Planning. 13th Sunday after Pentecost 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Proper 17 (22) September Things to keep in mind this week.

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1 Planning SAT 9 FRI 8 THUR 7 WED 6 TUES 5 MON 4 SUN 3 13th Sunday after Pentecost 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Proper 17 (22) Sunday, September 3 Saturday, September Things to keep in mind this week Planning ahead September 2017 S M T W T F S August 2017 S M T W T F S October 2017 S M T W T F S Revised Common Lectionary (Year A) Exodus 3:1 15 Psalm 105:1 6, 23 26, 45b Romans 12:9 21 Matthew 16:21 28 Seasons of the Spirit is based on the semicontinuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary Liturgical colour: green If you have Internet access, visit to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. Ecumenical Prayer Calendar Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost

2 Pentecost Focus scripture Exodus 3:1 15 Additional Scriptures Psalm 105:1 6, 23 26, 45b Romans 12:9 21 Matthew 16:21 28 Seasons of the Spirit is based on semi-continuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary Here I Am Biblical Background September 3, 2017 Living God, burn in us a deep understanding of the ways you move through words, through others, through bushes, through us. May we be open to you and the things you are stirring in us. Amen. This session provides material for all ages. You may choose for all ages to come together for worship, learning, and serving, or meet in age-specific groups. If you meet in age-specific groups, these pages can be customized for different settings. Through the readings this week we are given attention to life s journey and God s calling along the way. Through the famous story of the call of Moses, we listen for resonations to our call stories. Focus scripture: Exodus 3:1 15 The courageous faith of the midwives Shiphrah and Puah; the creativity of Moses mother; the persistence of Miriam; and the compassion of the pharaoh s daughter secures the survival, safety, and education of Moses. As an adult, Moses killed an Egyptian while defending the life of a Hebrew slave, and then fled to Midian. It is here that we pick up the story in the focus passage Moses now far from Egypt, is herding sheep on Horeb, the mountain of God. Rich in imagery, this reading shows God s wholeness and eternity through an on-fire yet inconsumable bush. Through the naming of Moses, we witness God speaking directly to him, showing God s call as unique and distinct to Moses gifts and his life. This passage is often used in articulating how God calls us and names us. God s request of Moses, however, is no small task lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Reluctantly, Moses agrees. Exodus 3:1 15 concludes with God showing Moses the perspective of the generations past and how Moses is a part of this continued lineage of leaders. God s call changed Moses life completely, and his response shaped the Israelite community. Moses will become part of something much bigger. Psalm 105:1 6, 23 26, 45b opens with a song of praise to God. This moment of praise continues through the highlighting of the prophets, Abraham and Jacob, and ends with a description of Moses call with his brother Aaron. This passage upholds the history and gratitude for past leaders. Romans 12:9 21 offers instruction on how to live well with others. Through elements of peace, appreciation, love, mutual affection, Paul s emphasis on the importance of proper community living is revealed. This passage concludes with instructions to extend love and care to enemies. In Matthew 16:21 28, Jesus teaches the importance of not holding on to the physical things in life and says, For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. Christ helps us to release the things in life on which we place emphasis but are not that important. This week s readings lift up elements of instructions on life and how we should seek after God and God s love and calling in our lives. How do these stories resonate with your life journey and the ways that God is calling you or your community to live out love? 32 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

3 Reflection and Focus September 3, 2017 Pentecost Reflecting on the Word Adapt and use for youth and adult studies, sermon seeds, lay worship teams. Connecting with life This week we see elements of God pulling us towards places where we can love and live more fully. What signs or images speak Divine love and purpose for you? What has been your experience of God speaking to you in unexpected ways in unexpected places? Scripture Exodus 3:1 15 God speaks to Moses through a burning bush, which has become a focal symbol in many of our traditions. The symbol of an inconsumable burning bush, speaks to God s everlasting love and purpose. How might fire be a helpful and meaningful symbol for the presence of God? What do you think makes the ground on which Moses stands a holy space? What places do you experience as sacred or holy? The primary focus of this passage is God s call to Moses. What does God s call to Moses reveal about God s relationship with humankind? Moses responds, Who am I that I should go (v. 11). What do you think persuaded Moses to accept God s call? When and in what situations is it hard to accept God s call? What has been your experience of a call that is hard but also life giving? How do you discern and respond to God, despite the many distractions or apprehensions? What insights does the Moses story offer? Psalm 105:1 6, 23 26, 45b holds the words: Seek God and God s strength; seek God s presence continually (The New Testament and Psalms: An Inclusive Version). Where do we see God s strength? What does God s strength in our lives look like? How do we seek God s presence in our lives? Romans 12:9 21 teaches how to live in authentic relationship with one another. What might we learn from Paul about responding to the call to live in authentic relationship with God and others? How does God call you to show love to those who would oppose you? Matthew 16:21 28 What does Jesus teach about the call to discipleship? Connecting scripture and life As seen through these readings, God calls us to places of deep need for our particular gifts. This is also the place where we begin to live into our truest selves. To what is God calling you, individually and as a church? How might we know that this is indeed a calling from God? How are you living into your truest self? Focus for Worship, Learning, and Serving Adults, young people, and children know what it is to be called; to be called to attention, to be called to do, to be called to account, to be called to act. Calling also involves hearing. In this week s focus scripture, the people call to God, and God hears, listens, and responds. God calls to Moses, Moses hears and answers, Here I am ; God calls Moses to liberate the people. Worship, learning, and serving this week offers an opportunity to hear, listen, and respond to God s voice in our lives. As Moses will play a vital role in all that is about to unfold and will bring God s message of deliverance to the Pharaoh and the Hebrew slaves, we also can play a significant role in bringing God s liberating love. How might you support one another as you listen for and respond to God s call? Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost

4 Here I Am This session provides material for all ages. You may choose for all ages to come together for worship, learning, and serving, or meet in age-specific groups. If you meet in age-specific groups, these pages can be customized for different settings. Prepare Gather Worship Outline September 3, 2017 NOTE: All of these suggestions are mere starting points; adapt, delete, and add according to your local needs. Recruit volunteers needed for worship. Choose an option for hearing Exodus 3:1 15. For the Music Suggestions Bible story, arrange for a storyteller to present the story Be God s Moses Hears God s Call on p. 37. For the dramatic Danielle Rose; Seasons Songbook, vol. 9 reading, arrange for four readers to present Exodus The Anointing 3:1 15: A Dramatic Reading (in RCL Extra Resources James Maher MSC; Seasons Songbook, vol. 9 folder). Bring items for setting the worship space. Make copies of Field of Dreams cards (in RCL Extra Resources folder). Bring song Be God s (Seasons Songbook, vol. 9, #3 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 9. Printed music and recording are also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www. seasonsonline.ca). Decide which stations you will set, and set stations as described on pp As people enter, give them a Field of Dreams card (in RCL Extra Resources folder) to fill out and to be shared during the service. Call to worship One: Praise God! All: We will sing praises to God. One: Praise God! All: We will seek God s strength and presence continually. One: Praise God! All: We will remember God s wonderful works throughout the ages. One: Praise God! All: For it is right to give God thanks and praise. Opening prayer God, you meet us where we are, and gently guide us to where we will be. Be Still and Know John L. Bell and Graham Maule; Seasons Songbook, vol. 6 Who Am I? Linnea Good; Seasons Songbook, vol. 6 When Israel Was in Egypt s Land African-American Spiritual Take, Take Off Your Shoes Jim Manley God of Freedom, God of Justice Shirley Erena Murray I, the Lord of Sea and Sky Dan Schutte 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. When we miss one sign, you send us another until we are compelled to respond in wonder and awe. In our time together we know that you will continually guide and lead us in surprising and unexpected ways, for we know that you are with us always, as we dream dreams of a new heaven and earth. Amen. Prayer of confession 34 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

5 Worship Outline September 3, 2017 For all the ways we hold fast to what is convenient, comfortable, or agreeable (pause for reflection) instead of what is good. Sung response For all the ways we love for personal gain and satisfaction (pause for reflection) instead of mutuality. Sung response When we lag in zeal, are poor in spirit, and undisciplined in our prayer (pause for reflection) instead of being persistent in prayer and hope. Sung response Opening the Word Moving into the focus scripture Invite people to take a moment to reflect back on their week. Ask: What were the times when you felt you were in a holy/ awesome/sacred place? What led to that moment? What was the result of that moment? Exodus 3:1 15 Choose from the following for hearing the focus story. Bible story Bring the wonder of storytelling into your worship by having a storyteller present Moses Hears God s Call on page 37. After proclaiming the word, you might invite those who have not already done so to move to and around the stations, taking ten minutes or so with chosen practice. Sing or listen to the song Be God s (Seasons Songbook, vol. 9, #3 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 9. Printed music and recording are also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Field of dreams Ask people to fill out a field of dreams card during the service and bring them forward during the offering. Prayers of the people Who are we, to offer praise to you, God, Engage Respond When we judge those who rejoice and chastise those who weep (pause for reflection) instead of showing compassion. Sung response When we seek vengeance and strife (pause for reflection) instead of understanding and love. Sung response Words of affirmation In all we do, let our love be genuine; for if we love, as God has taught us, we will not be overcome by evil, but we will, by the grace of God, overcome evil with good. Dramatic reading Arrange for four people to read Exodus 3:1 15: A Dramatic Reading (in RCL Extra Resources folder). It is best if it can be read from different spots around the worship space if microphones can accommodate this. 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. when we often call on your name in vain? Although we lack the words to describe our gratitude for all that you have given us, we know that it is good to praise you. So we offer our thanks to you now, both silently and aloud (share joys within your community, or invite people to offer their prayers of thanksgiving). Who are we, to offer our concerns for others, when what we think they need is not what they truly need, and our inability to provide comfort and peace scares us? Although we may not know what to pray, we offer our prayers of concern to you, knowing that the Spirit will intercede on our behalf (share intercessory prayers). Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost

6 Who are we, to offer prayers to you, God? We are your children. Your beloved. So with confidence, we share with you our prayers for ourselves and our ministries, knowing that you will cherish our prayers as precious offerings (share prayers of supplication). Who are you, God, to hear and receive these prayers? You are the great I AM. May the Holy Spirit light a fire within your heart: a fire that burns hot and bright, but that does not consume; a fire that illumines your path, without scorching the eye. May the Holy Comforter journey with you: Bless Worship Outline September 3, 2017 You have journeyed with our ancestors as you continue to journey with us. You are who you will be, our creator, redeemer, and sustainer always. Amen. Prayer of dedication We love because you first loved us. We share because you first blessed us. We pray because you first believed. May what we love, what we share, and what we pray for help to build your great commonwealth of love. Amen. pouring the waters of welcome over your tired feet, and sharing the feast of love, bread, and wine for the journey. May the Great Creator sustain you: smoothing out narrow and bumpy roads, to lovingly guide your pathway home. 36 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

7 Bible Story September 3, 2017 Moses Hears God s Call Based on Exodus 3:1 15 When Moses was a baby, several women kept him safe from the pharaoh s wicked plan to harm the Hebrew boy babies. Moses went to live in the palace with the Pharaoh. Pharaoh did not know Moses was one of the Hebrew people. When Moses grew up, he left the palace. Moses did not like to see the Hebrew people work so hard as slaves for the Pharaoh. Moses moved to another country and took care of sheep alone up in the hills. Day after day, Moses tended the sheep and walked the hills. But God still had a plan for Moses. It was time for God to get Moses attention. It was time for Moses to remember the Hebrew people. It was time for Moses to hear about God s plan for them. One day while Moses was watching the sheep, he saw a bush on fire. He went to see it. The bush was on fire, but it didn t burn up! Then Moses heard God s voice. Moses! Take off your shoes, God said. You are in a holy place. Moses took his shoes off right away. God said, Moses, go back to Egypt. Go and tell the Pharaoh to let my people leave Egypt. But that wasn t Moses plan. Moses wanted to stay in the hills, taking care of the sheep. Moses had been away from Egypt for a long time, and was afraid to go back. Moses wasn t sure he could do what God was asking. Moses said to God, Who am I to tell the Pharaoh what to do? What if he won t listen to me? What if the people won t listen to me? But God had a plan. God said, I will be with you. I will help you. I will bring my people out of Egypt. Knowing that God would be with Moses helped Moses to be brave. So Moses listened carefully to God and did just what God said. Moses went back to Egypt to talk to the Pharaoh. I wonder what Moses said to Pharaoh to persuade Pharaoh to let the people go? I wonder what Pharaoh said to Moses? I wonder what will happen next in the story? A recording of this story is available in MP3 format in the RCL Audio Stories folder. Bible story Materials recording of today s story Moses Hears God s Call, (in the RCL Audio Stories folder), player, paper or drawing pads, 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 Moses Hears God s Call. 2. Moses had many questions for God. What questions would you have if you were Moses? Younger children might draw a picture of Moses in the mountains taking care of his family s sheep. Suitable for ages 6 11 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost

8 Living, Learning, Growing as Disciples The following stations might be set up around your worship space or in other places around the church. Choose one or more practices, depending on your space and numbers. Display the directions. Stations September 3, 2017 For your convenience, instructions are formatted for printing and available in the RCL folder. See pages for age group ideas for gathering together, and the focus story. This week s focus scripture is the story of Passover and the liberation of the Hebrew people from Egypt s oppression. God has saved them from Pharaoh. And God wants them to remember this moment. With a meal and painting their doorposts, the first Passover is celebrated. The ritual continues to this day and symbolizes hope and new beginnings. We are called to remember and continue God s work of liberation in our own communities. Burning bush Materials paper plates, brown and green paint, paint brushes, small cups filled with water; red, orange, yellow, and similar coloured tissue paper; scissors, glue, newsprint or recycled newspaper, copy of the directions displayed where all can see Suitable for all ages Listening for God Materials paper, pens and pencils, several copies of the directions; invite people to bring their personal journals with them to this space Suitable for ages 14 adult The practice of creativity Directions 1. Cut a paper plate into the shape of a bush (keeping a round top and then a trunk at the bottom). 2. Paint the paper plate to look like a bush, using green for the leaves and brown for the trunk. While the paint dries, cut pieces of tissue paper into approximately 8 cm/3 in squares. 3. Crumple the tissue paper to make flames and glue them to the bush. 4. Think about what it might have been like to see a burning bush that did not disintegrate or catch other bushes on fire. How do you think you would have reacted if you were Moses? If the setting allows, talk about this question with the other people at this station. Younger children Help younger children create a burning bush. Wonder together about the warmth and crackle of the fire. Imagine they are standing by this warm, crackling bush and hearing God call their names. The practice of discernment Directions 1. Find a quiet place. You might decide to stay at this station; but if it s too distracting to be near other people, move to a quiet, secluded spot. Perhaps somewhere outdoors. 2. Take a few deep breaths in your solitude and become aware of God s presence with you. Say a short prayer asking God to centre you and help you to listen for the ways God is calling you. 3. Spend five minutes listening to God. Pay attention to the thoughts that come to mind. Listen for God s voice or another message from God. What do you hear? What do you see? 4. Now, jot down your thoughts or other images that came to mind as you focused on listening to God. What questions do you have for God after your time of listening? Write these down. 5. Spend a few more moments in silent prayer asking God to continue to speak to you. Option You might consider making this practice a daily or weekly prayer practice to focus on hearing the ways God is calling you. 38 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

9 Stations September 3, 2017 Digging deeper Materials pens, pencils, paper, copies of the resource sheet Responding to Suffering (in RCL Extra Resources folder) Banner Suitable for ages 15 adult Materials index cards, Bibles, coloured pencils, markers, pens, hole punch, string, copy of the directions displayed where all can see; invite people to bring their personal journals with them to this space Suitable for all ages working together The practice of liberation Directions Follow the instructions on the resource sheet, Responding to Suffering. The practice of reflection Directions In today s focus scripture, God is revealed to Moses in a burning bush. Throughout the Bible, God uses signs or symbols to communicate with God s people, and Jesus frequently relied on earthly things to explain heavenly meanings and teachings. 1. Think about the burning bush and other signs or symbols you recall from the Bible. Reflect on the readings from the last few weeks of Pentecost Next, think about the signs or symbols that God continues to use to communicate with us. What are the signs in your congregation or local community that remind you of God s presence in your life? Or remind you of God s message of love, justice, and peace for all of God s children? 3. On index cards (one side), draw the signs or symbols that have come to mind the biblical ones and the contemporary ones. On the other side of the index card, write a word or short phrase that explains the symbols heavenly meaning. 4. Punch a hole in each card and using the string, create a banner of these signs. Find a place to hang the banner in your sanctuary today. Younger children might draw a picture of something that reminds them of God, and add their drawings to the banner. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost

10 Age Group Ideas Ages 3 5 Welcome each child saying, Welcome (child s name). Meet our friends, (name other children). We are so glad that you are here with us. Invite all children to help you set up the worship area by placing the green cloth, the candle, candle snuffer, Bible, and a basket of vegetables on a small table. Encourage the children to identify the vegetables. Explain that vegetables grow on plants in the gardens and fields. Place a green ribbon around the basket, saying, Green is the colour of the Season after Pentecost. This is the season when we celebrate God s growing creation. Pray Dear God, thank you for loving each one of us. Thank you for bringing us together. Amen. Ages 6 12 Play Jesu Tawa Pano/Jesus We Are Here (Seasons Songbook, vol. 6, #14 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 6. Printed music and recording are also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Invite the children to gather at the worship table. Light the Christ candle. Pray God of all creation, help us to be still in this moment and remember that you are God. We come here to learn more about you and to praise you. Amen. Ages 3 5 Tell the story A Surprising Call (based on Exodus 3:1 15) Long ago in Bible times, God s people worked hard for a mean king. But God had a plan to help them. Moses was an important part of God s plan. Gathering Together Engage Resource Sheet September 3, 2017 Connect with the focus Tough jobs Ask: Have you ever been asked to do a job or chore that seemed way too hard for you? How did the request make you feel? What happened? You may need to tell of your own experience with a hard request, especially if you can recall something from your childhood. After one or two children have offered their stories, explain that, in today s story, Moses is asked to do a really, really tough job. Ages 13 adult Materials 10 cm/4 in squares of gift wrap paper, one per person. Gather around the worship space, invite each one to pick up a square of gift wrap and imagine that God has wrapped a special gift or ability for her or him in the paper a gift that is to be used to improve the lives of others. Encourage group members to reflect quietly on what this gift might be, and offer a silent prayer for help in using it. Return the squares to the worship space. Together, sing Be Still and Know (Seasons Songbook, vol. 6, #7 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 6. Printed music and recording are also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, Imagine smelling the branches burn. Imagine feeling the heat from the burning bush. Imagine seeing a fire that just keeps burning. Moses could hardly look. But he heard a voice call, Moses, Moses! Moses knew about the king. Moses had run away from the king and was living in the desert, caring for sheep. One day Moses decided to go up on a mountain. (Set out a poster board bush with red, orange, and yellow crayons or markers. Invite children to colour the outline of the burning bush as they listen to the rest of the story.) There on the mountain Moses saw something amazing a bush. Not an ordinary bush, but a bush on fire! Not an ordinary bush on fire, but a bush on fire that didn t burn up! Imagine hearing that fire crackle. Moses answered, Here I am. The voice told Moses to take off his shoes because he was in a very special place. Moses felt his shoes slip off, but he still could hardly look at the burning bush. Then Moses heard the voice say, I am God, and I am calling you. Moses listened carefully to God s call. 40 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

11 Resource Sheet September 3, 2017 God said, I want you to help the people get away from the mean king. I want you to take them to a new home. Moses didn t know what to think. He said, How can I do that? Then God said, I will be with you. Moses heard God s call and also felt God s love all around him. Moses knew he would do what God called him to do. Story tip: Children are multi-sensory creatures. Highlight the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with the scene to make the story come alive. Engage their whole bodies in the power of God s presence in the bush by having them colour a burning bush as they listen. Ages 6 8 Use the story Moses Hears God s Call and the wondering questions that are on p. 37. Ages 9 11 Preparing for the story Background Explain that God promised Abraham and Sarah that their family would become a great people. Then their descendants were enslaved in Egypt. Ask the children: What do you remember about Moses from last week? Once they have identified him as the baby who was hidden in, then rescued from, the river, tell them that today they are going to hear a story about how God helped Abraham s people by calling someone to lead them to freedom. The Bible story God and Moses Invite three to read Exodus 3:1 15 dramatically. One reads the narration, one reads God s lines, and one reads Moses lines. Give a few minutes to read and practice first. Before the reading begins, note that Moses dramatic encounter with God is worthy of a major film. Ask the children to visualize a movie scene of Moses story as it is read. Questions for discussion What made Moses stop, look, and listen? See stations on pages Adapt for your specific setting. Respond What was Moses asked to do? Why do you think Moses might be hesitant to accept God s call? Agents of change throughout history, many people have responded to God s call to change the way things are. Who are some people in history or today who have shown God s transforming love? (people who work to change the way things are) Into what situations might God send us, and what are some things that God might ask us to do today? Ages Setting the scene Materials copies of resource sheet Moses Growing Up (in RCL Extra Resources folder) Recall that last week they explored the actions of courageous women who defied the orders of Pharaoh to save Moses and other newborn Hebrew boys. Have young people work in pairs with the resource sheet Moses Growing Up and to choose the correct answer about Moses life using the scripture references listed. Moving into the story Explain that it seems from the story so far in Exodus that Moses was very content to raise his family and herd sheep in the land of Midian. Assigns parts for the drama Take Off Your Shoes (RCL Extra Resources folder). After the drama discuss: What might Moses be thinking as he saw the burning bush? Why was Moses afraid? Why was it dangerous to go back to Egypt? Who do you think Moses feared most, God or Pharaoh? What did God promise Moses? Why do you think Moses went back to Egypt? What promise or promises did God make to Moses? How would the call we hear from God be liberating? How would it be challenging? Ages 15 Adult See Reflecting on the Word on p. 33. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost

12 Activity Sheet September 3, 2017 God called Moses to help people working as slaves in Egypt. Who does God call us to help today? Match the pictures and words on this page. Draw or write other ways you can help people. Then decorate the pictures. hungry person sad person young person older person person without clean water 42 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFusion Pentecost Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016