Readings: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-6, John 16:12-15
About the Images: LeftThis is a free clip art from the excellent as always Heartlight site (use my link to this site in my Link section)
Right: This is my photo on my homemade handout - see response activity below.
Listening Song: I Am By Jill Phillips on her self titled album and on WOW 2000. (pictured at left). This is a beautiful song and I have suggested before, and most likey, will do so again.
Film Clip: Forrest Gump (pictured
at right) The last scene, where Forrest waits at the bus stop for his
child, is a great illustration of fatherly love which takes no short
cuts and throws dignity to the wind.
Drama: I Quit Found in Lets make Another Scene by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 1995, ISBN 0859107620, page 24 (pictured at left). This drama is based on the Romans reading. Comic Strip: Just be Yourself Found in Micro Messages by Rich Bundschuh and Tom Finley, Gospel Light, 1995, ISBN 08307 15789, page 131 (pictured at rght).This is very much connected to the Psalm but it is also connected to all the readings. A new look at Mr Potoato Head!
Quote: St Augustine "People
travel everywhere to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge
waves of the sea, at the length of rivers, at the vastness of the ocean,
at the circular motion of the stars in the night sky - and yet they
pass by themselves without wondering."
Story: Major League Grace Found in In the Grip ofGrace
by Max Lucado, Word Publishing, 1996, ISBN 0849913241, page 89,
(pictured at left). This can be turned into a "what if" story
for any popular sporting code. Discussion: Romans 5:1-5 and/or Psalm 8 What is it in these verses which convinces you that God thinks you are worth it? Response Activity: The
Romans reading shows us that God gifts us with peace, joy, hope and
love. Ask people to choose the one that they find easiest to understand
and to accept. Ask them to discuss with their neighbour how they might
share this aspect of God's character with others within the church, and
within the community at large. Response Activity: Give
each person a bookmark or card similar to the one above (permission to
copy given) and ask them to circle the gift they need most now and to
write their response in the space.
About the Photos: Left: This
photo was taken by good friend David Husted when he was taken hot air ballooning
over Melbourne by his kids for his 60th birthday. Balloons have always
been a symbol for me of the Holy Spirit. Just as a balloon filled with
air shows great promise so do we when we are filled with God's Spirit.
Hot air balloons, flames and all, over a city are a sign of promise and
challenge.Please feel free to use this image for worship and related activities. Right: This image is free and come from the excellent ImageBank site (see their address in my Links section).
Whole Service Idea: Spread it Around Found in Multi-Sensory Seasons by Wendy Raynor and Annie Slade, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1844271757, page 47 (pictured at left). These ideas are based primarily on the Acts reading.
Listening Song: Hands and Feet By Audio Adenalin on WOW 2001 or their album, Underdog (pictured at right). This works well with the Romans reading.
Listening Song: Holy Spirit By Third Day on their self titled album (pictured at left). This is a song that goes well with the whole theme of Pentecost.
Listening Song: Burning like Fire. By Iona on their album Beyond these Shores (pictured at right). This also goes well with the whole theme of Pentecost and if you are into Celtic music, then this song is an added bonus. Prayer: Feathers In Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1844271668, page 34 (pictured at left). This prayer is based primarily on the Acts reading. Drama: Verbal Symphony for Pentecost By M Preugschat in Drama Resources 2 by Lutheran Publishing House, 2000, page 55 (pictured at right). This drama is so much fun. I turned it into a congregational drama - and everybody participated with greay delight.
Drama: But It's Only 9 O'clock. Found in Mega Drama 5 by Verena Johnson (Ed), Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109194, page 109 (pictured at right). This drama is based on the Acts reading. Quote: Hitler Hitler used fear to drive his attack on Europe. He said "If the Jews did not exist we would have had to invent them" .
