Worship Tools

Worship Outline 1

Additional Scriptures

Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10

Worship Setting

Arrange several baskets at the front of the worship space to receive the Disciples’ Generous Response. Ahead of time, designate and promote this Sunday as a time to bring non-perishable food for donation to local food banks to demonstrate our true capacity.

For the Focus Moment, distribute blank thank-you cards and something to write with as people enter the service.

Prelude

Gathering Hymn

“Great and Marvelous Are Thy Works” CCS 118

 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “God, Who Touches Earth with Beauty” CCS 568

Welcome

Call to Worship Responsive Reading

Leader: The Lord is great.

People: Let us praise God’s holy name!

Leader: The Lord loves justice and establishes equity and righteousness.

People: Extol the Lord our God!

Leader: God hears our cries.

People: Give thanks to a forgiving God!

All: Let us worship our God!

—based on Psalm 99

Hymn of Praise

“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” CCS 52

OR “Creator God We Sing/Cantemos al Creador” CCS 114

Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

Invocation

Sung Response

“Come, Holy Spirit, Come” sing twice CCS 154

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Prayer for Peace

Light the peace candle

Prayer

God,

When we cry out in desperation, wondering if you hear our prayers, help us remember that you call us as disciples of Christ to be your answer to people’s prayers and ambassadors of Christ’s peace. Grant us the wisdom to recognize the needs of those around us and the courage to respond faithfully.

In the moments of darkness, may we become beacons of your son’s light.

In the face of brokenness, may we be channels of your grace.

For those experiencing loneliness, may we offer the embrace of your unconditional love.

In times of scarcity, may we reflect your boundless generosity.

For those overwhelmed by hopelessness, may we offer the comfort and confidence 

found in the presence of your Spirit.

Where there is destruction, may we tirelessly work for justice and share the peace of 

Christ in whose name we pray this prayer for peace. Amen.

—Stassi Cramm

Focus Moment: Giving Thanks

There are many ways to give generously as disciples of Jesus. Some of our giving involves words of gratitude. As you entered the service you received a thank-you note. Think about the people in this room and those with whom you have relationships. Who needs to hear words of gratitude from you? When have you been thankful for this person in your life?

Spend a few moments writing a thank-you note to the person you have in mind. Acknowledging the blessing this person has been to you is a way of giving to your true capacity. We often think of giving in terms or money, but being thankful and expressing our gratitude to others is also giving.

Allow some time for people to write a thank-you note. Play soft music during this time. These thank-you notes can be used as part of the Disciples’ Generous Response OR at the end of the writing time, encourage people to hand deliver or mail their thank-you notes in the next week to the people for whom they are thankful.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:15–22

Ministry of Music or Community Hymn

“Let Your Heart Be Broken” CCS 353

OR “Can We Calculate Our Giving” CCS 617

Sermon

Based on Matthew 22:15–22

Our Response

“Brothers and Sisters of Mine” CCS 616

OR “Take My Life and Let It Be” CCS 608

OR “Take My Life, That I May Be/Toma, oh Dios, mi voluntad” CCS 610

Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

Disciples’ Generous Response

Gratitude Exchange

Allow time for people to deliver the thank-you notes from the Focus Moment to the addressees. Have extra thank-you notes prepared ahead of time to ensure that everyone receives at least one thank-you note.

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 153:9a–c

Statement

We have talked a lot about giving today. And we have also demonstrated giving out of gratitude. Let us now consider giving generously to support local and worldwide Mission Tithes. Our gifts are meant to be shared freely with others and tithing is one way we have of addressing worldwide mission. Our generosity empowers others to fulfill their mission. We also offer tangible food items for [insert local food ministry] as another way to demonstrate giving from our true capacity.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Invite participants to place their offerings in the baskets in front and bring forward their donations of food.

Hymn of True Capacity

“For the Life That You Have Given” CCS 619

OR “Go with Us, Lord” sing twice or sing as a four-part round CCS 612 

Benediction

Sending Forth

Give generously according to your true capacity. Eternal joy and peace await those who grow in the grace of generosity that flows from compassionate hearts without thought of return.

—based on Doctrine and Covenants 163:9

Let us go from this place to generously share with a world in need!

