mustard seeds

Just a note

2012-01-16T16:12:00.004+11:00

G'day all.

I may be taking holidays soon so I thought I would get a few weeks ahead just in case. Please scroll down until you find the sunday you are looking for - you may even have to use the blog archive on the left hand side of the page.

grace and peace, love and laughter,
Ann

Lent 4 B (March18): Unconditional Love

2012-01-16T15:19:00.011+11:00

Bible readings: Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22, John 3: 14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10

About the images:
Right: Mediacom free clipart with my text.
Left: My photo - feel free to use it for worship and related activities.

Listening Song:: Speechless
By Steven Curtis Chapman on his album, Speechless, or on WOW 2000 (pictured at left). This goes well with the Ephesians reading.

Listening Song: Call My Name
By Third Day on their album, Revelation, or on WOW 2009 (pictured at right). This song matches well with the Gospel reading.

Prayer of Confession: In this World
Found in Stages on the Way by The Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Resource Group, 1998, ISBN 1876357363, page 55 (pictured at left).

Kid's Time: Learning John 3:16
Put the individual (or pairs or phrases) words of john 3:16 on big red hearts and distribute these to various members of the congregation before the service. Ask them to hold the hearts in front of their faces at the start of the kid's time. Ask the kids to come out and look at the congregation and see if they can see anything odd. Tell them it is a secret message from God to them and ask themn to find all the people with hearts, bring them forward and then try to arrange them so that the message makes sense. The adults always help out if it gets a little difficult :)

Kid's Story: The Sneeches
The first story in The Sneeches and Other Stories by Dr Seuss, Dr Suess Enterprises, 1957, ISBN 0007158505 (pictured at right). This story can lead to a discussion about whether we need to do anything to be loved by God.

Kids Story: I Love You, Stinky Face
By Lisa McCourt, illustrations by Cyd Moore, Hinckler Books, 2002. (pictured at left) Previously published by BridgeWater Paperback, 1998 Thanks to Marion Latham for this suggestion. Marion says it is a good illustraltion of God's grace.

Film Clip: Les Miserables
From the end of the credits (the first scene) startiong with the convict walking the streets and ending with the priest blessing him and giving him a second chance

Film Clip: Walking Across Egypt
(pictured at left).Show the clip where Mattie argues with her children about when she should stop loving and caring for Wesley. I got this clip from www.wingclips.com in their "unconditional love" section. This site is well worth the subscription.

Discussion: Walking Across Egypt
1. When does God stop loving us?
2. When should we stop loving others?

Film Clip: Aladdin
Show one of the clips where Aladdin tries to impress Princess Jasmine by pretending he is some thing that he is not - there is one particularly useful clip where his friends encourage him to tell her the truth but he can't do it.

Discussion: Aladdin
1. Why was Aladdin pretending to be someone he was not?
2. Who was Aladdin trying to impress?
3. How do we sometimes try to find favour with God and with each other?

Drama: The Tune
Based on a puppet play (but no longer using as many people or puppets) found in Drama Resources One from the South Australian Lutheran Youth Office. My version makes use of a fairly astute musician. I do hope I have not offended copyright but the book is no longer in print - if an Adelaide Lutheran reads and recognises this beautiful little play please email me so that I can give credit where is is due.
More: Thanks to Kevin (see comment below) I now have more information on the history of this drama. Kevin says that "The Tune" is by Larry Norman (now deceased) and can be viewed at : www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJtBryMKeK8 Interestingly, I think that the Drama Resource version predates the Norman version. .....And so, the mystery thickens!!!???

Tune is played twice brightly…. Third time harsh at the end and stops bluntly.

Narrator: Once there was a tune and everyone knew how it went. However as time went by people began to forget it, until at last nobody could remember it.

And there was sadness…. Tune differs

And war… tune differs

And death… tune changes and fades out.

And then someone said: How did that tune go?

And the scoffers said:

Scoffer: (loudly) There is no tune, there never was. It’s just a fairy story! (Harsh chord)

N. And the people said: What!? No tune at all??

And the religious people said:

Religious person: Well now, it doesn’t really matter what tune you play as long as you play something and don’t hurt anybody. (Harsh Chord)

N. So the world just played on and on. (Tune played out of tune).

And there was sadness…. And hatred…. And war… and death. (Tune gets louder and bolder and more out of key)

And one day the world became tired of it (tune fades)

(Long pause)

Suddenly they heard a strange … noise. (Tune begins again slowly)

And someone said, “What is that?”

It was then that they saw the kind man. His name was Jesus. He had a smile on his face … and a kind of sad look too. They all started to listen but they were a little puzzled… Suddenly the scoffers and the religious people shouted:

Scoffer: (loudly) There is no tune, there never was, and there never will be. It’s just a fairy story!

Religious person: Well now, it doesn’t really matter what tune you play as long as you play something and don’t hurt anybody.

N: Jesus just looked at them … rather sadly … when some of them began to sing.

Scoffer and religious person: la la la la la la la la la la la (badly and out of tune)

N: Then they began to fight and argue. Those who didn’t like Jesus decided to kill him … and they did (Tense chord and then silence for a few seconds)

(Tune begins again)

But he came back (Tune played joyfully)

They wondered how to stop him but he disappeared. (Tune is played dreamily)

Instead there are just a lot of people smiling, and enjoying being with their friends…. And these people knew the tune (tune is loud and happy)

Not only that, but they noticed that there was something different. When the people made a mistake, they stopped (tune stops, pause, begins again)

That’s how they knew the tune. They listened.

If you stop and listen, you will hear the tune too (tune continues)

But you have to listen quietly … and you have to listen every day

(Tune played confidently as intro to congregation sing in the song)

Drama: That's Not Fair
Based on John 3:16-17 and written by Rosemary Broadstock and Ann Scull.

A: 'For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everybody who believes in him may not die but have eternal life'.

B: But that's not fair!!! What about the likes of Hitler and Stalin - the people who start terrible wars and cause the death of millions of innocent people and cause the destruction of whole countries which take decades to rebuild.

A: But God has shown us how much he loves us - it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us.

B: But that's not fair either!!! Does that include the people who dominate powerless people? What about those who rip off the system and make us all pay more? What about people who are cruel?

A: This is what love is: it is not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the means by which our sins are forgiven.

B: Hey, come on, this really isn't fair!! That can't possibly include the thieves and the murderers, the people in our jails, the criminals, the liars and the cheats, the ones who abandon and mistreat their children and families, the ones who fight and drink too much.

A: Absolutely nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.

B: But its still not fair!!!! What about the people who are self satisfied and thoughtless? What about those who gossip and are jealous, the ones who are selfish and lack compassion, the ones who break promises, the ones who are always critical, the ones who carelessly hurt other people's feelings..... Come to think of it - it's all of us really, isn't it?

A: This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.

Story: Too Late
Based on the Ephesians reading this story is found at http://www.powerpointsermons.com/?page=study&type=i&sermon_id=627&ttl=50&res_num=200. You need to scroll down the page to find it.

Story: The Kiss
In Hot Illustrations For Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties, 1194, ISBN 0310402611, page 131 . This links well with the Gospel reading.

Story: The First Shall be Last
In Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks Book 4 by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 2001, ISBN 0310236193, page 160. This links well to the Ephesians reading.

Response Activity: Unity
In 40 Devotions that Work with Youth, by Geraldine Anderson (ed).,JBCE, 1983, ISBN 0858194147, page 58. In the book this was intended to be a youth group devotion for the Ephesians reading however it can be quite easily adapted to suit a congregation and used as part of the sermon or as a conclusion. Try using post-it notes and a small portable cross instead of paper and the floor.

Response Activity: Loving as God Loves
Hand out pencils and A5 sheets or business cards (it's better to do this bit when people are arriving for the service) with the following words: God loved me and ………………. so much that he gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. God did not sent Jesus into the world to condemn me or ………….. God sent Jesus to save us. John 3:16-17. Give everyone a minute or two to talk to God and to fill in the blanks.

Response Activity: Forgiven by God
Found in Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1844271668, page 73 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Response Activity: John 3:14-21
In response to this reading, I used three of the above activities:
vv. 14-15: Forgiven By God
vv. 16-17: Loving as God Loves
vv. 18-21 The Tune

Closing Prayer: You Call your Disciples
Found in Stages on the Way, as above, page 59.

Lent 3 B (March 11): Turning the World Upside Down

2012-01-16T15:01:00.003+11:00

Bible readings: Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19, 1 Corinthians 1:18-23, John 2:13-22

About the images:
Left: This one is mine so use as you wish for worship and related activities.
Right: This one comes from Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustrations which are always well embedded into our modern lives as you can see from this one. You can find Cerezo Barredo's illustrations matching up to the weekly lectionary via www.textweek.com or via http://www.servicioskoinonia.org/cerezo

Decor:
Try upsetting everything at the front of your worship space before people arrive. Scatter a few coins around and a few broken wooden crates as well. A word of warning though: we had a member of the congregation arrive early - we only just managed to stop her ringing the police because she thought vandals had entered during the night. It is a confronting sight and brings home to the congregation the enormity of what Jesus did.

Kid's Story
Have four large card faces - a happy one, a sad one, an angry one and a shocked one. Tell the kids and the congregation that they have a response to make for each card - for the happy one they are to shout "hurray", for the sad one they are to say "Oh no!", for the angry one they are to growl and for the shocked one they are to say "what!?". Then have someone either read or tell the gospel story for today and as you hold up the appropriate face cards for the different parts of the story the congregation and the kids will respond with the appropriate expression. (Hope this makes sense - it was a bit hard to explain :-) )

Film Clip: John 2:13-22
Found in the Gospel of John by the Visual Bible Society (pictured at left). A word for word version on John in the Good News translation . It is excellent!!!!

Psalm 19
This psalm particularly lends itself to a series of projected images as it is read.

