Easter 6 C (May 5): No Fear/About Face!

 












A newer 2022 version of this post is now available with heaps more resources - see my archive at left.

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 in Multi-Sensory Prayer by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2001, ISBN 1859994652, page 55.