Easter 6 B (May 05): Love Rules!/Best Mates/Change is an adventure

 

Bible Readings: Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17

About the Images:
Upper Right: This is the business card I made for everyone (see Response Activity: Postcards below). I used a Publisher template and changed the decoration colour to match the font colour.
Upper Left: This is a Microsoft free clipart with my text.

Middle Left: A free image from Heartlight - see my link column at left.

Middle Right:  A free image from the Cerrazo Barredo site - see my link column at left.

Lower Left: A free image from Heartlight - see my link column at left.

Lower Right: A free image from Heartlight - see my link column at left.

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

Listening Song: I've Always Loved You

By Third Day on their album, Time (pictured at left)

Call to Worship: Friendship Quotes 

Portray a series of images and quotes about friendship.

Call to Worship: The Lost Parcel
Linked with the John reading, this skit is found in Mega Drama 3 by Verena Johnson (Ed.) Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109178, page 17ff (pictured at right). When I used this skit, I used Part 2 before the confession and Part 3 between the kids talk and the sermon or whatever.

Prayer of Confession: Who am I?

By Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers From Prison, Macmillan, 1953, p.222

Kids Talk: God's Love in Our Heart

Linked to the John reading and found in Fun Group Devotions For Children's Ministry, Group Publishing, 1993, ISBN 1559451610, page 27 (pictured at left).

Kids Story Guess How Much I Love You
by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, Walker Books, 1994, ISBN 1844281086 (pictured at right).

Film Clip: Crocodile Dundee

(pictured at left) Based on the John reading: Mick says: Of course it took me a week to get this far. I thought I was a goner. I said to meself, "Mick old son, find yourself a nice comfortable spot and lay down and die". Journalist woman: Weren't you afraid ? Mick:Of dying ? Nah. I read The Bible once. You know God and Jesus and all them apostles? They were all fishermen, just like me. Yeah, straight to heaven for Mick Dundee. Yep, me and God, we'd be mates.

Discussion: Crocodile Dundee
What difference would/does it make if you and God were/are best mates?

Film Clip: The Castle

(pictured at right) This film has any amount of scenes about change. If you are Australian and mindful that Sorry Day is around now, then the scene where Daryl Kerrigan realises his family are in much the same boat as indigenous Australians is also a good one

Discussion: Linked to the Gospel Reading

What makes you happy?

Think of a time when you have been joyful.

What is the difference between being happy and being joyful?

What makes a good friend a best mate?

How differently would we see ourselves if we viewed ourselves as "the one Jesus loves"?
How would our lives change if we really believed the words of Jesus: "You are my friends .... You didn't choose me. I chose you".

Story: Real Friends

Found in Hot Illustrations For Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialities, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 169 (pictured at right).  This story belongs with the gospel reading.

Story: I am the One Jesus Loves.
Found in What's So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey, Zondervan Publishing House, 1997, ISBN 0310218624, page 68 (pictured at left). This story goes well with the gospel reading. 

Story: He's Very Fond of Me.
Found in What's So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey, Zondervan Publishing House, 1997, ISBN 0310218624, page 69 (pictured at left). This story also goes well with the gospel reading.

Useful Quote: C.S. Lewis

"It's like waking up in the morning and suddenly realising that the term is over and the holidays have begun".

From The Last Battle by C.S.Lewis (pictured at right).

NB1. I haven't seen the film yet, so I do not know if this quote was included or not - if it was, then it would probably make a useful film clip. Somebody may be able to email me some help here..... The quote is stuck in my head (but, unfortunately not the accurate source) because I want "the term is over and the holidays have begun" engraved on my tomb stone when I die :-)
NB2: From Rob with thanks: On the CS Lewis quote, it was used by Mike Scott in The Waterboys' song, 'Church Not Made with Hands' -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWC_lrDobYk

Testimonies:

This would probably take the place of the sermon or whatever. Invite two or three members of your congregation to share a story of how the Holy Spirit surprised them and helped them change their minds about something. This is better not done on the spot - give the people you ask enough time to prepare, however reassure them that it is their story that your congregation wants to hear (not a finely crafted sermon) and that each person need only speak from three to five minutes.

