# Fifth Sunday in Lent: *Bread for Community* **Please stand in body or in spirit** --- ## **Gathering Song** **“This is the Day”** ## **Unison Welcome** > “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here” ## **Announcements** ## **Prelude** ## **Call to Worship** *(from Bread of Life)* Come down from the tree, Zacchaeus and friends. Come and worship together! **The bread of life satisfies our hunger and thirst.** You are witnessed, worthy, and welcomed today by Jesus, the bread of life. **The bread of life loves us and knows our needs.** Let us feast at the table of love and justice, where no one dines alone. **The bread of life has come to sustain us.** > Believing this promise, let us worship together! ## **Hymn #295** — *“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”* ### Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing **Words**: Robert Robinson, 1758 (based on 1 Samuel 7:12) **Music**: *Nettleton*, from Wyeth’s *Repository of Sacred Music*, Part Second, 1813 1. Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, Mount of Thy redeeming love. 2. Here I raise mine Ebenezer; Hither by Thy help I’m come; And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God; He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood. 3. O to grace how great a debtor Daily I’m constrained to be! Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above. ## **Opening Prayer** *(from Bread of Life)* Gracious God, as we gather in this season of reflection and repentance, you call us from our hiding places and invite us to the table of grace. You see us in our brokenness and meet us with mercy. You offer us the bread of life that nourishes our souls, heals our wounds, and strengthens us for the journey of faith. In this time of worship, open our hearts to your transforming love and lead us to greater humility and justice. > May this sacred time draw us nearer to you and one another. Amen. ## **Passing of the Peace** Beneath the mantle of peace, Jesus, the bread of life, provides a bounty of fellowship, care, and connection. > May the peace of Christ be with you. **And also with you.** Take a moment to greet others with the peace of Christ, which inspires us to care for the needs of our community. --- ## **Prayer for Illumination** *(from Bread of Life)* God, may the scriptures we read today become living bread. May your Spirit empower them to shape us in Jesus’ likeness. Give us wisdom as we interpret these words of scripture; > may they nourish our minds and souls. Amen. ## **Scripture Reading** **Isaiah 43:16–21 (NRSVUE)** 16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, 17 who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: 18 Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. 19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 20 The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, 21 the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise. --- ## **Responsive Reading** **“Called to Become” by Edwina Gateley** > You are called to become a perfect creation. > **No one is called to become who you are called to be.** > > It does not matter how short or tall or thick-set or slow you may be. > **It does not matter whether you sparkle with life or are as silent as a still pool. > Whether you sing your song aloud or weep alone in darkness.** > > It does not matter whether you feel loved and admired or unloved and alone for you are called to become a perfect creation. > **No one’s shadow should cloud your becoming. > No one’s light should dispel your spark. For the Lord delights in you.** > > This becoming may be gentle or harsh. Subtle or violent. But it never ceases. > **Never pauses or hesitates. > Only is creative force calling you, calling you to become a perfect creation.** --- ## **Anthem** **“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”** *Text: Isaac Watts, 1707* *Setting: Gilbert M. Martin* 1. When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. 2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood. 3. See, from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown? 4. Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. ## **Children’s Message** *Children’s Corner will be offered following the Children’s Message* **Rev. Caroline E. Saxton** ## **Scripture Reading** **Luke 19:1–10 (NRSVUE)** 1 He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2 A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7 All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” 8 Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” 9 Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” --- ## **Sermon** **Rev. Caroline E. Saxton** # 📜 Sermon Analysis ## 🏷 Sermon Title / Theme - **Theme:** *Repentance and Transformation* - The sermon centers on the biblical account of Zacchaeus, emphasizing the possibility of radical change, renewal, and inclusion. - **Additional Notes:** - The preacher interweaves personal experience and social commentary, challenging both individual sin and systemic injustice. ## 🗒 Sermon Summary - **Central Message:** - ✨ *Repentance leads to transformation:* The story of Zacchaeus demonstrates that no one is beyond redemption. - ✨ *Inclusion and social justice:* Jesus reaches out to the marginalized, emphasizing that transformation is available even to those society labels as sinners. - **Liturgical/Thematic Ties:** - ✨ The narrative from Luke 19:1–10 anchors the message in scripture. - ✨ The sermon relates the ancient text to modern struggles—suffering, injustice, and the paradox of good versus bad outcomes in life. - ✨ The call to a renewed community resonates with themes of renewal and hope often present in liturgical settings. ## 🎙 Preaching Style - **Style of