SunDay between 3 AND 9 JULY (Proper 9), year C

2019 - 07 July (4th Sunday after Pentecost)
2022 - 03 July (4th Sunday after Pentecost)
2025 - 06 July (4th Sunday after Pentecost)
2028 - 09 July (5th Sunday after Pentecost)
2031 - 06 July (5th Sunday after Pentecost)
2034 - 09 July (6th Sunday after Pentecost)
2037 - 05 July (6th Sunday after Pentecost)

Note: For explanations and suggestions on the various resources provided, see the documents 'General notes and resources' and 'Time after Pentecost' in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

LITURGY

SENTENCE
See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder for suggestions on using a Sentence.

May I never boast of anything 
except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Gal 6:14a NRSV)

OR, use one of the general Sentences in the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

PRAYER OF THE DAY (COLLECT)
Traditional
Lord of all power and might, 
the author and giver of all good things: 
Graft in our hearts the love of your name, 
and increase our devotion; 
nourish us with all goodness, 
and by your mercy 
preserve in us what you have nourished; 
through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, modernised traditional
Lord God, 
the author and giver of all good things, 
graft in our hearts a love for your name. 
Nourish in us what is good, 
and preserve in us what you have nourished. 
We ask this through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, alternative
(Let us pray for strength in weakness. [silence])
Almighty and merciful God, 
your Son revealed the wonder of your saving love 
in signs and miracles. 
Renew your people by your loving kindness, 
and sustain us in all our weakness 
by your mighty power. 
We ask this through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, new 
(Let us pray that we live for the good of others. [silence])
Everliving God, all life flows from you. 
Fill us with your Spirit, 
and lead us to do good to all people, 
whenever we can, 
especially to those who belong to the family of faith. 
We ask this through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

FIRST READING AND PSALM
Note: There are two sets of first readings (with accompanying Psalms) given for the Sundays after Pentecost: (a) a new semi-continuous set, and (b) a set related thematically to the gospels (as in the earlier form of the lectionary). It is intended that either one of these two sets be used throughout and that they not be mixed.

1a
2 Kings 5:1-14 The healing of Naaman 
Psalm 30
Antiphon: 
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.  
(Ps 30:2 NRSV)

OR, 1b
Isaiah 66:10-14 Rejoice with Jerusalem
Psalm 66:1-9
Antiphon: 
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth.  (Ps 66:1 NRSV)

SECOND READING
Galatians 6:(1-6)7-16 Do good to all

ALLELUIA VERSE (Luke 10:16 NRSV)
Alleluia, alleluia.
(Jesus said:) 'Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me;
and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.'
Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Luke 10:1-11,16-20 Jesus sends out the seventy
(NB: If using the NIV or TEV translations, modify this heading to 'Jesus sends out the seventy-two')

PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL
This is the gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, 
for calling us to be your followers. 
Stay with us and strengthen us. 
Amen.

OFFERING PRAYER
Loving Father, 
your Son Jesus offered himself on the cross for us. 
Lead us to offer ourselves 
and our possessions for you, 
and use our gifts for the good of others. 
Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Call to prayer
Jesus said that we should ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Let us obey his command and pray to God our Father, trusting that what we ask will be pleasing to him. 

The regular response, OR:
Lord of the harvest, 
hear our prayer.

Suggested intercessions
*	for the whole church on earth, that it may labour in the harvest field of the world
*	for pastors and evangelists to preach the word of God
*	for deacons and church workers to serve the needs of the faithful
*	for welfare and health workers to serve the needs of the community
*	for relief agency workers to alleviate the suffering of those who are very poor or threatened by natural disaster
*	for political leaders to work for peace and the common wellbeing of all citizens
*	for all Christians in their calling, that they may serve God's kingdom by serving others

Concluding prayer
Lord of the harvest, you have given those who work for you authority over the powers of evil. Hear our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, who conquered the enemy through his death and now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

PREFACE
It is indeed right and good, 
Lord God, holy Father, 
that we should at all times and in all places  
give thanks to you, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
(On this day)* 
he overcame death by his resurrection 
and opened up for us 
the way to eternal life with you. 
And so, with angels and archangels, 
and with all the company of heaven, 
we adore and praise your glorious name:

* The words 'on this day' are used only on Sundays.

COMMUNION INVITATION
For a choice of communion invitations, see the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Communion invitation', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
See the service order for a standard post-communion prayer. Alternatively, use the third prayer of the day (as listed above) at this point. It may be modified as follows.

