THE EXTRA MILE START HERE. START NOW.
Share this pack Contents It’s that time of year again when you sit down as a group or committee to 2 Share this pack plan the Guild session. There are many forms that a Guild meeting can take, so take a look the 3 Introduction list below to find some inspiration and some new ways of planning and organising your meetings? 4 The Extra Mile Maybe you could think about: 5 Bible readings • how we work with the projects in terms of having them along to speak, but also in terms of thinking about the issues they are dealing 6 Hymn suggestions with and, where possible, how you might get directly involved with that work? 7 Prayers • an aspect of the Church’s wider work that you have perhaps not looked at before - Why not contact one of the new church forums? 16 Worship • how the Guild might be involved in discussions about and responses to the Church of Scotland’s Radical Action Plan and the changes that 22 Bible Studies will bring about at local, regional and national level. • holding a joint meeting with other church organisations. 25 Drama • encouraging friends from other local denominations to join you. • asking your Guilds Together Convener or National Council, the 26 Extra Ideas resource co-ordinator or ecumenical representative to visit. • finding speakers involved with organisations whose business is 27 Discussion topic appropriate to the theme.
To increase awareness of the Guild, you could: • launch your Guild year with a dedication service or a promotional slot during Sunday worship. • publicise your meetings - posters are available and Guild Week is an ideal opportunity for outreach. • invite people along - a personal invitation can mean a lot to someone and is very effective. Last year we recruited hundreds of new members. • include your Guilds Together events into your schedule and try to avoid a clash with your own Guild meeting. • have some fun built into your programme - time for parties, visits, celebrations... it’s good to have fun together. • share that sense of ‘family’ the Guild is known for by caring for those who can no longer attend.
2 THE EXTRA MILE INTRODUCTION
“One Journey, Many Roads” As we head into the last year of our three-year strategy, ‘One Journey, Many Roads’ and its theme ‘The Extra Mile’, it’s hard to believe how fast the time has gone. It is even harder to believe that I am in this position! But it is a real privilege to be able to serve the Guild in this new and exciting way. Jesus, whose we are and whom we serve, wants us to go the extra mile; The Bible talks about this extra mile... The phrase is an adaptation of a commandment of Jesus in the Sermon of the Mount when in Matthew 5: 41 he says: “And if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” It goes on to say “give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” As we begin our year going ‘The Extra Mile’, we need to listen intently for what is being asked of us, and be ready to act by sharing with others the good gifts that we are privileged to have been given. There is so much injustice in the world and God wants us to be aware of where help is needed, and calls us to put our faith into action.
And if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
There are real practical examples of how that can be done: • Befriend someone who is lonely or isolated. • Help those who are homeless perhaps by giving financially or by volunteering in a local shelter. • Feed those who are hungry by offering a special meal for vulnerable people in your community. • Speak out wherever you see injustice and give a voice to the voiceless. These are just a few examples of how we as Guild members can go ‘The Extra Mile’, but I know there are so many other good examples in Guilds all over Scotland. Jesus wants us to be giving, loving, forgiving, gentle, going the extra mile. Do something above and beyond, something unexpected… in a good way. Jesus said “whatever you did for the least of these you did for me.”
Mabel Wallace National Vice Convener with responsibility for Resources
3 THE EXTRA MILE “THE EXTRA MILE”
What does the Bible tell us about going the extra mile? In the Old Testament Psalm 91:9-10 If you say “the Lord is my refuge” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. Deuteronomy 15:4-5 However, there need be no poor people among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, if only you fully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. Exodus 17:12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up - one on one side, one on the other - so that his hands remained steady until sunset. In the New Testament James 2:5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the Kingdom he promised those who love him? Romans 15:1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 1 John 4:19-20 We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
Old Testament: Journeys which went the ‘Extra Mile’:
• Deuteronomy 31: 1-8 Joshua succeeds Moses
• Ruth 1:15-18 Ruth is faithful to Naomi
New Testament: • Matthew 5:38-48 The call to go the extra mile
• Hebrews 6:1-12 Walking alongside God
4 THE EXTRA MILE BIBLE READINGS
Passages from a different translation Ephesians 6: 10-20 (Refresh for Life Bible) This is the last thing I want to say: be strong with the Lord’s strength. Put on the things that God gives you to fight with. Then you will not fall into the traps of the devil. Our fight is not with people. It is against the leaders and the powers and the spirits of darkness in this world. It is against the demon world that works in the heavens. Because of this, put on all the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will be able to stand in that sinful day. When it is all over, you will be still standing. So stand up and do not be moved. Wear a belt of truth around your body. Wear a piece of iron over your chest which is being right with God. Wear shoes on your feet which are the Good News of peace. Most important of all, you need a covering of faith in front of you. This is to put out the fire-arrows of the devil. The covering for your head is that you have been saved from the punishment of sin. Take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. You must pray at all times as the Holy Spirit leads you to pray. Pray for the things that are needed. You must watch and keep on praying. Remember to pray for all Christians. Pray for me also. Pray that I might open without fear. Pray that I will use the right words to preach that which is hard to understand in the Good News. This is the reason I was sent out. But now I am in chains for preaching the Good News. I want to keep on speaking for Christ without fear the way I should. 1 Peter 2: 4-16 (The Message) Welcome to the living stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out: God set it in the place of honour. Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you’ll serve as holy priests offering Christ approved lives up to God.
