# St. John's United Church of Christ ## Chambersburg, PA ## October 5, 2025 --- # GOD PROVIDES MANNA / WORLDWIDE COMMUNION SUNDAY *Please stand in body or in spirit* --- ## Order of Worship ### Gathering #### 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 #### MISSION MOMENT #### PASSING OF THE PEACE *"The peace of Christ be with you"* — *"And also with you"* #### CHIMING OF THE TRINITY & PRELUDE ### Call to Worship #### \*CALL TO WORSHIP *"God of Enough" by Tim Graves (adapted)* There are days when we live with a theology of scarcity, thinking there is never enough. **There are other days when we live with a theology of abundance, trusting in God's provision and abundance.** God provides enough. God created each of us as enough. **We are called to trust in this truth, not letting our fears separate us from God or from one another.** Move our hearts, lessen our fears in this hour. **There is enough for all of us.** Praise be to the God of Abundant Love! **Praise to the God of Enough!** #### \*HYMN #33 *"Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah"* ##### Verse 1 Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty; hold me with Thy powerful hand; Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more, feed me till I want no more. ##### Verse 2 Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing stream doth flow; let the fire and cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through; strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer, be Thou still my strength and shield, be Thou still my strength and shield. ##### Verse 3 When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside; bear me through the swelling current, land me safe on Canaan's side; songs of praises, songs of praises I will ever give to Thee, I will ever give to Thee. *WORDS: William Williams, 1745; trans. st. 1, Peter Williams, 1771 (Ex. 13:21-22; 16:1-17; 17:1-7) MUSIC: John Hughes, 1907 CWM RHONDDA 8.7.8.7.8.7 Higher key, No. 37* ### Confession and Assurance #### CALL TO CONFESSION *written by Thom Shuman, from Lectionary Liturgies* We continue to believe that we must earn our way into God's heart. But God's grace is given to each of us, for all for us, freely, unconditionally, always. Let us open our lives to this mercy as we pray: #### PRAYER OF CONFESSION *written by Thom Shuman* It seems we cannot decide, Cloud of Glory. We say we will live to serve others, but end up meeting only our needs. We claim to live in a way that honors Christ, but we do not take him to work, school, home. We believe that the gospel can transform lives (at least for those who need it – not us). Forgive us, Presence of Peace. Instead of grumblers, may we be ambassadors of grace. Instead of continual complaining, may we carry compassion to the hurting. Instead of whiners, may we be workers with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, to reach out and bring the kin(g)dom of God to everyone we meet. #### KYRIE Hymnal Companion C-4 #### ASSURANCE OF GRACE *written by Thom Shuman* This is the good news: there is no ranking in God's kin(g)dom. God graces everyone with the same gifts: mercy, restoration, new life. God has kept the covenant. We have been forgiven, we have been made new people. Thanks be to God. Amen. #### \*GLORY BE TO THE FATHER #704 ### Scripture and Sermon #### SCRIPTURE READING John 6:47-51 > [Insert John 6:47-51 NRSVue here] #### RESPONSIVE READING Psalm 78:23-29 (The Inclusive Bible) Yet you gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; **you rained down manna for them to eat, and gave them grain from heaven.** Mere mortals ate the bread of angels; you sent them food in abundance. **You loosed the east wind in the heavens and drove the south wind by your power.** You rained meat down on them like dust, winged fowl like sand on the seashore. **You made birds come down into their camp and around their tents. They ate until they were fully satisfied; you gave them what they craved.** #### ANTHEM *"Standin' in the Need of Prayer"* — arr. Patti Drennan #### CHILDREN'S MESSAGE Roxanne Davenport *Children's Corner will be offered following the Children's Message* #### SCRIPTURE READING Exodus 16:1-18 > [Insert Exodus 16:1-18 NRSVue here] #### SERMON Rev. Caroline E. Saxton # 10-05 Sermon: A Theology of Abundance ## Sermon Summary: A Theology of Abundance ### Scripture & Context: Exodus 16:1-18 The sermon begins with a reading from **Exodus 16:1-18**. * **Context:** The Israelites have been liberated from slavery in Egypt. On the fifteenth day of the second month of their journey, they find themselves in the Desert of Sin. Having left the familiar behind, they are now facing the harsh realities of the wilderness. * **The Complaint:** The community begins to complain against their leaders, Moses and Aaron. They express a desire to have died back in Egypt, where they at least had pots of meat and plenty of bread. They accuse their leaders of bringing them into the desert to starve. * **God's Response:** The Lord hears their complaints. He tells Moses He will "rain down bread from heaven" for them. This provision serves two purposes: 1. To provide for their physical needs. 