The Two Great Commandments
|
|
- Avis Sanders
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 October 29, 2017 Proper 25 Semicontinuous Deut. 34:1 12 Ps. 90:1 6, Complementary Lev. 19:1 2, Ps. 1 1 Thess. 2:1 8 Matthew 22:34 46 The Two Great Goal for the Session In studying the two great commandments, adults will review the orientation of their lives toward loving God and their neighbors. Focus on Matthew 22:34 46 WHAT is important to know? From Exegetical Perspective, Patrick Gray This reading contains two discrete units. As is so often the case in Matthew s Gospel, both involve Jesus in a verbal joust with the Pharisees. To the first question Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5. This formula is the second part of the Shema, the standard prayer that all pious Jews are to recite daily. To this he appends Leviticus 19:18, a citation popular among early Christian writers (Romans 13:8, James 2:8), but never combined with the Shema in this manner. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commands. The image conjured is that of a branch hanging from a tree or a door on its hinge. WHERE is God in these words? From Theological Perspective, Timothy A. Beach-Verhey In quoting the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4 5), Jesus points out that the aim of the law is to orient one s entire life toward God. However, one cannot love God without loving what God loves! While the scribes and Pharisees used the law to place severe limits on those whom they were obliged to recognize as their neighbors, Jesus joins these texts in order to smash all the limits and boundaries of neighborliness. Jesus proves himself to be the true and faithful interpreter of Scripture, silencing his critics with knowledge and wisdom. Jesus is the Messiah who loves his enemies, who loves as God loves, who is God with us (Matthew 1:23). SO WHAT does this mean for our lives? From Pastoral Perspective, Earl F. Palmer It is the Monday of Holy Week. Jesus lives and teaches in the tension between Sunday s acclamation and Friday s execution. He has faced the opposition of religious leaders throughout his ministry, and that opposition only grows stronger in the first part of this chapter. Yet Jesus takes the risk of hearing the lawyer s question out and answering it in good faith. Sometimes the gospel provides people with a powerful answer to difficult questions. Sometimes the gospel provokes people to even deeper questions. The answers are a gift of the Spirit, and the questions may be, too. NOW WHAT is God s word calling us to do? From Homiletical Perspective, Allen Hilton When Pharisees ask Jesus which commandment is the greatest of all, his answer defines the central calling of the faithful for all time: Love the Lord your God with all your heart... soul, and... mind.... Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37, 39). Here, Jesus opens a window to divine priorities. The One who touts these two love commands is no mere rabbi. This is Messiah, God s Son, Lord. Our hearts are drawn to the heavenly voice that boomed five chapters back: This is my Son... listen to him! (Matthew 17:5). 1
2 The Two Great FOCUS SCRIPTURE Matthew 22:34 46 Focus on Your Teaching Simple truths are often complex when we try to live them. The discussion of the importance of a spirit of thanksgiving in Christian community in the previous session may have provoked deep questions about your community. The focus scripture for this session is also deceptively simple. Many Christians can recite the greatest commandment, also known as the Golden Rule. Yet, living it is not always as straightforward as it seems. Jesus may have summed up God s law in two commandments, but the Christian life of obedience to Christ is a constant question to be lived. YOU WILL NEED Bibles pens or pencils board or newsprint markers copies of Resource Sheet 1 copies of Resource Sheet 1 for November 5, 2017, unless it will be ed to participants during the coming week For Responding: option 2: Bibles; paper, pens, small boxes or containers (optional) option 3: copies of Resource Sheet 2 For information about Sadducees and Pharisees, go to sadducees_pharisees_ essenes.html Loving God, may your Word come fresh to me so that I may lead with enthusiasm those you have entrusted to me. In Jesus name. Amen. n LEADING THE SESSION GATHERING Greet the participants as they arrive. Invite comments about the previous session. Encourage participants to let you know if they have ideas for improving the spirit of thanksgiving in this group in the future. Ask the group to recall sayings they heard as children that were attempts to teach them about life, such as, Always save for a rainy day or A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Discuss what makes such sayings memorable. Explain that the focus scripture for this session is one of the best-known short teachings of Jesus. Lead the group in this prayer or one of your choosing: Holy God, we give you thanks for sending your Son into the world to teach us your commandments. As we seek to love you better, help us love our neighbors as well. Amen. EXPLORING Have the participants turn to Matthew 22: If participants have study Bibles or annotated Bibles, have them find where the greatest commandment passage is found in each Gospel. Write the references on the board or newsprint (Matthew 22:34 40; Mark 12:28 34; Luke 10:25 28). The Gospel of John is a little different from the others but John 15:9 13 is very close. Select volunteers to read each version, ending with today s entire text, which is Matthew 22: Ask: P What is similar about the four versions? P What is different? 2