Postlude

Worship Outline 2

Additional Scriptures

Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10

Preparation

For the Disciples’ Generous Response, place blank index cards or small sheets of paper in each bulletin or hand them out as people enter the worship space. Participants will also need something with which to write.

Prelude

Welcome

Community Sharing

Call to Worship: Psalm 99:9

Opening Hymn

“See What Love We Have Been Given!” CCS 496

OR “When We Are Living/Pues si vivimos” CCS 242/243

Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

Prayer of Invitation

Sung Response: “Jesus Loves Me” CCS 251

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Translations into Spanish and French for this hymn can be found on Herald House

Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:15–22

Focus Moment: No Right Answer

Trivia Questions

This activity can be done with the group as a whole or as teams. Invite participants to play a trivia game with you. Ask several questions, with some of them being “trick” questions. Some example questions could be:

• How many elephants did Abraham bring on the Ark? None, Abraham wasn’t on the ark.
• Who gave Joseph the beautiful coat? His father.
• How many emeralds did Judas receive as payment for betraying Jesus? None, Judas was given silver.
• What book of the Bible never mentions God? Esther
• How long was Job in the belly of the whale? Job was never in the whale.

Talk with the group about how some of the questions were tricky and some didn’t have a “right” answer at all.

Can you believe people tried to trick Jesus with questions? One group of people that really wanted to trick Jesus was the Pharisees. They were important leaders, and they did not like Jesus because the people would rather listen to Jesus than to the Pharisees. They came up with a plan to trick Jesus and make him look bad, so people would stop following him. One day the Pharisees had a group ask Jesus, “Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar?”

That might not sound like a trick question to you or to me, but Jesus knew exactly what was going on. The imperial tax meant that the Romans forcefully took money from the Jews for themselves. The Romans could do almost anything they wanted, and the Jews had to do everything the Romans said, or they were heavily punished. Now if Jesus said yes, the Jews would not like him because they were oppressed by the Romans. If Jesus said no, the Romans could throw him in jail.

That’s definitely a tricky question. But was Jesus tricked? Let’s see what the scripture says. Jesus asked the Pharisees to show him the money. Just like a lot of money today there was an image on this coin—the picture was the Roman leader, Caesar. Jesus had the perfect answer. He answered them that they should give to Caesar what is his and give to God what is God’s. Not only did the Pharisees not trick Jesus, but the plan also backfired. Jesus’s answer made people listen to Jesus even more! Everyone was impressed that he didn’t fall for the trick. Sometimes there are questions we can’t answer. Maybe the answer is too difficult for us to understand. Or maybe we think the wrong answer is the right one. And sometimes we just believe there is no right answer. But when we are faced with those tough questions, we just need to remember one thing; Jesus always knows the answer.

—Adapted from ministry-to-children.com

Disciples’ Generous Response

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 165:2b

Statement

Our lives can become so familiar to us that we stop noticing the generosity of God that surrounds us. We take so much for granted, focusing on what we are lacking; choosing to count our problems rather than our blessings.

We have so many things in our lives to be grateful for—good health, our families and friends, school, work, gifts and talents. All are blessings that make our lives easier, or more enjoyable and meaningful. These gifts from God are specific to each of us.

Today as we respond to the invitation to give resources for God’s work, may we also consider committing to a daily spiritual practice of being grateful each day for God’s many gifts. Here are some ideas:

• Take a few moments at the beginning of your day to reflect on some things in your life that you often take for granted. Offer a short prayer of thanksgiving.
• End your day reflecting on God’s gifts and being mindful of things that happened for which you are particularly grateful. Perhaps it was a hug from your child, or an unexpected call from a friend. Record these things in a gratitude journal.
• On your morning commute use the time to dwell on the goodness of God in your life.

What spiritual practice(s) are you willing to commit to for the next few weeks? Take a few minutes to write your commitment on the cards provided. Doing this will help bring a new awareness of how God provides daily blessings.

Allow a few minutes for participants to reflect and write their commitments.

