Planning. 15th Sunday after Pentecost 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Proper 17 (22) September Things to keep in mind this week.

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1 Planning SAT 8 FRI 7 THUR 6 WED 5 TUES 4 MON 3 SUN 2 15th Sunday after Pentecost 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Proper 17 (22) Things to keep in mind this week Planning ahead September 2018 S M T W T F S / August 2018 Sunday, September 2 Saturday, September S M T W T F S October 2018 S M T W T F S Revised Common Lectionary (Year B) Song of Solomon 2:8 13 Psalm 45:1 2, 6 9 James 1:17 27 Mark 7:1 8, 14 15, Seasons of the Spirit is based on semicontinuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Liturgical colour: green This session provides material for all ages. You may choose for all ages to come together for worship, learning, and serving, or meet in agespecific groups. If you meet in age-specific groups, these pages can be customized for different settings. If you have Internet access, visit to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. Ecumenical Prayer Calendar Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia Based on In God s Hands: Common Prayer for the World, ed. By Hugh McCullum and Terry MacArthur (Geneva: World Council of Churches, 2006). 29

2 Pentecost Focus scripture James 1:17 27 Additional Scriptures Song of Solomon 2:8 13 Psalm 45:1 2, 6 9 Mark 7:1 8, 14 15, Season of the Spirit is based on semi-continuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary Biblical Background September 2, 2018 O God, generous giver of life, forgive us when we turn away from your ways. Open our hearts and minds to be transformed by your word. Shape our lives this day and all days as a bold, vibrant, and faithful response to your generous Spirit. Amen. Deep, Perceptive Listening In this part of the Season after Pentecost, the scriptures invite us to encounter images of sharp edges, faithful action, and persistence. This week, we continue our journey in God s reign by considering the connections between hearing God s word and doing it. Our relationship with God and the infusion of God s generous Spirit into our lives sets the stage for our faithful response. Focus scripture: James 1:17 27 Some scholars believe that James was written by someone possibly James, the brother of the Jesus in the first generation of believers. Its tone has the exuberance of a new community seeking to live out of the truth it has come to believe. The style of the letter is moral exhortation; there are 59 imperatives in its 108 verses. The opening section of the letter sounds the themes that will be played out in the course of the letter. Chief among them is the belief that God is the giver of all every perfect gift. Our relationship with God, marked by God s generosity, is the context for faithful living. It is the reason for speaking and acting. Our acts of generosity reflect our belief that every perfect gift comes from God. James describes two types of generosity. Generosity of spirit is exemplified by listening and being slow to anger. Generosity of effort and provision is demonstrated in caring for widows and orphans. There is a challenge here for individuals and churches to put faith into action. The letter of James invites us to reflect on following God s word without much reflection on what that word is. The implanted word in verse 21 may refer to God s law, or the good news about Jesus, or God s work of salvation. Verse 22 challenges us to do more than listen to God s word and wisdom it calls us to action grounded in faith. Consider how these words are in dialogue with your church s teachings about the relationship of faith and works. As we explore the meaning of this im-planted word, we must ask, as James does, what do we believe about God? James invites us to believe that God loves us unconditionally, steadfastly, eternally. How does this belief become the rich soil out of which can grow actions that reflect such love? When lovers respond to one another in the Song of Solomon 2:8 13, they act on their words. The Song of Solomon is a book of poetry celebrating love. The world in which we live is as bountiful and full of love as this scene, thanks to God the giver of every perfect gift. We are called to respond in faithful living, confident that this is most certainly true. God is described as generous and loving in Psalm 45:1 2, 6 9. The psalmist applauds how the ruler s relationship with God shapes the way in which this earthly leader lives and governs. As the ruler responds in faithfulness, the entire nation is blessed. In Mark 7:1 8, 14 15, 21 23, the gospel writer challenges us to consider what it means to respond to God s generous love with lives of faithfulness. In an exchange about rituals and traditions, Jesus differentiates between the commandment of God and the tradition of the elders. There is a challenge here for us. Our call to faithful living invites examination of what is essential and nonessential as we strive to live in ways that are in agreement with our core beliefs about God s love. What do we believe about God, and how do we act on it? This is the question put to us by today s passages. We are challenged to find connections between what we believe and say about God and the actions we take each day. God acts in our lives with generosity and love. What will our response be to this perfect gift? 30 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

3 Reflection and Focus September 2, 2018 Pentecost Reflecting on the Word Adapt and use for youth and adult studies, sermon seeds, lay worship teams. Connecting with life In New Testament times, widows and orphans were particularly vulnerable groups within the community. They rarely had patrons who could support and protect them, and were particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Which groups of people in your community and in our world are currently the most vulnerable? What situations have you observed or read about in this past week that are examples of individuals responding with generosity and love? Scripture James 1:17 27 What might it mean to listen generously? Why ought we be quick to listen and slow to speak? Our text seems to contrast listening and hearing. The only way not to hear is to physically block our ears. But it is possible to hear and not truly listen. True listening opens us to each other and makes us actors in a world of need. What do you think is required for true listening to take place? The author of the letter of James describes two types of generosity generosity of spirit and generosity of action. What examples are given of being generous in spirit? What would you add to these? What examples are given of being generous in action? What would you add to these? Song of Solomon 2:8 13, Psalm 45:1 2, 6 9, Mark 7:1 8, 14 15, All the texts this week require real, deep listening. The relationship between lovers requires it, as does the relationship between God and humanity as celebrated in the Psalm. Distinguishing between the commandment of God and the tradition of the elders requires us to listen with great sensitivity and attention, to enable us to determine which is which. What tools does the life of faith offer us to help us become deep, perceptive listeners? Connecting scripture and life If ever there was a time when listening, hearing and doing are disconnected, it might well be now. With millions of people every year flocking to social networking in the first world and millions more getting online for the first time in the two-thirds world, hearing is not our problem. We can be deafened and confused by the amount we hear, often in great and repetitive detail from situations about which we formerly knew nothing. Our problem is deciding, in all the hearing, what to listen to; what to pay attention to. In what ways do our texts for this week help us to make these daily decisions? Focus for Worship, Learning, and Serving This week s texts reminds us that our lives are a gift from God. This is a reminder that we need to hear often. It is too easy for us to hear the voice in our culture that tells us that our lives are of our own making, that we are selfmade women and men. If this is the only voice we hear then we can be so busy making our lives that we have no time or energy to truly listen to one another and the world around us. It is important to leave space in our worship, learning,,and serving experiences so that those who are gathered listen for and hear the voice of God in the words, in our actions, in the music, and in the silence. 31

4 Deep, Perceptive Listening Prepare Worship Outline September 2, 2018 NOTE: The following suggestions are mere starting points; adapt, delete, and add according to your local needs. Recruit volunteers needed for worship: four for the call to worship (with articles from the week s papers or news-bulletins, two for the Song of Solomon reading. Choose an option for hearing James 1: For the Bible story, arrange for a storyteller to present the story Letter from James on p. 35. Arrange for two readers for the second option; bring gift wrapped boxes (optional). Bring items for setting the worship space: mural paper and markers to be used in Respond. For the reading from the Psalms, rewrite the verses as described in opening the word. Bring song such as Friend to Friend (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7, #28 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording are also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Decide which stations you will set, and set stations as described on pp Music Suggestions Listen in the Silence Linnea Good; Seasons Songbook, vol. 8 Listen to Jesus Bernadette Farrell; Seasons Songbook, vol. 8 Friend to Friend Eduardo P. Hontiveros; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Listen Now for the Gospel Traditional Zimbabwean; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 For Everyone Born Shirley Erena Murray, Per Harling; Seasons Songbook, vol. 4 Let s Go Out Leigh Morton; Seasons Songbook, vol. 4 Our God Is the God of Justice Delia Crabbe; Seasons Songbook, vol. 4 Listen, God Is Calling Traditional Tanzanian; Seasons Songbook, vol. 2 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. Call to worship Have three or four people simultaneously reading aloud news articles from the week s papers or news-bulletins. While they read, have someone read the call to worship beginning quietly, unheard in the babble of other voices. Have them gradually increase their volume (perhaps with the aid of a microphone) until, by the fourth repetition of the call, they are loud enough to be heard and the other voices have dropped to a murmur. Be still and know that I am God. I am the beginning and the end, the first and last. Be still and know that I am God. Gather Opening prayer God, in a world of noise, you are a true sound. In a world where everyone says something, we know that you have something to say. As we worship today, help us to hear you, listen to your truths, and live our lives to the sound of your voice. Amen. Prayer of confession We confess, God, that we often hear but do not listen. Preoccupied with our own voice inside us, we often give too little attention to what we hear from others. Forgive us when we only hear what others say but do not listen for what they do not say, perhaps what they long to say but cannot trust enough that they will be listened to. Forgive us, God, when we hear the voices of the poor and marginalized but hear only stereotypes and do not listen enough to hear the cries and concerns of real people. And forgive us, God, when we hear the chatter in our own lives but do not listen to our own deep fears and longings. Amen. 32 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

5 Worship Outline September 2, 2018 Words of affirmation Friends, know this, God is the great listener. God hears your prayers and listens to your cries, and gives forgiveness freely and lavishly. Your sin is forgiven. Opening the word Song of Solomon 2:8 13 Have two readers read the text to each other, perhaps across the heads of the congregation. Psalm 45:1 2, 6 9 Rewrite the verses as if describing God, not as an ancient king but as a modern leader of a democratic country. Read the original verses from the Bible and your new paraphrase, one after the other. Mark 7:1 8, 14 15, Have the text read aloud in a calland-response fashion. The leader reads in a stage whisper and repeats the central verses a number of times to heighten the power of the words. Moving into the focus scripture Invite people to reflect on how they feel when someone has been generous to them and when they have experienced Engage Respond being truly listened to. In what ways are these experiences similar and in what ways different? James 1:17 27 Choose from the following for hearing the focus story. Bible story Have a storyteller present the story Letter from James on page 35. Two readers Have the text read by two readers. Have the first read only verse 17 but repeat it each time the second reader finishes a verse. You might also have people bringing armfuls of gifts to place around the second reader each time the first reader reads verse 17. 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. 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. Sing or listen to a song such as Friend to Friend as people gather together again (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7, #28 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording are also available at Seasons MP3 downloads, As people gather, begin drawing a simple sketch of a plant on a large sheet of paper, with stalk, branches and leaves above ground and roots below ground. Invite people to write along each root ways in which faith and discipleship can be nurtured, and on the branches ways in which faith and discipleship can be expressed. Prayers of the people Invite people to come to the plant drawing in an attitude of prayer and to write along the branches or roots the names of people or situations for whom they wish to pray. Play some reflective music as this occurs. Remind people that for the ancient Jews, two of the most important positions for prayer were lying face-down on the ground and standing with arms raised. Invite people to stand and raise their arms like a growing plant. Bless The conditions needed for your growth are all around you. Grow in God. Amen. 33

