Introducing the Seasons To orientate leaders to the focus scriptures, art images, and music offered by Seasons of the Spirit for Lent and Easter 2017. Before the session Remind leaders of the meeting and ask them to review their Lent Easter 2017 materials and bring them to this gathering. Bring newsprint, markers, and refreshments. Gather Bring name tags (optional), matches, and taper. Bring copies of the resource sheet Gathering and Blessing (p. 5). Set a worship space with two lengths of fabric: purple (for Lent) and gold, yellow, or white (for Easter), two pillar candles (one purple and one white), and a Bible with a bookmark placed in the gospel of Matthew. Print each of the following phrases on a piece of cardstock/heavy paper: wilderness choices, life-giving love, living water, new vision, lament and hope, journey to the cross. Place cards in a spiral leading out from the purple candle. Bring a basket of six tealights and a taper. Bring, if possible, the song Hold Us in Your Grace (p. 16 in Seasons Songbook, Vol. 9; #11 on Seasons Music CD, Vol. 9). Bring copies of article, Fasting and Feasting (p. 121 in Multiage; p. 99 in all other age-level materials). Engage Setting the scene: copies of This Season at a Glance (from Planning section of website); if possible, bring the Seasons of the Church Year poster (available for purchase at www.seasonsonline.ca). Engaging the scriptures: Bibles and copies of the resource sheet Bible Discussion (p. 6); cut sections apart. Engaging the art: several copies of the article Connecting with the Art (pp. 123 124 in Multiage, pp. 101 102 in all other age levels), copies of the resource sheet Art Reflection (p. 7); display both seasonal posters (set up several displays if multiple sets available); for optional art activity bring different kinds of paper and a variety of art supplies (such as charcoals, oil pastels, markers, crayons, watercolour pencils). Engaging the music: if available, bring copies of Volumes 6 and 9 of the Seasons Songbooks and Music CDs; the Seasons Growing Faith Songbook and Music CD, and a CD or MP3 player. Option: invite a music leader to teach and lead the songs. Respond Bring copies of Introducing Seasons of the Spirit and Seasons Session Flow (from Planning section of website) for new leaders. Bring copies of articles as needed from the booklet From Start to Finish (in Library on website), such as stages of faith development, multiple intelligences, creating a respectful learning environment, building community. Bring copies of Registration Form and Leader Record (from Planning section of website) if needed. Bring copies of several recent postings to Spirit Sightings (on website). Bless Bring, if possible, the song, As Long As We Follow/Na Nzela Na Lola (p. 25 in Seasons Songbook, Vol. 9; #17 on Seasons Music CD, Vol. 9). Bring copies of the Wilderness Creed (p. 5). Bring copies of Lectionary Bookmarks for these seasons (from Planning section of website). PREPARE Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017 Seasons of the Spirit 1
GATHER (10 minutes) (Option: play Seasons music in the background as people are arriving and distribute name tags, if appropriate.) Welcome participants and invite them to gather in the worship space. Point out the colours in the worship space and explain that these represent the symbolic colours for Lent (purple, signifying penitence and reflection) and Easter (gold, yellow, or white, signifying celebration). Opening ritual Gather in the worship space and light the purple candle. Sing, or listen to, if possible, the song Hold Us in Your Grace (p. 16 in Seasons Songbook, Vol. 9; #11 on Seasons Music CD, Vol. 9). Pray Distribute copies of the resource sheet Gathering and Blessing (p. 5) and invite six volunteer readers to lead the group in reading the sentences from the Litany for the Season of Lent. After each reading, the reader uses the taper to light a tealight from the purple candle and place it on the card for that week s theme. Making connections Distribute copies of the article Feasting and Fasting (p. 121 in the Multiage resource; p. 99 in all other age-level materials) or invite participants to find the article in their resources. Review the article together and discuss the questions. ENGAGE (45 minutes) Setting the scene We begin Lent this year by accompanying Jesus on his wilderness journey, as described in the gospel of Matthew. During the following weeks we hear some foundational stories about Jesus ministry from the gospel of John: his encounter with Nicodemus, his discussions with the woman at the well, the healing of one who was blind, and the raising of Lazarus. During the Easter season the focus passages come from several gospels and the book of Acts, highlighting the call of the risen Christ in the lives of Thomas and the disciples, the companions on the road to Emmaus, and in the lives of courageous apostles such as Stephen. Review together the introductory material, About this Lent, Easter (p. 1 in all age levels). If possible, look at the Seasons of the Church Year poster to locate these seasons. Then, distribute copies of the chart This Season at a Glance (from the Planning section of the Library) and review the information together, noting the focus passages and titles for each week. Invite participants to read p. 2 in their resources, noting specific rituals and other information offered for their age group. Reviewing the articles Invite participants to find the extra resource sheets and articles at the back of their age-level resources and note what is included there. Point out the two shared articles, Feasting and Fasting and Our Power to Choose, provided for leader reflection in all of the age-level resources. Engaging the scriptures Form two groups and give each group one of the sections on the resource sheet Bible Discussion (p. 6). Invite participants to use the questions to help explore the scripture passages in their sections. Ask each group to record some responses and then gather as a whole group to share these responses. 2 Seasons of the Spirit Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017
