Economic Justice Covenant Program
Engaging Our Faith
The
resources in this section are intended for use in Sunday worship or for group
Bible study. Traditional faith practices, including corporate worship and group
study and reflection, are necessary for any congregation considering a new
commitment or re-commitment to economic justice. The resources here facilitate
individual and congregational moments of discernment and learning, and provide
a solid biblical, theological, and liturgical foundation from which social
action and public witness may emerge.
These
tools can assist people of faith to gain an increased awareness of the
scripture’s treatment of economic justice issues and provide resources for
worship and sermon preparation on issues of economic justice and action.
The
resources include:
Bible Studies
These four Bible studies can be used in lay- or
clergy-led adult education groups, a Lenten study series, or other occasions.
Each study includes a reflection on the text and discussion questions.
Don’t Worry Matthew 6:25-33
We are invited to wrestle with questions of
scarcity and abundance in a society where many live with fear and worry.
Lazarus and the Rich Man Luke 16:19-31
Each of us
has characteristics of Lazarus and the rich man.
Jesus and the Rich Young Man Mark 10:17-22
We examine Jesus’ encounter with the rich young
man who asks what he must do to inherit eternal life and explore the challenge
of living faithfully with wealth.
At the Foot of the Cross John 19:25-27
At the foot of Jesus’ cross, we stand in a
community of equals bearing witness to the suffering world.
Sermon
Seeds
These sermon preparation aids are designed for
ministers seeking to preach on economic justice. They offer helpful contextual
commentary and questions for further reflection. These scriptures could be used
for a sermon series or individually, or could be used in a clergy-led Bible
study.
Each Sermon Seed includes a discussion of a key biblical text,
raises issues of justice and advocacy, provides questions or discussion ideas,
and concludes with a prayer. Depending on the size and inclination of your
group, you might also add a brief liturgical moment at the beginning, perhaps
with additional readings, litanies, and hymns. Be creative. The important thing
is to wrestle with the Bible in a productive, creative way.
This
is intended to help the congregation in its study and worship during the early
stages of becoming an economic justice church. While these are intended for
group study, they can be used also for personal study and reflection. These
four lessons will, hopefully, whet the congregation’s appetite for further
exploration of biblical economic themes. There are additional adult and youth
Bible studies listed in the resources. As an aid to Lectionary preaching (or
Christian education programs that follow the Lectionary) whenever the text is
included in the common lectionary this is indicated.
The Sabbath and Jubilee Traditions Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Liberation and Empowerment Isaiah
61:1-11
The (Previously) Dishonest (Fund) Manager Luke 16:1-8a
The Parable of the Mortgage Renegotiation Lobbyist Luke 18:1-8
Scriptures on Justice and Advocacy
This lengthy listing of Bible passages
illuminates a number of economic justice issues, including caring for the poor,
defending the rights of others, engaging in stewardship of creation, and
eliminating hunger and poverty.
Prayers for Justice and Peace
These
prayers center on issues like global economic justice, workers, and persons
oppressed by globalization and poverty.
Hymns with Justice Themes
These hymns
from the New Century Hymnal relate to economic justice. Some are in Spanish.
Additional Resource
Just Faith is a 30-week experience focused on discipleship and the call to be about God’s
dream of justice and compassion in a world scarred by poverty. Meeting weekly,
small groups of 10-15 people employ books, videos, discussion, prayer, retreats
and hands-on experiences to deepen their faith and thirst for justice.
