Palm Sunday B (April 5): After the cheering has stopped..../God is Coming

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Bible Readings: Isiaah 50:4-9a, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, Philippians 2:5-11,Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16 About the Images: Above: This photo is mine and taken at Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia. If you want to find out more about Broome visit http://www.broomevisitorcentre.com.au Below: This image comes from Hermanoleum Clipart (http://www.cruzblanca.org/hermanoleon) and has my text added. Skit: After the cheering has stopped..... A group of people to come in waving palm branches and coats etc. yelling and cheering. As they reach the front of the church one person notices the cross, points it out to the others and they all become very subdued. This person then lays his/her branch/coat at the foot of the cross and the others follow suit. The worship leader, after a short silence, says " …and after the cheering has stopped…..what?" This makes a good call to worship. I can't remember if I half inched this idea from someone or somewhere else or whether it is my own. Let me know if you know of another source for this idea and I'll gladly make due acknowledgement. Skit: The Extraordinary Event Found in Mega Drama 3 by Verona Johnson (Ed.) Openbook, 2002, ISBN 0859109178 (v.3), page 60, (pictured in an earlier post). Prayer/Confession: Going Up to Jerusalem Found in Eggs and Ashes by Ruth Burgess and Chris Polhill, Wild Goose Publications, 2004, ISBN 1901557871, page 127 (pictured at left). Listening Song: Chorus of Faith By Michael Card on his album, Joy in the Journey, Birdwing Music, 1994. Listening Song: Talk About It By Nicole C. Mullen on her album Talk About It (pictured at right) or on WOW 2003. Film Clip: John 12:12-16 From The Gospel of John by The Visual Bible Society (pictured in an earlier blog). Film Clips: Jesus Christ Superstar The musical film version of Jesus Christ Superstar (pictured at left) has two useful song clips for this week - because it is a musical, an audio effort could be made instead if you cannot show film clips. The two songs are Hossanna and Christ, You Know How I Love You. Film Clip: Horton Hears a Who There are plenty of clips in this film about Horton going to extreme lengths to save the Who. At one point when he is warmed of the dire consequences of doing so, he reiterates that he is faithful. Very like Jesus who knew that the his entry into Jerusalem was leading him ever closer to his death - but he remained faithful and ever determined to be our Saviour. www.Wingclips.com has a great Horton clip for this idea. Discussion: Horton Hears a Who 1. Why won't Horton give up on the Who even when he is threatened? 2. How are Jesus and Horton similar? Story: The Visit By Adrian Plass in The Final Boundary, Minstral, 1987, ISBN 1854240935, page 149ff. This brilliant modern day parable is too long for a service but the first section has a great scene which challenges us to think about how we would celebrate Jesus' arrival in our midst. Prayer: Headline Prayers Project some news items. Pray together for those who make the headlines this week. Response Activity: Palm Crosses While gentle music plays, encourage everyone to make a palm cross. Have the instructions printed out on A5 sheets for everyone and make sure a few people can already confidently make them so that they can guide others who may have difficulties. Clear instructions are available from www.king ofpeace.org/palmcrosses/. At the conclusion of the activity encourage people to lay their cross at the foot of the cross as you pray about the implications of the Easter week. Response Activity: If You Were In the Crowd This idea is found in Worship Ideas For Group Ministry, Group Publishing, 1997, ISBN 076442002X, page 50 (pictured at right). Based on the gospel readings. To Take Home: Business cards or bookmarks Print with the following readings to lead into Easter: Today: The Parade: Mark 11:1-11 Monday:The Temple: Mark 11:12-19 Tuesday: The Conflict: Mark 11:20-13:27 Wednesday: The Preparation: Mark 14:1-10. Thursday: The Farewell: Mark 14:12-31 Friday: The Death: Mark 14:32-15:47 Saturday: The Silence: Mark 16:1 Sunday: The Winner: Mark 16:2-20.