Discussion:
Ask people to shut their eyes and think about Jesus.
What does he look like?
What colour are his eyes? What colour is his hair?
How does he look?
Ask people to describe their picture of Jesus to the person sitting next to them. Then show them the image: The Angry Christ by Lino Pontebon. This image can be found in The Bible through Asian Eyes by Masao Takenaka and Ron O'Grady,Pace, 1991 (pictured at right).
Ask them to discuss what they think of this picture with the person beside them?
How do you feel about this picture?
N.B. If you can't get hold of this image (which is excellent), any image of an angry Jesus in the temple will work almost as well. The Pontebon image works so well because t is only of Jesus' face.

Meditation Question (accompanied with thinking music):
Where do you think Jesus might like to overturn the tables in
A) your life,
B) your church, and
C) your community?

Response Activity/Meditation: I Believe
Have a Christ candle burning, a heap of tapers and a bowl of sand for lit tapers. Give everyone an A5 copy (use parchment paper if possible so they have a nice keepsake copy) of I Believe by Roddy Hamilton, 1999. This is a beautiful creed which can be found at http://website.lineone.net/~abbotsford/i_believe.htm. Allow people time to read it. Ask them to note the part they like best and then, as it is read out aloud, to light a taper at the front of the worship space when the reader gets to their favourite phrase or sentence.

Response Activity: Which Room?
I think I based this activity on a tiny little book I was given about 30 years ago which I have long since lost - I think it was called My Heart, Christ's Home.
If you compare your spiritual life to the rooms in a house, in which room of your house do you think Jesus might like to overturn the tables:
1. The kitchen - your appetites and desires
2. The veranda - the place you relax and hang out in
3. The bedroom wardrobe - your secret hangups
4. The study - your reading material
5. The garage - your gifts, skills and talents
6. The lounge room - your relationships
Seeing houses vary all over the world, you may have to change this to suit your culture and housing style.

Lent 2 B (March 4): Discipleship

2012-01-16T12:06:00.005+11:00

Bible readings:Genesis 17:1-7,15-16, Psalm 22:23-31, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-18

About the images:
Left: A smoky sunset Lake Tyers Beach (http://www.caravanparkphotos.com.au/lake_tyers_camp/index.htm). Looking out across an empty ocean is a good reminder that discipleship does not always have a perceived outcome. We must faithfully step out not always knowing what is to come or where we will end up. It is my photo so please feel free to use it for worship and related activities.
Right: I just love this verse. The image is from Microsoft free clipart.

Listening Song: Edge of the World
On Beyond These Shores by Iona, 1993 (pictured at left) The cover insert has some good info on St Brendon, who sailed away across the sea trusting that God would lead him into new places. This song is about discipleship.

Story: The Chicken and the Pig
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice (ed.) Youth Specialities, 1994, ISBN 0310402611, page 63 (pictured at right). This story illustrates the cost of true discipleship.

Story: Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Go to http://www.dbonhoeffer.org/node/3 to find an amazing story of discipleship.

Story: Life of St Brendan
See http://www.heritage.nf.ca/exploration/brendan.html and http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintb21.htm for more info on St Brendan.

Discussion Questions:
What scares you most about being a disciple?
What are the characteristics of a disciple?

Useful Quote:
"Christians in the west have largely neglected what it means to be a disciple of Christ. The vast majority of Western Christians are church members, pew fillers, hymn singers, sermon tasters, Bible readers, even born again believers or spirit filled charismatics - but not true disciples of Jesus". Found in Discipleship by David Watson, Hodder and Stoughton, 1981, ISBN 0340265728, page 16 (pictured at left).

Another Useful Quote:
"For countless Christians in the West 'Discipleship' means little more than going to church regularly, giving a proportion of one's income -usually at best one tenth and often below that figure - and getting involved in a limited number of church activities". Also found in Discipleship by David Watson.

N.B. A BIG thank you to Karen from California for replacing my lost copy of this book :)

Poem/Prayer: When I Became a Christian
Found in Cleaning Away the Rubbish by Adrian Plass, Minstral, 1988, ISBN 1854240250, page 173 (pictured at right). A great modern poem about discipleship.

Poem/Prayer: St Brendan's Prayer
Found at http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stb21001.htm

Lent 1 B (February 26): Promise

2012-01-16T00:03:00.004+11:00

Bible Readings: Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Peter 3:18-22,Mark 1:9-15

About the Images:
Right: This is a free Corel clipart with my text.
Left: A rainbow on Australia's Highway No 1 at Kilmany - Kilmany is in the Wellington shire (http://www.tourismwellington.com.au) but is too small to have a web page of its own.

Worship Space Decor:
Drape 4-6 metre shiny and bright lengths of material in the order and colours of the rainbow (six colours are sufficient - indigo was only chosen to make the number of colours equal seven a few centuries ago because seven was considered a more perfect number than six!)

Listening Song: Dive
Sung by Steven Curtis Chapman on his album, Speechless, Sparrow Records. 1999 ([ictured at right)or on WOW 2001. Following Jesus means diving deep and losing ourselves in the flood of living water.

Listening Song: Who Are you?
Sung by Caedmon's Call on their album, In the Company of Angels (pictured at left) or on WOW 2003. This song goes well with the gospel reading.

Kid's Story: Noah's Ark
by Jan Latourette and Sally Mathews, Lutheran Publishing House, 1982, ISBN 0859101959 (pictured at right).

Film Clip: Noah's Ark
On Leunig Animated, Fruitcup Films, 2001 (pictured at left). This little clip is a great introduction to a prayer of confession.

Film Clip:Toy Story
When Woody reminds Buzz that his owner's name is written on the soul of his foot in indelible ink. Relate to how God has our names written on the palm of his hand.

Drama: It's a Sign
Found in Mega Drama 3 by Verona Johnson (ed) Openbook, 2002, ISBN 0859109178 (v.3), page 46, (pictured in an earlier post). This drama is based on the Genesis reading. It looks at the definition of promise.

Drama: Noah's Ark
Skit 21 in Clown Ministry by Floyd Schaffer and Penne Sewell, Group Books, 1984, ISBN 0936664185, (pictured at right).

Story: "What I want!"
Found as story No 232 in Your Point Being? by Graham H. Twelftree,Monarch, 2003 (pictured in an earlier post). This story is related to the gospel reading.

Discussion:
Give a the congregation three pictures (via overhead projector, data projector or handout) - one of an overwhelming sea, one of the ark all shut up and one of a rainbow - and ask them to think which best represents their relationship with God at this time. Ask them to share their responses in pairs or threes.

Response Activity:
Give each person a business card with a rainbow printed on one side with a blank back on the other side. Ask people to write one of God's promises which gives them encouragement on the blank side. Instead of passing the peace, greet someone by swapping the card. Read the new card and then swap it with somebody else. Do this a number of times so that each person will have read a number of promises.

Response Activity:
Plait bracelets made of embroidery cotton in the colours of the rainbow - they look best if you combine red and orange, yellow and green and blue and purple to get the three plaiting strands. Encourage people to wear them as a prayer/reminder of God's promises to them. It's fun to do this by working in groups. If you have used the above discussion, then use those groups to build on the trust and comeraderie they will have established between themselves.

Transfiguration B (February 19): Being a Light in the darkness/Staying Close to God

2012-01-15T18:16:00.005+11:00

Bible Readings: Psalm 50:1-6, Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12

About the Images:
These are both copyright free and from Wikimedia.com. I thought they were both great examples of 2 Corinthians 4:6b - God, who said, "Let light shine out of the darkness" has shone in our hearts.

Listening Song: go Light Your Candle
by Kathy Troccoli on Sounds of Heaven 1995, Greatest Hits 2003 (pictured at right) or WOW 1996.

Kids Story:
Make some flash cards with different emotions (eg smily face, sad face etc). Give each flash card to a different child and then tell the story of the 2 Kings or Mark reading. Ask the kids to listen carefully as you tell the story and to hold up their card when they think one of the characters feels like their card. Everybody then has to use their face to reflect that card.

Youth Idea:
Get a few kids to play a short game of the theatre sport Space Jump (if you don't know how to play this find out at http://phillips.personal.nccu.edu.tw/impr ov/jump.html) and then connect it to our lives and to the gospel story in that we are often so busy going from thing to thing that life often feels like a game of Space Jump and the disciples must have felt very much like they were playing a game of Space Jump with Jesus on the day of the transfiguration.

Film Clip: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
(pictured at left) Show the part where Dumbledore, in his welcome address, talks about turning on the light.

Discussion: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
1. What does Dumbledore mean when he says "Turn on the light" ?
2. How do we, as Christians, turn on the light in a dark world?

Drama: Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
Found in Mega Drama 3 by Verona Johnson (ed) Openbook, 2002, ISBN 0859109178 (v.3), page 92, (pictured at right).This drama is based on the Gospel reading.

Discussion Questions:
Alone: When has God's glory touched you?
Brainstorm Together: How did it make you feel?
Together: How does this effect you in your daily life?

Story: Life
Story No 148 in Your Point Being by Graham H. Twelftree, Monarch Books, 2003, ISBN 1854245929 (UK), (pictured at left). This story fits well with the Corinthians reading.

Story: A Candle in the Darkness
Found in More Hot Illustrations for Youth by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 1995, ISBN 0310207681 (pictured at right). This story connects particularly with the 2 Corinthians reading but also with the others.

Prop for above story:
Use a self igniting candle and explain: Daniel’s light shone very brightly (light candle) - sometime ours does too and at other times it is just a tiny glow. But, no matter what happens, once we have met God, there is no reason why our light should ever go out (blow out self lighting candle and then pause while candle reignites). The trick is to stay close to God.

Response Activity:
Ask kids to hand out a small birthday candle to each member of the congregation. Encourage everybody to light their candle each dinner time this week to remind them of the light of God.

Epiphany 6 B (February 12): Healing/Are We Rocks or Diamonds?

2012-01-12T22:01:00.008+11:00

Bible Readings: 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45

About the images:
Left: This is a free image from www.heartlight.org. A really great site - see my links column at left.
Right: This is a photo from my church. It shows the healing found in community. I love looking at their faces. Please feel free to use this photo for worship or related activities.

