Easter 3 A (6th April 2008): On the Road Again.

There is an 2026 updated version of this post - see archive at left.

Bible Readings: Acts 2:14a, 3-41, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 Theme: On the Road Again

About the Image:
Free from http://www.servicioskoinonia.org/cerezo/dibujosA/25PascuaA3.jpg

Kid's Story: Oh, It's You!
This is a great way to introduce the gospel story. Project or show a half a dozen photos of members of the church who are well known to the children. Show photos that are hard to recognise - I used dated photos where hairstyles were quite different (or gone!) and baby photos. Talk with the children about times when it is hard to recognise people for all sorts of reasons ; eg; you weren't expecting to see them, they were wearing sports gear instead of ordinary clothes...whatever.

Kid's Story: There's a Sea in My Bedroom
By Margaret Wild and Jane Tanner, Nelson, 1984, ISBN 0170064581 (pictured at right). David expected the sea to be dangerous and frightening but his father and a shell helped him to think about the sea in a new way. The two disciples in the gospel were frightened until Jesus helped them see everything in a new way.

Drama: I Was the Happiest
Found in Let's Make A Scene by Verena Johnson, Lutheran Publishing House, page 58 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Drama: The Road to Emmaus
Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910915, page 96 (pictured in an earlier post).

Film Clip: Bruce Almighty
Chapter 5: When God tries to get Bruce's attention and he ignores all the signs.(pictured at left)

Discussion: Bruce Almighty
Why can't Bruce see all God's messages to him?
When do we fail to recognise that God is with us?

Poem: Luke 23:34
Found in In Due Season by Herbert F Brokering, Augsburg Publishing, 1966 in the Autumn section.

Listening Song; All I Need
By Bethany Dillon (single) or on WOW 2005.

Discussion:
What happens if you take Jesus' resurrection out of your life?

Story: Prayer and Meditation
Found as story No 201 in Your Point Being? by Graham H. Twelftree, Monarch, 2003, ISBN 1854245929 (pictured in an earlier blog). This story makes a great introduction to the psalm.

Story: Resurrection
Story 568 in 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers and Writers by Craig Brian Larson and Leadership Journal, Baker Books, 2002, ISBN 0801091551, (pictured in an earlier blog)

Meditation/Quote:William H. Willimon
"If you want to experience the resurrection of Jesus Christ in your life, where you live, just get up in the morning and put one foot in front of the other and head down the road. Follow the way. But please, go with a bit of imagination. Walk with the expectation of the possibility of surprise." This quote goes very well with images and reflective music. From Mediacom Preaching Resources, April 10 2005.

Response Activity:
Project the question: What helps you recognise God's presence in your life?
Have nine work stations around your worship space each with some craft materials such as paints, pencils, paper, etc etc and each with an individual answer to the above question: e.g., Spending time Alone with God, Talking with a Trusted Spiritual Adviser, Being Part of a Study Group, Going to Church, Communion, Reading the Bible, Music, Getting Back to the Bush, Other. Ask people to go to the station they relate to best with respect to the projected question. Ask each work station group to make a one minute presentation to encourage the rest of the congregation to use their method to recognise God's presence in their lives.

Good Friday A (21st March 2008):

There is an 2026 updated version of this post - see archive at left.

Bible Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Psalm 22, Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42

About the image:
Free from http://www.cruzblanca.org/hermanoleon/semsanta/3viernes/viernes.htm - a really great lectionary based clip art site.

Start the service
by projecting images from Jesus life to music. I used about 20 images and backed them with 'In Mcdonalds" by Burial on his album, Untrue.

Poem: The Pain of Peter
Found in A Bloke Called Jesus by Pro Hart and Norman Habel, Rigby, 1982, ISBN 0727017586, page 32 (pictured at right).

Poem: The Politics of Pilate
Found in A Bloke Called Jesus by Pro Hart and Norman Habel, Rigby, 1982, ISBN 0727017586, page 34 (pictured at right).

Listening Song: Thief
By Third Day on their self titled album.

Listening Song: Walk Him Along
by Leigh Newton - download found at www.leighnewton.com

Drama: Stages on the Way
From Stages on the Way by The Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Resource Group, 1998, ISBN 1876357363, page 44 (pictured at left).