Response Activity:

Divide people up into groups of four or five, give them a large piece of paper (if you worship around tables, then make the paper the tablecloth for this week) and marker pens. Ask them to individually and together in their small group, brainstorm practical answers to the question:

Jesus calls us to be a new community - how can we be that new and welcoming community inside and outside our church?  At the conclusion, stick up the sheets of paper around the walls, give everyone two sticker dots and two sticker stars and encourage them to stick the dots beside the two best ideas for being a new and welcoming church community and the two stars beside the two best ideas for being a part of a new and welcoming wider community.

Response Activity: Postcards

This is linked to the two Philip Yancey stories and some of the questions relating to the Gospel (above). Give everyone a business card/postcard/bookmark with the words "I am the one Jesus loves" (see above) printed upon it.

Also:

Communion Invitation:

Based on the gospel reading, this invitation can be found in Before the Amen by Maren C. Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirabassi, The Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2007, ISBN 9780829817508, page 131 (pictured at left).

Response Activity: You Are My Friends

From Bringing the Word to Life Together Year B by Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Mediacom, 2011, ISBN 9781921945038, page 81ff (pictured at right) .

Poem and prayer: steamed up

Found in Dad and Daughter by Ron Gordon and Jennie Gordon, 2012, ISBN 9780646586601, page 94 (pictured at left). These are based on the gospel reading.

Lots of Useful Stuff

Found in The Abingdon Creative Preaching Annual 2015 by Jenee Woodard (Ed.), Abingdon Press, Nashville, 2014, page 86ff. These ideas are based on all of the readings. 

Opening or Closing Response 

By Ruth Burgess in Fire and Bread, Wild Goose Publications, 2006, ISBN 9781905010301, page 128. 

Beautiful Illustrations of John's Gospel  connected to the Australian Outback

Found in The Gospel According to John Illuminated by Fiona Pfennigwerth, Tien Wah Press, Singapore, 2013, ISBN 9780646912462, page 48-50.

Prayer: Loving Hands

Found in Multi-Sensory Prayer by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2001, ISBN 1859994652, page 53 and based on the John reading.

 

Easter 5 B (April 28): Sharing What we Know/No Fear in Love

  

Readings: Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8

About the Images:

Upper Left: This image is mine so please feel free to use it as you wish for worship and related activities. This obviously suits the John reading.

Upper Right: Microsoft free clip art and words by Eugene Peterson which are acknowledged on the image. I used this with the Acts reading.

Middle Left: Vineyards near Geelong, Victoria, Australia.  This image is mine so please feel free to use it as you wish for worship and related activities.

Middle Right: A free image  from the Hermano Leon site (see my link column at left).  I gave everyone a copy of this image in a small time of mediation and encouraged people to take image home to se as a prayer aid.  I suggested they colour in the image while praying about how they can nurture and encourage one another as part of a cohesive and supportive community.

Lower Left: This is a free Cerezo Barredo artwork - please see my link column at left.

Lower Right: A free Heartlight image - see my links in the column at left.

Bottom Left: Jesus the true vine icon - public domain

Decor:

If you are using the Acts reading, have the baptismal font with coloured lengths of cloth or arrows spread out in all directions from its base.

Illustration: Hampton Court Grapevine

Pictures are available by visiting Hampton Court on the web. 
NB: From Sandy with thanks: The Hampton Crt grapevine is apparently 240 years old, planted by the famous gardener Capability Brown:
http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/stories/palacehighlights/TheGreatVine which might make for an even better story given that he was an extremely proficient gardener who probably knew all about pruning, grafting etc etc..... also found a good youtube clip which shows how big it is. 

Listening Song: Power of the Gospel

by Ben Harper on his Fight for Your Mind album (pictured at right). I used this song with the Acts reading in respect to verse 35.

Film Clip: Horton Hears a Who

(pictured at left) Show the clip where the Mayor of Whoville tries to explain to his wife that there is someone much bigger than them who is looking out for them. I have now used this film three times  - it has some very useful stuff in it and not only engages the kids but engages the adults as well and makes it easy to have a multi-aged discussion. I once again used a clip from www.wingclips.com (see my links at left) - they do it so well!

Discussion: Horton Hears a Who

1. What is the Good News which we have to share?

2. How difficult is it for us to share the Good News?

3. What makes it difficult?

Film Clip: Forgiveness by Corrie Ten Boom

Kids: Basil the Branch

This is another brilliant book (pictured at right)  by Andrew McDonough, Lost Sheep Resources, 2006.  The great thing about these books is that they only around $A5 and for a further $A10 (or instead of) you can buy on line the story in any format you need to project the pictures in church.  There are also free activity sheets and for a cost activity books for both teachers and children.  Visit www.lostsheep.com.au to check out all the excellent resources.