Engaging the art Introduction Invite participants to find the article, Connecting with the Art in the last section of their materials (pp. 123 124 in the Multiage resource, pp. 101 102 in all the other age-level resources). Note that the materials for Ages 3 5 and Ages 6 8 include Storytelling and Story Props posters, respectively. Personal reflection Invite participants to find the posters in their packages or to sit where they can see them displayed. Distribute copies of the resource sheet Art Reflection (p. 7) and invite participants to form pairs or small groups and use the questions on this page and in the article About the Art to guide their reflections. (Option: gather as a large group afterwards to share insights.) Artistic response If time permits, invite group members to participate in the optional art activity described on the bottom of the Art Reflection page 7. Engaging the music (Use this section if the Seasons of the Spirit music resources have been purchased for use in your congregation.) Introduction The music for this Lent and Easter comes from Volumes 6 and 9 of the Seasons Songbooks and the Seasons Music CDs. Point out that the resources for Ages 3 5 and Ages 6 8 include pages of additional songs and finger-plays to augment the Seasons music resources. Ages 3 5 resources also refer to the Growing Faith Music CD and Songbook which contains music for young children. Review music Invite participants to look through the Seasons Songbooks noting the types of music included. Point out the songs that could be used for gathering during these seasons: Be Still and Know (Vol. 6), and Come, Holy Spirit (Vol. 9). Songs for blessing at the end of sessions include As We Go Now (Vol. 6) and The Peace of the Earth (Vol. 9). Music that helps explore these seasons themes: I Want Jesus to Go with Me and Sing It! Hosanna! (Vol. 6); and Pass It On and The Anointing (Vol. 9). Draw attention to the margin notes with tips for leading the music in groups. Discuss together the ways you might include music in church school, youth group, and adult study groups. Sing or listen Invite a music leader to lead the group in singing through selected pieces, or listen to some of the recordings on Volumes 6 and 9 of the Season Music CDs. Note that these music CDs also include recordings of meditative music for use during times of reflection: The Wind Am I (#29 on Vol. 6); and Nature Care Meditation (#25 on Vol. 9). Moving into Respond Invite participants to spend a few moments in silent reflection on the ways in which the scriptures, art, and music for this season have spoken into their lives. What are some words, images, or melodies that might guide your leadership in these seasons? Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017 Seasons of the Spirit 3
RESPOND (20 minutes) Review materials Provide time for leaders to review and become familiar with their Seasons age-level materials. If some leaders are new, review the session flow, either as a group or by pairing off new and experienced leaders. Pay particular attention to any suggestions in the session materials for working with other groups or sharing in worship. All-ages materials Point out that the resources for Palm/Passion Sunday (April 9), Easter Sunday (April 16), and Pentecost Sunday (June 4) are designed in a different format, with the expectation that all ages, from three-year-olds to Adults, will come together to explore the events of Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost. Discuss arrangements for team leadership for these Sundays. Discuss also any other congregational plans for the observance of Holy Week and the celebration of Easter and Pentecost. Resources for leadership Distribute additional articles from the booklet From Start to Finish, if desired, and review together. Point out that this booklet is in the Library on the Seasons website. Point out that there is a Virtual Resources Booklet in the Library as well. Distribute copies of the Registration form and the current Leader Record chart, if these are used in your program. Links Note that session materials will occasionally refer to the Links section of the Seasons website. Children, young people, and adults as well as leaders can access these links for further information on a story or theme. Spirit Sightings Explain that Spirit Sightings are weekly postings to the Seasons website, that make connections between the themes of each week and current news stories or films. Distribute copies of recent Spirit Sightings postings and review together. Encourage leaders to read these each week (information on how to access Spirit Sightings is included on each week s biblical background page). BLESS (10 minutes) Gather in the worship space and light the white candle. Pray Lead the group in the Blessing for the Season of Easter on the resource sheet Gathering and Blessing (p. 5). Sing or listen to, if possible, the song As Long As We Follow/Na Nzela Na Lola (p. 25 in Seasons Songbook, Vol. 9; #17 on the Seasons Music CD, Vol. 9). Blessing Invite participants to read in unison the Wilderness Creed on the resource sheet Gathering and Blessing (p. 5). Distribute copies of the Lectionary Bookmarks for participants to use at home. 4 Seasons of the Spirit Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017
Resource sheet Gathering and Blessing Litany for the Season of Lent Wilderness choices: If God in Jesus does not know temptation, then there is no love tried enough to empathize with the difficulty of faithful choice. Life-giving love: If God in Jesus does not get close, then there is no love real enough to meet our brokenness. Living water: If God in Jesus does not bring living water, then there is no love gracious enough to quench our spirits thirst. New vision: If God in Jesus does not see us for who we are and who we can be, then there is no love wise enough to do and say what healing requires. Lament and hope: If God in Jesus does not weep, then there is no love deep enough to touch our pain. Journey to the cross: If God in Jesus does not know pain, then there is no love broken enough to comfort our world. If God in Jesus does not know death, then there is no love potent enough to bring resurrection. (Adapted from a poem by Rev. Roddy Hamilton, minister at New Kilpatrick Parish Church in Glasgow, Scotland, and occasional writer for the Seasons of the Spirit resources.) Blessing for the Season of Easter One: We have found grace in the wilderness. One: We shall recount the deeds of God. One: We shall be raised to new life with Christ. One: We move forward in faith, no longer afraid. (From the resources for Adults.) Wilderness creed I believe in the wilderness. I believe in the interdependence of all living things. I believe in the grandeur of the great and tiny, in the scorched and fresh earth. I believe in the space that allows our hearts to soar, the room to move and breathe. I believe that the wilderness reminds us to live in freedom, revealing the mysteries of death and rebirth. I believe that the wilderness is a great sanctuary of playfulness, creativity, and celebration. I believe that the wilderness surprises us when we have reached the end of our possibilities. I believe in the power of the wilderness to transform itself after destruction, providing us with an example of renewal and hope. (From Sanctuary: Where Heaven Touches Earth by Trisha Watts and Gabrielle Lord, Wood Lake Books, copyright 2005.) Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017 Seasons of the Spirit 5
Bible Discussion Resource sheet Lent scriptures group Read the following focus passages and discuss the questions together. Lent 1: Matthew 4:1 11 Lent 2: John 3:1 17 Lent 3: John 4:5 42 Lent 4: John 9:1 41 Lent 5: John 11:1 45 Lent is a time when we enter into the mystery of pain and brokenness, both our own and the world s, to discover that we are not alone, that what seems hopeless is in fact hope-filled, that what appears dead can spring forth in life. It happens because we are embedded in a wider, more sustaining matrix of love than we can possibly imagine. (Wendy M. Wright, in The Rising) What do these passages say about the themes of this season: temptation, choices, living water, new vision, experiencing grief? Lent is a traditional time of reflection and meditation on our relationship with God. Where do you see your own Lenten journey reflected in these readings or stories? What hope and encouragement do you hear in these readings? Easter scriptures group Read the focus passages and discuss the questions with a partner. Easter 2: John 20:19 31 Easter 3: Luke 24:13 25 Easter 4: Acts 2:42 47 Easter 5: Acts 7:55 60 Easter 6: John 14:15 21 Easter 7: John 17:1 11 The readings for Easter season speak of new life in Christ. What signposts do you find in these readings, that point the way to the Risen Christ? The call of the Easter season is to change our manner of living. How does each of these readings invite us to change the world through the way we live each day? 6 Seasons of the Spirit Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017
Resource sheet Art Reflection Look at the posters in your package or sit where you can see the displayed posters. 1. Spend some quiet time looking at each poster, reflecting on the colours, shapes, and movements of the image. Think about what you know about the seasons of Lent and Easter. n How do these images reflect the themes and emotions of these two seasons? 2. Discuss the following questions with a partner as you reflect on the poster images: n Where have you encountered rocks as you travel through life? n When have you felt sad, or introspective, or in need of solitude? n When have you experienced joy, new life, transformation? n When have you had experiences of victories over death? n In what ways are you able to let your faith carry through life? How are you able to relax into life events? n When, if ever, have you been fearful of life? In what ways have you been able to let go and trust life? 3. Read the background information for the posters, and review the suggestions for art engagement activities in the article Connecting with the Art (found at the end of your package of resources). Optional art activity Abstract art Sometimes we can express the emotions in the stories of Holy Week and Easter through art more easily than through words. Use the art supplies to create abstract art images, choosing colours and media that reflect the emotions contained in the stories of Holy Week and Easter Sunday: choices, fear, confusion, worry, loneliness, sadness, grief, wondering, or celebration. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017 Seasons of the Spirit 7