Why not try www.biblegateway.com for different translations?
5 THE EXTRA MILE Suggested Hymns Hymn CH4 CMP SGP CH3 Christ’s is the world in which we move 724 1163 681 An army of ordinary people 32 Forth in thy name I go 159 Give me a heart 165 I will enter his gates 307 Jesus stand among us 381 56 Send me out from here 594 The Spirit lives to set us free 664 102 When we walk with the Lord 760 We are one in the Spirit 111 Lord, who in thy perfect wisdom 473 Who is on the Lord’s side 479 Safe in the shadow of the Lord 55 Do not be afraid for I have redeemed you 191 115 24 Let us build a house 198 Jesus Christ is waiting 360 Son of God, Eternal Saviour 468 Take this moment sign and space 501 Jesus calls us o’er the tumult 509 359 Soldiers of Christ arise 515 441 The church is wherever God’s people are praising 522 Lord make us servants of your peace 527 One more step 530 90 Lord, you have come to the seashore 532 May the mind of Christ my saviour 536 463 21 I want Jesus to walk with me 539 Lord speak to me 542 In heavenly love abiding 551 O for a closer walk with God 552 494 663 There’s a Spirit in the air 616 104 ‘I have a dream’ a man once said 710
Take a look at www.hymnary.org for more ideas
6 THE EXTRA MILE PRAYERS
Call to worship
Heavenly Father Have you not heard, have you not seen? we come before you with grateful hearts How the Lord delights in us. for Your love which surrounds us Come! Delight in the Lord as he delights in you. for the blessings in our lives for the wonder of Your world. Father God, Let us worship God! We draw near to You in faith, for we would know You. Loving God, We offer You our righteousness, for we would We gather in Your name to seek renewal. love You. We gather joyfully in Your name, to worship You. We enter Your holiness, as we would become We gather full of hope, seeking Your help and like You. guidance. Let us worship God!
Father God For the world and all its people, We draw near to You in faith, for we want we address our praise and prayers to God. to know You. God will fill the earth with justice We offer You our righteousness, for we when our will and His accord. would love You. We enter Your holiness, for we would become like You. Let us worship God!
Opening prayers Lord God, our loving Heavenly Father As we meet to share fellowship and friendship in our Guild We thank You for your presence at our meeting and in our lives, Not only today but each day and for us to know that we are secure and blessed in Your love. We ask you also to be with those who are unable to be with us today. As we seek paths to follow, we ask You to walk with us, beside us. We know You will be there for us as we travel into the unknown. Help give us wisdom, understanding, knowledge and peace. Even when things appear impossible, Lord, You find a way to keep us steadfast in hope and faith You go the extra mile to be our Vision, O Ruler of all.
Heavenly Father, how often do we listen and not hear Your call? We want to be Your servants, but too often we allow ourselves to be distracted from the work we can do for You. How often do we make excuses that we are too busy today, so we’ll do it tomorrow? Help us and guide us to be ready to follow the way You want us to go. Father, when we think we have done all we can, show us that we can do more. Remind us that we should never be content with doing as little as we can because You have given us so much that we owe it to You to make a special effort to go the extra mile. All this we ask in Your name. Amen.
7 THE EXTRA MILE Heavenly Father, as we meet at the start of a new year (or session), we ask You to direct our steps with confidence, knowing that You are our constant Guide. We are all too aware of our failings in the past; our concerns and fears; our pain and disappointments; our neglect and laziness. We ask Your forgiveness and for the grace and courage to try again and to get it right next time. Lord, have mercy on us. Amen.