Delivery:** - 🎤 *Narrative and Expository:* The preacher recounts the biblical story while weaving in personal anecdotes and contemporary reflections. - 🎤 *Use of Examples:* Personal stories (e.g., dealing with family illness) and references to notable works (Rabbi Kushner’s and Elizabeth Ashton Riley’s texts) help illustrate the message. - **Inclusive Techniques:** - 🎤 *Auditory Engagement:* Storytelling and rhetorical questions support auditory learners. - 🎤 *Visual Imagery:* Vivid descriptions (e.g., Zacchaeus climbing the tree) aim to create mental images for visual learners. - 🎤 *Interactive Appeal:* Questions posed to the congregation invite self-reflection and group engagement, catering to kinesthetic learners. ## 🗣 Intonation and Delivery - **Vocal Delivery:** - 🎙 *Passionate and Empathetic:* The tone shifts from reflective to impassioned, underlining key points about redemption and social justice. - 🎙 *Inclusive Tone:* Warm and inviting, the delivery makes the congregation feel part of a shared journey. - **Engagement Techniques:** - 🎙 *Pacing and Variation:* The sermon varies its tone and pace—slower during reflective moments, more dynamic when emphasizing transformation. - 🎙 *Visual and Kinetic Cues:* Although no explicit visuals are mentioned, the descriptive language serves to engage listeners’ imaginations. ## 📝 Content Structure - **Organization:** - 📌 *Clear Structure:* Begins with scripture reading, moves through personal reflection and social commentary, and concludes with a call to action. - 📌 *Repetition for Emphasis:* Key phrases like “repentance and transformation” recur to reinforce the message. - **Transition and Summaries:** - 📌 *Smooth Transitions:* The sermon shifts naturally between biblical narrative, personal anecdote, and broader societal implications. - 📌 *Supportive Summaries:* Each section reiterates the central themes, aiding retention for all learning styles. ## 👥 Engagement and Application - **Congregational Engagement:** - 👥 *Relatable Questions:* The preacher addresses questions like “Why do good things happen to bad people?” to engage the audience’s personal experiences. - 👥 *Focus on Social Justice:* Challenges prevailing views on wealth and sin, urging personal and communal change. - **Inclusivity:** - 👥 *Practical Applications:* Encourages active repentance and community restoration through tangible actions (sharing resources, fostering equity). - 👥 *Marginalized Perspectives:* While diverse voices are referenced (e.g., Rabbi Kushner), there is room to further include scholars from Black and LGBTQIA+ communities. ## 📖 Scripture Breakdown - **Primary Scripture:** - 📖 *Luke 19:1–10* forms the foundation, detailing Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus. - **Usage in the Sermon:** - 📖 *Emphasis on Redemption:* The scripture is employed to illustrate that transformation is possible even for those deemed unworthy. - 📖 *Social Commentary:* The narrative is used to comment on wealth, power, and the systemic exclusion of the marginalized. - **Theological Implications:** - 📖 *Integration with Modern Issues:* The biblical text is not only historical but also a call to address contemporary injustice. ## 🔄 Logical Reasoning ### ✅ Positive Elements - **Sound Deductive Reasoning:** - 🔹 *Example:* “Jesus comes to seek and save the lost; Zacchaeus was lost; therefore, Zacchaeus is saved.” - **Strength:** Reinforces the universal applicability of redemption. - **Suggestion:** Clarify this reasoning explicitly to enhance understanding. - **Strong Inductive Reasoning:** - 🔹 *Example:* Personal experiences and societal observations are used to support the need for transformation. - **Strength:** Builds a compelling case for change by relating abstract ideas to concrete examples. - **Suggestion:** Supplement with empirical data to reinforce arguments about systemic injustice. - **Valid Syllogisms:** - 🔹 *Example:* Implicit structure: “If repentance transforms, then accepting Jesus’s call results in transformation; Zacchaeus accepted the call; therefore, transformation occurred.” - **Strength:** Provides a clear logical pathway from scripture to personal change. - **Causal Reasoning:** - 🔹 *Example:* The relationship between repentance and community restoration is clearly articulated. - **Strength:** Illustrates cause and effect in personal and social change. - **Suggestion:** Integrate additional contemporary examples for broader appeal. - **Balanced and Nuanced Views:** - 🔹 *Example:* Acknowledges the complexity of why suffering occurs, offering a nuanced discussion rather than a one-sided argument. ### ⚠ Identified Logical Fallacies - **Appeal to Emotion:** - 🔸 *Issue:* Reliance on personal anecdotes and emotional questions may overshadow objective reasoning. - **Weakness:** Risks making the argument seem subjective. - **Suggestion:** Balance with more objective data or scholarly insights. - **Hasty Generalization:** - 🔸 *Issue:* Generalizing that all wealthy individuals are exploitative or that suffering has a singular cause. - **Weakness:** Oversimplifies complex social and economic issues. - **Suggestion:** Acknowledge exceptions and present a more nuanced view. - **Potential Strawman:** - 🔸 *Issue:* The sermon sometimes sets up a dichotomy between “the rich” and “the marginalized” in a way that may oversimplify opposing views. - **Weakness:** Could alienate listeners who see nuance in these issues. - **Suggestion:** Recognize the diversity within social classes and the complexity of systemic issues. ## 📚 References - **Scriptural Source:** - [Luke 19:1–10 (Bible Gateway)](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+19%3A1-10&version=NIV) - **Additional Texts:** - [When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Rabbi