18th sunday after pentecost proper 22 (27) things to keep ... · we give thanks for disciples,...

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Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

Things to keep in mind this week…

Planning ahead…

Lection Connection links current events with this week’s scriptures. Go to www.seasonsonline.ca and click on the link.

Liturgical colour: green

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Revised Common Lectionary (Year A)

7575Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2020

Seasons of the Spirit™ is based

on the semi-continuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary.

10

9

8 7

6 5

4

Sunday, October 4 – Saturday, October 10 • 2020

Based on In God’s Hands: Common Prayer for the World, ed. By Hugh McCul-lum and Terry MacArthur (Geneva: World Council of Churches, 2006).

September 2020S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30

November 2020S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30

October 2020S M T W T F S

1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31

18th Sunday after PentecostProper 22 (27)27th Sunday in Ordinary TimeWorld(wide) Communion SundaySt. Francis of Assisi

Exodus 20:1–4, 7–9, 12–20 the focus in age-level materialsPsalm 19Philippians 3:4b–14Matthew 21:33–46

Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmeni-stan, Uzbekistan

76 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2020 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019

Biblical Background • October 4, 2020

Seasons of the Spirit™ is based on the semi-continuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary.

Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 2020Exodus 20:1–4, 7–9, 12–20 the focus in age-level materialsPsalm 19Philippians 3:4b–14Matthew 21:33–46

Words for Living

Holy God, immerse us in the river of your word and ways and carry us on a journey of growth as a community of your people. Increase our re-solve to heed your loving wisdom and to rejoice in your promise of new life as we do. Amen.

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) received by Moses on Mt. Sinai as he leads the people of Israel from slavery to freedom, reveals the dynamics of liv-

ing life abundantly, and shapes a community. A summary of the Law will resonate in the silence of the desert journey (Psalm 19), while Matthew and the letter to the Philippians speak of the spirit of the law as given by Jesus. Exodus 20:1–4, 7–9, 12–20 After escaping Egypt, where they had lived as slaves, a pillar of cloud guided the people of Is-rael during the day and a pillar of fire during the night. They had crossed the Sea of Reeds after the waters had parted miraculously and then closed again after they had crossed. Further, when they had no water, Moses, under direction from God, struck the rock with his staff and produced a flow of water.

As we enter this week’s story, we find Moses and the people at Mount Sinai, where Moses is affirmed as God’s spokesperson. Exodus 19 sets the stage for God’s delivery of the Ten Commandments.

The original form and Hebrew language in Exodus 20 suggest that the commandments first may have been simply a list of ten words – murder, idolatry, adultery, and so on. These words were shorthand for a rule of life to guide the people of Israel along their journey to becoming the nation promised to Abraham.

The Ten Commandments summarize God’s rules for living. In the first commandment, we are told to acknowledge God as God alone and are called to honour our relationship with God. In the commandment regarding Sabbath, we are told to match the rhythm of our lives with God’s rhythm. In the remaining commandments, God’s loving words lay out how to live so that our relationships with other people reflect God’s relationship with us.

Protestant theologian Martin Luther (1483–1546) taught that every negative in this list implies a positive. For example, “do not kill” implies “support the living.” The Ten Commandments offer a God-vision of the world.

The Ten Commandments are sometimes referred to in scripture as God’s law or the Law of Moses. They form the cornerstone of Israelite society. All were called to obey these concrete expressions of God’s wisdom and will, regardless of occupation or social class. In the Hebrew Scriptures, “the law” also refers to all of the cultural knowledge that one generation passes on to another. Later, the term Torah is used to refer to the Law – encompassing the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures – combined with the Talmud, commentaries on God’s law.

Verses 18–20 tell how the people of Israel tremble in fear at creation’s witness to holy power – “thunder and lightning, sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking.” They plead with Moses to be their mediator, to relay the words of God to them and to carry their words to God. Moses accepts this role.

The psalmist of Psalm 19 extols the Creator’s “ordinances”: “more to be desired are they than gold...sweeter also than honey.” God’s loving wisdom sustains the community of creation and brings joy and purpose to all who live within it.