Let’s offer our gratitude to God as we place our cards along with our offerings in the baskets/plates. For those who give through e-Tithing, thank you for your ongoing, sustained support of mission.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Ministry of Music OR Community Hymn

“Who Is This Jesus”  CCS 38

OR “O Young and Fearless Prophet”   CCS 36

Message

Based on Matthew 22:15–22

Prayer for Peace

Light the peace candle

Prayer

I pray a prayer for peace, dear Lord:

Peace for the fearful,

Peace for the troubled,

Peace for the downtrodden,

Peace for the war torn,

Peace for the wounded.

I pray a prayer for peace, dear Lord:

Peace for the forgotten,

Peace for the abandoned,

Peace for the homeless,

Peace for the hungry,

Peace for the unwanted.

I pray a prayer for peace, dear Lord:

Peace for the hopeless,

Peace for the ignored,

Peace for the abused,

Peace for the sad,

Peace for the ill. 

I pray a prayer for peace, dear Lord:

Peace for the powerful,

Peace for the successful,

Peace for the careful,

Peace for the happy,

Peace for the loved.

I pray a prayer for peace, dear Lord:

Peace for the children,

Peace for the world.

I pray a prayer for peace, dear Lord:

Amen.

—Patricia C. Pfann, Peace Prayers from the Temple, 
complied by Frances M. Easter, Herald Publishing House, p. 14

Closing Hymn

“Lord, Who Views All People Precious” CCS 637

 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “Go, My Children with My Blessing” CCS 650

Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 161:4a

Postlude

Worship Outline 3

Additional Scriptures

Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10

Worship Setting

This service would be a good match for Children’s Sabbath. Gather pictures of children from your group and make a collage to use as a worship setting. OR Create a slide show of the children in your group and show it as people gather and again during the postlude.

For the Focus Moment, bring a bag with several different rocks inside; include smooth and rough, shiny and dull, various sizes, unusual shapes, and a range of colors.

Gathering Song

“Morning Has Broken” CCS 143

OR “Gather Your Children” CCS 77

Welcome

Today we remember the worth of every child and welcome each one to worship. We all are God’s children.

Call to Worship

Leader: We come as children, Lord, to this place of worship.

Child 1: Our God is holy!

Leader: We cry to you, God, and you hear us.

Child 2: Our God is love!

Leader: We praise your name and feel your presence.

Child 3: Our God is here!

ALL: We praise God’s great and awesome name.

Song of Praise

“Dios está aqui/God Is Here Today”  CCS 150

Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

OR “God, We Gather as Your People” CCS 274

OR “Pray to the Lord” CCS 85

Opening Prayer

Have a youth offer this prayer

Loving God, we are happy to be here today.

Open our minds and hearts

to hear your whisper of love,

to see the joy of life in each smile,

to feel your presence in those around us,

and to know that we are your people.

We pray this in the name of the one

who showed us your love—Jesus.

Amen.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:15–22               

Read by a youth

Focus Moment

Bring a bag with several different rocks inside; include smooth and rough, shiny and dull, various sizes, unusual shapes, and a range of colors.

I have some rocks in my bag today. They are each unique, but they are all rocks. Even if someone happens to break one or scratch them a bit or polish them pretty, they are still rocks. They still come from the earth; they never lose their “rock-ness.”

Jesus teaches a lesson in today’s scripture story from the book of Matthew. Jesus reminds us that everything we are, is from our generous God…our curly or straight hair, even our bald heads! We were made just as God intended us to be; each one different from another, and each one lovable. We are in God’s family! No matter what, we are God’s people. We have worth simply because we are. God loves us. God loves you!

Ministry of Music OR Community Hymn

“For Such a Time” CCS 376

OR “Many and Great” CCS 3

Morning Message

Based on Matthew 22:15–22

Confessional Reflection

Prayer of Confession

God of compassion,
we acknowledge the times
we have lived too long
with the words that others have put
into our mouths,
with the pain they have written
onto our bodies,
with the terror they have burned
into our hearts,
with the shame they have inscribed
onto our souls.
We know the times we have clung
to sackcloth not of our making,
when we have lived
clothed in weariness,
cloaked with anger,
and enshrouded by sorrow.
We grieve the occasions
when we have lived with alienation
rather than association,
when we have sought isolation
rather than consolation,
when our wounds within
have shut others out.
We confess our fear of the dark
and our uncertainty of the light.