Lent 4 B (March 22): Unconditional Love

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Bible readings: Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22, John 3: 14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10 About the images: Top: Mediacom free clipart with my text. Bottom: My photo - feel free to use it. Listening Song:: Speechless By Steven Curtis Chapman on his album, Speechless, or on WOW 2000 (pictured in an earlier blog). Listening Song: Call My Name By Third Day on their album, Revelation, or on WOW 2009 (pictured at right). This song matches well with the Gospel reading. Prayer of Confession: In this World Found in Stages on the Way by The Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Resource Group, 1998, ISBN 1876357363, page 55 (pictured in an earlier blog). Film Clip: Les Miserables From the end of the credits (the first scene) startiong with the convict walking the streets and ending with the priest blessing him and giving him a second chance (pictured in an earlier blog). Film Clip: Walking Across Egypt (pictured at left).Show the clip where Mattie argues with her children about when she should stop loving and caring for Wesley. I got this clip from www.wingclips.com in their "unconditional love" section. This site is well worth the subscription. Discussion: Walking Across Egypt 1. When does God stop loving us? 2. When should we stop loving others? Film Clip: Aladdin Show one of the clips where Aladdin tries to impress Princess Jasmine by pretending he is some thing that he is not - there is one particularly useful clip where his friends encourage him to tell her the truth but he can't do it. Discussion: Aladdin 1. Why was Aladdin pretending to be someone he was not? 2. Who was Aladdin trying to impress? 3. How do we sometimes try to find favour with God and with each other? Kid's Time: Learning John 3:16 Put the individual (or pairs or phrases) words of John 3:16 on big red hearts and distribute to various members of the congregation before the service. Ask them to hold them in front of them at the start of the children’s time. Ask kids to come out and look at the congregation and see if they can see anything odd. Tell them it is a secret message from God to them and ask them to find all the people with hearts, bring them to the front and then try to arrange the secret message so that it makes sense. The adults always help if it gets a little difficult :-) Kid's Story: The Sneeches The first story in The Sneeches and Other Stories by Dr Seuss, Dr Suess Enterprises, 1957, ISBN 0007158505 (pictured at right). This story can lead to a discussion about whether we need to do anything to be loved by God. Drama: The Tune Roughly based on a puppet play (but no longer using as many people or puppets) found in Drama Resources One from the South Australian Lutheran Youth Office. My version makes use of a fairly astute musician. Email me if you would like a copy. Drama: That's Not Fair Based on John 3:16-17 and written by Rosemary Broadstock and Ann Scull. Email me if you would like a copy. Story: Too Late Based on the Ephesians reading this story is found at http://www.powerpointsermons.com/?page=study&type=i&sermon_id=627&ttl=50&res_num=200. You need to scroll down the page to find it. Story: The Kiss In Hot Illustrations For Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties, 1194, ISBN 0310402611, page 131 (pictured in an earlier blog). This links well with the Gospel reading. Story: The First Shall be Last In Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks Book 4 by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 2001, ISBN 0310236193, page 160. (pictured in an earlier blog). This links well to the Ephesians reading. Response Activity: Unity In 40 Devotions that Work with Youth, by Geraldine Anderson (ed).,JBCE, 1983, ISBN 0858194147, page 58 (pictured at left). In the book this was intended to be a youth group devotion for the Ephesians reading however it can be quite easily adapted to suit a congregation and used as part of the sermon or as a conclusion. Try using post-it notes and a small portable cross instead of paper and the floor. Response Activity: Loving as God Loves Hand out pencils and A5 sheets or business cards (it's better to do this bit when people are arriving for the service) with the following words: God loved me and ………………. so much that he gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. God did not sent Jesus into the world to condemn me or ………….. God sent Jesus to save us. John 3:16-17. Give everyone a minute or two to talk to God and to fill in the blanks. Response Activity: Forgiven by God Found in Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1844271668, page 73 (pictured in an earlier blog). Response Activity: John 3:14-21 In response to this reading, I used three of the above activities: vv. 14-15: Forgiven By God vv. 16-17: Loving as God Loves vv. 18-21 The Tune Closing Prayer: You Call your Disciples Found in Stages on the Way, as above, (pictured in an earlier blog) page 59.