Almighty and merciful God, 
your Son has revealed 
the wonder of your saving love 
in this sacrament. 
Renew your people by your loving kindness, 
and sustain us in all our weakness 
by your mighty power. 
We ask this through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

BEFORE THE BLESSING
The following may be said before the blessing.

Jesus says: 'I am sending you out like lambs 
into the midst of wolves, 
but I have given you authority  
over all the power of the enemy; 
and nothing will hurt you.'  (Luke 10:3,19 NRSV alt)

DISMISSAL
Go in peace, and rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
OR
Go in peace. Do not become tired of doing good.
Thanks be to God.  OR  In the name of Christ. Amen.

HYMNS AND SONGS

FOR THE READINGS
Please note:	* =	Modernised version available
	G3, G4 . . . =	Guitar chords available in the Music Package 3, 4 . . . 
	GS =	Guitar chords in the Supplement to LH

First reading (a): 2 Kings 5:1-14
LHS
616	I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus* G9
877	Trust and obey GS
AT
-
TIS
-

First reading (b): Isaiah 66:10-14
LHS
12	'Comfort, comfort, ye My people' (vv 1,2)* G4
431	My soul, now bless thy Maker* G6
440	Sing praise to God who reigns above G3
465	Praise, my soul, the king of heaven G7
AT
70	I've got peace like a river
235	In your hand, my Saviour
448	Loving Spirit
480	On the day I called
TIS
110	Sing praise to God who reigns above
134	Praise, my soul, the king of heaven
417	Loving Spirit, loving Spirit
614	O God of love, whose heart is ever yearning

Second reading: Galatians 6:(1-6)7-16
LHS
54	When I survey the wondrous cross G5
75	We sing the praise of him who died G5
169	The head that once was crowned with thorns G5
171	In the cross of Christ I glory G4
240	Blessed fount of heavenly gladness G9
337	God, from all eternity* (alt tune 276, G5)
380	O God of mercy, God of might G9
474	Farewell I gladly bid thee (vv 3-5) G5
587	O happy home, where Thou art loved the dearest G7
797	Blest be the tie that binds GS
816	O Fount of good, for all your love G7
855	Brother, let me be your servant GS
872	Nearer, my God, to Thee G5
AT
191	Brother, let me be your servant
292	Because we bear your name
TIS
342	When I survey the wondrous cross
343	Nature with open volume stands
347	We sing the praise of him who died
349	In the cross of Christ I glory
378	The head that once was crowned with thorns
422	Come, Holy Spirit, come (vv 1,2)
581	Happy the home that welcomes you, Lord Jesus
631	Father, Lord of all creation
650	Brother, sister, let me serve you
686	Lord Jesus, we belong to you

Gospel: Luke 10:1-11,16-20
LHS
221	Spread, O spread, thou mighty Word* G5
226	Winter reigns o'er many a region G5
228	Lord Jesus Christ, the cause is Thine* G3
233	Lord of the harvest, hear (alt tune 127, G4)
247	Thou who the night in prayer didst spend* G5
276	Dearest Jesus, we are here* (v 5) G5
485	The day is surely drawing near* G5
871	My heart is filled with faith and wonder (v 4) G6
AT
93	Pass my love around
413 	The Summons
TIS
409	O breath of life, come sweeping through us
450	Spread, O spread, almighty word
461	God, your glory we have seen in your Son
480	Dearest Jesus, we are here (v 5)

PSALM 30 
For musical settings of Psalm 30, see Music Packages 4, 6, 8 and 9. For another setting of selected verses, see TIS 18 I will praise you, Lord.

The following paraphrase of Psalm 30 by David Schütz may be sung to the tune Bethany ('Nearer my God to thee', LHS 872). If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Schütz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm. 

I will exalt you, Lord;
you rescued me
from the deep grave of death
that threatened me.
You did not let my foes
gloat over me in death;
I called to you for help,
you spared my life.

Sing to the Lord, you saints,
and praise his name.
Weeping may last the night,
joy comes with dawn.
His anger is so short,
his favour is so long!
So I rejoice in him,
singing my song.

Feeling secure, I said:
'I shan't be moved!'
But when you hid your face,
I was dismayed!
To you, O Lord, I called;
'Have mercy!' was my cry.
'What gain is there for you,
if I should die?'

'How can I praise you, Lord,
if I am dust?
How, from the grave, can I
speak of your trust?
Hear and be merciful!
O Lord, come to my aid!'
I called to God for help,
and I was saved.

