“Born to Trouble” is a series built on the lectionary readings from the Book of Job. As stated in the general worship notes for this series, the questions arise, “Why do we believe? What is faith all about?” “Born to Trouble” invites us to examine the depth of our souls and the foundations of what we believe. Our mission, to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, needs to go through the experience of wrestling with Job. It is how we learn to cling to faith, even as we live in this random world.

Our hymnody can be a help to the theme of being heard by God. Songs that let people know they are in God’s mind and in God’s hands help confirm the idea that even when they have no sense of being heard, faith says that God is listening. Singing of God’s active participation in the lives of those who love God can be a powerful witness.

Following are songs that will help you plan for this series. Some of these songs help us access the feelings of lament and despair with the hope of God’s grace and love present to sustain us in hard times. Other songs help us rejoice in adoration for God’s greatness and abundant love for God’s children. Hold both of these themes in creative tension during this series, so that your congregation can grow in faith and understanding.

Abbreviations:

United Methodist Hymnal=UMH
Worship and Song=W&S
The Faith We Sing=TFWS

Theme Songs and Service Music

“El Shaddai” 123 UMH
“God of the Sparrow God of the Whale” 122 UMH
“Give to the Winds Thy Fears” 129 UMH
“God of Wonders” 3034 W&S
“Healer of Our Every Ill” 2213 TFWS
“We Are Called to Sing Your Praise” 2216 TFWS
“Goodness Is Stronger Than Evil” 2219 TFWS

An anthem that can be used during one of these Sundays or throughout the series as a choral Call to Worship or response to the sermon is Mark Miller’s “I Believe.” The text comes from the wall of a cellar in the Cologne concentration camp during WW2. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiFvgwXPNnE.

October 3, 2021 – Job 1:1, 2:1-10

This week, the emphasis is on solidarity: to stand with those who are lost, those who doubt and to likewise encourage the more secure members of the community to stand with their brothers and sisters who might be struggling. A time of healing may be one visible and tangible way of expressing this in worship. Here are some songs that reflect this week’s theme.

World Communion Sunday