Heavenly Father, how good it is to be together again at the start of a new Guild session. A special welcome to those here for the first time. We hope you will enjoy the fellowship and friendship of the Guild.Lord, bless those who are no longer able to attend our meetings may they know through our prayers and visits that they are still part of our Guild family. Amen
We have reached the final theme of our strategy ‘One Journey, Many Roads’ – ‘The Extra Mile’. Journeys often have many twists and turns and at times the final stretch can seem the longest and hardest to achieve. When we cannot clearly see the way ahead give us the grace to trust our best guide and companion. You Lord are the way, the truth and the life.
So let us take that next step, go the extra mile and by our actions show the love of Jesus to all whom we meet. Amen.
Father God you know the joys, fears and doubts of our individual journeys. Give us the courage to let go all that holds us back and to embrace the future in faith and trust. We rejoice that Your love is with us always, guiding our way.
Thank you for the fun and fellowship we enjoy as members of the Guild and, most of all we give thanks for the opportunity to serve You through worship, prayer, action and fellowship. All this we pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Loving God, this is the day that You have made, which gives us the privilege to meet together as a Guild. We ask for Your guidance as we challenge ourselves to go that extra mile to serve all those involved in our Guild movement, whether it is supporting our projects or our speakers for the session. Give thanks for our time of fellowship and friendship at our meetings. This we ask in Your name. Amen.
8 THE EXTRA MILE Offering prayers Dear Lord, thank You for the chance for us to meet together today. Help us to give with gladness and sincerity. This offering, we give because we love You. We know You love a cheerful giver, and we hope You see this in us. Lord, open our eyes to the variety of ways that we can serve You, and help us always to be ready to share with others. Amen.
Loving God, as we bring our offering before You we think about the work of the Guild over many years in Your troubled world. We are fortunate to have food on our tables, clothes to keep us warm and homes where we feel safe. Grant us vision, drive and commitment in the furtherance of your work in church and outside. Help us to go the extra mile for others. May Your love and grace continue to guide us in everything we do in Your name. ‘Whose We are and Whom We serve’. Amen.
Gracious God, we give thanks for all You have given us. For all that You do for us day after day. Receive our gifts and use them for the work of the Guild both here and worldwide. Amen.
Loving Lord You have given us, Your people, everything. We offer our gifts or worship and money… Help us to show Your love to others and we pray that these gifts will be used to spread the wonderful news of Your love to others.
This we ask in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
9 THE EXTRA MILE PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Prayers of intercession Lord, as we in the Guild walk with our members and friends, may we say thank you to the people who make this possible? The men and women who build and maintain our roads and railways, ships and planes, the rescue services who come to our aid when things go wrong. The police on road and rail, RNLI on the seas, mountain rescue and the Scottish Air Ambulance, who all pluck us to safety and the doctors and nurses who tend to our needs. May we never forget their dedication and we pray that we will always be in Your hands. Amen. Lord Jesus, You are our constant companion in our journey through each day. Help us to understand Your depth of love for us, to understand what You require of us in love: and to find strength and motivation to put our love into action in Your name. Let us not be faint when we know there is help needed by others, but put on boldness and courage to face the task, without counting the personal cost. Enable us to travel the second mile with compassion and eagerness so that our actions reflect Your love.
We pray for all people who live in danger of violence, persecution, oppression, displacement or loss and injustice because of who they are. And we pray that those who inflict such injustice will recognise the error of their ways and turn to You, seeking forgiveness and compassion. Bless those who are trying to make peace in the world, those trying to find peace; and those who have lost all hope.
Remind us to stop and lend a helping hand to anyone in need; to listen to anyone lonely in need of an ear; particularly for all who experience a crisis at this time. Remind us that You are beside us at all times whether we recognise it or not. We ask You to guide our footsteps, keeping each one of us in Your comforting presence now and for evermore. Amen.
Father God, Whose we are and Whom we serve, we praise and thank You for all Your blessings to us - for friends and family to help us on our journey through life, for those with specific skills to attend to our needs and for the presence of Your Holy Spirit, always with us.
We ask Your blessing on all Guild members everywhere, for those who come to meetings week by week and for those who hold office, locally and nationally. May we all continue to work tirelessly for our movement and for all the work undertaken to help others.