Yet you have placed within us, God,
a longing for survival,
a hunger for your wholeness,
a yearning for your comfort,
and a hope for all our healing.
Bless our mouths
to name our wounds,
that we may not fear them;
our bodies,
that we might cherish them;
our hearts, that we may delight
in their longings,
and our souls, that we may trust
the wisdom of the stories they hold.
Grant us the courage
to be touched by you,
that when our days of weeping
are done,
we may wear your garments of gladness,
see one another in the light
of your love,
and stand together in the power
of your resurrection.
In the name of the risen Christ,
we pray. Amen.

© Jan L. Richardson, from In Wisdom’s Path: Discovering the Sacred in Every Season.

Prayer for Peace

Light the peace candle

 Prayer  add motions to the second verse of the prayer

Source of all being, we come.

We are many. We are one.

Together we come.

The body of Christ.

Our feet.

May we be rooted and grounded in love.

Our hands.

May our work reflect compassion, healing, and peace.

Our hearts.

May they be shaped by grace, wholeness, and hope.

Our mouths.

May we proclaim truth, justice, and joy.

God, grant us:

Courage to walk the path you call us to choose.

Wisdom to discern each fork in the road,

Holy tethers that weave us together,

And strength to persist in the way of Jesus.

In whose name we pray. Amen.

-Robin Linkhart

Disciples’ Generous Response

Statement

From their keen awareness of God’s lavish love, early Christian communities distinguished themselves for the ways they shared what they had. They exemplified what Community of Christ today calls “whole-life stewardship.” This means they offered all they were and had for the grateful achievement of God’s purposes. These communities usually were not prosperous or socially powerful. Nevertheless, with hearts captivated by the story of God’s self-giving, they learned to share freely all they had.

This costly love of God has a way of leaving disciples with “hearts wide open” (2 Corinthians 6:11). Indeed, to learn to live a generous life, one’s heart must be transformed.

-Anthony J. Chvala-Smith, A Way of Life: Understanding Our Christian Faith, Herald Publishing House, p. 101

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Have a few children sing “I Am Standing Waiting,” CCS 298, during the receiving of the offerings.

Closing Hymn

“God, the Source of Light and Beauty” CCS 593

OR “Make Us, O God, a Church That Shares” CCS 657

Closing Prayer

Sending Forth

God’s word shall not fail, neither will God’s promises, for the foundation of the Lord stands sure.

—Doctrine and Covenants 140:5d, adapted

As children of God, go and share the peace of Jesus Christ.

Postlude

Sacred Space: Small-Group Worship Outline

Gathering

Welcome

Ordinary Time is the period in the Christian calendar from Pentecost to Advent. This part of the Christian calendar is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on our discipleship as individuals and as a faith community.

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Situations and conditions that need the healing touch of the Holy exist within all aspects of our lives and world. Join me as we listen to the voice that speaks peace to each of us from beyond the farthest hills, from the infinite heavens above, and the vast seas below?

Pause.

Listen to the voice that invites you to surrender your fears and frustrations, anger, and anxieties, and to await with an open heart the peace that only Christ can bring. Allow the one who seeks only the best for you to offer the comfort you seek.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that whispers the invitation to reconciliation with those whose lives, words, decisions, or actions have wounded you. May you find space in your heart for healing to occur in your relationships with brothers and sisters, as well as your enemies.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that calls all into unity and oneness. We remember all nations, including (fill in the name of the nation), the country we pray for today. May we be attuned to hear the cries for mercy, forgiveness, and generosity. Listen to the one who reminds us that in the welfare of another resides our own well-being.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. The Earth shudders in distress because creation’s natural and living systems are becoming exhausted from carrying the burden of our greed and conflicts. Listen to creation which struggles to provide life to the seas, the hills, and the heavens above.

Pause.

May the one who spoke calm to the storm and stilled the waves with a word, bring peace to us and through us. May we be among those whose lives whisper, shout, and proclaim peace to those far and near for the sake of God’s shalom. 

Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Body Prayer

Read the following:

Read the following:

Today we are focusing on the Enduring Principle of Sacredness of Creation. Our bodies are an amazing gift. Sometimes we don’t feel fully connected to our bodies. Our bodies often know things before we allow our minds to think them. When we pray with the movement of our whole body, we can receive different insight than when we use our normal prayer stance.