You turned my mournful tears,
into a dance.
You stripped me of my grief,
robed me with joy!
I will not hold my tongue!
Now I, with all my heart,
sing songs of thanks to you,
O Lord, my God.

PSALM 66:1-9
For musical settings of Psalm 66:1-9, see Music Package 9. TIS 36, Joyfully shout, all you on earth, is a paraphrase of Psalm 66:1-12.

NOTES ON THE READINGS

See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Notes on the readings', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

2 KINGS 5:1-14: Naaman, a general in the Syrian army, had the much feared and disfiguring disease of leprosy. Arameans (Syrians) had long been raiding the borders of Israel. The little servant girl not only had compassion on her mistress's husband, but faith that God's prophet could help. A series of diplomatic bungles was capped by Naaman's perceived slight from the prophet. However, the mere word of God's representative eventually proved efficacious when Naaman was willing to trust that word. The power of the true God was made evident in a miracle cleansing.

ISAIAH 66:10-14: From the many powerful motifs surrounding our reading in this last chapter of Isaiah, it can be seen that the prophet is speaking also about the last times. God would certainly bestow uncountable blessings through the prosperity of a restored and rebuilt Jerusalem after the return from captivity. The prophet's words stretch out far further than this, though. We can apply this picture of Jerusalem as a doting mother also to God's care of us by the spiritual nurture he gives through the New Testament church. However, the heavenly Jerusalem will bring all of God's servants into the perfect security of intimate communion with him forever.

GALATIANS 6:(1-6)7-16: For those who are led by the Spirit, there can be no harsh and censorious judgment of a lapsed fellow Christian. The law of Christ is the law of Christian love, which works from within with a compassionate concern for the sinner. Pride has no place in sharing such burdens - any Christian can fall. Valid and loving concern also looks after the material wellbeing of full-time workers in the gospel. Paul finally urges his readers to beware of falling into the hypocritical trap of thinking that an outward ritual act, such as circumcision, can have any saving effect alongside of Christ's saving work. There is only one thing in which a Christian can take pride, and that is the gift that is bestowed from outside of us in what was accomplished by our Lord Jesus Christ.

LUKE 10:1-11,16-20: There was urgency for preparation of the people in towns throughout Judea where Jesus purposed to go. To help speed his own ministry, Jesus sent out the seventy/seventy-two disciples to announce that the kingdom was near. Their commission to heal was further evidence of the Messiah's coming. The rejection of the message which the Lord was so eager to spread was obviously a serious matter. However, the disciples were not to be discouraged. Their joy upon returning was based on the evidence of success before their eyes. While the Lord also rejoiced, he voiced a deep truth. The disciples were not to be impressed by the spectacular so much as the fact that they were secure under God's grace. 

VISUAL

VISUALS FOR THE READINGS
Pictures or visual symbols could be displayed on banners or the overhead screen during the readings. For instance, the first reading (1a) from 2 Kings may be illustrated with a picture like the one used in the TEV Bible to illustrate 2 Kings 5:13; the first reading (1b) from Isaiah 66 (and its Psalm) may be illustrated by a picture like the one used in the TEV Bible to illustrate Psalm 66:2; and the second reading may be accompanied by a picture like the one used by the TEV Bible to illustrate Galatians 6:2.

DRAMA

'MEGA DRAMA'
See a drama for the day in Mega Drama resources (Openbook Publishers), originally included in these worship resources when they were released on disks.

dramatising the READINGS
The readings can be read by more than one person to make the dramatic meaning of the text clearer. For instance, the first reading from 2 Kings may be read by up to seven readers: narrator, slave girl, king of Aram (Syria), king of Israel, Elisha, Elisha's messenger, and Naaman's servant. The gospel may be read by three readers: narrator (the pastor), Jesus, and one of the 72/70.

CHILDREN

'COME AND SEE JESUS'
The Come and See Jesus curriculum published by Openbook Publishers has a wealth of material and ideas that may be adapted for use in worship. Please note that a new edition of this material is currently available for the Revised Common Lectionary.

This week's story is 'Jesus sends out twelve disciples (Luke 9:1-6)'. Material for this story may be found in 
Original Edition, Year B, Semester 2, 8 Pentecost
OR
Revised RCL Edition, Year C, Semester 2, Proper 9

OTHER

RITES FOR THE SICK
In today's gospel Jesus commissions the twelve to 'cure the sick' (among other things). This may be an appropriate day to consider using one of the church's rites with special focus on illness.

See: 
*	Rites and Resources for Pastoral Care: 'Sickness', page 52
*	Church Rites: 'Care of those who are sick', page 69.