Epiphany 4 A (January 29): Paradox

There is an updated 2023 version of this post with more stuff. See my archives column at left. 


Bible Readings: Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, I Corinthians 1: 18-31, Matthew 5:1-12

About the Images:
Upper Left: This is a microsoft free clipart image with my text.
Upper Right: This is a free Heartlight image. To visit the Heartlight site, please go to my Links column below left.
Below left: This is a Microsoft free image with text from the song "God's Own Fool" (below).

Listening Song: God's Own Fool
By Michael Card on his album, Joy in the Journey (pictured at left). This goes well with the gospel reading.

Kid's Story: The Lion and the Mouse
This is an Aesop fable and can be found almost anywhere on or off line.  It goes really well with the gospel reading and the Corinthians reading.

Film Clip: The Beatitudes
This clip is found on the Work of the People site (see my links column at left).
http://www.theworkofthepeople.com/the-beatitudes


Drama: I Believe Congratulations Are In Order
By Tick Brereton and found in Mega Drama 2 by Verena Johnson (Ed.) Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910916X, page 17 (pictured at right). This is a dramatic reading that looks at the Beatitudes and different approaches to what they really mean. I made this the basis of my sermon and added a couple more voices to each section who related directly to the struggles in our own community and lives and added prayers of reflection after each section as well.

Response Activity:
I gave everyone a copy of the Mega Drama (above) version of the Beatitudes and gave them a space to read them over and then underline the one that they do best in one colour and the one that they need most help with in another colour. We then prayed together and for each other.

Also:

Taize Service: Beatitudes

Found in Worship Feast by Taize, Abingdon Press, 2004, page 38. This is based on the Matthew reading.