In Philippians 3:4b–14, Paul claims the wisdom and joy of being grounded in Christ. When Paul speaks of “confidence in the flesh,” he refers to those things that give people “credit” in the world’s eyes. In his accounting metaphor, Paul counts these as a loss. There can be only one item on the credit side: Christ.

Jesus’ parable in Matthew 21:33–46 seems a word of sobering wisdom. Rather than accepting the challenge of such wisdom, the leaders turn on Jesus. They find no joy in God’s wisdom, embodied in Jesus the Christ.

• • • • •This week’s readings offer a glimpse of a world where all pat-terns of human living are grounded in God’s loving wisdom. As we continue to flourish as a community of God’s people, such wisdom shapes our life together. As we journey toward fuller participation in God’s purpose – as an individual and as a church – what words for living do we offer and receive?


Reflection and Focus • October 4, 2020

Adapt and use for youth and adult studies, sermon seeds, lay worship teams.

Reflecting on the WordSeason of Creation, Pentecost 2 2020

Focus for Worship, Learning, and Serving

Connecting with life ■■ What rules or regulations in your country/community

are life-giving, liberating, or increase opportunities both now and in the future?

Throughout history, many laws have changed; it is often said that the law has life if it changes and would, by definition, be dead if it could not be changed.

■■ Do you agree? Why or why not?

ScriptureExodus 20:1–4, 7–9, 12–20 and Psalm 19 The Ten Command-ments are the heart of what is referred to as the Law of Moses in scripture.

■■ What do they say to you about what God considers as important for human beings as they live in community with God and one another?

■■ To what extent do you agree with what the psalmist says about God’s law in Psalm 19:7–10?

■■ Of what are the people of Israel afraid in verses 18–20? How do you understand Moses’ response? What in Moses’ words is comforting? What is challenging?

The Hebrew verb translated as “shall not” in the Ten Com-mandments also might mean “you must not” or “you will not.” This ambiguity opens a window to consider the Ten

Commandments as a description of God’s vision for our lives, as well as a description of how to live.

■■ If you think of the Ten Commandments as God’s vision – this is how you will/shall live, which seems most important to you? Why?

Matthew 21:33–46 and Philippians 3:4b–14■■ In your country, where do you see the teachings of

Jesus lived? If the answers are disturbing, what could be changed based on the teachings of Jesus and the apostle Paul?

Connecting scripture and life God’s people in every age strive to understand how God’s word shapes the ways we live in relationship with God and with our neighbour. The original form and Hebrew language in Exodus 20 suggest that the commandments first may have been simply a list of ten words, sort of a summary of rules for living. Create a list of ten words that are life-giving for you – that summarize your own personal rule of life.

■■ What do you notice about these words? What might be missing from your list?

■■ Would a similar list for your community be much the same or different? Why?

■■ What enables you to embody that which is life-giving in the midst of challenges and resistance?

Many of us know the Ten Commandments well. They are often perceived as being a negative list, important as prin-ciples, but increasingly identified more for their excep-tions. There is contention over the penalties for degrees of killing (war, murder, manslaughter); advertisers depend upon people’s desire for what others have; trust and hon-our seem to be given to a multitude of “‘gods.”

What are some lively discussions we might have about laws and rules? As we enter such a discussion, what might appear at first glance as a necessary structure

for an ordered society can be perceived as legalism at best and oppressive totalitarianism at worst by some.

Loving words of wisdom set down in the Ten Commandments give shape to human community and enable all creation to flourish. How do you experience these words as “sweeter than honey, more desirable than fine gold,” and a goal worth pursuing? How might you use spirited liturgy, music, and movement to enliven what has the potential to be a rigid list of rules?


Music Suggestions

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.

Worship Outline • October 4, 2020

PrepareNOTE: All of these suggestions are mere starting points; adapt, delete, and add according to your local needs.

Gather

Words for Living

■❑ Recruit volunteers needed for worship: four for the prayer of confession and words of assurance; one or two to help with the prayers of the people.

