Proper 13 C (31 July 2016): The Things We Leave Behind/God, the Loving Parent/Good stuff, God Stuff and Other Stuff

 

 There is a 2025 version of this blog with lots more resources - see my archive at left

Bible Readings: Hosea 11:1-11. Psalm 107: 1-9,43, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21



About the Images:
Upper Left: This is a free Microsoft clipart image and I used it for the Response activity set out below.   I put six images to an A4 (letter) sized sheet -any more and the image does not have enough room for people to write on it easily.
Upper Right: I made this image for the gospel reading. They are both my photos so please feel free to use them for worship purposes and other related activities. The reflected buildings are near Camberwell Junction in Melbourne (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CamberwellJunction) and the head stones are from the fascinating cemetery on Norfolk Island(http://www.pitcairners.org/vt_cemetery.html).
Lower Left: This image comes from www.sundaygraphx.blogspot.com. This site no longer updates (you will see the sad reason why when you visit) however the artist, Don da Silva, has left a legacy of wonderful free images and templates via the site archives.
Lower Right: This image comes from the awesome Church Galleries website which was decimated by hackers last year. At present it is possible to buy these images very cheaply however this particular one is free on the site this week.  Well worth the subscription!!! Visit the website at www.churchgalleries.com.


Opening Response: In Quietness and Darkness
Found in Present on Earth by The Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 2008, ISBN 0901557642, page 32 (pictured at left). This matches well with the gospel reading.

Listening Song: The Things We Leave Behind
By Michael Card on his album, Poiema, 1994 (pictured at right). This goes well with the gospel reading.

Drama: The Barn Builder
Found in Forty More Devotions that Work With Youth by Geraldine Anderson (Ed.), JBCE, 1990, ISBN 0858198118, page 38 (pictured at left).

Drama: From the Files of Miles Wenckbach
Found in Drama Resources 1 by the Youth Office of the Lutheran Church of Australia (eds.), Lutheran Publishing House, page 54. This fits well with the Hosea reading.

Discussion: On the Hosea Reading
How/when do we take God's love for granted?
In what ways, do we shut God out of our lives?

Story: Cliff Hangers

Found in The New Century Version Youth Bible, Word, 1991, ISBN 0849909252, page 1027, (pictured at left). This goes with the gospel reading,

Story: What is Your Price?

Found in When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado, Word, 1996, ISBN 0849913241, page 65 (pictured at right) This goes with the gospel reading.

Story: Materialism
Story No 423 in 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers and Writers edited by Craig Brian Larson and Leadership Journal, Baker Books, 2002, ISBN 0801091551 (pictured at left). This also goes with the gospel reading.

Response Activity: For the Luke Reading
Somewhere at the beginning of the service, give everybody a picture of a closed gift box with a large label on it (see image above)and ask them to imagine that inside is the thing that they want most in the world. Give them a minute to think what it is and then to share answers. At the end of the service ask people to look at the box again and ask them what they think God would put in the box for them. If you give them a pen or pencil as well, they can write their response each time on the label.

Prayer For Others: Materialism
Found in Worship Ideas For Youth Ministry, Group, 1997, ISBN 076442002X, page 69 (pictured at right). This goes well with the gospel reading.

Also:

Kids: The Rich Farmer

By Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen, found in Stories Jesus Told  by the above authors, Candle books, 2005, ISBN 101859855881.

Creative Ideas: Hosea: The Forgiving Prophet 

Found in Multi-Sensory Prophets by Mike Law, Scripture Union, 2007, ISBN 9781844272587, page 43. This is based on the Hosea reading.

All Sorts of Useful Stuff: A Fool and his money

By Ian Birkinshaw in Multi-Sensory Parables, Scripture Union, 2006, ISBN 9781844272310, page 32.  This is based on the Gospel. 

Kids: Jelly Beans, Lima Beans and Boxes

Found in Party On Together by Beth Barnett and Dr Keith Dyer, Scripture Union, 2010, page 76. This is based on the Gospel reading. This resource is also available in electronic form through the Baptist Union of Victoria website, www.buv.com.au. where it can be copied freely for non-commercial use. 

Proper 12 C (24 July 2016): Prayer

 

There is a 2025 version of this blog with lots more resources - see my archive at left

Bible Readings: Hosea 1:2-10, Psalm 85, Colossians 2:6-15, Luke 11:1-13


About the Image:
Above Left: This is a free Microsoft clip art image with my text.
Above Right: This image comes from www.sundaygraphx.blogspot.com. This site no longer updates (you will see the sad reason why when you visit) however the artist, Don da Silva, has left a legacy of wonderful free images and templates via the site archives.

