Sunday BETWEEN 28 AUG and 3 SEP (Proper 17),
year A

2020 - 30 August (13th Sunday after Pentecost)
2023 - 03 September (14th Sunday after Pentecost)
2026 - 30 August (14th Sunday after Pentecost)
2029 - 02 September (15th Sunday after Pentecost)
2032 - 29 August (15th Sunday after Pentecost)
2035 - 02 September (16th Sunday after Pentecost)
2038 - 29 August (11th 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.

Jesus said: ‘If any want to become my followers,
let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'   (Matt 16:24 NRSV)

OR, if using the first reading (1a) from Exodus:
God called to Moses out of the bush: 'Remove the sandals from your feet,
for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.'  
(Exod 3:5 NRSV)

OR, before 'In the name' if using the first reading (1a) from Exodus:
God said to Moses: 'I am who I am; the Lord, the God of your ancestors,
This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.'  (based on Exod 3:14,15 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
Keep, O Lord, your church 
with your continual mercy; 
and because without you 
we in our frailty cannot but fall, 
keep us always by your help 
from all things hurtful, 
and lead us to all things 
profitable to our salvation; 
through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns  
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, modernised traditional
Watch over your church, Lord, 
with your constant mercy, 
because without your support 
we would fall. 
Keep us from what might hurt us, 
and lead us to what is good for us. 
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 that we may offer ourselves to God. [silence])
Lord God, your Son humbled himself 
in obedience to your will 
and gave up his life for us. 
Transform and renew us within. 
Help us not to be conformed to this world, 
but to dedicate ourselves to you, 
and do what pleases you. 
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 for dedication to Christ. [silence])
Thank you, loving Lord Jesus, 
for freely giving your life for our sake. 
Make us your faithful followers, 
ready to take up our cross 
and follow in your steps. 
For you live and reign 
with the Father 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
Exodus 3:1-15 The call of Moses
Psalm 105:1-6,23-26,45c
Antiphon:
Remember the wonderful works the Lord has done.  
(Ps 105:5a NRSV)

OR, 1b
Jeremiah 15:15-21 Jeremiah's inner struggle
(Begin: 'Jeremiah said:')
Psalm 26:1-8
Antiphon:
Your loving kindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in your truth.  (Ps 26:3 NKJV)

SECOND READING
Romans 12:9-21 Living in love

ALLELUIA VERSE (Matt 16:25 NRSV)
Alleluia, alleluia.
(Jesus said:) Those who want to save their life will lose it, 
and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Matthew 16:21-28 Jesus speaks about his death and discipleship

PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL
This is the gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, 
for giving up everything and dying for us. 
Help us to forget ourselves, carry our cross, and follow you. 
Amen.

OFFERING
When announcing the offering, this reminder from the second reading may be included:

St Paul encourages us to contribute to the needs of the saints and to extend hospitality to strangers.

OFFERING PRAYER
We thank you, Lord God, 
that your Son gave up his life for our sake. 
Lead us who are his followers 
to take up our cross and follow him. 
Help us to give of ourselves 
and all we have in your service. 
Amen.

Prayer of the Church
Call to prayer
God has taught us through his apostle Paul that we should love all people and conquer evil with good. Let us pray to our heavenly Father that his love would be seen throughout the world and evil be overcome.

The regular response, OR:
Father in heaven,
deliver us from evil.

Suggested intercessions
*	for those who persecute the church
*	for those who mourn the death of a loved one
*	for strangers and foreigners, that we may receive them with hospitality
*	for the poor and needy, the disadvantaged, minorities
*	for the legal system: judges, lawyers, courts, juries, penal and corrective institutions and personnel

Concluding prayer
Lord God, you have defeated evil and sin and death through the death of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. In mercy hear the prayers we bring to you in his name, for he 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.

Lord God, 
as we have received the body and blood 
of your Son Jesus Christ, 
transform and renew us within. 
Help us not to be conformed to this world, 
but to dedicate ourselves to you, 
and do what pleases you. 
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 verses (from Romans 12) may be spoken by the minister before the blessing:

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 
do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.

DISMISSAL
Go in peace to serve the Lord and love one another.
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): Exodus 3:1-15
LHS
456	The God of Abraham praise G7
501	God himself is present* G3
506	Jesus, where’er Thy people meet G5
507	Open now thy gates of beauty* G3
AT
296	I, the Lord of sea and sky
403	God of Abraham (esp vv 1, 3, 6)
TIS
125	The God of Abraham praise
445	Jesus, where’er your people meet
658	I, the Lord of sea and sky
688	Come to be our hope, O Jesus

First reading (b): Jeremiah 15:15-21
LHS
195	A mighty fortress is our God* G3
198	Let us, O Father, never be confounded G6
199	Christ, Thou strong guardian* G9
316	Smite me not, O mighty God G4
411	If God be my defender* G3
556	O God, our help in ages past (G, STJ 23)
850	O Father, my Father GS
861	All those who live beneath God’s shade GS
AT
6	O Father, my Father
21	All those who live beneath God’s shade
331	Turn to me with all your heart
339	In ou, O Lord, I found refuge
480	On the day I called
TIS
47	O God, our help in ages past
103	A mighty fortress is our God

