Planning SAT 20 FRI 19 THUR 18 WED 17 TUES 16 MON 15 SUN 14 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Martin Luther King Jr. Day Confession of St. Peter Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins (except Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia) Things to keep in mind this week Planning ahead January 2018 Sunday, January 14 Saturday, January 20 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 December 2017 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 /31 25 26 27 28 29 30 February 2018 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Revised Common Lectionary (Year B) 1 Samuel 3:1 10, (11 20) Psalm 139:1 6, 13 18 1 Corinthians 6:12 20 John 1:43 51 Liturgical colour: green If you have Internet access, visit www.seasonsonline.ca to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. Ecumenical Prayer Calendar Cyprus, Greece, Turkey As listed in In God s Hands: Common Prayer for the World, ed. by Hugh McCullum and Terry Mac- Arthur (Geneva: World Council of Churches, 2006). Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Advent Christmas Epiphany 2017 2018 117
Advent, Christmas, Epiphany 2017 2018 Focus scripture 1 Samuel 3:1 10, (11 20) Additional scriptures Psalm 139:1 6, 13 18 1 Corinthians 6:12 20 John 1:43 51 Biblical Background January 14, 2018 As we continue on our journey with the Light of the world, Holy One, may we hear you speaking to us in the quiet of the nights, in the morning around the breakfast table, and in the schools, workplaces, and volunteer efforts of the day. Amen. Discerning God s Call God calls us, often in unexpected ways. In today s readings, people are called. How will they hear the call? How will they respond? How will they live out the call? Focus scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1 10, (11 20) This week s focus scripture is a remarkable passage in the sense that we see Samuel make the transition from a young boy to a man, to a prophet. And since the priestly tradition is under judgment, there is now the movement to the prophetic tradition becoming the dominant way through which God speaks. It will take the wisdom of the ageing and blind priest to open Samuel s eyes as to who is calling. Like most calls in the Old Testament, this is not a general call. Rather, it comes in a time of spiritual emptiness. There is no word from God, and there are no ethics due to the corruption; there is a military threat and, as the story of Samuel unfolds, the people move towards wanting a king as leader. (Israel had no king at that time but was ruled by judges.) Through it all, Samuel becomes the sole source for God s word, which may be the reason that in verses 11 20, God takes a most direct role, allowing us to see the radical move that God makes with this call. With this visionary, auditory revelation, we begin to get glimpses of what is to take place in the long story that will take place after this encounter. This call does not involve just one person. It will touch upon an entire people. God s word will no longer be rare but will be spoken to those in leadership, as well as those being led. Spiritual challenges and changes will take place in the life of God s people, and both the social and political realms will be transformed by this experience in the quiet shadows of a sacred space. Psalm 139:1 6, 13 18 is a song which could have been composed and sung by Samuel after his call. It is a poignant reminder that we worship a God who not only cares genuinely and deeply for us but whose presence is so intertwined with us, as described in that marvellous phrase of bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh. Once again, in 1 Corinthians 6:12 20 we find Paul dealing with the struggles of how believers are to live when it comes to the call we have received as believers. We try to compartmentalize our lives so that what we do spiritually has no real effect on our physical natures, as well as the other way around. But Paul will have none of that. The freedom we receive through Jesus is not a licence to do whatever we please but is a freedom to recognize we are called to live a different way in all areas of life, especially those that affect others around us. While another call story appears in John 1:43 51, just as important is the dynamic of how easily humans dismiss another person because of where they come from, what their religion might be, what their economic status is, or any of the other distinctions we make about those around us. Each of the readings for today relates to call. Samuel s call is to prophesy to Eli with a message that is hard to give and to hear. The psalmist s call is one to know and to be known by God who creates everything. Paul s message to the Christians at Corinth is a call to live out their freedom guided by the community. John calls followers, and acknowledges the role of signs in the process. How do we relate our personal calls with calls to a community? 118 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Advent Christmas Epiphany 2017 2018 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017