Film: The Legend of Bagger Vance Show this clip where Bagger Vance teaches Junuh how to find his "one truly authentic swing". Discussion: The Legend of Bagger Vance 1.What do you think our "one truly authentic swing" could be? 2. If Bagger Vance represents the Holy Spirit, how does the Holy Spirit help us to find our "one truly authentic swing"? 3. Have you found your "one truly authentic swing"? (thanks to someone for this idea - unfortunately I can't remember who - let me know if you know). Film: Dead Poets Society Use your discretion as to how much you show of this clip
depending on the age and emotional resilience of your congregation.
Show the clip prior to the student's suicide when the student, who is a
talented actor, is stopped from realising his dreams by his father who
thinks that acting is a waste of time. The student tries to explain his
fear of a future which does not include acting and which will therefore
be devoid pf the things that he loves doing best.
Discussion: What sort of things do we fear today? What sort of things do we fear for our church? What sort of things do we fear for ourselves? Story: Your Own Experience Display
digitally or have with you some of the more fear evoking headlines
which we often see today or relate an experience you have had recently
where you came across actions taken by others as a result of fear. eg on
our last trip to Tasmania we were intrigued by the official who wanted
to look under the bonnet of our car as we waited to drive on to the
ferry at Port Melbourne. We were quite amused when he told us he was
looking for bombs.... until we realised he was fair dinkum. Story: The Big Rock Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties, 1994, ISBN 0310402611, page 36 (pictured in an earlier blog).
Response Activity: Give
everyone a sparkler. Light the front row and allow people to touch the
ends to light others. Use them as a reminder of the first Pentecost
(fire and wind) - they fire up best when they are waved about.....but please be careful!
Also: Film Clip: The Fear This film clip was suggested by Rob who visits this blog. He says the clip "encapsulates how virtually an entire generation often feel. Also, the
lyrics are genuinely intelligent and thought-provoking" and "the lyrics to The Fear are here, in case anyone can't make them
out clearly -
http://www.musicloversgroup.com/lily-allen-the-fear-lyrics-and-video/"
About the Images: Left:This is free clipart from Heartlight - their address is in the column to the left. Right: This is my image. Please feel free to use it for worship purposes.
Bible Reading: Psalm 97 This Psalm lends itself well to being read aloud accompanied by relevant projected images. Bible Reading: John 17:20-23 Read
these verses together replacing the words "these followers" with the
name of your congregation the first time and thereafter with the words
"this congregation".
Kid's Story: The Jailor Who Changed His Mind By Carol Granger and Jim Roberts, Arch Books, 1971 (pictured at right).
Introductory Activity/Discussion: Give
everybody a blue card and an orange card. Make a series of statements -
some very straightforward such as "You have blue eyes" and some more
complicated , such as, " you do not a agree with......." (fill in with a
recent political or denominational decision). Get them to hold up the
blue card if they agree with the statement and get them to hold up the orange card if they disagree. Encourage them to look around as each statement is read out so that they
see the amazing diversity which makes up any congregation. Then ask
them to talk together about or to make a list of all the things that
Christians agree on. Finish with a question about ways we can achieve
unity within a congregation.
Film Clip: Jesus Said These Things By the Work of tthe People - see my link column at left
Listening Song: One By U2 ...I got this idea from Singing From the Lectionary (see link at left) and then went looking on the web and found this:
Drama: Six People in One Pew Found in Gospel Dramas
by Dean Nadasdym Ausburg Publishing, 1985, ISBN 0806621850, page 79
(pictured at left). This play is based on the gospel reading. Drama: A Man Named Paul Found in Mega Drama 5 by Verena Johnson (Ed), Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109194, page 66 (pictured at right). This drama is based on the Acts reading.
Story: Testimony Story No 266 in Your Point Being...?
by Graham Twelftree, Monarch Books, 2003, ISBN 1854245929, (pictured iat left.) This story fits in very well with the Jailer's
question in the Acts reading.
Story: The One Only A Mother Could Love By John Wilmot and found in the magazine, On Being, June 1997. This story goes well with the Gospel reading.