6 Worship Outline September 2, Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

7 Bible Story September 2, 2018 Letter from James Based on James 1:17 27 Long, long ago, when the Christian church was just beginning, people met together in homes to share stories about Jesus, who had helped them learn about God. The people would sing together. They would pray together. They would listen to each other. And sometimes they would read letters to each other. Many of these letters were written by people who loved God very much and who wanted to act in loving ways just like Jesus did. Imagine you are with the people in the early church when this letter arrives My Dea r Fri ends, Re m e m b e r that ev e ry ge n erous act, ev e ry good gift, comes from God th e c reator. God gives us th e t ru th. It is v e ry i mport ant to b e a good list e n e r, and to thi n k before you s pea k. Giv e u p a nything that h urts you or oth e r peop le. Let God b e i n you r heart, t e l ling you what to do and sa y. And re m e m b e r, just list e n ing to God s word is not enough. We must also do what God says to do! It is not enough to hea r what God wants us to do. We must do it! It is not enough to sa y what God wants us to do. We must do it! Let us keep on doing what God asks us to do. You r f ri end i n Ch rist, James (Invite the children to leave their imagined space, when they are ready, and come back into today.) A recording of this story is available in MP3 format in the RCL Audio Stories folder. 35

8 Living, Learning, Growing as Disciples The following stations might be set up around your worship space or in other places around the church. Choose one or more practices, depending on your space and numbers. Display the directions. See also Age Group ideas on pages Stations September 2, 2018 For your convenience, these instructions are formatted for printing and available in RCL Stations folder. Bible story Materials recording of today s story Letter from James (available in MP3 format in the RCL Audio Files), player, paper, crayons, pencils, copy of the directions displayed where all can see The practice of storytelling Directions 1. Listen to the story Letter from James. 2. Write or draw about ways our church might show God s generosity and love. Grow seeds Materials small pots or gro-pots, earth, seeds and water, small sticks and index cards, copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages The practice of growing community Directions 1. Work together to plant seeds. 2. Write or draw prayers or words of encouragement on the index cards. 3. Attach them to sticks and display them in every pot. 4. Decide who might benefit from your words and prayers of care and encouragement. Listening with the heart Materials tape recorder or any other device, such as a smart phone with record and playback capability with several tunes recorded, headphones, card, sign with the words Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers (James 1:17 27), copy of the directions displayed for all to use The practice of listening with the heart Directions 1. Put on the headphones and switch on the player. 2. Listen to the tune playing, switch off the player. 3. Hum the tune to the person next to you. 4. Then it will be time for that person to pick the headphones and repeat the action. 5. Continue until all have listened and passed on a tune. Suitable for all ages 36 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

9 Stations September 2, 2018 The growing plant Materials sheets of paper, coloured pens, simple drawing of a plant showing branches above ground and roots below ground, copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages The practice of reflection Directions In James 1:17 27 the author uses planting and growing as a metaphor for the life of faith. 1. Draw your life as a plant. Your drawing will only be seen by you and anyone you choose to share it with, so you can be honest about what you draw. 2. You might want to label a tap-root, some of the other roots and some of the branches or leaves. Think about what grounds you, what feeds you, what might others see growing in you, and so on. Are some roots longer or stronger than others? Are there some branches that need to grow stronger or be less restricted, or maybe pruned? 3. Think about what you have learned from this reflection. 4. What letter might you write to yourself? 37

10 Age Group Ideas Resource Sheet September 2, 2018 GATHERING TOGETHER Ages 3 12 (and can be adapted for older age group) Gently ring a bell, or sound a singing bowl as a signal to gather at the worship table. Give time for silence to settle. Unfurl the green cloth as you say: As we place the green cloth on our worship table, we remember that we come here to learn about living in God s way day by day. As you place the Bible say: As we place the Bible on our worship table, we remember that we come here to hear the wise stories in it. As you place the offering bowl, say: As we place our offering on the table, we remember that we will share our ideas and our stories, too. As you light the candle play a song such as: Light of Christ (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 and #6 on the Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Prayer God of life, God of wisdom, God of friendship, thank you for your love. Amen. THE STORY Ages 3 8 Use the story Letter from James on page 35. Ages 9 11 James 1:17 27: A Paraphrase Every generous act, every good and perfect gift, comes from God, creator of lights. God gives us the truth. You must understand this, then. Be quick to listen, but be slow to speak. Be slow to anger and quick to forgive. Get rid of all that is not from God. Welcome God s word. But be doers of God s word, not just hearers of it. If you only listen to God s word, you will be like someone who looks in a mirror and then forgets what was seen there. No, be doers of God s word, not just hearers of it. You will be blessed in what you do. And this is what you are to do: Care for those in need. This is what is faithful to God. Discussion question: What message from James letter do you think is most important for our congregation, for our church school group, for yourself? 38 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

11 Resource Sheet September 2, 2018 Ages Discussion questions after reading from the Bible: What word is being spoken about? What do you think it means to be doers and not just hearers of the word? What actions related to doing did you hear described in this reading? What do these actions say about the writer s understanding of what it means to be Christian? RESPONDING TO THE STORY The following are offered in addition to the activities described in Stations on pages You might adapt according to your needs. Ages 3 5 Body letter large sheets of paper, paint, brushes, and clean-up supplies Invite the children to send themselves a letter of God s love. Talk about people in your church whose actions show what it means to be the church and live in God s way. Trace a child with arms stretched out, on a large sheet of paper. Gather around and paint or decorate the outline. Cut out a cartoon bubble and print the message. We want to give you a great big hug because When figure is decorated (or paint is dry), paperclip hands together so that it looks as if it is giving a hug. Mount figure in a visible place in your church. (Make more than one figure if there are many children.) Finger walk copies of activity sheet Showing God s Love on p. 40, and washable ink stamp pad or paint pad Talk with the children about each picture, and show them how to walk fingers along the path past each picture. In the blank heart, children might draw ways they show God s love. Ages 5 12 Crayon resist sturdy white paper, white crayons, watercolour paint and brushes Make pictures of ways we might listen to and hear God s word, and or ways to show God s love. Provide sturdy white paper and white crayons. Have the children draw a picture of a way to show God s love, with white crayon on the white paper. Then apply a wash of watercolour paint over the whole paper. The paint will not adhere where there is crayon and the picture will appear. Talk with each person about her or his picture and how they might carry out the action shown. Mirror painting small mirrors (available from craft stores), glass paint markers, and clay, phrases from James 1:17 27: A Paraphrase (p. 38) and the story Letter from James (p. 35). Make reminders of James message. Give each person a small mirror and lump of clay. Also provide glass paint markers in a variety of hues. Print phrases from the paraphrase James 1:17 27 and the story Letter from James on newsprint. Invite the participants to select one to print on their mirrors. Work the clay until it is pliable and create a stand for the mirror. When they look in their mirrors, they will see special words and themselves, putting the message of James upon them. SENDING OUT Use the prayer in Bless on p

12 Activity Sheet Sheet September September 2, 2, Activity Showing God s Love n show God s love a c I wherever I go. Instructions: Press two fingers onto a stamp pad (or paint pad) and walk along the path to each heart. In the blank heart, draw a way you show God s love Seasons of of the the Spirit Spirit SeasonsFUSION SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Pentecost Seasons 2018 Copyright Copyright Wood WoodLake LakePublishing PublishingInc. Inc

13 Planning SAT 15 FRI 14 THUR 13 WED 12 TUES 11 MON 10 SUN 9 16th Sunday after Pentecost 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Proper 18 (23) Sunday, September 9 Saturday, September Things to keep in mind this week Planning ahead Revised Common Lectionary (Year B) Rosh Hashanna begins (Judausn) Proverbs 22:1 2, 8 9, Psalm 125 James 2:1 10, (11 13), Mark 7:24 37 Al Hijra (Islam) Holy Cross Day September 2018 S M T W T F S / August 2018 S M T W T F S October 2018 S M T W T F S Seasons of the Spirit is based on semicontinuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Liturgical colour: green This session provides material for all ages. You may choose for all ages to come together for worship, learning, and serving, or meet in agespecific groups. If you meet in age-specific groups, these pages can be customized for different settings. If you have Internet access, visit to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. Ecumenical Prayer Calendar Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Republic of Macedonia (Skopje), Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia Based on In God s Hands: Common Prayer for the World, ed. By Hugh McCullum and Terry MacArthur (Geneva: World Council of Churches, 2006). 41

14 Pentecost Focus scripture Mark 7:24 37 Additional Scriptures Proverbs 22:1 2, 8 9, Psalm 125 James 2:1 10, (11 13), Season of the Spirit is based on semi-continuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary Biblical Background September 9, 2018 Hear us when we call to you, O God. For if we cannot turn to you, where can hope be found? Sharpen us to hear when you call, especially in the voice of a vulnerable one. For if others cannot turn to us, where will faith be found and lived? Amen. Be Opened Change for the good may come when we listen with care, speak with compassion, and enact our faith. Such wisdom sees that the persistent practice of mercy, like love, comes as gift and calling from God. As we continue in the Season after Pentecost, hear the invitation to be open to the welcome God extends to all by responding to the presence and needs of others. Focus scripture: Mark 7:24 37 Geography plays an important role in Mark s gospel. The first half of Mark is set primarily in Galilee. This text relates a trip into the Gentile region of Tyre. When verse 31 speaks of Jesus later going from Tyre by way of Sidon to Galilee, it means heading due north in order to travel southeast. The trip to Sidon takes Jesus and the disciples deeper into Gentile lands. Such directions hint at the ongoing influence of Jesus encounter with the woman Jesus ministry crosses boundaries both geographical and religious. The context of Jesus encounter with the woman in Tyre presents several ways to understand the text. First, the tension between Jesus and this woman may have economic origins. The inland farmers of Galilee were relatively poor compared to the coastal Phoenician exporters. Such differences aggravated the hostility between them as Jews and Gentiles. In times of food shortages in Galilee, the economic need to export harvests may have spurred further resentments. Second, resistance in the early church to including Gentiles may contribute to Mark s harsh tone at the start. The change in Jesus toward this woman and his ensuing journey to Gentile towns like Sidon and the Decapolis may speak to the church s later opening to Gentile Christians. Some interpreters soften Jesus response to the woman. One detail often cited is that the word Jesus uses for dogs is closer in meaning to puppies. But is comparing a child at risk with a puppy still not a callous insult? This remains a radical text. This woman s words of advocacy for her daughter spoken to Jesus provoke his openness. Jesus connects this woman s words (wisdom) with her daughter s healing. The second story relates another opening. Mark records the Aramaic command ephphatha ( be opened ) in this healing. It parallels the Aramaic talitha cum in Mark 5 when Jesus raises the daughter of Jairus. Aramaic was the native tongue of Jesus and those to whom he ministered. It would later be the tongue of Palestinian Christians, who may have formed part of Mark s original audience. These Aramaic phrases remind us that Jesus spoke the language of the people. God s open and unfailing love to those in need is a consistent theme in the additional texts. So, too, are their counsels for us to go and do likewise. The wisdom of Proverbs 22:1 2, 8 9, reveals that God pleads the cause of the poor. Those who would follow such wisdom in their own lives receive God s blessing for their generosity. Psalm 125 offers its benediction upon those who do good. Such blessing can be trusted for the psalmist affirms God s protective shelter. The epistle of James, like Proverbs, is a work grounded in the wisdom tradition. James 2:1 10, (11 13), insists that faith reveals itself in works. Faith here is shown in actions that welcome and care for those who are vulnerable. These texts also bring an implicit promise of God s response and compassion to all who find themselves in need. The Season after Pentecost continues as we journey with the Body of Christ toward living in wisdom. When we open ourselves to one another, God breaks open possibilities for change, healing, and welcome. How might these passages influence the ways we become open to others, especially those who may be viewed as outsiders? Who relies on us to be a persistent advocate for their needs and how might that advocacy take shape? 42 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