Lower Left: This image comes from the awesome Church Galleries website which was decimated by hackers last year. At present it is possible to buy these images very cheaply however this particular one is free on the site this week.  Well worth the subscription!!! Visit the website at www.churchgalleries.com.


Listening Song: Every Day
by Serene and Pearl on their album, Crazy Stories (pictured at left). This goes well with gospel reading.


Listening Song: My Lord Speaks
This song also goes well with the gospel reading and is by David Robertson on his album, Soul Embrace (pictured at right). 


Listening Song: The Millennium Prayer
By Cliff Richard (pictured below). This is a version of the Lord's Prayer.

The Lord's Prayer: SMS Version
dad@hvn, ur spshl. we want wot u want & urth2b like hvn. giv us food & 4giv r sins lyk we 4giv uvaz. don't test us! save us! bcos we kno ur boss, ur tuf & ur cool 4 eva! ok?
Condensed version by Matthew Campbell of York University.


Kid's Story: Samir's Midnight Friend
By Yvonne Holloway McCall and Jim Roberts, Arch books, 1971, ISBN 0570060591 (pictured at left). This is a version of part of the gospel reading.

Film Clip: Forrest Gump
(pictured at left) The last scene, where Forrest waits at the bus stop for his child, is a great illustration of fatherly love which takes no short cuts and throws dignity to the wind - in the context of "our father who is in heaven".

Film Clip: Bart Gets an "F".
Show Bart's prayer in Bart Gets an "F" found in The Complete Second Season of the Simpsons





Film Clip: The Lord's Prayer by Michael W Smith
Please check copyright before using this by visiting the YouTube site - just google the title and you should find it without much difficulty

Film Clip: Just Prayers: The Lords Prayer with subtitles

Drama: On the Subject of Prayer Found in Let's Make A Scene Too by Verena Johnson, Lutheran Publishing House, 1991, ISBN 085910608X, page 3 (pictured at right). This drama is based on the gospel reading.


Discussion:
Tell the other people in your pew what prayer means to you using only a word or a phrase.
Did you prayer when you were young - how, where, what did you say?
Has your way of praying changing as you have matured?

Story: The Empty Chair
Found in More Hot Illustrations for Youth by Wayne Rice, Zondervan 1995, page 61 (pictured in an earlier blog).A story about prayer.

Story: Sharpen your Axe
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties, 1994, ISBN 0310402611, page 180 (pictured in an earlier blog). A story about prayer.

Story: Groceries For a Prayer
Index 2838 from Bible Illustrator for Windows Version 1.0d, Parsons Technology Inc., 1990 or find the story in the introduction to the following sermon http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/petition-for-gods-provision-david-dewitt-sermon-on-lords-prayer-70427.asp


Quote: St Teresa of Avila
Prayer is nothing more than a conversation with God, who loves me.

Response Activity: Prayer Journals
At one service I gave everybody a tri-fold A4 (letter) parchment brochure and a pen. On the front was a place to put their name and the title: Prayer Journal. On the back I printed the Lord's Prayer as it is in Luke 11. The complete inside page of the trifold was as illustrated below


and the remaining page had a section entitled Other Prayers. I encouraged people to use this brochure/Lord's Prayer combo to prayer the Lord's Prayer at home during the week. Sorry, I can't source this idea however I think it was mine.

Response Activity: Hallowed Be Thy Name
Either project as many of the names of God as you can find while playing some thinking music or ask the congregation to help you make a list of such names.


Response Activity: Benediction
Ask people to chose the line of the Lord's Prayer which has special significance for them today and to share that line with at least three other people as they leave the church.

Also:

Taize Service: Learning to Pray

Found in Worship Feast by Taize, Abingdon Press, 2004, page 22. This is based on the Luke reading.

Prayer Exercise: Jesus Teaches Us How to Pray

Found in Prayer: Heart of the Pilgrimage by Jenny Youngman, Upper Room Books, Nashville, 2007, ISBN 0835898369, page 20.  This is based on the Luke reading.

Prayer Exercise: Outer Discipline, Inner Devotion

Found in Prayer: Heart of the Pilgrimage by Jenny Youngman, Upper Room Books, Nashville, 2007, ISBN 0835898369, page 26.  This is based on the gospel reading.

All Sorts of Useful Stuff: Breadtime Story

By Ian Birkinshaw in Multi-Sensory Parables, Scripture Union, 2006, ISBN 9781844272310, page 28.  This is based on the Gospel. 

Proper 11 C (17 July 2016): Priorities and Distractions

 

There is a 2025 version of this blog with lots more resources - see my archive at left

Bible Readings: Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42

About the Images:
Upper Left: This image comes from the excellent Heartlight site (see my link column at left)
Upper Right: This is a combination of two free Microsoft cliparts.
Lower Left: This is a free clipart from the excellent Hermano Leon site - see my link column at left.


