Song
‘King of love”, courtesy of Emu Music. If you have problems connecting, also try this link at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs8sjuS0YzA
Prayer
Little mustard seeds.
Yeast in the bread.
Treasure in the field. Searching for the pearl.
A large catch of fish in the net.
Let us draw ourselves into the goodness of the presence of God. Let us open ourselves to images of the way of the Kingdom of God.
Let’s pray.
From the corners of our different lives we come, And let us Lord rest a while here with you, That we might once more hear your word, And be encouraged in our discipleship, our searching, our hope along the way. Open to our hearts once more the seeds and yeast of life, the goodness and wonder found and the abundance of your love. Lord, open our ears to hear your word and our hearts to proclaim our praise. Amen.
From the Bible
The Bible reading for today is from Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52. There are also two dramatic readings from the Lumo group below the words, which include some additional verses.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”
Message
The message is brought to you by Rev Peter Overton and Rev. Mark Faulkner from the Saltbush Community. They bring to you five little parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. As simple as these parables appear on reading they hold a vast image of the way of God amongst us and invite us into the ongoing blowing of the Spirit in this season of Pentecost.
Which of these parables speaks strongly to you personally? What messages of hope and comfort did you hear in today’s message?
Before a time of prayer you may like to spend some time in silence sitting still. Close your eyes lightly. Sit relaxed but alert. Simply be still and open to God. You may prefer to do this while listening to the ‘Optional reflective music’ below.
Optional reflective music
The reflective music is, ‘How can you not’, by Leanna Crawford. If you have problems connecting, also try this link at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70JD5YTemJc
Prayers for others
Check out the following prayers for others led by Ros Robinson.
Closing & blessing
Let us go from worship today knowing there is always treasure to be found. May we take the time to have a look, rummage around in curious places, examine things that catch our eye and celebrate the wonderful things to be found.
Go in peace, knowing that nothing can separate you from the love of God. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ rest upon you, the love of God embrace you, and the presence of the Holy Spirit surprise and encourage you, both now and forevermore. Amen.
Song
‘Blessed assurance’, by Walkers of heaven. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7oC1XapUnE
Resources
The sermon and opening prayers are based on content in the Saltbush service for this week, which can be found at:
https://saltbushcommunity.uca.org.au/video/the-word/pentecost-9-little-kingdom-parables-matthew-13-31-33-44-52/