Bless the work of our project partners, in this final year of support. Be with them as they, and all those working in the many and different ways as part of the projects, have a very real sense of Your presence with them as they share Your love with those involved. We pray for all those who receive help to feed families; to look after themselves and their children; to live in freedom; to make time away from loved ones easier and to learn more about Your love for them. May we support, not only financially, but with love and prayer. Loving Lord, who cares for each and every one of Your children, we bring before You all those who are our neighbours, known to us or unknown. Be with those who are becoming older and increasingly frail; those whose health, both physical and mental, is a matter of concern and those who struggle
10 THE EXTRA MILE with financial or relationship problems. Bless them in their journey, and help us all to go the extra mile in our journeys alongside them. All this we ask through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.
Loving and Compassionate God, How comforting it is to feel Your presence at our Guild meetings as we hear through our speakers the different journeys of young people, refugees, chaplains and project partners. The varying examples of extra mile experiences, both physical and emotional, experienced by many individuals. May we learn from the resilience of others to be more appreciative of all we have: safe warm homes, the love and support of family and friends and the freedom to praise and worship our Lord and Saviour, Whose We Are and Whom We Seek to Serve. Amen.
Thank you for bringing us together as a Guild where we have the opportunity to learn and share together; to serve our brothers and sisters and to take action to improve the lives of the needy. We pray for our members who are absent, for those who can no longer attend through sickness or infirmity and for those who are suffering bereavement or who simply feel depressed. Help us to show them that we really care. We ask you to bless our speaker today and our efforts to support the work that he/she undertakes. Amen.
11 THE EXTRA MILE Prayer for the local community Father God, we pray for all in our community. For those who live here, we ask that they may thrive and prosper. For those who work here, we ask that they may strive to improve the lives of residents. For those who use our healthcare facilities and educational establishments may their needs be met. For those who come for recreation, may they find enjoyment in their activities. For ourselves, that we may serve You in our community in ways that matter.
Prayers for the wider world God of compassion and mercy, Your love for humanity was revealed in Jesus, whose earthly life began in the poverty of a stable and ended in the pain and isolation of the cross: we hold before You those who are born into and endure the hardships of poverty, war and persecution; those who are homeless; those who are the victims of violence; those who are destitute and have lost all hope. Draw near, comfort them in spirit and strengthen them in their hour of need. Grant them perseverance and courage to face the future. You have given us this wonderful world. Teach us to be careful of its bountiful resources and beauty We pray for our leaders whose decisions and policies have the potential to impact the lives of mil- lions of people around the world - people they may never meet or be aware of but who are all Your children. Fill their hearts and minds so that they hear the voices of the impoverished, oppressed and vulnerable. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Prayer for Creation Father God, we thank You for the wonderful Creation of this vast universe with its many stars and planets. We thank You for all the creatures that live on this Earth, the birds of the air, the fish in the seas, the plants, animals and people. Open our eyes, Lord, that we may see the different colours and shapes in Your world. Help us to listen to the different noises in Your Creation, birdsong, the buzzing of bees, the noise of traffic, the laughter of a child and the cry of a baby. Father, we are sorry that we do not always treat Your world, each other or ourselves in the way You would like us to. We turn a blind eye to things we know are wrong and do not always help others as we know we should. Help us to repay Your trust by looking after the many resources of this world. We thank You for Your unchanging love for us despite our weaknesses and failures and most of all we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Whose We Are and Whom We Serve. Amen.
12 THE EXTRA MILE Prayer for the country We are so lucky to have our NHS and not have to worry about paying for care when we are ill. We thank You for all those who work in it and in care and social services. We pray for our Queen and our political leaders, for all who serve in the UK and Scottish parliaments and in local councils. We pray they will listen and talk to one another and work towards what is best for everyone and not merely to score political points. Amen. Prayer for the Church of Scotland Father God, we think about Your Church here in Scotland. This is a time of radical change and we would ask for Your guidance for those at local, presbytery and national level - giving them wisdom as they seek to discern Your will. May we all be willing to support, change and move forward to meet the needs of today. God, who sets us on our journey in life, in this time of change we ask for Your blessing on all who are responsible for deciding the future of our Church and Guild. May they find the best path to further Your Kingdom here on earth. Be with all those who hold office in the Guild, locally, regionally and nationally. In all they do and say, may they be ready to walk the extra mile with all those in need. Amen. Prayer for our projects Father, we bring before You the work of our Guild projects. We thank You that by supporting them, we may play a part in growing Your Kingdom here on earth. We pray for the staff and volunteers working in the projects, that You will give them energy to carry out their duties; wisdom in the decisions and choices they have to make and compassion to work lovingly in Your name. We pray for those who may be helped by the projects, so that Your loving plans will bear fruit. We ask Your blessing on (Name of Project and or speaker) and promise as members of the Guild that we will continue to remember the projects in our prayers. All this we bring now to You, Whose We Are and Whom We Serve. Amen Prayer for our projects Gracious Lord Jesus, today we bring before You our projects and thank You for giving us this directive and focusing our minds on changing the lives of people at home and abroad. We thank You that the monies raised will provide change in the lives of these people, many of them young people, that they didn’t know existed. May we as Guild people continue to encourage the young people in our home churches and we ask that You give us ears to listen to their pleas and comments. They are the church of tomorrow, as well as today, so equip us with Your wisdom and discernment as we seek to tell them about Jesus’ love for all people regardless of colour or creed. To You be all the praise and glory. Amen. Prayer for young people Loving Father, please be with young people in every country in the world. Guide them in their work and studies. Let them use their gifts and talents and ideas to Your glory. Please give guidance to all who work with young people, whatever their age. Give them wisdom to know what each child needs in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
13 THE EXTRA MILE Closing prayers Dear Lord and Father, as we close our meeting today, we ask Your blessings upon us and to be with us as we journey home. We thank You for all the love You have lavished on us, that we should be called children of God and that is what we are. Thank you for the friends we have met here, in the loving fellowship of the Guild. May we always know we are committed to doing Your work. Before we leave for home, we pray for Scotland, the people of Scotland, the Church of Scotland and Guilds Together. Please hear our heartfelt prayers. Amen.
Father, we thank You for being with us at our meeting this afternoon/evening and for our speaker. May we continue to find our way on our journey which has many roads and help us to go that extra mile in Your Name. Go now with laughter in your eyes, a smile on your lips, a song in your heart, and share the joy that Christ has given you. Amen.
Loving God, we thank You for our meeting today. We thank You for all that we have learned from all who have participated in our meeting. Be with us as we go to our own homes and bless our family and friends. This prayer we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Father, as we go to our homes and our work this coming week We ask you to send the Holy Spirit into our lives. Open our ears to hear what you are saying to us in the things that happen to us and in the people we meet. Open our eyes to see the needs of the people around us Open our hands to do our work well to help when help is needed. Open our lips to tell others the Good News of Jesus and bring comfort, happiness and laughter to other people. Open our minds to discover new truth about you and the world. Open our hearts to love you and our fellow human beings as you have loved us in Jesus. We ask all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
14 THE EXTRA MILE WORSHIP IDEAS
Benedictions As we leave this gathering, having enjoyed fellowship and fun in Your name we ask You to remain our constant companion and Guide until we meet again. Bless the homes we are returning to; keep us safe in our travels and allow us to know Your peace within our hearts this day and forever. Amen.
From the dawning of each new day to the sunset of evening skies, may Your love surround and strengthen us so that we may be worthy of being called Your children. Increase in us faith, truth and gentleness so that we may fully serve and follow Thee. We commend our homes, friends, neighbours and all who need protection to Thy tender care and may Your love abide in our hearts and our actions now and forever. Amen.
Loving Father, we thank You for this time shared in fellowship. As we go our separate ways, we ask You to be with us on our individual journeys. We go in the knowledge that You are there, guiding our way wherever our journey takes us. Lord, give us strength to go the extra mile in all we do in Your Name. Help us to live and work for You, remembering not to serve ourselves, but to serve others. We go in peace, we go in the name of Christ. Amen
As we travel the road of life, lead us, Heavenly Father. As we journey the path of faith, uphold us, Christ the Son. As we meet all joys and sorrows, fill us Holy Spirit. Be with us now and always Bless us, three in one. Amen.
God, go with us on our journey, revive us when we grow weary. Keep us travelling onwards looking to Jesus who has run the race before us. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Go in peace, secure in God’s love, who is with us as we go the extra mile and the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with us now and evermore. Amen.
15 THE EXTRA MILE WORSHIP IDEAS
Sample Worship Blessing Lord, we ask You to be with us as we step out to walk our extra mile, with best foot forward, hands ready to reach out to others and with love in our hearts, to serve You the very best way we can. Amen.
Hymn: CH4 360 Jesus Christ is waiting
Reading: Philippians Chap 2 v1 – 11 (suggest from The Message)
Meditation The Guild and all the individual members of the Guild have always understood the concept of “the extra mile”. Not many of us have carried a heavy rucksack for someone for a mile and cheerfully carried it for another. However, when members, branches, Guilds Together or the national council have been asked to do something it is very rare that we do not exceed expectations. So, here in this passage, is not an instruction on how to walk that extra mile, but what it offers is encouragement when we are having a bad day, suffering from overload or are just plain tired out. Nobody said that this was going to be easy. Going the extra mile might come naturally to us, but it is important to focus on the spirit in which we do it. These verses help us to understand what it is that God wants us to do and are a reminder of “whose we are and whom we serve”. This should make us stronger and ready to strike out on that extra mile knowing that God is always with us every step we take.
Prayer Gracious Father, we give thanks for all those who have walked that extra mile for us over our lifetime – the nurturing when we were young, the extra time taken with us when we were learning new skills, the kind word and helping hand when we were struggling with life’s problems. We ask for Your help and guidance that we too can walk an extra mile for others in the loving and generous spirit of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Closing Hymn: CH4 542 Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
16 THE EXTRA MILE WORSHIP IDEAS
Sample Worship Hymn: CH3 479 Who is on the Lord’s side
Reading: Luke 10 v25-37 The Good Samaritan
Reflection Jane Haining was born in Dunscore near Dumfries in 1897 and in 1932 became matron of the Scottish Jewish Mission School in Budapest, where she cared for around 400 children aged between six and sixteen -fifty of whom were orphans and the majority of whom were Jewish. She lavished care and love on the children, letting them know of Jesus’ love for all of them. She was on holiday in Cornwall when war was declared and immediately returned to Budapest to be with the girls. In 1940 Jane was ordered by the Church of Scotland’s World Mission Council to return home but she refused. She again refused to leave Budapest in 1944 after the Nazi invasion of Hungary. Her reason? “If these children need me in days of sunshine, how much more do they need me in days of darkness?” She was arrested by the Gestapo in April 1944, accused of working with Jews and listening to the BBC. Taken to Auschwitz, she died in the gas chamber three months later. Jane is the only Scot to have been honoured at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem as being one of the ‘Righteous among Nations’ and she was also honoured in April 2019 in Hungary during a torchlight ‘March of the Living’ procession, as research shows that she saved many other Jews from certain death by helping them emigrate to Britain. An inspirational woman, who certainly went “the extra mile”, just as did the Samaritan in our reading. Many of us will no doubt think “I could never aspire to anything like that”, but many of us do go the extra mile, looking after friends and loved ones through illness and difficult times; walking, supporting, and continuing to walk with those who need company when their road is hard and giving of time, effort, prayer and energy in fundraising to support those in our projects, whose situations are so different from ours.
Prayer Father God, who has given us so many good things in life, we thank You for good times, when all is going well in our own world - but we would thank You also when things are not so easy, because of illness, bereavement, financial problems, family and relationship difficulties and all the challenges we face in life. We thank You for those who care about us and who support us through difficult times. Help us to see where there is a need, to be ready and willing to help, to do whatever we can; to walk alongside those we know and those we do not - and to do not just what is needed but to do as much as we can. This we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who went the extra mile for our salvation. Amen. Closing Hymn: CH4 544 When I needed a neighbour
17 THE EXTRA MILE WORSHIP IDEAS
Sample Worship Hymn suggestions Great is thy faithfulness SGP 37 God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name (freely, freely give) SGP 33 Reading: Mark 10: 17 -21 Meditation When we hear the phrase “going the extra mile” what does it conjure up? Is it great customer service, a neighbour who brings food at times of crisis or the friend who accompanies you to an important or difficult appointment? We can all think of situations where someone has put themselves to a great deal of bother for us, or at least where we have perceived that is the case. When it comes to ourselves, however, what does it mean? Have we provided that service, made that soup or held that hand? While we were doing it, did we think we were doing something exceptional or were we simply putting our faith into action, loving our neighbour as we love ourselves (Matthew 22: 39) or doing for others what we want them to do for us (Matthew 7: 12)? Often we do things for others because we love them, because we have the time to do it, or because we enjoy doing whatever is required (think of baking a cake for a new family in your neighbourhood when you know it will be appreciated). Additionally, we get the reward of knowing we have done something good for someone else. Have we really gone the extra mile, put ourselves out in any way? We are called on to journey through this life with people made in God’s image and we are asked to use our time, talents and money to further God’s Kingdom here on earth. Like the man in our reading, we are asked to give to the poor, although thankfully we are not expected to sell everything we have. Whatever we do and however much effort we put into it becomes insignificant when we think of the heat, light and food that the world created by God provides for us every day of our lives. Not only that but God has given us family, friends, neighbours, workplaces and the Church, all of which are important to our health and wellbeing. In providing all of these things is God going the extra mile for each and every one of us? The Bible tells us that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life (John 3: 16). We are promised that Jesus will “be with us, even to the end” (Matthew 28: 20) and that when we die He will prepare a place for us and come and show us the way there. It is amazing that anyone should do so much for us. Surely, this outpouring of love from our Heavenly Father, which we have done nothing to deserve, is the definition of what going the extra mile is all about?