Read the following: I will show you movements with some explanations. Then we will repeat the movements three times silently together.

We start with our hands in the prayer pose (hands pressed together in front of you). This centers us.

We raise our arms high. This opens us to the all-encompassing love of God.

We put our hands on our hearts. This reminds us to listen to our voice within.

We open our hands in front of our bodies. This offers our love to others.

We lift our hands to the sky. This reminds us to open to all.

We lower our hands and place them on our heart. This helps us gather and bring all to our heart.

We bring our hands back to prayer pose. This brings us back to stillness and peace.

Now, let us move through these motions three times in silent prayer.

Repeat the movements three times. Bow to one another and say, “Namaste” (I bow to you).

Sharing Around the Table

Matthew 22: 15–22 NRSVue

¹⁵ Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. ¹⁶ So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one, for you do not regard people with partiality. ¹⁷ Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” ¹⁸ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? ¹⁹ Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. ²⁰ Then he said to them, “Whose head is this and whose title?” ²¹ They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” ²² When they heard this, they were amazed, and they left him and went away.

—Matthew 22: 15–22 NRSVue

In today’s passage, an unlikely coalition of Pharisees and Herodians try to force Jesus to answer a yes-or-no question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” No matter which response he chooses, Jesus will be in trouble. If he sides with the Pharisees and says no, he will be labeled a traitor to the Roman Empire.  If he sides with the Herodians and says yes, he will be labeled a Roman sympathizer. Rather than becoming entangled in their web of trickery, Jesus turns the conversation back on his questioners, requiring them to come to their own conclusions.

As onlookers to this exchange, it is important to move beyond the tendency to think this passage is only about politics and how Christians should interact with governments. And, although the story also shows Jesus’ ability to outwit the Pharisees’ malicious intent, we need to go deeper. Jesus is asking them, and us, to distinguish between a government’s jurisdiction and God’s jurisdiction. To whom do we belong? In whatever area we find ourselves—political, social, religious, or economic—we belong to God. All that we have and are come from a generous God.

Jesus’ response does not solve the problem, he simply moves the discussion to a different realm—God’s. Daily, we face the struggle of placing God at the center of our living, ahead of worldly priorities. But neither God nor Jesus will make the choice for us.  It is ours to decide.

When we give thanks for what we have, recognizing God as the source of all that we have, it is easier for us to focus for what is most important, the Peaceable Reign of God.

Questions

1. When have you wished that God would just give you the answer rather than remind you of the alternatives? 
2. What takes precedence in your life? Where do your loyalties lie? 
3. How does being aware of God’s grace and generosity influence your decision-making? 

Sending

Generosity Statement

Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:9

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response. This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

God of our discipleship, 
As we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us to save wisely, spend responsibly, and give generously. In these ways may we prepare for the future and create a better tomorrow for our families, friends, the mission of Christ, and the world. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn 

Community of Christ Sings 162, “Meet Me in a Holy Place”

Closing Prayer 

Optional Additions Depending on the Group

• Communion
• Thoughts for Children

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Communion Scripture

Choose one scripture to read from this selection: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Matthew 26:17–30; Mark 14:12–26; Luke 22:7–39.

Invitation to Communion

All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

We share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community. In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings (select one):

• 515, “In These Moments We Remember”
• 516, “Coming Together for Wine and for Bread”
• 521, “Let Us Break Bread Together”
• 525, “Small Is the Table”
• 528, “Eat This Bread”

Bless and serve bread and wine.

Thoughts for Children

Materials:

• Empty, clear container
• Big Rocks
• Small Rocks
• Sand

You will want to test your supplies beforehand to make sure the visual model matches the discussion.

Show the students your empty clear container.

Say: This container represents you. 

 The big rocks represent the things that are most important in your life? (i.e. God, family).

 The small rocks are the things that are important but do not take priority when compared to their big rocks. What are some smaller things in your life that are important to you? (i.e. time with friends, time to relax, school). 

Finally, the sand represents the things in life that aren’t really important but still take up our time and attention. What are some things in your life that take up your time but are not important? (i.e. sleeping in late, watching television, playing video games). 