Listening Song: Goodbye to Me
By David Robertson on his album, Soul Embrace (pictured at right)


Mediative Listening Song: Dies Irae
By Libera on their CD, Libera (pictured at left). I suggested this last week but it also fits this week.

Individual Introductory Activity: Priorities
Give everyone a pencil and a scrap of paper. Ask them to make a list of the things that are important to them in order of priority. After they have finished, ask them to note where getting to know God and serving God featured on their list. Let them know they will not be sharing their answers with anyone so they are not inhibited by what they think they may have to share.

Film Clip: Jesus of Montreal
(pictured at left).There are plenty of clips in this film in which Daniel, an actor who is to portray Jesus in a passion play, begins to mirror Jesus' life in his own life

Drama: One Thing Needed
Found in Let's Make A Scene Too,, by Verena Johnson, Lutheran Publishing House, 1991, ISBN 085910608X, page 13 (pictured at right)  This drama is particularly useful for the gospel reading.

Discussion: On the Luke Reading
1. Who do you relate to more - Mary or Martha?
2. Why does Jesus think Mary has made a good choice? What is his point?
3. What is Martha's problem?
4. Should we try to balance the Mary and Martha activities in our lives?

Discussion: On the Amos Reading
1. What do you think the job description of a prophet would include?
2. What are some of the method's God uses to speak to people in the Old Testament?

Story: Saul Kills the Priests of the Lord
1 Samuel 22: 6-23 is considered to be the background for psalm 52. The story is about one of the biggest dobbers in history - it is about treachery, anger, and fear.

Story: First Letter Home
Found in The New Century Version Youth Bible, Word, 1991, ISBN 0849909252, page 1024 (pictured at left). This is useful with the gospel reading.

Story: The Boat in the Window
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties, 1994, ISBN 0310402611, page 44 (pictured at right). This is useful for the Colossians reading.

Story: Listen Slowly
Found in Bits and Pieces, June 24, 1993, page 13.

Visual Analogy: Pot Bound Plant
Have a pot bound plant and a healthy pot plant with plenty of room to grow. Relate these to the Colossians reading where Paul talks about the things which prevent him from becoming complacent about his faith. Talk about how complacency and our comfort zones can wall us in and prevent us from growing the way we should.

Also:

Prayers and Poems: Mary/Martha
Found in Dad and Daughter by Ron Gordon and Jennie Gordon, 2012, ISBN 9780646586601, page 147 (pictured at left).

Response Activity: One Thing Necessary

Found in Bringing the Word To Life Together: Year C by Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Mediacom, Adelaide, 2012, ISBN 9781921945083, page 107ff. This works well with all the gospel reading.

Lots of Useful Stuff
Found in The Abingdon Creative Preaching Annual 2016 by Jenee Woodard (Ed.), Abingdon Press, Nashville, 2015, page 139ff. These ideas are based on all of the readings.

Poem/Meditation: I am Mary and I am Martha
By Ruth Burgess in Dandelions and Thistles: Biblical Meditations from the Iona Community by Jan Sutch Pickard (ed.) Wild Goose Publications, 1999, ISBN 1901557146, page 55 (pictured at left). This goes well with the Luke reading.

Worship Resources: Does My Faith Look Big in This?

Found in Multi-Sensory World by Craig Borlase, Scripture Union/Tear Fund, 2008, ISBN 9781844272662, page 48. This goes with the Amos reading.

Proper 10 C (10 July 2016): Rescue/Mission Not Quite Impossible/Making a Positive Impact

 

 

A newer 2025 version of this post is now available with heaps more resources - see my archive at left

Readings: Amos 7:7-17, Psalm 82, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-35.

About the images:
Upper Left: This is a free Microsoft clipart image with text from www.laughingbird.com - a great site for an Australian paraphrase (among other things).
Upper Right: I decided this flood photo fitted all three possible titles for the readings this week:-
Rescue: this house is certainly in need of rescue,
Mission Not Quite Impossible: Of all the places it could have come to rest - such as the middle of the river! - the house actually came to rest right beside a road.
Making a Positive Impact: the owner of this house made a very positive impact when he was interviewed - he basically said "it's just a house, not a life, that has been lost".
Lower Left: This is a free Heartlight image. See my link column at left.
Lower Right: This image comes from the awesome Church Galleries website which was decimated by hackers last year. At present it is possible to buy these images very cheaply - however this particular one is free on the site this week.  Well worth the subscription!!! Visit the website at www.churchgalleries.com

Listening Song: Grace
By U2 on their album, All That You Can't Leave Behind (pictured at right). The song title says it all.  This is a brilliant and moving song.

