PRICE HOLD. CEO, MediaCom Education

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1 EARLY ORDER DISCOUNT DEADLINE Order and pre-pay before August 17 and SAVE 15% The Best of Worship The Best of Teaching PRICE HOLD No increase on last year s rates Dear friends in Christ, We have some exciting things to share. Seasons of the Spirit remains Australia s foremost intergenerational education and worship resource. Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, Seasons links Sunday worship to small group studies and education material for all ages with a missional focus. The material is designed for a worldwide audience with our Australian, international editor Susan Burt ensuring that all material fits our southern hemisphere perspective. Worship, education and mission brought together means that every congregation has the means to deepen faith and discipleship One further thing. We know how tough it is to make ends meet, so we have taken the decision to keep prices the same for this year as last year. We hope that it will be one means of encouraging you in your crucial ministry and honouring the partnership which we share in Christ. May God strengthen you in all you do. CEO, MediaCom Education SeasonsFUSION and SeasonsENCORE Lectionary resources for worship, faith formation and service in 3 delivery formats: get it on the web get it in print get it on disk (all material accessed online only)

2 SeasonsFUSION = WORSHIP materials + Christian Education resources INCLUDED... Weekly A Planning page A Biblical Background page A Reflection and Focus page A three-page Worship Outline A Poetry and Prose page, containing articles, poems, and stories A Bible Story page Stations (activity centres) pages Children s Activity leaflet each week provides a story, activity and something to create for church, school or one of the stations & can be used during church time or at home. Quarterly Articles including About this Season, Connecting with the Art; Communion Prayers for the season; and articles that support the theme of the season(s) Living the Seasons connects congregation members to what is happening in church. Contains suggestions for how to use SeasonsFUSION within and beyond the group that gathers for worship, including individuals and families at home Gatherings for All Ages outlines for all-age worship events that include a meal and that are appropriate for people with no church background. Perfect for community outreach. Special Worship Outlines including a Christmas pageant, Christmas Day, Blue Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Thanksgiving Two art posters FUSION resources in Word format, poster images for projection, the Bible Stories in MP3 format, and more Music resources integrated into FUSION materials Downloadable bulletin covers for church use FREE on the website Planning Library, including the From Start to Finish booklet, replacement resources for All Saints Day and Reformation Day, Virtual Resource Booklet with crafts, patterns, recipes, etc., and more Links Spirit Sightings Support Sign up for Tip of the Week The Perfect All-in-One Resource Cutting Edge and Unique Flexibility As low as $4.62 per week based on full 12 month web delivery subscription paid by August 17 Explore resources and view samples online at seasonsonline.org.au IN PRINT with printed posters before August 17 after August 17 FUSION $ $ FUSION $ $ PACK ON DISK with printed posters before August 17 after August 17 FUSION $ $ FUSION $ $ PACK ON THE WEB with digital posters before August 17 after August 17 FUSION $ $ FUSION $ $ PACK Seasons resources are licensed for use between the dates indicated, with permission to share with an additional three leaders in your congregation.

3 Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 Planning SAT 2 FRI 1 THUR 31 WED 30 TUES 29 MON 28 SUN 27 Trinity Sunday Pentecost (Orthodox) National Reconciliation Week beings (Australia) Memorial Day (USA observed) Feast of the Visitation (also observed by some churches on July 2) All Saints (Orthodox Christian) Things to keep in mind this week Planning ahead Sunday, May 27 Saturday, June If you will set the journal reflections station next week, invite worshippers to bring along a photo of themselves as a child. Display the photos on the noticeboard. May 2018 S M T W T F S April 2018 S M T W T F S June 2018 S M T W T F S Revised Common Lectionary (Year B) Isaiah 6:1 8 Psalm 29 Romans 8:12 17 John 3:1 17 Seasons of the Spirit is based on semicontinuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Liturgical colour: white If you have Internet access, visit to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. Ecumenical Prayer Calendar Botswana, Zimbabwe As listed in 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 Pentecost Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY

4 Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 Pentecost Focus scripture Isaiah 6:1 8 Additional scriptures Psalm 29 Romans 8:12 17 John 3:1 17 Seasons of the Spirit is based on the semi-continuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Take Notice On Trinity Sunday we consider the might and awe of the living God who offers an alternate vision to the practices of power that we are so familiar with in our world. The scripture readings speak to us about the wonder of God, who calls us into new ways of being, which run counter to the power dynamics of the day. The challenge for us is whether we are able to hear the call to enter into a living relationship. Focus scripture: Isaiah 6:1 8 In Isaiah 6, we read the story of the call of Isaiah. Specifically dated to the year that King Uzziah died, Isaiah s call comes at a time of political intrigue and machination at the international level. The nation of Assyria was flexing its muscles and dominating Judah s neighbours, including Israel and Syria. These two nations were looking to Judah for support to oppose Assyria, pressurizing Ahaz, the Judean king, to join their venture or risk being invaded. Ahaz was fearful, and was responding to this crisis from a place of fear. It is into this context that Isaiah has a dramatic encounter with the living God. At a time of anxiety and fear, when other voices were dominating the airwaves, God calls to Isaiah loudly and decisively. This is no mild, gentle encounter. Occurring while Isaiah was (presumably) praying in the Jerusalem temple, God appears in a way that assaulted Isaiah s senses. Isaiah s sight was overcome with the majesty of God, a God so great that only the hem of God s robe could fit into the temple building. Isaiah s ears were filled with the harsh cries of the winged seraphim. His sensory system was rocked in the shaking of the temple. The decisiveness of this call comes as a counter-voice to the indecisiveness of Ahaz. Ahaz wrongly fears the might of his political rivals, while Isaiah stands before the majesty and power of God, responding in awe and rightful fear. Fearing his own unclean-ness, Isaiah cries out woe is me, confessing his inadequacy in the face of God s power, a response which is a far cry of the one soon to be made by Ahaz who refuses to accede his political fear and place his trust Biblical Background May 27, 2018 God of wonder and might, we marvel at your power and yet are drawn into the intimacy of your triune love. In the clamour of our age, may we be ever attentive and listening for your voice, ready to be shaken out of our complacency, our fear, and our distraction. Amen. in the power of God. Isaiah is cleansed and purified and responds to the call as bearer of a divine message. It is important to hear the power and might portrayed in this passage, a passage which depicts a God-on-high, able to overwhelm and frighten, against the backdrop of the clamorous political voices of Isaiah s day. God speaks into the political chaos and clamour loudly and clearly, offering an alternate vision of true power, and true might. Isaiah responds with confession, worship and commitment; responses ultimately lacking in the responses of Ahaz to come. Psalm 29 similarly presents the majesty of God. Read alongside the Isaiah passage, we gain a fuller picture of a God who rules, not only the tiny nation state of Judah but a God who rules over the great forces of nature, both the raw and beautiful, and the frightening and chaotic. It is this God who has chosen to enter into relationship with God s people. Romans 8:12 17 also names the glory and majesty of God, emphasizing that God s spirit liberates people to become children of God. In the same way, the kings of old were understood to be God s adopted children, God grants a spirit of adoption, able to reflect God s glory. In John 3:1 17, Nicodemus struggles to hear the message of God he received, limited by the voices of his own day. Nicodemus seeks Jesus out, certain that he knows about Jesus. In the conversation that follows, it is clear that Nicodemus is called to a fuller, deeper knowing that goes beyond the cognitive. He is called into a living, transformative relationship, that encompasses his whole being. Each of the passages this week challenges our knowledge of God. The God of might and power is the same God whose spirit of adoption calls us into a relationship which offers an alternative way of being in the world which runs counter to the power dynamics of our age. What will it take for us to be able to hear, see, and understand what God is calling us to today? Into what situations of political chaos and clamour might God be calling us to speak and act? 26 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY

5 Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 Reflection and Focus May 27, 2018 Pentecost Reflecting on the Word Adapt and use for youth and adult studies, sermon seeds, lay worship teams. Connecting with life There are many ways of knowing God, and we can experience God in different ways at different times of our lives. We may be overwhelmed by the majesty of God, be touched by the intimacy of the Spirit, or come to a deep sense of knowing through Christ. When have you experienced God in any (or all) of these ways? Scripture Isaiah 6:1 8 When Isaiah encountered God in the temple, it seems he had little choice but to sit up and take notice. Isaiah s vision overwhelmed his senses seeing, hearing, whole body. Overcome by the awesomeness of God, Isaiah confesses his own limitations and the limitations of all humanity in the face of the living God. In what ways do our senses help us to experience awe and mystery? In what ways might our experience of God s natural world the sound of a crashing ocean, the sight of a majestic sunset, the smell of grapes on the vine, the touch of a solid tree trunk, the taste of fresh bread give us insight into God s nature? When have you, like Isaiah, felt overcome by the awesomeness of God? Sometimes our sensory experiences can be overwhelming. When have you, like Isaiah, felt afraid, unworthy? God propels Isaiah into ministry. Isaiah experiences not only God s power and glory, but also God s need for a servant, for Focus for Worship, Learning, and Serving Today is Trinity Sunday, the first Sunday after Pentecost. These texts reflect that we encounter God, and God engages with us, in unexpected ways. We encounter God who fills an expanding universe, who shakes our being like our experience of fireworks or a storm. But, like Nicodemus, we also meet God in Jesus, and in quiet conversation. In both instances, we are reminded that God is too large and too complex to be contained by our understandings of time or space or our assumptions about who God is and how God does God s work. We meet a God who is awe inspiring and confusing, but also loving, and who saves rather than condemns. We also meet a God whose glory we reflect. What does that someone to go and speak to God s people. God empowers Isaiah to go out to prophesy to a people who do not understand him. Into what situations might we be called to speak truths today? How might we translate our experience of God s glory to people who don t see or hear the way we do? Where and when has God been seen at work in world history, using ordinary people like Isaiah and us? Psalm 29 calls us to worship and adore God, whose majesty we see made manifest in the natural world. The images can be both awe-inspiring and frightening. What experiences have led you to experience awe, and even fear and trembling? What experiences have led you to rejoice and praise? Romans 8:12 17, through the spirit of adoption we become the children of God, able to reflect and share in God s glory. If glory is about the immensity the wonder of God, what might that say about our potential? What does it mean for you to be a child of God? John 3:1 17, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about being born from above, or born anew. When have you felt yourself being reborn of the Spirit? Connecting scripture and life Isaiah encounters the glory of God, and although he feels unworthy he responds to God s call with the words, here I am. Jesus speaks about being born anew, Paul tells his congregants in Rome that they have received a spirit of adoption, which liberates them to live lives of courage and faith. To what might God be calling you, individually and as a church? In a world of clamour and chaos, what message does God want you to proclaim? What courage and faith will this require of you? say about our potential and the potential of those we worship with? How might you, in worship, in learning, and in serving encourage and affirm the potential of others? How might you help them to see and express that potential themselves? Many who gather for worship today will share Isaiah s doubt that they have the ability to serve or to lead; we tend to focus on our shortcomings. You might remind those gathered that we don t go alone, it is God who partners with us to do God s work and God will give the opportunities and resources to do what we are sent to do. How might you help others to reflect on how they partner with God in the different places they live their lives? Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY

6 Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 Take Notice Prepare Gather God s Family Patricia Shelly; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Teach Me Wisdom Bruce Harding; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Creator and Poet Sandra Sears; Seasons Songbook, vol. 3 Holy, Holy, Holy Traditional Argentinean; Seasons Songbook, vol. 1 Here I Am, Lord Daniel L. Schutte Worship Outline May 27, 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 conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Music Suggestions Choose an option for hearing Isaiah 6:1 8. For the Bible Children of the Spirit story, arrange for a storyteller to present the story God Monica O Brien, Gina Ogilvie; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Calls Isaiah on p. 32. For the dramatic reading, arrange Don t Be Afraid for a single reader and a small group of individuals to John Bell; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 call the words of the seraphim. Bring items for setting the worship space. You might choose to print the art image Like Wind, Like Fire on your bulletin covers (in the Images to Project and Print folder on the Pentecost 1 CD and in the web version of SeasonsFUSION). You might also include one of the art engagement ideas described in Connecting with the Art (p. 4). Bring song such as Creator and Poet (Seasons Songbook, vol. 3, #32 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 3. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Set stations as described on p Call to worship One: Holy, holy, holy, God of glory and strength, All: we take notice and recognize you. One: Holy, holy, holy, God of power and majesty, All: we take notice and recognize you. One: Holy, holy, holy, God of blessing and peace, All: we take notice and recognize you. One: Come, let us worship. Opening prayer Glorious God, be with us as we worship you today. Remind us that you are God, and larger than we can dream. You take us by surprise, you confront us, and you love the whole world, so much more than we can imagine. Amen. 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 God of glory, of strength, power, majesty, blessing and peace, we confess that in the noise of our lives, we can fail to notice you. We confess that we don t recognize you when you are not what we expect. We confess that we try to make you small. Forgive us. Help us to see more of who you are. Amen. Words of affirmation The God who is more than we can understand, who creates and fills an expanding universe, loves us more and forgives us more than we would dare to hope. Know that in God you can find strength and peace. 28 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY

7 Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 Worship Outline May 27, 2018 Opening the word John 3:1 7 A conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus Nicodemus: Rabbi, we all know you re a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren t in on it. Jesus: You re absolutely right. Take it from me: unless a person is born from above, it s not possible to see what I m pointing to to God s realm. Nicodemus: How can anyone, be born who has already been born and grown up? You can t re-enter your mother s womb and be born again. What are you saying with this bornfrom-above talk? Jesus: You re not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation the wind-hoveringover-the-water creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life it s not possible to enter God s kingdom. When you look at a baby, it s just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can t see and touch the Spirit and becomes a living spirit. So don t be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be born from above out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it s headed next. That s the way it is with everyone born from above by the wind of God, the Spirit of God. Scripture from The Message (adapted to dialogue) by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright (c) 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. Psalm 29 might be read responsively, with the congregation in two groups. Group 1: Ascribe to the Holy One, all you gods, ascribe glory and power. Group 2: Give all honour to God s name; worship the Creator in the beauty of holiness. Group 1: The Holy One s voice rolls over the oceans; the God of Glory thunders; the voice of God is upon the mighty waters. Group 2: The voice of God is full of power. The voice of the Creator is full of splendour. Group 1: The Holy One s voice breaks the cedar trees and smashes the cedars of Lebanon. Engage Group 2: It makes the mountains skip like a calf, and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox. Group 1: Lightning flashes at the sound of that voice Group 2: which shakes the wilderness. Group 1: The voice brings the deer to labour, and strips the forest bare. All: In the holy temple all shout, Glory! Group 2: The Holy One sits enthroned over the flood; Group 1: the Creator sits enthroned forever, All: and blesses the people always, blessings of peace and well-being. From Songs for the Holy One by Thomas Barnett and Donald Patriquin. Copyright 2004 Thomas Barnett and Donald Patriquin, Wood Lake Publishing Inc. Used by permission. Moving into the focus scripture Invite the congregation to think of a time when someone asked them to do something they did not think they could do. What gift or talent did they not see in themselves that another saw? Did the words give confidence, comfort, inspiration, or something else? Invite them to reflect on what happens when we let self-doubt get in our way. Isaiah 6:1 8 Choose from the following for hearing the focus story. Bible story Have a storyteller present the story God Calls Isaiah. Dramatic reading by a single reader with a small group of individuals calling the words of the seraphim across the worship space. Isaiah: In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw God sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said: Seraph 1: Holy, holy, holy is the [God]; the whole earth is full of God s glory. Seraph 2: Holy, holy, holy is the [God] of hosts; the whole earth is full of God s glory. Seraph 3: Holy, holy, holy is the [God] of hosts; the whole earth is full of God s glory. Isaiah: The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen [God]! Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY

8 Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it. Seraph 1: Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed, and your sin is blotted out. Isaiah: Then I heard the voice of [God] saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? And I said, Here am I; send me! Respond Worship Outline May 27, 2018 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 the song Creator and Poet as people gather together again (Seasons Songbook, vol. 3, #32 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 3. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Prayers of the people Like Nicodemus, we come quietly, O God, to have a conversation with you. We come away from the demands of others, the demands of our work, the demands of our families. We lay our position and our responsibilities aside. We come to ask questions and to try to understand. Hear our questions and concerns for those we love, for our communities, our world, and for ourselves. Remind us of your great love for the world and all of us in it. Time of silent prayer Amen. Prayer of dedication or offering prayer Accept the gifts we bring, our money, our talents, and ourselves. Use them, send them, so that your love may be shared where it is needed. Amen. Bless In Isaiah s vision, God asks, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? How might we respond to that question? As we go into our homes, our neighbourhoods, into each of the places we go this week, may we be surprised at how and where God s spirit is at work. Special Days Commentary May 27 National Reconciliation Week begins (Australia) National Reconciliation week is held annually from 27 May to June 3, preceded by National Sorry Day on May 26. Also known as Week of Prayer for Reconciliation, it began in 1996 as an initiative of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, National Reconciliation is a time to celebrate and build on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. Since the year 2000, the observance has been under the auspices of Reconciliation Australia, an independent non-profit body that provides a national focus for the process of reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community. The week-long observance promotes the efforts of the country to acknowledge the history of unfair treatment of people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and to work toward reconciliation. According to Reconciliation Australia, the vision is for a united Australia which respects this land of ours, values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and provides justice and equity for all. People of faith are called to help shape this vision and bring it to reality. May 31 Feast of the Visit of Mary to Elizabeth This day recalls the visit of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth s house, following the angel s announcement that Mary would become pregnant, as recorded in Luke 1: Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY

9 Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 Poetry and Prose May 27, 2018 When God breaks through Have you ever had an experience, a magic moment, when time seemed to stand still? When things seemed crystal clear? When you felt overwhelmed by something beyond yourself? I have. I suspect almost everyone has, sometime. Rudolf Otto, a German theologian, coined a word to describe that kind of experience. He called it numinous, meaning that it goes beyond anything we can rationally describe. Without knowing why, we know that the moment is filled with awe, is overwhelming, is urgent, and is fascinating. We are drawn into it. The trouble is that we can t explain it. In our culture, being moved to tears seems to be weakness, and being moved to joy like lunacy. So we usually pretend that nothing really happened. We say it was just imagination, just emotion. But it did happen. And it was real. Maybe we can t explain these moments. But if we can accept them, if we can admit that they could be God cracking open the crust that forms on our daily routines, we may start to see, hear, and feel the presence of an everyday God. From An Everyday God: Insights from the Ordinary by James Taylor Published by Wood Lake Books. Used by permission. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY

10 Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 God Calls Isaiah Based on Isaiah 6:1 8 It s a quiet day in the temple. I sit quietly, and breathe deeply, allowing the smell of the incense to fill my lungs. The setting sun streams in through a window, reflecting the gold of the mosaics. Music floats in from somewhere and the shadows of carved angels dance on the walls in the candlelight. My old friend, Isaiah, sits next to me and suddenly speaks in the silence. This is just like the night God called me to be a prophet, he says. I remember when Isaiah first told me he was a prophet, a special messenger for God. God sent him many dreams and visions, and he used them to help our leaders and our nation to live in God s way. But Isaiah hasn t told me this story before. I look into his wise and weathered face, waiting for him to continue. His eyes have a far- away look as he begins his story. I remember it so clearly, he said. It was the same year that King Uzziah died. I was in the temple and it seemed like a dream, but I wasn t sleeping. I had a vision of God! God was sitting high above me on a throne, like a ruler, and the fabric of God s robes filled the temple. All around there were winged creatures; the large, fiery ones called seraphs had six wings. They used one set of wings to fly, and with the others they covered their faces and feet. I heard them sing to one another Holy, holy, holy is God; the whole earth is full of God s goodness and beauty. The sound of their voices was so magnificent it made the whole temple shake and the Bible Story May 27, 2018 sanctuary filled with smoke. Isaiah looks at me and chuckles, I have to admit, as amazing and exciting as it was, it was also quite scary. I was worried, very worried. I remembered the things I had done, and the things I had not done. I knew I wasn t someone who was good, honest, or holy enough to see God with my own eyes. I cried out, Oh no! I am doomed! I am a foul-mouthed sinner from a whole sinful and foulmouthed family, but I have looked upon God! I realized none of us are perfect, so I called out to God, I am sorry! I trembled in fear. In my vision, I saw one of the seraphs fly down, take a piece of burning coal from the altar and fly toward me. I squeezed my eyes closed, prepared for the worst. Then, I felt something touch my lips. It was like a cleansing heat. It was God s forgiving love. I slowly opened my eyes and deep down and all around I heard God ask, Whom shall I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go for us? I knew God was speaking to me, so I shouted out that I would do it. Here I am, God; send me! Isaiah s voice echoes around the temple, and I realize I ve been holding my breath. I let out a deep sigh and stare at my friend. I understand deep down why he shared his story with me. None of us are perfect, but God loves us and calls us every day to be our best selves. Here I am, God. I whisper in the darkness. Send me! A recording of this story is available in MP3 format in the Audio Stories folder on the Pentecost 1 CD and in the web version of SeasonsFusion. Bible story Materials recording of today s story God Calls Isaiah, 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 God Calls Isaiah. 2. Use art supplies to draw or write your response to Isaiah s message. 32 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY

11 Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 Stations May 27, 2018 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. For your convenience, instructions are formatted for printing and available in the Stations folder on the Pentecost 1 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 Pentecost 1 and some art engagement ideas for individuals and groups. You might choose to add an Art Engagement station each week and choose one of the art engagement ideas. See the article Prayerful Colouring on p. 16. How might creative stations (using some of the ideas in this section) work in your context? Spiritual backpack Materials sufficient copies of resource sheet Spiritual Backpack (see Extra Resources folder on the Pentecost 1 CD and in the web version of SeasonsFUSION), coloured pencils, notepaper, pens, copy of the directions displayed for all to see Optional: arrange a display including a backpack, map, portable GPS or compass, first aid kit, foreign language phrase book, lunchbox, bread, water Suitable for all ages Psalm writing Materials paper, pens, pencils; Bibles; images or photographs of people praising God from diverse backgrounds and in different places (indoor, outdoor, in a group, alone); tambourine, finger cymbals, wood blocks, maracas, and other simple instruments or noisemakers; a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for ages 9 adult The practice of journeying Directions Isaiah asks God to send him wherever he is needed. We can also ask God to send us. What might we need on this journey to do God s work? 1. Decorate the page, as you think about how you will use the contents of the backpack. 2. For ages 15 adult Using a notebook and pen, write down your reflections on the following questions: Have you ever tried to do without any of the items in your spiritual backpack? What was the result? 3. Spend some time thinking about which items could do with some attention. Are you carrying anything unnecessary in your backpack? (for example, resentment or fear of change) Is this because of habit or to feel safe or for another reason? How might it feel to let these unnecessary items go and take only what you truly need? The practice of praise Directions Holy, holy, holy is the God of hosts; the whole earth is full of God s goodness and beauty, the seraph sang. God s glory and majesty surround us! When we come into God s presence things happen. 1. Write a psalm of praise in this holy space. Consider writing a phrase in your psalm that will act as a refrain or chorus. 2. When you have finished, teach the group or congregation your refrain. Then read your psalm aloud, prompting the group or congregation to respond with the refrain. 3. You might use the instruments and noisemakers to provide music to your psalm. Think about these questions as you write your psalm: Where is God s glory? How do we share God s glory? What transforming moments do we experience with God? Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY

12 Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 Purified by God Materials sheets of blank paper, watercolour pencils, paint brushes, jars filled with water, copy of the directions displayed where all can see Sensing God Suitable for all ages working together Materials hand held mirrors, basket of various pieces of fabric and other items with different textures (corduroy, silk, terry cloth, felt, ribbon, feathers, leaves, carpet squares); scented candles (be aware of allergies) arranged on the table; simple snacks (juice, dried fruits, bread check for allergies); mirror; CD player with music playing (Gregorian chants or instrumentals); paper, pens, pencils, crayons; a copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages The practice of reconnection Stations May 27, 2018 Directions 1. Use watercolour pencils to write or draw the things that keep you from connecting with or being close to God. 2. When you re finished, dip a brush in the water and ask God to wash away these burdens. As you brush over the words and pictures, be mindful of the way God offers a fresh start forgives! Todays Bible story describes how Isaiah felt he was unworthy of God s love, and unworthy to do God s work. Sometimes, we might feel as if we re not good enough, but God loves everyone and wants to be our friend at all times. Some of the things that make it hard to feel that God is with us are when we fight with someone or when we refuse to forgive someone or we refuse to forgive ourselves. God loves us anyway and sees the good in us. Anything we might have said, done, or felt is washed away by God. All we have to do is ask. For ages 15 adult Theologian Richard Rohr says: You can t accomplish or work up to union with God because you ve already got it. Before the world began you were chosen, chosen in Christ to live through love in his presence (Ephesians 1:4). You cannot ever become worthy by yourself; you can only reconnect to your Infinite Source. The biblical revelation is about awakening, not accomplishing. It is about realization, not performance. You cannot get there; you can only be there As human beings, we long to be with God. God also longs for that connection with us. However, there are things we do, say, or think that can separate us from God (for example, not forgiving someone, not forgiving ourselves, holding onto regrets things we wish we d said or done or hadn t said or done wishing harm to others, judging others, the belief that we are not good enough to deserve God s love and that we must earn it). 1. Reflect on Richard Rohr s words and consider how you cut yourself off from God s presence. 2. Ask God to help you reconnect. The practice of awareness Directions We can engage with God through all the senses. Some people connect with God through conversation or worship. Others experience God in nature and music, or the sweet smell of a newborn baby. In Isaiah 6:1 8, Isaiah engages with God in a complex vision filled with tactile images. 1. Take this time to experience God through different senses. Encourage younger children to engage their senses as they touch, look, listen, taste, and smell: Look around you and see the details in the room. Look in the mirror to see yourself in the space. Where do you see God in this space? A question for younger children: What do you see? Touch the fabrics. In what ways do they remind you of God? Who or what else do they remind you of? A question for younger children: How do the fabrics feel? Sound Be aware of the music in the space or the noises in the background. Taste the different foods. How do they feel in your mouth? Smell the candles. What time or space do you think of when you smell? In what way do these smells remind you of God? A question for younger children: What do you smell? 2. Something to think about In addition to the questions above, what did you feel as you became aware of the elements in this space? Write about your encounter with God in this space or in another space. What was that like for you? Children might respond to this question: Where is God in this space? A question for younger children: What do you imagine God s love might look like, smell like, taste like? 34 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY

13 Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc create story time In the Temple Based on Isaiah 6:1 8 A long time ago, there lived a man named Isaiah. Isaiah loved to spend time in the temple. Isaiah would find a quiet corner where he could sit and pray. Sometimes Isaiah would look around and notice the glowing light of the candles. Sometimes Isaiah would sniff the sweet-smelling air. Children s Activity Leaflet May 27, 2018 thought he could see God sitting on a special chair, like a throne and creatures with wings flying around the room. As Isaiah watched and listened, one of the creatures spoke and said, Holy, holy, holy. God is wonderful! The world is full of God s beauty. Isaiah was amazed, but he was also a little bit worried. What was happening? Sometimes Isaiah would listen and hear people playing musical instruments. The light, the smells, the sounds all these things helped Isaiah to think about God. One day, while he was praying, Isaiah had an amazing experience. It was like a dream. It seemed as if the temple was filled with smoke that smelled wonderful. And there was music like angels singing. Isaiah Then deep down and all around him, Isaiah heard a voice say, I need someone to tell the people about me. Who will be my messenger? Isaiah knew this was the voice of God. Isaiah looked around then he knew the answer Here I am, God, said Isaiah. Send me. God Is Everywhere We can t see the wind but we know it is there, when it rustles the leaves and blows through our hair. We can t see God but we know that God is there, in the colours of a sunset, in the love that s everywhere. Make a wind sock to celebrate God who is everywhere You will need standard-size piece of construction paper (or small paper bag with bottom cut away); scraps of paper for decoration; crayons or felt markers; colourful crepe paper streamers (approx. 30 x 1.5 cm/12 x 1 in.); tape, glue stick, or stapler; hole punch; string; scissors. Instructions 1. Decorate the construction paper (or small paper bag) with scraps of paper and felt markers or crayons. 2. Tape the two ends of the construction paper into a cylinder. 3. With a glue stick, tape, or stapler attach crepe paper streamers around the bottom rim. Isaiah would help people know God s love and would help people learn to listen to God, too Around the top rim, place two or three pieces of masking tape for reinforcement and punch a hole on each side. Attach string for holding. Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY

14 Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 activity God loves us and knows our names. God knows our families and friends. God knows what we like to do for fun. Draw a picture of yourself in the heart using crayons, pencils, or markers. When you have finished drawing yourself, draw your family and friends. Remember, God loves us and calls us to love one another. Older children You might search through magazines to find images to make a collage of things that represent you and the things that you like. Use crayons, pencils, or markers to draw additional images. Or draw a comic strip timeline that includes drawings from when you were a baby until now. Use speech bubbles like in a comic strip to tell the story of growing up. 2 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit FUSION SAMPLE WEEK MAY

15 Explore resources and view samples online at seasonsonline.org.au Age-Level Resources INCLUDED... Weekly A Biblical Background page A Focus & Prepare page A two-page Age-Level Session Outline Resources (three pages in the Multiage resource) Two pages of reproducible Resources (three pages in the Multiage resource) Quarterly Articles including About This Season, This Season for the particular Age-Level, and Connecting with the Art Six extra Resource pages (eight pages in the Multiage resource) Two-page Evaluation Form Two art posters FREE on the website Planning Library, including the From Start to Finish booklet, replacement resources for All Saints Day and Reformation Day, Virtual Resource Booklet with crafts, patterns, recipes, etc., and more Links Spirit Sightings Support Sign up for Tip of the Week IN PRINT with printed posters before August 17 after August 17 AGE LEVELS $ $ MULTI AGE $ $ ON DISK with printed posters before August 17 after August 17 AGE LEVELS $ $ MULTI AGE $ $ ON THE WEB with digital posters before August 17 after August 17 AGE LEVELS $ $ MULTI AGE $ $ Please note When you buy Seasons of the Spirit you receive 52 weeks of material based on the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). During the first four weeks of September (Sep 1 Sep 22), Seasons celebrates the Season of Creation, based on the threeyear Season of Creation s cycle of readings, which invites congregations to join with all members of Earth s community to celebrate Earth as a sacred planet filled with God s vibrant presence. In 2019, the Season of Creation will focus on Ocean, Fauna and Flora, Storm and the Cosmos. There will be RCL resources available (online only) for these four weeks and instructions on accessing them are included in your PRINT and DISK resources, and are automatically included with the WEB resources.

16 Seasons of the Spirit ENCORE Age 6-8 SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 Take Notice On Trinity Sunday we consider the might and awe of the living God who offers an alternate vision to the practices of power that we are so familiar with in our world. The scripture readings speak to us about the wonder of God, who calls us into new ways of being, which run counter to the power dynamics of the day. The challenge for us is whether we are able to hear the call to enter into a living relationship. Focus scripture: Isaiah 6:1 8 In Isaiah 6, we read the story of the call of Isaiah. Specifically dated to the year that King Uzziah died, Isaiah s call comes at a time of political intrigue and machination at the international level. The nation of Assyria was flexing its muscles and dominating Judah s neighbours, including Israel and Syria. These two nations were looking to Judah for support to oppose Assyria, pressuring Ahaz, the Judean king, to join their venture or risk being invaded. Ahaz was fearful and was responding to this crisis from a place of fear. It is into this context that Isaiah has a dramatic encounter with the living God. At a time of anxiety and fear, when other voices were dominating the airwaves, God calls to Isaiah loudly and decisively. This is no mild, gentle encounter. Occurring while Isaiah was (presumably) praying in the Jerusalem temple, God appears in a way that assaulted Isaiah s senses. Isaiah s sight was overcome with the majesty of God, a God so great that only the hem of God s robe could fit into the temple building. Isaiah s ears were filled with the harsh cries of the winged seraphim. His sensory system was rocked in the shaking of the temple. The decisiveness of this call comes as a counter-voice to the indecisiveness of Ahaz. Ahaz wrongly fears the might of his political rivals, while Isaiah stands before the majesty and power of God, responding in awe and rightful fear. Fearing his own unclean-ness, Isaiah cries out woe is me, confessing his inadequacy in the face of God s power, a response which is a far cry of the one soon to be made by Ahaz who refuses to accede his political fear and place his trust in the power of God. Isaiah is cleansed and purified and responds to the call as bearer of a divine message. It is important to hear the power and might portrayed in this passage, a passage that depicts a God-on-high, able to overwhelm and frighten, against the backdrop of the clamorous political voices of Isaiah s day. God speaks into the political chaos and clamour loudly and clearly, offering an alternate vision of true power, and true might. Isaiah responds with confession, worship and commitment; responses ultimately lacking in the responses of Ahaz to come. Psalm 29 similarly presents the majesty of God. Read alongside the Isaiah passage, we gain a fuller picture of a God who rules, not only the tiny nation state of Judah but a God who rules over the great forces of nature, both the raw and beautiful, and the frightening and chaotic. It is this God who has chosen to enter into relationship with God s people. Romans 8:12 17 also names the glory and majesty of God, emphasizing that God s spirit liberates people to become children of God. In the same way, the kings of old were understood to be God s adopted children, God grants a spirit of adoption, able to reflect God s glory. In John 3:1 17, Nicodemus struggles to hear the message of God he received, limited by the voices of his own day. Nicodemus seeks Jesus out, certain that he knows about Jesus. In the conversation that follows, it is clear that Nicodemus is called to a fuller, deeper knowing that goes beyond the cognitive. He is called into a living, transformative relationship, that encompasses his whole being. Each of the passages this week challenges our knowledge of God. The God of might and power is the same God whose spirit of adoption calls us into a relationship which offers an alternative way of being in the world which runs counter to the power dynamics of our age. What will it take for us to be able to hear, see, and understand what God is calling us to today? Into what situations of political chaos and clamour might God be calling us to speak and act? Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Pentecost May 27, 2018 Focus scripture Isaiah 6:1 8 Additional scriptures Psalm 29 Romans 8:12 17 John 3:1 17 Seasons of the Spirit is based on semicontinuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. God of wonder and might, we marvel at your power and yet are drawn into the intimacy of your triune love. In the clamour of our age, may we be ever attentive and listening for your voice, ready to be shaken out of our complacency, our fear, and our distraction. Amen. If you have Internet access, visit to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the Focus passage. Seasons of the Spirit ENCORE Age 6-8 SAMPLE WEEK MAY

17 Seasons of the Spirit ENCORE Age 6-8 SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 May 27, 2018 The Focus for Ages 6 8 From Start to Finish Ideas for beginning and ending the church year and other leadership resources are in From Start to Finish (go to the Library on the Seasons website). All young children have a profound sense of wonder at things. Around the age of five or six years, children are starting to be able to find words to express their awareness of mystery and awe rather than just experience it. Six- to eight-year-olds are beginning to separate fact from fantasy, but still enjoy the world of fantasy and are refining their imaginative skills. In this first session of a new season, there are suggestions for creating an atmosphere of awe and wonder. The focus passage, relating the story of Isaiah s awesome and mysterious encounter with God s presence, offers a wonderful opportunity for children to experience a story with all their senses. Engaging both their imagination and their sense of smell, Prepare Before the session q Read and prayerfully reflect on this week s focus scripture, Isaiah 6:1 8, and biblical background material (p. 3). q Review About this Pentecost 1 (p. 1) and This Pentecost 1 for Ages 6 8 (p. 2). q Set a worship space with white cloth, candle, offering basket, Bible with bookmark placed in focus passage. q Bring basic supply kit (p. 2), matches, candle snuffer, and, if possible, Seasons Songbook (Volume 7), Seasons Music CD (Volume 7), and CD player; downloadable sheet music and MP3 recordings are available at Gather q Bring buttons, pipe cleaners; review instructions for making Button people (on resource sheet Response Centres (p. 90), and make a sample. Bring a stick or cone of incense in a holder. q Bring Gathering Song (on resource sheet Songs and Chants, p. 88) or Circle Song (p. 10 in Seasons Songbook, Vol. 7; #11 on Seasons Music CD, Vol. 7). q Bring items you consider awesome, such sight, and sound will help children enter more fully into the biblical story. The option of a Response centre also offers an opportunity for children to use a variety of items and media to engage their imaginations and make connections between the story and their lives. Information about setting up a Response centre is on p. 90. If this is your first gathering with this age group, plan some getting to know you activities for the beginning of your time together (there are ideas in the booklet From Start to Finish in the Library of the website. Pray that the children s experience and awareness of God s presence will be nurtured and sustained within your faith community. as favourite photos, items from nature, recordings of music. Engage q Bring this week s resource sheet An Awesome Experience, tealight in a glass jar, taper, bowl of potpourri or ground spices, small bell or brass singing bowl, and length of chiffon fabric. Respond Choose from the options provided. Prepare and bring the materials. q Interviews: invite members of the congregation as guests (one per two children) q Poetry: copies of this week s resource sheet Awesome Poetry, coloured paper q Response centre: variety of art and craft materials (such as sand, shiny paper, magazine pictures of creation, fabric scraps with different textures, sequins, spices, small jingle bells, construction paper); see resource sheet Response Centres (p. 90) for further information and suggestions; option: bring recording of meditative music Bless q Bring Blessing Song (see Songs and Chants, p. 88) or May You Find Peace (p. 26 in Seasons Songbook, Vol. 7; #19 on Seasons Music CD, Vol. 7). 4 Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit ENCORE Age 6-8 SAMPLE WEEK MAY

18 Seasons of the Spirit ENCORE Age 6-8 SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 Take Notice May 27, 2018 Scripture Isaiah 6:1 8 FOCUS To experience God s awesome presence through Isaiah s story. Welcome the children and explain that this week we begin a new season of the church year, the Season after Pentecost. Point out the white cloth in the worship space, which means this is a special Sunday. In many churches, today is called Trinity Sunday and it is a time when we celebrate the many ways we experience God and know that God is with us. Opening ritual Circle of friends Show the sample Button person and distribute buttons and pipe cleaners so children can make their own figures. Invite them to arrange their button people in a circle, and place this week s symbol (incense) in the centre of the group. Smell the scent together, then if there are no allergies, light the incense and spend a few moments in silence, watching the smoke rise and smelling the scent. Sing the Gathering Song (on p. 88) or the Circle Song (p. 10 in Seasons Songbook, Vol. 7; #11 on Seasons Music CD, Vol. 7). Invite a child to light the candle. Pray the following prayer, inviting children to respond with the phrase, Holy, holy, holy God. O God, we thank you for being with us. Holy, holy, holy God. May we feel your presence everywhere. Holy, holy, holy God. May we be filled with your Spirit. Holy, holy, holy God. Amen. Receive the offering. Extinguish the candle to signal that the opening ritual has ended. Connecting life and theme Display the items you brought and explain why you consider these items to be awesome. Invite children to name the ones they think are awesome too. Encourage them to talk about other things they have seen or experienced that could be called awesome. Explain that today s Bible story is about one person s awesome experience of God. Preparing for the story Invite a child to bring the Bible from the worship table and use the bookmark to open it to the book of Isaiah. Explain that today s story is about a man named Isaiah, who lived about 700 years before Jesus was born. Isaiah was worried because the people of Jerusalem were not living the way God wanted them to. Isaiah wondered what he could do. One day he got an answer, in an amazing way. The Bible story Use the resource sheet An Awesome Experience to tell the story based on Isaiah 6:1 8, encouraging children to participate with all their senses. Invite children to wonder about the things they heard, saw, smelled, and imagined as they listened to the story. n I wonder how Isaiah felt when he saw God there in the temple with him? After the story God asked for helpers and Isaiah responded. Isaiah became a prophet, someone who brings messages from God to the people. Isaiah listened to God and he would help the people learn to listen to God too. Use some or all of the following wondering questions to invite children to share their thoughts after hearing the story of Isaiah s vision: n I wonder how you would feel if you had an experience like Isaiah did? Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Pentecost Seasons of the Spirit ENCORE Age 6-8 SAMPLE WEEK MAY

19 Seasons of the Spirit ENCORE Age 6-8 SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 May 27, 2018 Choose from the following activities. q Interviews Children benefit from hearing about other people s experiences of God s presence. Help group members to formulate some questions to use in interviewing older members of the congregation about their experiences. Offer some starter questions: Can you tell us of a time when you were aware of the presence of God? What did you feel, see, hear? Invite guests to meet with the children in small groupings. Encourage children to make notes during their conversations. Consider ways to share the information collected and invite further discussion q Poetry Writers and composers of songs use poetry to describe their experiences of God. Distribute copies of the resource sheet Awen Would it be easy or hard to tell someone about it? Why? n I wonder what God would ask us to do? Recall the awesome experiences discussed during the Gathering time. Explain that even though we might not see a vision of God, as Isaiah did, we know that God loves us and is always with us, like the air around us. Sing Holy, Holy, Holy (tune: Row, Row, Row Your Boat ) Holy, holy, ho ly, is our awesome God! All the world is singing out the glory of our God! some Poetry and invite children to describe their own experiences of God using the outlines provided. Encourage those who wish to read their poems aloud to the group. Consider posting these in a church newsletter or in the Prayer and Poem Gallery in the library section on the Seasons website, q Response centre Isaiah s experience in the temple involved all his senses. Gather in the Response centre space (see resource sheet Response Centres (on p. 90) and look at the variety of materials provided. Invite the children to use the materials to create something that expresses God s holiness and presence. If possible, play quiet music in the background to enhance this special time. Gather around the worship table and invite a child to light the candle. Pray Dear God, thank you for the awesome world. Help us to use all our senses to learn more about you and the world. Amen. Sing the Blessing Song (p. 88) or May You Find Peace (p. 26 in Seasons Songbook; #19 on Seasons Music CD, Vol. 7). Send each child out with the words, (Child s name), God is awesome and God is always with you. In what ways did the children express a sense of wonder or awe? How might you continue to foster experiences of God s presence among the members of your group? 6 Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit ENCORE Age 6-8 SAMPLE WEEK MAY

20 Seasons of the Spirit ENCORE Age 6-8 SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 Resource sheet June 19, 2011 Resource Sheet May 27, 2018 An Awesome Experience Story Tip Using a quiet voice helps convey a sense of awe as you tell the story. Isaiah loved to go to the temple. It was a beautiful big building, standing at the top of a hill. It was a place Isaiah would go to pray to God. First Isaiah would sit quietly and look all around. He would notice the glow of lights coming from the candles. There were special smells in the temple, like the spicy incense that seemed to tickle Isaiah s nostrils. Sometimes Isaiah would hear the quiet music of a flute or harp playing in the distance. The light of the candles, the smell of the incense, the sound of the music all these things helped Isaiah to think about God. Isaiah also loved to look at the wooden carvings that were in the temple. There were carved figures that seemed to guard the covenant box a special box that held the Ten Commandments and other holy objects. And high up on the walls, Isaiah could see the wooden figures with wings that were called seraphim. One day, Isaiah had an experience in the temple that was so awesome he could hardly talk about it. It was a day he would never forget. While Isaiah was praying, he began (based on Isaiah 6:1 8) to feel as if God was all around and deep inside. The temple seemed to be full of sweetsmelling smoke. There was beautiful music, as if angels were singing. Isaiah thought he could see God sitting on a throne, wearing a long robe that spread from one side of the temple to the other. And way up high it seemed as if the carved wooden seraphim had come alive and their wings were moving. Then the temple seemed to shake! What was happening? As Isaiah watched and listened, it seemed as if the seraphim were calling, Holy, holy, holy, God is wonderful. The whole world is full of God s beauty. Isaiah began to remember things he wished he hadn t done. Isaiah began to remember things he wished he hadn t said. He remembered that sometimes he had not been very good at listening to God. Please forgive me, God. I am sorry, he said. Suddenly Isaiah felt something touch his lips. It was like a cleansing heat. Isaiah began to relax. He felt God s presence all around. He heard God say, I need someone to tell the people about me. I need someone to help the people learn how to live in my way. Who will be my messenger? Isaiah looked around but there was no one else in the temple. Then he knew the answer Here I am, God. Send me. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Pentecost Seasons of the Spirit ENCORE Age 6-8 SAMPLE WEEK MAY

21 Seasons of the Spirit ENCORE Age 6-8 SAMPLE WEEK MAY 27, 2018 Resource Sheet May 27, 2018 Awesome Poetry Writing poems can help us say things about our experiences of God. Try writing a poem using the different senses. Here is an example: Love is red. Love tastes like honey. Love sounds like birdsong. Love smells like a rose. Love feels like a hug. Use the following shapes to write poems about your experiences of the awesome presence of God. God is. God tastes like. God sounds like. God feels like. God smells like. God is. God tastes like. God sounds like. God feels like. God smells like. 8 Seasons of the Spirit Ages 6 8 Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit ENCORE Age 6-8 SAMPLE WEEK MAY

22 Age-Level Resources AGE LEVELS SeasonsENCORE Adult is a great resource for your next study group! Seasons resources are licensed for use between the dates indicated, with permission to share with an additional three leaders in your congregation. ADULT Adults enter Bible study from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. Sessions invite adults to deepen their spirituality and explore their faith through activities and articles that encourage a rich engagement with all four of the weekly lectionary readings. Art images, contemporary writings, and consideration of current issues offer meaningful ways to link faith and life. AGES This resource promotes the development of leadership skills and encourages young people to serve in the local and global ministries of the church. A Digging Deeper section offers groups that enjoy discussion a chance to explore some themes in greater depth. Leaders will find the Ages resource perfect for mid-week gatherings, retreats, worship leadership, and outdoor ministry programs.

23 AGES Young teens enjoy self-directed learning. Friendships are important to them as they are beginning to explore a variety of viewpoints within their community and the world. The weekly resources provide opportunities to actively explore the Bible and encourage the development of communication skills. Varied activities meet the needs of different learning styles, and service projects introduce ways to connect with the church and the community. AGES 9-11 These children enjoy making new friends and typically have the confidence to work in groups. The weekly resources encourage them to use their imaginations and life experiences as they develop biblical knowledge, ask questions, and explore the faith traditions of others. Group projects introduce them to issues of justice and fairness. AGES 6-8 Weekly resources begin to address the more abstract thinking skills of children in the early grades of school. Leaders will find easy-to-use dramas, stories, and activities that connect with real life and the eager minds of this enthusiastic group. Spiritual development is nurtured through ritual and encouraging relationships with peers and adults. The SeasonsENCORE Ages 6-8 Poster Set includes special Story Props posters exclusive to this age group for each quarter. AGES 3-5 Children in this age range learn through hands-on activities and enjoy routines and rituals. Their developing motor skills are encouraged in the sessions with songs, fingerplays, group activities, and simple craft projects. The weekly material uses interactive storytelling, puppets, drama, and art images to explore Bible stories. For each season, the Ages 3-5 Poster Set also includes special Storytelling Resource posters exclusive to this age group. And, we provide a free online Age 3 Supplement, for those leaders with a group of mostly 3-year-olds! MULTIAGE The SeasonsENCORE Multiage resource is uniquely designed to meet the needs of a leader with a SINGLE GROUP of up to 15 children between the ages of 5 and 12. The Multiage resource offers different age-appropriate options for engaging with the biblical stories and provides additional reproducible resource sheets. The Respond section includes activity zones that address different ages, interests, learning styles, and abilities. For example, children can choose between an Art zone, Music zone, Outreach zone, or Quiet zone. This group will also experience storytelling scripts, self-directed learning, and relationships with children of different ages as they create community, sharing time and space each week.

24 Seasons Music A song chart for 2018 is provided on the Seasons Music Information section on the Library page at MUSIC CDS AND SONGBOOKS During 2 December 2018 to 1 December 2019 music suggestions will include songs from Volumes 2, 5, and 8 (Lectionary Year C). The Seasons of the Spirit CD/Songbook Sets, Volumes 1-9, are available for individual purchase, as well as individual CDs and Songbooks. MP3 & PDF DOWNLOADS Songs from Seasons Growing Faith and the Seasons of the Spirit Music CDs, Volumes 1-9, are available for purchase as MP3 downloads at seasonsonline.ca or woodlake.com Sheet music from Seasons Growing Faith and the Seasons of the Spirit Songbooks, Volumes 1-9, is available for purchase as PDF downloads at seasonsonline.ca or woodlake.com Seasons Art Exploration of the arts ignites and nourishes the imagination, helping us to come alive in ways that are transforming. The Seasons of the Spirit visual art resources provide a pool of images for all ages to draw upon as they explore the meaning and mystery of the Bible. Poster images are carefully selected from a wide variety of cultures, eras, and styles, to reflect the moods and focus themes of each season. The worship and learning materials invite participants to engage with these images in creative and inspiring ways. Ages 3-5 and Ages 6-8 resources also include Storytelling or Story Props posters. ART POSTERS Seasons Art Posters will be provided in a printed A3 format for customers who choose PRINT and DISK (but not WEB) delivery for their Seasons products. Electronic files are included on the CD for CD customers and as downloadble files for WEB customers. Print copies of the Fine Art posters (excluding the Storytelling and Story Props posters for Ages 3-5 and 6-8, respectively) are available as an optional, additional purchase for WEB delivery customers who wish to have print copies of the posters, and for PRINT/CD customers who desire to have additional printed sets. The Prey by Lorraine Toler. Used by permission. Wood Lake Publishing Inc., Seasons of the Spirit Season of Creation, Pentecost 2, Printed in Canada. Love One Another. Original Art Durga Yael Bernhard / durgabernhard.com. Used by permission. Wood Lake Publishing Inc., Seasons of the Spirit Season of Creation, Pentecost 2, Printed in Canada.

25 Teaching Posters These large (545 x 420mm) posters are laminated to allow the use of erasable markers to enhance the teaching of various biblical subjects. Durable and useful year after year, all of these posters are available in cost-saving sets and are shipped rolled inside tubes. a. The Mediterranean World of the First Century b. Books of the Bible c. The Seasons of the Church Year d. Daily Life in the Time of Jesus a b c e. Palestine in the Time of Jesus f. Images of Jesus d e f g g. Images of God The complete kit provides a perfect foundation for setting up a space to nurture the development of faith and the spiritual language of children at an early age. It includes one Leader Guide, 1 Music CD/Songbook set, 1 set of 5 posters and 1 set of 5 board books, in a handy cloth bag, written to be used year after year. Seasons Growing Faith LEADER GUIDE 26 pages of articles, directions, lists, and suggestions, including creating a space, training caregivers, storytelling and music tips, parent brochures, application and registration forms. Includes 18 session outlines for every season of the church year, and 18 resource pages containing fingerplays, songs, recipes, props, patterns. 128 pp 8.5" x 11" perfect bound Leader Guide Seasons Growing Faith MUSIC CD/SONGBOOK SET This set includes 22 easy-to-sing, repetitive and enchanting songs. The words, melody line, and guitar chords along with teaching tips and illustrated actions complete the coil bound book. The collection includes Nobody Else Like Me, A Little Peace Song, Would You Like to Hold the Baby, and Like a Rock! 1 cd 32 pp 8.5" x 5.5" coil bound Seasons Growing Faith BOARD BOOKS A set of five board books: with safe, rounded corners, simple words and brightly painted illustrations by Margaret Kyle. The set includes Welcome, Baby Jesus; Come Little Children; God's Wonder World; Sing, David, Sing; and Loving God Together. set of 5 8 pp 6" x 6" round corners Seasons Growing Faith POSTERS The set of five posters with the same names as the books. Shipped rolled in a tube. set of " x 21.5" rolled These components are also available individually

26 phone ACCOUNT NUMBER ABN Please note that items marked are shipped twice in the year. First shipment covers Advent / Christmas / Epiphany and Lent / Easter. Second shipment covers Pentecost 1 and Season of Creation Pentecost 2. EARLY ORDER DISCOUNT PRICE: REGULAR ANNUAL PRICE: ORDER & PAY BY 17 AUGUST 2018 FOR ORDERING AFTER 17 AUGUST 2018 Print delivery (includes printed posters) Best Price Quantity Best Price Total Annual Price Quantity Annual Price Total Disk delivery (includes printed posters) Art, Music and other resources EARLY ORDER REGULAR ANNUAL DISCOUNT PRICE: PRICE: FOR ORDER & PAY BY ORDERING AFTER 17 AUGUST 2018 Web delivery (includes digital posters) 17 AUGUST 2018 Fusion Online Single pack SOS19CL1E $ $ Fusion Online 3pack SOS19CL3E $ $ Encore Multiage (ages 5-12) Online SOS19MAE $ $ Encore Ages 3-5 Online SOS1903E $ $ Encore Ages 6-8 Online SOS1906E $ $ Encore Ages 9-11 Online SOS1909E $ $ Encore Ages Online SOS1912E $ $ Encore Ages Online SOS1915E $ $ Encore Adult Online SOS19ADE $ $ CHEQUE/MONEY ORDER VISA MASTERCARD card number name on card expiry date signature payment included $ denomination TOTAL TOTAL All prices are in Australian dollars and include GST and postage Please order WEB delivery packs at Ordering 1. Decide which resources you need (FUSION and/or age-level ENCORE). 2. Decide which delivery format best suits your needs: WEB, DISK or PRINT. Please note that WEB delivery format can only be ordered at www. seasonsonline.org.au and paid for by Credit Card (prices in Australian dollars). 3. Order at or and pay with credit card, (prices in Australian dollars) or mail, phone, or your order with your payment or payment details. Mail to Phone »» The story of the seasons of the earth, the people of God, and the place and purpose of faith in the world»» The story of the faith journey, from birth to death»» The story of Jesus and the churches that carry his message. EARLY ORDER DISCOUNT DEADLINE Order and pre-pay before August 17 and SAVE 15% Seasons of the Spirit has been telling stories for more than 15 years. During that time, it has given form and substance to the words, songs, pictures and ideas of hundreds of storytellers. Those stories have taken a multitude of forms parables, poems, drawings, prayers, epiphanies, songs, books, paintings, hymns all driven by a common mission of serving those on the faith journey. MediaCom Education Inc, PO Box 610, Unley SA 5061 in Australia (Australia) seasons@mediacom.org.au (Australia) Receiving your order IMAGINING, LIVING AND TELLING THE FAITH STORY. The Season of The Church Year Lectionary Year C Advent Christmas Epiphany 2 December March 2019 Lent Easter 10 March June 2019 Pentecost 1 16 June August 2019 Pentecost 2 26 August November 2019 Seasons of the Spirit MediaCom Education Inc BILL TO: SEND ORDER AND PAYMENT TO: PO Box 610, UNLEY, SA 5061 Phone: Fax: (08) admin@mediacom.org.au PAYMENT (Your order includes four seasonal cycles beginning Advent Sunday December 2, 2018 and concluding Reign of Christ Sunday November 24, 2019 Orders for PRINT and DISK delivery formats will be shipped by the end of October 2018 for Advent/Christmas/Epiphany and Lent/Easter seasons, and by the middle of April 2019 for Pentecost 1 and Season of Creation/Pentecost 2. WEB resources will be available on the site before these dates and will not have any products to be shipped. SHIP TO: Fusion Single pack SOS19CL1 $ $ Fusion 3pack SOS19CL3 $ $ Encore Multiage (ages 5-12) SOS19MA $ $ Encore Ages 3-5 SOS1903 $ $ Encore Ages 6-8 SOS1906 $ $ Encore Ages 9-11 SOS1909 $ $ Encore Ages CD SOS1912 $ $ Encore Ages SOS1915 $ $ Encore Adult SOS19AD $ $ Fusion Single pack CD SOS19CLCD1 $ $ Fusion 3pack CD SOS19CLCD3 $ $ Encore Multiage (ages 5-12) CD SOS19MACD $ $ Encore Ages 3-5 CD SOS1903CD $ $ Encore Ages 6-8 CD SOS1906CD $ $ Encore Ages 9-11 CD SOS1909CD $ $ Encore Ages CD SOS1912CD $ $ Encore Ages CD SOS1915CD $ $ Encore Adult CD SOS19ADCD $ $ Poster Set SOS19POST $ $ Seasons Growing Faith (Birth-Age3) SOSGF00 $ $ Songbook & Music CD Vol 2 SOSSC2 $ $ Songbook & Music CD Vol 5 SOS7SC $ $ Songbook & Music CD Vol 8 SOS10SC $ $ Mediterranean World poster (a) SOSMWP Books of the Bible poster (b) SOSBBP Church Year teaching poster ( c) SOSCYP Daily Life in the time of Jesus poster (d) SOSDLP Palestine in the time of Jesus poster ( e) SOSPP Images of Jesus poster (f) SOSIJP Images of God poster (g) SOSIGP Mediterranean & Bible poster set(a+b) SOSMWBP $ $ Teaching poster set (c+d+e) SOSTP3 $ $ Images of Jesus & God poster set (f+g) SOSIJGP $ $ Order only at Early order discounts apply before 17 August 2018 Please use the enclosed order form to place your order

27 BILL TO: Seasons of the Spirit MediaCom Education Inc PO Box 610, UNLEY, SA 5061 ACCOUNT NUMBER SEND ORDER AND PAYMENT TO: ABN Phone: PAYMENT SHIP TO: CHEQUE/MONEY ORDER VISA MASTERCARD card number name on card expiry date signature payment included $ denomination phone (Your order includes four seasonal cycles beginning Advent Sunday December 2, 2018 and concluding Reign of Christ Sunday November 24, 2019 Please note that items marked are shipped twice in the year. First shipment covers Advent / Christmas / Epiphany and Lent / Easter. Second shipment covers Pentecost 1 and Season of Creation Pentecost 2. EARLY ORDER DISCOUNT PRICE: REGULAR ANNUAL PRICE: ORDER & PAY BY 17 AUGUST 2018 FOR ORDERING AFTER 17 AUGUST 2018 Print delivery (includes printed posters) Best Price Quantity Best Price Total Annual Price Quantity Annual Price Total Fusion Single pack SOS19CL1 $ $ Fusion 3pack SOS19CL3 $ $ Encore Multiage (ages 5-12) SOS19MA $ $ Encore Ages 3-5 SOS1903 $ $ Encore Ages 6-8 SOS1906 $ $ Encore Ages 9-11 SOS1909 $ $ Encore Ages SOS1912 $ $ Encore Ages SOS1915 $ $ Encore Adult SOS19AD $ $ Disk delivery (includes printed posters) Fusion Single pack CD SOS19CLCD1 $ $ Fusion 3pack CD SOS19CLCD3 $ $ Encore Multiage (ages 5-12) CD SOS19MACD $ $ Encore Ages 3-5 CD SOS1903CD $ $ Encore Ages 6-8 CD SOS1906CD $ $ Encore Ages 9-11 CD SOS1909CD $ $ Encore Ages CD SOS1912CD $ $ Encore Ages CD SOS1915CD $ $ Encore Adult CD SOS19ADCD $ $ Art, Music and other resources Poster Set SOS19POST $ $ Seasons Growing Faith (Birth-Age3) SOSGF00 $ $ Songbook & Music CD Vol 2 SOSSC2 $ $ Songbook & Music CD Vol 5 SOS7SC $ $ Songbook & Music CD Vol 8 SOS10SC $ $ Mediterranean World poster (a) SOSMWP Books of the Bible poster (b) SOSBBP Church Year teaching poster ( c) SOSCYP Daily Life in the time of Jesus poster (d) SOSDLP Palestine in the time of Jesus poster ( e) SOSPP Images of Jesus poster (f) SOSIJP Images of God poster (g) SOSIGP Mediterranean & Bible poster set(a+b) SOSMWBP $ $ Teaching poster set (c+d+e) SOSTP3 $ $ Images of Jesus & God poster set (f+g) SOSIJGP $ $ TOTAL TOTAL EARLY ORDER Order only at DISCOUNT PRICE: ORDER & PAY BY Web delivery (includes digital posters) 17 AUGUST 2018 Fusion Online Single pack SOS19CL1E Fusion Online 3pack SOS19CL3E Encore Multiage (ages 5-12) Online SOS19MAE Encore Ages 3-5 Online SOS1903E Encore Ages 6-8 Online SOS1906E Encore Ages 9-11 Online SOS1909E Encore Ages Online SOS1912E Encore Ages Online SOS1915E Encore Adult Online SOS19ADE REGULAR ANNUAL PRICE: FOR ORDERING AFTER 17 AUGUST 2018 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Early order discounts apply before 17 August 2018 All prices are in Australian dollars and include GST and postage Please order WEB delivery packs at