Easter 3 A (April 6): On the Road Again.

There is an 2023 updated version of this post - see archive at left.

Bible Readings: Acts 2:14a, 3-41, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 Theme: On the Road Again

About the Image:
Free from http://www.servicioskoinonia.org/cerezo/dibujosA/25PascuaA3.jpg

Kid's Story: Oh, It's You!
This is a great way to introduce the gospel story. Project or show a half a dozen photos of members of the church who are well known to the children. Show photos that are hard to recognise - I used dated photos where hairstyles were quite different (or gone!) and baby photos. Talk with the children about times when it is hard to recognise people for all sorts of reasons ; eg; you weren't expecting to see them, they were wearing sports gear instead of ordinary clothes...whatever.

Kid's Story: There's a Sea in My Bedroom
By Margaret Wild and Jane Tanner, Nelson, 1984, ISBN 0170064581 (pictured at right). David expected the sea to be dangerous and frightening but his father and a shell helped him to think about the sea in a new way. The two disciples in the gospel were frightened until Jesus helped them see everything in a new way.

Drama: I Was the Happiest
Found in Let's Make A Scene by Verena Johnson, Lutheran Publishing House, page 58 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Drama: The Road to Emmaus
Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910915, page 96 (pictured in an earlier post).

Film Clip: Bruce Almighty
Chapter 5: When God tries to get Bruce's attention and he ignores all the signs.(pictured at left)

Discussion: Bruce Almighty
Why can't Bruce see all God's messages to him?
When do we fail to recognise that God is with us?

Poem: Luke 23:34
Found in In Due Season by Herbert F Brokering, Augsburg Publishing, 1966 in the Autumn section.

Listening Song; All I Need
By Bethany Dillon (single) or on WOW 2005.

Discussion:
What happens if you take Jesus' resurrection out of your life?

Story: Prayer and Meditation
Found as story No 201 in Your Point Being? by Graham H. Twelftree, Monarch, 2003, ISBN 1854245929 (pictured in an earlier blog). This story makes a great introduction to the psalm.

Story: Resurrection
Story 568 in 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers and Writers by Craig Brian Larson and Leadership Journal, Baker Books, 2002, ISBN 0801091551, (pictured in an earlier blog)

Meditation/Quote:William H. Willimon
"If you want to experience the resurrection of Jesus Christ in your life, where you live, just get up in the morning and put one foot in front of the other and head down the road. Follow the way. But please, go with a bit of imagination. Walk with the expectation of the possibility of surprise." This quote goes very well with images and reflective music. From Mediacom Preaching Resources, April 10 2005.

Response Activity:
Project the question: What helps you recognise God's presence in your life?
Have nine work stations around your worship space each with some craft materials such as paints, pencils, paper, etc etc and each with an individual answer to the above question: e.g., Spending time Alone with God, Talking with a Trusted Spiritual Adviser, Being Part of a Study Group, Going to Church, Communion, Reading the Bible, Music, Getting Back to the Bush, Other. Ask people to go to the station they relate to best with respect to the projected question. Ask each work station group to make a one minute presentation to encourage the rest of the congregation to use their method to recognise God's presence in their lives.