21st Sunday after Pentecost 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Proper 23 (28) World Food Day. St. Luke. October 2018

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1 SAT 20 FRI 19 THUR 18 WED 17 TUES 16 MON 15 SUN 14 21st Sunday after Pentecost 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Proper 23 (28) World Food Day St. Luke Things to keep in mind this week Planning ahead October 2018 Sunday, October 14 Saturday, October S M T W T F S September 2018 S M T W T F S / November 2018 S M T W T F S Revised Common Lectionary (Year B) Job 23:1 9, Psalm 22:1 15 Hebrews 4:12 16 Mark10:17 31 Resources based on semi-continuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Liturgical colour: green If you have Internet access, visit to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. Ecumenical Prayer Calendar Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal Based on In God s Hands: Common Prayer for the World, ed. By Hugh McCullum and Terry MacArthur (Geneva: World Council of Churches, 2006). Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost

2 Season of Creation, Pentecost Biblical Background October 14, 2018 Focus scripture Mark 10:17 31 Additional scriptures Job 23:1 9, Psalm 22:1 15 Hebrews 4:12 16 Seasons of the Spirit is based on the semi-continuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Finding Our Way God of life, you call us to give of ourselves to you and to work towards your realm on Earth. Sometimes, we cannot imagine your possibilities. Sometimes, we value our possessions more than we value your love and your promises. Sometimes, we do not want to give up anything. Please help us to find our way towards living more faithfully as your followers. Challenge us to be willing to risk ourselves. Show us what we need to give up to be closer to you. Amen. This week s scripture readings are about things that seem impossible. In one story, Jesus talks about something that is physically impossible. He also asks a man to do something that seems impossible to do. In other passages, the people s suffering is such that they find it impossible that God would still be listening to their cries of despair. In all cases, God is ever-present, prompting people with new possibilities. God s Spirit accompanies us on the journey. Focus scripture: Mark 10:17 31 The idea of a large animal, such as a camel, moving through the tiny eye of a needle is a ridiculous concept. In a literal sense, this is impossible. As a result, over the years, different explanations have emerged for Jesus statement about a camel passing through the eye of a needle. Perhaps the most popular is that there was a door in the wall of Jerusalem that a person could get through, but which was not big enough for a camel; it was called the needle s eye. Given that only the wealthy could afford a camel to carry their worldly possessions, the implication was that one could only enter the city through that gate if one were unencumbered. The only problem is that, if such a gate existed at all, it is not attested to until some 800 years after the time of Jesus. It is an intriguing story, but it is doubtful that Jesus meant it that way. Perhaps Jesus was trying to make a different point. The idea of a camel going through the eye of a needle is ludicrous, but so is the idea of a wealthy person getting into the realm of God. It s not that God would outlaw or prohibit such a thing, but rather a person caught up in the creation of more wealth may not readily notice how God s realm operates. In that sense, the rich person might be more focused on their possessions than God s promises and possibilities. In this story, the rich man seems to recognize that, but fears change. This person knows the commandments and knows what is required of all people to be in favour with God. There is something missing, and so he asks Jesus for advice. But Jesus advice does not sit well: Go, sell all you have, give it to the poor, and come back and follow me. The rich person finds this impossible! The question that begins the conversation with Jesus is one that many would have wondered about in those days. It is not about an afterlife in heaven, but about living in the new reality that God was about to bring to bear on earth. For too many years, the Jews had longed for a day they knew was coming a time when God s realm would be present on earth; they called this the Age to Come. It is precisely life in that age the person wants to inherit, and they inquire as to how. In addition to giving a commandment, however, Jesus loved him. Some scholars have suggested this means Jesus offered a loving gesture, perhaps putting his arm around the other s shoulder. Jesus does not stand in judgment, but enters into the other one s space, implying perhaps that he perceives the world through their lens. Jesus also suggests that selling all he has and giving the money to the poor will, in turn, give him an investment in God. It s as if Jesus had said, You want to invest in God? Invest in those who have need. It is hardly an uncommon theme in the gospels, and yet one that can be a struggle to grasp. Just as this rich person has questions about how to attain God s favour, in Job 23:1 9, we read that Job also does. Caught up in suffering, Job longs not so much for what is missing as simply for the presence of God in his life. Even in pain and grief, he knows there is a loving God, yet at the moment he finds it impossible to connect with God. The writer of Psalm 22:1 15 echoes similar feelings. In Hebrews 4:12 16 we are reminded that even naked and unadorned before God, still God accepts us. Jesus knows all we have gone through, having experienced life just like us, with all its ups and downs, and understands all we go through. As he may have done with the rich one, so Jesus reaches out in love and touches us. Even when life seems impossible, God prompts us with new ways of being and with new possibilities for life. This everpresent God invites us to lean into God s possibility of love. What possibilities do you think God might be imagining for you? How might you invest in God? What might you need to give up to more closely follow God s ways? 102 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