2. To test them, to see if they will follow His instructions. * **The Provision:** God promises meat in the evening and bread in the morning. That evening, a flock of quail covers the camp. The next morning, after the dew evaporates, a thin, flaky substance is left on the desert floor. The Israelites ask, "What is it?" (which in Hebrew is *manna*). Moses explains, "This is the bread the Lord has given you to eat." * **The Instruction:** God commands them to gather only as much as they need for one day—one omer per person. When they measure it, those who gathered much had nothing left over, and those who gathered little had no shortage. Everyone had just enough. ### Sermon Summary & Key Themes This sermon was delivered on World Communion Sunday, a day established in 1936 to recognize the spiritual unity of Christians across the globe. The pastor connects the theme of unity and God's provision to the story of the Israelites in Exodus. #### God Cares for Our Physical Needs The pastor begins by acknowledging that many of us, including herself, have never experienced true hunger or food insecurity. However, it is a harsh reality for many in our community and world. It is difficult to focus on higher needs when our most basic physiological needs are not met. * The story in **Exodus 16** demonstrates that God cares deeply about our physical well-being. * The Israelites, though liberated from slavery, found the journey difficult. Their bellies rumbled, and they began to long for the "security" of their past oppression because at least there they had food. * Moses clarifies that their complaints are not just against him and Aaron, but against God Himself. It is God who hears them and God who will act. #### God's Provision: Manna and Quail God's response is direct and tangible. He provides quail for meat in the evening and manna for bread in the morning. The pastor highlights two key reasons for this provision: 1. **To feed the hungry:** God responds directly to their physical need and ensures their starvation will not be their fate. 2. **To reassure them of His presence:** By providing for them, God makes it clear, "Then you will know that I am the Lord your God." His provision is a sign of His constant presence with them on their journey. #### A Theology of Abundance vs. A Mindset of Scarcity The most powerful lesson from the story comes from the *manner* in which the manna was to be gathered. * **The Rule:** Each person was to gather only what they needed for that day. Some gathered more and some less, but when measured, everyone had exactly enough. * **The Lesson:** This is a story about community and trust. God is teaching the people to move from a mindset of scarcity to a "theology of abundance." In God's economy, there is enough for everyone. * **Human Greed:** The pastor notes that in **verse 19** (just beyond the reading), some people disobeyed and tried to hoard the manna overnight. It bred worms and became foul. This demonstrates that the manna is not meant to be hoarded; it is a daily provision meant to be trusted. Hoarding is an act of human greed that goes against God's design. * **The Zero-Sum Game:** Too often, we operate from a mindset of scarcity, believing that for us to have more, someone else must have less. This "zero-sum game" leads us to look out only for "me and mine." This is contrary to how God calls us to live. Generosity is not just an option for Christians; it is fundamental to who we are. ### Application: Living Out the Theology of Abundance The pastor challenges us to examine how we live and whether we embody this theology of abundance. * **The Sin of Greed:** The pastor references Malcolm Holy's book, *The Anti-Greed Gospel*, to frame greed as the primary sin from which we must repent. Greed is what happens when we love money more than our neighbor and when we love manna (possessions) more than God. This love of money is the root of exploitation, racism, and injustice. * **Challenging Questions:** We must wrestle with critical questions of faith and self-examination: * Do we worship God with our time, talent, and treasure, or do we really worship money? * Are we hoarding resources, or are we living with open hands, trusting in God's provision for ourselves and our community? * **Practical Examples:** Our church is actively trying to live this out: * Sponsoring the **Empty Bowls** fundraiser for the Central Community Action Group. * Participating in the **CROP Walk**. * The adult class makes monthly meals for a network ministry, feeding approximately 60 children. * **Final Call:** When Jesus says He is the "living bread," He does not dismiss the real, physical hunger people experience. He offers us abundant life in God, which is meant to be lived here on earth with both a **full heart and a full belly**. We are called to serve and be served, to follow Christ by embracing and embodying a theology of abundance where no one is hungry and all are cared for. # SERMON ANALYSIS: Exodus 16:1-18 - World Communion Sunday #### 1. SERMON OVERVIEW ##### Core Message The central theological claim is that **God provides abundantly for all people, calling us away from scarcity mindsets and greed toward communal sharing and generosity**. The sermon connects the manna narrative to contemporary food insecurity and challenges the congregation to embody a “theology of abundance.” **Primary focus:** This is a blend of personal transformation (examining our relationship with money/greed), communal responsibility (collective care through food ministry), and systemic