Listening Song: Never Alone
by Barlow Girl on their CD, Never Alone (pictured at left) or on WOW Hits 2005. As well as fitting in nicely with the Bible readings, this song is also very useful in areas suffering from disasters of any kind. This song is a beauty if accompanied by images of the disaster you may be focussing on.

Kids Story: The Man Who Took Seven Baths
by Joann Schek, Arch Books, 1970 (pictured at right)

Video Clip: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
Copyright 1989: Paramount Pictures (pictured at left). Show the first scene straight after Paramount promo and before credits – stop where J’onn rests his head on the rider’s chest.

Discussion: Star Trek V: The Last Frontier
1. How does the caped horseman help J'onn?
2. How can we be helpers for each other?
3. What are the risks?

Drama: Look at Me
in Mega Drama 3,Open Book 2002, ISBN 0859109178 (v.3), pp 54-55 (pictured at right). This drama is based on the gospel reading.

Story: Jimmy and the Genie
Found in More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 1995 ISBN 0310207681 (pictured at left), page 96-97. The Naaman story is a Jimmy and the Genie story because the rocks turn out to be diamonds and the diamonds turn out to be rocks.

Meditation:
Give each member of the congregation a heart with a bandaid sized tear in it and mention that all of us require the healing touch of God all of the time. Invite each member of the congregation to silently write in tiny writing around the tear on their paper heart, the healing that they are looking for.Play A Day Without Rain by Enya on A Day Without Rain whilst they are doing this. Then read Pethla in He Was in the World: Meditations for Public Worship by John Bell, Wild Goose, 1995, ISBN 094798870X, pp 30-33 (pictured in an earlier blog). Finally, distribute bandaides to everyone, and invite them to place the bandaid over the tear and the words on their torn heart. Let the mended hearts be a reminder both of the healing they have received from God, and the healing that they can bring to others.

Epiphany 5 B (February 5): Clues for Coping/Prayer

2012-01-11T22:33:00.009+11:00

Bible readings:Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11,20c, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39.

About the Images:
Right: This image comes from Image bank - http://www.imagebank.org.uk . This is an excellent free image site and well worth bookmarking.
Left: We all need clues for coping with the heat. We had a record number of days over 43C in 2009 (that's about 110F). This photo is of my husband, Joe, giving my car some tender loving care so it copes - even if he doesn't :-).

Listening Song: On The Wings of An Eagle
By Russell Morriss on the soundtrack of The Dish (pictured at left). This goes well with the Isaiah reading.

Drama: The Things You Do To Get a Decent Meal
Found in Mega Drama 3, Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109178, page 52, (pictured at the right). This is based on the gospel reading.

Discussion: In age groups
What sort of things add stress to our lives these days?

Story: Alive and Present
By Steve Goodier and found at http://sweetpovertyflats.savingadvice.com/family-ramblins/ This talks about the objective in life being the journey, not the goal.

Story: Sharpen your Axe
Found in Hot illustrations for Youth Talks, Youth Specialties Inc, ISBN 0310402611, 1994, pages 180-181 (pictured at left). This story is about the importance of prayer and staying in touch with God.

Prayer:
Give people the opportunity to find a quiet resting place with God by presenting the Isaiah reading (either as a data projection , a series of overhead transparencies or as a printed leaflet - use both words and pictures) while playing some reflective music. Watermarks on the album Watermarks (pictured at right) or The First of Autumn on the album A Day Without Rain (pictured at left), both by Enya, both work well and are about the right length. Encourage people to watch, read and listen, and hear what God is saying to them.

Epiphany 4 B (January 29): Power and Authority

2012-01-10T22:41:00.009+11:00

Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28

About the Images:
Left: Lake Tyers beach early in the morning, East Gippsland, Australia (http://www.caravanparkphotos.com.au/lake_tyers_camp/index.htm). Nothing like a stormy sunrise to remind you of God's power and authority. My photo - so feel free to use it.
Right: A compilation of microsoft free clipart.

Listening Song: Healing Rain
By Michael W Smith on his album, Healing Rain, or on WOW 2006 (pictured at left). This song goes nicely with the gospel reading.

Kids Story: Where the Wild Things Are
by Maurice Sendak, Randon House, 1963 (pictured at right).This story fits in very well with the gospel reading,

Image: The Scream by Edvard Munch.
Great picture portraying the demon of loneliness, social isolation etc etc.

Film Clip: Arthur and the Invisibles
There is a great clip when Arthur has his 10th birthday which portrays the demon of parental neglect. (pictured at left)

Discussion: Arthur and the Invisibles
1. What makes Arthur really sad?
2. What happens when we are hurt badly by something someone does or says to us?
3. As Christians, how can we cope?

Drama: Not Everyone Knows This
Found in Mega Drama 3, Verena Johnson (ed), Openbook 2002,ISBN 0859109178 (v.3) page 34 (pictured at right). This drama is based on the Corinthians reading.

Quote: Etty Hillesum
My battles are fought out inside with my own demons (from An Interrupted Life)

Quote: Frederick Buechner
God does not give us neat answers, he gives us himself.

Quote; Frederick Buechner
It suddenly dawned on them that their wildest dreams hadn't been half wild enough.

Story: Sarah Windchester's Story
Found in In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado, Word, 1991, pp. 193-195 (pictured at left). A good example of the demon of guilt.

Story: Aristotle's Claims
Find this story at http://onelifeministries.org/PathOfSpirit/090507_TruthClaimsandDiscernment.asp under the heading Wisdom. This story makes a good contrast with Jesus' authority in the gospel reading.

Story: Jesus Walks His Talk
This story is found at http://net.bible.org/illustration.php?id=4708 under the heading Need for Godly Leaders but I like my title better :-)

Story: No One Stops Them Ringing Their Bells
This story is found at http://www.calvaryriverton.org/sermons/debbie/s-012906.html when you type "Alexander Solzhenitsyn" in Find. It is about the meaning of authority. This story is actually embedded in this site in a sermon on the Corinthians reading.

Adult response:
Give everyone a piece of paper and a pencil. Ask: What is bothering you most? Is their something specific in your life or is there someone you love who needs the healing touch of Jesus? What ever it is, write it down on the piece of paper and lay it at the foot of the cross to signify that you want Jesus to have the authority from now on in that situation from now on.

More coming as I work on the service for this week

Epiphany 3 B (January 22): God Gives Second Chances/Following

2012-01-09T21:17:00.008+11:00

Bible readings: Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20

About the images:
Left: I took this photo up at Hervey Bay (http://www.hervey.com.au) a few years ago - two whales were so interested in us and the boat we were on that they hung around for ages popping out of the water beside us to get a closer look. Feel free to use it.
Right: A free microsoft clipart image with my text.

Listening Song: More
By Matthew West on his album, Happy, universal South/Sparrow Records,or on WOW Hits 2005 (pictured at left). This goes well with the Jonah reading.

Listening Song: I Am
By Jill Phillips on her self titled album and on WOW 2000. (pictured at right). This goes well with the Jonah reading.

Image: "Jonah and the Whale" by He Qi (2001).
Look at ther painting. Notice the face looking over the whole scene in the top left hand corner.

Film Clip: The Colour Purple
(pictured at left) Shugs father refuses to speak to her but when she returns to the church with all her friends singing "Listen, God's trying to Tell You something" he realises he has been given a second chance her back as his daughter.

Discussion:The Colour Purple
1. Who was given a second chance in this film clip?
2. Do you think God has anything to do with it?
3. How does it feel when someone gives you a second chance?

Drama: Has God Been Talking To You Lately?
Found in in Mega Drama 2 edited by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 2001, page 27 (pictured at right). This drama is based on the jonah reading.

Discussion:
What is it in the story of Jonah that tells us that God is the God of second chances.

Story: When The Tag Was Changed
Found in Illustrations, Stories and Quotes by Jim Burns and Greg McKinnon, Gospel Light, 1997, ISBN 0830718834, page 201 (pictured at left). This story goes well with the Jonah reading.

Adult Response: Prayer Stations:
Station 1: A Mirror and Card:
The card reads: Ask yourself: Do you need a second chance from God?
Are you also hard on yourself - do you need to give yourself a second chance as well? Look at yourself in the mirror and remind yourself that it is you that God loves. Read these words from Isaiah 43:4. God says: “You are precious and honoured in my sight and …I love you” What do these words say to you about God’s love for you?
Station 2: Christ candle, tapers and card
The card reads:Think of somebody who you need to give a second chance to. Think about that person now. Light a taper as a symbol, that just as God is willing to give you a second chance, you will give them a second chance.
Station 3: Map,tea lights and card
The card reads: Think of a part of the world that needs a second chance – a place where there is need or a war or natural or man made disaster. Think about that place now and place a lighted tea light on the location of that place on the map.

Epiphany 2 B (January 15th): Called By God/Known by God

2012-01-04T23:09:00.011+11:00

Bible readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-20, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, I Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51

About the images:
Left: Old northern Tasmanian jetty - my photo so feel free to use it for worship and related activities. For more info about this part of Australia, visit http://visit.northerntasmania.com.au
Right: My photo so please feel free to use it for worship and related activities. This is part of Ninety Mile Beach. For more info on this part of Australia, please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninety_Mile_Beach_%28Victoria%29

Listening Song: I've always loved You
By Third Day from their album, Time (pictured at left). This song is particularly appropriate for the psalm.

Listening song: Psalm 139
By Sons of Korah on their album, Rain (pictured at right).

Kid's Talk: How Does God Know the Future
Found in Quick Children's Sermons 2: Why Did God make Mosquitoes?, Group Publishing, 1998, ISBN 0764420526, page 22 (pictured at left).

Kid's Talk
Give five kids a simply drawn face each, one happy (for Samuel), one sad (for Eli), one sleepy (for Samuel when he is asleep), one exhausted (for all the times Samuel runs) and one awestruck (for when God is mentioned). Then tell the story from the Samuel reading and get kids to hold aloft the face appropriate to the part of the story they hear.