Story: The Hermit's Gift. Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks
by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties, 1994, ISBN 0310402611, page 112
(pictured at right). This story fits well with the Gospel
reading.
Responsive Reading: Ring of Faith By Ruth Bell and found on the Mucky Paws site (see address at left in my links section) archived under 20th May 2007. This is a lovely 5 part voice reading connected to the theme of Freedom via the Acts reading.
Bible Readings: Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, Revelation 21:10, 22 - 22:5, John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9. About the images: Left:
This is my image taken on the Gordon River, a world heritage area on
the west coat of Tasmania - the beautiful island state south of mainland
Australia. If you want to know more about this area please visit
http://www.discovertasmania.com/activities__and__attractions/wilderness_areas/tasmanias_world_heritage_area Right: This
is my image also. Note how the two small boys on the ride - one in the
middle, one near the back - both instinctively lean into their fathers
for protection and/or comfort. Please feel free to use both these images for worship and related activities. Listening Song: Psalm 67 By Sons of Korah on their album, Resurrection (pictured at right).
Listening Song: Song of David (Psalm67) By Maire Brennan on her album, Perfect Time (pictured at left).
Listening Song: Breathe By Sixpence None the Richer on their album, The Best of Sixpence None the Richer (pictured at right).
Film Clip: Shawshank Redemption (pictured at left) The
scene where Red first meets Andy in the prison yard and in a voice over
tells us that Andy seems to have a an invisible coat (or peace?) which
enables him to withstand the rigours of prison life. At about the 28
minute mark depending on whether you are using a DVD or video.
Questions on the Film Clip: How can we be like Andy? How is or can God be an invisible coat for us?
Drama: Do You PromiseFound in Mega Drama 5 by Verena Johnson (Ed), Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109194, page 52 (pictured at right). This drama is based on the John 14 reading.
Illustration: The Holy SpiritFound in Living Stones: The All Age Resource for the Common Worship Lectionary Year C
by Susan Sayers, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, 2000, ISBN 1840030097, page 110
(pictured at left). This all-age talk is a great reflection
on the Acts reading. Story: The Holy SpiritFound in Your Point Being?
by Graham H. Twelftree, Monarch Books, 2003, ISBN 1854245929, story
No. 134 . This story goes well with the
Acts reading. Story: ObedienceStory 463 in 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers and Writers
by Craig Brian Larson and Leadership Journal, Baker Books, 2002, ISBN
0801091551. This story goes very well
with the John 14 reading.
Response Activity: The Holy Spirit Display
a list of words and phrases which describe the Holy Spirit (based on
the John 14 reading). Ask people to select the one that they think is
most useful to them right now and then talk about it with a neighbour.
Response Activity: Preparing For Worship I
know this sounds like a bit of a contradiction but I think this little
exercise, although well suited to the start of worship, also could
introduce a time of contemplation in response to the John 14 reading or
sermon or whatever. Found inMulti-Sensory Prayer by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2001, ISBN 1859994652, page 55.
Bible Readings: Acts 11:1-18, Psalm 148, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35
About the Images: Left: This is a microsoft free clipart onto which I placed the text. Right:
I love this image - it shows that we all belong to God's family. This
is a free clipart image from a lovely little site
(http://www.cruzblanca.org/hermanoleon/) which puts images up each week
to match with the lectionary readings. Now and again I get a tad lost
on the site because most of the text is in Spanish. It is worth the
effort though because the images are excellent. I have also listed this
site in my links section (see left). During the Service: I have done this at scattered intervals throughout a service one family or person
at a time: Ask a number of families (include a single person, a single
parent family, a nuclear family, a married couple with no kids, an empty
nest family etc etc) the following questions: 1. Describe your family situation 2. What does belonging to the church mean to you? 3. Why?
Listening Song: I've Always Loved You By Third Day on their album, Time (pictured at right).