Drama: The Signal
Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910915, page 82 (pictured in an ealier blog)

Reading: They Went Out and Followed Him
From Stages on the Way by The Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Resource Group, 1998, ISBN 1876357363, page 130.

Response Activity: The Colours Of Good Friday
Found in Multi-Sensory Seasons by Wendy Rayner and Annie Slade, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1844271757, page 29.

Meditation: Voices From the Crowd
From Stages on the Way by The Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Resource Group, 1998, ISBN 1876357363, page 144

Response Activity: Laying Our Burdens Down
From Stages on the Way by The Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Resource Group, 1998, ISBN 1876357363, page 163

Useful music for praying/meditating:
Albinoni: Adagio in G Minor
Bach: Air on a G String
Moby: Novio
Part: Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten
Vivaldi: Largo from Flautino Concerto in C Major.

Palm Sunday A (16th March 2008): What's Your Donkey?

There is an 2026 updated version of this post - see archive at left.

Bible Readings: Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Theme: What's Your Donkey?

About the image:

Australian tree fern - my photo so use as you wish

Kid's Story: The Donkey's Tale
By Margaret Gray, Scripture Union, 1984, ISBN 0862012414 (pictured at left).

Drama: Look He's Coming
Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910915, page 71 (pictured in an earlier post).

Drama: Not Quite What I Expected
Found in Let's Make Another Scene by Verena Johnson, Open Book Publishers, 1995, ISBN 0859107620, page 56 (pictured in an earlier blog)

Poem: Psalm 118:22
Found in In Due Season by Herbert F Brokering, Augsburg Publishing, 1966 in the Summer section under Psalm 118:22.

Listening Song: The Chorus of Faith
By Michael Card on his album, Joy in the Journey (pictured at right).

Listening Song: Carmen Christi
By Michael Card on his album, The Final Word. It is a sung version of the Philippians reading.

Prayer for others: Ride on, Ride on
From Stages on the Way by The Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Resource Group, 1998, ISBN 1876357363, page 78 (pictured in an earlier post).

Response Activity: What is my Donkey?
The following is a response to a reflection which concentrates on the gift of the donkey by an unknown donkey owner and what sort of gifts we have which we have the option of using to further God's work in the world. Give everyone a small business card with a palm Sunday illustration on it together with the words "What is my donkey". Give people time to think about their gifts and talents and how they use them to further God's kingdom.

Response Activity: Towards the Cross
Found in Multi-Sensory Seasons by Wendy Rayner and Annie Slade, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1844271757, page 18. Heaps of great stuff.

Lent 5 A (9th March 2008): The Power of Hope/God's Big Surprises

There is an 2026 updated version of this post - see archive at left.

Bible Readings: Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45
Theme: The Power of Hope / God's Big Surprises

Kid's Story:Emotion Faces
As I have mentioned in earlier blogs I have a set of large cards with dinner plate sized round faces drawn upon them. Each face depicts a different emotion; happy, sad, puzzled, angry, surpised etc etc. The gospel story this week really lends itself to these emotion cards.Tell the story (or get a good story teller to tell the story) and either have kids pick the face which goes with a particular part of the story or hold up the appropriate card and get the kids (and the congregation) to mimic the face or act out the emotion.

Film Clip: The Shawshank Redemption
After Brooks kills himself after being released from prison and Andy has just completed two weeks in solitary confinement for playing Mozart over the prison speaker system, Red and Andy have a fascinating conversation about hope. Show the conversation.(pictured at left)

Discussion: On The Shawshank Redemption film clip
1. What is Red's attitude to hope?
2. What is Andy's opinion of hope?
3. What value is hope for us?

Film Clip: The Hurricane
Show the scene where Rubin quotes Genesis 49 and tells Lesera that it is his love that has raised/saved him and given him new life.

Film Clip: Castaway
Show the clip which is about 1hour 40 minutes in from the credits where Wilson, the volley ball which Chuck becomes so attached to in his loneliness that he treats it as real person, falls loose. Chuck repeats "I'm sorry, Wilson" over and over again.

Discussion: On Castaway Film Clip
What sort of situations cause us to grieve and make us sad?
How can we survive grief?