Prayer Father God, we thank You for everything that is good in our lives. Help us to appreciate what we have and to share with others who are less fortunate. Open our eyes to the needs and wants of those around us and show us how we might walk that extra mile with them.
18 THE EXTRA MILE WORSHIP IDEAS
Reflective Worship
Based on Matthew 5:41 “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” “I want Jesus to walk with me” CH4 539. Verse one. This can be sung together (if you have someone who can play the guitar that would be ideal) or used as a response prayer with one voice reading the first three lines and all together the last line “Oh, I want Jesus to walk with me”. Reflection: Jesus lived with the homeless, the down-and-out, the suffering, the possessed, the weak and the sick. He spoke to the wealthy, the civic leaders, the soldiers and the tax-collectors, people who seemed to have everything. He made no distinction, but encouraged his disciples, his followers, to look at those around them and understand their own hidden misery. Sometimes it is hard for us to see the pain that others are in, but it is only by spending time with them, getting to know them, that we can fully appreciate how inviting Jesus to come along too will help. We may not be forced to walk that first mile, but we sometimes resist the call. Pray: Father, we need Your help to overcome our own weaknesses so that we are prepared to be with people who need You, just as we need You, so that we can go the first and the extra mile too. Amen. A short period of silence to allow personal prayer or reflection on the request of asking Jesus to walk with us on our journeys. Sing or speak the second verse “In my trials, Lord, walk with me” Reflection: We all have bad days and forget that Jesus is always alongside us. We think that we are struggling alone and close our minds to His guidance and company. When heartbreak threatens to overtake us, we need Him. If those around us show care and concern, they too are walking with us. Pray: Father, help us to allow others to provide support as You support us. Amen A short period of silence to allow personal prayer or reflection on times when we may have tried to ‘go it alone’ and not allowed Jesus or those around us to walk with us. Sing or speak the third verse “When I’m troubled, Lord, walk with me.” Prayer: Glorious Father, as we walk the extra mile with someone in need, remind us that our obligation is not to continue that journey forever. We cheerfully sacrifice in the second mile, so that we experience a breakthrough, that seeds are sown and that there is healing that sets them free so that they too can walk with You. Amen. A short period of silence to allow personal prayer or reflection on times when we may have been there for someone else and been witness to the lifting of their own sorrows. Quietly sing “The Spirit lives to set us free” MP 664 verses 1, 2 & 6
19 THE EXTRA MILE WORSHIP IDEAS
Reflective Worship
Based on Hope is a candle (CH4 284) You will require 5 candles, preferably one a little taller than the others to be the Christ light.
(Light the 1st candle. Sing a verse, then the words in italics should be read. Light a new candle before each verse is sung)
Sing or read verse 1 Dear Lord, as we gather together in fellowship may we not only look forward to the road ahead with hope but also be aware of others for whom the way ahead is dark. May we show them your love to give them hope for the years to come.
Sing or read verse 2 Dear Lord, as we look at our world, the conflict and wars, the knife crime and child abuse, we sometimes despair. May we in as many small ways as we can, try and eliminate conflict from our lives. May we be patient, kind and sympathetic with young and old. May we be prepared to compromise when new ideas or suggestions are made even if they are perhaps not what we would have wished. May we encourage peace in our own lives.
Sing or read verse 3 God of love, it is easier to love those who are in our family or extended family, or those who share our interests. May we be encouraged to widen our friendship to include those who are not perhaps so easy to love or even like.
Sing or read verse 4 May we look for joy in everything we do. May we see your wonder as we walk in the streets, in the hills, in the countryside. May we learn to count our blessings and take the time to be silent to pray, read your word and listen, so we can hear you speaking to us.
