Epiphany 5 B (February 04): Clues For Coping

Bible readings: Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11,20c, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39.

 

About the Images:
Upper Left: We all need clues for coping with the heat.  A few years ago we had a record number of days over 43C  (that's about 110F). This photo is of my husband, Joe, giving my car some tender loving care so it copes - even if he doesn't :-).

Upper Right: This image comes from Image bank - http://www.imagebank.org.uk . This is an excellent free image site and well worth bookmarking.

Middle Left and Middle Right: These are free images is from Heartlight (see my link column at left)

Lower left: This is a free image from Cerezo Barredo (see my links column at left).

Lower Right: A campfire (bush telly) and a nice cup of tea or coffee are great clues for coping. This is my stick billy and my campfire and my photo, so please feel free to use for worship and related activities. 

Bottom Left: This is a free image from  Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines.

Listening Song: On The Wings of An Eagle

By Russell Morris on the soundtrack of The Dish (pictured at left). This goes well with the Isaiah reading.

Drama: The Things You Do To Get a Decent Meal

Found in Mega Drama 3, Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109178, page 52, (pictured at the right). This is based on the gospel reading.

Discussion: In age groups

What sort of things add stress to our lives these days?

Story: Alive and Present 
By Steve Goodier and found at http://sweetpovertyflats.savingadvice.com/family-ramblins/ This talks about the objective in life being the journey, not the goal. 

Story: Sharpen your Axe

Found in Hot illustrations for Youth Talks, Youth Specialties Inc, ISBN 0310402611, 1994, pages 180-181 (pictured at left). This story is about the importance of prayer and staying in touch with God.

Prayer:

Give people the opportunity to find a quiet resting place with God by presenting the Isaiah reading (either as a data projection or as a printed leaflet - use both words and pictures) while playing some reflective music. 

Watermarks on the  album Watermarks (pictured at right) or The First of Autumn on the album A Day Without Rain (pictured at left), both by Enya, both work well and are about the right length. Encourage people to watch, read and listen, and hear what God is saying to them to them.

Meditation: Withdrawal for Prayer

Found in Meditations from the Iona Community by Ian Reid, Wild Goose Publications, Trowbridge, 1998, ISBN 1901557022, page 12 (pictured at left). This goes well with the gospel reading.

Prayer Exercise: A Life of Prayer is a Holy Rhythm

Found in Prayer: Heart of the Pilgrimage by Jenny Youngman, Upper Room Books, Nashville, 2007, ISBN 0835898369, page 24 (pictured at right).  This is based on the Gospel reading.

Also:

Prayer Exercise: Singing our Prayers

Found in Prayer: Heart of the Pilgrimage by Jenny Youngman, Upper Room Books, Nashville, 2007, ISBN 0835898369, page 68 (pictured at above right).  This is based on the Psalm reading.

Creative Ideas: Isaiah: The Messianic Prophet

Found in Multi-Sensory Prophets by Mike Law, Scripture Union, 2007, ISBN 9781844272587, page 25 (pictured at left). This is based on the Isaiah reading.

Drama: Among the Women Jesus Met

Found in Present on Earth by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 2002, ISBN 0 901557 64 2, page 69ff (pictured at right).  This is based on the Mark reading.

Meditation: Disciples of Christ

Found in Present on Earth by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 2002, ISBN 0 901557 64 2, page 76ff (pictured at right).  This is based on the Mark reading.

Reading: The Calling of Peter

Found in Present on Earth by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 2002, ISBN 0 901557 64 2, page 114ff (pictured above right).  This is based on the Mark reading.

Prayer: The Globe

Found in Multi-Sensory Prayer by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2001, ISBN 1859994652, page 20 (pictured at left)  and based on the Isaiah reading.

Opening Prayer

By Kendra Purscell and found in Before the Amen by Maren C Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirrabassi (Eds), Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2007, ISBN 978 0 8298 1750 8, page 232. Based on the Psalm reading.

Reflection and Prayer: 
Found in Advent Readings from Iona by Brian Woodcock and Jan Sutch Pickard, Wild Goose Publications, 2005, ISBN 1901557332 . These are based on the Isaiah reading and found under the heading: December 8 - I know these are reflections for Advent but they are lovely and so often adapt to other times of the year as well.