Artwork: The Raising of Lazarus, 1990
By Pro Hart. Ask people to look at the different expressions on the people surrounding Lazarus.Relate this to the responses some people may have had to Ezekiel's life giving vision. Then ask people to think about how they respond to the Good News of the gospel and mention that,depending on our circumstances at different times, we are not always overjoyed. Ask them to look at the painting to see if they can see their present response somewhere in it.

Bible Reading: John 11:1-45
This is a very long reading for any church service despite being a great story. Try it as a Good News Bible reading via the relevant film clip from the Vision Bible film of The Gospel of John (pictured in an earlier clip) or read it as a beautiful and moving story from Walter Wangerin Junior's book The Book of God, Zondervan, 1996, ISBN 0310200059, page 756 ff.

Story: Comfort
Found as story No 31 in Your Point Being? by Graham H. Twelftree, Monarch, 2003, ISBN 1854245929 (pictured in an earlier blog)

Listening Song: Panis Angelicus
By Russel Watson on his album, The Voice.

Listening Song: You Raise Me Up
By Selah on their album, Hiding Place, and on WOW 2005.(pictured at right)

Meditation: Lazarus
In He Was in the World: Meditations for Public Worship by John Bell, Wild Goose, 1995, ISBN 094798870X, pp 77 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Meditation: Prayers That Jesus Hears
Found in Present on Earth by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose, 2002, ISBN 0901557642, page 93 (pictured in an earlier blog).

Prayer for Others/Response Activity
This one needs a bit of work on your part before the service. Boil the meat off one or two chooks (translate "chicken" for the non Australians) and then dry the bones in an oven (at least you get a good feed for your efforts :-) ) Give everyone a chicken bone before or during the Ezekiel reading. During the prayer for others or response activity project or give out the words of the Bishop Oscar Romaro quote (below). Encourage people in a time of silence to talk to God about a situation they consider to be hopeless or beyond them to solve. Ask them to give the situation to God to deal with by placing their dried bone at the foot of the cross.

Quote: Bishop Oscar Romero
"We are living in a black night but Christianity discerns that beyond the night the dawn already glows. The hope that does not fail is carried in the heart. Christ goes with us."

Response Activity: Three Choices
Let people choose between:
1. Watch a powerpoint meditation. I put images and music to Bruce Prewer's From Death to Life found at http://home.alphalink.com.au/~nigel/DocA/24LENT5.htm
or
2. Group Discussion:
a) How does Jesus' response to Lazarus' death and Mary's weeping help you to trust him more?
b) What have you found helpful when you are called upon to help a friend who is undergoing a hard time?
or
3. Make cards for people who are sad.

Transfiguration of Jesus A (2008): Finding God

There is an 2026 updated version of this post - see archive at left.

Bible Readings: Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 2 or Psalm 99, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9. Theme:Finding God

About the photo:
I took this photo in the Australian high country where it snows in winter. Sometimes the light up there is really amazing and the mountains seem to glow. Feel free to use this photo.
Kid's Story: Westlandia
By Paul Fleischman (Author), Kevin Hawkes (Illustrator), Candlewick Press, ISBN 9780763600068 (pictured at right)
Discussion:
Share a time when you have experienced the presence of God? Story: The Job Applicant
Found in In Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties, 1994, ISBN 0310402611, page 126 (pictured in an earlier blog)
Story: The Boy and The Circus
In Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties, 1994, ISBN 0310402611, page 56 (pictured in an earlier blog)
Listening Song: Shine
By Newsboys on their album, Going Public (pictured at left), or on WOW 1996.
Listening Song: Jubilate
By Robert Prizeman on the album, Libera (pictured on an earlier blog).
Adult Response:
Give every one a pencil and a card with a mountain pictured on it.
Suggest: Let's think of ways we can "climb the mountain" and put ourselves in places where God can reveal His presence to us.
Have a minute or so in silence.
Play a piece of thinking music - Jubilate (above) works really well.
Use the card to write a prayer, draw a picture, compose a poem or put down a resolution.
Not sure where I got this idea from = let me know if it's not mine.

Epiphany 3 A (14th January 2008): Discipleship 101/Abandoning the Boats

There is an 2026 updated version of this post - see archive at left.

Bible Readings: Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1,4-9, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23
Theme: Discipleship 101/Abandoning the Boats

About the Image:
Abandoned whaler on Norfolk Island - it's my photo so feel free to use it.
Discussion:
Was there a definable moment when you became a Christian?
What changed most for you if you did have a definable moment?
Is conversion the end of the story?
Film Clip: Meet the Parents
Show the clip where Kevin shows off his carpentry skills and says he does it because he wants to follow in Jesus' footsteps. (about 55 minutes from the start)
Discussion: On Meet the Parents
What does it mean to be one of Jesus' disciples? WEill being a good carpenter do it?
2. What sshould we do to be good disciples?
Story: If Jesus Showed Up at Your School
Found in Could Someone Wake Me Up Before I Drool On The Desk by Kevin Johnson, Bethany House Publishers, 1995, ISBN 1556614160, pp11 (pictured at right)
Story: Soren Kierkegaard's Train Passengers
I don't know which book of his this is in but I found reference to this illustration in Rivers in the Desert edited by Rowland Croucher, Albatross books, 1991, ISBN 086760137X, page 253.
Story: To Have It Within
Found in Speakers Source Book of New Illustrations by Virgil Hurley, Word Publishing,1995, ISBN 0849936756, page 40
Story: Fishers of Men Part 2
In When You Walk by Adrian Plass, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 1997, ISBN 0745935524, page 130-1.
Listening Song: Jesus Freak
By dc Talk on their album, Jesus Freak (pictured at left).
Listening Song: In the Light
By dc Talk on their album Jesus Freak (pictured at left).
Meditation: We Did Not Want to Go
In He Was in the World: Meditations for Public Worship by John Bell, Wild Goose, 1995, ISBN 094798870X, pp 87 (pictured in an earlier blog).
Mediation/Poem: Unnamed
By Philip Andrews and found in Imaging the Word Volume 2 by Susan A. Blain, Sharon Iverson Glouwens, Catherine O'Callaghan, Grant Spradling (Eds.), United Church Press, 1995, ISBN 0829810331, page 125. (pictured in an ealier blog). I put images with this and used Look Back In by Moby from his album, 18, as backing.
Response Activity:
Display heaps of printed images and words around the worship space and ask people to choose a couple which most explain how they feel about or what they think in response to the Bible reading. Ask people to share why they chose the cards and or words which they did.
NB. www.innovativeresources.org make an amazing set of cards called Signposts which work really well with this activity.

Proper 28 C (18 November 2007): Following God/Perseverance

There is an updated 2025 blog for this week with more resources - please find it in my archives on the left of this page. 

Bible Readings: Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19
Theme: Following God/Perseverance