3 The Two Great Distribute Resource Sheet 1 (Focus on Matthew 22:34 46) and pencils or pens. Instruct everyone to read the resource sheet and to underline or circle anything that seems especially important or raises a question. While they are reading, write these questions on the board: P According to Jesus, can you love God and not love your neighbor? P What is the difference between loving God and loving neighbor? P Name three examples of when Jesus smashed boundaries of neighborliness. If participants have read something on the resource sheet that they found troubling or have a question, simply note it and make sure you cover it before class ends. This is not a time for general discussion. Record the participants answers to the last bulleted question to use in Responding option 1. Form groups of three to five participants. Have the groups discuss the three questions on the board. Then turn to the second part of today s text, Matthew 22: Ask a volunteer to read those verses aloud. Then read aloud this longer excerpt from the Feasting on the Word commentary: The two pericopes [short readings] listed in the lectionary for this Sunday the greatest commandment (v ) and the question about whether the Messiah is David s son (vv ) may not seem related; yet a close inspection reveals similar themes. Both mark Jesus as an orthodox Jew, reveal the deepening crisis with the Pharisees, and provide a summary of Jesus identity and message. Timothy Beach-Verhey, Feasting on the Word, Year A, Volume 4. ed. David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011), 212. Ask participants to identify how, in each section, Jesus, the Jew, is revealed, how the rift with Pharisees is deepened, and what summarizes Jesus identity and message. Call attention to the So What? excerpt on Resource Sheet 1. Have someone read it aloud. Ask participants to think about this question silently: P What questions of your faith are provoking you to still deeper questions? Acknowledge that sometimes we identify those questions only in hindsight. The Responding options provide three ways of posing those questions. EASY PREP RESPONDING Choose one or more of these activities, depending on the length of your session: 1. Smashing Boundaries This activity can be done alone or in small groups. Refer to the list of examples made in Exploring of Jesus smashing boundaries in his time. Then ask: P Who, individual or group, has successfully smashed boundaries today? 3
4 The Two Great Participants may name a national movement or an outreach effort of a Christian community in your area. Then ask: P Where are there boundaries that still need to be broken? P From what we have discussed today, what are some steps that might be taken to smash those boundaries? Suggest that they find partners to talk about a boundary that they want to destroy and what they might do. For information about mezuzahs, see basics.html. 2. Make a Mezuzah A mezuzah is a small box that contains a parchment scroll with Deuteronomy 6:4 9 and 11:13 21 written on it. The commandments that Jesus calls the greatest are found in these verses. Many Jews attach a mezuzah to the right doorframe of their homes and touch it each time they enter or leave their homes. Invite participants to read the two passages (Deuteronomy 6:4 9 and 11:13 21), which are known as Shema Yisrael. Explain that these texts are handwritten in Hebrew to specific guidelines. The mezuzah serves as a physical reminder of God s law and a faithful orientation toward God as one comes and goes. Invite participants to choose Scriptures to be their physical reminders of God s presence in their lives and the need to orient one s life toward God. If you wish, you can provide small boxes or containers to place their Scriptures in once they copy them onto a piece of paper. Encourage participants to display their Scriptures in their homes. 3. Today s Challenge to Love Neighbor Distribute copies of Resource Sheet 2 (Today s Challenge to Love Neighbor). Have participants spend some time quietly reading this longer excerpt from the Feasting on the Word commentary and thinking about the questions on the page. Then discuss the questions on the resource sheet. Following the second question, provide a time of silence for individual prayer about the boundaries they must break. CLOSING Invite participants to think of how they might answer the following question in one sentence: P What is the most difficult aspect of loving God and loving our neighbor today? After a minute, invite their responses, reminding them to keep them to a sentence. End with the following prayer: God, we fail at loving you with all our heart, soul, and mind when we fail to love our neighbor as ourself. As your followers smash the boundaries and walls of our time, give us the courage to join them. Amen. Distribute copies of Resource Sheet 1 for November 5, 2017, or it to the participants during the week. Encourage participants to read the focus scripture and Resource Sheet 1 before the next session. 4
5 October 29, 2017 The Two Great Adult Resource Sheet 1 WHAT is important to know? From Exegetical Perspective, Patrick Gray This reading contains two discrete units. As is so often the case in Matthew s Gospel, both involve Jesus in a verbal joust with the Pharisees. To the first question Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5. This formula is the second part of the Shema, the standard prayer that all pious Jews are to recite daily. To this he appends Leviticus 19:18, a citation popular among early Christian writers (Romans 13:8, James 2:8), but never combined with the Shema in this manner. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commands. The image conjured is that of a branch hanging from a tree or a door on its hinge. WHERE is God in these words? From Theological Perspective, Timothy A. Beach-Verhey In quoting the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4 5), Jesus points out that the aim of the law is to orient one s entire life toward God. However, one cannot love God without loving what God loves! While the scribes and Pharisees used the law to place severe limits on those whom they were obliged to recognize as their neighbors, Jesus joins these texts in order to smash all the limits and boundaries of neighborliness. Jesus proves himself to be the true and faithful interpreter of Scripture, silencing his critics with knowledge and wisdom. Jesus is the Messiah who loves his enemies, who loves as God loves, who is God with us (Matthew 1:23). SO WHAT does this mean for our lives? From Pastoral Perspective, Earl F. Palmer It is the Monday of Holy Week. Jesus lives and teaches in the tension between Sunday s acclamation and Friday s execution. He has faced the opposition of religious leaders throughout his ministry, and that opposition only grows stronger in the first part of this chapter. Yet Jesus takes the risk of hearing the lawyer s question out and answering it in good faith. Sometimes the gospel provides people with a powerful answer to difficult questions. Sometimes the gospel provokes people to even deeper questions. The answers are a gift of the Spirit, and the questions may be, too. NOW WHAT is God s word calling us to do? From Homiletical Perspective, Allen Hilton When Pharisees ask Jesus which commandment is the greatest of all, his answer defines the central calling of the faithful for all time: Love the Lord your God with all your heart... soul, and... mind.... Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37, 39). Here, Jesus opens a window to divine priorities. The One who touts these two love commands is no mere rabbi. This is Messiah, God s Son, Lord. Our hearts are drawn to the heavenly voice that boomed five chapters back: This is my Son... listen to him! (Matthew 17:5) Westminster John Knox Press
6 October 29, 2017 The Two Great Adult Resource Sheet 2 Today s Challenge to Love Neighbor Read the following excerpt by Timothy Beach-Verhey: While Jesus defies conventional expectations concerning the Messiah, his knowledge and use of Scripture are unassailable. Jesus is a faithful Jew, yet he bursts the bonds of custom that limited God s concern to faithful Jews. God s purposes are larger than any single people. The Messiah s mission transcends the salvation of any particular group. Those who love God must love all God s creatures, even at great cost to themselves and their own privileges. Those who follow the Messiah must subordinate all particular interests, identities, and purposes to the Savior s universal mission. Jesus refuses to identify love of God with rigid religious requirements or to identify faithfulness to himself with loyalty to a particular community of people. As he approaches the cross, Jesus makes clear what it means to love God and be a follower of the Messiah: Just as you have done it unto the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me (Matt. 25:40). While the Gospel of Matthew is colored by the estrangement between Christians and Jews that characterized its own time, we should not imagine that Jesus criticism is limited to the Jewish leaders. Christians themselves are just as prone to the sort of religious conventionalism that uses faith in the service of power, prestige, and exclusion. Jesus words and deeds are as relevant to us today, and as painful, as they were to the scribes and Pharisees in first-century Palestine. We too need the Messiah and will undoubtedly be as troubled by him as anyone. Excerpted from Timothy Beach-Verhey, Feasting on the Word, Year A, Volume 4, ed. David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011), 216. Questions for Reflection 1. Where do you see Christians today using faith to exclude others? 2. What boundaries do you need to break in order to love your neighbor? Be specific Westminster John Knox Press
The Greatest Commandment
October 29, 2017 Proper 25 Semicontinuous Deut. 34:1 12 Ps. 90:1 6, 13 17 Complementary Lev. 19:1 2, 15 18 Ps. 1 1 Thess. 2:1 8 Matthew 22:34 46 The Greatest Goal for the Session Third- and fourth-graders
More informationDinner s Ready! Get Dressed!
October 15, 2017 Proper 23 Semicontinuous Exod. 32:1 14 Ps. 106:1 6, 19 23 Complementary Isa. 25:1 9 Ps. 23 Phil. 4:1 9 Matt. 22:1 14 Dinner s Ready! Goal for the Session Adults will consider their response
More informationFear Not! Focus on Matthew 25: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
November 13, 2011 proper 28 Judg. 4:1 7 Ps. 123 1 Thess. 5:1 11 Matt. 25:14 30 Fear Not! Goal for the Session Adults will consider how to use their talents as they wait for the realm of God. n PREPARING
More informationThe Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth
July 8, 2018 Proper 9 Semicontinuous 2 Sam. 5:1 5, 9 10 Ps. 48 Complementary Ezek. 2:1 5 Ps. 123 2 Cor. 12:2 10 Mark 6:1 13 The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth Goal for the Session Adults will explore the
More informationDoing Sabbath. Focus on Mark 2:23 3:6. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
June 3, 2018 Proper 4 Semicontinuous 1 Sam. 3:1 10 (11 20) Ps. 139:1 6, 13 18 Complementary Deut. 5:12 15 Ps. 81:1 10 2 Cor. 4:5 12 Mark 2:23 3:6 Scripture Goal for the Session n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION
More informationSupreme Prime Minister Jesus
November 25, 2012 Reign of Christ Sunday Semicontinuous 2 Sam. 23:1 7 Ps. 132:1 12, (13 18) Complementary Dan. 7:9 10, 13 14 Ps. 93 Rev. 1:4b 8 John 18:33 37 Supreme Prime Minister Jesus Goal for the Session
More informationPaul Gives Thanks. Focus on 1 Thessalonians 1:1 10. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
October 22, 2017 Proper 24 Semicontinuous Exod. 33:12 23 Ps. 99 Complementary Isa. 45:1 7 Ps. 96:1 9, (10 13) 1 Thess. 1:1 10 Matt. 22:15 22 Goal for the Session Children, following Paul s example, will
More informationPraise the Lord! Focus on Psalm 111. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
January 28, 2018 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Deut. 18:15 20 Ps. 111 1 Cor. 8:1 13 Mark 1:21 28 Praise the Lord! Goal for the Session Adults will consider the ways recounting God s faithfulness to
More informationUnity in the Body of Christ
August 5, 2018 Proper 13 Semicontinuous 2 Sam. 11:26 12:13a Ps. 51:1 12 Complementary Exod. 16:2 4, 9 15 Ps. 78:23 29 Eph. 4:1 16 John 6:24 35 Unity in the Goal for the Session Adults will reflect on the
More informationLiberating Words. Focus on Luke 4:21 30 PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
January 31, 2016 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Jer. 1:4 10 Ps. 71:1 6 1 Cor. 13:1 13 Luke 4:21 30 Goal for the Session Learning from Jesus rejection by his hometown, adults will consider ways to respond
More informationLoving the Least of These
November 26, 2017 Reign of Christ Sunday Semicontinuous Ezek. 34:11 16, 20 24 Ps. 100 Complementary Ezek. 34:11 16, 20 24 Ps. 95:1 7a Eph. 1:15 23 Matt. 25:31 46 Loving the Least of These Goal for the
More informationGod s Life-Giving Truth
November 22, 2015 Reign of Christ Sunday Semicontinuous 2 Sam. 23:1 7 Ps. 132:1 12 (13 18) Complementary Dan. 7:9 10, 13 14 Ps. 93 Rev. 1:4b 8 John 18:33 37 Goal for the Session Adults will explore Jesus
More informationTaking on the Yoke of Jesus
July 9, 2017 Proper 9 Semicontinuous Gen. 24:34 38, 42 49, 58 67 Ps. 45:10 17 Complementary Zech. 9:9 12 Ps. 145:8 14 Rom. 7:15 25a Matt. 11:16 19, 25 30 Taking on the Goal for the Session Adults will
More informationInseparable Love. Focus on Romans 8: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
July 27, 2014 Proper 12 Semicontinuous Gen. 29:15 28 Ps. 105:1 11, 45b Complementary 1 Kgs. 3:5 12 Ps. 119:129 136 Rom. 8:26 39 Matt. 13:31 33, 44 52 Inseparable Love Goal for the Session Adults will examine
More informationFaithful Praise. Focus on Ephesians 1:3 14 PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
January 3, 2016 Second Sunday after Christmas Day Jer. 31:7 14 or Sir. 24:1 12 Ps. 147:12 20 or Wis. 10:15 21 Eph. 1:3 14 John 1:(1 9,) 10 18 Goal for the Session Acknowledging our identity as the people
More informationProclaim the Good News
June 18, 2017 Proper 6 Semicontinuous Gen. 18:1 15, (21:1 7) Ps. 116:1 2, 12 19 Complementary Ex. 19:2 8a Ps. 100 Rom. 5:1 8 Matt. 9:35 10:8, (9 23) Proclaim the Good News Goal for the Session Adults will
More informationCostly Discipleship. Focus on Mark 12:38 44 PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
November 8, 2015 Proper 27 Semicontinuous Ruth 3:1 5; 4:13 17 Ps. 127 Complementary 1 Kgs. 17:8 16 Ps. 146 Heb. 9:24 28 Mark 12:38 44 Costly Discipleship Goal for the Session Adults will explore Jesus
More informationWilderness Testing. Focus on Luke 4:1 13 PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
February 14, 2016 First Sunday in Lent Deut. 26:1 11 Ps. 91:1 2, 9 16 Rom. 10:8b 13 Luke 4:1 13 Wilderness Testing Goal for the Session Heeding Jesus response to his testing in the wilderness, adults will
More informationGrowing Fruitful Disciples
July 13, 2014 Proper 10 Semicontinuous Gen. 25:19 34 Ps. 119:105 112 Complementary Isa. 55:10 13 Ps. 65:(1 8), 9 13 Rom. 8:1 11 Matt. 13:1 9, 18 23 Growing Fruitful Disciples Goal for the Session Through
More informationCovenant Living. Focus on Exodus 20:1 17. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
March 4, 2018 Third Sunday in Lent Exod. 20:1 17 Ps. 19 1 Cor. 1:18 25 John 2:13 22 Covenant Living Goal for the Session Adults will remember with Israel at Sinai the God we serve and the disciplines of
More informationOrder Out of Chaos. Focus on Genesis 1:1 5. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
January 7, 2018 Baptism of the Lord Gen. 1:1 5 Ps. 29 Acts 19:1 7 Mark 1:4 11 Order Out of Chaos Goal for the Session Adults will reflect on God bringing order out of chaos both in the natural world and
More informationRelease for Captives. Focus on Isaiah 61:1 4, n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent Isa. 61:1 4, 8 11 Ps. 126 1 Thess. 5:16 24 John 1:6 8, 19 28 Release for Captives Goal for the Session Adults will explore salvation as a quality of life here and
