Easter 7 C: One But Not the Same/United but not Homogeneous

Bible Readings: Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 97, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26.
Theme: One But Not the Same/United but not Homogeneous

Bible Reading:Psalm 37
Lends itself well to projected images as it is read aloud.
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".
Kids Story: The Jailor Who Changed His Mind
By Carol Granger and Jim Roberts, Arch Books, 1971 (pictured)
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.
Drama: Six People,One Pew
Found in Gospel Dramas by Dean Nadasdy, Ausburg Publishing, 1985, ISBN 0806621850, page 79 (pictured)
Story: The One That Only a Mother Could Love
By John Wilmot and found in the magazine, On Being, June 1997.
Story: The Hermit's Gift
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties, 1994, ISBN 0310402611, page 112 (pictured in an earlier blog).

More coming