Proper 23 A (11th October 2026): Invitation/True Worship

 

 

UNDER CONSTRUCTION.....

Bible Readings: Exodus 32:1-14, Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14

About the Images:
Upper Left: This is a free Imagebank image with a quote from William H. Willimon. 
Upper Right: This is a free Microsoft clipart image with my text. 
Middle Left: This is a free clipart from Cerezo Barredo - see my link Column at left.
Middle Right: This is a free Microsoft clipart image with my text.

Lower Left and Right: These are free images from the Heartlight site - see my link column at left. 

Listening Song: Douchas (Hope)
By The Crossing on their album, Douchas (pictured at left)

Kids' Story: The Golden Calf

Tell the story in your own words and illustrate it with images from the Brick Testament - http://www.thebricktestament.com/exodus/the_golden_calf.html. You have no idea how much enjoyment the adults derive from this as well!!

Film Clip: Meet the Parents

(pictured at right) Show the clip where Jack (father) asks Greg to say grace.

Discussion: Meet the Parents 
1. Why do you think that Greg is uncomfortable praying?
2. What does it mean to be religious?
3. What does it mean to have a relationship with God?
4. What is the difference between the two?

Film Clip: The Almighty Exodus
Found at Max 7 website, this is a great short summary of the Exodus which can be used for any part of the story as an overview or as an introduction for either children or adults. Go to
http://www.max7.org/resource.aspx?id=3cebfde1-6458-4ed6-807c-446671dc63ef

Film Clip: The Parable of the Great Banquet

Also found at the brilliant Max 7 site: A Bollywood version of the Parable.  The congregation - not just the kids - loved it. Go to http://www.max7.org/en/resource/ParableGreatBanquet

Drama: The Mystery of the Missing Athletes
Found in Mega Drama 2 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910916Xv2, page 58 (pictured at left). This is the gospel story with athletes replacing the wedding guests.

Drama: The Feast
Found in Let's Make a Scene Too by Verena Johnson, Lutheran Publishing House, 1991, ISBN 085910608X, page 20 (pictured at right). This is a conversation between two of the King's servants. 

Drama: On The Subject of Prayer
Found in Let's Make a Scene Too by Verena Johnson, Lutheran Publishing House, 1991, ISBN 085910608X, page 38  (pictured at right) and based on the Philippians reading. 

Story: Choosing Mary
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 64 (pictured at left). This story is based on the idea that God chooses/invites us. 

Group Activity: Matthew 22:1-14
Give everyone a copy of the gospel reading. Divide the congregation into six groups. Give each of the groups a character or a group of characters out of the Matthew story: the king, the son, the servants, the first guests, the second guests, the people who were not dressed properly. Give each group the same questions to discuss:
1. Who are you? (just to make sure everybody in the group is on the same page)
2. What part do you play in the story?
3. Who do you think you might represent?
4. Why do you do what you do in the story?
5. How do you think you might feel about what happens in the story?
N.B. If you have heaps of people you may have to have multiples of each group.

Prayer for Others:
Ask everyone to think of a person or a place that God wants to invite to his party. Then have a time of silence when people can pray for that person or place.

Adult Response: Change

Screen the words of the poem Change by Charles Singer. I found it in 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 49 (pictured at right). I put images with each line and played reflective music in the background. Missing by Vangelis on his album, Odyssey would work well for the music (pictured at left). Towards the end, I projected the following words: "Which piece of clothing do you have in short supply?" and passed around cards with the various lines from the poem printed on them. People were asked to take the card they needed the most. This was followed by a time of silent prayer.

Also:

Story Plus Other Stuff: Big Al's Banquet

Found in Wally the Dodgy Trolley and other Stories of Faith and Humour by Ian Johnson, Scripture Union Australia, Lidcombe, 2000, ISBN 0949720984, page 85 (pictured at left). This is based on the gospel reading.

Kids: Let the Celebrations Begin

By Margaret Wild and Julie Vivas, Box Press,  with lots of ideas for a whole worship service found in Worship is For Everyone by Julie Pinazza, Openbook Publishers, 2000, ISBN 0859109259, page 55 (pictured at right). This goes well with the Phillipians reading.

Taize Service: Don't Worry, Have Peace

Found in Worship Feast by Taize, Abingdon Press, 2004, page 12 (pictured at left). This is based on the Philippians reading.