15 Reflection and Focus September 9, 2018 Reflecting on the Word Pentecost Adapt and use for youth and adult studies, sermon seeds, lay worship teams. Connecting with life Think about how many of the wars and conflicts around the globe have to do with racial and tribal hatred. Do you think that racism and tribalism are different aspects of the same thing? What is needed for racism and tribalism to flourish and become the dominant way of seeing the other? To what extent do you think racism is inherent to being human? Scripture Mark 7:24 37 Was Jesus a racist? It s an important question in relation to the reading in Mark. The author of that gospel spells out in detail that Jesus is in foreign country speaking not only to a woman (in Jesus day for a man alone to speak to a woman alone was very problematic), but a non-jewish woman and one from not only a decadent place (according to many in the more socially conservative Galilee region) but a place that economically dominated and drained the farms of Jesus home. In this environment, is it understandable that Jesus might have some preconceived notions about the woman with whom he speaks? Is it right that Jesus speaks so harshly to her (to call someone a dog in the ancient near-east was a very grave insult)? What do we do with the fact that Jesus seems to display such prejudice? On the surface the story of the Syrophoencian woman and the second story (Mark 7:31 37) are linked in terms of geography. At a deeper level these two stories are linked by the actions of people on behalf of another. What connections do you see between the actions of the woman and of the friends? The word ephphatha means to be opened. Who or what needs to be opened in each story and how does it happen? Proverbs 22:1 2, 8 9, 22 23, Psalm 125, James 2:1 10, (11 13), These additional readings beckon us to consider God s open and unfailing love to those in need, and our response. After each reading pause and consider, and or discuss: To what or to whom does this passage invite us to be opened? How does the reading speak of what is good? What connections do you perceive between this text and the encounters in Mark 7:24 37? Connecting scripture and life We do not know if Jesus was testing the woman in the Mark text to see if she was willing to break out of the stereotyped role she may well have been trapped in by the Jewish community, or if Jesus himself was unthinkingly operating out of those prejudices. Perhaps those of us who don t acknowledge that we often fear difference and are often prejudiced with respect to others are in the greatest danger of excluding others without, even being aware that we are doing it. How can we make ourselves more aware of our presumed or assumed prejudice? James 2:1 17 offers straightforward teaching about not showing partiality in the church. How do these words speak to the reality of your community? Focus for Worship, Learning, and Serving Have you ever said something that you came to regret? Has anyone ever challenged you in a way that caused you to rethink an attitude or belief, and, consequently, change your perspective? It would be unusual for those who gather for worship, learning, and serving to say no to either of these questions. Worship, fellowship, serving, and even administration can try our willingness to be open to something or someone new. It may not be easy to listen to someone who speaks a word that challenges some conventional wisdom we and others have carried for a long time. It may also not be easy to speak such words when they are needed, even when the needs of one who is vulnerable are at stake. This week explores the importance and example of being opened. How might you set the space, and prepare the worshipping community to be opened anew to the movement of God s spirit? 43

16 Be Opened Prepare Worship Outline September 9, 2018 NOTE: The following suggestions are mere starting points; adapt, delete, and add according to your local needs. Recruit volunteers needed for worship: one for the James reading, two for the blessing. Choose an option for hearing Mark 7: For the Bible story, arrange for a storyteller to present the story Pleas for Help on p. 47. For the dialogue, arrange for three readers. Bring items for setting the worship space. Prepare to project, close-up images of faces of diverse ages, nationalities, socio-economics, genders, for the prayer of confession. Prepare to project or display a map of the world, or a map of your region for prayers of the people. Bring song Friend to Friend (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7, #28 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www. seasonsonline.ca). Set stations as described on p Call to worship The earth is God s and the fullness thereof. The universe comes from God and everything that is, lives in God. The glory of God will cover the Earth as the waters cover the sea. Nothing that happens, happens outside of God s love. Everything is in God. Everything is one in God. Everything is one. Opening prayer God, we thank you for life. For the blood flowing well, for hearts pumping faithfully, for lungs breathing even when we are not paying attention. For the everyday miracle of our existence, we thank you. Today, may we be reminded that everyone we meet is like us; a living miracle. Amen. Gather Music Suggestions Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom Ruth Duck; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Friend to Friend Eduardo P. Hontiveros; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Reach Out Gina Ogilvie, Monica O Brien; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Let Us Put On the Clothes of Christ Bret Hesla; Seasons Songbook, vol. 1 We Give Our Hands to You/Reamo Leboga Daisy Nshakazongwe, Andrew Donaldson; Seasons Songbook, vol. 1 A Touching Place John Bell, Graham Maule Holy Spirit Go before Us Elizabeth J. Smith The Spirit in Me 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. Prayer of confession If possible, project close-up images of faces of people of diverse ages, nationalities, socio-economics, genders and invite people to view the images in silence. Toward the end of the projections, read the following prayer. Prayer God, we know only too well how it feels to be assessed and judged because of age, gender, nationality, or appearance. And we confess that we have too readily done the same to others. We confess that we have damaged others by grouping them based on external criteria, on our own assumptions and prejudices. We confess that we have often found it easier to assign people to categories than we have to get to know them for who they are. Forgive us we pray. Amen. Words of affirmation You are a unique, glorious and unrepeatable work of art, handcrafted by the creator and sustainer of the vast universe. You are loved, forgiven, and always welcomed into the arms of God. 44 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

17 Worship Outline September 9, 2018 Engage Opening the word James 2:1 10, (1 13), Have someone read from various parts of the space and in various stances, depending on the way the text goes. For example, if you have a traditional worship space, have the reader begin behind the pulpit or from one of the chairs at the front; stand in a prominent position, or sit on the floor, or in the back as the text requires. Moving into the focus scripture Invite the people to think about times when they have asked someone for help, or someone asked them for help. Ask for volunteers to tell what kind of help was needed. Try to include examples of both asking and giving help in the conversation. Respond Mark 7:24 37 Choose from the following for hearing the focus story. Bible story Have a storyteller present the story Pleas for Help on page 47. Dialogue Have two readers sit at a café table sharing coffee while they read (or say if they can memorize) the dialogue between Jesus and the woman in Mark 7: Have another reader act as the narrator. As Jesus leaves the table to continue the journey, the narrator reads Mark 7: 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. 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. Sing or listen to a song such as Friend to Friend as people gather together again (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 and #28 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Prayers of the people Project a map of the world or a map of your region and invite people think of people on the margins of society. Invite them to use the map as a prayer focus, perhaps choosing a country of which they know little, and in the silence listen to the voice and challenge of the people. With each prayer, invite them to say silently, or aloud if they choose, I will listen, I will understand. Affirmation of faith Invite the congregation to say together the following creed written by the late Catholic cardinal Basil Hume: alhumecentre.org.uk. We believe that every human being is made in the image and likeness of God and possesses a dignity and value which can never be taken away. We believe that as children of the one God we are one family with mutual responsibility for each other. Prayer of dedication Source of all goodness and compassion, move us this day to be generous in our giving and care. May we not hold back in fear or self-protection but give so that others might find renewed meaning and hope in this life, in this time. In Christ s name we pray. Amen. 45

18 Bless Worship Outline September 9, 2018 Have two readers reader alternate lines of the blessing One people Different genders One people Many nations One people Different ages One people Skin in a thousand hues One people One community One people One God One people Amen. Special Days Commentary September 9 11 Rosh Hashanah (Judaism) Rosh Hashanah is the celebration of the Jewish New Year that occurs every year in September or October. Before you get ideas in your head about Jewish people breaking out the champagne and noisemakers and staying up until midnight on some school night in September or October, it s not exactly that way! Rosh (which is the Hebrew word for head ) Hashanah (which is the Hebrew word for year ) is the beginning of a holy period of ten days called the Days of Awe. These ten days are a time for Jews to go for a spiritual checkup. Instead of a checkup for the body, it is a checkup for the soul. And instead of going to someone else for the checkup, Jews are expected to examine themselves. What do we examine? We examine the choices we have made, how we have treated other people, how we have acted to make the world a better place. All of us have some things we have done well, but all of us have things that we need to improve upon. For those things, we ask for forgiveness and work toward being better and making the world a better place. Rabbi Adam Morris lives in Denver, Colorado, USA, and serves as a consultant to the Seasons of the Spirit editorial team. He also answers questions posed to Ask the Rabbi at September 12 Al Hijra (Islamic New Year) This day is a remembrance of the migration (or hijra) of Mohammed and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This event marked the beginning of the growth of Islam into a world faith. It is not a holy day for Muslims, and as such there is no required, religious ritual for the day. The Qur an uses the word hijra to mean moving from a bad place or state of affairs to a good one. On Al Hijra, Muslims may contemplate how their faith helps them leave behind bad habits or unhealthy ways of living in order to achieve a better life. September 13 Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu) This is the celebration of the birth of one of the major Hindu deities, Ganesh, who has the head of an elephant. As the god of success, Ganesh is invoked at the beginning of all new undertakings. September 14 Holy Cross Day Several traditions are connected with this observance. One focuses on St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. While Helena was overseeing some evacuations in Jerusalem she found what was believed to be Jesus cross. On September 14, 335 CE, a basilica was dedicated on the site of Jesus tomb, the Shrine of the Holy Sepulchre. Other traditions claim that Constantine himself found the cross. 46 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

