Living the Seasons at Home

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Eugenia Cooper
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Living the Seasons at Home Ideas for nurturing faith and discipleship at home Perhaps you share parenting time with another household and are not able to participate in church activities regularly.

1 Living the Seasons at Home Ideas for nurturing faith and discipleship at home Perhaps you share parenting time with another household and are not able to participate in church activities regularly. Or maybe you are looking for faith experiences to share together at home. Or you might be a grandparent or other relative who wants to include faith conversations in your time with the children in your life. Whatever your particular circumstance, this resource will help you nurture faith and discipleship at home. Living the Seasons at Home provides a weekly engagement of the focus passage from the lectionary. These passages will possibly be the same ones you hear in church on Sunday. Even as you set aside space and use special material, Sacred Presence is always with us. Therefore, faith conversations can happen anytime and anywhere. Wherever you see signs of love, God is there; wherever kindness and fairness are extended, God is there. Wherever the sacred story becomes our story, God is there. Enjoy these seasons at home. Resources to use at home: Lectionary Story Bible, Year B by Ralph Milton (Kelowna BC: Wood Lake Publishing, 2007) Lectionary Story Bible Audio & Art CD, Year B by Ralph Milton (Kelowna BC: Wood Lake Publishing, 2010). Six audio CDs of author and former radio broadcaster Ralph Milton reading all the stories from the Lectionary Story Bible: Year B Audio stories Audio recordings of the weekly focus passages retold in ways that are accessible and engaging for people of all ages are available for purchase at Seasons MP3 Downloads, The MP3 versions of the stories are also included on the Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 CD included with the SeasonsFUSION materials. 20 1

2 Living the Season of Creation The Season of Creation covers the first four Sundays of September, chosen for their proximity in the calendar to the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4. St. Francis was well known for his passion for creation and our need both to appreciate it and to care for it. The four Sundays this year are Planet Earth, Humanity, Sky, and Mountain. The scripture texts for each week help us think about the theme and explore how it connects with our own living. We are all a part of creation. Sometimes we want to think that somehow we human beings are unique and different from other things, but scripture reminds us that we are all one and the same. This year s readings for the Season of Creation help affirm that. For the first two weeks of the season, we read from Genesis 1, probably the most recognized of the Bible s several creation stories. In this one, God s spirit hovers over the waters at the very beginning of time. It s intriguing to think, even before God created, there was something water already there. Activities for connecting during Pentecost 2 If your group or family is looking for some ideas for connecting with one another or with new friends this season, consider the following: Weekly dinner parties Come together with your community for weekly potluck dinners. These do not need to be fancy or planned far in advance. Simply set a time and location (someone s home, a nearby park, a restaurant that isn t too noisy) and decide on a simple meal. Soup, sandwiches, even bring your own paper bag dinner. If you host in someone s home, suggest that people rotate helping to clean up. Use some of the activities here or in SeasonsFusion if you d like to have a more formal discussion or community building activity as part of your meal. Volunteer Expand your community this season by volunteering as a group with a new project or nonprofit. If there is an outreach ministry at your church that you haven t been a part of, start there. Or look outside your church at the local organizations that are helping those who are marginalized the homeless, the hungry, people with mental illness, victims of human trafficking, immigrants, and refugees. Pick an organization, a date, and volunteer. Church visitor care packages Assemble visitor care packages to give to new visitors to your church. They can include things like a pamphlet with more information about your church, a recent newsletter, a list of the pastors/staff and their contact information, a small pack of tissues, mints, bottled water, and maybe a small treat that is made in your town or state. Put these items into colourful gift bags and give them out during the service when you recognize visitors, or immediately before or after the service to anyone who is new. 2 19