Lent 2 B (March 8): Discipleship

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Bible readings:Genesis 17:1-7,15-16, Psalm 22:23-31, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-18 Theme: Discipleship About the image: Above left: A smoky sunset Lake Tyers Beach (http://www.caravanparkphotos.com.au/lake_tyers_camp/index.htm). Looking out across an empty ocean is a good reminder that discipleship does not always have a perceived outcome. We must faithfully step out not always knowing what is to come or where we will end up. It is my photo so please feel free to use it. Above right: I just love this verse. The image is from Microsoft free clipart. Listening Song: Edge of the World On Beyond These Shores by Iona, 1993 (pictured at left) The cover insert has some good info on St Brendon. Story: The Chicken and the Pig Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice (ed.) Youth Specialities, 1994, ISBN 0310402611, page 63 (pictured in an earlier post). This story illustrates the cost of true discipleship. Story: Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer Go to http://www.dbonhoeffer.org/node/3 to find an amazing story of discipleship. Story: Life of St Brendan See http://www.heritage.nf.ca/exploration/brendan.html and http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintb21.htm for more info on St Brendan. Discussion Questions: What scares you most about being a disciple? What are the characteristics of a disciple? Useful Quote: "Christians in the west have largely neglected what it means to be a disciple of Christ. The vast majority of Western Christians are church members, pew fillers, hymn singers, sermon tasters, Bible readers, even born again believers or spirit filled charismatics - but not true disciples of Jesus". Found in Discipleship by David Watson, page 16 This book is out of print and I have lent my copy, never to see it again, so I can give you few details other than what I have here....sorry! Another Useful Quote: "For countless Christians in the West 'Discipleship' means little more than going to church regularly, giving a proportion of one's income -usually at best one tenth and often below that figure - and getting involved in a limited number of church activities". Also found in Discipleship by David Watson. Poem/Prayer: When I Became a Christian Found in Cleaning Away the Rubbish by Adrain Plass, by Minstral 1988, ISBN 1854240250, page 173 (pictured at right) Poem/Prayer: St Brendan's Prayer Found at http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stb21001.htm

Transfiguration B (February 22): Being a Light in the Darkness/ Staying Close to God

2009 Bushfire Update: Thank you to everyone who has contacted me to reassure us all of your prayers. It has been really heartwarming. Although there are no fires close to where I live at this stage, twelve or so fires continue to burn out of control. My state, Victoria, has so far suffered the loss of 209 lives, 1833 homes and 3 schools as well as heaps of infrastructure. Over 1,021,000 acres of land has been burnt to a crisp. Despite all this, there are signs of hope - arson has been discounted as the reason for a number of the fires, we had our first rain around here in two months, flood victims from the state of Queensland (up in the tropical north of Australia) have been seen sending their government assistance pay outs to fire victims, over 100 million dollars has been raised for fire relief (and we only have a total Aussie population of just over 20 million people), and relief agencies have have been sent more than enough clothing and offers of accommodation. However, the news each day is grim and the total impact continues to grow - a small population means a minimal degree of separation. We still very much need and value your prayers. To be informed as you pray, please visit the Australian Broadcasting Commission web site or www.theage.com. If you want to help financially, visit http://relieffund.org.au

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Bible Readings: Psalm 50:1-6, Mark 9:2-9, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Kings 2:1-12 Theme: Being a Light in the Darkness/Staying Close to God About the Images: These are both copyright free and from Wikimedia.com. I thought they were both great examples of 2 Corinthians 4:6b - God, who said, "Let light shine out of the darkness" has shone in our hearts. Kids Story: Make some flash cards with different emotions (eg smily face, sad face etc). Give each flash card to a different child and then tell the story of the 2 Kings or Mark reading. Ask the kids to listen carefully as you tell the story and to hold up their card when they think one of the characters feels like their card. Everybody then has to use their face to reflect that card. Youth Idea: Get a few kids to play a short game of the theatre sport Space Jump (if you don't know how to play this find out at http://phillips.personal.nccu.edu.tw/improv/jump.html) and then connect it to our lives and to the gospel story in that we are often so busy going from thing to thing that life often feels like a game of Space Jump and the disciples must have felt very much like they were playing a game of Space Jump with Jesus on the day of the transfiguration. Discussion Questions: Alone: When has God's glory touched you? Brainstorm Together: How did it make you feel? Together: How does this effect you in your daily life? Film Clip: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Show the part where Dumbledore, in his welcome address, talks about turning on the light - pictured at right. Discussion: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 1. What does Dumbledore mean when he says "Turn on the light" ? 2. How do we, as Christians, turn on the light in a dark world? Drama: Cleanliness is Next to Godliness Found in Mega Drama 3 by Verona Johnson (ed) Openbook, 2002, ISBN 0859109178 (v.3), page 92, (pictured in an earlier post). Based on the Gospel reading. Story: A Candle in the Darkness Found in More Hot Illustrations for Youth by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 1995, ISBN 0310207681 (pictured in an earlier blog). This story connects particularly with the 2 Corinthians reading but also with the others. Prop (for above story): Use a self igniting candle and explain: Daniel’s light shone very brightly (light candle) - sometime ours does too and at other times it is just a tiny glow. But, no matter what happens, once we have met God, there is no reason why our light should ever go out (blow out self lighting candle and then pause while candle reignites). The trick is to stay close to God. Story: Life Story No 148 in Your Point Being by Graham H. Twelftree, Monarch Books, 2003, ISBN 1854245929 (UK), (pictured at left). This also fits well with the Corinthians reading. Listening Song: Go Light Your Candle by Kathy Troccoli on Sounds of Heaven 1995, Greatest Hits 2003, or WOW 1996. Action/Response: Ask kids to hand out a small birthday candle to each member of the congregation. Encourage everybody to light their candle each dinner time this week to remind them of the light of God.

Epiphany 6 B (February 15): Healing/Are We Rocks or Diamonds

Bushfires: Yesterday, Victoria, the state in which I live, had the hottest day (46-low 50'sC) with the lowest humidity (4%) on record - this weather was accompanied by hot and dry storm force winds. Always a part of Australia prone to bush fires, this was the recipe for a disaster. Fires broke out all over the state and the present death toll stands at 181 and still counting and the housing loss stands at 1830 and still counting. The fires have burnt vast areas. Many, many people, farms and towns have been impacted in all sorts of ways and it is not over yet. The bushfires are far from out. If you want to help, visit http://relieffund.org.au/ If you would like to see what the day was like, visit the Australian Broadcasting Commission web site (or CNN or BBC) and watch a few of the videos or listen to some of the audios. We would very much value your prayers.

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Bible Readings: 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 

Themes: 1. Healing. 2. Are We Rocks or Diamonds? 

  About the images: Left: This is a free image from www.heartlight.org. A really great site. Right: This is a photo from my church. It shows the healing found in community. I love looking at their faces. Feel free to use it. 

Listening Song; Never Alone by Barlow Girl on their CD, Never Alone or on WOW Hits 2005 For those in areas suffering from the above bushfires, this song is a beauty if accompanied by images of the recent fires. 

Video Clip: Star Trek V: The Last Frontier Copyright 1989: Paramount Pictures. Show first scene straight after Paramount promo and before credits – stop where J’onn rests his head on the rider’s chest. 

Discussion: Star Trek V: The Last Frontier How does the caped horseman help J'onn? How can we be helpers for each other? What are the risks?

Kids Story: The Man Who Took Seven Baths by Joann Schek, Arch Books, 1970.(pictured at right) 

  Drama: Look at Me in Mega Drama 3,Open Book 2002, ISBN 0859109178 (v.3), pp 54-55 (pictured in an earlier blog)

Story: Jimmy and the Genie Found in More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 1995 ISBN 0310207681,(pictured at left), page 96-97. The Naaman story is a Jimmy and the Genie story because the rocks turn out to be diamonds and the diamonds turn out to be rocks.

Meditation: 

Give each member of the congregation a heart with a bandaid sized tear in it and mention that all of us require the healing touch of God all of the time. Invite each member of the congregation to silently write in tiny writing around the tear on their paper heart, the healing that they are looking for.Play A Day Without Rain by Enya on A Day Without Rain whilst they are doing this. Then read Pethla in He Was in the World: Meditations for Public Worship by John Bell, Wild Goose, 1995, ISBN 094798870X, pp 30-33 (pictured in an earlier blog). Finally, distribute bandaides to everyone, and invite them to place the bandaid over the tear and the words on their torn heart. Let the mended hearts be a reminder both of the healing they have received from God, and the healing that they can bring to others. \

Epiphany 4 B (February 1): Power and Authority

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Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 

About the Images: Left: Lake Tyers beach early in the morning, East Gippsland, Australia (http://www.caravanparkphotos.com.au/lake_tyers_camp/index.htm). Nothing like a stormy sunrise to remind you of God's power and authority. My photo - so feel free to use it. Right: A compilation of microsoft free clipart.

