learn to honour and respect the LORD your God as long as you live\, and stick to the principles and ethics that I have spelt out to you on God’s behalf\, and you will live long and happy lives. So listen up\, people of Israel. Put these things into practice without cutting corners\, and you will reap rich rewards. You will flourish and prosper in a land of peaches and cream\, just as the LORD promised your parents you would. \nListen carefully\, O people of Israel: the LORD is our God\, the LORD and no other. Therefore you will love the LORD your God with everything you are\, with all your heart and soul and strength. Do whatever it takes to keep these things I am teaching you now fixed in your minds. Repeat them over and over to your kids. Talk about them everywhere and all the time\, at home\, at work\, on the road\, morning\, noon and night. Write them on the back of your hands; wear them as a badge stuck on your forehead\, hang them over your front doors\, put them up on a billboard at the entrance to your town so that you will be reminded of them as you come and go. Do whatever you have to do to keep them fixed in your minds. \n©2012 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Psalm 119: 1-8			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	LORD\, how good it will be for those who no one can point a finger at\,\nwho play by your rules and stick to the straight and narrow. \nHow good it will be for those who do what you say\,\nand put their whole heart into knowing you better;\nwho never do the wrong thing by any one\,\nbut stick to your tracks all the way. \nYou have laid down the law for us\nand told us to follow it to the letter. \nThere is nothing I want more than to be rock solid\,\nfollowing your script in everything I do. \nIf I keep my eyes fixed on your instructions\,\nI will never have to hang my head. \nThe more I discover the justice and integrity of your teaching\,\nthe more I sing your praises with my heart beating proud. \nI intend to do everything you say;\nplease don’t ever give up on me. \n©2011 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nPrayers\n\n\n	\n\n		\n			\n				  Eucharistic Preface			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Let us lift up our hearts.\nWe lift them to the Lord.\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\nIt is right to give our thanks and praise. \nIt is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise\, O God\,\nwith all our heart and soul and mind and strength\,\nfor you keep faith forever with all peoples\nand reach out to save the burdened and the bereft. \nYou are the creator of heaven and earth\,\nand the maker of the teeming seas.\nFrom generation to generation\,\nyou have shown your generous love to those who\, like Ruth\,\nhave united with your people and walked in your ways. \nThrough your law you provided a way of forgiveness\,\nand when we lost our way\,\nyou came to us in your Son\, Jesus Christ.\nEmbodying the law of love\,\nhe shed his own blood in obtaining our redemption\,\nand\, raised by you to new life\,\nhe has entered your holy presence\, once for all\,\nfreeing us from works of futility\nto worship you by living the ways of love. \nTherefore with ..... \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Short Preface (for insertion into Eucharistic prayers with fixed prefaces)			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	We give thanks for your Son\, Jesus Christ\,\nwho embodied the law of love\nand shed his own blood in obtaining our redemption\,\nentering your holy presence\, once for all\,\nand freeing us from works of futility\nto worship you by living the ways of love. \n©2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  General Prayer of Thanksgiving			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	(Preface reformatted for use apart from communion)\n\nWe give you all thanks and praise\, O God\,\nwith all our heart and soul and mind and strength\,\nfor you keep faith forever with all peoples\nand reach out to save the burdened and the bereft. \nYou are the creator of heaven and earth\,\nand the maker of the teeming seas.\nFrom generation to generation\,\nyou have shown your generous love to those who\, like Ruth\,\nhave united with your people and walked in your ways. \nThrough your law you provided a way of forgiveness\,\nand when we lost our way\,\nyou came to us in your Son\, Jesus Christ.\nEmbodying the law of love\,\nhe shed his own blood in obtaining our redemption\,\nand\, raised by you to new life\,\nhe has entered your holy presence\, once for all\,\nfreeing us from works of futility\nto worship you by living the ways of love. \nTherefore\, with our hearts lifted high\,\nwe offer you thanks and praise at all times\nthrough Jesus Christ our Lord\,\nwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit\,\none God\, for ever and ever.\nAmen. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Declaration of Grace / Absolution			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Jesus Christ shed his own blood in winning freedom for us.\nAs our high priest\, he has gone into the presence of God\nand obtained for us eternal redemption\,\npurifying us from all guilt\,\nand freeing us to worship the living God. \nSisters and Brothers\,\n  your sins are forgiven;\n    be at peace. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n		\n\n		\n			\n				  Commission & Benediction			\n		\n\n		\n		 \n \n	Hear this: the Lord our God is the one and only Lord.\nTherefore go out into the world\nand love the Lord your God\nwith all your heart\, soul\, mind and strength\,\nand love others as you love yourself. \nAnd may God give you justice and freedom;\nMay Christ Jesus set you free for love;\nand may the Holy Spirit go where you go\nand protect you on your way. \nWe go in peace to love and serve the Lord\,\n   In the name of Christ. Amen. \n©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net \n\n\n			\n	\n	\n\n\n\nSermons\n\n\n\nSermons will open in new tabs from our SYCBaps church website. \n\n\n\n\nLove and Religious RitualA sermon on Mark 12: 28-34 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nDoing Right or Doing RitesA sermon on Mark 12: 28-34 & Hebrews 9: 11-14 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nLove and SacrificeA sermon on Mark 12: 28-34 & Hebrews 9: 11-14 by Nathan Nettleton\n\n\n\nRuthless Loyalty\, Ruthless CourageA sermon on Ruth 1: 1-18 by Jude Waldron\n\n\n\nLove and What the Gospel Isn’tA sermon on Mark 12: 28-34 & Hebrews 9: 11-14 by Nathan Nettleton
URL:https://laughingbird.net/occasion/bp26/2027-10-31/
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