Begin by pouring the sand into the container. As you do so, say: I like to have fun and sometimes sleep in when I have work to do. 

Next begin adding small and then large rocks to the container You should run out of room before you have used all of your rocks.

Say: Why was I unable to fit all of the important things? Allow time for responses.

Empty your container. This time put the big rocks in first and then the little rocks and sand.

Say: What does this activity teach us about making space for the important things? (The important things come first. Then you can fit in some of the less important things.

Say: There are many things in life that compete for our time and attention. As disciples we will first give our time and attention to things that help us follow Jesus. 

Thank the children for participating.

Sermon Helps

Exploring the Scripture

In today’s passage, an unlikely coalition of Pharisees and Herodians try to force Jesus to answer a yes-or-no question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” (v. 17). No matter which response he chooses, Jesus will be in trouble. Rather than becoming entangled in their web of trickery, Jesus asks for a coin and shows it to them. “Whose head is this, and whose title?” (v. 20) he asks. When they respond that it is the emperor’s, Jesus declares, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (v. 21).

As onlookers to this exchange, it is important to move beyond the tendency to think this passage is only about politics and how Christians should interact with governments. While the story also shows Jesus’ ability to outwit the Pharisees’ malicious intent, we need to go deeper. Jesus is asking them, and us, to distinguish between a government’s jurisdiction and God’s jurisdiction. To whom do we belong? In whatever area we find ourselves—political, social, religious, or economic—we belong to God. All that we have and are come from a generous God.

Jesus’ response does not solve the problem, he simply moves the discussion to a different realm—God’s. Daily, we face the struggle of placing God at the center of our living, ahead of worldly priorities. Our call as disciples is to make God the priority in our lives. God generously gives to us the many blessings we have in our lives. We receive those blessings and respond with thanksgiving and service to others. Giving thanks for what we have, recognizing God’s presence in our lives and God’s blessings among us helps us gain focus for what is important, the kingdom of God.

Central Ideas

1. We belong to God.
2. All that we are and have come from a generous God.
3. When faced with worldly priorities, disciples of Jesus are called to place God at the center of living—top priority!
4. As we consider what is God’s, the greatness of God’s generosity is so humbling that we respond with thanksgiving and service to others.

Questions for the Speaker

1. What takes precedence in your life?
2. How does being aware of God’s generosity influence your decisions?
3. To whom do we belong?
4. Are there ways to make this passage relevant to children and youth in your congregation?

Lessons

Adult Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Matthew 22:15–22

Lesson Focus

Respond to God’s Grace and Generosity.

Objectives

The learners will…

• discuss Jesus’s teaching of giving to “Caesar” versus giving to God.
• examine the implications of God’s Grace and Generosity.
• consider individual and collective response of time, talent, treasure, and testimony.

Supplies

• Bible
• Doctrine and Covenants
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)

Notes to teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Matthew 22:15–22 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: New Testament (with focus on the Gospel according to Matthew), pp. 107–108, available through Herald House.

Gather

Consider the images of God as Isaiah 45:4–7 (The Message, paraphrased) is read aloud:

I, GOD, the God of Israel, call you by your name.

I’ve singled you out, called you by name,

and given you this privileged work.

And you don’t even know me!

I am GOD, the only God there is.

Besides me there are no real gods.

I’m the one who armed you for this work,

though you don’t even know me,

So that everyone, from east to west, will know

that I have no god-rivals.

I am GOD, the only God there is.

I form light and create darkness,

I make harmonies and create discords.

I, GOD, do all these things.

Discuss:

• What images speak to you?
• Share a statement of praise to God.

Engage

Read Matthew 22:15–22.

Jews in first-century Palestine paid many different taxes. The tax referred to in this lesson was an imperial tax paid to support the Roman occupation of Israel. The political faction that followed Herod were known as Herodians. This group of Herod supporters included some Jews who opposed Jesus and believed the tax was necessary to support the governance over Israel. The Pharisees, political foes of Herod and leaders in the Jewish community, found the tax offensive and a constant reminder of their humiliation. From their point of view, the tax paid for their oppression by the Romans. Paying the required tax with a coin engraved with a picture of Caesar of Tiberias caused them to break the commandment of loyalty to God alone.

The question posed was intended to trap Jesus. Agreeing to pay taxes to the emperor would put him in danger with the Jewish religious community while advocating against the tax would put him in jeopardy with the Roman government.

Jesus’s response to the question caused hearers to think more deeply. Following the law of the land while also following God’s law is a universal concern today. In small groups or in a larger group, respond to the following questions:

• What belongs to governments?
• What belongs to God?
• Identify challenges in the world today in which the actions of a government conflict with the teachings of Christ.
• To whom do you belong?

Respond

God is the center of life. All that we are, all that we have, belong to God. God’s unconditional grace and generosity call us to respond by giving and receiving generously. Doctrine and Covenants 163:9 counsels:

Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint. Break free of the shackles of conventional culture that mainly promote self-serving interests. Give generously according to your true capacity. Eternal joy and peace await those who grow in the grace of generosity that flows from compassionate hearts without thought of return. Could it be otherwise in the domain of God, who eternally gives all for the sake of creation?

Giving is often easier than receiving. Discuss how generosity can flow both to and from disciples. What barriers prevent generous giving? What barriers prevent generous receiving?

Send

Consider the following questions:

• What are some examples of God’s abundant generosity in your life?
• What is a new way you might respond to God’s generosity?

Be assured of God’s abundant and unconditional love for you. Share of God’s love for someone this week.

Bless

Read or sing “Can We Calculate Our Giving?” CCS 617, stanza one.

Offer a closing prayer for courage to live in God’s love.

Youth Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Matthew 22:15–22

Lesson Focus

We belong to God.

Objectives

The learners will…

• recognize God as creator of all things.
• know we belong to God.
• recognize God’s generosity in our lives.

Supplies

• Bible
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
• A variety of coins or pictures of coins
• Paper
• Pens or pencils
• Video camera or phone
• Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, Herald House, 2018

Note to teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Matthew 22:15–22 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: New Testament (with focus on the Gospel according to Matthew), p. 110, available through Herald House.

Gather

Show Me the Money

Display a variety of coins or pictures of coins. Ask the group to identify what is on each one. If coins have the image of a person, identify that person and why they appear on the coin.

Engage

Argue like Jesus

The scripture passage for today’s lesson takes us into Jerusalem where Jesus is approached by a group of Herodians (Jewish people who were supporters of King Herod; a Jew put in a place of power by Rome to rule the Jewish population) and Pharisees (religious leaders of the Jewish people who enforced religious law found in the Torah. The Torah is the first five books contained in the Bible used by Christians today.) They quiz Jesus about the appropriate action to take considering the paying of taxes.

Read Matthew 22:15–22. (This same event is told in Mark 12:13–17 and Luke 20:20–26. You might want to read these passages, also, to compare how they are alike or different.)

It is interesting to know the Herodians and Pharisees were enemies but found a common interest in trapping Jesus. If Jesus would please the Herodians, he would tell them to pay the tax. This tax was required by the Romans to pay the soldiers who enforced Roman rule over the Jews. Essentially, Jews had to pay for their own captivity. If Jesus agreed with the Pharisees, he would tell them not to pay because it would be breaking the Jewish laws of the Torah about having no engraved images. The image on this coin, the denarius, was of Caesar, the Roman emperor who considered himself divine. This coin was required for the payment of this tax.

Another law broken was that Jewish people only honored one God, the God of Abraham. To possess and use this coin with the image of Caesar would put one in bad standing with religious authorities. So what did Jesus do? He took the question and turned it back on them. What did he say?

• What did the Herodians want from this encounter with Jesus? Did they get it?
• What did the Pharisees want? Did they get it?
• What did Jesus want them to understand when he said, “[Give] to God the things that are God’s”? Do we understand this concept today?
• What are the “things” that belong to God?
• What does the scripture help us understand about priorities? On a piece of paper number from 1 to 10. List the top 10 priorities in your life today. Share with one another.

Respond

There are so many activities and priorities that compete for our time. Social media dominates many waking hours. Think about the messages and advertisements, billboards, buses, trucks, and building which vie for our attention daily. What messages are prioritized in many of these ads? What do these messages uphold as valuable and important?

Think about the music to which we listen. What messages and values are proclaimed? How do music and media influence your priorities? Are they God’s priorities? What are God’s priorities? Discuss.