Drama: The Search

Based on the Acts reading and found in Mega Drama 3 by Verona Johnson (ed) Openbook, 2002, ISBN 0859109178 (v.3), page 13, (pictured at left).

Choose Your Own Adventure

The Acts story turns into a great choose your own adventure. I thought the easiest way to explain this was to print the whole thing below and you should get the picture. It can be done on overheads or as a powerpoint or printed on separate pages and worked on in groups. Adults enjoy this as much as kids and teenagers.

PAGE 1

The Lord’s angel said to Philip, “Get ready and go south along the desert road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This road is not used nowadays).

So Philip

(a) got ready and went (go to page 7)

(b) realised that a desert road was a hot and probably dangerous place, was a little doubtful whether God would really want him to use that road instead of the freeway and decided that he could serve God better at home. (go to page 3)

PAGE 2:

Philip heard the man reading aloud from the book of Isaiah. Philip asked him, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The official answered: “How can I understand unless someone helps me?” He then invited Philip to come and sit beside him. Philip

(a) climbed up into the chariot (go to page 5)

(b) refused because he was too nervous to speak with such a high official and anyway he might be asked a question he couldn’t answer. Besides, he had forgotten to have his quiet time that morning and he was feeling a little out of sorts. (go to page 3)

PAGE 3:

So the Philip never did what God asked him to do and the Ethiopian official never heard about Jesus and never shared the good news with the people of Africa.

PAGE 4:

After they had come out of the water the Lord’s Spirit took Philip away. The official never saw him again, but he was very happy as he went on his way. Philip later appeared in Azotus. He went from town to town, all the way to Caesarea, telling people about Jesus.

PAGE 5:

The man was reading the passage that said,

‘He was led like a sheep on its way to be killed. He was as silent as a lamb whose wool is being shorn, and he didn’t say a word. He was treated like a nobody and didn’t receive a fair trial. How can he have children, if his life is snatched away.’ The official said to Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or about someone else”.

So Philip

(a) began at this place in the Scriptures and explained the good news about Jesus. (go to page 6)

(b) said that he was a little embarrassed talking about God

because it was such a personal thing and could he please be dropped of at the next oasis. (go to page 3)

PAGE 6

As they were going along the road, they came to a place where there was some water. The official said, “Look! Here’s some water. Why can’t I be baptised?” He ordered the chariot to stop. Then they both went down into the water and

Philip

(a) explained that he wasn’t sure whether this was the proper time and place or whether he was qualified to do it (go to page 3)

(b) baptised him. (go to page 4)

PAGE 7:

An important Ethiopian official happened to be going along that road in his chariot. He was the chief treasurer for Candace, the Queen of Ethiopia. The official had gone to Jerusalem to worship and was now on his way home. He was sitting in his chariot reading the book of the prophet Isaiah.The Spirit told Philip to catch up with the chariot.

Philip

(a) couldn’t think how he could possibly start a conversation while simultaneously running beside a chariot. He might even be arrested for stalking! Anyway the Ethiopian official was already reading his Bible so he probably didn’t need anybody telling him anything about God. So instead of trying to catch up with the chariot Philip took a well deserved break. (go to page 3)

(b) Philip ran up close (go to page 2)

Discussion Questions for the Acts Reading:

What does this story tell us about the way Phillip followed God?

What would help us to speak when we have the chance?

How can we take action?

How can we be involved in the world?

How can we know the message better?

Story: High Voltage

From Could Someone Wake Me Up Before I Drool On the Desk by Kevin Johnson, Bethany House, 1995, ISBN 1556614160, page 83, (pictured at left). This is a youth story about sharing the gospel.

Story: Big Shot Lawyer

Found, among many other places, in Illustrations, Stories and Quotes to Hang Your Message On by Jim Burns and Greg McKinnon, Gospel Light, 1997, page 29 (pictured at right). This goes well with 1 John reading.

Interesting Quote: Eugene Peterson

No life of faith can be lived privately. There must be overflow into the lives of others.

Sermon idea: Unconditional Love

Found in Resources For Preaching and Worship Year B compiled by Hannah Ward and Jennifer Wild, Westminster John Knox Press, 2002, ISBN 100664224776, pages 136-137 (pictured at left).

Poem/Meditation/introduction to the Gospel reading: The Vine
Found in Dandelions and Thistles: Biblical Meditations from the Iona Community by Jan Sutch Pickard (ed.) Wild Goose Publications, 1999, ISBN 1901557146, page 56 (pictured at left). This goes well with the gospel reading.

Poem and prayer: sacred secateurs

Found in Dad and Daughter by Ron Gordon and Jennie Gordon, 2012, ISBN 9780646586601, page 93 (pictured at right).These are based on the gospel reading.

Response Activity: Prayer Stations
Station 1: Have a prayer of confession written in such a way that people can read it to themselves and fill in the gaps.

Station 2: Put the quote above and the Acts discussion questions on a business card and provide a pen or pencil for people to write the answer to one of the questions on the back of the card.

Station 3: Have pens and pencils and copies of the Acts reading available for people to read and sit with, including instructions as follows: In your imagination, be present in the story as you slowly read it. On the back of the reading, write/draw any thoughts, feelings, discoveries, images or resolves that come to you.

Response Activity:

Give each person a card with a grapevine printed on it or a piece of paper cut into the shape of a vine leaf. Ask them to write a response to one of the final four questions from the discussion questions for the Acts reading (see above) on the back and then lay their leaf at the foot of a cross. While they do this, have some quiet music playing in the background.

Response Activity:

If you have a good sized grapevine or other vine, know some one who does or live in a wine growing area give everyone a vine clipping to take home and plant. If you live in Australia, please don't substitute  an English ivy clipping because people don't seem to be terribly happy when it takes over their whole garden and kills off every other living plant!

Also:

Response Activity:

From Bringing the Word to Life Together Year B by Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Mediacom, 2011, ISBN 9781921945038, page 79ff (pictured at right) .

Lots of Useful Stuff

Found in The Abingdon Creative Preaching Annual 2015 by Jenee Woodard (Ed.), Abingdon Press, Nashville, 2014, page 83ff (pictured at left). These ideas are based on all of the readings.

Kids: Basil and the Secateurs

This is another brilliant book  by Andrew McDonough, Lost Sheep Resources, 2006. This goes with the John reading too.  See above for more info.

Kids: Bill the Brilliant Branch

This is another brilliant book  by Andrew McDonough, Lost Sheep Resources, 2006. This goes with the John reading  too.  Think Andrew got a bit hung up on this story :)

Kids: The Gardener and the Vine

Another !!!!!! This is another brilliant book  by Andrew McDonough, Lost Sheep Resources, 2006. This goes with the John reading as well.  

Worship Activity: The Presence of God

By Jim Burns and Robin Dugall in Worship Experiences, Gospel Light, 1999, ISBN, 0830724044, page 83.  This is based on the Psalm.

Prayer Exercise: When God Seems Distant

Found in Prayer: Heart of the Pilgrimage by Jenny Youngman, Upper Room Books, Nashville, 2007, ISBN 0835898369, page 35.  This is based on the Psalm.

For Children and Families: God is Love

Found in Rewind by Beth Barnett, SUVictoria, 2011, ISBN987098710035, navigate from page 5. This is based on the gospel reading. 

Reflective Poem: On the Road

By Ruth Burgess in Fire and Bread, Wild Goose Publications, 2006, ISBN 9781905010301, pages 110. This is based on the Acts reading.

Opening or Closing Response 

By Ruth Burgess in Fire and Bread, Wild Goose Publications, 2006, ISBN 9781905010301, page 127. 

Beautiful Illustrations of John's Gospel connected to the Australian Outback

Found in The Gospel According to John Illuminated by Fiona Pfennigwerth, Tien Wah Press, Singapore, 2013, ISBN 9780646912462, page 48-49.

Service Starter: Philip Explains

Based on the Acts reading, this is found in The All-Age Service Annual Volume 4, published by Scripture Union, 2010, ISBN 9781844275199, page 56.

Non-Alcoholic Wine

Found in Messy Church 2 by Lucy Moore, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2008, ISBN 978 1 84101 602 3, page 204. This is based on the John reading.

Jesus' "I am" sayings: I am the True Vine

Found in Lucy Moore, Messy Church, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2006, ISBN 978 1 84101 503 3, page 106ff

Prayer: Fruit

Found in Multi-Sensory Prayer by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2001, ISBN 1859994652, page 42 and based on the John reading.

Call to Worship

By Jane O. Soronson 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 89. 

Prayer/Action: Wassailing

Found  in Going Home Another Way by Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2008,pages 115 and based on the John reading.