19 Bible Story September 9, 2018 Pleas for Help based on Mark 7:24 37 When you tell two stories that take place in different places, take a few steps or make some other indication that the second story is in another place. Jesus was busy, very busy, journeying from here to there. Teaching people on the shore, healing people in the towns. On this day he had just come to the region called Tyre. He wanted nothing more than a time to rest. He went into a house there, thinking that no one would notice him. But, of course, that was not possible. A woman whose daughter was sick heard that Jesus was in the town. Now this woman was not Jewish, so it is a bit surprising that she would come to Jesus for help. But she was desperate for help for her daughter. The woman walked into the house where Jesus was. She bowed down at his feet. Please, please, she said, make my daughter well. The other people in the room expected Jesus to ignore her because she was not Jewish and had certainly not been invited. And Jesus said to the woman, I am here to help the Jews, that is why I was sent by God. The woman did not give up. She continued to plead for help. Finally, Jesus said, Go home, you are right to ask for my help. Your daughter is well. The woman had convinced Jesus to open his heart to her. After a few days, Jesus went toward the Sea of Galilee by way of Sidon to the region of Decapolis. Some people brought to him a man who could not speak or hear. Just like the woman in Tyre, they begged for Jesus to heal the man. Not wanting to make a big fuss, Jesus took the man away from all the people. He touched his fingers to the man s ears. Then he spat and touched the man s tongue. Then Mark records that Jesus did something that is nowhere else in the Bible. Jesus pointed a finger up to the heavens and said, Ephphatha! This means be opened. In an instant, the man s ears were opened and he could hear the wonderful sounds around him. At the same time, his tongue moved and he could speak to his friends. Jesus told everyone not to tell what had happened. However, the people were so excited that they couldn t keep this good news to themselves. Look, they said, Jesus can make a deaf man hear and a man who cannot speak to speak. In this healing, Jesus opened the man s ears and mouth. For help on how to pronounce Ephphatha, go to e-words/ephphatha-pronunciation/. Click on the little Play button beneath the first row of books to hear it pronounced aloud. A recording of this story is available in MP3 format in the RCL Audio Stories folder. 47

20 Living, Learning, Growing as Disciples The following stations might be set up around your worship space or in other places around the church. Choose one or more practices, depending on your space and numbers. Display the directions. See also Age Group ideas on pages Stations September 9, 2018 For your convenience, these instructions are formatted for printing and available in RCL Stations folder. Bible story Materials recording of today s story Pleas for Help (available in MP3 format in the RCL Audio Stories folder), player, paper, drawing pads, crayons, pencils, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see; alternatively, arrange for a storyteller to present the story that is on page 47 The practice of storytelling Directions 1. Listen to the story Pleas for Help. 2. Use the drawing pads, paper, pencils, and crayons to record your response to the story. Suitable for all ages Building community Materials as many Lego building blocks (or other building blocks) in as many sizes and shapes as you can find (include people and animals, if possible), a copy of the directions displayed where all can see The practice of forming community Directions 1. Just as children build with blocks of different colours and shapes, so community is built. 2. Together build a structure that represents your hope for community. 3. Pray as you place each block for people of all backgrounds. Suitable for all ages Opened to art Materials newspapers, magazines, sheets of newsprint, markers, glue, scissors, poster board or construction paper, variety of art materials, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages The practice of expressing creatively Directions Open up the special term in Mark 7:34, Ephphatha, through art. 1. Search the newspapers and magazines for images of openness (such as open doors and windows, open faces, open arms ). 2. Create a large group collage on newsprint under the title Ephphatha. 3. Make a sign, like those next to art work in galleries: print the names of the artists, list the materials used, and say a word about the art, including a reference to Mark 7:24 37, and a description of how we might experience and extend Jesus open, healing love. 4. Display this work where all can see. 5. If returning to worship, help the congregation learn the word Ephphatha (see p. 51). 48 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

21 Stations September 9, 2018 Only the crumbs Materials bread rolls, table, tablecloth, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages The practice of prayer Directions 1. Take a bread roll and slowly tear it. 2. Silently watch the crumbs fall. 3. As the crumbs fall, pray in silence for those who get only the crumbs, who are denied full personhood, pushed to the periphery of society, are without friends, without family to support. Profiles of persistent women of faith The practice of telling stories of faith Materials blank index cards, pens, copy and cut apart Profiles of Persistent Women of Faith (see RCL Extra Resources section) Suitable for all ages Directions 1. Have each person at the table take one or more of the profiles. 2. Read about the woman on your sheet and introduce her to the rest of the group. 3. If you wish, you might write the name of other persistent women of faith and introduce them to the group. Journal Materials pens and paper, invite people to bring personal journals; a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages The practice of reflection Directions Openness to change, even for the good, may require a change of heart and mind. 1. Consider a current situation you feel is calling for or leading to a change of heart or mind on your part. What is this experience opening you to consider or to do? What wisdom might the Syrophoenician woman and Jesus healing the deaf man bring to your deliberation? 2. On sheets of paper or in your personal journal, write your response. 3. Use your journal entries to guide times of personal reflection and prayer during the coming week. 4. Who might be able to help this journey of turning? 49

22 Age Group Ideas Resource Sheet September 9, 2018 The following are offered in addition to the activities described in Stations on pages You might adapt according to your needs. Ages 3 12 (and can be adapted for older age group) Gently ring the bell, or sound a singing bowl as a signal to gather at the worship table. Give time for silence to settle. Unfurl a green cloth as you say: As we place the green cloth on our worship table, we remember that we come here to learn about living in God s way day by day. As you place the Bible say: As we place the Bible on our worship table, we remember that we come here to hear the wise stories in it. Ages 3 5 Jesus walked from place to place, teaching people. People came to Jesus with sick friends and asked for Jesus help. More and more people heard that Jesus could help, just like the mother in our story today. I have to get help for my little girl, said the mother. She can t rest at night. Her bad dreams wake her again and again. She doesn t laugh or play anymore. I must find help. Jesus is in town. Jesus could help, said the grandmother. I ll go to find Jesus, said the mother. Are you sure Jesus will help? said the aunt. Maybe Jesus only came to help the people he knows best. Maybe Jesus is tired and trying to rest. GATHERING TOGETHER THE STORY God s Love Welcomes Everyone Based on Mark 7:24 30 As you place the offering bowl say: As we place our offering on the table, we remember that we will share our ideas and our stories, too As you light the candle play a song such as: Light of Christ (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 and #6 on the Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Prayer God of life, God of wisdom, God of friendship, thank you for your love. Amen. Jesus, Jesus, please, please help my little girl. She can t rest and sleep. She no longer laughs and plays. Please, you need to pray. Jesus was tired and trying to rest. Lots of people come to me for help, said Jesus. But, it s my daughter. She s a child who needs your help. You have enough love to help everyone, Jesus! You are right, Jesus said, God s love welcomes everyone. Thank you for coming to get help for your daughter. God s love will go with you. Go on home and you will see your daughter resting peacefully. So the mother went home. We have to get help. Surely Jesus will help, said the mother. And she set off to find Jesus. Walking, walking on the road. (Walk fingers on palm of opposite hand.) Knocking, knocking at the door. (Knock on palm of opposite hand.) Running, running on the road. (Run fingers on palm of opposite hand.) Rushing, rushing through the door. Shh, (place finger to lips) said the grandmother. She s sleeping peacefully. Shh, (place finger to lips) said the aunt, When she wakes, she ll run and play. 50 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

23 Resource Sheet September 9, 2018 Ages 6 11 Use the story Pleas for Help on p. 47. Older children might also read directly from the Bible. Ages Discussion questions Are you surprised by Jesus response to the woman? Why? What caused the woman to challenge Jesus response and press forward in her request? The woman would not be silenced. What change did this bring? How were Jesus assumptions challenged and changed? What do you think Jesus learned in this encounter with the woman? Decapolis was also Gentile territory. How is Jesus attitude toward the deaf person, also a Gentile, different from his attitude toward the woman? Why do you think this is so? For whom might you be an advocate today? Ages 3 5 Welcome card copies of activity sheet Welcome Friend (p. 52), very small construction paper shapes, markers, crayons, scissors Demonstrate how to cut and fold the activity sheet into a card. Decorate the card with markers and crayons. Glue on paper shapes. Read the words on the card front together and help the children print their names on the lines. Explain that the card can be taken home and given to a friend who comes to play. Ages 6 8 Welcome Banner light-colour flat bedsheet, fabric markers. Outline the word Welcome on the bedsheet with fabric markers. When Jesus gave the one who couldn t hear some time away from the crowds to help and heal him, the man felt welcomed by Jesus. Invite the children to create a welcome banner. Decorate the prepared bedsheet with words of wel- RESPONDING TO THE STORY come, smiling faces, and waving hands. Print your names on the banner. Display in a prominent place in your learning area. Ages 9 11 Placemats regular sheets of coloured paper, clear adhesive covering or portable laminating machine, markers, colour pencils The setting for the first encounter in today s story begins as an exclusive dinner party. Invite the children to create paper placemats for a welcoming table. What colours, pictures, and words convey the idea that everyone is welcome to the healing love of Jesus? Cover the finished placemats with clear adhesive covering or laminate, so the mats can be wiped clean. Consider planning a shared meal, featuring the placemats, with people who might need a special sense of welcome. SENDING OUT Litany: To be opened Start with hands on eyes, then on ears, then on mouth. One: God, help us to be opened to see people in need. (Hands off eyes.) All: Ephphatha! One: God, help us to be opened to hear people who are crying. (Hands off ears.) All: Ephphatha! One: God help us to speak a word of welcome to everyone who feels left out. (Hands off mouth.) All: Ephphatha! For younger children do not include the response Ephphatha. For help on how to pronounce Ephphatha, go to com/bible-pronunciation/e-words/ephphatha-pronunciation/. Click on the little Play button beneath the first row of books to hear it pronounced aloud. 51

24 Welcome Friend Activity Sheet September 9, 2018 From Welcome Friend 52 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