Kid's Story: The Good Stranger
Found in Stories Jesus Told: Favourite Stories From the Bible by Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen, Zondervan, 2007, ISBN 101859855881 (pictured at left) or in a separate volume under the same title published by Harper Collins, 1995.

Video Clip: Mission Impossible 2
You can relate this clip (one impossible mission after another!) to the Amos reading.

Video Clip: Pay It Forward
(pictured at left) You can connect chapter 31 - when Trevor's Mum forgives her Mum - to the Colossians reading.



Discussion: Pay It Forward
What is grace?
When have you seen an example of grace?

Video Clip: Mr Holland's Opus
 A great clip about how everyone, no matter who they are, has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of others.




Film Clip: The God Samaritan
This lovely little clip is found at http://www.max7.org/resource.aspx?id=2defafcc-c191-4314-81c4-78ce0d07526a&creatinguser=1

Drama: The Horticultural Guide   Found in Let's Make A Scene Too by Verena Johnson, Lutheran Publishing House, 1991, ISBN 085910608X, page 47 (pictured at left). This drama is useful if you are concentrating on the Colossians reading.

Drama: The Christian Inaction
Found in Lets make Another Scene by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 1995, ISBN 0859107620, page 24 (pictured at right). This drama is useful for the Luke reading.

Introduction to the Gospel: Oxymorons
Talk about oxymorons. Give a few examples eg plastic glasses, work party, taped live, peace force. Talk about how "Good Samaritan" was a bit of an oxymoron for Jesus' listeners when he told them the story. This little exercise helps people see the extent of the implications of the story.

Discussion: On Luke

Can church work get in the way of love and compassion?

Discussion: On Amos
In pairs:
1. Discuss a time when you have had to start again - pick a painful restart or a less painful one - it doesn't matter.
2. Share what was hard in the new beginning.
3. Share what was easy.
Plenary:
1. What are some of the good things about starting again?
2. What are some of the more difficult things about starting again?
3. How were the people of Israel asked to start again?
4. What did God and Amos use as an image?
5. Who opposed Amos?
Groups:
If someone was asked to hold a plumb line against our congregation, how would it hold up?

Quote: Paul Harvey
If you don't live it, you don't believe it".


Story: Practising the Existence of God
By Philip Yancey in Rumours of Another World, Zondervan, 2003, ISBN 0310255244, pages 223-4. This is a series of grace stories set in South Africa at the time when Nelson Mandela was released from prison.


Response Activity: The Good Samaritan
Ask people to consider, at this point of their lives, who do they relate to best:
The lawyer: so busy debating the issue that he cannot see the need,
The people who pass by: so busy with religious duties that he cannot help
The beaten up man: accepting help from somebody he would rather not accept help from
The Good Samaritan: responding to a need even when he knows he is seen as inadequate.
Leave some silence for them to talk to God about it.

Response Activity: Grace
Have A4/letter sized paper (art paper is best but ordinary paper will do), plenty of pencils, paints and crayons available, flat tabletops or whatever to work on ( I use various spaces in the worship area and rooms nearby) and the following instructions either projected or printed on small cards.
1. Take some time in silence to concentrate on God.
2. On the paper, make a drawing of your life so far - it can be a time line, a series of small drawings or symbols, a diagram, a graph - whatever. Take your time and use what you are doing as part of your praying.
3. Take a bright colour you have not used on the paper anywhere and circle or shade the parts of your life where you can see God's grace at work.
4. Somewhere on the paper make a "what next" area and as you do, ask God to show you what's next for you.
Allow about ten minutes for this activity. To conclude, you could ask everybody to place their work in an area accessible to all so that people can wander about enjoying what has been created or you could encourage people to each say a one sentence prayer which thanks God for something they have discovered whilst doing the activity or....you could do both.
Hmmmm who's idea is this? - I think it is mine but let me know if you think it is yours.

Mediative Listening Song: Dies Irae
By Libera on their CD, Libera (pictured in an earlier blog).

Also:

Meditation: The Good Samaritan

Found in Meditations from the Iona Community by Ian Reid, Wild Goose Publications, Trowbridge, 1998, ISBN 1901557022, page 75. This goes well with the gospel reading.

Kids: The Good Samaritan

By Andrew McDonough, Lost Sheep Resources, 2006. This goes with the Matthew reading. Absolutely the best story series around for kids and adults. My whole congregation is delighted every time we use one of these wonderful books. 

All Sorts of Useful Stuff: Love Actually

By Ian Birkinshaw in Multi-Sensory Parables, Scripture Union, 2006, ISBN 9781844272310, page 24.  This is based on the Gospel.