Congregational Voice Drama: Samuel's Call
Tell or read the story based on the 1 Samuel reading for the day. Have the congregation respond to various words in the story. For example every time they hear the word "Samuel" have them shout "Yes, Lord!". Other responses to include might be: for the word "God" - Woah!; for the word "run" - puff, puff, puff; for the word "sleep" get them to snore and for the word "Eli" have them all say "I can't control my kids!" This is obviously a kid's talk when it is done like this, but the rest of the congregation really enjoys the activity and they seem to have almost more fun than the kids.

Film Clip: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
(pictured at right).Show the clip where Frodo accepts the call to destroy the ring.

Discussion: Lord of the Rings
How is this film clip an analogy of Samuel's story.

Film Clip: Simon Birch.
(pictured at left)The readings this week are about being called by God. In this film, Simon struggles with his sense of call, he has issues with the difficulty of his call (he has a disability) and tries to determine exactly what God wants him to do and be. He is not helped by his minister when he goes to him for advice. There is a great scene in his minister's office - the scene asks all the right questions without providing neat answers and therefore provides lots of opportunity for discussion and reflection. This film is based on the book, A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving.

Drama: A Hearing Problem
Found in Mega Drama 3 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109178 (v.3), page 48-49 (pictured in an earlier blog). This drama matches up very well with the Samuel reading.

Drama: Yes, Lord, I Believe
Found in Drama Resources 2 prepared by the Commission for Worship, Lutheran Church of Australia, 1986. This is a good introduction to Psalm 139.

Voice Drama: Called as God's
Found at the Mucky Paws site (see my links column at left) under epiphany 2 B 13th January 2006. This fits very well with all the readings.

Quote: St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
If you wish to see: listen. Hearing is a step towards vision.

Quote: Soren Kierkegaard
To pray does not mean to listen to oneself speaking. Prayer involves becoming silent, and being silent, and waiting until God is heard.

Artwork: Psalm 139
Found in The Psalms: An Artist's Impression by Anneke Kaai, Piquant, 1999, ISBN 0953575705. This is a breathtakingly beautiful book.

Story: Have We Heard?
By Helmust Thielicke and found in Resources For Preaching and Worship Year B compiled by Hannah Ward and Jennifer Wild, Westminster John Knox Press, 2002, ISBN 10 0664224776, pp51. This story goes very well with the Corinthians reading.

Story: She knows Her Own
Found in Illustrations, Stories and Quotes to Hang Your Message On by Jim Burns and Greg McKinnon, Gospel Light, 1997, ISBN 0830718834, page 33 (pictured in an earlier post). This story exemplifies how God knows us and is therefore a good match with the psalm.

Story: Do You Know Me
In Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks Book 4 by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 2001, ISBN 0310236193,page 68 (pictured in an earlier blog)

Story: Where Did I Come From
Found in Still More Hot Illustrations For Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 1999, ISBN 0310224640, page 46 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Testimonies: A Sense of Call
Ask one or two members of the congregation to share how they feel called to the particular ministry they are involved in.

Response Activity:
Give everyone a card with the following three options printed on it
1. I am not sure about God's call to me
a) I would like to talk to somebody about this
b) I would be interested in finding out more about my spiritual gifts, talents and abilities
c)I need some encouragement

2. I have an idea of what God's call to me is but for various reasons I am a little hesitant about it all.
a) I would like to talk to somebody about this
b) I would be interested in finding out more about my spiritual gifts, talents and abilities
c) I would appreciate some training in this area
d)I need some encouragement

3. I know what God has called me to do
a) I would like to talk to somebody about this
b) I would appreciate some training in this area
c )I need some encouragement

Tell people they have a choice whether to keep this activity to themselves or to share it. Ask people to consider the three options and to cirle the one that is most like where they are at. After a time, tell them to consider carefully the three or four options in the section which they have chosen and to tick the one that speaks to them the most. If they would like to think more about it, suggest they take it home with them. If they would like some follow up on what they have ticked, suggest that they put their name on their card and put it in the offering plate when it comes around.

Response Activity: Offering More
Ask people: What message about your faith and what it means to you might you like to pass on to the groups who use the church building each week.
Have them write their answer down on a scrap of paper and put it in with their offering. After worship, collate all the messages on to a bullitin sized sheet and have enough to share with all those who come in contact with your church in the following week.

Baptism of Jesus B (January 8): Washed Clean

2012-01-01T17:14:00.008+11:00

Bible Readings: Genesis 1 1-5, Psalm 29, Acts 19:1-7 Mark 1:4-11

About the Image:
Left: In rural (and increasingly suburban) Australia, when the water pours out of the top of our rainwater tanks like this, there is cause for rejoicing. It means the dust is gone and all around us everything is washed clean - the very leaves and blades of grass sparkle. It also means that we don't have to worry about our household water supply for a while. This is my photo, and my tank, so feel free to use it for worship and related activities.
Right: This is my photo from the front of our place at dawn (for more info visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gippsland_Lakes) with a line from the song below by Caedmon's Call. Please feel free to use this image for worship and related activities.

Listening Song: Who You Are
By Caedmon's Call on their album, In the Company of Angels (pictured at left) or on WOW 2003 .

Children's activity during the service: Rainsticks
Have the children quietly make rainsticks as you worship - use them towards the end of the service during a reaffirmation of baptismal vows or the benediction or during a hymn or song. A rainstick is made from a tube of cardboard with a handful of rice inside with both ends sealed with sticky tape. They can be decorated any way the kids wish.

Film Clip: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
(pictured at right) There is a great scene in this film where Zachary and one of the boys discuss the meaning of baptism. This clip is readily and easily availabe at www.wingclips.com (see my links column at left) in most of the popular formats.

Discussion: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
Is Zachary Beaver right about baptism?
What does it mean for you to be baptised?
Do we change when we are baptised? If so, how?

Drama: In the Beginning
Found in Lets Make a Scene Too by Verena Johnson, Lutheran Publishing House, 1991, ISBN 085910608X, page 7ff (pictured at left).This voice/reader drama is based on Genesis 1.

Drama: Someone Really Great
Found in Mega Drama 3 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109178 (v.3), page 50-51 (pictured in an earlier blog). This puppet or people drama matches up very well with the gospel reading.

Discussion Questions:
1.When did you first realise that the life God has given you was good and valuable, that God was pleased with you.
2. What changed for Jesus when he was baptised?
3. What changed fro the world when jesus was baptised.
4. What is the blessing for us in baptism?
5. How are we changed in baptism?
6. What is the significance of baptism for us?

Testimonies:
Instead of having everyone discuss the above questions, ask one or two people beforehand to prepare a three minute answer to one or a couple of the questions as part of the sermon or teaching time. An added bonus to this exercise is that it is a great way to encourage people to discover their preaching and leadership gifts within the congregation.

Story: Baptism
A modern story about baptism found at http://www.gobinumc.org/new_page_6.htm - scroll down to Case 2.

Meditation: The Creator's Meditation
By Grace Krag and found in Building Worship Together by Martha Keys Barker and the Fisherfolk, Celebration, 1983, ISBN 0906309212,page 92ff (pictured in an earlier blog). This goes very well with the Genesis reading. This reading goes very well with selected images and the following music: Grace by Moby from his album, Songs (pictured at right).

Response Activity:
Set up three stations around your worship space. Encourage people to visit all three stations but in any order they wish.
Station 1: Have a stack of printed creeds or affirmations of baptism or your church's baptism service available. Encourage people to softly say the reading aloud at their own pace. Reassure people ahead of time that they will not be a distraction to others - they will make a gentle worshipful hum. If you really think people will be bothered, either play soft music in the background or encourage them to go outside to read it.
Station 2: Have a sand bowl, the Christ candle and tapers available and a note of instruction in a dim part of the worship space. Ask people to light a taper from the Christ candle and sit and watch the flame for awhile remembering that just as the flame is a light in the dark, so too, they can, with God's help, be lights of hope, peace and justice in a dark world.
Station 3: This station is very similar to the benediction activity below. Stand beside the baptismal font and as each person comes up to you, mark their foreheads with a cross and say..."Name (whatever it is) God is pleased with you." After doing this, ask them to sit in a quiet space and think about/pray about what these words mean to them.

Benediction:
Have the font near the exit (if a movable font) or have the congregation exit past the font and as each one passes, pour a little water over their hands and say their name and the words "God is pleased with you". Alternatively have people do this to each other as they leave.

Epiphany B (January 6): Gifts/New Directions

2012-01-01T16:04:00.009+11:00

Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12

About the images:
Left: This image is available from Hermano Leon (see my links at left). There is a lovely collection of "king" clipart and works of art available for us all to use.
Right: This is a free microsoft clipart with my text.

Listening Song: On Earth as it is in Heaven
From The Mission soundtrack by Ennio Morricone (pictured at left). This makes a lovely call to worship. I just put lots of magi paintings and good clip art with it.

Kid's Story: The Story of Baboushka
This is a Russian folktale available everyone and in all sorts of publications. It reminds us not to get distracted from the call of God in our lives.

Poem: The Three Gamblers
Found in Outback Christmas by Pro Hart and Norman Habel, Lutheran Publishing House, 1990, ISBN 0859105628, page 36 (pictured at right).

Poem: Gold rush
Found in Outback Christmas by Pro Hart and Norman Habel, Lutheran Publishing House, 1990, ISBN 0859105628, page 38 (pictured at right).

Discussion:
What sort of things distract us today from following God?
What are the gifts God gives us?
What are the gifts which we can give to God?
What are the gifts we can offer to others?

Response Activity:
Give everyone a cut out star. Invite people to write on the star a gift that they wish to give the Christ child. Invite people to place their star near the Christ candle.

New Years Day B (January 1): New Beginnings

2011-12-27T22:49:00.007+11:00

Readings: Ecclesiastes 3:13, Psalm 8, Revelation 21:1-6, Matthew 25:31-46

About the Image:
Left: Hibiscus bud photographed in my garden - you are free to use this image for worship and related activities.
Right: This is my photo (my front yard) with words from the John Marsden prayer below. You are free to use my photo for worship and related activities.

