Pentecost B (May 31): I Will Give My Spirit To Everyone

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Readings: Ezekiel 37:1-14, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27 About the images: Top: Mine so please feel free to use it. Bottom: This is a photo of the inside of my kitchen stove so you are free to use it. Have a birthday cake big enough for everybody to share - after all, it is the church's birthday. Kids Story: Unknown By Colin Thompson and Anna Pignataro, published by Hodder Headline in Australia and Walker Books in the U.S.A, 2002. ISBN 0733613551 (Aust) or ISBN 0802787304 (U.S.A.) The left picture is the Australian cover and the right picture is the American cover - both found at Colin Thompson's site. (Thanks to Rev Andrew Donnelly for this book suggestion). Kids Story: Popcorn Disciples Retell the Acts story using pop corn and a popcorn maker by comparing the unpopped corn in the container with the disciples in the room beforehand – all small and shriveled and hard and contained in a small space. Then turn on the popcorn maker and compare the heat and the hot air in the maker with the Holy Spirit. When the corn pops compare the corn with the disciples afterwards – all big and soft, open and fluffy - and popping up everywhere!! Film Clip : The Dripping Tap On Leunig Animated, Fruitcup Films, 2001 (pictured in an earlier blog) This clip is a great introduction to the first part of the Ezekiel reading as is the Keith Green song/poem (below) and the discussion questions (below). Poem or Listening Song: My Eyes Are Dry by Keith Green, Ears to Hear Music. Listening Song: Burning Like Fire By Iona on their album, Beyond These Shores, 1993 (pictured in an earlier blog). Discussion Questions based on the Ezekiel reading: When can there be dryness in our lives? When can our lives be disconnected and scattered? Story: Holy Spirit Holes in Medieval Churches Google "Holy Spirit Holes" and you will find heaps of descriptions of these - a great illustration for encouraging people to open up their lives to God's power. Response activity: Give everyone a birthday cake candle. Project the words "Holy Spirit come into my life and.....". Ask people to mentally fill in the rest of the sentence and then come forward and light their candle as they pray the whole sentence. Response Activity: Balloons As a symbol of the gifts which the Holy Spirit gives to us, give everybody a balloon and ask them to write their particular gift on it. They can talk about it and help each other as they go. Then blow up the balloons and decorate the church with them (or have them blown up and decorating the church when people arrive and take them down to write on and take home). Please do not let balloons go outside - balloons are a choking hazard for wild life in rural and marine areas and make a mess in cities.

Easter Day B (April 12): Jesus is the One!

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Bible Readings: Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8 About the Images: Top: This is The Angel of the Lord painted in 1990 by Jacek Andrzej Rossakiewicz (b.1956). I love it! I obtained it from Wikimedia Commons, The permission for use of this work has been verified and archived in the Wikimedia OTRS system. Bottom: It never ceases to amaze me how new life arises from the devastation of an Australian bushfire. Because of the nature of our trees and the dense undergrowth, our fires can be amazingly hot and many cases even the dirt seems to be burnt - an absolute wasteland ensues. Yet before too long, the bush begins to regenerate. Life out of death! This photo shows first growth leaves in a burnt out area of the Australian High country. Decor and Preparation As for Good Friday - black cloth over communion table and unlit Christ candle. Get enough musical instruments eg bells, shakers, clackers etc etc for everyone - or at least for all your kids. Cheap toys are fine. Call to Worship: We Will Unfold By Roddy Hamilton, April 2006, available via his site -see Mucky Paws link at left (he will send you out monthly liturgies if you freely subscribe). Awesome stuff!!!

Call to Worship Project a series of pictures about Good Friday whilst playing Grace by Moby from his album Songs (pictured at left). Move straight into the following.... Opening Drama: The Three Woman Found in Stages on the Way by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1998 ISBN 1876357363 (pictured in an earlier blog). As the three woman say their final lines together, "He is Risen" , project their words. Woman 1 then removes the black cloth, woman 2 lights the candle and woman 3 gives out the musical instruments and announces the first song. Then make enthusiastic music!! or Opening Drama: The Message In Let's Make Another Scene by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 1995, ISBN 0859107620, page 66 (pictured at right). This is based on the gospels. Easter Celebration: Easter is...... Another ripper from Roddy Hamilton (as above). Absolution for Prayer of confession and/or passing of the Peace: This is the Good News Found in Stages on the Way (see above) Drama: Easter Eggcitement Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (ed), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 0859109151, page 94 (pictured at left). This drama is based on the John reading. Kid's Talk: Cut the Tie Found at http://talks2children.itsforministry.org/t2c/view.asp?ID=59 I used this one three years ago and people still talk about it. It's a ripper! Kid's Talk: Faith and Belief Found at http://talks2children.itsforministry.org/t2c/view.asp?ID=29 Pew and Plenary Discussion Tell your neighbour what your best celebration ever was. Share with the congregation the age you were for this event. Just as birthdays can become a little more ordinary as we grow older, I wonder if we can sometimes lose the intense meaning and significance of Easter as each year adds another celebration. Share as a congregation: What is the significance of Easter? Tell your neighbour how you think Easter will make a difference to your week. Story: On The River of Death Found at http://www.sermoncentral.com/article.asp?article=a-TopFiveEaster Sermon Idea: The Visit Found in The Final Boundary by Adrian Plass, Minstrel, 1987, ISBN 1854240935 (pictured at right). Listening Song: Beautiful Day By U2 on their album, All That You Can't Leave Behind. Response Activity: Christ Has Died, Christ Has Risen Found in Stages on the Way (again!!!), page 196. Benediction: Here Are your Disciples Found in Stages on the Way (you can tell I like this book!!), page 198.

Good Friday B (April10)

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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 Images: Above: This image comes from www.sundaygraphx.blogspot.com. This site no longer updates (you will see the sad reason why when you visit) however the artist, Don da Silva, has left a legacy of wonderful images and templates via the site archives. Below: This is is my photo of an evening in the Victorian High country. The cross is a digital addition. If you want to see more of our beautiful high country, then visit http://www.visitvictoria.com/displayobject.cfm/objectid.585BABEC-0E8D-4865-9BC6749A35BF5E51/ N.B. Good Friday needs to be treated rather differently from many services. It is a special time. I usually divide the Easter story up (i.e. some of the stations of the cross) and separate each section with the solemn sound of a gong that has the capacity to reverberate through the silence of the worship space. I use a home made tubular bell which is excellent (email me if you would like instructions on how to make one). At the very least I use a Bible reading, an image either projected or placed in a prominent position and a symbol for each section of the story. A responsive song such as "Jesus, remember me" works well too at the end of each section. Have a large wooden cross at the front of the church. This year: I am going to place the cross in the middle of the church where the coffin usually sits at a funeral. I will place the Christ candle on it and people will be encouraged to come out and light a candle as a response to any of the stations/sections. Various options specific to each section are as follows: 1. Jesus is arrested. Symbol: Chains or rope Prayer: What do You Say? By Dom Helder Camara and found in Resources For Preaching and Worship Year B compiled by Hannah Ward and Jennifer Wild, Westminster John Knox Press, 2002, ISBN 100664224776, page 115. 2. Jesus is Questioned Symbol: Gavel Biblical Reflection: The Pharisee From Eggs and Ashes by Ruth Burgess and Chris Polhill, Wild Goose Publications, 2004, ISBN 1901557871, page 193 (pictured in and earlier blog). Biblical Reflection: The Priest From Eggs and Ashes (as above) page 192. 3. Peter denies Jesus Symbol: Smashed alarm clock or feathers. Listening Song: I Can't Take the Pain By Third Day on their album, Time (pictured at left). Story: Crucifix By G. A. Studdert-Kennedy and found in Resources For Preaching and Worship Year B, as above, page 114. 4. Peter Denies Jesus Symbol: whip or bowl of water Meditation: Stations of the Cross (part of it) From Eggs and Ashes (as above), page 166. All fifteen stations are dealt with in this book and can be used as a whole, however can also be used in "stand alone" situations; for example, I used the meditation and prayer from Station 1 for this part of my service. Sermon based on The Death of Innocence Found in The Song of Jesus: Reflections on the Life of Jesus of Nazareth by Ron O'Grady, JBCE, Melbourne, 1984, page 70. 5. The Death Sentence Symbol: Crown of Thorns or a scarlet/purple robe. Reading: Why is he Getting Wrong? By Ruth Burgess and Kirsty Langlands (aged 10) in Eggs and Ashes (as above), page 166 Silent Responsive Prayer: Based on section 5 of The Easter Labyrinth in Multi- Sensory Church by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2002, ISBN 1859996671, page 53 (pictured at right). Sue Wallace has at least seven of these multi-sensory books and they are excellent. 6. Jesus is nailed to the Cross Symbols: hammer and nails, dice, sponge. Listening Song: Our God Who Weeps By Kate Scull on the compilation album, Tune In. Meditation: When Jesus Died In Stages on the Way by Wild Goose Worship Group, 1998 (pictured in an earlier blog) page 168. This is quite long but can be broken up or only used in part. Symbolic prayer: Touch the items as you pray. Here are dice,Lord, to remind us that you lost everything for us. Help us to be generous with our lives as well as with our belongings. Help us to see need. Here is a sponge, Lord, to remind us of your thirst. Help us to thirst for justice and peace and freedom and for your kingdom here in earth. Here are nails, Lord, to remind us of your forgiveness given to the men who nailed you to the cross. Help us to forgive those who hurt us as generously as you forgave them. Amen. 7. The Death of Christ Symbol: Blow out the Christ candle Film clip: Play the crucifixion scene from any good quality film about Jesus, however turn off the sound and instead play Everything I Do, I Do It For You by Bryan Adams on his album, The Best of Me (pictured at left). 8. Jesus is buried Symbol: cover communion table with a black cloth. Symbolic action: Place one very small but exquisite flower on the black cloth and say: This flower is not a symbol of grief or death, it is not part of a funeral wreath. It is a symbol of hope. This story is not yet over. It is indeed Friday today But Sunday is coming. This small beautiful flower will stay here as a symbol of hope until we return. Not sure where I got this idea - if somebody owns it, please let me know so I can acknowledge you. You can do the same thing with a tiny candle and talk about the darkness never putting out the light. 9. Conclusion Drama and Response Activity: Guilty as Sin Found in Mega Drama 3 by Verena Johnnson, Open Book, 2002 (pictured in an earlier blog). Use as a lead in to everyone coming forward and hammering a nail into the large wooden cross. Permission is given in this book to adapt the dramas to fit the circumstances and so I left out the narrator at the beginning and had the people in the drama say their words from their seats, come forward to hammer in their nail and then return to their seats. This gave the rest of the people permission to come forward when they were asked to do so. Listening Song: Barber's Adagio for String By William Orbit on the Open Space album (pictured at right).

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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.