3 and reflection Stories for this Season of Creation Ideas for prayer/reflection practices for your family or group during Pentecost 2 stones Find or buy some small stones or pebbles that fit nicely in the palm of your hand. Use a permanent marker and write the names of people you want to lift up in prayer on each one. Keep the prayer stones in a basket on your dining room table or desk. In another basket, keep empty stones and the marker. Before a family meal or at another prayer time, take the stones with names out of the basket and hold them in your hand, praying for the person on each stone. Lectio Divina Each week, spend time reading and reflecting on the focus scripture at home using a practice called Lectio Divina. Begin by reading the focus scripture out loud. If you are with your family or a group, have one person read out loud and others prayerfully listen. As you listen, focus on a word or phrase that stands out to you. Pause after the reading to reflect on that word or phrase. Read the scripture aloud two more times (if you re in a group, ask another person to read). Continue with the same practice of focusing on a word or phrase that stands out to you. When you ve finished, invite everyone to say aloud the word or phrase that stood out to them. For the rest of the week, come back to that word or phrase during your prayer/ devotion time. Journal writing During Pentecost 2, we focus on following Jesus way and growing as a faith community that is focused on love, justice, and service. Use a notebook or journal to collect your reflections on being a community of love, justice, and service. Use the focus scriptures or simply write the words love, justice, and service at the top of a page and begin to write about what those words mean to you. Here are a few more prompts to guide your writing: 1. Write about what these words mean to your church community. 2. What are the examples of how your church community lives this out? 3. Who are the people who are mentors to you as you try to live a life of love, justice, and service? 4. Write about the challenges you face or your church faces in following Jesus example. What small steps can you take each week to overcome these challenges? September 2 Planet Earth Sunday Genesis 1:1 25 Read Genesis 1:1 25 from an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story So Very Good on p. 36 of Seasons- FUSION Some people may find aspects of the first creation story in the Bible a little surprising. Notice that there is something that already exists before the story starts water. Notice, too, that repeatedly God marvels at the creation (such as at the end of verse 10). Notice how the world is created with purpose and majesty. Lastly, note that this is simply one story about creation that the Bible gives us; Genesis 2, Psalm 8, and Proverbs 8 all present other views. This helps remind us that the Bible is not a science book, but a wonderful collection of tales about God s activity through history, and love for all creation. Write a thank you letter to God describing what you find beautiful about Earth. Thank you, dear God, for all we see and hear and smell on planet Earth. Dear God, Thank you for

4 September 9, 2018 Humanity Sunday Genesis 1:26 28 November 25, 2018 Reign of Christ John 18:33 37 Read Genesis 1:26 28 from an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story Made from Love for Love on p. 48 of SeasonsFUSION (copies available from your church office). Creation of humans should not be seen as separate from other elements of creation. Rather, God created human beings as a part of an overall plan that included stars and rivers, animals and trees, nighttime and day, as well as people. We are intrinsically part of God s world. We are called to be God-like in our care for Creation. As God cares for even the minute details, so are we called to care for each thing, large and small. Discuss ways where you might you show compassionate care. Thank you, dear God, for our family and our friends. Help us to work together to help take care of our world. Amen. Read John 18:33 37 in an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story Are You a King? on p. 180 of Seasons- FUSION In this week s focus scripture, Jesus shows us how to sacrifice while serving others. He says, For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. His truth would lead him to make the ultimate sacrifice for humankind. Thinking about Jesus and the examples of those who serve and sacrifice for the good of others in today s world can inspire us to serve and sacrifice for others as well. As a family or group, look through newspapers, magazines, or online news together to find examples of people who are making sacrifices and serving others as Jesus did. Read about their lives and sacrifices and then share what you found with your family or group. You can also cut out images, headlines, or phrases and put them on a poster board to draw specific attention to these servant leaders throughout the week. Keep adding to your collage as the week goes on. How do we care for... the world each other ourselves Loving God, your son has taught us how to love and serve. May we follow Jesus example and serve others in our communities, especially the poor and those on the margins. Amen. 4 17

November 18, 2018 The Way of Faithfulness Mark 13:1 8 September 16, 2018 Sky Sunday Jeremiah 4:23 28 and Psalm 19:1 6 Read Mark 13:1 8 in an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story A New

5 November 18, 2018 The Way of Faithfulness Mark 13:1 8 September 16, 2018 Sky Sunday Jeremiah 4:23 28 and Psalm 19:1 6 Read Mark 13:1 8 in an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story A New Day on p. 168 of SeasonsFUSION Hearing Jesus talk about the destruction of the temple in this week s focus scripture can be unsettling in a time filled with war, natural disaster, climate change, and human destruction. Name some of your concerns and fears about these unsettled times. Discuss these with your family or group. Pray using a map and sticky notes. Find an atlas or map of the world. Write prayers for specific places and people and put them on the map where they are located. Refer to your map when you pray as a family or group. Loving God, calm our anxieties and fears about what we see happening in the world around us. Help us remember that you are present, as you were with the disciples, even in challenging times. Amen. Read Jeremiah 4:23 28 from an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story The Day the Sun Disappeared on p. 60 of SeasonsFUSION (copies available from your church office). The unbridled praise of God s creative power in Psalm 19 helps to counter the negative imagery of Jeremiah 4: While this latter passage speaks of Earth having no hope, still God proclaims, I will not destroy it completely. Even in the midst of God s anger and despair at humankind often for ways we have abused Creation still God does not abandon us, or Earth that is our home. Indeed, we can look to the heavens and feel the power and presence of God. Sit comfortably outside, or in a place where you can see through a window. Write about what you see in the sky. Take a breath, and feel the wondrous presence of God in that air, offering you the gift of a moment of being. Thank you, dear God, for the sun and moon and stars and clouds. Thank you for all these things in the sky that can remind us of you. Amen. 16 5

