Proper 22 A (October 08): Running the Race/Press On

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

About the Images: 
Upper 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.
Upper Right: This is a free imagebank image - please visit this excellent site via my links column at left. 
Middle Left: This is an Hermano Leon free image -  please visit this excellent site via my links column at left. 
Middle Right:  This is a free Heartlight image - see my link column at left.

Lower Left: Free Microsoft clipart. 

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

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. 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