Confession: The Paradox of Our Times
This can be found in many places on the net and makes a good confession if read by two people. Use 1 John 2:1-2 as your absolution.

Kid's Story: The "Sheep Lion"
Found in Illustrations, Stories and Quotes to Hang Your Message On by Jim Burns and Greg McKinnon, Gospel Light, 1997, ISBN 0830718834, page 147 (pictured at right). This is a story about recognising who you are in the context of God's purpose for your life.

Story: Missed Opportunities
This story can be found at http://www.trinitycrc.org/sermons/mt06v19b.html. Scroll down until you find the heading "Folly".

Prayer: Prayer For the 21st Century
By John Marsden, Lothian Books, 1997, ISBN 0850918146 (pictured at left). A beautifully illustrated prayer appropriate for every new day, let alone every new year. It goes well with the track Adiemus by the group Adiemus on their CD, Songs of Sanctuary (pictured at right).

Response Activity:
Invite people to stand up and name a ministry in which they are involved in or in which they feel called (by God but not necessarily by the church) to be involved in, in the future (this may be something nobody is yet doing in the church).

Response Activity:
I combined the above Response Activity, the Prayer for the 21st Century and Wesleys's covenant prayer as three distinct prayer stations to finish off the service. People had the option and the time to visit all three stations or to spend time at just one or two.

Christmas 1 B (1st January): Christmas 24/7

2011-12-27T22:00:00.006+11:00

Bible Readings: Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Psalm 148, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40.

About the images:
Left: This is a microsoft free clip art with my text.
Right: This figure is from Hermano Leon free clip art (see my links column at left)

Responsive Reading: Gathering
Found in Ideas for Worship, July - December 1996, JBCE, page 54 (pictured at right).

Listening Song: Overjoyed
By Jars of Clay on their album, Much Afraid (pictured in an earlier blog).

Film Clip: The Blue Butterfly
(pictured at right) There is a great clip in this film where Pete and a young girl have a discussion about the meaning of the word "miracle". This clip is readily available from www.wingclips.com - a very useful site for many film clips (see my links column at left)

Discussion: The Blue Butterfly
1. What does the girl try to teach the Pete about his understading of a miracle?
2. How can we turn Christmas from a one day miracle into a year round miracle?

Drama: Anna and Simeon
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 116ff (pictured in an earlier blog).

Discussion: On the Galatians reading.
What are the promises to us given in these verses?

Discussion: On the Luke reading
1. What is a God moment/"God stuff"?
2. How do we remind ourselves that Jesus walks with us?
3. How do we encourage each other to notice the "God stuff" in our lives?
4. How do we encourage each other to respond to the "God stuff"?

Poem: Mary's Gift
Found in Outback Christmas by Pro Hart and Norman Habel, Lutheran Publishing House, 1990, ISBN 0859105628, page 30 (pictured at right)

Poem: Simeon's Farewell
Found in Outback Christmas by Pro Hart and Norman Habel, Lutheran Publishing House, 1990, ISBN 0859105628, page 32 (pictured at right).

Poem: Anna'a Song
Found in Outback Christmas by Pro Hart and Norman Habel, Lutheran Publishing House, 1990, ISBN 0859105628, page 34 (pictured at right).

Story: Cleaning up the Mess
Found at http://broadwayunitedmethodist.com/node/86 - second paragraph.

Story: Grandfather Listens to God
Story by Helen Flexner found in Imaging the Word Volume 3 edited by Susan A Blain, Sharon Iverson Gouwens, Catherine O'Callagan, and Grant Spradling, United Church Press, 1996, ISBN 0829810862, page 104 (pictured at right).

Response Activity:
Give everyone a short piece of tinsel or a tree decoration of some sort to take home as a reminder that the God stuff/moments can be found on any day of the year, not just Christmas day. An extra option would be to give each person a small white card on which they could write a few words to remind them of the miracle of Christmas which could them be attached to the tinsel or ornament.

Christmas day B: A Glorious Light

2011-12-12T17:00:00.011+11:00

Bible Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7, Hebrews 1:1-4, 5-12, Luke 2:1-20

About the Image
Left: Winter sunrise, Swan Reach, Victoria, Australia (for more info visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_Reach,_Victoria). This is my photo so please feel free to use it for worship and related activities.
Right: This is a Corel free clipart with text from the Michael Card song, Immanuel.

Proclamation: They Have Heard It On the Hills
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 97 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Listening Song: Gaudete
By Cantillation on the compilation CD, Peace on Earth(pictured at left)

Listening Song: Immanuel
By Michael Card on his album, The Final Word (pictured in an earlier blog)

Kid's Story: The Fox's Story
By Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen, Marshal Pickering, 1988, ISBN 0551015802; (pictured at right).

Kid's Story: The Grumpy Shepherd
By Paddy Devon, Scripture Union, 1995, ISBN 1859993265 (pictured at left).

Kid's Story: Jed and Roy McCoy
by Andrew McDonough, Lost Sheep, 2007 ISNB 9781921229121. Visit lostsheep.com.au for downloads of this book (pictured at right).

Responsive Reading: A Boy Has Been Born to Us
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 114 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Responsive reading: Light Looked Down
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 82 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Responsive Reading: Litany of the Incarnation
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 91 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Film Clip: Bethlehemian Rhapsody

Drama: A Special Baby
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 111ff (pictured in an earlier blog).

Drama: The Incarnation
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 86ff (pictured in an earlier blog).

Story: I Did
By Adrian Plass in The Growing Up Pains of Adrian Plass, Harper Collins,1986, ISBN 0551013850, page 7ff (pictured at right).

Story: Out and About
There was once a European monarch who worried his court by often disappearing and walking incognito amongst his people. When he was asked not to do this for security reasons, he said, “I cannot rule my people unless I know how they live".
Cannot source this tiny story but it is found in a number of places on the web.

Story: Come Home
Found in Still More Hot Illustrations For Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 1999, ISBN 0310224640, page 125ff (pictured in an earlier blog).

Story: Dian Fossey and Gorillas in the Mist
Find this story at www.elbourne.org/sermons/index.mv?illustration+1446

Story: With Skin On!
Find this story at www.elbourne.org/sermons/index.mv?illustration+1445

Prayer for Others: In the Face of the Gospel
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 115 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Response Activity: Candy Canes
Give everyone a red and white striped candy cane and tell the congregation the meaning of the shape, the stripes, the flavour, etc. For information, see http://ww2.netnitco.net/~legend01/candycane.htm

More coming as i work on this service for this year.

Christmas Eve B: Rejoice/Light of the World

2011-12-12T16:11:00.012+11:00

Bible Readings:Isaiah 9:2-7 Luke 2:1-20

About the Images:
Left: I am pretty sure this is mine - somebody tell me if it is not.
Right: This photo was taken at Nazareth Viillage (http://www.nazarethvillage.com - well worth a visit in person if not on line) where permission was given for us to take photos. Please only use for worship or related activities.

Decor:
White and gold cloth and floating tea lights in clear glass bowls.

Call to Worship/Proclamation: This, Tonight is the Meeting Place
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 83 (pictured in an earlier blog). We read this while playing Anthem Part 3 from the CD Powaqquatsi (pictured at right) in the background.

Listening Song: Hope
Found on Jonathan Elias's compilation album, Prayer Cycle (pictured at left).

Listening Song: A Holy Night
By Point of Grace on the album, WOW Christmas (pictured at right).

Listening Song: Mary, Did You Know?
By Kathy Mattea on the album, WOW Christmas (pictured at right). One year we used this song as the framework for the whole Christmas eve service.

Listening Song: Life Uncommon
By Jewel on her album, Spirit (pictured at left).

Listening Song: Gaudete
By Cantillation on the compilation CD, Peace on Earth.

Listening Song: The First Noel/Mary Mary
by Sarah McLachlan on the compilation album, So Fresh: Songs For Christmas 2007.

Drama: In their Shoes
Found in Mega Drama 2 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910916Xv2, page 98 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Drama: The Incarnation
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 86ff (pictured in an earlier blog).

Stories/Sermon: Four Shoes For the Nativity
By Roddy Hamilton and found on his blog, Mucky Paws (see link at left) in his December 2005 archive.

Story/Sermon: Good King Wenceslas
Use this carol as a parable. A great source for this is Good King Wenceslas by John Mason Neale and Christopher Manson, North South Books, 1994, ISBN 1558583211.

Story: Take Hold of Love
By Henry Carter in Christmas Stories of the Heart by Alice Gray (Ed.) Multnomah Books, 1997, ISBN 1576731847, page 28.

Poems:
Found in Outback Christmas by Pro Hart and Norman Habel, Lutheran Publishing House, 1990, ISBN 0859105628. This book puts a real Australian flavour to the whole story.

Poem: Mary's Song
By Lucy Shaw. I can't remember which of her books this poem comes from but you can find the poem at http://maggidawn.typepad.com/maggidawn/2006/12/poems_for_chris_2.html. I used the words with images and played Psalmus Ode by Vangelis from his CD, Reprise, as a backing (pictured at right)

Meditation: Image of the Invisible God
By Adrian Plass in his book And Jesus Will Be Born, Zondervan, 2003, ISBN 0007130511, page 123ff. I matched each line with an image and played Aeterna Lux by Libera on their self titled album, as backing.

Meditation: Comfort My People
By Roddy Hamilton and found on his blog, Mucky Paws (see link at left) in his December 2005 archive.

Prayer for Others: In the Face of the Gospel
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 115 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Response Activity: Four Corners
By Roddy Hamilton on his site Mucky Paws (see my links column at left) archived under December 2010. This is suitable for any part of the service. Roddy also suggests using the sarah McLachlan song mentioned above.

Response Activity:
It would not be a Christmas Eve Service at our church if we did not light the Christ Candle on the stroke of midnight, light out tapers from it and then sing Joy to the World together in the candle light.

