Friday, May 23, 2008

Proper 4 A Epiphany 9 A: Finding Firm Footing


Bible Readings: Genesis 6:9-22, 7:24, 8:14-19, Psalm 46, Romans 1:16-17, 3:22b-31, Matthew 7:21-29
Theme: Finding Firm Footing

About the Image:
Copyright free from Wickimedia Commons
Decor of the worship space:Long satiny lengths of material in the colours of the rainbow.
Kid's Story:The House on the Rock
By Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen,
found originally as an individual book (pictured at left below), Marshall, Morgan and Scott, 1986, ISBN 055101279X; and lately in Stories Jesus Told (pictured at right below) by the above authors, Candle books, 2005, ISBN 101859855881.












Youth Object Lesson: What's Your Foundation
Found in Fresh Ideas Volume 2 by Jim Burns and Mark Simone, Gospel Light, 1997, ISBN 083718842, page 65 (pictured in an earlier blog)
Listening Song: Flood

By Jars of Clay on their self titled album (pictured in an earlier blog).


Drama: House On the Rock
In Time to Act by
Paul Burbridge, Murray Watts, Hodder & Stoughton Religious, 1979, ISBN: 0340246995

Drama: Jesus Rock
Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910915, page 15 (pictured in an earlier post).

Film Clip: Mission Impossible 2
I have used this clip before but this time I have used it in a different way. Show the clip right at the start where Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is climbing up the rocky face of a mountain. When he slips,it is only his tenacious hold on the rock which saves him from falling (pictured at left).

Discussion: Mission Impossible 2
1. What saves Ethan from falling to his death?
2. How is he like the man who built his house on the rock?
3. How can we hold on tight to God?
(We have about 40 children coming to church this morning by themselves. I intend to get each one to sit with an adult for this segment and discuss these questions in pairs - as a get to know you and so that they can see the wisdom in each others responses.

Response Activity: In response to the song, Flood.


Ask the congregation to spend a few minutes thinking about something that makes them feel like they are drowning: a sin, a grief, a hurt, a big ask from another person or from God. Finish by asking God for help for each person present and that God will stay close by.


Response Activity: Firm Foundations
Found in Multi-Sensory Parables by Ian Birkinshaw, Scripture Union, 2006, ISBN 9781844272310, page 13 (pictured at right).

Also:

Prayer Exercise: A Life of Prayer Requires Discipline
Found in Prayer: Heart of the Pilgrimage by Jenny Youngman, Upper Room Books, Nashville, 2007, ISBN 0835898369, page 22.  This is based on the Psalm.

Drama: Welcome Sinners
Found in Mega Drama 2 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910916Xv2, page 41. This is based on the Romans reading.

Drama: Jesus Rock
Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910915X, page 15. This is based on the gospel reading.

Drama: Noah and the Ark
Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910915X, page 57. This is based on the Genesis reading.

Service Starter: Decisions to Make
Based on the Matthew reading, this is found in The All-Age Service Annual Volume 4, published by Scripture Union, 2010, ISBN 9781844275199, page 34 (pictured at right).

Poem: After the Flood
Found in The Electric Bible by Peter Dainty, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, 2003, ISBN 1 84417 041 1, page 23.  This poem is based on the Genesis reading.  

New Life: A New Start
Found in Lucy Moore, Messy Church, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2006, ISBN 978 1 84101 503 3, page 149ff. This fits with the Genesis reading.

Worship Activities: Rock and Sand
Found in Welcome by Beth Barnett and Keith Dyer, Scripture Union, 2011, ISBN 978 0 9871500 2 8, page 70. These are based on the Matthew reading. 

Liturgy using Genesis 6, 7 and 8
By Maren C Tirabassi and found in Before the Amen by Maren C Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirrabassi (Eds), Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2007, ISBN 978 0 8298 1750 8, page 103. Based on the Genesis reading.








Sunday, May 18, 2008

Proper 3 A Epiphany 8 A: God Never Forgets Us

THERE IS A 2011 VERSION OF THIS POST WITH MORE RESOURCES - SEE MY ARCHIVES AT THE LEFT.

Bible readings: Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 Theme: God Never Forgets Us About the Image: Microsoft free clipart - reminds me of the Isaiah reading. Listening Song: Stilled my Soul By the Sons of Korah on their album, Resurrection. Based on Psalm 131 (pictured at left) Listening Song: Treasure By Iona on their album, Beyond These Shores (pictured on an earlier blog) Drama: Where Do I Fit? Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910915, page 13 (pictured in an earlier post). Creative Reading: The Word On Worry Found in Worship Ideas For Youth Ministry, Group Publishing Inc, 1997, ISBN 076442002X, page 14. Poem: The Law of Christ Found in The Electric Bible by Peter Dainty, Kevin Mayhew, 2003, ISBN 1844170441, page 83 (pictured at right) Story: Worry or Life Found in When You Walk by Adrian Plass, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 1997, ISBN 0745935524, page 20 (pictured in an earlier blog). Story: Intimacy With God Story 337 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) Response Activity: Pipe Cleaner Prayers Found in Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1844271668, page 18 (pictured in an earlier blog)

Monday, May 05, 2008

Pentecost A (May 11): Enough for Everyone



THERE IS AN UPDATED VERSION OF THIS BLOG UPDATED IN 2023 - SEE MY ARCHIVES IN THE FAR COLUMN AT LEFT


Bible Readings: Acts 2:1-21 or Numbers 11:24-30, Psalm 104:24 -35, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 or Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39
Theme: Enough for everyone


About the Image:

Public domain.

Listening Song: Holy Spirit

By Third Day on their self tit
led album.

Kids Story: Webster the Preacher Duck
By Andrew McDonough, Lost Sheep Resources, 2007, ISBN 9781921229084 (pictured at right).
Thanks to Sandra Houghton for introducing me to this brilliant new series for young and old. Laugh and learn - and as it says on the title page "Any similarities between the characters in this book and the old ducks in your church is purely coincidental".

Drama: Pentecost Photos
Found in Let's Make Another Scene 3 by Verena Johnson, Open Book Publishers, 1995, ISBN 0859107620, page 73 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Drama: What's A Holy Spirit?
Found in Let's Make Another Scene For...by Verena Johnson, Open Book Publishers, 1998, ISBN 0859108937, page 77 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Film Clip: Edward Scissorhands
Show the clip where Edward trims the bushes into a dinosaur - everyone has a gift. (pictured at left)

Story: The Lifeboat
Found in In Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties, 1994, ISBN 0310402611, page 139 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Story: Too Helpful
Found in More Hot Illustrations for Youth by Wayne Rice, Zondervan 1995, ISBN 0310207681, page 161 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Illustration: The Use of Power
Power can be used in at least two ways: it can be unleashed, or it can be harnessed. The energy in forty five litres of petrol, for instance, can be released explosively by dropping a lighted match into the can. Or it can be channeled through the engine of my Nissan 300ZX in a controlled burn and used to transport me well over 450 kilometres. Explosions are spectacular, but controlled burns have lasting effect, staying power. The Holy Spirit works both ways. At Pentecost, she exploded on the scene; her presence was like "tongues of fire" (Acts 2:3). Thousands were affected by one burst of God's power. But Goid also works through the church -the institution God began to tap the Holy Spirit's power for the long haul. Through worship, fellowship, and service, Christians are provided with staying power.
The source of this illustration is unknown.

Poem: Acts 2:1
Found in In Due Season by Herbert F Brokering, Augsburg Publishing, 1966 in the Summer section.

Quote: William H Willimon
The Holy Spirit is the engine that drives the church out into the world.

Quote: William Blake
Unless the eye catch fire, God will not be seen.
Unless the ear catch fire, God will not be heard.
Unless the tongue catch fire, God will not be named.
Unless the heart catch fire, God will not be loved
Unless the mind catch fire, God will not be known.

Response Activity: Pentecost Celebration
Parts of this can be done at various times during a service however it makes a great conclusion. It was written by Uniting Church minister Coralie Ling - for full details visit
http://thebillabong.info/otm_pcost/otm55_p25.html