justice (addressing food insecurity structurally). **Connection to liturgical season:** World Communion Sunday (first Sunday in October), emphasizing global Christian unity and God’s inclusive provision for all people. **Score: 4/5** - The message is clear and well-focused, though it could be slightly sharper in articulating the specific connection between manna, communion, and contemporary action. ##### Preaching Style(s) Used **Primary style identified:** **Textual/Topical blend** - The sermon uses a single biblical text (Exodus 16:1-18) but develops it around the theme of abundance vs. scarcity, weaving in World Communion Sunday themes. **Secondary styles:** - **Liberation theology approach** - Emphasizes God’s preferential option for the hungry, connects to contemporary justice work - **Prophetic elements** - Challenges greed directly, calls out systems of inequality - **Conversational** - Natural, accessible tone without heavy theological jargon **Analysis:** The preacher effectively uses personal testimony (acknowledging privilege of never experiencing hunger) combined with prophetic challenge. The style serves both pastoral care (reassuring of God’s provision) and prophetic truth-telling (naming greed as sin). **Learning modalities engaged:** - Auditory (primary sermon delivery) - Reading/writing (mentions of hymn texts, book reference) - Interpersonal (references to church’s communal feeding ministries) The style matches a congregation likely engaged in social justice work while needing theological grounding for that work. The conversational accessibility makes complex economic theology digestible. **Cultural appropriateness:** The sermon is contextually appropriate, speaking from acknowledged privilege while calling hearers to examine their own complicity in systems of scarcity. **Score: 4/5** - Strong stylistic choices that serve the text and context well, though could incorporate more interactive or participatory elements given the World Communion emphasis. ----- #### 2. CONTENT ANALYSIS ##### Structure and Organization **Introduction:** Opens with World Communion Sunday context, establishing the theme of unity and inclusive love before moving to the text. **Body:** Moves systematically through: 1. The Israelites’ complaint and God’s response 2. The miracle of manna and its communal distribution principles 3. Contrast between scarcity and abundance mindsets 4. Application to contemporary food ministry and greed **Conclusion:** Connects back to the hymn about abundant life and references Malcolm Holly’s book on greed as the root sin. **Flow:** Generally logical, though some transitions feel abrupt (the jump from manna to contemporary ministry could be smoother). **Retention aids:** Repetition of “theology of abundance” phrase; memorable image of gathering manna. **Score: 3.5/5** - Solid structure with room for clearer transitions and more explicit connections between sections. ##### Scripture Handling **Texts Referenced:** - Primary: Exodus 16:1-18 (read in full at opening) - Implied: Gospel references to Jesus as “living bread” (John 6) - Hymn reference (not biblical but theologically relevant) **Exegetical Depth:** - **Historical/cultural context:** Briefly addressed (slavery in Egypt, wilderness journey) - **Original language insights:** None explicitly mentioned - **Literary context:** Positioned within the Exodus narrative arc - **Cross-references:** Implicit connection to Jesus as bread of life - **Justice themes:** Strongly emphasized - food insecurity, communal care, God’s preferential option for the poor **Foundation:** **Text-driven** - The sermon allows the Exodus narrative to shape the message about God’s provision and communal sharing, rather than imposing a predetermined topic. **Notable strength:** The preacher pays careful attention to the **details of the gathering instructions** (v. 16-18) - “those who gathered much had nothing over, those who gathered little had no lack.” This is the exegetical heart of the sermon. **Weakness:** Could benefit from more explicit engagement with the **testing motif** (“I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction” - v. 4). What exactly is God testing, and what does this reveal about faith? **Score: 3.5/5** - Good attention to narrative detail with strong justice lens, but could go deeper into the text’s theological complexity. ##### Theological Content **Themes emphasized:** - **Providence and abundance** (God provides what is needed) - **Community and equity** (sharing resources so all have enough) - **Liberation** (God frees from oppression AND sustains in freedom) - **Greed as sin** (love of money vs. love of neighbor) - **Incarnational theology** (God cares about physical needs, not just spiritual) **Diverse theological voices:** Limited explicit representation. The sermon references Malcolm Holly’s *The Anti-Greed Gospel* but doesn’t cite women, BIPOC, Global South, or other marginalized theologians by name. **Scholars cited:** Malcolm Holly (contemporary author on greed) **Balance:** Strong challenge about greed and privilege, with pastoral reassurance of God’s provision. Leans more toward challenge than comfort, appropriate for a congregation with resources. **Score: 4/5** - Theologically sound with strong justice emphasis, though could benefit from citing a more diverse range of theological