3 Reflection and Focus October 14, 2018 Season of Creation, Pentecost Reflecting on the Word Materials article: The Offering (in the Extra Resources folder on the Season of Creation, Adapt and use for youth and adult studies, sermon seeds, lay worship teams. Connecting with life For some of us, simplifying our possessions, and giving some things up would not be a natural choice to make. Prioritizing some items over others can be a challenge. Imagine having to choose to keep three things (not people!) in your possession. What three things would you choose to keep, and why? By selecting those three, what other prized possessions might you have to give up? What might you find challenging in this exercise? Scripture Mark 10:17 31 Jesus asks a man to make a seemingly impossible choice. What do you think might be impossible about Jesus value system? What is compelling about it? How might this call to live differently shape us? Some biblical commentators suggest this passage should not be taken literally. What do you think is the intent of the story? Some interpretations note that this biblical story is not necessarily an admonishment against rich people; rather, it is a recognition that all will have to make sacrifices to truly follow Jesus way. What might God be calling you to let go to more faithfully follow in Christ s way? Pentecost 2 CD and in the disk and webversion of SeasonsFUSION) Job 23:1 9, Job laments and wonders where is God. Has God ever seemed absent from your life? What was happening? How did you feel? How do you know when God is present? Both Job and the wealthy one in the gospel story have experienced great prosperity. One has been forcefully separated from his former affluent life, while the other cannot voluntarily choose that separation. One is in despair over loss, the other despairing at the prospect of loss. How do these observations relate to your own experience and to the experiences of people in your community? Hebrews 4:12 16 The author suggests that the human Jesus understands our sufferings and our struggles because he also suffered and struggled. How does it feel to know that Jesus knows and understands you and your struggles? To what extent do you draw comfort, strength, or support from this knowledge? In contrast to relying on our material possessions, Job 23:1 9, 16 17; Psalm 22:1 15; and Hebrews 4:12 16 encourage us to rely on God, even when God is seemingly absent. What do you think it means to rely on God? Do you find this easy to do, or challenging? Connecting scripture and life Read the story of The Offering and reflect once again on Mark 10: Focus for Worship, Learning, and Serving When I was a young child, I was watching television with my grandfather when an advertisement came on for a child sponsorship. In my ancestral country, small children were running around in threadbare clothes and no shoes. My grandfather instantly recognized the setting. He was angry. To my grandfather, these children were not poor and in need of charity, they were children playing outside. There is a danger with texts such as in this week s How would you compare the woman in this story and the man in Jesus story? What could we learn from the woman, and the man, about sacrifice and risk when following Jesus? Mark 10:17 31 talks specifically about wealth and poverty; however, the broader learning is not just about money and possessions. Other than possessions, what attitudes, values, or beliefs would you want to give up to better follow in the way of Jesus? readings to impose our own definitions of what is poor and what is rich based on our own privilege and social location. It is also easy to demonize the rich and romanticize the poor. In worship, learning, and serving, how might you help people reflect on how God s economy is different from ours? How does God attempt to level the playing field between believers? What privileges, attitudes, and mindsets stop us from being ready to receive God s reign? Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost

4 Finding Our Way Prepare Music Suggestions Worship Outline October 14, 2018 NOTE: All of these suggestions are mere starting points; adapt, delete, and add according to your local needs. Recruit volunteers needed for worship. Choose an option for hearing Mark10: For the Bible story, arrange for a storyteller to present the story A Tough Decision on p For the monologue, arrange for an actor to learn the script in advance. Bring items for setting the worship space. Create a graffiti wall by attaching a large sheet of mural paper to a wall with the reign (or kin-dom) of God is... written on it. Provide markers for people to complete the sentence. An alternate question might be: How would you describe God s reign/kin-dom? Alternatively, arrange for a recording of Teach Your Children Well by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. If your worship service is offered by podcast, video, or recording, please check that you have the relevant performance licence. You might choose to print the art image Love One Another on your bulletin cover (in the Images to Project and Print folder on the Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 CD and in the web version of SeasonsFUSION). For background on the art and artist, see Connecting with the Art on p. 4. Bring song such as Come Build a Church (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 and #16 Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed As people enter, invite them to contribute to the graffiti wall. Alternatively, play a recording of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young Teach Your Children Well, inviting the people to reflect on what road they are on, and what code of conduct or principles guide their paths. (If your worship service is offered by podcast, video, or recording, please check that you have the relevant performance licence.) Call to worship One: God is worthy of our highest praise! All: Our God is never far from us. One: God is our help, coming quickly to our aid. All: We will tell of God s Glory, wherever we go. One: Come, let us worship God. Gather music and recording are also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Set stations as described on p Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom Ruth Duck; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Listen Now for the Gospel Zimbabwean traditional; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Come Build a Church Ken Medema; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 How Then Shall I Live? Linnea Good; Seasons Songbook, vol. 1 Let Us Put On the Clothes of Christ Bret Hesla; Seasons Songbook, vol. 1 We Give Our Hands to You/Reamo Leboga Daisy Nshakazongwe, traditional Botswana tune; Seasons Songbook, vol. 1 Lord, I Want to Be a Christian (in my heart) African-American Spiritual Will You Come and Follow Me John Bell A chart that shows the licence holder(s) for each song in each of the 9 Seasons of the Spirit Music Volumes can be found at Click on Library; Seasons Music Information. Please contact a licence holder for permission to duplicate. Opening prayer Transforming God, in our living, you are always with us. In our singing, praying and worship, we hope to share ourselves with you. May your living word pierce our protective shells exposing our true selves, opening our hearts and our lives to your transformation. Amen. 104 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

5 Worship Outline October 14, 2018 Prayer of confession Let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find assurance to aid us in our time of need. Merciful God, have pity on us: for all the ways that we have unknowingly broken our covenant with you for all of the systems and structures that we have created to maintain hierarchies amongst one another Opening the word Moving into the focus scripture Using the graffiti wall created as people entered, explore how your community understands or imagines the Kin-dom of God. Ask them to reflect on how it might differ from other communities and why. What is their preferred term for God s Kin-dom, also called God s Economy, the Beautiful City, the Beloved Community, the Commonwealth of God, God s Kin-dom, God s Reign, others? Invite them to tell why they resonate with particular terms and how it resonates with how they understand God. Mark10:17 31 Choose from the following for hearing the focus story. Bible story Have a storyteller present the story A Tough Decision. Monologue Arrange for someone to present the following. It was my former Master who spoke with Jesus. Yesterday he asked me: Do you think that I am a faithful and righteous man? What could I do? When it comes to my God, I had to be honest. I told him that he was a kind-hearted man. An honest man. A fair man. After proclaiming the word, you might invite those who have not already done so to move to and around the stations, taking ten minutes or so with a chosen practice. Engage Respond for all of the ways that we have limited our imagination and understanding of what is possible with your help forgive us we pray. Amen. Words of affirmation Remember that God is always present, even if we cannot sense or behold it. God is with us always; we are not alone, you are not alone. He smiled because he knew I was being sincere in my answer. I was glad and thought the conversation was over. He said thank you, but then he asked again today, Would you call me a righteous man? Because my former Master was a kind-hearted, honest and fair man, I told him the truth. No, of course, you are not a faithful and righteous man, I responded. How could you be when you consider my entire family your property? If you were a righteous man, should we not be brothers? He ran off hurt and upset. His pain frightened me because it could also affect my family and friends. As it happens though, he was running after Jesus to get a second opinion. I am not sure what Jesus said to him, but my family and I are no longer enslaved. After the focus scripture Invite children, young people, and all who wish to move to the stations. Others will remain seated for proclaiming the word. Sing or listen to a song such as Come Build a Church as people gather together again (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 and #16 Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording are also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, online.ca). Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost

6 Prayers of the people Brother Jesus, we come to you wanting to be true disciples, but we are uncertain about how to proceed. We are afraid of the cost of discipleship, what it will mean to follow your way completely. And we fear that we are not quite ready to trade things that bring us a moment of happiness for things that will provide lasting joy. Help us to be Christians, in our hearts and our actions, and lead us in your way. Remembering how you hung out with and loved people who were suffering, and those the world often called the last and least, we remember the suffering and downtrodden in our prayers (provide space for names and situations to be shared). May we extend to them a glimpse of your healing presence. Remembering how you cared for and sometimes cried with your friends, we remember our loved ones who are in need of comfort (provide space for naming) and ask that we might extend a glimpse of your loving care. If we do not know where we are going, any road will do. If we do not have a clear purpose, any dream will do. May you follow the road to God s realm, with the dream of Bless Worship Outline October 14, 2018 Remembering how you consistently challenged the powers and authorities, we remember the many injustices in our world and community (provide space to name injustices) and ask that we might, through our resistance, extend a glimpse of your glorious realm. Remembering how you prayed often, calling God s house your home, we remember the prayer you taught, and we pray it in community together (prayer that Jesus taught). Amen. Invitation to the offering The kin-dom of God is like a city built by many small and large faithful acts over many generations. The work that is done today by one generation will be enjoyed tomorrow by future generations. With our gifts, may we continue to build God s city. Prayer of dedication or offering prayer Gracious God, bless gift and giver to the service of your reign, we pray in Jesus name. Amen. Jesus in your heart. Go in peace, and with the assurance of the spirit, to love and serve God s Kin-dom. Special Days Commentary October 16 World Food Day World Food Day marks the founding of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in Many churches and communities use this day (or the Sunday prior) as an opportunity to highlight issues of hunger, agriculture, and land use and development. October 18 St. Luke Born a Gentile, tradition suggested that St. Luke was one of Paul s travelling companions and the author both of the gospel that bears his name and the book of Acts. For many years there have been rumours that Luke was a physician, but there has never been any evidence to support this. Luke s gospel has a particular emphasis on those who were on the fringe of acceptable society. Luke proclaims that the good news is not just for Jews it is for everyone: the poor, the downtrodden, Romans, Samaritans, and all who find themselves marginalized. Luke places a special emphasis on the women in the gospel narrative a group often sidelined in first-century society. 106 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

7 Poetry and Prose October 14, 2018 Sharing the World s Wealth Adele Halliday In Mark10:17 31, Jesus tells a rich man that he will need to sell what he has and give the money to the poor. The man was upset because he was very wealthy with many possessions. In one sense, Jesus was advocating for a re-distribution of money in society where people who have wealth share their riches with people who do not have as much. Sometimes, this biblical story is told and interpreted in churches with an admonishment to people who are very wealthy in western societies, and sharp reprimands are made to people who are multi-millionaires and billionaires. Because there are few church communities who might count billionaires in their regular membership, there are unspoken assumptions in church about why they the people outside the church do not give more of what they have to people who are in need. According to the World Bank, however, people who earn more than $10,000 (USD) per year are in the top 14% of the richest people in the world. Globally, people who earn more than $34,000 (USD) per year are in the top 1%. By comparison to people around the world many of whom earn only $1 or $2 per day there may be many people who attend our churches, and in our communities, who are indeed very wealthy, just like the person in Mark 10: Some different cultural groups around the world have recognized that some within their communities may have wealth while others do not; they have created community responses to help with the re-distribution of wealth. Here are some examples: Harambee A harambee is based in East African traditions. In the Swahili language, harambee means all pull together. It is a community fundraiser or self-help event, where many people would come together to share money or resources for a common cause. In this way, money can be raised for specific purposes and for people who have a need: the community pulls together to share the wealth. Harambee also appears on the coat of arms for Kenya, East Africa and is the country s official motto. Potlatch Some of the Indigenous peoples in western North America practice potlatch ceremonies; traditionally, this was an important economic system and an elaborate gift-giving feast. While the specific traditions and formalities differ across regions and the different Indigenous communities in the region, ultimately, potlatches are about distributing property and gifts in ceremony. It held particular significance for communal sharing. At one point, potlatches were a criminal offence in Canada; after its de-criminalization, it re-emerged as a cultural practice. Potlatch means to give away or a gift in the Chinook jargon. Grameen Bank Originating in Bangladesh, the Grameen Bank is a bank for the poor. It is based on principles of mutual trust, accountability, participation, and creativity. At one point, the bank used to take money from donors; however, it stopped taking this in Now, the bank is self-sufficient. The bank only gives loans to people who are poor and does not require any legal documentation when a loan is made, although it does give some conditions for the loan. Further, the bank trusts that the money will be paid back. Through this bank, the country s poorest people in thousands of villages across Bangladesh have access to finances; when they pay back their loans, then other people also have access to money through the bank. By borrowing and loaning small amounts of money, the country is helping to distribute money to people who are poor. The bank has the elimination of poverty as one of its ultimate goals. Grameen Bank means village bank. These are just three examples, but there are more examples around the world. What are some additional ways that you would advocate for the re-distribution of wealth in society? Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost

8 A Tough Decision Based on Mark 10:17 31 As Jesus and his friends were setting out on a journey; they noticed a young man running quickly towards them. He was dressed in what were obviously very expensive clothes. Without warning, this man fell at Jesus feet. He was fighting to get his breath. You could see in his eyes that he was desperately anxious to talk to Jesus. Good teacher, I ve come to ask a question, the young man said at last. Jesus gently put his hand on the young man s shoulder and warmly said, Come, sit with me. What is it you would like to know? Good teacher, please, please tell me what I must do to live the life that you teach about to live God s way. I think you already know what to do, said Jesus. Keep the commandments that you have been taught: don t hurt others; don t take things away from others; respect your mother and father; be faithful to God Yes, yes, said the young man, I ve done all those things. But I m still empty inside. Is there anything else that I must do? Bible Story October 14, 2018 There is one more thing, said Jesus, looking at the young man directly yet lovingly, but it is something that involves not more but less. What is it? asked the young man eagerly. Whatever it is, I ll do it. Jesus answered, Go and sell everything you have, give all the money to the poor, and come and follow me. When the young man heard what Jesus had to say, he was deeply upset. There was a long silence. I can t do it, he said at last. I know I m not happy as I am. But I can t afford to change. Without looking back, he walked slowly away. Sadly, Jesus turned to his friends who had been listening and watching. It s hard to share everything we have, said Jesus. The more we have, the harder it is. You know, Jesus continued, sometimes it s as hard for a rich person to feel God s love as it is for a big camel to get through the tiny hole at the end of a needle. The friends were troubled by what had happened. Sometimes Jesus teachings just seemed too difficult for some people to follow. A recording of this story is available in MP3 format in the Audio Stories folder on the Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 CD and in the web version of SeasonsFusion. Bible story Materials recording of today s story A Tough Decision, player, paper, crayons, pencils, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see; alternatively, arrange for a storyteller to present the story The practice of storytelling 1. Listen to the story A Tough Decision. 2. Using the art supplies record your response to the tough decision that was presented in the story. 3. If you were asked to leave everything behind except two things, what two possessions would you keep? Why? How could you use these to serve God? 108 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

9 Stations October 14, 2018 Living, Learning, Growing as Disciples The following stations might be set up around your worship space or in other For your convenience, instructions are formatted places around the church. Choose one or more practices, depending on your for printing and available in the Stations folder space and numbers. Display the directions. on the Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 CD and in the web version of SeasonsFUSION. The article Connecting with the Art on page 4 provides some background to the two posters for Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 and some art engagement ideas for individuals and groups. You might choose to add an Art Engagement station each week using, one of the art engagement ideas. Play dough Materials several balls of play dough in different colours (see Virtual Resource Booklet in the library at www. seasonsonline.ca); play dough utensils such as biscuit/cookie cutters, rolling pins, plastic utensils, copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for ages 3 9 The practice of giving and receiving hospitality Sometimes it is very difficult to share everything we have. 1. Notice the different colours of play dough on the table. 2. How difficult is it for you to share the play dough with others at this table? 3. What is possible when sharing does happen? 4. Use the play dough and utensils to create a cooperative project such as a garden of flowers, or a farmyard filled with animals, or a church full of people. Letter writing Materials blank paper, pens, pencils, copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for ages 6 adult The practice of shaping community The wealthy young man made a choice not to give up his lifestyle and follow Jesus. 1. Imagine that you had the chance to change his mind. What would you say to him? 2. Write a letter to this young man asking him to reconsider his decision. 3. Perhaps mention what life might be like if he chose to follow Jesus. How then shall I live? Materials a copy of the directions displayed where all can see, Bibles Option recording of How Then Shall I Live? by Linnea Good, Seasons Songbook, vol. 1, #40 Seasons Music CD, vol. 1 (Printed music and recording are also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Suitable for ages 15 adult The practice of solidarity In this week s Bible story in Mark 10:17 31, Jesus offers teachings about riches and asks a rich person to give up his possessions. Sometimes, when people think of people who are rich, they tend to think of millionaires and billionaires. But, according to the World Bank, people who earn more than $10,000 (USD) per year are in the top 14% of the world s richest people, and people who earn $34,000 (USD) a year are in the top 1% globally. By comparison to people around the world, there may be many people in our churches who are richer than they think they are. This station offers a chance to reflect on poverty, wealth, and economic justice. 1. Read Mark 10: Reflect on these questions: How might this passage be understood differently by people who have riches as opposed to people who are poor? How is this a challenge for people who have riches? 2. Consider the reality that not everyone who has riches has everything, and that not all people who are poor have nothing. Rather, everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has questions about how they might live. 3. Option Listen to How then shall I live? Reflect on the song, and consider what it might mean for you in your own life. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost

10 A story of two eggs Materials a copy of the directions displayed where all can see, copy or copies of the story of The Offering (see Extra Resources folder on Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 CD and in web version of SeasonsFUSION), plastic coloured eggs (or real hard-boiled eggs), markers Time away Suitable for ages 9 adult Materials a copy of the directions displayed where all can see, copies of a finger labyrinth (see Virtual Resource Booklet at or click on library, or use your search engine and download one of the many that can be found on the Internet) Suitable for ages 12 adult Response centre Materials a copy of the directions displayed where all can see, paint, modelling clay, and general art supplies Suitable for ages 5 adult working together Stations October 14, 2018 The practice of generosity In this week s Bible story from Mark 10:17 31, the rich person had to give something up. In this story from rural Kenya, an older woman also decided to give something up for the church. Today you will have a chance to read the story from Kenya and consider what you might give up in your own life. 1. Have someone read The Offering to the group, or individuals read the story themselves 2. Together discuss: What did you like about this story? What did you find surprising in this story? 3. Consider, what might you be able to give to the church, or to your community? 4. Take two plastic eggs. Write one action or commitment on each egg. Keep your eggs with you, and take them home, so that you can continue to reflect on what you can give up as well. The practice of meditation This week s story from Mark 10:17 31 tells about being followers of Jesus. Over time, many different communities have had different ideas about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Some communities were/are monastic communities who believed that to follow Jesus a person needed to be apart from the rest of society. Many monastic communities also believed in living simply. (The Early Desert Mothers and Fathers were an example of early Christian monastics, and Shane Claiborne is an example of New Monastic communities today.) At this station, you have an opportunity to reflect on what it means to you to be a follower of Jesus who also has time apart from others. 1. Find a quiet spot in the room. 2. In silence, reflect on what you think it means to follow Jesus. What might living simply mean to you? 3. Use the finger labyrinth to meditate and pray as you travel to the middle of the labyrinth. At the middle pause and reflect before travelling out again, mindful of what we are called to do as disciples of Christ. The practice of imagining In this week s story from Mark 10:17 31, Jesus talks about the kingdom of heaven, or living in God s way. In many other places in the Bible, God s reign, or realm, or kingdom is described in different ways. Today, you will be able to create what you imagine the reign of God might be like. 1. Throughout the Bible, the reign of God is described as being like a man who sowed good seed, as a treasure hidden in a field, a merchant who sold everything he had to buy a valuable pearl, a woman who placed yeast inside flour as she was making bread, a mustard seed, a finishing net. How might you describe the reign of God? 2. Using your imagination, and using the art supplies, create an image of the reign or realm of God. 110 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

11 create Copy and glue the figures onto card stock or heavy paper. Cut around the outlines. Glue a craft stick to each of the figures. Use these puppets to tell the story of Jesus and the rich person. A man, who was rich, came running down the road toward Jesus. Good teacher, he said, What shall I do to live in God s way? Jesus looked at him lovingly and asked, Do you know any rules for living God s way?, Yes, I do, said the man. These are the rules that I try hard to follow. Don t hurt others. Don t take things away from others. Always say please and thank you to parents. Jesus loved this new friend who was trying so hard to do the right things. Children's Children's Activity Activity Leaflet Leaflet October October 11, 14, story time things with people who need them. Then come and help me. If you share and bring joy you ll be living God s way. The rich man s eyes widened. Then he bowed his head. This was the last thing he expected to hear. He was a very rich man. He thought and thought and felt sadder and sadder. Then the man thanked Jesus and slowly turned and walked away. Sadly, Jesus watched him leave. Then he looked at his disciples. It s very hard to share everything we have, Jesus said, and the more we have, the harder it is. There s one more thing you can do, said Jesus. Share all your I wonder what that man decided to do? Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc

12 Activity I wonder what I might feel ready to do. I Wonder Sometimes it is hard to share what we have with other people. Decorate each picture and choose which pictures show what you might feel ready to do. Use the blank space to add another idea. Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc