22nd Sunday after Pentecost 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Proper 24 (29) Peace Sabbath/United Nations Sunday. United Nations Day.

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1 SAT 27 FRI 26 THUR 25 WED 24 TUES 23 MON 22 SUN 21 22nd Sunday after Pentecost 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Proper 24 (29) Peace Sabbath/United Nations Sunday United Nations Day Things to keep in mind this week Planning ahead October 2018 Sunday, October 21 Saturday, October S M T W T F S September 2018 S M T W T F S / November 2018 S M T W T F S Revised Common Lectionary (Year B) Job 38:1 7, (34 41) Psalm 104:1 9, 24, 35c Hebrews 5:1 10 Mark 10:35 45 Resources based on semi-continuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Liturgical colour: green If you have Internet access, visit to access Spirit Sightings for If you have Internet access, visit connections between current events and the focus passage. to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. Ecumenical Prayer Calendar Ecumenical Prayer Calendar India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka Based on In God s Hands: Common Prayer for the World, ed. By Hugh McCullum and Terry MacArthur (Geneva: World Council of Churches, 2006). Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost

2 Season of Creation, Pentecost Biblical Background October 21, 2018 Focus scripture Mark 10:35 45 Additional scriptures Job 38:1 7, (34 41) Psalm104:1 9, 24, 35c Hebrews 5:1 10 Seasons of the Spirit is based on the semi-continuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. A New Way God of mystery and majesty, you call all life into being. Call us to the places where we may best serve you. Call us to the service where we may follow you most closely. Amen. God both comforts us and invites us out of our comfort zones. To be close to God is to recognize that God calls us to serve others, to extend ourselves beyond our own desires. To be close to God is to recognize the majesty and wonder of God s creation, to be humbled by God s glory. Focus scripture: Mark 10:35 45 Though not included in the focus scripture, Mark 10:32 sets the stage for what unfolds with two key pieces of information: the disciples and Jesus are on their way to Jerusalem, and those who followed were afraid. Are they afraid because they do not understand what Jesus is telling them about what will happen to him in Jerusalem, or because they are beginning to absorb what he has been saying about his suffering and death? The disciples desire to remain close to Jesus why else would they follow down such a road? However, in the same way they misunderstand what awaits Jesus in Jerusalem, misunderstanding now colours their desire to remain close to Jesus. What they seek in terms of closeness is not to imitate Jesus servanthood, but to gain a privileged position. As he did with opponents, Jesus responds to this question of the disciples with a question of his own about what exactly they seek. The places James and John identify have to do not only with proximity, but also with authority. Note how Jesus answers them. He could have said at the outset that such places were not his to grant, as he will in verse 40; but that would have allowed no room to explore their commitment. A question and a confident answer about a cup and baptism are raised. The cup carries meanings of joy and suffering in the Hebrew Scriptures. Baptism, as Paul will later identify, involves sharing death as well as sharing life. The two disciples, eager for places of honour, offer a quick affirmation as to their ability to drink Christ s cup and to share Christ s baptism. The second scene brings an aggrieved ten into Jesus presence. They are angry with James and John though the text is silent whether they are angry because of the request James and John made, or because they did not speak up first themselves. Jesus answer to them suggests the latter may be true. Jesus words to the ten clarify that the community to be fashioned among those who follow him is to be of a different order than what one encounters elsewhere. The distinction lies precisely in the issue of privilege and greatness. Among disciples, greatness comes in servanthood. Our place in community finds expression not in what rank we can pull over others, or in what authority we can exercise over others, but in what service we can render in their midst. Closeness to Jesus comes from imitating the way he lived his life for others. The footnote to this narrative is that James and John became the servant leaders of the Jerusalem church. Tradition holds that they did drink the cup of martyrdom. Job, too, has been asking for something that he finally receives but not at all in the way he had imagined. In Job 38:1 7, (34 41), God responds at last to Job. Yet God s statements, instead of starting with an acknowledgement of all Job has experienced, simply proclaim that God is God, and Job is not. Neither right or wrong, it simply is. O God, my God, you are very great, proclaims the writer of Psalm 104:1 9, 24, 35c. One can imagine Job eventually singing this psalm, which recounts the majesty and wondrous deeds of God in creation. The author of Hebrews 5:1 10 reminds us that Christ did not seek greater glory but simply sought to follow God. Humbly and righteously. Christ s humility in this service forms another invitation to find our place and calling in servanthood. Where do you struggle with seeking privilege of position above the possibility of serving? How can you open up more to awe and wonder? What transformations might Jesus words about greatness and service work in your congregation? 114 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