Reflection and Focus January 14, 2018 Reflecting on the Word Adapt and use for youth and adult studies, sermon seeds, lay worship teams. Connecting with life In the minds of most people, calls today come for folks who enter a religious profession minister, deacon, elder, Christian educator, church musician. Yet, scripture seems clear that everyone is called to a life of faith; whether it is a teacher, a coach, a first responder, a retiree. How easy or hard is it to discern calls on our lives? What has been your experience? Scripture 1 Samuel 3:1 20 is a story of an unexpected call that will prove to have a transformative impact not just on a person, but on an entire people. Is it possible for a community to hear a call? How often do we believe God has called the wrong person (not the one we would have chosen)? The call to Samuel comes at a time when, we are told, God s word is rare. Is this the same as thinking God s word has no relevance for us or for our times? How can we make God s word fresh, meaningful, transformative for our communities? It s clear that Samuel doesn t have a clue as to who is calling him, or why he is being called. How does one discern the genuine nature of a call? What can faith communities do to help others discern calls in today s culture? How many around us might be like young Samuel afraid to tell of a vision, of a call? Focus for Worship, Learning, and Serving If truth be told, we rarely talk about calls anymore, unless we are teaching or preaching on a story like Samuel, Nathanael, or Mary. Instead, we encourage young people to consider a career in ministry, becoming a Christian educator, teaching at a religious school. And so, such opportunities become just another option as one considers what to do with the bulk of their working hours, rather than a way of living their faith in a world that needs people who are able to discern hope in the midst of despair; who are able to hear a word of joy and turn it into a song; who are able to see God in the immigrant family, in the homeless military veteran, in the child living in poverty. The Season after the Epiphany is that occasion to reflect on God s coming into the world in Jesus, the Light of the world. When we diminish the possibility of one being called, are we in reality also dimming this Light Advent, Christmas, Epiphany 2017 2018 Psalm 139 declares that God is with us, around us, intimately involved with us from the very first moment of life to the very last. What are the joys and fears that come from being known by another? Do you find it difficult to believe God cares for us so intimately, or is it your deepest hope? 1 Corinthians 6:12 20 might be easy to dismiss as a cultural aberration of Paul s time and, if we do so, we might miss what the passage is about. In a culture that believes a person does not need others, how is unity with God and others understood? John 1:43 51 Like so many, Nathanael seems determined not to let his life be changed by his encounter with Jesus. But, he does follow. How do we avoid making snap judgments of others? Why do modern believers have so much trouble being a Philip inviting others to be a part of a community where they can come and see justice being observed, inclusion practiced, love shared with everyone? Connecting scripture and life For most people, a call doesn t take place at a burning bush, but perhaps at a summer camp. Visions may not occur during worship, but a young person might envision serving others while volunteering at a homeless shelter. People are rarely going to admit to hearing voices, but they might be transformed by a gentle, accepting comment by a teacher or friend. It is important to remember that a call may not necessarily mean a job in the church, but a way to serve God and others. Have faith communities been able to move from the traditional language about calls to an understanding that all believers have opportunities to respond to God s presence in their lives? How does or how might your faith community help people to develop a theology of vocation which would serve in any field, any place of work? which would seek to transform not only individuals but communities of faith? When we do not speak openly and honestly about both the positives and negatives of responding to such calls, are we making God s word rare in our own times? Perhaps a reflection by a leader on the struggles to deal with the ways in which a call changes one s life would be appropriate. This week, dialogue between two or more people who are investigating the call of God in their lives might be fruitful. People may be looking for a safe faith place where they can talk about what they hear in their lives, what they are envisioning about the future, how best to follow God would be a valuable opportunity for many. The possibilities for people to think and reflect and respond to calls are endless. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Advent Christmas Epiphany 2017 2018 119