MORE COMING AS I WORK ON THE SERVICE FOR THIS YEAR

Blue Christmas B: For Those Who Find Celebrating Difficult

2011-12-11T16:53:00.011+11:00

Bible readings: Isaiah 9:2,6-7, Isaiah 4o:8-9, John 1:4-5, Luke 2:1-20, Psalm 121,

About the Image:
Left:This image comes from www.visualparadox.com - a great site for images.
Right: This is my image. Please feel free to use it for worship and related activities.

Listening Song: Immanuel
By Michael Card on his CD, The Final Word (pictured at left).

Listening Song: Vespura
By Aled on his album, Aled Jones (pictured at right).

Reading: Into this Silent Night
From Kneeling in Bethlehem by Ann Weems, Westminster John Knox Press,

Story: King of Kings
By Susan Hill and John Lawrence, Walker Books , 1993, ISBN 0744543266 (pictured at left). Although this is a children's book it makes a lovely reflection for adults.

Prayer for Others: When the World was Dark
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 92 (pictured at right). I projected the words of this prayer with matching images and the music of Pie Jesu by Sarah Brightman and Paul Miles-Kingston on Andrew Llyod Webber's album, Gold (pictured at left).

Response Activity: Taper Lighting
Light the Christ candle somewhere near the beginning of the service and then throughout the service give a number of opportunities for people to light a taper in response to the following:
1. In memory of a loved one who had died
2. To acknowledge a loss - any kind of loss, not just a death
3. In thankfulness for family and/or friends
4. To acknowledge the hope that the birth of Jesus gives to each one of us.

Advent 4 B (December 18): Love/Saying Yes to God

2011-12-11T15:14:00.014+11:00

Bible readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Luke 1:47-55 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38.

About the Images:
Left: This is a free microsoft clipart with text.
Right: This is my image with text. It is of a sunset about ten minutes by slow boat from my place on the Gippsland Lakes (for more info on this area please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gippsland_Lakes). Please feel free to use this image for worship and related activities.

Drama: The Village Gossips
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 58ff (pictured at left).

Drama: Mary and the Angel
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 42ff. (pictured at left).

Reading: Mary Pondering
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 47 (pictured at left).

Discussion: On Luke readings
1. When is it hardest for us to say yes to God?
2. What makes Mary able to say it?
3. How can we follow her example?
4. What is one way we can show God's love this Christmas?

Story: Gabriel's Questions
Found in When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado, Word, 1996, ISBN 0849913241, page 58 (pictured at right).

Story: The Hornbill
Found in The Manger is Empty: Stories in Time by Walter Wangerin, Hodder and Stoughton, 1989, ISBN 0340555548, page 21 (pictured at left). This goes exceptionally well with the gospel reading.

Poem: Mary's Fear
Found in Outback Christmas by Pro Hart and Norman Habel, Lutheran Publishing House, 1990, ISBN 0859105628, page 14 (pictured at right)

Meditation: Sightings
By Kathy Galloway in Dandelions and Thistles: Biblical Meditations from the Iona Community by Jan Sutch Pickard (ed.) Wild Goose Publications, 1999, ISBN 1901557146, page 44ff (pictured at left). This is based on the gospel reading.

Response Activity: The Hornbill
Print some of the questions from the last part of this story on to cards for people to take home.

Response Activity:
Give everyone the following prayer, a pen or pencil, and a silent space to write their response:
Lord, help me to marvel at Gabriel's message when I am.............................
Lord, give me courage like Mary to tell you about........................................
to ask questions when I feel.................................................................... and to confidently give you my ................................................................
Help me to see the Christmas story with new eyes and to thank you for........................................................................................................
Amen.

Also:
Drama: Thinking Outside the Box
Found in All Age Sketches for the Christian Year by Peter Shaw, Bible Reading fellowship, 2006, ISBN 101841014583, pages11ff. This is an advent 4 drama based on the gospel reading.

Adult Response:My Soul Gives Glory to my God
Found in Bringing the Word to Life Together Year B by Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Mediacom, 2011, ISBN 9781921945038, page 20ff. This is based on the gospel reading.

Digital Worship Experiences: Let It Be
From Fresh Out of the Box by Lumicom Digital Productions, Abingdom Press, 2003, ISBN 0687036720, page 70ff. Some good ideas here based on the gospel reading.

Advent 3 B (December 11th): Joy

2011-12-02T18:46:00.010+11:00

Bible Readings: Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11, Psalm 126 or Luke 1:47-55, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8,19-28.

About the image:
Left: Such a joy filled little face!
Right: From www.wordle.net

Call to worship: Streamers
Have lots of 60cm (2') pieces of very brightly coloured streamer and safety pins at the door as people arrive. Ask them to take a pin and to choose two different coloured streamers to take into church with them. During the start of the service ask people to think of something that gives them great joy. On your count, tell them to shout out their reason for joy and wave their streamers about. Do it a couple of times to get everyone in the mood. After praying, thanking God for all the reasons for joy which we have, encourage people to pin their streamers on to their clothing somewhere as a reminder of the joy that God gives each one of us.

Thought starter: The Blues
20% of teenagers feel emotionally empty
20% feel confused most of the time
61% feel extremely sad or depressed at least ten times during their teenage years
60% admit they worry a lot about all sorts of things: poor school results, death, accident etc.
30% experience moderate to severe depression
(can't remember where I got these stats from other than scribbled on a scrap of paper - if anyone knows, please let us all know via the comment section below this post).

Story: Corrie Ten Boom and Thankfulness
Found at http://www.tagnet.org/clarkston/Illustrations4.htm. Put the word "Corrrie" into your Find to save some time - the page is very long. This story fits well with the Thessalonians reading.

Quote: Alaskan Road Sign (and could easily be Australian too)
"Choose your rut carefully, you'll be in it for the next two hundred miles". This matches up with the Thessalonians verses about discernment.

Adult Input: Based on the Thessalonians Reading
Label four corners of the worship space "Prayer", "Thankfulness", "Listening to the Spirit" and "Discernment". Ask people to move to the corner that interests them the most and then give everyone the same question to talk about:
How do we put this into practice so that we can dare to rejoice - even in the hard times?

Response Activity: Isaiah reading
Read together Isaiah 61:1-3a (projected) but substitute the personal pronouns (I and/or me depending on your translation) with a space. Encourage people to fill the space with their own names as they read and to use the reading as a personal challenge with respect to their ministry.

Also:
Prayers: Based on the Isaiah Reading
From Advent, Christmas and Epiphany by Brian Wren, Westminster John Knox Press, 2008, ISBN 978066423309, page 60 (pictured at right).

Prayer of Confession: Based on the Psalm
By Channice E Charles and found in Before the Amen: Creative Resources for Worship by Marin C and Maria I Tirabassi (Eds), The Pilgrim Press, 2007, ISBN 9780829817508, pages 126 (pictured at left).

Response Activity: Bearing Witness
From Bringing the Word to Life Together Year B by Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Mediacom, 2011, ISBN 9781921945038, page 18ff (pictured at right)

Advent 2 B (December 4): Preparing a Road in the Wilderness

2011-11-27T14:56:00.008+11:00

Bible Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8

About the Images:
Left: This is the Oodnadatta track just out of William Creek in Central Australia (for more info please visit http://www.pleasetakemeto.com/australia/oodnadatta-track/information). This is my photo so please feel free to use it for worship and other related activities.
Right: This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license by Luc Viatour (www.Lucnix.be). Please let Luc know if you use it (l.viatour@gmail.com). I put the text on to this most beautiful of images.

Listening Song: Jesus Freak
By dc Talk on their album, Jesus Freak (pictured at left). This song goes well with the gospel reading.

Film Clip: The Lion King
(pictured at right) Show the clip which follows the section where Simba, because of his huge feeling of guilt, runs away from his home and the role he was born for. He has made a new life for himself outside the kingdom. He knows he does not belong there but he has convinced himself that he cannot change the past. Show Raffiki, who has the role of priest/prophet in the film, going out to find Simba, and telling Simba he has forgotten who he is. Raffiki then calls Simba home. This is a great clip for teaching kids (and adults) that a prophet is someone who reminds us and tells us to return to and depend on God.

Discussion:
Think of the rough places and the hard times in your life.
What are good ways of coping with these?
What have you found helpful?

Prayer:
Jesus, come to my house this Christmas.
Come to my country.
Come to the world of men and women.
And first of all, come to my heart.
Anonymous, Argentina, 1970.

Meditation: A Story of Light and Darkness
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 32ff. (pictured at left).

Responses: Prepare the Way of the Lord
From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 41. (pictured at left). This is based on the Isaiah reading. It is written as a spoken response but also works well with music and images.

Also:
Comments and Prayer: Longing and Yearning
Found in Advent Readings from Iona by Brian Woodcock and Jan Sutch Pickard, Wild Goose Publications, 2005, ISBN 1901557332 (pictured at right). These are based on the Psalm and found under the heading: December 5th

Advent 1 B (November 27): Waiting, Hoping, Anticipating

2011-11-18T15:16:00.014+11:00

Bible Readings: Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37

About the Images:
Left: This is my photo of Southern Cross Station in Melbourne, Australia (for more info visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Cross_railway_station,_Melbourne). Please feel free to use this image for worship and related activities.
Right: This is a free microsoft clipart image with text.

Candle Lighting Liturgy
Found in Ideas For Worship, July to December 1996, JBCE (pictured at left).

Kids's Talk
One enjoyable thing to do for the four Sundays of Advent is to turn the whole Christmas story into a serial telling a small part of the story each week - or act it out (see below). Start this week with the story of Mary and the Angel.

Drama: Mary and the Angel
From Cloth From the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 42ff (pictured at right)

Discussion: On the Isaiah reading
1. What was Isaiah hoping and waiting for?
2. What are you hoping and waiting for: for yourself? for your church? for the community in which you live? for the world?

Story: God's Answer
There is a story told about a faithful old deacon whose oft repeated prayer expression was, "O Lord, touch the unsaved with Thy finger." One prayer meeting night he was leading in prayer when as he intoned this petition, as he so often did, he abruptly stopped praying. Supposing he had been taken suddenly ill, someone went to him and asked if there was anything wrong, if he were ill. "No," he replied, "I’m not ill. But something seemed to say to me, ’Thou art the finger’."
I cannot find the copyright for this story (please let me know if you know) but if you google the first line it pops up all over the place on the net and can be found in the now out of print Bible Illustrator under the above title.

Meditation: Waiting
From Cloth From the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 20ff (pictured above)

Adult Response:
Give everyone a marking pen (or access to one) and a 2" (5cm) wide strip of green cloth,. Ask them to write on the strip one of the things that they hope for. These can be displayed in any number of ways. If you do a similar activity each week of advent (connecting the writing and the colour with the theme of each week), you will have the resources to finish in Advent 4 with the symbolic action Cloth for the Cradle found in Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 74ff (pictured above).

Adult Response: Wilderness and Return
From Bringing the Word to Life Together Year B by Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Mediacom, 2011, ISBN 9781921945038, page 13ff (pictured at left).

Blessing: One Day at a Time
From Advent, Christmas and Epiphany by Brian Wren, Westminster John Knox Press, 2008, ISBN 978066423309, page 56 (pictured at right).

Christ the King A (November 20) :How Shall We Live?

2011-11-11T20:07:00.009+11:00

Bible Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46

About the Images:
Left: This is my photo taken near Chambers Pillar in Central Australia (for more info on this area please visit http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/find/chamberspillar.html) with Nathan Nettleton's translation of Psalm 100:4a.
Right: This is my photo of the walkway beside the railway line at Sawtell in New South Wales, Australia (for more info on this area please visit http://www.sawtellnsw.com.au/).
You may use either of these images for worship and related activities.

Listening Song: Above All
By Michael W. Smith on his album, The Second Decade, or on WOW 2003 (pictured at left). This goes well with the Ephesians reading.

Kid's Story: Popa Panov
By Leo Tostoy - a classic and found in innumerable publications.

Story: Kindness
Based on the Matthew reading; Story No. 355 in 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers and Writers edited by Craig Brian Larson and Leadership Journal, Baker Books, 2002, ISBN 0801091551 (pictured at right).

Story:
The legend is told of a desert wanderer who found a crystal spring of unsurpassed freshness. The water was so pure he decided to bring some to his king. Barely satisfying his own thirst, he filled a leather bottle with the clear liquid and carried it many days beneath the desert sun before he reached the palace. When he finally laid his offering at the feet of his sovereign, the water had become stale and rank due to the old container in which it had been stored. But the king would not let his faithful subject even imagine that it was unfit for use. He tasted it with expressions of gratitude and delight, and sent away the loyal heart filled with gladness. After he had gone, others sampled it and expressed their surprise that the king had even pretended to enjoy it. "Ah!" said he, "it was not the water he tasted, but the love that prompted the offering." Many times our service is marked by multiple imperfections, but the Master looks at our motives and says "It is good." This story is found at http://associate.com/library/www.christianlibrary.org/authors/Grady_Scott/makemeservant.htm
Copyright 2000 by Grady Scott may be reproducted for non-commercial purposes at no cost to others.

Mediation: How Was I To Know? Based on the Matthew reading and found in Ideas for Worship, July - December 1996, JBCE, page 44 (pictured at left).

Meditation/Prayer: As You Did to the Least of These, My Brethren
by Robert W Castle in Imaging the Word Volume 3 by Susan A Blain, Sharon Iverson Gouwens, Catherine O'Callagan and Grant Spradling, (Eds.), United Church Press, 1996, ISBN 0829801862, page 66ff. I put images with these words and backed the powerpoint with Pie Jesu by Sarah Brightman and Paul Miles-Kingston on Andrew Llyod Webber's album, Gold (pictured at right )

Proper 28 Ordinary 33 A (November 13): Risk

2011-11-04T15:22:00.009+11:00

Bible readings: Judges 4:1-7. Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30

About the Images:
Left: This is a free microsoft clipart image onto which I placed text.
Right: This is my photo taken in the Simpson Desert in Central Australia (for more info on this area visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simpson_Desert) with a bit of a line from the meditation below. Please feel free to us this image for worship or related activities.

Call to Worship:
Talk about taking risks. Then ask for people who have never taken an up front part in a service before to volunteer to do some of the things in your service on the spot eg take up the collection, do the Bible readings, pray, take part in a drama, whatever. Make sure they have plenty of instructions and help eg print the bible readings out in large print, have a prayer that can be read, print out the dramas with each actors parts clearly highlighted. Emphasise to the rest of the congregation that these people are taking a bigger risk than usual and that understanding is needed and that they are not "performing" but worshipping. You may have to word up the people on the roster that you will not need them this week.

Listening Song: Fearless
By dc Talk on their album, Supernatural (pictured at left).

Film Clip: Dead Poets Society
(pictured at right) Show the clip where Robin Williams character encourages his students to seize the day.

Film Clip: Lord of the Rings 1
(pictured at left) Show the clip where Frodo and Sam have not long started out on their quest. Sam stops and Frodo walks on. When Frodo asks Sam what he is doing, Sam replies that he is standing at the farthest point from home that he has ever stood without turning round and going back home. and that his next step will take him into the unknown. Frodo has to encourage Sam to keep going.

Discussion: Lord of the Rings 1
1. Why do you think people are afraid to take risks?
2. How can we be like Frodo encouraging Sam, and encourage each other to go further in our walk with God?

Drama: The Ringmaster's Gift
Found in Mega Drama 2 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910916Xv2, page 48 (pictured at right). This is based on the gospel reading.

Drama: The Talents
Found in Let's Make a Scene by Verena Johnson, Lutheran Publishing House, page 49ff. This drama is based on the gospel reading.

Drama : Using our Gifts
Narrator and three people to mime plus others.
Narrator: God has given us certain gifts - things we are good at, or things that we have the potential to be good at, if only we step out and be a bit courageous with Him.
Ist person (with others):
Narrator: (points to Bill or whoever) It's like this guy here is good at cooking. (Bill pretends to cook a meal). His mother was a great cook and he is too. He could even make the pizza for tonight except that we have already ordered it. He has continued to use this gift of preparing and cooking food, and he now helps with the Secondary College breakfasts and is always helping with the catering at the church.
2nd person mimes with others:
Narrator: This guy here (name) is really good at helping others - especially listening to people if they have a problem. He is also part of the prayer team. He doesn't always have the answers, but people feel better for talking to him.
3rd person (by himself)
This person here is great at selling things in a nice way without being pushy. He would be the ideal person to work in retail or to help out in our Op shop. But somehow over time, he didn’t use this special gift God had given him. He couldn’t be bothered making any effort to use his talent. But it’s not too late…..
Narrator sums up (all stop and listen) You see God gives us time, gifts and other resources according to our abilities, and he expects us to use them wisely until he returns. We are responsible to use what God has given us. The issue is not how much we have but how well we use what we have.
Author:Prue Taylor

Story: The Survey
A survey was taken recently of people who are over 95. The people were asked one
question. It was an open ended question they could answer any way they wished. The
question was: If you could live your life over again, what would you do differently?
Among all the different answers, these three answers came back most frequently:
1. If I could live my life over again, I would reflect more.
2. I would risk more.
3. I would do more things that would live on after I'm dead.
Found at http://www.cvillechurch.com/BibleClasses/DanielLesson4RebuildSoYourEffortsWillLast.pdf

Group Discussion: The Survey
What are some of the things which stop us doing what the surveyed elderly think are important?
What are some of our excuses?
What do we need to know or do so that we do grab the opportunities that God gives us?
What can we do for each other?

Poem: Risk
As far as I know the author is unknown although more than one poerson on the net claims to be. Find the poem at http://www.coolfunnypoems.com/inspirational-poems/risk/

Meditation/Poem: Our Deepest Fear
Found in Imaging the Word Volume 3 by Susan A Blain, Sharon Iverson Gouwens, Catherine O'Callagan and Grant Spradling, (Eds.), United Church Press, 1996, ISBN 0829801862, page 72 (pictured in an earlier blog). I put images with these words and backed them with the following music: End Titles from the Sound Track of Queen Kat, Carmel and St Jude.

Adult Response
Before the service I laid out large numbers of cards depicting different gifts and abilities which people may have. I made them slightly bigger than a business card and used clip art picture - the possibilities and variety are therefore endless. I made four per person (making a rough guess as to how many people would turn up) and then asked people as they arrived to take three which best described their gifts. I asked people to consider the cards they had chosen during my sermon on the parable of the talents and then at the end I asked people to get in to groups of four or five and share why they had chosen the cards that they had. Then they discussed the following:
Which talents in your group would be useful for
* developing a welcoming church community
* being involved in leading the worship service
* sharing God's Good News in the wider community.

More to come as I work on my service for this week.

Proper 27 Ordinary 32 A (November 6):Choose

2011-10-30T18:52:00.008+11:00

Bible Readings: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13.

About the Images:
Left: This is a free microsoft clipart image with my text.
Right: This is my photo taken in a Byzantine cave church in Avdat, Israel. Please feel free to use this image for worship and related activities.

Listening Song: Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning
By Jim Fisher and the White Pointers on the compilation album, Tim Winton: Dirt Music: Music For a Novel, 2001 (pictured at left). This song is based on the Matthew reading.

Listening Song: Got To Serve Somebody
By Bob Dylan and found on various CD's and on line. This goes very well with the Joshua reading and with the gospel reading.

Discussion: Based on the Psalm
What is one thing about God you think the kids (in Sunday School, Youth Group, your family, whatever is appropriate in your congregation) should know above all else. It might be a Bible verse, a Bible story, a personal story, a verse from a song, a prayer or ......... When people have had a bit of time to talk it through, ask them to individually write down what they each think is the most important thing that they want the kids to know about God. I collected all of these, printed them on to A4's folded as A5 cards and gave them to the kids in our kid's club the following week. It was like a gift from the adults to the children and everybody enjoyed the experience.