Listening Song: Healing Rain By Michael W Smith on his album, Healing Rain, or on WOW 2006 (pictured at left) Story: Sarah Windchester's Story Found in In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado, Word, 1991, pp. 193-195. A good example of the demon of guilt. Story: Aristotle's Claims Find this story at http://onelifeministries.org/PathOfSpirit/090507_TruthClaimsandDiscernment.asp under the heading Wisdom. This story makes a good contrast with Jesus' authority in the gospel reading. Kid's Story: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, Randon House, 1963 (pictured at right) Story: Jesus Walks His Talk This story is found at http://net.bible.org/illustration.php?id=4708 under the heading Need for Godly Leaders but I like my title better :-) Story: No One Stops Them Ringing Their Bells This story is found at http://www.calvaryriverton.org/sermons/debbie/s-012906.html when you type "Alexander Solzhenitsyn" in Find. It is about the meaning of authority. This story is actually embedded in this site in a sermon on the Corinthians reading. Drama: Not Everyone Knows This in Mega Drama 3, Verena Johnson (ed), Openbook 2002,ISBN 0859109178 (v.3) page 34 (pictured at left) Image: The Scream by Edvard Munch. Great picture portraying the demon of loneliness, social isolation etc etc. Quote: Etty Hillesum My battles are fought out inside with my own demons (from An Interrupted Life) Quote: Frederick Buechner God does not give us neat answers, he gives us himself. Quote; Frederick Buechner It suddenly dawned on them that their wildest dreams hadn't been half wild enough. Film Clip: Arthur and the Invisibles There is a great clip when Arthur has his 10th birthday which portrays the demon of parental neglect. (pictured at right) Discussion: Arthur and the Invisibles 1. What makes Arthur really sad? 2. What happens when we are hurt badly by something someone does or says to us? 3. As Christians, how can we cope? Adult response: Give everyone a piece of paper and a pencil. Ask: What is bothering you most? Is their something specific in your life or is there someone you love who needs the healing touch of Jesus? What ever it is, write it down on the piece of paper and lay it at the foot of the cross to signify that you want Jesus to have the authority from now on in that situation from now on.

                    

Christmas Eve B: Rejoice

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Bible Readings:Isaiah 9:2-7 Luke 2:1-20 Theme: Rejoice/Light of the World Decor: White and gold cloth and floating tea lights in clear glass bowls. Call to Worship/Proclamation: This, Tonight is the Meeting Place From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 83 (pictured in an earlier blog). We read this while playing Anthem Part 3 from the CD Powaqquatsi (pictured in an earlier blog) in the background. Listening Song: Hope Found on Jonathan Elias's compilation album, Prayer Cycle (pictured at left). Listening Song: A Holy Night By Point of Grace on the album, WOW Christmas (pictured in an earlier blog). Listening Song: Mary, Did You Know? By Kathy Mattea on the album, WOW Christmas (pictured in an earlier blog). One year we used this song as the framework for the whole Christmas eve service. Listening Song: Life Uncommon By Jewel on her album, Spirit (pictured in an earlier blog). Listening Song: Gaudete By Cantillation on the compilation CD, Peace on Earth. Drama: In their Shoes Found in Mega Drama 2 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910916Xv2, page 98 (pictured in an earlier blog). Drama: The Incarnation From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 86ff (pictured in an earlier blog). Meditation: Comfort My People By Roddy Hamilton and found on his blog, Mucky Paws (see link at left) in his December 2005 archive. Stories/Sermon: Four Shoes For the Nativity By Roddy Hamilton and found on his blog, Mucky Paws (see link at left) in his December 2005 archive. Story/Sermon: Good King Wenceslas Use this carol as a parable. A great source for this is Good King Wenceslas by John Mason Neale and Christopher Manson, North South Books, 1994, ISBN 1558583211. Story: Take Hold of Love By Henry Carter in Christmas Stories of the Heart by Alice Gray (Ed.) Multnomah Books, 1997, ISBN 1576731847, page 28. Poem: Mary's Song By Lucy Shaw. I can't remember which of her books this poem comes from but you can find the poem at http://maggidawn.typepad.com/maggidawn/2006/12/poems_for_chris_2.html. I used the words with images and played Psalmus Ode by Vangelis from his CD, Reprise, as a backing (pictured at right) Meditation: Image of the Invisible God By Adrian Plass in his book And Jesus Will Be Born, Zondervan, 2003, ISBN 0007130511, page 123ff. I matched each line with an image and played Aeterna Lux by Libera on their self titled album, as backing. Prayer for Others: In the Face of the Gospel From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 115 (pictured in an earlier blog). Response Activity: It would not be a Christmas Eve Service at our church if we did not light the Christ Candle on the stroke of midnight, light out tapers from it and then sing Joy to the World together in the candle light.