Epiphany 2 C (January 19): New Life/ Sharing our Gifts

 

Bible Readings: Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11

About the images:

Upper Left: The Country Fire Authority in Victoria in Australia is one of the best examples I know of people using their gifts for the benefit of the whole community. The CFA is a volunteer organisation which means heaps of men and women volunteer their time (often time when they would otherwise be in paid employment) to fight bushfires and protect property. They risk their lives and work in teams where each member has specific duties suited to their own gifts and abilities.

Upper Right: This is a free Microsoft clipart (mirrored) on to which I have placed the biblical text.

Middle Left: This is my image of Rainbow Beach with a line from the Third Day song below which is based on the Psalm for this week.  Please feel free to use this image for worship and related activities.

Middle Right: This image comes from the awesome Church Galleries website. Visit the website at www.churchgalleries.com.

Lower Left:  Another free image from Heartlight.  See my link column at left. 

Lower Right: A free Microsoft image. 

Bottom Left: A free clipart from the Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
 

Call to Worship:

By Thom Shuman and found in The Abingdon Creative Preaching Annual 2016 by Jenee Woodard (Ed.), Abingdon Press, Nashville, 2015, page 14 (pictured at left) and based on the gospel reading. 

Listening Song: Your Love, O Lord

By Third Day on their Time album (pictured at right).  This song is based on the Psalm set down for today.

Psalm: Fill in the endings

Ask people to suggest endings to each line of the psalm and then read the real psalm together, eg; Lord, your constant love reaches ..................., your faithfulness extends to the ..................... and so on.

Kids: The Cat's Tale

Found in Animal Tales by Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen, Candle Books, 1998, ISBN  1 85985 637 6 (pictured at right).  This is a junior version of the gospel reading.

Monologue: The Wedding

Found in Present on Earth by Wild Goose Resource Group, Wild Goose Publications, 2002, ISBN 0901557642, page 54 (pictured at left). This monologue is based on the gospel reading.

Drama: Take control But....

This drama is based on the Corinthians reading and found in Let's Make Another Scene by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 1995, ISBN 0859107620, page 75 (pictured at right).

Drama: The Birthday Party
This drama is based on the Corinthians reading and is found in Red Letter Days by Paul Burbridge and Murray Watts, Hodder and Stoughton, 1986, ISBN 034038347X, page 120 (pictured at left).  Start half way through at......."Holy Spirit: And now for the presents!"

Drama: What Are the Odds

Found in Mega Drama 5 by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109194, page 59 (pictured at right). This drama is based on the gospel reading.

Story: A Deathless Kingdom

This story is based on the Isaiah reading and is found in Speaker's Source Book of New Illustrations by Virgil Hurley, Word Publishing, 1995, ISBN 0849936756, page 130 (pictured at left).

Discussion about the above story:

Divide into groups and give each group a story (see below for suggestions) relating to gifts and then ask each group to answer the following questions:

1. What does this story say about gifts?

2. What does this story say about us?

3. How does this story help us to transform our community?

After 10 or so minutes gather together and as you tell each story ask the group who discussed that story to comment on the above questions.

Other useful stories to choose from (and don't be put off that some of these  stories are youth stories - they are fun and they get all ages thinking):

The Bodies 

Found in Illustrations, Stories and Quotes to Hang Your Message On by Jim Burns and Greg McKinnon, Gospel Light, 1997, ISBN 0830718834, page 177 (pictured at right)

How to Make A Difference 

Found in Illustrations, Stories and Quotes to Hang Your Message On, as above, page 159.

The Smallest Piece 

Found in Still More Hot Illustrations by Wayne Rice, Zondavan, 1999, ISBN 0310224640, page 30 (pictured at left).

The Treasures of the Church 

Found in Still More Hot Illustrations, as above, page 176.

Smart Hopis 

Found in More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 1995, ISBN 0310207681, page 158 (pictured at right).

The Animal School 

Found in More Illustrations for Youth Talks (as above), page 33.

Be Yourself 

found in The Youth Bible, Word, ISBN 0849933390 (pictured at left).

Diversity 

found in 750 Engaging Illustrations by Craig Brian Larson and Leadership Journal, Baker Books, 2002, ISBN 0801091551, page 173 (pictured at right).

Freedom 

found in 750 Engaging Illustrations, as above, page 247 (pictured at right).

Prayer for Others Activity: The House Plan Script
From Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture union, 2005, ISBN 1844271668, page 54 (pictured at left).

Prayer/Quote: Hangovers

Found  in Going Home Another Way by Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2008, pages 121 and based on the John reading.

Prayer: If Jesus Could

By Tom Lane and found in Imaging the Word Volume 1 by Kenneth T Lawrence (Ed.), United Church Press, 1994, ISBN 0 8298 0971 6, page 116. This goes well with the John reading.

 

Response Activity:
Give people a minute to think of a gift that they are already sharing with the church or which they would like to share with the church. Instead of passing the peace, ask people to tell a number of others what that gift is.