Harold Kushner](https://www.harpercollins.com) - [Rage Prayers by Elizabeth Ashton Riley](https://www.example.com) *(Note: Link for illustrative purposes)* ## 🗨 Quotes and Illustrative Stories - **Impactful Quotes:** - “Today salvation has come to this household, because he too is a son of Abraham.” - “Jesus, however, showed another way. Good people seem to prosper and good people seem to suffer.” - **Illustrative Stories:** - The account of Zacchaeus climbing the tree vividly symbolizes the pursuit of change. - Personal anecdotes (e.g., reflections on family illness) effectively connect biblical lessons to modern hardships. ## 🔄 Calls to Action - **Explicit Invitations:** - 🙌 *Repent and Transform:* The congregation is urged to embrace personal change and community restoration. - 🙌 *Engagement with Injustice:* The sermon challenges listeners to consider social inequity and to act in support of marginalized communities. - **Inclusive Engagement:** - 🙌 *Multi-modal Engagement:* Calls for prayer, self-reflection, and tangible action steps are designed to resonate with diverse learning styles. ## 🎨 Tone of Voice and Style Analysis - **Tone of Voice:** - 😊 *Reflective, Inclusive, and Empowering:* The preacher maintains a warm and conversational tone, inviting empathy and active participation. - 😊 *Active and Direct:* Over 80% of the language is in active voice, keeping the message engaging and straightforward. - **Writing Style:** - 😊 *Clear and Concise:* Sentences are kept relatively short, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding. - 😊 *Engaging Transitions:* Frequent use of transition words creates a smooth, coherent flow of ideas. - 😊 *Balanced Use of Emotion and Logic:* While the sermon effectively connects on an emotional level, balancing this with additional objective data could further enhance its persuasive power. --- This analysis synthesizes the key elements of the sermon, highlighting both its strengths and areas for further enhancement. For more detailed insights into scriptural analysis or social commentary, reviewing additional theological literature or scholarly articles is recommended. ## **Sharing of Joys and Concerns** ## **Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer** *(debts)* ## **Invitation to Giving** ## **Offertory** ## **Offertory Response** *“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” v. 4* > Were the whole realm of nature mine, > that were a present far too small; > love so amazing, so divine > demands my soul, my life, my all. ## **Prayer of Dedication** *(from Bread of Life)* Gracious God, we offer these gifts as a sign of our gratitude for the bread of life that sustains us. > May these offerings be used to feed the hungry, welcome our neighbors, and spread your love and justice throughout the world. Bless both the giver and the gift, that they may bear fruit for your kin(g)dom. Amen. --- ## Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons) (The Summons) Words: John L. Bell, 1987 Music: Kelvingrove (Scottish traditional melody) Source: Iona Community, Scotland 1. Will you come and follow me if I but call your name? Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same? Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known, will you let my life be grown in you and you in me? 2. Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name? Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same? Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare? Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me? 3. Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name? Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same? Will you kiss the leper clean, and do such as this unseen, and admit to what I mean in you and you in me? 4. Will you love the “you” you hide if I but call your name? Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same? Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around, through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me? 5. Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name. Let me turn and follow you and never be the same. In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show. Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me. ## **Affirmation of Faith** *(from Bread of Life)* ## **Charge & Benediction** *(from Bread of Life)* ## **Postlude** *(seated)* --- ### **Children & Family Spaces** - “Nursery Nook” in the Narthex - Infant/toddler space in the Parlor - Age-appropriate activity bags and interactive worship bulletins available --- ### **This Week’s Birthdays** - 4/8 Sharon Mayer - 4/9 Beverly Peters - 4/10 Diane Bigler - 4/11 Doris Miller - 4/13 David Frantz --- ## **Worship Participants** | Role | Name | |--------------------|----------------------------------| | Pastor | Rev. Caroline E. Saxton | | Organist | Barbara Motichka | | Deacon in Charge | Diana Kongkeattikul | | Lector | MaryLee Yaukey | | Children’s Corner | Diana and Swann Kongkeattikul | | Media Coordinators | Calvin Frantz & Ginny Cairns | | Bulletin Cover | “Zacchaeus was happy to welcome Jesus” © 2025 Illustrated Ministry | --- ## **Worship Resources** - *“Called to Become”* by Edwina Gateley, from *There Was No Path So I Trod One* (1996, 2013) [Read online](https://www.journeywithjesus.net/poemsandprayers/559-edwina-gateley-called-to-become) - *Bread of Life* liturgy & commentary © 2025 Illustrated Ministry --- ## **Vision & Mission Statements** **St. John’s Vision**: > We are called to love, to learn, to worship and to witness in Christ > as a congregation that welcomes everyone, > and seeks service that will advance God’s realm on earth. **St. John’s Mission**: > To grow in love of God and neighbor ---