voices. ----- #### 3. COMMUNICATION EFFECTIVENESS ##### Storytelling and Illustration **Stories/analogies used:** 1. **Personal testimony** - “I have never been hungry. I have never had to wonder where my next meal will come from.” 2. **Maslow’s hierarchy** - Brief reference to physiological needs as foundational 3. **Church ministry examples** - Empty Bowls fundraiser, Central PA Community Action Group, Network Ministries feeding program 4. **Matzo comparison** - “If manna is anything like matzo, I hope they had a little salt” (adds humor and accessibility) **Effectiveness:** The personal testimony is powerful in acknowledging privilege. The contemporary ministry examples ground the theological reflection in concrete action. The matzo comment provides appropriate levity. **Balance:** Good integration of illustration with exposition - stories illuminate rather than overshadow the text. **Inclusivity:** Stories acknowledge economic privilege without being preachy; references to contemporary hunger make the issue concrete across contexts. **Notable examples:** 1. The self-examination: “I have never been hungry” - honest, convicting, sets tone 2. The Empty Bowls fundraiser - connects theological reflection to immediate action 3. The zero-sum game image - “We have to look out for me and mine” captures scarcity mindset **Score: 4/5** - Effective use of illustration that serves the text, though could include a broader range of story types (biblical imagination, global examples). ##### Delivery and Rhetoric **Note:** Audio analysis is limited to transcript evidence, but we can infer from text: **Tone:** Conversational and pastoral with prophetic edge. Accessible without being condescending. The preacher names privilege directly (“I have never been hungry”) which creates authenticity. **Structure:** The rhetorical questions (“Who are we? Who are they?”) and repetitive phrasing (“theology of abundance”) create emphasis. **Language accessibility:** Generally clear and straightforward. Avoids excessive theological jargon. The phrase “zero-sum game” assumes some educational context but is explained through context. **Memorable phrasing:** - “Greed cannot win the day” - “A mindset of scarcity gives way to a shared life and resources for all” - “We are called to serve and be served, to follow and to partake” **Score: 4/5** - Clear, accessible language with memorable turns of phrase. Delivery likely effective for the congregation. ##### Memorable Elements **Key Quotes:** 1. **“God makes it clear that in providing sustenance, the people will know that I am the Lord your God.”** - Connects provision to covenant identity 2. **“Greed is what leads us to exploitation, racism. When we love money more than we love our neighbors. When we love money more than we love God.”** - Direct prophetic challenge 3. **“That all may have abundant life in every earthly nation… That all may have abundant life in oneness with their neighbor.”** - Vision of God’s intention **Powerful Moments:** 1. **The gathering instruction interpretation (vv. 16-18)** - The careful exegesis of how the community gathered manna becomes the theological center: “those who collected more had nothing left over, and those who collected less had no shortage.” This is the sermon’s exegetical and theological climax, demonstrating God’s economics of abundance. 2. **The personal confession** - “I have never been hungry” - This vulnerable acknowledgment of privilege early in the sermon creates space for honest self-examination and prevents the sermon from sounding self-righteous. **Score: 4/5** - Strong memorable elements, particularly the manna distribution principle and the direct challenge about greed. ----- #### 4. ENGAGEMENT AND APPLICATION ##### Congregational Engagement **Participation level:** Primarily receptive/listening mode. The sermon doesn’t explicitly invite dialogue or response during the message. **Inclusion of marginalized voices:** Implicitly present in addressing food insecurity and naming those who “cannot live on the ground” (presumably a transcription error for “cannot feed themselves”). The sermon speaks *about* the hungry but doesn’t directly amplify *their* voices. **Multiple entry points:** Yes - those experiencing privilege can examine their greed; those involved in feeding ministries are affirmed; those experiencing food insecurity are acknowledged (though not directly addressed). **Interactive elements:** None explicitly noted in transcript, though the World Communion celebration itself (not captured in this excerpt) would provide participatory engagement. **Score: 3/5** - Good attention to diverse economic contexts but remains primarily in lecture format. Could benefit from more explicit participatory elements or direct address to those experiencing food insecurity. ##### Calls to Action **Personal:** - Examine your “priorities and motives” regarding money - Ask: “Do we worship God by sending him love [loving him], or do we really worship money?” - Move from scarcity mindset to abundance mindset - Recognize greed as sin requiring repentance **Communal:** - Support Empty Bowls fundraiser (October 19) - Continue church’s monthly meals for Network Ministries (feeding 60 kids) - Participate in World Communion as sign of global unity - “Embrace and embody a theology of abundance” **Systemic:** - Challenge “exploitation, racism” that flows from greed - Work toward “abundant life in every earthly nation” - Address food insecurity structurally (implied through support of Central PA Community Action Group) **Quality:** - **Specific actions:** Yes - Empty Bowls on October 19, monthly meal preparation - **Multiple modalities:** Financial support (Empty Bowls), direct service (meal prep), spiritual practice (self-examination), worship (Communion) - **Connected to theology:** Strong connection between manna narrative and contemporary action **Weakness:** The systemic justice element could be more specific. “Challenge exploitation and racism” is vague - what exactly should congregants *do* about these systems? **Score: 4/5** - Strong calls to action across all three categories with specific examples, though systemic action could be more concrete. ----- #### 5. LOGICAL ANALYSIS ##### Reasoning Strengths **Analogical reasoning:** The sermon effectively draws parallels between: - Israelites in wilderness → contemporary food insecurity - Manna distribution → church feeding ministries - Scarcity mindset → contemporary greed **Theological reasoning:** Solid progression: 1. God hears complaints (attentiveness) 2. God provides what is needed (providence) 3. Distribution ensures equity (justice) 4. Therefore, Christians should embody this pattern (application) **Cause-and-effect:** Clear connections drawn: - Love of money → exploitation and racism - Scarcity mindset → hoarding and inequality - Abundance theology → generosity and sharing **Biblical reasoning:** Uses text to establish theological principle, then applies to contemporary context - a sound hermeneutical move. ##### Logical Weaknesses **Minor Issues:** 1. **Slight oversimplification:** - “Greed is the real sin from which we must repent” - **Issue:** While greed is certainly a serious sin, claiming it as *the* root sin may oversimplify biblical theology of sin and potentially minimize other serious evils - **Impact:** Could lead hearers to think addressing greed alone solves systemic injustice - **Suggestion:** Frame as “one of the fundamental sins” or “a root sin that branches into many injustices” 1. **Potential false choice:** - “Do we worship God… or do we really worship money?” - **Issue:** While rhetorically powerful, this binary could ignore the reality that many people struggle with mixed motives rather than complete allegiance to either - **Impact:** Might not resonate with those wrestling with complexity - **Suggestion:** Acknowledge the gray area: “To what extent do our financial decisions reflect worship of God vs. trust in money?” 1. **Underdeveloped connection:** - The move from Exodus 16 to contemporary ministry happens somewhat abruptly - **Issue:** The logical bridge between ancient wilderness provision and modern food banks could be more explicit - **Impact:** Listeners might not fully grasp *why* the manna story obligates Christians to feeding ministries - **Suggestion:** Add explicit theological bridge: “Just as God provided for the Israelites and commanded communal sharing, so the church as the body of Christ is called to embody this same pattern of provision…” **Score: 4/5** - Generally strong logical coherence with only minor issues that don’t significantly undermine the argument. ----- #### 6. STYLE EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS ##### Current Approach Assessment **Chosen style:** Textual-topical with prophetic and liberation theology elements **Strengths:** - Accessible to diverse educational backgrounds - Connects ancient text to contemporary justice concerns - Balances comfort (God provides) with challenge (examine greed) - Appropriate for World Communion Sunday’s global focus **Weaknesses/missed opportunities:** - Could engage more deeply with the text’s complexity (testing motif, Sabbath connection in v. 5) - Limited use of imaginative/sensory language that could help hearers *experience* the wilderness and manna - Doesn’t fully explore the *why* of God’s provision method (daily, can’t hoard) ##### Alternative Style Exploration **1. Fully Expository:** **Approach:** Verse-by-verse exegesis of Exodus 16:1-18 - Deep dive into “testing” theme (v. 4) - Exploration of six-day gathering with Sabbath rest (v. 5) - Analysis of “glory of the Lord” appearances (vv. 7, 10) - Original Hebrew for “manna” (מָן - man hu, “what is it?”) **Impact:** - **Depth:** Would surface theological richness about faith, obedience, Sabbath - **Accessibility:** Risk of losing those unfamiliar with biblical scholarship - **Application:** Might struggle to make contemporary connections as immediate - **Justice lens:** Could be embedded but might get lost in textual details **Verdict:** Would deepen biblical literacy but possibly at cost of prophetic urgency ----- **2. Fully Inductive/New Homiletic:** **Approach:** - Begin with congregational experience: “When have you felt there wasn’t enough?” - Build tension: explore scarcity experiences (food, money, time, love) - Move through wilderness with Israelites experientially - Discover God’s abundance only at sermon’s end - Leave questions open-ended rather than giving answers **Impact:** - **Engagement:** Highly participatory, invites personal reflection - **Discovery:** Hearers arrive at conclusions themselves (more ownership) - **Risk:** Some might miss the point or draw wrong conclusions - **Application:** Might feel less directive about specific actions **Verdict:** Would increase engagement but could sacrifice clarity of prophetic challenge ----- **3. Four Pages (Trouble/Grace):** **Structure:** - **Page 1 (Trouble in text):** Israelites hungry, complaining, facing death - **Page 2 (Trouble today):** Our hunger for security, food insecurity, scarcity mindset - **Page 3 (Grace in text):** God provides manna, ensures equity in distribution - **Page 4 (Grace today):** God provides through community, call to embody abundance **Impact:** - **Law/Gospel balance:** Would create clear movement from problem to solution - **Emotional arc:** Strong narrative progression - **Risk:** Might oversimplify by making stark divisions - **Clarity:** Very clear structure helps retention **Verdict:** Would strengthen narrative flow and emotional impact while maintaining clarity ----- ##### Recommendation **Optimal approach for this text and context:** **Four Pages structure with stronger expository elements and participatory opening** **Rationale:** - The Four Pages method would give clearer narrative arc from scarcity to abundance - Adding deeper expository work on vv. 16-18 (the gathering instructions) would strengthen the theological foundation - Beginning with an inductive question (“When have you experienced scarcity?”) would increase engagement - Maintaining the prophetic edge and justice emphasis from current sermon - The World Communion context calls for global perspective, which could be strengthened in “Trouble today” section **Cultural considerations:** - This largely seems to be a congregation with economic resources (hence the focus on examining privilege) - The participatory opening would need to be sensitive to those experiencing actual food insecurity in the congregation - Liberation theology emphasis is appropriate but should center voices of those experiencing hunger rather than just advocating for them **Score: 4/5** - The current style serves the text and context well, with room for strengthening through structural tightening and deeper exegesis. ----- #### 7. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ##### If This Were Fully Exegetical |Aspect |Current Sermon |Fully Exegetical Version | |-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| |**Primary focus** |God’s abundance vs. human greed in contemporary context|Literary structure, covenant theology, Sabbath themes in Exodus 16 | |**Stories** |Personal testimony + contemporary ministry examples |Minimal contemporary stories; ANE parallels, bread traditions | |**Scripture depth**|Good attention to vv. 16-18; lighter on context |Original Hebrew (מָן), testing motif, Exodus narrative arc, intertextual connections| |**Application** |Direct: examine greed, support food ministries |More mediated: moves from theological principle to application | |**Justice lens** |Central throughout |Present but would emerge from exegesis rather than being explicit frame | |**Accessibility** |High - conversational language |Medium - requires more biblical background | ##### If This Were Four Pages (Trouble/Grace) |Aspect |Current Sermon |Four Pages Version | |-----------------|------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| |**Primary focus**|Theology of abundance |Movement from scarcity/fear to abundance/trust | |**Structure** |Topical with textual grounding |Dialectical: Problem then → now, Grace then → now | |**Engagement** |Informational with pastoral challenge |Experiential journey through problem and solution | |**Scripture** |Comprehensive reading with selective focus|Same text but organized around trouble/grace dialectic| |**Emotional arc**|Steady prophetic challenge |Clear movement from anxiety to hope | |**Risk** |May feel preachy about greed |Could oversimplify complexity of economic systems | ----- #### 8. OVERALL ASSESSMENT ##### Scores Summary 1. Core Message: **4**/5 2. Preaching Style: **4**/5 3. Structure: **3.5**/5 4. Scripture Handling: **3.5**/5 5. Theological Content: **4**/5 6. Storytelling: **4**/5 7. Delivery: **4**/5 8. Memorable Elements: **4**/5 9. Engagement: **3**/5 10. Calls to Action: **4**/5 11. Logical Reasoning: **4**/5 12. Style Effectiveness: **4**/5 **Total Score: 46/60** ##### Key Strengths 1. **Clear theological center around abundance vs. scarcity** - The sermon articulates a compelling vision of God’s economics that challenges contemporary assumptions about resources and sharing. The exposition of the manna distribution (vv. 16-18) is the exegetical and theological heart. 2. **Honest acknowledgment of privilege** - The preacher’s confession “I have never been hungry” creates authenticity and models the self-examination being called for, avoiding self-righteousness while issuing prophetic challenge. 3. **Integration of text, theology, and contemporary action** - The sermon doesn’t just interpret scripture abstractly but connects it to specific, concrete ministries (Empty Bowls, Network Ministries meals), showing the congregation what embodying this theology looks like. ##### Areas for Growth 1. **Deeper exegetical engagement** - While the sermon handles the text well, it could go deeper into: - The “testing” motif (v. 4) - what is God testing and why? - The Sabbath connection (v. 5, gathering twice on day six) - The theological significance of *daily* provision (can’t hoard) - Why does God choose *this* method of provision? 