Monday, February 28, 2022

Lent 3 C (March 20): Keeping in Touch/The God of Second Chances/ The Generosity of God

 


















Bible ReadingsIsaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9.

About the images: 
Upper Left and Right: They are both mine so please feel free to use them for worship purposes and related activities. The landscape is of sunrise near our place across Lake Victoria, part of the Gippsland Lakes in East Gippsland, Victoria Australia (for more info visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gippsland_Lakes).
Middle Left: This image reminds me of Psalm 63 - You've let me see you in the sanctuary. This  images is also mine.  Please feel free to use all three for worship and related activities.
Middle Right: This image comes from the awesome Church Galleries website, presently not in operation. . 
Lower Left: This image comes from the Heartlight site - see my link column at left. 

Listening Song: I Am Carried 
By Geoff Bullock on his Hands of Grace album, C.1997, Watershed Productions (pictured at left). This song goes particularly well with Gospel reading - we usually sing it but sometimes it is nice to sit and listen to it as well.  

Listening Song: You're My God

by Delirious? on their Glo album (pictured at right). This song goes well with the psalm.

Kid's Story: The Second Chance.

You need to word up the actors for this beforehand, but make it all look fairly natural in that it looks like part of your normal service. Have the congregation start to sing a kid's song led by your choir or musicians or band or whatever. Have one of the choir or band sing or play so badly that everyone can hear their mistakes and then have that person spit the dummy! (translation for non Aussies: throw a tantrum, get angry at themselves, yell out "Oh, I can't do it" etc etc). You stop the singing and inform the person making the mistakes that you are fed up with their mistakes and that you no longer want them to participate in the music in church. They look crestfallen and a couple of the other musicians speak up for them and beg you to tell the kids a story while they give the mistake maker some help. You say its not really worth their effort and the mistake maker might as well quit now. The other musicians persist and you give in - if they are willing to give the mistake maker a second chance, maybe you can too. You tell the kids the gospel story about the fig tree. Ask the kids how they think the fig tree will go with the extra care. Then ask them how they think the mistake maker will go now that he/she has had some help from the others. Check with the musicians who all assure you that everything will be fine now. Sing the song through all together successfully. Conclude by linking what has just happened with the gospel story. 


Kid's Story: Dead Plant
A bit like the one above but less involved and can also be used to introduce the gospel reading. Have a nearly dead plant - somebody sees it and says "that's no good, chuck it out!". Another person comes along and says they will feed it and nurture it, re-pot it and give it another chance etc etc.

Kid's Stor
y: The Giving Tree
By Shel Silverstein, Harper Collins Publishers, 1992 (renewed from 1964), ISBN 0060256656 (pictured at left).


Film Clip: Pay It Forward
(pictured at right) Show the clip at the very start of the film where the man who loses his car is given a brand new car to replace it. This clip goes very well with the gospel reading.

Questions for the Film Clip: Pay It Forward
1. Have you ever helped a stranger? What happened?
2. How can we tell if God is generous?
3. How can we be generous with each other?

Film Clip: Keep in Touch
Any one of the series of New Zealand Telecom Commercials with the slogan "Keep in Touch" is terrific for this topic. Google them.

Questions for the Telecom Commercials
1. Why is it important to keep in touch with each other?
2. Why is it important to keep in touch with God?
3. How can we do this?


Illustration: The Intimacy of Prayer. 
Found in Life at Its Best: A Guide Book For The Pilgrim Life by Eugene H Peterson, Zondervan, ISBN 0007111193, page 267 (pictured at left).

Story: Letter to Father Dudko
Found in High Mountains Deep Valleys by Rowland Croucher and Grace Tomlinson (Eds.) Albatross Books, 1992, ISBN 086760090X, page 213 (pictured at right). This goes well with the gospel reading and the psalm.

Story: Wrong Way Reigels
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialities, 1994, ISBN 0310402611, page 228 (pictured in an earlier blog). This story goes well with the gospel reading or the psalm.


Story: Brandon's Mess
As above, page 58. This also goes well with the gospel reading.

Story: The Whisper Test

Found in 750 Engaging Illustrations by Craig Brian Larson and Leadership Journal.. Baker Books, 2002,(pictured at right). Story No 259 goes with the gospel reading.

Story: God's Nickel 

(change nickel to whatever is relevant in your country).  Found in Still More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties, 1999, ISBN 1310224640, page 144 (pictured at left). Another story that matches up well with the gospel reading.

Story: Gratitude
Found in Your Point Being? by Graham Twelftree, Monarch Books, 2003, ISBN 1854245929, story No. 112 (pictured in an earlier blog). This story goes well with the gospel reading.

Story: O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
Found in Stories, Illustrations and Quotes by Robert J. Morgan, Thomas Nelson, 2000, ISBN 0785244793, page 356. It is a story of God's care for us.

Story: Remembering
Found in Resources for Preaching and Worship - Year C compiled by Hannah Ward and Jennifer Wild, Westminster John Knox Press, 2003, ISBN 066422508X, Page 107.  This story is based on the psalm.

Quote: Brother Laurence
Those whose spirits are stirred by the breath of the Spirit of God, go forward even in sleep.

Discussion Questions:
Think of a time when somebody has given you a second chance.
"Well, he/she had it coming"...Why do we say this? Is it true?
What is the point of the fig tree story and why does it follow the story of the men who dies and a call to repentance?
What is God's grace?

Homework??!!: St John Chrysostom
St John Chrysostom told people to read psalm 63 everyday. Encourage people to try doing so for a while and report back.

Response Activity: Leaves (based on the gospel reading).
Give everyone a paper fig tree shaped leaf. Ask them to think about the following question and write the answer on their leaf.
1. If you had one more year, what would you need to help you turn your life around? or
2. What sort of fruit would you like your life to be producing by this time next year?
3. What help will you need to realise this dream?
Either attach the leaves to a real branch or a sketch of fig tree. This activity should give you some idea of what your congregational needs are for the coming year.

Response Activity:
Have about a half a dozen contemplative practices/spiritual exercises around the church for people to try - base each on the Bible reading you are concentrating on (I used the psalm) and give people plenty of time (maybe a VERY short reflection/sermon) and space to experience the discipline they have chosen. Encourage them to choose only one. The disciplines I used were: Mandalas, meditation, walking meditation, contemplating a work of art or a photo, journaling, and singing.


Also
:


Prayers and Poems: The Fig Tree

Found in Dad and Daughter by Ron Gordon and Jennie Gordon, 2012, ISBN 9780646586601, page 145.

Response Activity: Cutting Remarks
Found in Bringing the Word To Life Together: Year C by Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Mediacom, Adelaide, 2012, ISBN 9781921945083, page 52ff. This works well with all the gospel reading.

Meditation: Togetherness Around the Table
Found in Meditations from the Iona Community by Ian Reid, Wild Goose Publications, Trowbridge, 1998, ISBN 1901557022, page 90 (pictured at right). This goes well with the 1 Corinthians reading.

Meditation: Unity of the Family of God
Found in Meditations from the Iona Community by Ian Reid, Wild Goose Publications, Trowbridge, 1998, ISBN 1901557022, page 93 (pictured at right). This goes well with the 1 Corinthians reading.

Taize Service: Thirsting for God
Found in Worship Feast by Taize, Abingdon Press, 2004, page 20. This is based on the Psalm reading.

Opening and Closing Responses for Lent
By Ruth Burgess and Chris Polhill in Eggs and Ashes, Wild Goose Publications, 2004, page 82.

Service Outline: Come Close to God
Based on the Psalm reading, this is found in The All-Age Service Annual Volume 4, published by Scripture Union, 2010, ISBN 9781844275199, page 102 (pictured at right).

Drama: Going with the Flow
Found in Mega Drama 5 by Verena Johnson, (Ed.), Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109194, page 40 (pictured at left). This drama is based on the Corinthians reading.





Monday, February 14, 2022

Lent 2 C (March 13): Risking Everything/Shelter/God's Wings

 

































Bible Readings: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 13:31-35.

About the Images:
Upper Left and Right: These are both my both my photos, so please feel free to use them for worship and related activities. The left one is of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount as they are today. The right photo lends itself to having one of the pertinent texts from today's readings added to the lower half.
Middle Left: A wordle (before wordle became a puzzle)I made a few years back.
Middle Right: This image comes from the awesome Church Galleries website which is not operating at the moment.  And I know, I know...for the purists among you one photo is of Bethlehem but the two place are only a few kilometres apart so...…
Lower Left and Right: These are  free Heartlight images.  See my link column at left. 

Listening Song: Why
by Tracey Chapman on her self titles album c. 1998 (pictured at left) This song asks the hard questions that we all think about.

Discussion on the Genesis Reading:
  
1. What do we learn about God in this reading?
2. What do we learn about Abram?

Drama: Don't You Get It
4: God says: Do not be afraid. I am your shield and your great reward.
1: Yes, but I don’t know if my money is going to out-last me. If I can just do a good 
job with my investments I know everything will turn out all right.
2: And if we could only get some extra money - the kids will be going off to uni soon and at the moment I can't see how we'll manage. With a little more money I know everything will turn out all right.

4:But God says: Do not be afraid. I am your shield and your great reward.

3: If only I could get my hands on that hotted up Torana everybody's being eyeing off down the street. Everyone would look up to me, envy me ..... then I know everything will turn out all right
.
1: And I am so frightened of the future. All my family live a long way away. If I could work out some way to be near them then I know everything will turn out all right.
4: But God says: Do not be afraid. I am your shield and your great reward.
2: Yes, but if only we could get the house paid off and the renovations finished then I know everything will turn out all right.
3: If only I could get the results I really want at school then I know everything will turn out all right.

4: But God says: Do not be afraid. I am your shield and your great reward.

1: Yes, but what if I get sick – what if I can’t look after myself any more. I’m going to find my self the best health specialists in the world… then I know everything will turn out all right.

2: And if I could only make sure than I have the best time possible for as much of the time as possibl
e then I know everything will turn out all right.
3: If only I could convince myself and everybody else that I'm not nearly as much of a dork as I seem to be then I know everything will turn out all right.
4: But God says: Do not be afraid. I am your shield and your great reward ....... You know, I  don’t think any of you get it!
Written by Rosemary Broadstock and Ann Scull: Permission granted for use and adaption to your congregation. It is not necessary but we would love to know if you use it.

Discussion on the Drama:
1. How do we stop becoming like persons 1,2 and 3?
2. How do we put our faith in God into action?

Story: The Tightrope Walker and the Wheelbarrow
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties, 1994, ISBN 0310402611, page 206 (pictured at right). This story, featuring Blondin the famous tightrope walker, can also be found in numerous illustration books and by Googling. It is also possible to find images. This story goes well with a number of the readings because it is about trust and faith.
 
Story: Personal
Ask someone in your congregation to share a story from their own life where they had to trust God when they did not know what the final outcome was going to be. 
Ask the person before hand so that they can prepare what they are going to say.

Story: An Antidote for Fear
 Found in The Youth Bible, Word Publishing, 1991, ISBN 0849909252, page 497. This story is based on the Psalm. (pictured at left)

Story: Don't Change Channels
Found at http://www.trinityurcvisalia.com/sermons/ac02v42d.html in section II B. This story goes very well with the Genesis reading.

Quote: Darren Beadman, Australian Jockey
"It's all about relationship and what lies within your heart.....Some people are at a stage in their life where they feel secure in their environment and don't want to step out because they don't know what the future holds. But if you've got the relationship with the Lord, and you believe that he is your provider and that this is what he wants you to do, well - do it" This is part of an interview found in Alive Magazine 1998. I can't source the month, sorry.

Quote: Old Scandinavian Proverb
Faith is a bird that feels dawn breaking and sings while it is still dark.

Response Activity:
Give everyone a coloured feather (found in craft shops).
While they concentrate on the feather ask:
1. Where in your life at the moment do you need to hear God say; " Do not be afraid. I am your shield and your very great reward"?
2. What situation are you in at present which should make you seek shelter under God's wings?
3. Are you trusting God or are you looking in other places for shelter and reward?
Have a time of silence.

Alternate but slightly the same Response Activity:
Have three stations set up around your worship space and encourage people to visit all three and then return to the one that means the most to them and take something home form that station:
Station 1: Reassurance: Have small copyright free pictures of "Abram and a starry sky", post-it notes shaped as stars (available from post offices in Aus), written instructions and some pencils or pens. Ask people to think about the question "
Where in your life at the moment do you need to hear God say; " Do not be afraid. I am your shield and your very great reward"?" and to write their answer on a post-it notes and stick it on the picture of Abram. Encourage them to think about Abram and his relationship with God when he feared for the future. Before they leave the station, ask them to peel of the star, screw it up and place it in a waste paper basket provided.
Station 2: Shelter: Provide everyone with a feather and instructions. Encourage them to spend a few minutes brushing it against the skin on their face or hands as they consider the question: 
"What situation are you in at present which should make you seek shelter under God's wings?", and then to think about God's shelter and thank God for being a shelter in all sorts of situations - including their own.
Station 3: Trust: Ask people to consider the question: 
"Are you trusting God or are you looking in other places for shelter and reward?"
 Provide everyone with a prayer which asks for forgiveness for lack of trust and strength to trust in the future.
When you eventually all sit down together again each person should have a picture of Abram or a feather or the prayer to take home with them.

Also:

Opening Prayer: 
Found in The Abingdon Worship Annual by Mary J Scifres and B. J. Beu (Eds.), Abingdon Press, Nashville, 2012, ISBN 9781426746796, page 52 (pictured at right). This prayer uses the Genesis, Philippians and psalm readings.

Story: Things Are Not Always What They Seem
Found in  Resources for Preaching and Worship - Year C compiled by Hannah Ward and Jennifer Wild, Westminster John Knox Press, 2003, ISBN 066422508X, page 103 (pictured at left).  I think this fits well with any of the readings. 

Poem: Three Days 
Found in Dad and Daughter by Ron Gordon and Jennie Gordon, 2012, ISBN 9780646586601, page 144 (pictured at right).  This lovely poem connects well with  the gospel reading.

Opening and Closing Responses for Lent
By Ruth Burgess and Chris Polhill in Eggs and Ashes, Wild Goose Publications, 2004, page 79-80 - two to choose from and pictured at left. 
 
Drama: Counting Stars
Found in Mega Drama 5 by Verena Johnson, (Ed.), Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109194, page 26 (pictured at left). This drama is based on the Genesis reading.

Prayer: Using Candles
Found in Multi-Sensory Prayer by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2001, ISBN 1859994652, page 18 and based on the Psalm reading.

Monday, February 07, 2022

Lent 1 C (March 06): Trusting God/Wilderness Times/Jesus Was a Refugee






















Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13.

About the Images:
Upper Left: Australian wilderness: Purnululu. This is my photo so please feel free to use it for worship and related activities. If you want more information on Purnululu please visit http://www.discoverwest.com.au/western_australia/bungle_bungles.html
Upper RightThe Judean wilderness in Israel. This is my photo so please feel free to use it for worship and related activities. If you want more information on this area, please visit http://www.bibleplaces.com/judeanwilderness.htm
Middle Left: This is a free image from Cerrezo Barredo's site - see my link column at left.
Middle RightThis image comes from the awesome Church Galleries website. Visit the website at www.churchgalleries.com.
Lower Left: This is my image with the text added.  Please feel free to use for worship and related activities.  The photo was taken near Narooma on the east coast of Australia. 
Lower Right: This is from the excellent Heartlight site - see my link column at left.

Psalm 91 by the amazing Sons Of Korah




Kids: Jesus Was a Refugee
This is another brilliant book  by Andrew McDonough, Lost Sheep Resources, 2012 (pictured at right). This goes with the Gospel reading.  The great thing about these books is that they only around $A7 and for a further $A10 (or instead of) you can buy on line the story in any format you need to project the pictures in church.  There are also free activity sheets and for a cost activity books for both teachers and children.  Visit www.lostsheep.com.au to check out all the excellent resources. This goes very well with the Deuteronomy reading when it talks about welcoming aliens.

Drama: A Very Reasonable Man
Found in Stages on the Way by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose, 1998, ISBN 1876357363, page 29 (pictured at right). This play is based on the gospel reading.

Introductory Discussion Questions: About the drama and any images you can show of the devil.
1. How have the artists portrayed the devil? Why?
2. In the drama, what sort of voice does the devil have? why?

Story: The Indian and the Rattlesnake
The second last story on the temptation page at www.sermonillustrations.com It connects well with the gospel reading.

Story: Don't Forget to Look After Me
By Max Lucado in the conclusion of his book, In The Grip of Grace, Word Publishing, 1996, ISBN 0849911435 (pictured at right). This story goes well with the Romans reading.

Prayer: Stone Prayers
Give everyone a stone which they can hold comfortably (size wise) and which has both smooth and rough surfaces. Encourage them to shut their eyes in prayer. Ask them to feel the rough surfaces and to think of the rough (hard) areas in their lives at the moment. Encourage them to silently ask God for help with regard to these areas. Then ask them to feel the smooth surfaces and to think of the things in their lives that they are grateful for - the things that make them happy and give them joy. Encourage them to pray silently thanking God for these things.
 
NB 1. Depending on where you live - enough suitable stones might be hard to find. I dug up a bit of our gravel driveway! Sometimes plant nurseries sell stones but they are often too smooth - you may have to search though the bags of stones to find a suitable lot.
 
NB 2. I did this first years ago and later met a lady who keeps the stone from that service on a shelf which she passes each morning as soon as she gets up. She still starts each day with a "rough" help prayer and a "smooth" thank you prayer :-)

Also:

Kids: The Pig in the Pond
By Martin Waddell and Jill Barton, Walker Books,  with lots of ideas for a whole worship service found in Worship is For Everyone by Julie Pinazza, Openbook Publishers, 2000, ISBN 0859109259, page 35 (pictured at left). This goes well with the Psalm reading.

Opening and Closing Responses for Lent
By Ruth Burgess and Chris Polhill in Eggs and Ashes, Wild Goose Publications, 2004, page 75 (pictured at right).

Drama: By the Book
Found in Mega Drama 5 by Verena Johnson, (Ed.), Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109194, page 38 (pictured at left). This drama is based on the gospel reading.

Prayer
By Kathryn J Campbell 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 67. Based on the Psalm reading.

Prayer/Action: St Simon Stylites
Found  in Going Home Another Way by Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2008,pages 130 and based on the Luke reading.