Response Activity:
Make group gift mobiles to hang in the church.

Response Activity: Filled to the Brim

Found in Bringing the Word To Life Together: Year C by Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Mediacom, Adelaide, 2012, ISBN 9781921945083, page 35.  This is based on the gospel reading.

Also:

Prayer Exercise: Praying in Nature

Found in Prayer: Heart of the Pilgrimage by Jenny Youngman, Upper Room Books, Nashville, 2007, ISBN 0835898369, page 56.  This is based on the Psalm reading.

Service Outline: Miraculous God

Based on the gospel reading, this is found in The All-Age Service Annual Volume 4, published by Scripture Union, 2010, ISBN 9781844275199, page 118 (pictured at right).

Drama: The Cana of Galilee Case

Found in Present on Earth by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 2002, ISBN 0 901557 64 2, page 45ff.  This is based on the John reading.

Poem and Painting: The Tin Kettling at Cana

Found in A Bloke Called Jesus by Pro Hart and Norman Habel, Rigby, 1982, ISBN 0 7270 1758 6, page 10. These are based on the John reading. 

The Body

Found in Australian Psalms by Bruce Prewer, Lutheran Publishing House, 1979, page 64 and based on the 1 Corinthians reading. This book is an oldie but a goodie.    

Activity: House Plam

Found in Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1 84427 166 8, number 38. This is based on the John reading.

Baptism of Jesus C (January 12): Be Loved, Be Loving

  

Bible Readings: Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22.

About the images:
Upper Left: A Microsoft free clip art with my Biblical text.
Upper Right: Aussie beaches make great locations for baptisms. This is the Sawtell beach near Coffs Harbour in New South Wales. For more information on this area visit www.sawtell.net

Middle Left: This image is of the upper reaches of the Jordan River near Tell Dan in the Holy Land. This is my image so please feel free to use it for worship and related activities.

Middle Right: This image comes from the awesome Church Galleries website which is down at the moment. 

Lower Left: This a free image from Heartlight site - see my link column at left. 

Lower Right: This is a free Microsoft Stock image with my text. 

Bottom Left: A free clipart from the "Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú".

Kid's Story:
Have each word of Isaiah 43:4 in a different brightly wrapped gift box. Hide the boxes around your worship space before the service starts. Ask the kids to find all the boxes during the kid's talk, unwrap them and sort the words into the verse. Talk about How our baptism is summed up in these words and is a gift from God to us.

Psalm 29
There is a great version of this Psalm by Bruce Prewer in his book, Australian Psalms, Open Book Publishers, 2000, ISBN 0859109127 (pictured at left). 

Film Clip: Dead Man Walking
(pictured at right) Show the scene where Sister Helen Prejean sings to Matthew just before his execution. She sings the St Louis Jesuit hymn Be Not Afraid based on the Isaiah reading. It is worth singing it together at the end of this film clip.

Discussion: In groups of three

1. Share a time (don't go into details unless you want to) when God felt close to you and a time when God did not feel close. What made the difference?

2. How can the Isaiah verses be a help to us?

3. How can our baptism be a help to us?

4. What is the challenge here for us?

Story: God Does Not Abandon Us

Found in Bible Illustrator for Windows 1.0d, Parsons Technology Inc., 1994, Index No 3518

Drama: Six Gift Receivers
Ordinary bloke (Joseph):
G’day! I’m just an ordinary bloke living an average life in an average country town. I’m a tradesman and I work hard. I’ve earned every penny I’ve ever made and I have a nice sort of family life. God has always been a part of my life – not in a big way, I suppose, but I have always believed God is there for me. I think I am ready to stick up for God if the occasion ever arose but I can’t really see anything like that happening to me.

Teenager (Mary)

Hi! You’ve caught me on the way home from Youth Group. It’s great fun even if Mum and Dad think we get a little over enthusiastic sometimes. Of course, I don’t always agree with my parents but I’m glad they have passed on their faith to me. I’m a full-on God follower. Standing here now in front of you all I know I’m quite prepared and ready to do anything God asks me to. Having said that though, I suppose I am a little nervous. What if God asks me to do something really huge with no guarantees … or something that may wreck my reputation.…. No, even then, I’m determined to do whatever God asks me to – no matter how scared or insecure I feel.

Man of Substance (Herod)
Hullo. No need to introduce myself. I know you all know who I am already. You know, being part of the establishment is no easy job, but someone has to do it. I may have to make difficult decisions from time to time but, of course, there are compensations. People from all over the world pass through my doors, I mix with the highest society, I know what’s going on in any place at any given time. I have people willing and able – at my beck and call day and night. Most of the time I really enjoy it all. Do I follow God? … Well, all I can say is you have to keep your eye on the goal and go for it. You’re better to keep stuff like that in its own personal space. Otherwise it just complicates issues and, in the long run, makes you weak and threatens your stability. Bottom line: don’t let anything stand in your way.

Busy family man (the owner of the home Mary and Joseph stayed in)
Well, the tourist season is in full swing. Talk about busy - I’ve been run of my feet. I’m working morning noon and night and if I’m not working, I driving the kids to tennis or swimming and if I’m not doing that I’m writing up the minutes to some meeting I got dobbed in for. They say if you want something done, then ask a busy man! Now and again I just put my foot down and say that’s enough, I’ve had it – tonight is time out and I take the wife out for a meal or take the kids down to the beach for an hour or so. I’d love to do that on a regular basis but I dunno where the time goes. Do I go to church!!!??? Well, of course, I’d love to go to church. God and church are very high on my list of priorities but, at the moment, there just isn’t enough room in my life.

Outcast (Shepherd)
Umm ….. I shouldn’t really be here. I’m a bit of an outsider. This place is a bit flash for me. Ann (insert your minister's name) asked me to speak but I feel quite uncomfortable up here because I know that most of you disapprove of me. It’s probably the circles I mix in. When you’re at the bottom of the barrel, you tend to hang out with others who are in similar situations. And most of them are good mates too. Loyal and stick with you through thick and thin. I know, my kids run wild – but what can I do. I’m never at home. If I‘d stayed at school a bit longer and got my VCE or something maybe things would be different. If I had a proper job we could live in a better neighbourhood and go to church on Sundays. I’d like to do that – go to church on Sunday’s like other people do, a chance to praise God and everything - but life doesn’t always work out the way you thought it would, does it?

Thinker (Magi)
I never make a hasty decision. It’s not part of the way I live or work. I like to think things through, read up on issues, ….. discuss things. You should see my library – it is absolutely terrific. And now that I’m on-line I find the internet particularly useful. It gives me new angles on things and encourages me to keep on searching. I haven’t found all the answers yet – it’s a long journey I’m on, but I have a few goals and I am enjoying the travelling. You see, I can’t just take people’s experiences at face value, I want to discover them for myself. What’s my goal? It’s a bit hard to put into just one sentence but, basically, I think I am searching for God.

By Rosemary Broadstock and Ann Scull (copyrighted but feel free to use it with acknowledgement)

Discussion: About the above drama

1. Of the six people, who are you most like?

2. Work out who each person is in the Christmas story.

3. Which of them accepted gifts and tasks from God?

4. Who did not?

Listening Song: Grace

By U2 on their album, All That You Can't Leave Behind (pictured at left).

Response Activity: Based on above Listening Song
Consider where you stand with God and where you are on your faith journey.
Maybe you have never been baptised and would like to?

Maybe you feel God's call to a particular ministry and would like it to be confirmed by the church?
Maybe you would like the chance to reaffirm your baptismal vows?
If any of these issues are important to you then speak to the worship leader or an elder after the service.

Meditation: The Empowering God

Found in Meditations from the Iona Community by Ian Reid, Wild Goose Publications, Trowbridge, 1998, ISBN 1901557022, page 60 (pictured at right). This goes well with the Isaiah reading.

Poem and prayer: Nobody Knew.
Found in Dad and Daughter by Ron Gordon and Jennie Gordon, 2012, ISBN 9780646586601, page 133 (pictured at left). These are based on the gospel reading.

Prayer: In the Silence, Name Me

By Ted Loder and found in Imaging the Word Volume 1 by Kenneth T Lawrence (Ed.), United Church Press, 1994, ISBN 0 8298 0971 6, page 115 (pictured at right). This goes well with the Luke reading.

Response Activity: 

Have your church font in a very prominent place for this service - if possible have the seating arranged around it. Near the end of the service, even after the benediction, invite people to file past the font, dip their finger in and mark the person following with the sign of the cross. Ask them to use the time, as they are being marked with the sign of the cross, to think about their own baptism and what it means to them or to remind themselves that they truly do belong to God and are one of his special children.

A Benediction 

Found in Gentle Darkness by Rowland Croucher (Ed), Albatross Books, 1994, ISBN 0 7324 1007 X, page 87 (pictured at right).

Also:

Drama: A Thing Or Two About Winnowing
Found in Mega Drama 5 by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109194, page 56 (pictured at left) . This drama is based on the gospel reading

Creative Ideas: John the Baptist: The Prophet from the wilderness

Found in Multi-Sensory Prophets by Mike Law, Scripture Union, 2007, ISBN 9781844272587, page 50 (pictured at right). This is based on the Luke reading.

Prayer/Action: Loneliness

Found  in Going Home Another Way by Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2008,pages 110 (pictured at left) and based on the Isaiah reading. 

Psalm 29: The Voice of God

Found in Australian Psalms by Bruce Prewer, Lutheran Publishing House, 1979, page 20 (pictured at right). This book is an oldie but a goodie.

Drama: The Spirit

Found in From Advent to Emmaus by Jim Hayward, page 30 (pictured at left). This book is available in Print and Digital PDF versions, is based on Luke's gospel and is ideal for Lectionary Year C. For more information and/or to buy, visit the CMLA website - cmla.org.au.