About the Image:
Free from http://www.salisbury-church.org
Kid's Story: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
By Judith Vorst and Ray Cruz, Angus and Robertson, 1972, ISBN 0207151375 (pictured at right)
Listening Song: Legacy
By Nichole Nordeman on her album, Woven and Spun or WOW 2004.
Exercise: Fake Money
Ask all the youth to come forward for free money. Give them Monolopy money and then have a discussion on how you tell the difference between real money and fake money. Relate this to "who do we listen to" below.
Film Clip: Ice Age
Show the scenes at the very beginning of this film where Scrat holds on to his nut no matter what happens. (pictured at left)
Film Clip Group Discussion: Ice Age
How is Scrat a picture of perserverence?
Make a list together of some of the things in life you think are worth persevering with?
Film Clip: Titanic
The scene near the begin as they are all the wharf just before boarding the Titanic and all the claims are made about how strong and beautiful - and unsinkable - it is. fits well with "Who do you depend on" below.
Discussion: On the Thessalonians reading
How an we encourage each other not to be discouraged, to never give up, to persist?
Story: Leadership
Found as story No 147 in Your Point Being? by Graham H. Twelftree, Monarch, 2003, ISBN 1854245929 (pictured in an earlier blog). Fits well with the Thessalonians reading about following instructions.
Story: Sewing the Sheets
Found in Still More Hot Illustrations For Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 1999, ISBN 0310224640, page 68 (pictured in an earlier blog). Fits well with the Thessalonians reading about following instructions.
Story: Prophecy/Harper's Weekly
Index 2889-2894 from Bible Illustrator for Windows Version 1.0d, Parsons Technology Inc., 1990. Fits well with "Who do you turn to?" below.
Story: Fear
Index 856-859 from Bible Illustrator for Windows Version 1.0d, Parsons Technology Inc., 1990. Fits well with "Where do you get Your words?" below.
Drama: Who Do You Depend on
This drama is based on the Luke reading for this week. Use hymns, film clip, poems, stories and prayers between the sections and do not have a sermon. Please accept my apologies for the format glitches in a few places - they are beyond my control,
1. WHO DO YOU DEPEND ON?
Reader: Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God.
A: (looking around) Isn’t this just the most beautiful church, you’ve ever seen?
B: Yes, we definitely have the nicest one in Paynesville (put your own town here).
A: We dedicated it to God, and he certainly has blessed us!
B: I’m sure the others in town would love to have what we’ve got.
Reader: But Jesus said: As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.
2. WHO DO YOU LISTEN TO?
Reader: They asked Jesus:
A & B: Teacher, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?
Reader: He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming,
A: I am the One!
B: The time is near!
A: Follow me
B: Listen to me!
Reader: But Jesus said: Do not follow them.
3. WHO DO YOU TURN TO?
Reader: Jesus said: When you hear of wars and revolutions.....
A: The war in Afghanistan reached a new intensity today as missiles landed.........
B: The residents of the city continue to live in fear. Police have been unable to withstand rioters and looters.....
Reader: Jesus said: Do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away. Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
A: Military exercises continued today in foreign waters. Response was swift with ....
B: Planes carried out a surprise bombing attack before daybreak today .....
Reader: Jesus said: There will be great earthquakes
A: More than one hundred thousand people lost their lives in a devastating earthquake. Authorities say the quake measured 8.1 on the Richter scale ....
Reader: ......sickness.......
B: These virus’s continue to spread our the community. Health authorities claim they are in epidemic proportions and show no signs of letting up ....
Reader: .........famines in various places,.............
A: Two more shipments of food reached port but never made it to the starving masses. Warlords continue to control .......
Reader: Jesus continued: Fearful events and great signs will come from heaven.
B: Scientists claim two asteroids are on a collision course...
A: How much science fiction can become actual reality?
4. WHERE DO YOUR LOYALTIES LIE?
Reader: Jesus said: But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you.
A: You’re under arrest!
B: Take that!
A: No video tape so lets give ‘em a good thumping!
B: Teach them a lesson!
Reader: Jesus said: They will deliver you to synagogues
A: Don’t you know the stories about Jesus aren’t really true?
B: If your Christianity really worked you wouldn’t be suffering like this.....
Reader: ... and put you in jail
A: We’ll put you away for good!
Reader: ......and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.
B: Why do you believe when it is against the law?
A: You are going against the very things your country stands for. You traitor!
5. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR WORDS?
Reader: But this will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry before hand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
B: Well, actually, you make a lot of sense.
A: I think I’ll have to think about this - you have a point.
Reader: You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends.......
B: Come on, I’m your mother. After all I‘ve done for you, how can you waste your life following Jesus.
A: I’ve been your best friend since kinder. You’re too smart for all this. You’ve been brainwashed.
Reader: and they will put some of you to death. All people will hate you because of me.
A & B: Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!
Reader: But Jesus said: But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.”
c. R. Broadstock and A. Scull (please feel free to adapt)
Response Activity:
Have a large mural sized piece of paper that all your congregation can fit around and have lots of felt markers (texta) available. In the middle of the paper have the three main points from the Thessalonians reading written in very large letters: Follow Instructions, Do Your Bit, Never Give up. Ask people to visualise in turn their lives, their families, their workplace and their church community. Allow a little time for them to think about their contribution to each of these areas - what they contribute to make each of these areas a place of worship and service and places imbued with God's love and understanding. Encourage them to write unsigned responses on the mural (encourage people to use it like a graffiti board). I used this idea in 2004 and I am not sure (forgotten) if this idea is mine or somebody gave it to me. I am happy to acknowledge a source if someone can enlighten me.