Second reading: Romans 12:9-21
LHS
193	Jesus, with Thy Church abide* G9
349	Jesus, I my cross have taken G3
355	May we Thy precepts, Lord, fulfil* G3
357	O God, Thou faithful God* G3
367	O bring to the Lord your tribute of praise* G6
379	Lord of creation, to Thee be all praise G6
797	Blest be the tie that binds GS
803	Peace with the Father G7
855	Brother, let me be your servant GS
858	Make me a channel of your peace
859	Seek, O seek the Lord
AT
95	Make me a channel of your peace
177	Love one another
191	Brother, let me be your servant
197	When I needed a neighbour
300	Practise love
301	May the Father of love
308	We are called to follow Jesus 
463	Goodness is stronger than evil
491	You call me to love
507	Where you tread
TIS
464	Seek, O seek the Lord 
466	Peace with the Father
587	Fold to your heart your sister and your brother
607	Make me a channel of your peace
626	Lord of creation, to you be all praise
650	Brother, sister, let mew serve you
672	Lord of earth, and all creation

Gospel: Matthew 16:21-28
LHS
336	‘Come, follow me’, the Saviour spake* G3
351	‘Take up thy cross’, the Saviour said G9
371	O Jesus, I have promised G5
AT
401	Follow me (Anyone who wants to follow me)
413	The Summons (Will you come and follow me)
443	Like an angel
495	Come and follow me
506	Oh, let's get up to love and serve
TIS
583	‘Take up your cross’, the Saviour said 
595	O Jesus, I have promised
625	I need you, Lord, for I have seen
656	Jesus, my Lord
681	Lord, let me see, more and more

PSALM 105:1-6,23-26,45c
For musical settings of Psalm 105:1-6,23-26,45c, see Music Package 3. TIS 66, O give thanks to God, is a version of Psalm 105:1-11.

The following metrical paraphrase of Psalm 105:1-6 by David Schütz is sung to the tune of 'Trust and obey', LHS 877. If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Schütz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm. 

O give thanks to the Lord,
as you call on his name,
and make known all his deeds to the world.
Sing your praises to him,
as you tell what he's done,
as you glory in his holy name.

Let the hearts of all those
who approach him rejoice.
Seek the Lord and his strength at his throne.
And remember his works
and the judgments he gave,
O you chosen of Abraham's line.

PSALM 26:1-8
Musical settings of Psalm 26 may be found in Music Package 6.

The following metrical paraphrase of Psalm 26:1-10 by David Schütz is sung to the tune Trisagion, LHS 865. If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Schütz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm. 

Vindicate me, Lord, for I have been true,
and, without wavering, trusted in you.
Prove me, O Lord, and put me to the test,
try both my heart's and my mind's righteousness.

I keep your steadfast love always in sight;
I've lived in faithfulness through all my life. 
I shun the worthless and vain hypocrite,
nor with the wicked will I ever sit.

I wash my hands to show you I am clean,
and, at your altar, I serve without sin,
singing to you a loud thanksgiving song,
telling your deeds to the world all day long.

I love the house where your glory abides!
Save me from all those who offer their bribes.
Those who do evil will be swept away -
save me from your righteous judgment that day.

NOTES ON THE READINGS

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

EXODUS 3:1-15: The flaming bush, meant firstly to engage Moses' attention, was the means by which the angel of the Lord, in this instance God himself, manifested himself to Moses. The flame which did not consume the bush but was energised from within itself, as in other Old Testament references, denoted the presence of God himself. God outlines to Moses what he will do to alleviate the sufferings of his people and rescue them. In this way future events would fall into place to confirm to Moses that what God had said in his word is the covenant working of his hand. Moses' self-deprecation and reluctance shows that his former impulsiveness has been replaced by humility. The name revealed by God could not, of course, explain his full nature and being, but it does indicate his transcendence above all things and his covenant faithfulness with his people.

JEREMIAH 15:15-21: Jeremiah had announced dire warnings of the coming discipline of God on account of general national unfaithfulness. The response was whitehot hatred. So great a persecution caused him to fear death (v 1 5). He even thought God had forsaken him despite his joy in God's word hitherto. He finds reassurance, however, in his own personal repentance over his doubts (v 19 on) and is convinced God's word and promises will prevail over the present dangers.

ROMANS 12:9-21: An inescapable outcome of being saved by faith alone is God's new creation of the inward and outward life of the Christian. In today's selection from Romans 12, St Paul continues the long list of practical examples of this outcome. All of these activities give expression to the 'law of love'. In other words, our love to one another is to be related to the love of God which lies behind the wonderful 'mercies' he has directed towards us (Rom 12:1).

MATTHEW 16:21-28: After the high point of Peter - confessing Jesus to be 'the Christ, the Son of the living God' - this week's selection shows Jesus saying he 'must’ go to Jerusalem to suffer and die. The disciples are bewildered. Their Messiah of God must fail? However, the Lord knows that the only way to glory for him and for us is through death. Both it and Satan must be conquered. So he went. If we then need to pick up our cross to follow him, let it so be. That which may stand in the way of salvation needs to be sacrificed.

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) could be accompanied by a symbol or picture of the burning bush.

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 (1a) could be read by three readers: narrator, Moses, the Lord. The alternative first reading (1b) could be read by three readers: narrator, Jeremiah, the Lord. The gospel could be read by three readers: narrator (the pastor), Jesus, Peter.

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 'Jeremiah (Jer 1, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 35-38)'. Material for this story may be found in 
Original Edition, Year B, Semester 2, 18 Pentecost
OR
Revised RCL Edition, Year A, Semester 2, Proper 17