■❑ Choose an option for hearing Exodus 20:1–4, 7–9, 12–20. For the Bible story, arrange for a storyteller to present “A Loving Community” on p. 82. For the choral read-ing, invite ten people of different ages.

■❑ Bring items for setting the worship space. ■❑ Bring coloured construction paper (approximately half

a sheet for each person) for the prayers of the people.■❑ You might choose to print Truth Teller on or in your

bulletin (in the Images to Project and Print folder). For background to the art and artist, see “Connecting with the Art” on p. 10.

■❑ Bring song such as “As Long as We Follow/Na Nzela Na Lola” (Seasons Songbook, vol. 9, #17 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 9. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www.seasonsonline.ca).

■❑ Set stations as described on pp. 83–84.

As Long as We Follow/Na Nzela Na LolaJoseph Kabemba; Seasons Songbook, vol. 9

Fill Us, GodGerry Holmes; Seasons Songbook, vol. 9

Your Words, O GodMichael Mangan; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7

All We Long ForTrisha Watts; Seasons Songbook, vol. 6

Behold, I Make All Things NewJohn L. Bell; Seasons Songbook, vol. 6

Be Still And KnowJohn Bell, Graham Maule; Seasons Songbook, vol. 6

Roll Over the OceanTraditional; Seasons Songbook, vol. 6

Psalm 19:7–11Scottish Psalter

Call to worshipThe sun rises without fail bringing a new day to Earthand we rise to embrace this time of worship.Flowers, trees, grasses, and plantsflourish and give praise with unfolding leaves, waving blades, and fragrant offerings.May we join them and praise the Creator with our being.

Opening prayerOne: We gather as those who wonder and wander; we participate and pull back; we are faithful at times and frail at others.All: May life-giving ways be opened for us and within us.

One: Some know what it is to struggle, to be broken but not crushed, to despair yet be held by unseen love.All: May life-giving ways be opened for us and within us.

One: As a river carries life within its flowing currents, may we encounter, this day, the spirit of the One in whom is life and love for all.All: May life-giving ways be opened for us and within us.

Prayer of confessionBefore they became the Ten Commandments, the people of Israel probably knew them as ten words that served as a rule of life. This prayer option reflects the power of words to create heartfelt responses that give shape to community.

Arrange to have four people stand in the four corners of the worship space. The readers will take turns saying one of the words from each of the lists of words of contemplation below. Follow each word with ample silence. Explain that rather than speaking a prayer with prescribed sentences and thoughts, we will hear single words. Invite those gathered to be attentive to the thoughts and feelings that arise with each word and allow these responses to guide a silent prayer of confession.

http://www.seasonsonline.ca/11/seasons_music_license_chart/

www.seasonsonline.ca/order_products/




Engage

Invite children, young people, and all who wish to move to the stations. Others will remain seated for proclaiming the word.

Words for contemplation distance, separation, division, broken-hearted(give ample pause between each word);

harm, neglect, pollution, extinction(give ample pause between each word);

disregard, ignore, injustice, impoverish(give ample pause between each word).

Words of affirmation Have the four people who read the words for the prayer of confession

continue reading the words below slowly, but without the extended space for silent prayer.

Hear now these life-giving words:

receive, welcome, reconcile, enfold;restore, conserve, beautify, care;attend, share, compassion, love;forgiven, forgiven, forgiven, forgiven.

May these words take root within usand become the living reality among and through us.

Opening the wordPsalm 19 Invite the congregation to sing “Your Words, O God” (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www.seasonsonline.ca), or “Psalm 19:7–11” (Scottish Psalter).

Moving into Exodus 20:1–4, 7–9, 12–20 the focus scripture for age-level materials in ENCORE

Talk about rules we are asked to follow at home, church, school, or in our neighbourhoods such as no sweets before meals, brushing teeth before bed, or looking both ways be-fore we cross the street. After each rule, ask:

■■ How many others have a similar rule?■■ Who or what taught them this rule?■■ What might happen if no one followed this rule?

Choose from the following.

Bible story Have a storyteller present the story “A Loving Community” (p. 82).Choral reading Recruit ten people of differing ages to stand from where they are seated in the worship space and speak a line.ReAd: Exodus 20:1–3.One: Jesus said, “Love God with all your heart, soul, mind,

and strength.” ReAd: Exodus 20:4.TwO: Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart

will be also.”ReAd: Exodus 20:7.

ThRee: Jesus said, “Do not swear but let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’ Anything more than that comes from the evil one.”

ReAd: Exodus 20:8–9.FOuR: Jesus said: (Read Matthew 5:3–9.)ReAd: Exodus 20:12. Five: Jesus said, “In everything do to others as you would

have them do to you.”ReAd: Exodus 20:13.Six: Jesus said, “If you are angry with a brother or sister,

you will be liable to judgment. So when you come to worship, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave and first be recon-ciled.”

ReAd: Exodus 20:14. Seven: Jesus said, “Everyone who looks at another with

lust and disrespect has already committed adultery in their heart.”

ReAd: Exodus 20:15. eighT: Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and

you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.”

ReAd: Exodus 20:16. nine: Jesus said, “With the judgment you make you will be

judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?”

ReAd: Exodus 20:17. Ten: Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life, what you

will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. But strive first for the kingdom of God.”




Bless


RespondAfter 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 “As Long as We Follow/Na Nzela Na Lola” as people gather together again (Seasons Song-book, vol. 9, #17 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 9. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www.seasonsonline.ca).

Prayers of the peopleProvide coloured construction paper (approximately half a sheet) for each person. Use the words below to invite those gathered to use their fingers to rip, fold, and give shape to a vision of what it might look like for the world to flourish in God’s love. Place the completed shapes on the worship table, so they are not an obstruction. Have people available to help collect the shapes of those who would like to participate from their seats. Offer the prayer in conclusion. Play meditative music throughout.

InvitationThe Exodus commandments provide loving wisdom that gives shape to communities of the faithful. When our re-lationships reflect God’s relationship with us, all creation flourishes in love. What is the shape of this flourishing? What vision comes to your mind when you imagine all creation living in the loving wisdom of God?

Use the paper provided to create a reflection of this vision. Rip the paper, fold it, give shape to it. (Give directions for where they are to place their shapes.)

PrayerMay the vision of a world flourishing in love spark our imaginations. May this vision become the whisper of the Spirit within us, giving shape to greater faithfulness, compassion, and justice.

Prayer of dedication or offering prayerAn invitation to offeringAs Paul reminds us that status, identity, or our dedication or attention to the rules will not secure our future within the arena of God’s activity. It is so easy to trip up on the de-tails. God’s realm embraces the spirit rather than the letter of the Law and gives life rather than condemnation. In this confidence, let us offer the gifts of our lives for the sake of the world.

Offering prayerOne: Stir within us, spirit of the living God, that our lives may carry the Spirit of your law.All: May our finest offerings flow through these gifts into the world you love. Amen.

Go with ways of wisdom for the Holy One: faithfulness, loyalty, reverence, stillness, respect.Go with ways of wisdom for community: mutuality, honour, generosity, truthfulness, contentment.

Go in the wisdom of Christ that enables all creation to flourish in the ways of love: forgiving, healing, restoring, creating, life.

Special Days Commentary

October 4 – St. Francis of AssisiGenerally known as a lover of birds, animals, and creation in general – statues of St. Francis frequently appear in gardens – Francis of Assisi was also a strong champion of the poor and outcast of his time and society. The son of a wealthy Ital-ian cloth merchant, Francis underwent a profound spiritual transformation. He lived a humble, peaceful life, rebuild-ing the ruins of church buildings as places of worship and refuge.

October 4 – World(wide) Communion SundayThis day is observed in many parts of the world, although not by all churches. Some denominations produce special worship and learning resources for this day, and some ecu-menical agencies encourage churches to acknowledge the fact that on this day perhaps more than any other, Christians around the world are – symbolically – gathered at a common table. A Communion liturgy for World Communion Sunday can be found on p. 81.