Prayer Exercise: Centering Prayer

Found in Prayer: Heart of the Pilgrimage by Jenny Youngman, Upper Room Books, Nashville, 2007, ISBN 0835898369, page 60 (pictured at right) .  This is based on the Philippians reading.

All Sorts of Useful Stuff: Party People

By Ian Birkinshaw in Multi-Sensory Parables, Scripture Union, 2006, ISBN 9781844272310, page 36 (pictured at left).  This is based on the Gospel. 

Poem: The Faithful Are Fearless

Found in In Due Season by Herbert F Brokering, Augsburg Publishing, 1966 (found in the Winter section) and based on the Philippians reading.

Blessings

Found in Messy Church 2 by Lucy Moore, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2008, ISBN 978 1 84101 602 3, page 149. This activity is based on the Psalm.

Useful Stuff: Everything We Need In Jesus

Found in Philippians: Sharing the Joy of Jesus by Groups Biblesense, Group, 2006, ISBN 0 7644 3225 7, page 73

Prayer: Thanksgiving

Found in Multi-Sensory Prayer by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2001, ISBN 1859994652, page 44 and based on the Philippians reading.

 

Proper 22 A (4th October 2026): Running the Race/Press on

 

N.B.  You will find a search engine to the left if you do not follow the Revised Common Lectionary. Just pop in a Bible reference or a topic and it will take you to a relevant post. 

Bible Readings: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 

About the Images: 
Top Left: This is my image taken at Lake Tyers Beach (http://www.discovereastgippsland.com.au/laketyersbeach.asp) so please feel free to use it for worship and related activities.
Top Right: This is a free imagebank image - please visit this excellent site via my links column at left. 
Upper Left: This is an Hermano Leon free image -  please visit this excellent site via my links column at left. 
Upper Right:  This is a free Heartlight image - see my link column at left.

Middle Left: Free Microsoft clipart. 

Middle Right: Free image from the amazing Cerezo Barredo (see my link column at left)

Lower Left: A free image from Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú

Listening Song: I Want to Know You 

By Sonic Flood on their self titled album (pictured at right) or on the album, WOW 2000.

 

Kids Story: The Man Who Changed His Name 
By Loyal Kolbrek and Don Kuecker, Arch books, 1972, ISBN 0570060664 (pictured at left). The story of Paul makes a good story for the kids as well as providing background for the Philippians reading.

Kids' Story: Keep Your Promise! 

Found in The Lectionary Story Bible Year A by Ralph Milton and Margaret Kyle, Woodlake, 2007, ISBN 978155145547I, page 216 (pictured at right). This story explains one aspect of the gospel reading to the kids. I think that this is a difficult parable to explain to children in language they will understand but this little story is a great help.

Film Clip: Martian Child
(pictured at right) Show the clip where David and Harlee are attempting to teach Dennis how to play baseball. 

Discussion: Martian Child 
1. In order to help Dennis play baseball, what two pieces of advice and/or encouragement does David give to him? 
2. How is this advice/encouragement useful to us as Christians?

Story: Joshua Bell

Story 321 in 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers and Writers by Craig Brian Larson and Leadership Journal, Baker Books, 2002, ISBN 0801091551 (pictured at right) . This story is matched with the Philippians reading.

Story: Thomas Edison, The Failure
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 131 (pictured at left). This story is linked to the Philippians reading. 

Also:

Kids: Gabriella's Song

By Candace Fleming and Giselle Potter, Simon and Schuster,  with lots of ideas for a whole worship service found in Worship is For Everyone by Julie Pinazza, Openbook Publishers, 2000, ISBN 0859109259, page 25 (pictured at right). This goes well with the Psalm reading.

Kids: The Pig in the Pond

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

Prayer Exercise: Praying in Nature

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

Drama: The Race

Found in Mega Drama 2 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910916Xv2, page 56 (pictured at right). This drama is based on the Philippians reading.

Lots of Useful Stuff: Legally Binding

Found in Multi-Sensory Together by Ian Birkinshaw, Scripture Union,2005, ISBN 1844271641, page 11 (pictured at right).  Based on the Exodus reading.

Service Outline: Accept or Reject

Based on the Matthew reading this is found in The All-Age Service Annual Volume 4, published by Scripture Union, 2010, ISBN 9781844275199, page 90 (pictured at right).

Poem: The 10 Commandments

Found in The Electric Bible by Peter Dainty, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, 2003, ISBN 1 84417 041 1, page 39 (pictured at left).  This poem is based on the Exodus reading.  