Kids: Love Unlimited Found in Fun Group Devotions for Children;s Ministry
by various authors, Group Publishing, 1993, ISBN 1559451610, page 18
(pictured at left). This goes really well with the gospel
reading.
Film Clip: Tuesdays With Morrie c.
Touchstone 1999 (pictured at left). A great discussion on love starts
around 1 hr 10 mins in and goes for approximately 2 minutes.
Discussion Questions: Tuesday with Morrie 1. How would you define love? 2. What does belonging mean to you? 3. What do you think Morrie means when he says: "We must love one another or die"
Film Clip: Just Watch This, I'm Sure You Will Share It Drama: Love One Another Found in Mega Drama 1
by Verena Johnson. Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910915, page 32, (pictured
at left). This drama goes well with the gospel reading.
Drama: What is Heaven? Project or display a very traditional picture of heaven - fat angels, clouds, harps etc. 1: Is that heaven? 2: Is what heaven? 1: You know - like in that picture? Angels, harps, clouds? 2: Well, good question! Nobody really knows where it actually is? 1: So is it up in the sky? 2: Dunno really. I just know heaven is wherever God is. 1: Oh,so what do we do in heaven? Play harps and stuff? 2: Hmmm. Hard to say. I do know we'll be worshipping God. 1: Oh, so it will be like church!!! 2: Ummm, maybe. 1: So we're just going to be sitting around and praying? 2: Ummm, I think the Bible mentions that we'll get a chance to rest too. 1: Resting for eternity!!! Isn't that going to get a bit boring? 2: Well......we might do other stuff as well. I think the Bible talks about serving God too. 1: Heaven after you die isn't sounding too crash hot at the moment. 2:
Well, I'm not explaining it very well. I know I have read that there is
a big FUN component built in .......and anyway, who said anything about
heaven after you die - what if it is going on right now. 1: What HAVE you been drinking 2: I haven't been drinking anything - but I have been reading! Listen to this..... Then get No. 2 to read the Revelation reading. NB: Not sure where I got this - pretty , by the language, that it is mine; but I stand to be corrected.
Story: Love Story 393 in 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers and Writers by Craig Brian Larson and Leadership Journal, Baker Books, 2002, ISBN 0801091551, (pictured at right). Story: When Do I Die Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks
by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties, 1994, ISBN 0310402611, page 223
(pictured at left). This is a poignant illustration of love
and sacrifice.
Story: Are You God? Found in More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks
by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 1995, ISBN 0310207681, page 36 (pictured in
an earlier blog). This illustration goes well with the gospel reading.
Discussion: Who are the Cornelius's in our lives? Who are the people missing from our church because we have not encouraged them in. What are we going to do about it? What does it mean for us to love people unconditionally?
Response Activity: Thank you For Being the Family We Choose to Have. Have
a new photo album ready and print off a variety of frames with blank
middles - enough for everyone to have one. Encourage people to draw, in
their frame, the people who mean a lot to them, whether family or
friends. Play meditative
music while this is going on. At the conclusion of the activity put the
drawings in the photo album. The kids love this job while the adults
sing.
Response Activity: Candles Dim the lighting. Give everyone a small thin candle and a one centimetre cube of self hardening clay. Play some meditative music. Ask people to think about the question: What
does it mean for me to love people the way Jesus did, unconditionally?
While they are thinking, encourage them to make a candle stand with
their clay. Ask a few to come out and light their candle from the Christ
candle and then share the flame around until everyone has a lit candle
in front of them. Point out how the light is similar to God's love - it
is spread by sharing. This adult activity is adapted from the kid's
activity, Love Unlimited (above)
Readings: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-6, John 16:12-15
Listening Song: I Am 
Listening Song: I Am 
Drama: I Quit
Found in Micro Messages by Rich Bundschuh and Tom Finley, Gospel Light, 1995, ISBN 08307 15789, page 131 (pictured at rght).This is very much connected to the Psalm but it is also connected to all the readings. A new look at Mr Potoato Head!