Poetry and Prose • October 4, 2020

Communion Liturgy for World(wide) Communion SundayAdele Halliday

For this Communion service, the leader will need 12 readers. Each person should read their respective lines, and then bring the related item and place it on the worship table.

Materials white cloth, black cloth, red cloth, soil (in a con-tainer), water in a clear container, a lit candle (you might light it from the Christ candle), Communion elements, seashell, branch, tambourine, cross

leAdeR: We come as we are to this shared meal.All: Thank you, God, for bringing us together.vOice 1: You are the God who creates from a blank canvas.Brings white cloth and lays it on the table.vOice 2: You are the friend who grounds us. Brings black cloth and puts it on the table. vOice 3: You are the Spirit who ignites us.Brings red cloth and lays it on the table.All: Thank you, God, for being you.vOice 4: You are rich like the soil.Brings in the soil.vOice 5: You nourish and sustain life.Brings a container of water.vOice 6: You pack intense energy into a spark.Brings a candle.All: Sanctus (sung if possible)leAdeR: We give thanks for our friend, Jesus.vOice 7: Jesus made everyday meals with his friends special.Brings the Communion elements. vOice 8: Jesus invited everyone, especially those others feared

or disliked, to be his friend.Brings a shell and uses the shell to lift and pour water.vOice 9: Jesus called all people to share in his work of justice-

making and peace-building.Brings a branch.All: We give thanks for the life and ministry of Jesus.leAdeR: We proclaim the mystery of our faith:All: (sung, if possible) Christ has died, Christ is risen,Christ will come again.vOice 10: We come to the table seeking comfort and joy!Brings tambourine, playing as they enter.vOice 11: We come to this meal, offering our whole selves.

Comes forward with hands outstretched.

vOice 12: We come to this feast, expecting the hope of resurrection.

Brings a cross.All: We thank you, God, for the blessings of this meal. leAdeR: We ask the Spirit to be with us and these gifts as

we share in this sacred meal together.We give thanks for disciples, teachers, apostles, ministers,

and saints around the world of yesterday and today.We give thanks for the disciples among us those living, learning, and loving in Jesus’ way (leave space

for people to name).All: We thank you, God, for the gift of discipleship. leAdeR: We join with followers around the world, saying

the prayer that Jesus taught in the language of our hearts…

(the prayer that Jesus taught).vOice 1: On the night before he died, Jesus had a meal

with his friends.vOice 2: He took bread, blessed and broke it, saying:vOice 3: “This is my body, broken for you, do this in mem-

ory of me.”leAdeR: This is the body of Christ, broken for you.The bread is broken.vOice 4: On that same night, before was betrayed, vOice 5: Jesus took a cup of wine and shared it with his

friends, saying,vOice 6: “This is the cup of life, poured out for you, do this

in memory of me.”leAdeR: This is the cup of life, poured out for you.Wine is poured.vOice 7: This is not my table or your table,vOice 8: this is not the table of (insert name of church) or

(insert name of denomination),vOice 9: this is Christ’s table.vOice 10: We remember those with whom Jesus would

have us share this feast.vOice 11: We celebrate those from around the world with

whom we are in communion through this meal.vOice 12: We give thanks for … (add a special thanksgiving

from your community).leAdeR: Come, let us eat and feast together.The meal is shared.


Bible Story • October 4, 2020

A Loving Community Based on Exodus 20:1–4, 7–9, 12–20

A recording of this story is available in MP3 format in the Audio Stories folder.

The people of Israel lived together as a community. They did not live in only one place, but they moved to different locations and set up camps wherever they

went. When they moved, they brought everything they had with them. The leader of the people was named Moses. Moses was called to speak for God, and to lead the people of Israel away from their troubles and to a new life. Some-times, God would speak directly to Moses and then ask Moses to tell the people what God had said.

One day, the people of Israel arrived at the base of a mountain; it was called Mount Sinai. The people were only allowed to be at the bottom of the mountain, but God wanted Moses to go up to the top of the mountain so that God could speak to Moses from there. Moses went up the mountain to talk with God.