Create a short drama or video based on the question, “Your priorities: Where is God in your life?” You may choose a format such as a talk show, an interview, a documentary, or a public service announcement.

Send

What Belongs to God? We Belong to God.

Think about the list of top 10 priorities created earlier. In several short sentences, write a personal priority plan for placing God first. Take it home and put it where it can be seen daily.

Going Deeper: Generosity

Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint. Break free of the shackles of conventional culture that mainly promote self-serving interests. Give generously according to your true capacity. Eternal joy and peace await those who grow in the grace of generosity that flows from compassionate hearts without thought of return. Could it be otherwise in the domain of God, who eternally gives all for the sake of creation?

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:9

“We Share Whole-life Stewardship” is a statement of six guiding principles (Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, pp. 39–43). Consider the first two principles.

• Principle 1. God gifts each person with boundless grace and unending love. God’s gifts for each of us are expressed through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
• Principle 2. When we faithfully respond to the ministry of Jesus Christ we become accountable to one another, God, and ourselves. Our response to God’s gifts of love and grace is to serve others and let generosity become part of our nature.

Design a series of questions based on the scripture passages found in the lesson whose answers create a deeper understanding of a disciple’s generous response to God.

Bless

Give All to God

Read Psalm 96:1–8.

Sing together “Can We Calculate Our Giving” CCS 617 or “God Forgave My Sin in Jesus’ Name” CCS 627.

Children’s Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Matthew 22:15–22

Lesson Focus

When faced with deciding what is really important in life, disciples of Jesus are called to place God at the center of living—top priority!

Objectives

The learners will…

• restate what it means to have all things come from God.
• define generosity.
• discuss how to share generously in all aspects of their lives.
• identify their personal gifts and talents.

Supplies

• Bible or Lectionary Story Bible, Year A, by Ralph Milton, illustrated by Margaret Kyle (Wood Lake Publishing, 2007, ISBN 9781551455471)
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
• Items to decorate treasure chest (See Engage section for options.)
• Strips of paper
• Pens or pencils

Notes to teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Matthew 22:15–22 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: New Testament, p. 110, available through Herald House.

Gather

Welcome children to the group and gather them in a circle. Tell them you are going to ask them some tricky questions, so they need to be listening very carefully! After you ask each question, allow several children to share their thoughts before giving the answer.

• A farmer had 15 sheep, and all but eight died. How many are left?

Answer: Eight are left because “all but eight died.”

• A rooster laid an egg on top of the barn roof. Which way did it roll?

Answer: It didn’t roll—roosters don’t lay eggs.

• How can a man go eight days without sleep?

Answer: No problem. He sleeps at night.

Explain that sometimes questions are tricky and require careful thought before answering.

Engage

Share that in today’s scripture story some of the leaders of Israel were trying to trick Jesus with their questions. Let’s listen to how Jesus handled the questions.

Read “Trouble for Jesus” based on Matthew 22:15–22 from Lectionary Story Bible, Year A, pp. 224–225. When you have finished reading the story, consider these questions as a group:

• Whom do you belong to?
• What does “generosity” mean? How can you be generous in your life?
• What do you have to offer God?

Hand out supplies to create a treasure chest (you could use shoeboxes, egg cartons—cut into three sections. Example can be found at Red Ted Art) or print out a paper template such as this one: Tim’s Printables). Give children time to decorate their treasure chests.

Respond

Ask children what goes inside a treasure chest. Expand their understanding of the word treasure from just money to gifts and talents as well. Talk about the treasure they each have to offer. Discuss the Enduring Principle Grace and Generosity. Share the idea that because we have received God’s generous grace, we respond generously and graciously receive the generosity of others.

Give the children strips of paper to write the gifts they can generously give to God and to others. Have them put their gifts in their treasure boxes to remind them of the treasure that they are.

Going Deeper

Discuss these questions with older students:

• What are priorities in your life?
• How does an awareness of God’s generosity influence your decisions?

Send

Brainstorm two or three things children could do today to give generously to others. Check in with them after church or the following week to see how they were able to be generous toward others.

Bless

Sing together “From You I Receive” CCS 611 three times as your prayer of blessing.