25 Planning SAT 22 FRI 21 THUR 20 WED 19 TUES 18 MON 17 SUN 16 17th Sunday after Pentecost 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Proper 19 (24) Yom Kippur (Judaism) International Day of Peace St. Matthew Sunday, September 16 Saturday, September Things to keep in mind this week Planning ahead September 2018 S M T W T F S / August 2018 S M T W T F S October 2018 S M T W T F S Revised Common Lectionary (Year B) Proverbs 1:20 33 Psalm 19 or Wisdom 7:26 8:1 James 3:1 12 Mark 8:27 38 Seasons of the Spirit is based on semicontinuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Liturgical colour: green This session provides material for all ages. You may choose for all ages to come together for worship, learning, and serving, or meet in agespecific groups. If you meet in age-specific groups, these pages can be customized for different settings. If you have Internet access, visit to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. Ecumenical Prayer Calendar Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania Based on In God s Hands: Common Prayer for the World, ed. By Hugh McCullum and Terry MacArthur (Geneva: World Council of Churches, 2006). 53

26 Pentecost Focus scripture Mark 8:27 38 Additional Scriptures Proverbs 1:20 33 Psalm 19 or Wisdom 7:26 8:1 James 3:1 12 Biblical Background September 16, 2018 Teach us your names, O God, spoken in acts of mercy and justice and grace. May we learn your names, O Jesus, by trusting who you are for us and for all. May we recognize your names, Holy Spirit, in the renewing of our lives and communities. Amen. Seasons of the Spirit is based on semi-continuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Who Are You, Jesus? Words have the power to name or shape people in ways that may lead to good or ill, to acceptance or rebuke. Who we say Jesus is shapes our journey as disciples. Wise followers listen for the words and ways of God in their midst. For God s words and ways lead to deeper understanding of who we are called to be because of whom we follow. Focus scripture: Mark 8:27 38 This passage serves as the midway hinge point in Mark s gospel. Before this, Jesus travelled across Galilee and into Gentile territories. From here, the geography and theology move toward Jerusalem. Verse 31 is the first of the three passion predictions in Mark that point to Jesus suffering in Jerusalem. Passion comes from a Greek word meaning suffering. The setting of this teaching near Caesarea Philippi is intriguing. One source of the Jordan River flows out of a cave nearby. It served over time as a shrine of worship for various deities called by different names. The names reported by the disciples in response to Jesus question in verse 27 reflect earlier opinions voiced by Herod and others (Mark 6:14 16). Several names given by the disciples have messianic links. John the baptizer prepared for one who was coming after me. Elijah was expected to return shortly before the appearance of Messiah. Jesus does not refer to himself as Messiah, but Son of Man. This term appears in Daniel 7:13 in a passage associated with God s coming. Son of Man also appears frequently in Ezekiel, where the prophet uses the term to describe himself. Son of Man in Daniel and Ezekiel connects with God s mission and, at times, suffering. A pair of rebukes follows Peter s confession of Jesus as the Messiah and Jesus ensuing command of silence about his identity. The most dominant expectations of Messiah at this time involved one who would deliver the land from Roman rule. Often this figure was linked to the line of David. Such hopes likely formed the basis for Peter s rebuke of Jesus when Jesus taught the wisdom of a suffering Son of Man nothing like the triumphant warrior awaited by many. Jesus rebuke of Peter in response sets the stage for Jesus further wisdom about what discipleship entails. The word translated as life in verses is psuche, the root word for psyche and psychology. It involves the notion of self. That connotation brings a stronger sense of paradox to Jesus teaching. The affirmation of self comes in the act of self-giving ( those who would lose their psuche for my sake will save it ). Jesus redefines both Messiah and disciple in this passage. To be a follower is not simply to name Jesus with a correct title ( you are the Messiah ). The text implies danger in the hard consequences of following in the way of Jesus, who announces suffering for self and crosses for disciples. The counter-intuitive wisdom of Jesus about Messiah and discipleship echoes themes in other wisdom teachings about power and risk. Proverbs 1:20 33 offers a warning and call from personified wisdom. The author of Proverbs notes the great risk when wisdom is ignored and the path of folly is taken. Psalm 19 celebrates creation s witness to the law and glory of God. James 3:1 12 adds its cautionary wisdom about teaching and language, and the power of words to accomplish good or ill. Mark closely links Jesus identity and vocation with that of disciples in that day, and in our own. In Jesus wisdom we find the path opened to finding our selves. Who do we say Jesus is today by what we pray for in our heart of hearts; by what we seek from (and offer to) our faith communities? What wisdom of Jesus do you hear Mark 8:34 37 speaking to the church and to the wider community today? What wisdom do today s readings speak about following the way of God? 54 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

27 Reflection and Focus September 16, 2018 Reflecting on the Word Pentecost Adapt and use for youth and adult studies, sermon seeds, lay worship teams. Connecting with life There are cultures in the world that do not name a child when it is born. They wait until an understanding is gained of the nature of that new person; an appropriate name is then chosen. Sometimes to name something is to shape it, and to some extent to have power over it. Where can you see, perhaps in public life or in the life of your family of origin, the naming or renaming of things is all about who gets to control that thing? Scripture Mark 8:27 38, coming as it does at the central point of Mark s story of Jesus, requires the reader of the gospel to ask themselves and their community who they believe Jesus is. Is Jesus to be kept at arm s length as a prophet or a political saviour; someone about whom one believes, in an intellectual sense, certain things? Or is Jesus to be trusted as an intimate of God and the founder of a new world? Many Bible scholars feel that the way we use believe today has shifted and that we would do well to translate believe in the scriptures as trust. What differences and similarities do you see between trust and belief? The disciples understanding of who Jesus was changed as they lived with him. Perhaps this is why the question about Jesus is asked in the middle of the gospel story. For the disciples and, by inference, for us the understanding of who Jesus is has changed. But the story is not yet at an end. Before it concludes, the disciples understanding of Jesus will have changed and grown. Is that true of us also? How has your understanding of who Jesus was and is changed since you first became aware of him? Jesus invites others to follow Jesus on the demanding, yet fruitful, road of self-giving. How does this compare with dominant messages in both church and the wider society that emphasize either self-help or self-sacrifice? What change might come as a result of living in this self-giving way? Where might caution be needed in your church and wider community regarding references to self-denial and cross bearing? Why? What risks are involved in discipleship today: for you, for your congregation? Proverbs 1:20 33, Psalm 19 or Wisdom of Solomon 7:26 8:1, James 3:1 12 With each text consider/discuss: What wisdom do you discern in this text about what it means to follow God? What connections do you find between this passage and what Jesus teaches in Mark 8:27 38? The author of Proverbs notes the great risk when wisdom is ignored and the path of folly is taken. How are God s ways of wisdom seen in your ways of living? Connecting scripture and life What do you hear within the scripture readings today regarding what it means to follow the wisdom of God, individually and as a church? Focus for Worship, Learning, and Serving Consider the many ways we might be identified. An adult, for example, might be identified as a student/teacher/ parent/child/neighbour/friend/co-worker No single name tells the whole truth of an individual s identity. No single name defines a person. Taken together they provide a more rounded understanding. In Mark s gospel, who Jesus is leads directly to what Jesus does. The intense exchange between Peter and Jesus reminds us that integrity and identity and vocation are key to growing faith. Beliefs about Jesus intend to shape how we follow as disciples. How might worship, learning and serving enable all across the ages to gain new insights into who Jesus is and what it means for their discipleship? 55

28 Who Are You, Jesus? Prepare Worship Outline September 16, 2018 NOTE: All of these suggestions are mere starting points; adapt, delete, and add according to your local needs. Recruit volunteers needed for worship: two for the prayer of confession, two for the Proverbs reading. Choose an option for hearing Mark 8: For the Bible story, arrange for a storyteller to present the story Who Is Jesus? on p. 59. For the dialogue, arrange for two readers. Bring items for setting the worship space. Bring song Friend to Friend (Seasons Songbook, # 28 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads). Set stations as described on pp Music Suggestions Circle Song Bernadette Farrell; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom Ruth Duck; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Friend to Friend Eduardo P. Hontiveros; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 God Grant that We May Be Transformed Tom Colvin; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Somlandela/We Will Follow Traditional Zulu; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 In Full Flight Sean Gilbert, Jill Scott; Seasons Songbook, vol. 6 Take this Moment John Bell Faith Will Not Grow from Words Alone Elizabeth J. Smith Call to worship Every day, God calls out to God s world in love. Every day. Today, at this moment, we can pause and listen. Come, celebrate. God is calling your name. Opening prayer Invite people to read the following prayer together. Have them say their first given name at the place indicated. God, we are here to worship. We are here to listen. We are here to know. We are here to be known. You know me, I am (name). Help me today to know you more fully. Amen. Prayer of confession Have two readers for this prayer. The first reader begins with the Gather 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. list of names for God. When the second reader begins, the first reader continues reading quietly under the second reader until the second reader has finished. The first reader then reads aloud for another 15 seconds or so. First reader: God, Jehovah, Yahweh, Father, Wisdom, Creator, King, Servant, Abba Second reader: With every name we give you, God, we understand something new about your nature. And yet we have been guilty too often of being satisfied with too little. We have allowed one name, or a small number, to limit our understanding of you. We confess to our limited imaginations and our unwillingness to explore, change, and grow. We confess to being unwilling to grow in our understanding of who you are. Words of affirmation Friends, hear these words: God is endless and ageless and we are always invited deeper into the mystery. The journey stretches out before you. Amen. 56 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

29 Worship Outline September 16, 2018 Opening the word Proverbs 1:20 33 Traditionally, wisdom literature has had little attention paid to it within worship or even preaching contexts. Less emphasis has been given to its uniquely feminine face or prophetic tones. Have a narrator read the first two verses, then invite a woman to proclaim the text with due passion and urgency. Moving into the focus scripture Invite the people to think about what makes a good coach, teacher, or caregiver. Ask: Can you tell by looking at someone how well they might care for you? Invite those who wish to share their thoughts. Mark 8:27 38 Choose from the following for hearing the focus story. Bible story Have a storyteller present the story Who Is Jesus? on page 59. Dialogue Storyteller: Jesus and his disciples headed out for the villages around Caesarea Philippi. As they walked, he asked, Jesus: Who do the people say I am? Peter: Some say John the baptizer, others say Elijah. Still others say one of the prophets. Jesus: And you what are you saying about me? Who am I? Peter: You are the Christ (God s anointed), the Messiah. Narrator: Jesus warned them to keep it quiet, not to breathe a word of it to anyone. He then began explaining things to them, 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 chosen a practice. Sing or listen to a song such as Friend to Friend as people gather together again (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 and #28 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Engage Respond Jesus: It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering; be tried and found guilty by the elders, high priests, and religion scholars; be killed, and after three days rise up alive. Narrator: He said this simply and clearly so they couldn t miss it, but Peter grabbed him in protest. Turning and seeing his disciples wavering, wondering what to believe, Jesus confronted Peter, Jesus: Peter, get out of my way! Satan, get lost! You have no idea how God works. Narrator: Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he then said, Jesus: Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You re not in the driver s seat; I am. Don t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I m leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you ll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels. The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. 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. Prayers of the people God, when the disciple Peter answered Jesus question by calling him the Christ, the Messiah, he echoed the hope of the world for salvation. Today we pray for all those who need saving. We pray for those who need salvation from war, violence, hunger, neglect. We pray for all people everywhere who, through oppression, are held down from being the people you call them to be. It is our prayer God, that all of us, in every part of the world, will always and everywhere have the opportunity to know the work and the way of the Christ. Amen. 57