When God spoke with Moses, God gave the people of Israel ways of living together in community. They were rules of love so that they could care for one another and God.

God gave these words to Moses and Moses gave them to the people:

Love only me as your God.Do not create carvings and statues of false gods; these are idols.

My name is important, so please only use God’s name for good and for praise.On one day of the week, you should rest and keep the day holy. That day will be the Sabbath. You can work the other six days of the week.Love your parents.Be respectful of all living things.Be faithful and loyal in your marriages.Respect what belongs to others.Be honest at all times, especially about others in your community.You have been given many things. It is not good to look at what your neighbours have and want those things also.

When God finished speaking, all of Mount Sinai was cov-ered with smoke. There were thunder and lightning. There was even the sound of a trumpet!

The people saw all of this and became scared and tried to move away from the mountain.

Then, the people of Israel spoke to their leader Moses. The people said, “Moses, when you speak with us, we will listen to you. But please do not let God speak with us – we think that we will die!” Moses told the people not to be so scared. “God spoke to us with love,” Moses said. “God gave us rules so that we could be a loving community together!”

Bible storyThe practice of storytellingMaterials recording of today’s story

“A Loving Community,” player, paper or drawing pads, crayons, pencils, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see; alternatively, ar-range for a storyteller to present the story

Directions1. Listen to the story “A Loving Community.” 2. Use the drawing pads or paper and pencils or crayons to record your response to

the story.


Stations • October 4, 2020

Living, Learning, Growing as DisciplesThe following stations might be set up around your worship space or in other places around the church. Choose one or more practices, depending on your space and numbers. Display the directions.

For your convenience, instructions are formatted for printing and available in the Stations folder.

The article “Connecting with the Art” on page 10 provides some background to the two posters for Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 and some art engagement ideas for individuals and groups. You might choose to

add an Art Engagement station each week, using one of the art engagement ideas.

Suitable for all ages working together

Ojo de Dios (God’s Eye) The practice of creativityMaterials yarn in many colours, two

sticks that are the same length (tree branches, dowel rods, or craft sticks will work), rubber bands, scissors, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see

Directions 1. Take two sticks and use an rubber band to secure them together where they inter-

sect, creating a cross (+).2. Tie a piece of yarn at the middle and wrap it around one stick.3. Then take the piece of yarn to the next stick and wrap it around that stick, and so

on, weaving from the centre of the sticks outward.4. Continue wrapping and winding the yarn until you’re ready to switch colours.5. To switch, simply cut the yarn you’re working with and tie a new colour to the end.Ojos de Dios are common in Mexican and Mexican-American crafts. They portray the idea of an all-knowing and all-seeing God.

Community collage

Suitable for all ages working together

The practice of lovingMaterials mural paper, magazines, scissors, glue, pens, pencils, marker, copy of the directions displayed where all can see

Directions1. God gave the people of Israel ways of living together in community. It helped shape

them into a people who could love God and others.2. Look through the magazines for pictures that show loving actions being performed.3. Tear or cut out the pictures.4. Create a community collage by gluing the pictures to the mural paper – overlap-

ping and layering them.5. When all have had a chance to participate at this station, display the collage where

all can see.

1 2 3

5 64


Stations • October 4, 2020

Suitable for ages 6–adult

Footsteps for justice The practice of social actionMaterials construction paper, pen-

cils, markers, scissors, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see

Directions 1. Use a pencil and trace your footprint (or shoeprint) on construction paper. (You

should trace at least two, but you may want more.) Cut them out.2. Think for a few moments about ways you might step forward and take action on

justice, fairness, and peace.3. Write on your footprints the steps you can take to make a difference.4. Arrange the footprints at your station into a footpath for justice and peace.Younger children might write or draw ways they show love.