Discerning God s Call Prepare Worship Outline January 14, 2018 NOTE: All of these suggestions are mere starting points; adapt, delete, and add according to your local needs. Recruit volunteers needed for worship. Choose an option for hearing 1 Samuel 3:1 10, (11 20). For the Bible story, arrange for a storyteller to present the story A Voice in the Night on p. 124. For the letter, place a copy of the letter in an envelope and seal it. Arrange for someone to sit at a desk to read it. Bring items for setting the worship space. Display visuals or how people receive calls these days landlines, mobiles, e-mails, tweets, texts. Bring a song such as Here in this Ordinary Place (Seasons Songbook, vol. 4, #2 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 4. Printed music and recording are also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www.seasonsonline.ca). Set stations as described on pp. 125 126. Music Suggestions Come Build a Church Ken Medema; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7 Here in this Ordinary Place Bret Hesla; Seasons Songbook, vol. 4 I Have Decided to Follow Jesus Attributed to Singh S. Sundar, Indian Folk Song I, the Lord of Sea and Sky/Here I Am, Lord Daniel L. Schutte O God, You Search Me Bernadette Farrell Sacred the Body Ruth Duck, Colin Gibson Thuma Mina/Send Me Jesus Traditional, South Africa A chart that shows the licence holder(s) for each song in each of the 9 Seasons of the Spirit Music Volumes can be found at www.seasonsonline.ca. Click on Library; Seasons Music Information. Please contact a licence holder for permission to duplicate. Call to worship One: Young and old, slow and fast; tall and small, teachers and learners: All: God has called each of us here. One: Wrinkled, white-haired, stooped with age; bright-eyed, smooth-skinned, leapers of two steps at a time: All: each one made in the image of God. One: Parents volunteering at school, children playing tag; workers stocking shelves, retirees planning a trip: All: God works through each of us. One: We come to worship God. Opening prayer It doesn t matter how far we go to run from you, God-who-calls-us: you reach out and touch us with healing in your hands, Gather and turn us around so we can follow you. It doesn t matter how suspicious we are of you, God-who-invites-us-to-follow: you remove our fears with your compassion, you take away our doubts with complete acceptance of who we are. It doesn t matter how often we ignore your words, God-who-speaks-to-us: you whisper to us until our ears tingle with anticipation and we listen with eager hope. 120 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Advent Christmas Epiphany 2017 2018 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017
Worship Outline January 14, 2018 God in Community, Holy in One, continue to call us by name, even as we pray in the name of the One who has taught us to say, (the prayer that Jesus taught). Prayer of confession God, we know you call us into your future. But sometimes, we do not recognize your voice perhaps because we have not yet learnt, or have forgotten to expect your call. Sometimes, we do not hear you calling perhaps because we get too busy, or distracted by other voices, like the inner voice of greed or self-satisfaction. Sometimes we hear your call, but we ignore it perhaps because to follow means Opening the word Moving into the focus scripture Ask the people gathered to think on these things, inviting a response from those who are willing to share. What kind of things do you hear during the night when you can t go to sleep, or when you wake up in the middle of the night? What kind of feelings do you have at those times? Whom do you go to when you need to let someone know about something you are hearing? 1 Samuel 3:1 10, (11 20) Choose from the following for hearing the focus story. Bible story Have a storyteller present the story A Voice in the Night on page 124. A letter Following the scripture reading, you might have someone sit at a desk, lift a sealed envelope, open it, and then begin to read aloud. Dear Jonathan: When I got your text about your belief that you have received a call from God, my first thought was to text back, be afraid, be very afraid! After all, just about everyone who receives a call from God in the Bible has their lives completely overturned, they are asked to speak difficult words not only to power but to family and friends, and sometimes have to pay a high price physically and spiritually. But I m glad I didn t. Calls are utterly serious business. As you have heard me say before, I was 14 at a summer church camp when I heard clear as a bell God calling me to be a minister. Then I spent the next 25 plus years running Engage making changes when we are comfortable, or we doubt we can answer the call. We are sorry for these times when we don t acknowledge your voice, don t hear your voice, don t respond to your voice. Words of affirmation One: In front of us, behind us, to our right, to our left: look! God is there! In our past, beside us today, waiting in the future: look! God is there! In the shadows, in the light: look! God is there! All: From the top of the mountains to the bottom of the seas; in the morning, in the evening, in every moment: God is with us! Thanks be to God. Amen. from that call until I just couldn t say no any longer. Fortunately, when we get what we perceive to be a call from God, it is not up to us to determine whether or not it happened, or was just that last slice of pizza we should not have eaten the night before! No, we believe that such a call is confirmed in a variety of ways and through a multitude of folks. Sometimes it s a pastor or chaplain at university that reminds us to keep listening (much like Eli did with Samuel); sometimes it s a friend who, when you tentatively mention what you are contemplating, simply replies, Duh! Confirmation might come from your non-believing relative who, by chiding you and making fun of your choice, causes you to reflect more deeply on your faith as well as your personal relationship with God. It might be the professor in German class who tells you that you have a real aptitude for other languages, it might be younger student you mentor in the afternoons who tells you how compassionate you are. But, as Samuel discovered, as we all discover, calls from God are confirmed over and over and over again. Whether minister, teacher, counsellor, shopkeeper, retiree, mother every day we learn anew what it is God is calling us to do, who it is we are blessed to serve, who we are privileged to learn from. I hope you know that if there is anything I can do as you continue on this journey, all you have to do is call. Here I am, always! After the focus scripture Invite children, young people, and all who wish to move to the stations. Others will remain seated for proclaiming the word. Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Advent Christmas Epiphany 2017 2018 121
After proclaiming the word, you might invite those who have not already done so to move to and around the stations, taking ten minutes or so with a chosen practice. Sing or listen to a song such as Here in this Ordinary Place as people gather together again (Seasons Songbook, vol. 4, #2 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 4. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www.seasonsonline. ca). Prayers of the people All-knowing God, You know us so well, better than we know ourselves. Because you search for us and know us so well, we can offer our prayers of praise to you. Silent and spoken prayers may be offered. Before we even know what we are going to say, you listen to our hearts and souls, tender God. You know that we have walked the corridors of hospitals and the bullying hallways of schools; One: Wonder of wonders! God sends us from this place, All: to be healing hands to the world s brokenness. One: Wonder of wonders! Jesus calls us as sisters and brothers, All: to accept others as completely as we have been embraced. Special Days Commentary Respond Bless Worship Outline January 14, 2018 you see how fears and doubts hem us in, and when sickness and death lay hands on us. Because you continue to search for us and know our lives so well, we can offer you our prayers of need and concern, not only for ourselves but for those around us, as well as all of your creation. Silent and spoken prayers may be offered. You gather us together as your people knitting us together as a people who seek to be faithful to our calling to serve our sisters and brothers. As we offer our prayers to you, we do so trusting in your steadfast love. Amen. Prayer of dedication You gift us with blessings beyond abundance, and then make one simple request, gracious God that we use them to answer the calls of those who are hungry, who are lonely, who are struggling, and who long to know that at the end you are with them. Hear our prayer, as we offer our gifts in this moment. Amen. One: Wonder of wonders! The Spirit is at work through us, All: wherever we are work, home, playground, shelter, school. One: Wonder of wonders! All: We will go to live as God s people! January 15 Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (observed) Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., African-American civil rights leader, was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. A Baptist minister and peace activist, Dr. King was a voice for equal rights for African Americans and others. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1983, his birthday was designated a national holiday in the United States, observed on the third Monday in January. On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered a pivotal speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The words, which have come to be known as the I Have a Dream speech, inspired the crowd of more than 300,000 people who made the march on Washington to advocate for civil rights. Dr. King spoke fervently of a day when all God s children would join hands and walk together as sisters and brothers. January 18 Confession of St. Peter The feast day commemorates Peter s statement (or confession) that Jesus was Messiah, as recorded in Matthew 16:16, Mark 8:29, and Luke 9:20. The predominance of Peter in the Roman Catholic tradition, coupled with the significance of St. Paul in Protestant theology, inspired the choice of the week between this day and the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul as the first Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in the Northern Hemisphere. (cont'd on next page) 122 Seasons of the Spirit SeasonsFUSION Advent Christmas Epiphany 2017 2018 Copyright Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017