6 September 23, 2018 Mountain Sunday Isaiah 65:17 25 Read Isaiah 65:17 25 from an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story Isaiah Tells of a Wonderful World on p. 72 of SeasonsFUSION (copies available from your church office). November 11, 2018 The Way of Giving and Receiving Mark 12:38 44 Read Mark 12:38 44 in an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story Love Shown by Giving on p. 156 of SeasonsFUSION God is always creating things anew. Even as one thing dies, another comes to life. As plants and animals return to the earth, they nurture the growth of new beings. In this kind of world, how can we do anything but rejoice? Indeed, the prophet Isaiah declares how wonderful life can be in God s new world. When we remember our place in Creation, and how we can support one another, life on God s holy mountain this planet becomes wonderful beyond our imagination. Even the wolf and lion will lie down together! Draw or paint your dream for Creation. Awesome God, we see you in the mountains and say, thank you. Thank you for this beautiful world. Amen. The sacrifice of the widow in the treasury is a powerful reminder of how, no matter our financial circumstances, giving to others can lead to a spiritual experience of gratitude and thanksgiving. Jesus recognizes the meaning behind a gift. He sees the person behind a gift. Skip a regular treat (read: expense) and give the money you save to a charity or cause that is important to you. Talk about what this sacrifice means to you with your family or group and brainstorm ideas for other ways to creatively give to others. Generous God, we have so much to be thankful for even when we forget it. Help us to give abundantly, whatever that means for each one of us. Amen. What is sacrifice? What can I give? 6 15

7 November 4, 2018 The Way of Love Mark 12:28 34 Read Mark 12:28 34 in an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story The Important Rules on p. 144 of SeasonsFUSION Jesus shares the Greatest Commandment with his disciples: To love God and to love your neighbour. The idea that our closeness to God will feed and be fed by caring for our community can be a solid foundation to build a life of faith. What steps can you take to strengthen this foundation? Think about examples of loving God and loving neighbour in your church, community, or the wider world. Who or what stands out to you? What have you learned from these examples? What s one thing you can do this week to emulate their devotion? Creator God, you call us to love you, to love our neighbour. When we fall short, remind us through the actions of others that we are only one prayer or deed of kindness away from turning back to you. Amen. L O V E God Neighbour Activities for connecting during Season of Creation If your group or family is looking for some ideas for connecting with one another or with new friends this season, consider the following: The Creation story in Genesis 1 reminds us that, as God created the universe, God noticed that everything was good. Celebrate the goodness of other people. Invite everyone to take a piece of paper, and to write her or his name at the top. Each person then hands their paper around the group. When you get a piece of paper, think of something wonderful about that person, and write it on the bottom of the sheet. Then, fold it up, so your information is covered, but there is still paper left, and pass it along to someone else. That person will write something wonderful about the person named on the paper at the bottom and then fold it. This happens until the paper has gone around the circle, and everyone has written something on each one. Return the pieces to the people named on the papers, and invite them to unfold the pages and celebrate all the wonderful things others have said about them. In the context of Mountain Sunday, go out and find a mountain. This need not be a huge peak but can be any hill. If there is absolutely no hill available, what else can you climb up on? Find somewhere that is higher than other places, and look around. What do you see? Especially, what can you see that you wouldn t be able to see from down below? What kind of new perspective does this give you on the world? Say a word of thanks and praise to God before you climb down. On a computer with Internet access go to com/ to see Terje Sorgjerd s time lapse movie of El Teide, Spain s highest mountain. We are called to listen to the heartbeat, or rhythm of Earth. Try to locate your heartbeat and listen to it. The easiest way to do this is with a stethoscope. However, they are often not readily available. Luckily, there are a few other ways that usually work although you have to be kind of still and patient to listen. Place a hand over your heart. Optionally, try placing two fingers on the inside of your wrist, or 14 7

8 place two fingers along the side of your neck. As you quietly notice your heartbeat, imagine the heartbeat of Earth. How do you think you are connected? Jump up and down in place, or run a short distance and back. Try to hear your heartbeat and notice what has happened. What kinds of things might change the rhythm and heartbeat of Earth? Connect with the rhythm of Earth by doing some drumming. Any kinds of drums can work; if you don t have any, find other surfaces that you can use: your legs, a book, a table, cooking pots and pans, and so on. Use your imagination! Join with others to create rhythms, and imagine yourselves connected with Earth. If possible, do this outdoors, with your shoes off, and feel your connection to the Earth. Living the Season of Pentecost 2 The second half of the Pentecost season is focused on building and nurturing community. It s a time to examine how we can be the disciples God has called us to be. We have Jesus as our example teaching, healing, and inspiring the community to grow in faith, hope, and love. October 28, 2018 The Way of Exclusion Mark 10:46 52 Read Mark 10:46 52 in an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story I Can See! on p. 132 of SeasonsFUSION The Gospels are full of stories of Jesus being at the centre of healing others. He tells Bartimaeus that his faith has made him well. If we ve been sick, or known someone who s been sick, and haven t felt that our faith has helped to heal us, these stories might challenge us. But we can be assured that Jesus is ready to welcome and comfort those who are hurting, calling us to his side. chain On strips of paper, write down the names of people or situations that are in need of healing. Connect the strips of paper to make a chain. Hang it where you can see it and use it as a reminder to pray for others this week. Every day, pray together, as a family or group, for everyone/everything on your chain. Loving God, remember all those in need of healing this day. Be a presence of comfort, love, security in uncertain times. Amen. H E A L I N G Faith has made you well 8 13