Discussion: On Joshua reading
1. What sort of things in our past can hinder our relationship with God?
2. What sort of things in our culture hinder our relationship with God?
NB: I divided the congregation into age groups for this discussion because the answers differ between generations more so than usual.

Drama: What should I Do?
Found in Let's Make Another Scene by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book Publishers, 1995, ISBN 0859107620, page 26 (pictured at right). This drama is based on the Joshua reading.

Story: Testimony
Index 4173 from Bible Illustrator for Windows Version 1.0d, Parsons Technology Inc., 1990. This story makes a good introduction to the psalm.

Quote: Thomas Bandy and Bill Easum from their book Growing Spiritual Redwoods.
"It is a pre Christian world.
It is a world similar to the first century after Jesus.
It is a world of technalogical change and population migration;
a world of systemic injustice and apocalyptic longing;
it is a world of excessive materialism and spiritual yearning;
it is a world of deep anxiety and utter cynicism towards the religious institutions of the past."
Ask people to suggest examples for each of these and then link these examples of modern society with the Matthew reading concentrating on the "be prepared" aspects of the parable more than the "keep watch" aspects..

Poem: The Zode
Found in Illustrations, Stories and Quotes to Hang Your Message On by Jim Burns and Greg McKinnon, Gospel Light, 1997, ISBN 0830718834, page 75 (pictured in an earlier blog). A Dr Seuss poem which fits with the choice issue in the Joshua reading.

Poems, Prayers and Images: Choose This Day.
All the resources (which include the words to the Dylan song above) set down for the Joshua reading in Imaging the Word Volume 3 by Susan A Blain, Sharon Iverson Gouwens, Catherine O'Callagan and Grant Spradling, (Eds.), United Church Press, 1996, ISBN 0829801862, page 66ff (pictured at right) are absolutely brilliant!!!!

Adult Response:
When the people decided to choose God, Joshua put a stone in the meeting place to be a witness to the people's intentions. Ask the congregation to write down on a piece of paper one of the things that hinders their relationship with God. Collect them all in a dish or a basket and bury them under a big stone (literally or figuratively).

Proper 26 Ordinary 31 A (October 30): Saints Shine God's Light in a Dark World

2011-10-22T18:57:00.010+11:00

Bible readings: Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12

About the Images:
Left: This is my image of Eringa Waterhole (http://www.exploroz.com/Places/71886/SA/Eringa_Waterhole.aspx) north of the Oodnadatta Track (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oodnadatta_Track) near Hamilton Station (or ranch or farm or homestead or whatever you call them in your part of the world) (http://www.exploroz.com/Places/40214/SA/Hamilton_Station.aspx). This really is a pool in the desert. Please feel free to use the image for worship and related activities.
Right: This is a free Corel clipart with my text.

Listening Song: Go Light Your World
By Kathy Trocolli on her album, Greatest Hits, or on WOW 1996 (pictured at left)

Kids Story: Gertrude McFuzz
Found in Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories by Dr Seuss, Collins, 1950, ISBN 0001717588 (pictured at left). This fits well with the Matthew reading because it talks about how we often act to impress.

Quiz: Who Am I?
Play this with the congregation as per usual - one line at a time until somebody gets it.
I was born on the 16th January 1902 in Tientsin, China.
My parents were missionaries for the London Missionary Society.
My baptismal names were reversed on the way to my baptism when my parents realised my initials would spell a rude word.
My grandfather was a grocer who often got into trouble for sing Moody and Sankey hymns which were considered far too modern and evangelical.
I enrolled at the School for the Sons of Missionaries in London when I was six years old,
My lasting school comment was " I don't think much of lessons, but I can run".
I started a Science degree at Edinburgh University in 1920.
I committed my life to Jesus when I was at university.
I played international Rugby for Scotland but I retired early.
In 1921 I lost the only race I ever lost in Scotland.
I was known as the only athlete to speak to a black athlete at one track meeting.
I always shook hands with all those I was running against.
I would often dig the starting holes for my opponents.
I would give less experienced runners the inside lanes.
I was once pushed over and off the track - but got up, gained the twenty yards I had lost, and still won.
I was selected for the 1924 British Olympic team to race in the 100 meters.
When I discovered that the heats were on Sunday I refused to compete.
I ran the 400 meters which I had not trained for - and won!
I am Eric Liddell (Chariots or Fire)

Film Clip: Chariots of Fire
There are heaps of clips which fit this theme. Two which come to mind are the one of him telling the Prince he will not run on Sunday and the one of him winning the race at the Paris Olympics.

Story: What is a Saint
Find this story at http://www.bathmethodist.info/page_26.htm

Story: What was Eric Liddell's Secret
Find the answer at http://www.evcsj.org/blogs/2008/08/eric-liddell-going-for-gold.html

Story: Hudson Taylor
Years ago the communist government in China commissioned an author to write a biography of Hudson Taylor with the purpose of distorting the facts and presenting him in a bad light. They wanted to discredit the name of this consecrated missionary of the gospel. As the author was doing his research, he was increasingly impressed by Taylor’s saintly character and godly life, and he found it extremely difficult to carry out his assigned task with a clear conscience. Eventually, at the risk of losing his life, he laid aside his pen, renounced his atheism, and received Jesus as his personal Savior. Whether we realize it or not, our example leaves an impression on others. Source unknown. Also found at http://net.bible.org/illustration.php?topic=815

Story: Saints Depend on God
A young theology college graduate came up to the pulpit, very self confident and smug. He was immaculately dressed. He knew he had what it took. He began to deliver his first sermon to his first church but when he started to speak, the words simply wouldn’t come out. Humiliated, he burst into tears and ended up leaving the pulpit, obviously humbled. There were two old ladies sitting in the front row and one remarked to the other, "If he'd come in like he went out, he would have gone out like he came in." Source unknown (but let me know if you know).

Discussion: Matthew 23:1-12
1. In verses 1-7 what are the things which prevent God's light from shining through us.
2. In verses 8-12, what are the things that allow God's light to shine through us?
3. Think of a saint you have known or still know. Describe that saint to the person next to you and explain the influence they have had on you.

Book: Hope is an Open Heart
By Lauren Thompson, Scholastic Press, 2008, ISBN 139781741692228. This beautiful book fits anywhere in this service - call to worship, childrens talk, sermon, or response (pictured at left).

Response Activity:
Light a candle in memory of:
1. A saint you have known who has died, or
2. In thankfulness for a saint who still has the light of God shining through them, or
3. As a symbolic statement of your own intent to live as a saint.

Proper 25 Ordinary 30 A (October 23): Being At Home With God

2011-10-16T12:44:00.016+11:00

Bible readings: Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46

About the Images:
Left: This is a microisoft free clipart background with the Biblical text.
Right: This is my image taken from the summit of Mt Nebo (biblical Moab, present day Jordan) with the Biblical text. Please feel free to use this image for worship and related activities.

Listening Song: Gather At The River
By Point of Grace on their album, The Whole Truth (pictured at left) or on the WOW 2001 album. This song is about loving one another.

Film Clip: Liar Liar
(pictured at right: scaled-down, low-resolution images of posters to provide critical commentary on the film qualifies as fair use under copyright law) The clip can be found at
Grown Ups Lie - Movie Clip from Liar Liar at WingClips.com

Discussion: Liar Liar
1. Do you agree that adults have to lie sometimes to be kind?
2. How transparent should we be to those around us?
3. Where does God fit into this discussion?

Drama: We are a Family
Found in Let's Make a Scene Too by Verena Johnson, Lutheran Publishing House, 1991, ISBN 085910608X, page 31. A drama about not being at home with God.

Story: Sharing the Gospel
Found at the following address:
http://pietist.blogspot.com/2005_07_01_archive.html
Type the name of the author, Cecil Northcott, in to find the story.

Poem: The Real Problem
By Adrian Plass in Clearing Away the Rubbish, Minstral, 1988, ISBN 1854240250, page 142 (pictured at left). A poem about not being at home with each other.

Quote: Robert Frost
"Home is where when you go there they have to take you in." Found in Death of a Hired Man.

Prayer for Others: Based on the Gospel reading
Found in Bringing the Word To Life Together by Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Mediacom, 2010, ISBN 9780949656911, page 152 (pictured at right). This is a beautiful "hands on" prayer.

Sermon: DIY
Have three stations for people to visit in any order - each with input and response activities as follows
Station 1:
Have the poem, The Real Problem (above), printed on the other side of the adult response frames (below). Ask people to read the poem first and then respond with the frames in the same way as I have described below. Provide pens or pencils so that they can do this.
Station 2:
Have a poster of the story, Sharing the Gospel (above), pinned up and in large print - it is a small story so it will be easy to do this. Ask people to read the story and then respond as per the prayer for others (above).
Station 3:
Have pens or pencils and a pile of A5 sheets of paper with 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-8 on the B side with the question "How does your list compare with Paul's?" beneath the reading. On the A side, which they will look at first, have the following:
1. Write a list, in order of priority, of those you wish to please the most.
2. Turn the sheet over and read the other side.

Response Activity:
Give each person a small folded card (three fitted on an A4 for me) with two empty frames printed on the inside. Reassure everybody that this is an activity between themselves and God - that no one will see what they write or draw. Ask people to write or draw their public image in the left hand frame, and the real person in the right hand frame. Play some nice thinking music while they are doing this. To conclude, either pray a prayer about committing/giving all of ourselves to God and/or challenge people to put their cards in with their offering as an act of commitment.

Also:

Kids Talk: The Greatest Commandment
Found in Saving the Ants by Ruth Gilmore, Augsburg, 2001, ISBN 0806640804, page 116. This is based on the gospel reading.

Prayer of Confession: Based on Psalm 90
By Rachel C. Hackenburg and found in Before the Amen: Creative Resources for Worship by Marin C and Maria I Tirabassi (Eds), The Pilgrim Press, 2007, ISBN 9780829817508, pages 200.