30 Affirmation of faith One: Who do we say you are? Who do we confess you to be? All: Prophet, Healer, Teacher all three! One: What else can be said though, are there other big terms to share? All: Messiah, Christ, and Master if we so dare! One: Yet there has to be more than this, for words say little, words say too much. Worship Outline September 16, 2018 What says the heart of yours? What thoughts or yearnings seek to be expressed? All: Feelings of love, full experiences of grace; a call within that challenges and gives rest. One: How then should we name this One? How best do we confess him to be? All: Jesus the world s fulfillment the hope of truly becoming me! Friends of Christ, go now with one of the many names of Christ on your lips, the question Christ asks you in your mind, and hope in your hearts. Amen. Bless Special Days Commentary September 19 Yom Kippur Yom Kippur (literally Day of Atonement ) is the holiest and most sombre day of the year and is first mentioned in the Bible in Leviticus 23: On this day Jews abstain from eating, drinking, wearing leather (a sign of comfort) and even sexual relations in order to focus not on physical needs, but on spiritual ones. The holiday begins with everyone being absolved of all of the ambitious vows made in the past year which people were unable to fulfill on account of human frailties. On Yom Kippur, everyone has the opportunity for teshuvah or returning to the divine way of living. We are obligated to seek forgiveness from God and from those we have hurt. This last is often the more difficult of the two because God is obligated to forgive us, but people are not. We recite litanies of sins we have committed, always saying we have sinned rather than I, perhaps to remind us that we are always part of the community and responsible for communal transgressions, no matter how we pursue the benefits individually. Rabbi Adam Morris lives in Denver, Colorado, USA, and serves as a consultant to the Seasons of the Spirit editorial team. He also answers questions posed to Ask the Rabbi at September 21 International Peace Day The first Peace Day was celebrated in 1982 and was held on the third Tuesday of September each year until 2002, when September 21 became the permanent date for the International Day of Peace. The United Nations assembly declared that the day should be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. Plan a social activity at church (potluck supper, game night, dessert and coffee) where all ages can join together over the theme of peace. Contact denominational or ecumenical agencies to learn about ways your church can be involved in peace-making activities. September 21 St. Matthew Called Levi in the gospels of Mark and Luke, Matthew was a toll or tax collector. Such individuals raised money to maintain the occupying Roman army, and tax collectors were paid a commission or percentage of the money they took in. Thus it was assumed although not necessarily true that they were cheats, and they were regarded as outcasts if they could not meet the purity regulations of the temple. Jesus called people like Matthew, and in doing so modelled the way his followers were to be accepting of those rejected by others. Matthew is considered the patron saint of accountants, bankers, bookkeepers, customs officers, security forces, security guards, stockbrokers, and tax collectors. 58 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

31 Bible Story September 16, 2018 Who Is Jesus? (based on Mark 8: 27 38) Jesus and the disciples travelled together to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. As they walked Jesus asked his friends, Who do people say I am? The disciples told Jesus the different ideas that others had about who he was. Jesus listened and then asked them, But who do you say that I am? Peter, one of Jesus disciples, stopped walking. The others stopped too. Everyone could feel that Peter was about to say something very important. Peter looked into Jesus eyes and said, You are the Messiah. You have been chosen and blessed by God to lead us and to teach us about God s ways of love. Jesus looked into Peter s eyes and smiled. Jesus spoke to all the people who were nearby and to the disciples saying, If any of you would like to follow me then come and live the way I do in God s way of love. If you live your life always thinking about what you need and what you want, but forgetting about those around you, then you may get all the things that you wanted but you will be lonely and unhappy. If you live in God s way of love, remembering others and helping those who need you, then you will share your life with many friends and feel happy. A recording of this story is available in MP3 format in the RCL Audio Stories folder. 59

32 Living, Learning, Growing as Disciples The following stations might be set up around your worship space or in other places around the church. Choose one or more practices, depending on your space and numbers. Display the directions. See also Age Group ideas on pages Stations September 16, 2018 For your convenience, these instructions are formatted for printing and available in RCL Stations folder. Bible story Materials recording of today s story Who Is Jesus? (available in MP3 format in the RCL Audio Stories folder), player, paper, crayons, pencils, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see; alternatively, arrange for a storyteller to present the story on p. 59. The practice of storytelling Directions 1. Listen to the story Who Is Jesus? 2. Write or draw about what makes you happy. Suitable for all ages An image of God Materials paper, coloured markers, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages The practice of creativity Directions 1. What image of God would you offer someone if you could not use words but only symbols or drawings? 2. Draw some images of God. Don t worry about your drawing skills; you will not need to share these with anyone. What is your question? Materials poster board and pre-cut speech balloons, glue, pens and pencils, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages The practice of bringing questions Directions In the story, Jesus asks the disciples a question, but in this activity you will consider what question you would like to ask Jesus. 1. Take a speech balloon and write one question, and glue it to the poster board. 2. If you have another question, write that on a second speech balloon. 3. If there is time, think together about how Jesus might answer some of the questions. 60 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

33 Stations September 16, 2018 Digging deeper Materials Bibles, copies of Who Are These People? in RCL Extra Resources folder, pens and pencils, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages The practice of exploring the scriptures Directions 1. Take a copy of Who Are These People? 2. Divide the group up and assign one of the three categories (John, Elijah, one of the prophets) to each person, pair or group of three depending on how many are at this table. Make sure those who are competent readers are paired with those who are less competent. 3. Find Mark 8:31 33 and read it. 4. Read your assigned category, and prepare to report to the table group why you think the people might have thought that Jesus was either John the baptizer; Elijah, one of the prophets, 5. Report your research to the full table group. 6. Together read The Messiah, Peter s answer to Jesus question. Who do you say that I am? Materials picture, preferably an icon, of Jesus, large candle, smaller candles, comfortable seating, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages Opinion poll Materials paper and pens, a variety of art materials, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages The practice of meditation Directions 1. Christ continually invites us to answer the question, Who do you say that I am? 2. In silence, light a small candle and place it near the picture and in silent meditation ask yourself Christ s question. The practice of contemplation Directions 1. Take imaginary opinion poll of individuals you interact with on a regular basis. 2. Divide a sheet of paper into two columns. In the first column write the names of the people who come to mind. 3. If you were to ask them the question, who do you say Jesus is? what, in your experience of them, do you think their answers might be? 4. Write those answers next to that person s name. 5. What is the most important name, or title, of Jesus for you? Why? 6. In what ways does who Jesus is influence what is important to you in life? 7. Use the art materials to express your thoughts and feelings. 61

34 Age Group Ideas Resource Sheet September 16, 2018 GATHERING TOGETHER Use the gathering ritual and opening prayer from September 9, page 44. Ages 3 5 Use the story Who Is Jesus? on page 59. Ages 6 8 Who Is Jesus? on p. 59, or Strong as a Rock, Lectionary Story Bible: Year B, by Ralph Milton (see RCL Extra Resources folder). Ages Drama Narrator: Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, Who do people say that I am? Disciple 1: Some people think that you are John, the one who baptized people in the Jordan River. Disciple 2: I ve heard people say that you are the prophet Elijah, come back to be with us. Other disciples: Yes, we ve also heard that you are one of the prophets. Jesus: I want to know what you think. What would you say about me? Peter: I think that you are the Messiah! Jesus: You re right, Peter. But listen to me, all of you, do not, I repeat, do not say this to anyone else. Narrator: Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. Peter: Jesus, are you out of your mind? The Messiah will be a great leader who comes to save us from these Romans who occupy our land and keep us from being the great nation we once were. The Messiah will rally the religious leaders and people in victory, not suffer and die in humiliation and shame. How THE STORY Who Do You Say That I Am? Based on Mark 8:27 38 Ages 9 11 Strong as a Rock, page 193 Lectionary Story Bible: Year B, by Ralph Milton (see RCL Extra Resources folder), or the drama Who Do You Say That I Am? (see below). can you think otherwise? Where did you get your crazy ideas? Narrator: But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said Jesus: Don t tempt me, Peter! You are thinking about this in a human way and so misunderstand God s ways. Narrator: He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them Jesus: If any of you really want to be my followers, you will need to forget about yourselves and live the way that I have taught you. Those who are selfcentred will lose sight of what is really important; but if you can forget about yourselves and focus instead on sharing the good news of the gospel, then you ll find your true self. Because what would be the point of getting everything that you want if you end up losing yourself in the process? I know that what I m asking you to do will sometimes be very hard. But if you can truly follow the way of God instead of your own way, then you will discover that God s words and ways lead to a deeper understanding of who you are called to be. (Words in italics are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.) 62 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

35 Resource Sheet September 16, 2018 RESPONDING TO THE STORY The following are offered in addition to the activities described in Stations on pages You might adapt according to your needs. Ages 3 5 Jesus box a large box for each four children, paper, a variety of collage materials (such as cotton balls, seeds, people pictures cut from magazines), markers, crayons, glue. Cut paper the size of the sides of the boxes. Along the top of each paper print one of the following titles: Jesus told stories; Jesus prayed to God; Jesus cared for others. Directions Jesus asked the disciples Who do people say I am? Invite children to share what they know about Jesus by decorating the boxes and placing them somewhere in the church for everyone to see. Read the titles on the prepared papers and invite the children to choose a picture they want to make, using the variety of collage materials, as well as markers and crayons. When completed, glue the papers to the sides of the boxes and encourage children to look at their pictures and say who Jesus is. Where would they like to display their Jesus boxes? Matching game Make two or three sets of cards from the activity sheet Matching Game. Turn the cards face down. Demonstrate how to turn over two cards to see if they match. Take turns trying to find matches. When someone finds a match, clap and read the caption. Ages 6 8 Love in action Invite one or more people connected with your faith community who are involved in caring occupations (nurse, friendly visitor, veterinarian, child care worker, babysitter) to come and speak about how they live out their faith through their work. Directions Jesus encouraged the disciples to decide for themselves who he was, based on their own experiences with him. We can show others who Jesus is by helping, loving and caring in the same ways that Jesus cared for people. Invite one or more people from your church community who are involved in work of a caring nature to talk to the children about their special ministries. Encourage the children to make connections between the ways these visitors show love and care and the ways Jesus showed love and care. Ages 9 11 Who do you say Jesus is? pencils and papers Directions What would people in the congregation say if Jesus asked them Who do you say that I am? Interview members of the congregation to find out. You might prepare a list from which people could choose (way, bread of life, healer, truth, light, vine, friend ) People can choose a word that resonates with how they understand Jesus, or suggest other words. Have the children write down the responses. Create a bulletin board display of the interview highlights or transcripts. Ages Who do you say Jesus is? Similar to above, but using these two questions in the interviews : Who is Jesus to you? How is your understanding of Jesus reflected in your life? Come back together as a group and share the discoveries. Invite the young people to reflect on these interviews in light of their own lives. Do any of the answers they received resonate with them? SENDING OUT Send each person out with this blessing: (Name), as you go about your week, think about how you can live in God s way. Alternatively, use the words in Bless on p

36 Activity Sheet September 16, 2018 Matching Game.. 64

37 Planning SAT 29 FRI 28 THUR 27 WED 26 TUES 25 MON 24 SUN 23 18th Sunday after Pentecost 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Proper 20 (25) Sukkot begins (Judaism) St. Michael and All Angels Sunday, September 23 Saturday, September Things to keep in mind this week Planning ahead September 2018 S M T W T F S / August 2018 S M T W T F S October 2018 S M T W T F S Revised Common Lectionary (Year B) Proverbs 31:10 31 Psalm 1 James 3:13 4:3, 7 8a Mark 9:30 37 Seasons of the Spirit is based on semicontinuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Liturgical colour: green This session provides material for all ages. You may choose for all ages to come together for worship, learning, and serving, or meet in agespecific groups. If you meet in age-specific groups, these pages can be customized for different settings. If you have Internet access, visit to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. Ecumenical Prayer Calendar Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine Based on In God s Hands: Common Prayer for the World, ed. By Hugh McCullum and Terry MacArthur (Geneva: World Council of Churches, 2006). 65

38 Pentecost Focus scripture Mark 9:30 37 Additional scriptures Proverbs 31:10 31 Psalm 1 James 3:13 4:3, 7 8a Seasons of the Spirit is based on semi-continuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Biblical Background September 23, 2018 Loving God, hold us close when we fear or do not understand the way before us. Open us to the ones who await your welcome through us. May our own frailty make us more gracious and may we rejoice that in caring for others, we welcome you. Amen. First in Caring Jesus calls us to receive and practice this wisdom about those who are great in God s reign: God s wise children are called to welcome and care for little ones among us. Wise ones reach out with encouraging presence to those who are vulnerable. Wise ones live close to God by living justly with neighbour. Wise hands do good. Focus scripture: Mark 9:30 37 This passage is preceded by two stories where the disciples are not shown in a favourable light. Peter and two others are terrified when Jesus is transfigured. Next comes the inability of the disciples to heal a child who has seizures. The vulnerability borne of such fear and failure sets the backdrop for the second passion (from the Greek word meaning suffering ) prediction. The three passion predictions in Mark point to Jesus suffering in Jerusalem. They emphasize a sense of urgency, underscored by the disciples failure each time to understand. The Greek word translated in verse 33 as argued is dialogizomai. It is the root for dialogue. It can mean to dispute or argue in a negative sense. More positively, it also can mean to reason or debate as a way of learning. The disciples silence when Jesus asks them about their dialogue could be taken as implying they argued. Or, their silence could represent a fear on their part to share their thoughts openly with Jesus, as they still did not understand the importance of Jesus teaching about his suffering and death. Centring Jesus teaching on greatness around a child raises interesting issues. Childhood in Palestinian, as well as Roman, society could be harsh. They often were the first victims of famine, disease, or war. While important to their families, children were almost non-persons in the society. In that sense, they held much in common with the community that Mark s gospel first addressed. This early Christian community lived as a small minority in an increasingly hostile empire. Jesus demonstrates a different ethic and valuing of children, more in line with the treasuring of a child seen in Psalm 127:3 or Ruth 4: Jesus takes a child in his arms and declares that to welcome one who is powerless and vulnerable is also to welcome Jesus. Mark s community might have felt themselves embraced in Jesus arms. Jesus ensuing call to welcome such vulnerable ones may have been heard as the logical outcome of their own welcome. Words of challenge to relationships run through Mark s text. Jesus announces that greatness comes in service. The welcoming of a child enacts the call to welcome others into the circle of community. Community is ongoing as individuals and even leaders come and go. That is what makes the welcome of others, including those who are vulnerable, all the more crucial. For if we cannot find and give welcome here, where can welcome be found? Shalom (peace) means more than an absence of conflict. It includes all that makes for life, including caring for others. The peace extended by welcome in the gospel is reflected in the call to such wholeness in life found in the additional readings. Proverbs 31:10 31 celebrates hands that work for the good of others. Psalm 1 talks about life prospering in the doing of that which is right. James 3:13 4:3, 7 8a places peaceable early in the list of that which defines such wisdom, and links a good life with one full of mercy. As church, we form a community that embraces, empowers, and equips. When we reach out with Jesus welcome to all, including those who are vulnerable, we are living in God s ways. Who might Jesus be setting in our midst today while saying, whoever welcomes one such...welcomes me? In what ways do our own vulnerabilities as individuals and as a church shape how we care for others? 66 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

39 Reflection and Focus September 23, 2018 Reflecting on the Word Pentecost Adapt and use for youth and adult studies, sermon seeds, lay worship teams. Connecting with life All through the scriptures we read the struggle of people to understand the depth of what it means to live in God s world in the way God intends. Which of the many hints and clues to life in God s world, stand out for you at this moment and why? Scripture Mark 9:30 37 What is Jesus understanding of greatness? What does that mean for you? If Jesus wanted to illustrate the qualifications for entry into the reign of God in our time and culture, he might not choose a child to make his point. We give children greater protections than at any time in history and we invest enormous energy into their education and nurture. As we have read, in Jesus time children were non-people in society. Their value was as potential adults. Who in our time and culture might Jesus focus on? How might unexpected people in your own or wider society be better brought into the very centre of community life and given a greater voice or leadership roles? Who would he call us to imitate in order to be ready for God s world? Proverbs 31:10 31, Psalm 1, James 3:13 4:3, 7 8a After each reading reflect on or discuss: Who is identified as a vulnerable one in this text? How are attitudes and practices of caring portrayed? In what ways does such care seem to derive from relationship with God? Connecting scripture and life Think about the life of your congregation. Think about worship times, the buildings you use, the other events and activities that happen on a regular basis. What kinds of signs do they display about what your congregation says about the life of faith? Which of the signs are easy to grasp and which are difficult? Which of the signs invite people and which exclude people? Which signs do you think are in harmony with the signs we have seen in our texts and which signs are, albeit unintentionally, negative? Focus for Worship, Learning, and Serving Many in our cultures find it difficult to have a voice or feel welcomed, including children and teens. In today s focus passage, Jesus points to a young child as an example of the kind of service he envisions of his followers. Even though children are treated and cared for today better than they haven been throughout history, they have limited social or political voice. Teens fall into this category as well, as do many adults. Many would welcome opportunity to contribute, yet often they are ignored, pushed to the periphery, because of perceived lack of experience, or sense of real world. But Jesus call to discipleship is a call to serve. Being a servant includes listening and being open to change through interaction with each other. How might all be encouraged this week in serving one another in the example of Christ? 67

40 First in Caring Prepare Worship Outline September 23, 2018 NOTE: All of these suggestions are mere starting points; adapt, delete, and add according to your local needs. Recruit volunteers needed for worship, several for the reading from James. Choose an option for hearing Mark 9:30 37 For the Bible story, arrange for a storyteller to present the story Jesus and the Child on p. 71. For the reading from a high place, arrange for someone confident about climbing a ladder/standing on a chair. Bring a stepladder. Bring items for setting the worship space. Bring newsprint/whiteboard, and markers for moving into the focus scripture. Bring song Friend to Friend (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7, #28 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Set stations as described on pp Music Suggestions Circle Song Bernadette Farrell; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7. Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom Ruth Duck, Donna Kasbohm; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7. Friend to Friend Eduardo P. Hontiveros; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7. Teach Me Wisdom Bruce Harding; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Gathered Here Philip A. Porter; Seasons Songbook, vol. 4 Dance in the Circle Tom Bolton, M. Flippo, Bruce Shearer; Seasons Songbook, vol. 2 Sometimes a Healing Word Is Comfort P.G. Michaels, H. Moen-Boyd Brother, Sister, Let Me Serve You Richard Gillard The Truth Path (Psalm 1) Thomas Barnett, Donald Patriquin 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. Call to worship Today, in this moment, in every moment, we are offered life. Now it is before us God s call to a new world, to God s way of knowing the world, to God s world of knowing. Let us, now, once more, take our first steps together with God as our guide. Welcome to the adventure. Opening prayer God, your world of mercy, of hope and of peace is present right now, as we gather. Remind us, encourage us, teach us and be with us as we imagine, explore, and celebrate what it means to be your people in your world. Amen. Gather Prayer of confession God, hope is ever with us, love is ever present, the truth that we are all the children of God is all around us. And yet we so often live our days as if none of this is true, as if we had no hope. Forgive us and remind us today of who we are, who you are, and of where we live. Amen. Words of affirmation Friends, the world belongs to God, the world lives in God, and God s love permeates all. Rejoice and be glad. 68 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

41 Worship Outline September 23, 2018 Opening the word James 3:13 4:3, 7 8a Have each verse read by a different reader. Have each reader seated in different places amongst the congregation. Moving into the focus scripture Invite the people to suggest names of the world s greatest people of all time, including our own time. Compile a list on a sheet of newsprint (or whiteboard) in no particular order, as everyone will have a different opinion about how to rank the names. Encourage the people to include people they personally think are great, as well as people who seem to be the right answers. Ask: What is one thing you think about greatness when you look at this list? Engage Respond Conclude by saying that there are so many ways to define greatness; today s focus story gives us insight into how Jesus defined it for his followers. Mark 9:30 37 Choose from the following for hearing the focus story. Bible story Have a storyteller present the story Jesus and the Child on page 71. Reading from a high place Have verses read from the highest point in the worship space, perhaps on a chair or up a stepladder, or from a pulpit. Then have the reader step down from the high place and sit on the floor to read the final verses. 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. 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 chosen a practice. Sing or listen to a song such as Friend to Friend as people gather together again (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 and #28 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Prayers of the people God, today we pray for the vulnerable of the earth, for children. We know that sometimes to be vulnerable is a great gift and a great opportunity for learning. But too often, in too many places, people have no choice and are made vulnerable to pain, disease, violence, and death. Today we pray for the vulnerable of the earth. For the victims of tyranny, famine, and war we pray (leave a time of silence). For refugees and asylum seekers (a time of silence). For children who live in families and homes that are not safe places (a time of silence). For children without access to books and to learning (a time of silence). For children everywhere. God, we know that you know each of us by name and are with each of us in every moment of our lives. Amen. Affirmation of faith God loves us all. This is our creed. God has been with us since the moment of our conception. This is our truth. God will be with us until our end. This is our hope. 69

42 Bless Worship Outline September 23, 2018 Invite those who are able to, to stand. Invite the youngest person in the congregation and the oldest to stand or sit in the centre of the worship space (representing all those who form community). Invite someone in the congregation to lay their hands on the heads of each of them. Prayer Go into your day with the energy and enthusiasm of youth, the wisdom and empathy of age, and the love and the grace of God. Special Days Commentary September Sukkot (Judaism) Sukkot (or Sukkoth both pronounced soo-kote ) is one of the Jewish festivals most closely tied to Judaism s agricultural roots. The Torah mentions the observance of Sukkot in Leviticus 23: Many scholars believe this harvest festival was the most important one in temple times. Jews celebrate this seven-day festival by building a mobile booth (sukkah) in their yards. It has solid walls, but a thatched roof that enables those who dwell in it to see the stars at night. The sukkah connects us to the harvest nature of the festival, as well as to a mythic piece of our past, reminding us of the booths the Israelites lived in as they wandered the wilderness for forty years. The commandment regarding Sukkot is to either eat or dwell in the sukkah as many Jews do and to utilize four species of harvest: the myrtle, willow, palm, and etrog (citron) in a dance-like waving ritual. September 29 St. Michael and All Angels St. Michael, the archangel who responded to Daniel s call for assistance, is described as the protector of Israel, and is perhaps best known as the one who slays the dragon in the book of Revelation. Most biblical angels (the original word means messenger ) look like ordinary people, but bring special messages from God and often act as protectors. There is a long Christian tradition of angels being God s agents for helping people in need. Because of these roles, this day is a traditional one for ordinations in the Church of England. Rabbi Adam Morris lives in Denver, Colorado, USA, and serves as a consultant to the Seasons of the Spirit editorial team. He also answers questions posed to Ask the Rabbi at 70 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

43 Bible Story September 23, 2018 Jesus and the Child Based on Mark 9:30 37 Sometimes the disciples had arguments. Jesus likes me better than you. He does not! Does so! When Jesus gets to be king, I ll be his favourite. You will not! I will so! Jesus felt very sad when he heard his friends arguing. Come over here, Jesus said to the disciples. I want to show you something. Jesus went to where some children were playing. One child was sitting alone. Why aren t you playing with the other children? Jesus asked. They won t let me, said the child. Why? Jesus asked. Because my legs hurt. I can t run. I get sick if I run hard. Jesus picked the child up in his arms. Then he said to the disciples. Do you see this child? Of course, they replied. I want you to become like this child. Unless you can be like a little child, you will not be part of God s shalom, God s peace. I don t get it, said Peter. Someday you will, Peter, said Jesus. But for now, just remember. When you are being kind to a child, you are being kind to me. Peter blinked. He could see how much Jesus loved the child. Here s something else to think about, Peter, said Jesus. In God s shalom, the first shall be last and the last shall be first. Then Jesus looked at the child. I d like it if you could play with me. What do you like to play best of all? Lectionary Story Bible: Year B by Ralph Milton. Copyright 2008 Ralph Milton, Wood Lake Publishing Inc. Used by permission. A recording of this story is available in MP3 format in the RCL Audio Stories folder. 71

44 Living, Learning, Growing as Disciples The following stations might be set up around your worship space or in other places around the church. Choose one or more practices, depending on your space and numbers. Display the directions. See also Age Group ideas on pages Stations September 23, 2018 For your convenience, these instructions are formatted for printing and available in RCL Stations folder. Bible story Materials recording of today s story Jesus and the Child (available in MP3 format in the RCL Audio Stories folder), player, paper, drawing pads, crayons, pencils, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see; alternatively, arrange for a storyteller to present the story on p. 71 Suitable for all ages The practice of storytelling Directions 1. Listen to the story Jesus and the Child. 2. Use the drawing pads, paper, pencils and crayons to record your response to the story. Banner Materials poster board, markers and pens, glue, coloured paper, variety of art supplies, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages The practice of hospitality Directions Jesus wanted the disciples to care for one another and to welcome the sensitive and vulnerable. Express your ideas about welcome and caring for others by creating a banner to display in your worship space. 1. Discuss possible symbols and expressions of welcome and care (smiling lips, heart shape, cup of water, hands open, handshake, loaf of bread, and so on). 2. Decorate the banner with symbols, patterns, and colour. Collage Materials paper in a variety of hues and textures, markers, pastels, glue, sheets of cartridge/art paper, a copy of the directions displayed for all to see Suitable for all ages The practice of creativity Directions In today s story Jesus finds an opportunity for humble love immediately at hand when he welcomes the child. It is tempting for Christians to take ourselves too seriously. We earnestly pray and work to feed, heal, welcome, and show the love of Christ. But we are also called to joy; to welcome and enjoy one another. We are called to cheerful excitement. What brings cheerful excitement, warmth, and vitality to your life? How might you simplify your ministry to breathe more joy into church life? 1. Use the art materials available to make a collage of welcoming joy. 72 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

45 Stations September 23, 2018 Word search Materials Bibles or copies of Mark 9:30 37, blank paper, and pens, a copy of the directions displayed for all to see Suitable for all ages The heart of wisdom Materials Bibles, or copies of James 3:17, blank paper, pens, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages The practice of contemplation Directions 1. Read Mark 9: Make two word lists. Write down all the words that you consider being positive words/phrases in the reading. In the second list write down all the words/ phrases that you consider to be negative. 3. When you have finished you might want to compare your list with others and talk about any words that you might have listed in different lists. 4. You may want to take your list home and put it up somewhere where you can contemplate it in the coming week. The practice of prayer Directions 1. Have someone read James 3:17 quietly, slowly and thoughtfully over and over. 2. You are invited to sit in silence listening to this verse from James, chapter Each time you hear the reading, listen for a word or two that strikes you, and silently ask God to help this be a reality in your life. 73

46 Age Group Ideas Resource Sheet September 23, 2018 GATHERING TOGETHER Use the gathering ritual and opening prayer from September 9, page 44. Ages 3 5 THE STORY Best Friend Based on Mark 9:33 37 Jesus friends walked way behind Jesus. They were tired and ready for an evening meal. Maybe that is why they had this argument. I think Jesus will want to sit next to me at dinner, because I m Jesus best friend. Me too, said the next friend, I m most important. Jesus will sit next to me. The third friend got upset. If Jesus sat down to eat there would be only two sides to sit on. No, no, and no, said the third friend. I am the most important, best friend. One of you will have to move over because Jesus will want to sit next to me. And so it went with the other friends: I ve been Jesus friend the longest. I m the oldest. I m the biggest. Those friends looked grumpy when they got to town. What were you talking about on the way? asked Jesus. The friends didn t answer. Then Jesus called a little child, Here is a friend I met while I was waiting. Jesus young friend looked up at the tall grumpy friends. I think, I m Jesus littlest best friend, said the young friend in a very quiet voice. The tall friends smiled at Jesus new friend. Whenever you welcome little children, you are saying welcome to me, said Jesus. When you help others, you are helping me. You can be first at caring for others. Ages 6 8 Use the story Jesus and the Child on p. 71. Ages 9 11 Use the story Jesus and the Child on p. 71 or read from an age appropriate Bible or story Bible. 74 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

47 Resource Sheet September 23, 2018 Ages Discussion questions What is the response of the disciples in today s focus text, and why did they respond that way? What is Jesus understanding of greatness? What does it mean to you? In Jesus time, children were among the most vulnerable of people. Medical care was primitive, and many died in infancy. If they lived into childhood, they had no rights or real protections under the law. And certainly, they had no power and their opinions were not sought. Yet it is a child that Jesus uses as an example of what he means by service. If Jesus were to use similar example of service today, who might Jesus use as an example of the most vulnerable, or of those without power, and whose opinions are not sought? The following are offered in addition to the activities described in Stations on pages You might adapt according to your needs. Ages 3 5 Display board display board or bulletin board space, paper plates or oval shaped paper and decorative materials (such as googly eyes, yarn, construction paper, buttons), glue, markers, crayons Everyone is important to God. Invite children to draw pictures of themselves on paper plates or oval sheets of paper. (Add decorative materials such as googly eyes, yarn hair, funny-shaped hats, buttons ) Place these on a display board around a title such as, Jesus welcomes us and says we are important to God. Ages 3 5 and 6 8 Pocket sticks copies of the activity sheet Pocket Sticks on p. 76 Follow the directions on the activity sheet. RESPONDING TO THE STORY SENDING OUT To each person say: (name), go in the name of Jesus and serve others. Ages 6 8 Collage and Banner in Stations on p. 72 are both suitable for this age group. Ages 9 11 Serving freely supplies for whichever service activity you choose Jesus illustrates greatness by welcoming a little child, a person who in that place and time had no power or influence. Welcoming a child wouldn t bring any reward in privilege, money, or social position. Invite the children to participate intentionally in giving without expecting reward. Perhaps they could plan to serve their family of faith by washing and sorting toys for the nursery without any fanfare, quietly tidying up the craft cupboards in the church school, or pulling weeds in the church garden. Talk about the difference between doing something for payment or praise, and doing something for others without expecting any reward. Encourage the group to suggest other serving activities they might undertake in the week ahead at home, school, or in the community. 75

48 Pocket Sticks Activity Sheet September 23, 2018 Instructions Each welcoming stick will need two circles (side #1 and side #2). On side #1, the children decorate the face of Jesus. On side #2, the children draw pictures of themselves. Tape one end of a craft stick between the two circles. Glue circles together. Surprise someone with a welcoming stick! 76 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017