Today’s service – 16 October 2022 – is led by Rev. Christine McWhirter and the sermon text is from Luke’s Gospel (Luke 10:38-42) – The Story of Martha and Mary (and Jesus).
Our work in the church, or with our family, or on the job may be important, but it is not the most important thing in God’s kingdom. Have we lost sight of what is important and, if so, what should we be doing about it?
Order of Service
Welcome and intimations
Call to worship
Hymn – MP 41 At the name of Jesus
Prayers of Adoration and Confession
Hymn – CH4 550 As the deer pants
All-age talk
Children’s Songs
Readings – Psalm 24 and Luke 10:38-42
Hymn – MP 784 Ye servants of God
Message
Prayers for others (including Lord’s prayer)
Hymn – MP 313 I will sing, I will sing
Benediction and threefold Amen
Today’s main Bible verse
Luke 10:38-42 (from The Message Translation of the Bible)
Mary and Martha
38-40 As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.”
41-42 The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”
Video of today’s service from St. James’
Martha got angry at Mary and at Jesus because she was left to do all the work by herself. In her mind, not even Jesus; this preacher of love and mercy, could see how hard she was working and how little Mary was doing. Surely the right thing would be to tell Mary to get up and lend a hand?
Rev. christine mcwhirter
