NB: There is a new updated 2023 version of this blog with heaps more resources. See archive at left.Bible Readings: Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6,37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16
About the Images:Both images match the Philippians reading.
Left: This is a microsoft free clipart with my text
Right: This is my image with text as acknowledged. I took this image in central Australia and you can see what a battle this tree has had to survive by the way it has grown. It seemed to illustrate Pauk Harvey's quote very well. Please feel free to use this image for worship and related activities.
For Kids: Fair Wages
Found in Saving the Ants by Ruth Gilmore, Augsburg, 2001, ISBN 0806640804, page 106. This is based on the gospel reading (pictured at right).
Discussion questions:
How does God help us cope with the uncomfortable things in our lives?
How does God give us hope and strength?
Story: The 
Greyhound Races
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 106 (pictured at left). This story illustrates the Philippian words about purpose.
Story: Last Supper Story 2
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 162 (pictured at left). This story illustrates the Philippian words about focus.
Story: Bad Tyre, Good Business
In Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks Book 4 by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 2001, ISBN 0310236193, page 33 (pictured at right). This story goes well with the the gospel reading.
Reading: Letter From A Communist
Found in Illustrations, Stories and Quotes to Hang Your Message On by Jim Burns and Greg McKinnon, Gospel Light, 1997, ISBN 0830718834, page 105 (pictured at right). This reading challenges our committment - when you read it, don't tell the congregation who wrote it - let them try to guess.
Poem/Prayer: Realigned Again
A revelation, poem & prayer by Kelly Hall. Music by Tracy Howe Wispelwey/The Restoration Project. This comes from The Work of the People (see my link at left) . This poem prayer is about renewal, surrender, transformation, rethinking and realigning one's life.
Response Activity:
Ask or project: What would you have to change in your lifestyle and in the way you deal with the harder parts of your life in order to live the life God has called you to?
Give out business cards with the words from Psalm 105:3-4: Be glad that we belong to God. Go to God for help. Seek God's presence continually.
Multiple Service Ideas: All Worked Up
Found in Multi-Sensory Parables by Ian Birkinshaw, Scripture Union, 2006, ISBN 9781844272310, page 50ff (pictured at left). Lots of good stuff here relevent to the gospel reading.
Found in Saving the Ants by Ruth Gilmore, Augsburg, 2001, ISBN 0806640804, page 106. This is based on the gospel reading (pictured at right).
Discussion questions:
How does God help us cope with the uncomfortable things in our lives?
How does God give us hope and strength?
Story: The 
Greyhound Races
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 106 (pictured at left). This story illustrates the Philippian words about purpose.
Story: Last Supper Story 2
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 162 (pictured at left). This story illustrates the Philippian words about focus.
Story: Bad Tyre, Good Business
In Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks Book 4 by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 2001, ISBN 0310236193, page 33 (pictured at right). This story goes well with the the gospel reading.
Reading: Letter From A Communist
Found in Illustrations, Stories and Quotes to Hang Your Message On by Jim Burns and Greg McKinnon, Gospel Light, 1997, ISBN 0830718834, page 105 (pictured at right). This reading challenges our committment - when you read it, don't tell the congregation who wrote it - let them try to guess.
Poem/Prayer: Realigned Again
A revelation, poem & prayer by Kelly Hall. Music by Tracy Howe Wispelwey/The Restoration Project. This comes from The Work of the People (see my link at left) . This poem prayer is about renewal, surrender, transformation, rethinking and realigning one's life.
Response Activity:
Ask or project: What would you have to change in your lifestyle and in the way you deal with the harder parts of your life in order to live the life God has called you to?
Give out business cards with the words from Psalm 105:3-4: Be glad that we belong to God. Go to God for help. Seek God's presence continually.
Multiple Service Ideas: All Worked Up
Found in Multi-Sensory Parables by Ian Birkinshaw, Scripture Union, 2006, ISBN 9781844272310, page 50ff (pictured at left). Lots of good stuff here relevent to the gospel reading.