Letting go The practice of mindfulnessMaterials a mini worship space

with flowers, a plant, or other nat-ural objects; a few small, inexpensive hourglasses or other timers (people might also use the timer app on their phones); a copy of the directions dis-played where all can see

Directions 1. Identify a natural object in the worship space (or another natural item you can see).2. Set a timer for one to three minutes and simply look at the object. Pretend it’s the

first time you have seen it.3. Spend time thinking about that object – shape, colour, texture, fragrance, move-

ment. Focusing attention on this neutral object helps turn attention away from frustrations and distractions and turn attention toward the things that really mat-ter – today’s worship, your church community, your friends and loved ones.

4. Try to use this mindfulness practice at the start of your day or anytime you need to refocus your energy and attention.


Spiritual striving


The practice of contemplationMaterials paper, pens, Bibles or cop-ies of Psalm 19 (this week’s psalm), personal journal (optional), a copy of the directions displayed where all can see.

Directions 1. Reflect in your journal or doodle on a sheet of paper using these prompts:

■■ Write down your first thoughts after you read this verse from this week’s psalm: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O God, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

■■ What are the words on your mouth today? Write them down and spend a few moments in quiet meditation on these words.

■■ What are your favourite spiritual practices?■■ How might you take one of these practices a step further, how might you

strive for greater connection with God through this practice?

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2 2

017

Copy

right

© W

ood

Lake

Pub

lishi

ng In

c. 20

16

Seas

ons o

f the

Spiri

t™ S

easo

nsFU

SIO

N Se

ason

of C

reat

ion

• Pen

teco

st 2

201

7 Co

pyrig

ht ©

Woo

d La

ke P

ublis

hing

Inc.

2016

Child

ren'

s Act

ivity

Lea

flet •

Oct

ober

8, 2

017

sto

ry

ti

me

crea

te

41

God’

s Lov

ing

W

ayBa

sed

on E

xodu

s 20:

1–4,

7–9

, 12–

20)

Clip

pety

-clo

p,

clip

pety

-clo

p w

ent

the

donk

eys.

Tr

ip-t

rot,

trip

-tro

t w

ent

the

shee

p. S

tep-

step

, sh

uffle

-sh

uffle

wen

t the

peo

ple.

The

y w

ere

trav

ellin

g ac

ross

a b

ig,

hot

dese

rt.

Mot

hers

and

fath

ers,

gra

ndm

othe

rs

and

gran

dfat

hers

, aun

ts a

nd u

ncle

s,

girl

s an

d bo

ys. T

hey

wer

e lo

okin

g fo

r a n

ew h

ome.

Mos

es w

as le

adin

g th

em.

Th

e su

n hu

rt th

eir

eyes

.

The

sand

hur

t the

ir fe

et.

Th

ey w

ere

thir

sty.

They

wer

e ti

red.

A

fter

a l

ong

whi

le, t

he p

eopl

e fo

rgot

how

to li

ve in

lovi

ng w

ays.

Som

etim

es t

hey

push

ed a

nd

shou

ted.

Som

etim

es th

ey to

ok fo

od

that

bel

onge

d to

oth

ers.

Som

etim

es

the

child

ren

didn

’t lis

ten

to t

heir

pa

rent

s, a

nd t

he p

aren

ts d

idn’

t lis

-te

n to

the

ir c

hild

ren.

Som

etim

es

they

did

not

sto

p to

take

tim

e to

be

with

God

. Day

aft

er d

ay, t

he p

eopl

e be

cam

e m

ore

and

mor

e un

happ

y.M

oses

was

a lo

ving

lead

er a

nd

wan

ted

to h

elp

the

peop

le.

Wha

t co

uld

Mos

es d

o?

Mos

es

deci

ded

to

clim

b a

mou

ntai

n an

d pr

ay to

God

, “Pl

ease

he

lp

us,

God

. Th

e pe

ople

ha

ve

forg

otte

n ho

w

to

live

in

lovi

ng

way

s.”

Soon

G

od

answ

ered

M

oses

. “M

oses

, I w

ill g

ive

my

peop

le s

ome

lovi

ng r

ules

so

they

will

lea

rn t

o sh

ow lo

ve fo

r on

e an

othe

r.”M

oses

lis

tene

d ca

refu

lly.