Who is God?

Found in Messy Church 2 by Lucy Moore, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2008, ISBN 978 1 84101 602 3, page 164ff (pictured at right). This activity is based on the Psalm.

Discussion Questions: Little Sins and Big Sins

Found in Chapter 6 of The Gospel According to the Simpsons Leaders Guide for Group Study by Mark I Pinsky and Samuel F Parvin, Westminster John Knox Press, 2002, ISBN 0 664 22590 X.  These questions are based on the Exodus reading.

Discussion Questions: Lead Us Not into Temptation

Found in Chapter 7 of The Gospel According to the Simpsons Leaders Guide for Group Study by Mark I Pinsky and Samuel F Parvin, Westminster John Knox Press, 2002, ISBN 0 664 22590 X.  These questions are based on the Exodus reading.

Useful Stuff: Choosing to Look Like Jesus

Found in Philippians: Sharing the Joy of Jesus by Groups Biblesense, Group, 2006, ISBN 0 7644 3225 7, page 50

Listening Song:

Psalm 19 stars twice on the Sons of Korah album, Wait, Wordsong Artists, 2011 (pictured at right).

Liturgies: Symbols of Epiphany

Found in Navagatio: Pocket Liturgies by Safe Space Telford, Proost, 2007, ISBN 978 1 9066340 03 2, page 52ff. These use the Psalm reading.

Proper 21 A (27th September 2026): Attitude/Under Construction/The God Who Comes to Us

   

N.B.  You will find a search engine to the left if you do not follow the Revised Common Lectionary. Just pop in a Bible reference or a topic and it will take you to a relevant post.  

Bible readings: Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 78, 1-4, 12-16, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 

About the Images:
Top Left: This is the cross outside Bairnsdale Uniting church and either my image or that of Judy Williams. Either way please feel free to use it for worship and other related activities.
Top Right: This is my image (of a Norfolk Island walking track) and my words. Please feel free to use it for worship and other related activities. 
Upper Left: This image, from Wikimedia commons, is a work of the U.S Air Force employee, taken or made as part of that person's official duties.  As a work of the U.S Federal Government, the image is in the public domain.  The text is mine.
Upper Right: This slide is mine - however the image in the middle is Microsoft free clip art.

Middle Left:  This is a free clipart from the Hermano Leon site.  See my link column at left.  NB of late, this site seems to have been closed.  

Middle Right: Rock formations in the Holy Land which trap water within the layers. 

Lower Left: A free image from Cerezo Barredo.  

Listening Song: Talk About I

By Nicole C Mullins on her album, Talk About It (pictured at left). 

Kid's Story: The Two Sons
By Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen, found originally as an individual book, Marshall, Morgan and Scott, 1986, ISBN 0855790652; (pictured at left) and lately in Stories Jesus Told (pictured in an earlier post) by the above authors, Candle books, 2005, ISBN 101859855881.

Kid's Story: Yertle the Turtle

Found in Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories by Dr Seuss, Collins, 1950, ISBN 0001717588. (pictured at right). This fits well with the Philippians reading because it talks about the pitfalls of putting yourself first. 

Film Clip: The Day After Tomorrow

(pictured at left) Show the clip where Jack promises his son, Sam, that he will come for him no matter what.

Discussion: The Day After Tomorrow 
1.Why does Jack promise to come for Sam?
2. In what way do you think that God has come for us? See the Philippians reading.

Film Clip: The Remains of the Day

(pictured at right) Show the clip where Miss Kenton , after threatening that she will leave if the Jewish girls are dismissed, then decides to stay on regardless. This scene comes a little over an hour into the film.

Discussion: Remains of the Day
1. Why did Miss Kenton change her mind?
2. What do you think of Miss Kenton?

Quiz: Winners
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks Book 4 by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 2001, ISBN 0310236193, page 148 (pictured at left). This quizzes people on who are the real winners in our memories and therefore goes well with the Philippians reading. 

Drama: In Their Shoes
Found in Mega Drama 2 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910916Xv2, page 98 (pictured at right). This drama is about Jesus coming to earth and what the angels think of this. It is based on the Philippians reading.

Drama: The Boy who Said Yes and then Didn't Go 
One person sits down and the other two stand one on each side of him/her with their hands on his/her shoulders. He looks from one to the other as they speak. Of the two standing, one has a sign which says “yes” (speaker 1) and the other has a sign that says “but didn’t go” (speaker 2) 
1. Poor Josh, he always being put down by someone. I think I’ll say g’day to him.
2. Uh oh, here comes Josh. Avoid him at all costs - he is so uncool
1. I’m going to pray for reconciliation between aboriginals and white people today.
2. Did you hear about the break in – bet it was the koori’s again. 
1. I always try to be polite to the adults at church.
2. I’m going to give my teachers hell today.
1. I always put ten percent of my income in the offering
2. 40 hour famine support? – nah, charity begins at home.
1. I am going to spend time with Mum this week.
2. If I walk just behind her when we go down the street nobody should guess that we are related. 
1. I pay for everything I buy.
2. It is so easy to slip through the checkout without paying for everything.
1. I am leading the prayer of thanksgiving in church.
2. but so many things really cheese me off … let me tell you about my present list of complaints.
1. I help with the little kids
2. Little kids are so easy to boss around.
1. I chatted with the elderly people at church during morning tea
2. Some of them are just so out of it – what a laugh.
Copyright 2002 Ann Scull and Rosemary Broadstock

Drama: A Tale of Two Boys

Found in Mega Drama 2 by Verena Johnson (editor), Open Book Publishers, 2001 ISBN 085910916X, page 54 (pictured above right).  Based on the Matthew reading. 

Story: Make Me Like Joe
Found in More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 1995, ISBN 0310207681, page 114 (pictured at left). This story is about what it means to be an imitator of Christ.

Story: The Hermit's Gift 

Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 112 (pictured at right). This story illustrates the Philippian reading - about the effect that our regard for each other can have on other people. This is a generic story which is also found in many places on the web.

Response Activity:
Because part of the Philippians reading is probably an ancient creedal type hymn, this could be a good opportunity to encourage people to write their own creed or hymn. For those who are more hands on, have small pieces of clay available and encourage those people to model who they believe Jesus to be or how their faith can be expressed.

Response Activity:
Make a bridge with a plank of wood and some bricks over a river made of fabric. Give everybody two tea lights and a texta. Ask then to think of something they find difficult to say yes to God about and draw a symbol of that on the bottom of their tea light. The ask them to think of somebody who does not come up to their expectations as a Christian and draw a symbol representing them on the other tea light.  Encourage people to sit in the darkened worship space and talk to God about both themselves and the person who disappoints them. When they are ready invite them to thank God for the grace which God gives freely to everybody and then to come out and light both candles from the Christ candle and place them both on the bridge.

Also:

Worship Activity: On Your Knees

By Jim Burns and Robin Dugall in Worship Experiences, Gospel Light, 1999, ISBN, 0830724044, page 38 (pictured at left).  This is based on the Philippians reading.

Bible Study: Called to Serve

by Craig Mitchell in Water for the Journey, Desbooks, 2001 (pictured at right). These Bible Studies were originally written for use in Lent Year A.  The intention was that the study groups would meet during the week before hearing the Bible passages read on the following Sunday.  In this way, these studies help people prepare for worship.  This particular study is based on the Philippians reading and was for Passion Sunday. It would also be useful for today. 

Poem: Not Bread Alone

Found in The Electric Bible by Peter Dainty, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, 2003, ISBN 1 84417 041 1, page 42 (pictured at left).  This poem is based on the Exodus reading.  

Drama: A Lesson in Humility

Found in Let's Make A Scene For...by Verena Johnson, Open Book Publishers, 1998, ISBN 0859108937, page 8 (pictured at right). This drama is based on the Philippians reading.

Useful Stuff: Showing True Humility

Found in Philippians: Sharing the Joy of Jesus by Groups Biblesense, Group, 2006, ISBN 0 7644 3225 7, page 28 (pictured at left).

Exercises with Crosses

Found in Making the Sign of the Cross: a creative resource for seasonal worship , retreats and quiet days by Janet Hodgson, Canterbury Press, 2010, pages 74-77 and based on the Philippians reading.

Activity: The Exodus Journey

Found in Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1 84427 166 8, number 49. This is based on the Exodus reading.

Sermon and Worship Suggestions: The Attitude of Christ

By Robert J Morgan and Joshua D Rowe in Nelson's Annual Preachers Source Book, Thomas Nelson, 2008, ISBN 1 4185 2536 7, page 99.  These resources are based on the Philippians reading.