More informationFaith in Discouraging Times
October 2, 2016 Proper 22 Scripture Semicontinuous Scripture Lam. 1:1 6 Lam. 3:19 26 Scripture Scripture Complementary Hab. 1:1 4; 2:1 4 Ps. 37:1 9 2 Tim. 1:1 14 Luke 17:5 10 Goal for the Session Adults
More informationDiscerning God s Call
January 14, 2018 Second Sunday after the Epiphany 1 Sam. 3:1 10 (11 20) Ps. 139:1 6, 13 18 1 Cor. 6:12 20 John 1:43 51 Goal for the Session In light of Samuel s call, adults will ponder the ways we discern
More informationHoly Time. Focus on Mark 2:23 3:6. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
June 3, 2018 Proper 4 Semicontinuous 1 Sam. 3:1 10 (11 20) Ps. 139:1 6, 13 18 Complementary Deut. 5:12 15; Ps. 81:1 10 2 Cor. 4:5 12 Mark 2:23 3:6 Scripture Holy Time Goal for the Session n PREPARING FOR
More informationPaul s Witness in Athens
May 21, 2017 Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 17:22 31 Ps. 66:8 20 1 Pet. 3:13 22 John 14:15 21 Paul s Witness in Athens Goal for the Session Adults will examine how Paul addressed the religious aspects of
More informationI Shall Not Want. Focus on Psalm 23. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
May 7, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 2:42 47 Ps. 23 1 Pet. 2:19 25 John 10:1 10 I Shall Not Want Goal for the Session After reflecting on God as shepherd and host, participants will explore the implications
More informationWho Is Jesus? Focus on Matthew 17:1 9. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
February 26, 2017 Transfiguration Sunday Exod. 24:12 18 Ps. 2 2 Pet. 1:16 21 Matt. 17:1 9 Who Is Jesus? Goal for the Session In the transfiguration of Christ, adults will explore how Jesus is the Christ
More informationHoly Encounter, New Response
Semicontinuous Exod. 3:1-15 Ps. 105:1 6, 23 26, 45b Complementary Jer. 15:15 21 Ps. 26:1 8 Rom. 12:9 21 Matt. 16:21 28 September 3, 2017 Proper 17 Holy Encounter, Goal for the Session Hearing about Moses
More informationJeremiah s Message. Focus on Jeremiah 23:1 6 PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
November 20, 2016 Reign of Christ Sunday Scripture Semicontinuous Scripture Jer. 23:1 6 Scripture Luke 1:68 79 Scripture Complementary Jer. 23:1 6 Ps. 46 Col. 1:11 20 Luke 23:33 43 Jeremiah s Message Goal
More informationPhilip the Evangelist
April 29, 2018 Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 8:26 40 Ps. 22:25 31 1 John 4:7 21 John 15:1 8 Philip the Evangelist Goal for the Session Children will discover, through the story of Philip and the Ethiopian
More informationFacing Jesus. Focus on Matthew 25:31 46 PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
November 23, 2014 Proper 29 Semicontinuous Ezek. 34:11 16, 20 24 Ps. 100 Complementary Ezek. 34:11 16, 20 24 Ps. 95:1 7a Eph. 1:15 23 Matt. 25:31 46 Goal for the Session Prompted by Jesus parable of the
More informationRuth Is Faithful. Focus on Ruth 1:1 18. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
November 4, 2018 Proper 26 Semicontinuous Ruth 1:1 18 Ps. 146 Complementary Deut. 6:1 9 Ps. 119:1 8 Heb. 9:11 14 Mark 12:28 34 Goal for the Session Children will be introduced to the story of Ruth and
More informationBlessed to be a Blessing
January 29, 2017 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Mic. 6:1 8 Ps. 15 1 Cor. 1:18 31 Matt. 5:1 12 Blessed to be a Blessing Goal for the Session Adults will explore the promises of the Beatitudes and affirm
More informationTransforming Grace. Focus on Ephesians 2:1 10. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
March 11, 2018 Fourth Sunday in Lent Num. 21:4 9 Ps. 107:1 3, 17 22 Eph. 2:1 10 John 3:14 21 Transforming Grace Goal for the Session Adults will discover and articulate how God s gift of grace described
More informationBold Acts. Focus on Matthew 25: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
November 19, 2017 Proper 28 Semicontinuous Judg. 4:1 7 Ps. 123 Complementary Zeph.1:7, 12 18 Ps. 90:1 8, (9 11), 12 1 Thess. 5:1 11 Matt. 25:14 30 Goal for the Session Children will discover in the parable
More informationThe Widow s Offering. Focus on Mark 12: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
November 11, 2018 Proper 27 Semicontinuous Ruth 3:1 5; 4:13 17 Ps. 127 Complementary 1 Kgs. 17:8 16 Ps. 146 Heb. 9:24 28 Mark 12:38 44 The Widow s Offering Goal for the Session Third- and fourth-graders
More informationBlindness and Renewed Vision
October 28, 2018 Proper 25 Semicontinuous Job 42:1 6, 10 17 Ps. 34:1 8, (19 22) Complementary Jer. 31:7 9 Ps. 126 Heb. 7:23 28 Mark 10:46 52 Goal for the Session Youth will, with Bartimaeus, reflect on
More informationPhilip and the Ethiopian
April 29, 2018 Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 8:26 40 Ps. 22:25 31 1 John 4:7 21 John 15:1 8 Philip and the Ethiopian Goal for the Session Children will grapple with the ways God is at work in the story of
More informationGOALS TO UNDERSTAND God s desires for us. TO CENTER our wills on loving and obeying God. TO EXTEND our love for God into love for others.
8 Session 1 March 6, 2016 A PRAYER TO PREPARE Gracious Father, I come before You and thank You for Your Son, Jesus. As I study His life, may Your Spirit work in me so that I might encounter Him in a special
More informationIncluded in God s Love
May 6, 2018 Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 10:44 48 Ps. 98 1 John 5:1 6 John 15:9 17 Included in God s Love Goal for the Session Children will follow the amazing work of the Holy Spirit in the story of Peter
More informationLove So Amazing. Focus on Isaiah 55:1 9. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
March 24, 2019 Third Sunday in Lent Isa. 55:1 9 Ps. 63:1 8 1 Cor. 10:1 13 Luke 13:1 9 Goal for the Session Tweens will dig into Isaiah s words and describe the nature of our generous God. n PREPARING FOR
More informationGod Is Faithful. Focus on 1 Corinthians 1:1 9. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
January 15, 2017 Second Sunday after the Epiphany Isa. 49:1 7 Ps. 40:1 11 1 Cor. 1:1 9 John 1:29 42 God Is Faithful Goal for the Session Third- and fourth-graders will hear Paul tell of God s faithfulness
More informationTimothy s Nurturing Family
October 2, 2016 Proper 22 Scripture Semicontinuous Scripture Lam. 1:1 6 Lam. 3:19 26 Scripture Scripture Complementary Hab. 1:1 4; 2:1 4 Ps. 37:1 9 2 Tim. 1:1 14 Luke 17:5 10 Timothy s Nurturing Goal for
More informationSpirit Led. Focus on Acts 8: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
Fifth Sunday of Easter cts 8:26 40 Ps. 22:25 31 1 John 4:7 21 John 15:1 8 Goal for the Session dults will celebrate and follow the example of those, like Philip, whom God s Spirit uses to open Scripture
More informationForgiveness Amid Persecution
May 18, 2014 Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 7:55 60 Ps. 31:1 5, 15 16 1 Pet. 2:2 10 John 14:1 14 Forgiveness Amid Goal for the Session In Stephen s witness and death, adults will be challenged to articulate
More informationBartimaeus and Jesus. Focus on Mark 10: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
October 28, 2018 Proper 25 Semicontinuous Job 42:1 6, 10 17 Ps. 34:1 8, (19 22) Complementary Jer. 31:7 9 Ps. 126 Heb. 7:23 28 Mark 10:46 52 Bartimaeus and Jesus Goal for the Session Tweens will engage
More informationValley Bible Church. Sermon Notes for October 22, The Greatest Commandments Mark 12:28-34
Sermon Notes for October 22, 2017 The Greatest Commandments Mark 12:28-34 I. The scribe's appeal (12:28) And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered
More informationResurrection Hope. Focus on Matthew 28:1 10. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
April 16, 2017 Easter Day Acts 10:34 43 Ps. 118:1 2, 14 24 Col. 3:1 4 John 20:1 18 Matt. 28:1 10 Goal for the Session Discovering the empty tomb with the women, adults will plan how to make the resurrection
More informationChoosing Trust. Focus on Luke 4:1 13. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
March 10, 2019 First Sunday in Lent Deut. 26:1 11 Ps. 91:1 2, 9 16 Rom. 10:8b 13 Luke 4:1 13 Goal for the Session In light of Jesus choices in the wilderness temptations, adults will reflect on choices
More informationHearing and Doing. Focus on James 1: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
September 2, 2018 Proper 17 Semicontinuous Song 2:8 13 Ps. 45:1 2, 6 9 Complementary Deut. 4:1 2, 6 9 Ps. 15 Jas. 1:17 27 Mark 7:1 8, 14 15, 21 23 Hearing and Doing Goal for the Session Youth will build
More informationCalled by Name. Focus on Exodus 3:1 15. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
September 3, 2017 Proper 17 Semicontinuous Exod. 3:1-15 Ps. 105:1 6, 23 26, 45b Complementary Jer. 15:15 21 Ps. 26:1 8 Rom. 12:9 21 Matt. 16:21 28 Goal for the Session After hearing the story of Moses
More informationPeter Welcomes All. Focus on Acts 10: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
May 6, 2018 Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 10:44 48 Ps. 98 1 John 5:1 6 John 15:9 17 Goal for the Session Children will discover God s welcome to everyone everywhere in the story of the Gentiles receiving
More informationWho Is Jesus? Focus on Mark 8: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
September 16, 2018 Proper 19 Semicontinuous Prov. 1:20 33 Ps. 19 Complementary Isa. 50:4 9a Ps. 116:1 9 Jas. 3:1 12 Mark 8:27 38 Goal for the Session Third- and fourth-graders will read Peter s declaration
More informationGod s Spirit for All. Focus on Acts 10: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
May 6, 2018 Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 10:44 48 Ps. 98 1 John 5:1 6 John 15:9 17 God s Spirit for All Goal for the Session Third- and fourth-graders will discern, through the story of Peter and Cornelius,
More informationJesus and the Rich Man
October 14, 2018 Proper 23 Semicontinuous Job 23:1 9, 16 17 Ps. 22:1 15 Complementary Amos 5:6 7, 10 15 Ps. 90:12 17 Heb. 4:12 16 Mark 10:17 31 Jesus and the Rich Man Goal for the Session Third- and fourth-graders
More informationLet There Be Light. Focus on Genesis 1:1 5. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
January 7, 2018 Baptism of the Lord Gen. 1:1 5 Ps. 29 Acts 19:1 7 Mark 1:4 11 Goal for the Session Third- and fourth-graders will perceive how God s Spirit is essential in the creation of new beginnings.
More informationDeny, Carry, Follow. Focus on Mark 8: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
February 25, 2018 Second Sunday in Lent Gen. 17:1 7, 15 16 Ps. 22:23 31 Rom. 4:13 25 Mark 8:31 38 Deny, Carry, Follow Goal for the Session Third- and fourth-graders will examine what Jesus means when he
More informationThirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE Dismissal Session The Dismissal Session is for catechumens only who are dismissed from worship before the Creed (RCIA #75.3). The Dismissal
More informationWhat Will You Give? Focus on Luke 3:7 18. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
December 16, 2018 Third Sunday of Advent Zeph. 3:14 20 Isa. 12:2 6 Phil. 4:4 7 Luke 3:7 18 Goal for the Session Third- and fourth-graders will answer John the Baptist s challenge to repent with examples
More informationWorship God. Focus on Luke 2: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
December 30, 2018 First Sunday after Christmas Day 1 Sam. 2:18 20, 26 Ps. 148 Col. 3:12 17 Luke 2:41 52 Worship God Goal for the Session Discovering that the young Jesus worshiped in the temple, children
More informationWritten on the Heart. Focus on Jeremiah 31:31 34 PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
March 22, 2015 Fifth Sunday in Lent Scripture Jer. 31:31 34 Scripture Ps. 51:1 12 or Scripture Ps. 119:9 16 Scripture Heb. 5:5 10 John 12:20 33 Written on the Heart Goal for the Session Adults will explore
More informationOff the Map. Focus on Micah 5:2 5a PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
December 20, 2015 Fourth Sunday of Advent Mic. 5:2 5a Luke 1:46b 55 or Ps. 80:1 7 Heb. 10:5 10 Luke 1:39 45 (46 55) Goal for the Session Adults will explore Micah s notion of power expressed in service
More informationSaul s Conversion. Focus on Acts 9:1 20. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
May 5, 019 Third Sunday of Easter Acts 9:1 0 Ps. 30 Rev. 5:11 14 John 1:1 19 Goal for the Session Tweens will recognize how God worked through Ananias to welcome Saul and imagine how God can work through
More informationComfort and Joy. Focus on Isaiah 61:1 4, n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent Isa. 61:1 4, 8 11 Ps. 126 1 Thess. 5:16 24 John 1:6 8, 19 28 Goal for the Session Third- and fourth-graders will imagine how they can participate in Isaiah s vision
More informationHear and Do. Focus on James 1: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
September 2, 2018 Proper 17 Semicontinuous Song 2:8 13 Ps. 45:1 2, 6 9 Complementary Deut. 4:1 2, 6 9 Ps. 15 Jas. 1:17 27 Mark 7:1 8, 14 15, 21 23 Goal for the Session Children will hear God s word in
More informationSaying the Jesus Prayer Psalm 95:1-7a & Ephesians 1:15-23 Rev. Thomas G. James Washington Street UMC November 26, 2017
Saying the Jesus Prayer Psalm 95:1-7a & Ephesians 1:15-23 Rev. Thomas G. James Washington Street UMC November 26, 2017 O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
More informationFr Donagh O Shea, O.P.,
Commentators on the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) amplified it into many hundreds of prescriptions; but there was an equal quest to simplify it into one, to express the essence underlying its
More informationFaith Works. Focus on James 1:17 27 PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
August 30, 2015 Proper 17 Semicontinuous Song 2:8 13 Ps. 45:1 2, 6 9 Complementary Deut. 4:1 2, 6 9 Ps. 15 Jas. 1:17 27 Mark 7:1 8, 14 15, 21 23 Goal for the Session Adults will articulate personal and
More informationForget It! Focus on Jeremiah 31: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
March 18, 2018 Fifth Sunday in Lent Jer. 31:31 34 Ps. 51:1 12 Heb. 5:5 10 John 12:20 33 Forget It! Goal for the Session Children will explore the joy of having their sins forgotten by God, as promised
More informationWhose Harvest? Focus on Matthew 21: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
October 8, 2017 Proper 22 Semicontinuous Exod. 20:1 4, 7 9, 12 20 Ps. 19 Complementary Isa. 5:1 7 Ps. 80:7 15 Phil. 3:4b 14 Matt. 21:33 46 Whose Harvest? Goal for the Session Children will uncover, through
More informationGod Calls Israel to Love through Obedience
God Calls Israel to Love through Obedience Deuteronomy 6 2006 Grace Community Church. Reproduction prohibited. Symbol Key Craft Finger Play Memory Verse Object Lesson Game Visual Aid Center Activity Q
More informationUnlikely Saviors, Creative Response
August 27, 2017 Proper 16 Semicontinuous Exod. 1:8 2:10 Ps. 124 Complementary Isa. 51:1 6 Ps. 138 Rom. 12:1 8 Matt. 16:13 20 Unlikely Saviors, Goal for the Session Through meeting Moses unlikely saviors,
More informationShout Praises! Focus on Psalm 111. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
January 28, 2018 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Deut. 18:15 20 Ps. 111 1 Cor. 8:1 13 Mark 1:21 28 Shout Praises! Goal for the Session Third- and fourth-graders will use the acrostic Psalm 111 to articulate
More informationFeted Child, Fated Children
January 1, 2017 First Sunday after Christmas Day Isa. 63:7 9 Ps. 148 Heb. 2:10 18 Matt. 2:13 23 Feted Child, Goal for the Session After delving into the story of the flight to Egypt, adults will be inspired
More informationWait! Focus on Luke 2: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
December 31, 2017 First Sunday after Christmas Day Isa. 61:10 62:3 Ps. 148 Gal. 4:4 7 Luke 2:22 40 Wait! Goal for the Session Children will ponder the faithful waiting of Anna and Simeon. n PREPARING FOR
More informationEngage Youth: Discipleship
Contents Engage Youth: Discipleship Introduction...3 Gathering 1: Discipleship Continuing Christ s Ministry...5 Gathering 2: Discipleship Directions...14 Gathering 3: Up (Cultivating Our Relationship with
More informationThe Prophet Zephaniah Lesson Aim: To find security and comfort in the knowledge of God s love for those who seek Him.
Teacher s Guide: Ages 6-7 Prophets & Promises Part 2: Elijah through Malachi Unit 8, Lesson 40 The Prophet Zephaniah Lesson Aim: To find security and comfort in the knowledge of God s love for those who
More informationRaised! Focus on Mark 16:1 8. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
April 1, 2018 Easter Day Acts 10:34 43 Ps. 118:1 2, 14 24 1 Cor. 15:1 11 Mark 16:1 8 Raised! Goal for the Session Third- and fourth-graders will celebrate and wonder about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
More informationGod s Messengers. Focus on Luke 1: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent 2 Sam. 7:1 11, 16 Luke 1:46b 55 Rom. 16:25 27 Luke 1:26 38 God s Messengers Goal for the Session Third- and fourth-graders will discover, with Mary, what it means
More informationGod s Forever Love. Focus on Mark 13:1 8. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
November 18, 2018 Proper 28 Semicontinuous 1 Sam. 1:4 20 1 Sam. 2:1 10 Complementary Dan. 12:1 3 Ps. 16 Heb. 10:11 14, (15 18), 19 25 Mark 13:1 8 God s Forever Love Goal for the Session Children will be
More informationAbundant Life. Focus on John 2:1 11 PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
January 17, 2016 Second Sunday after the Epiphany Isa. 62:1 5 Ps. 36:5 10 1 Cor. 12:1 11 John 2:1 11 Abundant Life Goal for the Session Through exploring Jesus sign of changing water into wine, adults
More informationSow the Seed. Focus on Matthew 13:1 9, n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
July 16, 2017 Proper 10 Semicontinuous Gen. 25:19 34 Ps. 119:105 112 Complementary Isa. 55:10 13 Ps. 65:(1 8), 9 13 Rom. 8:1 11 Matt. 13:1 9, 18 23 Sow the Seed Goal for the Session Children will be encouraged
More informationGood News. Focus on Isaiah 61:1 4, n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent Isa. 61:1 4, 8 11 Ps. 126 1 Thess. 5:16 24 John 1:6 8, 19 28 Good News Goal for the Session Children will be introduced to Isaiah s image of the year of the Lord
More informationBlessed to be a Blessing
February 2, 2014 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Mic. 6:1 8 Ps. 15 1 Cor. 1:18 31 Matt. 5:1 12 Blessed to be a Blessing Goal for the Session Adults will explore the promises of the Beatitudes and affirm
More informationJoining the Feast. Year A Fall 2017 Season after Pentecost 2 Proper 17 Reign of Christ Westminster John Knox Press
Year A Fall 2017 Season after Pentecost 2 Proper 17 Reign of Christ 1 September 3, 2017 November 26, 2017 What you will find in Joining the Feast! The Church Year Calendar Describes the important church
More information3 rd -6 th. The Israelites Forget God s Promises Exodus 32:1-14. Lesson #3-5. Sunday, October 9, 2016
Sunday, October 9, 2016 Lesson #3-5 The Israelites Forget God s Promises Exodus 32:1-14 3 rd -6 th Key Verse: And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people. Exodus
More informationLook Learn Understand & Respect. One We care for the earth God is the creator, he cares for us God is creator of the world
Judaism About the topic In this topic pupils will learn about their Jewish sisters and brothers, how they live as a family and how they worship Where this topic fits in This topic will be taught discretely
More informationTranscending Barriers
May 10, 2015 Sixth Sunday of Easter Scripture Acts 10:44 48 Scripture Ps. 98 1 Scripture John 5:1 6 Scripture John 15:9 17 Transcending Barriers Goal for the Session Youth will discover that the Holy Spirit
More informationGod Is Calling. Focus on 1 Samuel 3:1 10, (11 20) PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
January 18, 2015 Second Sunday after the Epiphany 1 Sam. 3:1 10, (11 20) Ps. 139:1 6, 13 18 1 Cor. 6:12 20 John 1:43 51 Goal for the Session Tweens will explore the call of Samuel and affirm that God is
More informationGospel: Matthew 22:34-40
Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40 When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law tested him by asking, "Teacher, which commandment
More informationThe Prophet Isaiah Lesson Aim: To know we all need the Savior whom God gave us in Jesus.
Teacher s Guide: Ages 6-7 Prophets & Promises Part 2: Elijah through Malachi Unit 8, Lesson 38 The Prophet Isaiah Lesson Aim: To know we all need the Savior whom God gave us in Jesus. THE WORSHIP Who God
More informationCompassionate Welcome
July 2, 2017 Proper 8 Semicontinuous Gen. 22:1 14 Ps. 13 Complementary Jer. 28:5 9 Ps. 89:1 4, 15 18 Rom. 6:12 23 Matt. 10:40 42 Compassionate Welcome Goal for the Session Children will explore Jesus teaching
More informationWe Come to Know God. Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION. God Reveals Himself to Us Through His Son AT-HOME EDITION.
NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION We Come to Know God AT-HOME EDITION Grade 4 Chapter 1 Before beginning Unit 1, read A Letter Home, found on page 2 of your child s book. Then begin the next paragraph with your
More informationHoly Fire! Focus on Acts 2:1 21. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
May 20, 2018 Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1 21 Ps. 104:24 34, 35b Rom. 8:22 27 John 15:26 27; 16:4b 15 Holy Fire! Goal for the Session Tweens will celebrate the awe-inspiring story of the coming of the Holy
More informationPentecost. Focus on Acts 2:1 21. n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
May 20, 2018 Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1 21 Ps. 104:24 34, 35b Rom. 8:22 27 John 15:26 27; 16:4b 15 Pentecost Goal for the Session Children will learn, through the awe-filled story of Pentecost, about the
More informationBlessed Are You. Focus on Luke 6: n PREPARING FOR THE SESSION. WHAT is important to know? WHERE is God in these words?
February 17, 2019 Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany Jer.17:5 10 Ps. 1 1 Cor. 15:12 20 Luke 6:17 26 Goal for the Session Tweens will compare kingdom values with culture s values and consider what Jesus words
More informationJoseph: Message to Pharaoh
Session 1 Joseph: Message to Pharaoh Genesis 41:1 43; 45:4 11 Something to Remember Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, Pharaoh s dreams are one and the same; God has revealed to Pharaoh what God is about to
More informationJesus Visits the Disciples
April 15, 2018 Third Sunday of Easter Acts 3:12 19 Ps. 4 1 John 3:1 7 Luke 24:36b 48 Jesus Visits the Disciples Goal for the Session Children will explore a story of Jesus appearance to the disciples after
More information