Then

M

oses

wro

te e

very

thin

g do

wn

so

he w

ould

n’t f

orge

t wha

t God

sai

d.

Earl

y th

e ne

xt m

orni

ng, M

oses

cl

imbe

d do

wn

the

mou

ntai

n an

d ca

lled

all

the

peop

le t

oget

her.

“I

have

won

derf

ul n

ews

for

you.

God

ha

s gi

ven

us s

ome

lovi

ng w

ays

to

help

us

live

toge

ther

. C

ome

and

liste

n.”

Now

the

peo

ple

wer

e cu

riou

s.

Wha

t wer

e th

ese

lovi

ng w

ays?

And

th

en M

oses

told

the

peop

le o

f ho

w

God

imag

ined

this

wor

ld to

be.

1.

Rem

embe

r G

od is

love

.2.

The

re is

onl

y on

e lo

ving

God

.3.

Say

God

’s na

me

with

love

.4.

Tak

e ti

me

to r

est

and

pray

to

God

.5.

Par

ents

and

chi

ldre

n, lo

ve a

nd

care

for

one

anot

her.

6. S

hare

with

eac

h ot

her.

Ther

e wer

e oth

er lo

ving

rule

s, to

o.

The

peop

le l

ooke

d at

eac

h ot

her

and

smile

d. A

nd t

hen

they

pra

yed,

“T

hank

you

, God

, for

kee

ping

you

r pr

omis

e an

d br

ingi

ng

us

back

to

geth

er a

gain

. You

r w

ay i

s fu

ll of

lo

ve.”

Whe

n M

oses

told

the

peo

ple

abou

t G

od’s

lovi

ng

way

s th

ey

pray

ed,

“Tha

nk y

ou,

God

, fo

r br

ingi

ng u

s ba

ck to

geth

er ag

ain.

You

r way

is fu

ll of

love

.”

Cre

ate

a po

t of p

aper

cup

flow

ers

as

rem

inde

rs t

hat

God

’s lo

ve in

clud

es

ever

yone

.

You

need

con

stru

ctio

n pa

per,

scis

-so

rs,

felt

mar

kers

or

cray

ons,

cup

-ca

ke l

iner

s, g

lue

stic

ks,

old

mag

a-zi

nes.

Dir

ecti

ons

1. C

ut a

flow

er p

ot s

hape

and

glu

e it

onto

a p

iece

of c

onst

ruct

ion

pape

r (s

ee il

lust

ratio

n).

2. D

raw

lea

ves

and

stem

s co

min

g ou

t of t

he p

ot.

3. T

o fo

rm a

flow

er, g

lue

a cu

pcak

e lin

er a

t the

top

of e

ach

stem

.4.

Cut

out

fac

es o

f pe

ople

of

diff

er-

ent

natio

nalit

ies

from

cat

alog

ues

and

mag

azin

es a

nd g

lue

them

in

the

mid

dle

of e

ach

cupc

ake

liner

. A

ltern

ativ

ely,

dra

w a

face

in e

ach

cupc

ake

liner

.

Base

d on

Exo

dus 2

0:1–

4, 7

–9, 1

2–20

Child

ren'

s Act

ivity

Lea

flet •

Oct

ober

4, 2

020

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSIO

N Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2020 Copyright ©

Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2020

Copyright © W

ood Lake Publishing Inc. 20193

2Seasons of the Spirit™

SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2017

Copyright © W

ood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016Seasons of the Spirit™

SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2017

Copyright © W

ood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

Activ

ity

32

Lov

ing W

ays

God gave M

oses many loving w

ays to help the people. W

hat are these children doing that show loving w

ays? Think about w

hat you could do. Draw

yourself here.


Activity • October 2– 8, 2011G

od’s Loving Ways

God gave M

oses many loving w

ays to help the people. What are these children doing that show

loving w

ays? Think about what you could do. D

raw yourself here.

18th sunday after pentecost proper 22 (27) things to keep ... · we give thanks for disciples,...

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