1. **Stronger structural transitions** - The movement from biblical exposition to contemporary application could be smoother. Make the theological bridge more explicit: “Just as God provided for the wilderness community through structured sharing, so the church is called to…” 2. **More participatory/dialogical elements** - Given World Communion Sunday’s emphasis on unity and shared participation, the sermon could invite more explicit congregation involvement: - Opening with a question for reflection - Moments for silent consideration - Invitation to share experiences of scarcity/abundance - More direct address to those experiencing food insecurity (not just about them) ##### Overall Recommendation This is a **strong, prophetically-grounded sermon** that successfully connects ancient text to contemporary justice concerns. It is particularly effective for a congregation with resources who needs to examine their relationship with money and be mobilized for feeding ministries. **What makes it work:** - The manna narrative is an excellent choice for World Communion Sunday, emphasizing God’s inclusive provision - The challenge about greed is timely and necessary, rooted in biblical theology - The connection to specific ministries prevents the sermon from being merely abstract **What would make it stronger:** - Tighten the structure with clearer transitions and possibly adopt a Four Pages framework for stronger narrative arc - Go deeper into the text’s theological complexity, especially the testing theme and Sabbath connection - Include more imaginative/sensory language to help people *experience* the wilderness and taste the manna - Be more specific about systemic justice actions beyond individual generosity - Cite a more diverse range of theological voices (women, BIPOC, Global South theologians on economic justice) **Contextual appropriateness:** The sermon fits its context well. For World Communion Sunday, it rightly emphasizes God’s provision for all people and calls a resourced congregation to embody that provision. The prophetic challenge about greed is appropriate for a church culture that may be comfortable. **Final assessment:** This sermon will move hearers to examine their hearts and participate in feeding ministries. With some structural tightening and deeper exegetical work, it could become exceptional. As it stands, it is a solid, faithful proclamation of God’s abundant provision and our call to share resources communally.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ### Prayers and Offering #### SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS #### PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD'S PRAYER (DEBTS) #### INVITATION TO GIVING #### OFFERTORY #### \*OFFERTORY RESPONSE #706 *"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow"* #### \*PRAYER OF DEDICATION *from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion* Lord, giver of all good gifts, thank you for the resources gathered here. Use these gifts for the advancement of your kin(g)dom; in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. ### Holy Communion #### HOLY COMMUNION *(please follow along on the screen)* *We celebrate communion this day by intinction, coming forward to the altar to receive the bread and cup. Pre-packaged elements are also available.* ### Closing #### \*HYMN #523 *"God Be With You"* ##### Verse 1 God be with you till we meet again! By His counsels guide, uphold you, with His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again! ##### Verse 2 God be with you till we meet again! 'Neath His wings securely hide you, daily manna still provide you; God be with you till we meet again! *WORDS: Jeremiah E. Rankin, 1880 MUSIC: William G. Tomer, 1880 GOD BE WITH YOU 9.8.8.9* #### \*COMMISSION & BENEDICTION #### POSTLUDE (seated) --- ## Fellowship ### Join us a time of fellowship after worship! The "Nursery Nook in the Narthex" quiet area and infant/toddler space in the Parlor are available for children and families to use during worship. Age-appropriate activity bags are also available. *All are welcome at Christ's table. To let the church office know that you communed today, please sign the black attendance pad found in each row. If you are communing from home, please contact the church office to let us know.* --- ## Worship Leadership ### Worship Participants | Role | Name | |------|------| | Pastor | Rev. Caroline E. Saxton | | Organist | Barbara Motichka | | Deacon in Charge | Diana Konkeattikul | | Lector | Lloyd Beers, Jr. | | Children's Corner | Roxanne Davenport | | Media Coordinators | Calvin Frantz, Neath Ham and Heidi Ramos | | Bulletin cover | "Communion" by John (traqair57 on Flickr) | ### Birthdays This Week - 10/7 Ken Dilling - 10/8 Camden Wadel - 10/10 Judy Cook and Sandy Lewis - 10/11 Logan Parson - 10/12 Scot Orndorff ### Flowers at the Foot of the Cross The flowers are given in loving memory of John Gaal by his wife Nancy. --- ## Church Identity ### 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 --- ## Worship Resources - *Call to Worship "God of Enough" by Tim Graves, posted on LiturgyBits* - *Prayer of Confession and Assurance by Thom Shuman, posted on Lectionary Liturgies* - *The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation* - *Feasting on the Word Worship Companion* --- # NEWS IN THE PEWS ## October 5, 2025 ### Contact Information #### Staff - **The Rev. Caroline E. Saxton**, [email protected], (641) 260-1868 (cell) - **Tonya Schwartz**, Office Administrator, [email protected], (717) 263-8593 (office) - **Gary Crum**, Music Director - **Barbara Motichka**, Organist - **Roxanne Davenport**, Director of Children & Youth - **The Rev. Stephen W. Hoffman**, Pastor Emeritus --- ## THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN'S ### Sunday, October 5 (TODAY) - **Chili Cook-Off** after worship – Fellowship Hall - **Bible Study** on the Book of Acts, 8 pm, Zoom (link in Friday e-blast) ### Monday, October 6 **No meditation this week – will resume next Monday Oct 13** - **1:30 pm** Monday Afternoon Book Study – Conference Room 111 - **6:00 pm** CPR Recertification Training – Room 116 - **7:00 pm** Boy Scouts – Fellowship Hall ### Tuesday, October 7 **\*The church office will be open 9 am-11 am\*** - **6:00 pm** Ladies' Bible - Zoom - **6:30 pm** Cub Scouts – Fellowship Hall/then break into smaller groups ### Wednesday, October 8 - **11:30 am** Ladies Luncheon – Olive Garden ### Thursday, October 9 - **6:00 pm** Dance Class – Fellowship Hall - **6:15 pm** Girl Scouts – Room 116 - **7:15 pm** Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 103 ### Sunday, October 12 - **8:45 am** Godly Play Class – Room 119 - **8:45 am** SPARK! Elementary Church School Class – Room 115 - **8:45 am** Teen Discussion Class – Room 206 - **8:45 am** Wired Word Church School Class – Room 116 - **10:00 am** Sunday Worship – Sanctuary - **11:15 am** Flu/COVID Immunization Clinic – Parlor Room 104 - **12:00 – 5:00 pm** Franklin County Pride Festival – Wilson College --- ## Announcements and Opportunities ### Pastor Appreciation October is observed as Pastor's Appreciation Month. We will recognize Pastor Caroline's ministry during the October 19 worship service. As part of ceremony, we would like to present Caroline with a basket of cards reflecting the personal gratitude of the congregation. Also, consider including a gift card. Cards can be dropped off or mailed to the church office or given to Dale Myers. ### September/October Upper Room Devotionals Devotionals are currently available at the Welcome Center. We suggest a donation of $1 for small print/$2 for large print copies. If you would like to have a copy mailed to you, please contact the church office. ### Book Sale Donations Will be accepted through Saturday, October 11. Make sure to drop off your donations (books, puzzles, games, CDs, DVDs) before then. We are very pleased by the number of donations we have received! ### Holy Manners Copies of our draft Behavioral Covenant or "Holy Manners for St. John's United Church of Christ" are available in the Narthex or by request from the Church Office. ### Immunization Clinic For Flu and COVID shots will be after worship on Sunday, October 12. Walk-ins are welcome for Flu shots; contact Chambers' Apothecary to reserve a COVID vaccine. ### Franklin County Pride Festival Is Sunday, October 12, 12-5 pm at Wilson College. We are a sponsor of this wonderful event and will have a booth/table. Make sure to stop by and see us! ### CROP Hunger Walk: October 19 CROP, the "Christian Rural Overseas Program" of Church World Service was established in 1947 in response to massive starvation in post-WWII Europe. The mission was simple: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and heal the sick. The challenge today is even greater. Meet at First United Methodist, 225 S. Second Street, at 1:30 pm to register; the walk starts at 2 pm. Checks can be made possible to CWS/CROP. We hope to have good representation from St. John's UCC! Contact Pastor Caroline with questions. ### Bible and a Beer Is an opportunity to talk about our faith in public. Join us on the 3rd Monday of the month at the Trojan Diner at 6:30 pm. Our next gathering will be October 20. ### Birthday Balloons All are invited to share in a special coffee hour the last Sunday of the month to honor all who celebrated a birthday that month. October birthdays will be honored on Sunday, **October 26**. We hope you'll join us! ### Monday Afternoon Book Study Meets at 1:30 pm in the Conference Room. We are currently reading "A People's History of Christianity: The Other Side of the Story" by Diana Butler Bass. We'll read Chapter 3 for our session on 10/6. Pick up a copy from your local bookseller or join us! ### Sunday Night Bible Study Join Pastor Caroline on Sunday evenings at **8 pm via Zoom** for a Bible study on the book of Acts. Our session on **October 5** will focus on Acts Chapter 15. **Zoom Meeting Details:** - Meeting ID: 836 0593 5961 - Passcode: 277938 A hyperlink for this opportunity is included in the weekly e-blast. We encourage you to read from a variety of translations. ### October First Fruits Go to support Sweet Grace Ministries. October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and aims to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of pregnancy and infant loss, provide support to grieving families, and promote education and resources. Sweet Grace offers help and support to these families in the form of baskets, comfort bags, photography, support groups, remembrance events, mentoring couples, and more. Thank you for your support of this ministry. ---