9 October 21, 2018 A New Way Mark 10:35 45 Read Mark 10:35 45 in an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story Serving One Another on p. 120 of SeasonsFUSION Jesus continues to show the disciples a different way to live. When the world pushes us to achieve more, race to the top, succeed for ourselves or our families at the cost of others, Jesus says, Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant. This week, think about how you can be of service to others. Think of a person or family who is going through a difficult time. Plan a meal to give to the family. First, contact them to see if there are any allergies or dietary needs. Next, decide what you will make. Your family can cook and deliver the meal together. Your group can divide up the menu and come together to assemble your meal. Write personal notes or inspiration scripture/quotes on colourful note cards and pack them with the food. Loving God, who teaches us to serve, remind us that as the world moves forward around us, striving for success, you call us to stop, serve others, and remember those who are cast aside. Amen. Stories for this Season of Pentecost September 30, 2018 Getting Out of the Way Mark 9:38 50 Read Mark 9:38 50 in an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story Doing Good Together on p. 84 of SeasonsFUSION Jesus tries to redirect the disciples from focusing on who is with them or against them to thinking instead about how they might be a stumbling block to following Jesus way. It s always easier to find fault in others than to critically examine our own motives. To build a community of faith, hope, and love, we must lift one another up and not look to tear others down. Lift others up Take a piece of paper and make a list of people who you can encourage this week. Place the list where everyone can see on the refrigerator at home or in a shared document/space online. Invite everyone in your family or group to select at least one of the people on your list and do a small act of kindness for that person. Report back and add your deed to the list when you ve completed it. Creator God, when I think that I have all the answers, remind me that you are God. I need to get out of the way and let you be God. Amen. What can I do to help... kindness encouragement 12 9

October 7, 2018 Tough Questions along the Way Mark 10:2 16 October 14, 2018 Finding Our Way Mark 10:17 31 Read Mark 10:2 16 in an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story Tough Questions on

10 October 7, 2018 Tough Questions along the Way Mark 10:2 16 October 14, 2018 Finding Our Way Mark 10:17 31 Read Mark 10:2 16 in an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story Tough Questions on p. 96 of Seasons- FUSION Read Mark 10:17 31 in an age-appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story A Tough Decision on p. 108 of SeasonsFUSION Something to think about, talk about, or do As people bring their children to see Jesus, the disciples try to shush them and push them aside. Jesus wants to expand our ideas about community. Everyone no matter their age, abilities, background, education, race, gender/ sexual identity belongs. Hands across the community Gather a piece of card stock or heavy paper (poster board if this is a larger group), paint, paintbrush or large ink pad. Paint your hands and make handprints on the card stock, wait for each person s handprint to dry a bit so they can overlap. Write everyone s name next to their hands. Put this somewhere you can see it this week and be reminded of the many different people and experiences (and hands) that make up your community. Loving God, help me to have the faith of a child to trust, to love, to rely on you to guide my steps. Help me to welcome others as you said to the little children, Come, you are welcome and loved here. Amen. In this week s gospel story, Jesus tries to teach us a few key lessons about what it means to follow his way. The idea of not only following God s commandments but also making sure that caring for the poor and marginalized is a priority, can be difficult. We might on one level agree with the idea that the last shall be first, but when God requires us to make sacrifices, we sometimes struggle to follow God s way. Declutter Jesus tells the rich man to sell all of his possessions. This week, commit to decluttering one closet or one shelf or one drawer in your space. (Bonus challenge: Do all three!) You can do this together as a family or offer support and accountability to your group (commit to a deadline or a day to declutter and check in via text or ). Give away things that can still be used. If your church or community has a ministry that gives away clothes, consider donating items there. Learning to live more simply is one way we can follow Jesus example. God of the least and the last, show us how we can make others a priority. Help us understand that sacrifice is how we can grow closer to you. Amen. What can I give away? 10 11

Blessings and Birthrights

Blessings and Birthrights Bible Verse The LORD bless you and keep you. (Numbers 6:24) Did You Know? The birth of Jacob and Esau, twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah, continues the story of the descendants of