3 Reflection and Focus October 21, 2018 Reflecting on the Word Season of Creation, Pentecost Adapt and use for youth and adult studies, sermon seeds, lay worship teams. Connecting with life There is a theory that people make thousands of choices every day. Those choices range from the modest (Should I brush my teeth now or later? How long will I stay in the shower? What will I wear today? What shall I eat today?) to the complex (How do I propose to solve this particular problem at work, school, or home? How shall I spend my money today? How will my time be used throughout this day? Should I stay in this relationship?). What choices are you conscious of making already today? What do you do when faced with a difficult life choice? If you were face-to-face with Jesus, what questions would you choose to ask? Scripture Mark 10:35 45 Two of Jesus disciples, James and John, choose to make a demand of Jesus. They ask for special privileges and positions of authority. What do you think of the petition given by James and John? How does Jesus respond to them? What does Jesus teach about leadership? What other lessons does Jesus give on this day? Where do you see this teaching of Jesus demonstrated in church life? Think about greatness as privilege, and greatness as responsibility for service. How are they different? How are they similar? What way is Jesus inviting people to choose? Job 38:1 7, (34 41) Job has experienced many difficulties in life. Although his friends suggest he should speak against God, Job chooses another way. In his hard times, Job has asked God to speak to him. God s response is not what Job expects. How does God choose to respond to Job? By offering Job a bigger perspective on life, what might God be inviting Job to do? Hebrews 5:1 10 reminds us of Jesus prayers and supplications. When are the times you choose to pray (or to not pray)? In addition to choosing prayer, what other ways did Jesus choose (that are described in this passage)? Connecting scripture and life The United Church of Christ USA has created resources called Be the Church. The resource proclaims: Be the church. Protect the environment. Care for the poor. Forgive often. Reject racism. Fight for the powerless. Share earthly and spiritual resources. Embrace diversity. Love God. Enjoy this life. What parallels and links do you notice between this resource and the gospel reading from Mark? How might you choose to be the church? What choices might you need to make to continue to intentionally live another way? Focus for Worship, Learning, and Serving This week s readings challenge a widespread understanding of merit; the idea that we deserve certain privileges and perks based on how much we have worked or how hard we have sacrificed, even at the expense of others. Jesus shares an alternative way to succeed, which is not based on what we do but rather how we serve. The goal, for Jesus, is not what we will get out of the task, but who will be touched by it. In the life of your faith community, what rituals and practices might need re-orienting towards Jesus countercultural way? In worship, learning, and serving this week, reflect on how you might challenge the what s in it for me? attitude that is often pervasive. For instance, in prayer, why do we hope to draw closer to God and how will this help us in the service of others? How does releasing the expectations for personal gratification free us in worship to follow God more fully? Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost

4 A New Way Prepare Music Suggestions Worship Outline October 21, 2018 NOTE: All of these suggestions are mere starting points; adapt, delete, and add according to your local needs. Recruit volunteers needed for worship. Choose an option for hearing Mark 10: For the Bible story, arrange for a storyteller to present the story Serving One Another on p For the reading in four voices, arrange for readers. Around the worship space, put various signs with acts of service that happen at your church, such as serve a committee, volunteer at the food bank, teach church school, visit. Have extra sheets of paper and encourage people to add services that might have been missed. Provide dot stickers for each person for use in moving into the focus scripture. Option: print the reflection noted in Gather in the bulletin, or prepare to project it for all to read as they enter. You might choose to print the art image Love One Another on your bulletin cover (in the Images to Project and Print folder on the Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 CD and in the web version of SeasonsFUSION). For background on the art and artist see Connecting with the Art on p. 4. Bring song such as Come Build a Church (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 and #16 Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording are also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Set stations as described on p Invite people to reflect on what service work they do for the church and why. You might print this in the bulletin or project it for all to read as they enter. Call to worship One: O how manifold are the works of God. All: The earth is full of God s glorious creation. One: We are a part of God s magnificent design. All: Let us bless and praise our great and good God. Gather Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom Ruth Duck; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Come Build a Church Ken Medema; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Friend to Friend Eduardo P. Hontiveros; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 I ve Got a Voice David MacGregor; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Spirit of Life Carolyn McDade; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 For Everyone Born Shirley Erena Murray; Seasons Songbook, vol. 4 Let Us Put On the Clothes of Christ Bret Hesla; Seasons Songbook, vol. 1 I m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me Traditional; Seasons Songbook, vol. 1 We Give Our Hands To You/Reamo Leboga Daisy Nshakazongwe; Seasons Songbook, vol. 1 Christ Has No Body Now But Yours St. Teresa Avila What Can I Do? Paul Rumbolt, Michele McCarthy Sizohamba Naye/We Will Go with God Traditional Swaziland and South Africa A chart that shows the licence holder(s) for each song in each of the 9 Seasons of the Spirit Music Volumes can be found at Click on Library; Seasons Music Information. Please contact a licence holder for permission to duplicate. Opening prayer God, you are so great, we cannot help but praise you with our entire being. Help us to recognize your glory in everything around us: the winds carry your messages, and the elements preach your sermons. All of creation is a living love letter that inspires awe and praise. Help us to celebrate and find solace in this love today and every day. Amen. 116 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

5 Worship Outline October 21, 2018 Prayer of confession One: When we take counsel in pretty words that lack knowledge and wisdom, All: forgive us. One: When we speak with authority and condemnation about things we barely understand, All: forgive us. One: When we, in our ignorance, act as if we can control the morning stars or the lion s roar, All: forgive us. Opening the word Moving into the focus scripture Around the worship space, put various signs with acts of service that happen at your church, such as serve a committee, volunteer at the food bank, teach church school, visit. Have extra sheets of paper and encourage people to add services that might have been missed. Provide dot stickers for each person. Over and over Jesus has told us that we must humble ourselves in service to be great. Invite people to look at all of the opportunities to serve that are displayed around the church and to think of the ministries in which they are, or have been, involved. Then encourage people to take their dot stickers and to place them on all of the ministries that have provided a service or touched them individually. Encourage people to offer a prayer of thanks for the people and the ministry as they place their dots. How does it feel to acknowledge and to give thanks for all of the ways that we have received from this community? Who else might be able to add dots of gratitude to these ministries? How do we measure the success of our ministries? Mark 10:35 45 Choose from the following for hearing the focus story. Bible story Have a storyteller present the story Serving One Another. Reading in four voices Arrange for four readers to present the reading from the Voice translation Narrator, James, John, and Jesus. Narrator: Two of the twelve the sons of Zebedee as they were known approached Jesus and pulled him aside. Engage One: When we have forgotten you and have forgotten who we are, All: forgive us. Words of affirmation God, who speaks in whirlwinds and soft breezes, continues to speak to us now. Be assured that God s still small voice is planted deep within each of us, for the sake of creation. James and John: Teacher, will you do something for us if we ask it of you? Jesus: What is it that you want? James and John: Grant that we might sit on either side of you, one at your right hand and one at your left, when you come into the glory of your kingdom. Jesus: You don t know what it is you re asking. Can you drink from the cup I have to drink from or be ritually washed in baptism with the baptism that awaits me? James and John: We can. Jesus: You will indeed drink from the cup I drink from and be baptized with the baptism that awaits me. But to sit at my right or at my left is an honour I cannot grant. That will be given to those for whom it has been prepared. Narrator: When the other ten heard about this request, they were angry with James and John; but Jesus stopped them. Jesus: You know that among the nations of the world the great ones lord it over the little people and act like tyrants. But that is not the way it will be among you. Whoever would be great among you must serve and minister. Whoever wants to be great among you must be slave of all. Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to be a servant to offer His life as a ransom for others. Scripture taken from The Voice. Copyright 2012 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. 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. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost

6 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 Come Build a Church as people gather together again (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7, #16 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 7. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Prayers of the people Loving God, deal gently with us, your often-wayward children. Hardships, illness, and unmet expectations can lead us into paths of self-reliance. Help us to remember that we cannot and do not have to go through hard times alone. Break down our guards and grant us the courage to come to you just as we are, with all of our tears, doubts, and grief (silence is held). Joys, celebrations, and successes can lead us to arrogance, forgetting the community that has brought us to these moments of happiness. Friends, go with God. Do not worry about your status or your favour. Just go with God. Be assured that you are loved and highly favoured. And may the grace of God, the love of Jesus and the friendship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and forevermore. Amen. Respond Bless Worship Outline October 21, 2018 Help us to savour precious moments, trusting that others celebrate with us (silence is held). As a community, may we always cry with those who grieve and cheer with those who celebrate, remembering that we are your body in this world and that our life together makes us stronger. We join with our global community in the prayer that Jesus taught Amen. Invitation to offering We cannot give to God; we can only give back from what we have received. Let us give back with a thankful heart and a generous spirit. Prayer of dedication or offering prayer Receive us God, and what we offer to you now. May it help to bring about your realm on Earth. Amen. Special Day Commentary October 18 Peace Sabbath/UN Sunday In the context of the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (October 24, 1945), many churches observe a Peace Sabbath on the Sunday prior (some call it UN Sunday, or World Order Sunday). 118 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

7 Poetry and Prose October 21, 2018 Tim Scorer lives on Bowen Island in British Columbia, Canada. His ministry is in adult education and spiritual accompaniment. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost

8 Serving One Another Based on Mark 10:35 45 A man named Zebedee had two sons named James and John. James and John used to catch fish, but they decided to leave their nets and boats and follow Jesus around the land; to spend their days learning from Jesus. On this day, James and John came to Jesus and made a demand. Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you. What do you want? asked Jesus. The brothers wanted positions of importance and influence. So, they told Jesus that they wanted to sit beside Jesus for all of eternity. They knew that Jesus would be honoured, and they wanted to be honoured alongside him, too. Jesus wondered if they knew what they were asking. Will you be able to do what I have to do? Jesus asked. Bible Story October 21, 2018 Are you ready to endure everything that I will have to endure? Yes, of course we can, said James and John. They sounded very sure of themselves. It s not up to me, Jesus said. The other disciples heard what Jesus, James, and John had been talking about, and became upset with them. Jesus then gathered all twelve of the disciples together to explain more. Jesus told them that there already are some rulers in their land, but some of these leaders abuse their power and authority. Some of the leaders act like bullies. That is not the way things are in God s realm. If you want to be great and have a place of honour, you must serve not rule or boss people. I came here to serve and help, follow my example. A recording of this story is available in MP3 format in the Audio Stories folder on the Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 CD and in the web version of SeasonsFusion. Bible story Materials recording of today s story Serving One Another, player, paper, crayons, pencils, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see; alternatively, arrange for a storyteller to present the story The practice of storytelling Directions 1. Listen to the story Serving One Another. 2. Use art supplies to draw or write your response to the story. 120 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

9 Stations October 21, 2018 Living, Learning, Growing as Disciples The following stations might be set up around your worship space or in other For your convenience, instructions are formatted places around the church. Choose one or more practices, depending on your for printing and available in the Stations folder space and numbers. Display the directions. on the Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 CD and in the web version of SeasonsFUSION. The article Connecting with the Art on page 4 provides some background to the two posters for Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 and some art engagement ideas for individuals and groups. You might choose to add an Art Engagement station each week using, one of the art engagement ideas. Graffiti wall Materials mural paper or large sheets of paper fixed to a wall in an open area with the title True greatness is printed near the top left-hand corner; markers and crayons; a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages The practice of care Directions Our true greatness as people means we must serve and care for one another, and all creation. 1. Use the markers and crayons to write or draw your thoughts about true greatness on a community graffiti wall. Zen garden Materials one or two shallow glass, wooden, or metal containers with clean dry sand poured into each container halfway to the rim; a small quantity of small or interesting stones; forks or tiny rakes; candle (optional); a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages working together The practice of contemplation Directions The beauty and the sacred are in each one of us. 1. Use a Zen garden as a meditation tool to quiet your mind and open it to the beauty and sacred that is within you. (A Zen garden is traditionally a rock garden made up of just sand and a few rocks, although plants may be used. The rocks resemble mountains and the sand represents water.) 2. As you use a fork to rake the sand around the stones, you can create patterns and designs reflecting swirling pools or swift streams. It is the patterns evolving from the contemplative mind that provide the more serene landscapes. Younger children Invite younger children to rake patterns in the sand while they think about the way they show love and the way love is shown to them. Sculpting clay Materials modelling clay or play dough, small container of water (if using clay), clean-up supplies, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for ages 5 adults working together The practice of creativity Directions Open my eyes to the wonder of God s ways. 1. Think about God s ways and God s love. What ways do you value, or appreciate? 2. Mould the play dough or clay into various shapes that might represent what you value or appreciate. (If clay is used, periodically dip hands in a container of water to keep the clay moist.) Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost

10 Asking questions Materials a copy of the directions displayed where all can see, markers, sticky notes Suitable for ages 9 adult Stations October 21, 2018 The practice of discernment Directions James and John asked Jesus a question. What questions do you have of Jesus? 1. Think of all of the questions that you would have for Jesus. What questions do you have about faith and/or life? 2. Write each question on a different sticky note. Place your questions on a wall or bulletin board. 3. Once everyone has finished writing their questions, explore what questions have been recorded. 4. If possible, invite a church leader to come and try to respond to some of the questions. Praying in colour Materials a copy of the directions displayed where all can see, paint, paper, art supplies Suitable for ages 9 adult The practice of prayer Directions James and John approached Jesus and expected that Jesus would do whatever they demanded of him. They expected a certain response from Jesus. When you approach Jesus in prayer, what do you expect in response? 1. Consider what you would like to ask of Jesus. 2. Using paint, draw a prayer - using symbols, words, or images. 122 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

11 Explore Some people have red hair, some people have brown hair, and some people have black hair. Some people are tall and some people are strong. Everyone is special to God. Look at me What do you see? I see (say what you see, such as the colour of your eyes, the shape of your face) There s nobody else just like me! Questions are OK The disciples travelled with Jesus from town to town. They loved hearing Jesus stories. The loved listening and watching Jesus be with the people. When they were close to Jesus, they felt especially close to God. They would feel God s love deep inside and all around. The disciples knew that an important way to learn was to ask questions. They knew that Jesus would always answer. They would say to one another We can ask. Questions are OK. Jesus wants us all to know how to live God s way. One day James and John asked Jesus for something special. Something that they thought only Jesus could give them We can ask. Questions are OK. Jesus wants us all to know how to live God s way. Jesus, they said, we want to be closer to you than anyone else. We want you to save us the special places right next to you. Children's Children's Activity Activity Leaflet Leaflet October October 21, 18, story time When the other disciples heard what James and John said, they were angry. They loved Jesus too! They said, That s not fair! We have a question for you, James and John. Why should you get to be right next to Jesus!? We can ask. Questions are OK. Jesus wants us all to know how to live God s way. Then Jesus spoke up, I love all of you. I want you to love each other the way I love you. And whoever among you wants to be great must be a helper to others. Jesus invited all of his disciples to stand very close to each other and to him. We are all one family in God s love, said Jesus. The disciples felt close to Jesus. They all loved Jesus. They loved each other. And they could feel something wonderful deep down inside and all around. They could could feel feel God s God s love. love. Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc

12 2 activity Activity We are all equal in God s creation Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc A Mobile Instructions Decorate Make a copy each of this picture. sheet. Draw Decorate a picture each picture. of you in the blank box. Draw a picture of you in the blank box. Cut out the five boxes. Cut out the five boxes. Punch hole in the top of each box. Punch a hole in the top of each box. Thread thin ribbon through the holes Thread a thin ribbon through the holes and and tie to a plastic hanger. tie to a plastic hanger. Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc