There is an updated 2023 version of this post with more stuff. See my archives at the left. Bible Readings: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-10, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12(13-16), Matthew 5:13-20
About the images:
Left: This is a microsoft free clipart image with my text.
Right: This is a free Heartlight image. To visit the Heartlight site, please go to my Links column below left.
Listening Song: Shine
By the Newsboys on their album, Shine: The Hits (pictured at left) or on WOW 1996. This song uses words from the gospel reading.
Discussion:
1. Salt and light have lost their preciousness in many ways to the Western world. What might Jesus say to us today if he was talking to us? You are like........
2. How do we shine God's light onto those around us?
Brainstorm:
Brainstorm definitions o the word "disciple".
Story: Why the Potatoes Sprouted
This story can be found at http://elbourne.org/sermons/index.mv?illustration+4048. It is based on the gospel story.
Story:Thermometers and Themostats
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 198 (pictured at right). This story is based on the Matthew reading.
Listening Song: Shine
By the Newsboys on their album, Shine: The Hits (pictured at left) or on WOW 1996. This song uses words from the gospel reading.
Discussion:
1. Salt and light have lost their preciousness in many ways to the Western world. What might Jesus say to us today if he was talking to us? You are like........
2. How do we shine God's light onto those around us?
Brainstorm:
Brainstorm definitions o the word "disciple".
Story: Why the Potatoes Sprouted
This story can be found at http://elbourne.org/sermons/index.mv?illustration+4048. It is based on the gospel story.
Story:Thermometers and Themostats
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 198 (pictured at right). This story is based on the Matthew reading.
3 comments:
Thank you for working ahead. I love this site and it's really helpful in my worship planning when you're a few weeks ahead. Thanks!
I SO appreciate your site & insights, especially your questions which truly provoked my thinking:
What if we engaged Matthew with all our senses?
No salt diets (like mine for Meiniere's): spice & flavorings used instead;
I think of the first time I tasted deviled eggs with a bit of curry or horseradish in them - wow!;
Music – just the right sound or percussion or right voice, like Sissel Kirkjebo's soprano in Lux Aurumque!;
Color: a contrasting matting to bring out the colors in a photo or artwork;
Accessories in coordinating an outfit or table setting or worship space.
Perhaps we're to be like open window in a stuffy room... a brisk walk when the world has fallen asleep... the sensual touch or frisky wink that gets passion stirring...?
Interesting question: What would Jesus use today for a comparison. In his book, "Everyday Parables" Jim Taylor uses coffee as a substitute for wine. It was, is, an apt analogy.
In western culture, the things that have the highest value to us are the very things that he spoke out against -- fame, wealth, power. And of course, the things that were important to him are still problems today -- hunger, homelessness, oppression.
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