Sing or read verse 5 Oh Lord, we know that you are with us every step of the way. May we always be prepared to go the “extra mile” to help others. Let us not fear or worry about ridicule. You are the lion and the lamb, if we give ourselves to you, our burdens will be light and our light will shine, so others who are in darkness will be able to see the path and their burdens may be lighter too. Amen.
20 THE EXTRA MILE WORSHIP IDEAS
Reflective Worship
A dedication based on the hymn ‘Humbly in your sight’ by Tom Colvin (CH4 496) As the group sits quietly, eyes closed, the tune can be played very softly a few times. This allows time to settle and prepare to worship. If there is no-one to play or lead the singing, remain silent and read over the words. Someone should read the words in italics after each verse and allow a time for thought. Sing the first verse together Think for a moment or two what blessings you have received from God and thank him. Sing verse 2 Think of the people dear to you, those you love, and give thanks for them. Ask yourself if your actions could reflect your love more truly, and so be a reflection of God’s love Sing verse 3 Think of what you have seen with your eyes as you have gone about today. Is there anything you could pray about, give thanks for, resolve to do something about? Sing verse 4 Look at your hands. What do they tell you? What work have they done today? Dedicate them now to God to work for him, just where you are. Sing verse 5 Look at your feet. Think of where they have taken you, and of all the companions who have walked with you…. and give thanks. Sing verse 6 Have your words always been appropriate? Ask God to give you words of kindness, praise, encouragement and truth. Sing verse 7 ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’ Pray that you may be like Samuel and listen for God speaking to you. Sing verse 8 This last verse is a dedication of your whole self to God. Pray earnestly that he will use you to go the extra mile. Prayer: Loving Father, take us now – with all our gifts, talents, our faults and failures and shape us into the people you intend us to be. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
21 THE EXTRA MILE BIBLE STUDY
Old Testament
This bible study looks at the stories of two women in the Old Testament…Ruth and Esther. In their different ways, both women went “the extra mile”. It would be good to re-read the stories ahead of the study. Ahead of time, make some notes in response to the following questions for both of the women or for one of them. • In what ways did they go the “Extra Mile”? • What qualities did that demand of them? • Why do we think God chose them? (Was it because they were simply in the right place at the right time? Was it because they were such strong Women?) • Did God prepare the place time and opportunity and leave it up to them to react? Some questions to help the discussion…
ESTHER • When Esther presented herself at the King’s court what risks was she taking? • What enabled Esther to go to the King without being summoned? • (Can you think of an occasion when you had to rely on faith alone?) • Why did Esther risk everything? • God is not actually mentioned in this book. But can we see his hand at work?
RUTH • Was staying with Naomi a true example of “going the extra mile” on Ruth’s part? • As the story unfolds, is it by chance Ruth meets Boaz or do you see God at work? • Has there been a time in your life when difficulties have led to better things? • Do we see God at work and do we thank him? • Ruth showed great kindness to Naomi and in turn received great kindness from Boaz. Have we experienced this in our own lives? • Following Ruth’s marriage, she and Naomi became wealthy, but their greatest blessing was the love which encompassed them. • Do we concentrate too much on material things rather than on real blessings such as love friendship and respect? • Do we always go “The Extra Mile “as these women did and as Jesus always did?
22 THE EXTRA MILE BIBLE STUDY
New Testament
Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. - Matthew 5:41 The phrase ‘going the second mile’ has found its way into our modern language. Its roots are found all the way back to first century Palestine. The Romans had built a vast system of roads throughout the Empire. At each single mile was a stone marker which pointed direction, the distance to the next town as well as to Rome itself. Hence the common phrase ‘All roads lead to Rome’. By law, a Roman citizen or soldier could compel a person of the conquered land to carry his backpack for one mile only. One wonders as Jesus was preaching His Sermon on the Mount if he saw a lesson unfold before Him - Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. – Matthew 5:41 – so in effect Jesus was calling His hearers to do what was required of them - and then some.
Read Matthew 5:43 – 48 How easy is it to love your enemies?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15 How easy is it to resist retaliating?
Read Luke 10:28 – 37 • What do you think went through the mind of the Samaritan in this Parable? • Are there people for whom you have a hard time feeling compassion? • How are our lives structured in ways that keep us from noticing those in need?
Each of us has been pressed into the service of God and asked to go the extra mile. Are there times when we find that difficult or challenging? How have you overcome the difficulty or met the challenge?
Thank God for the ways in which he can use us to encourage others, to serve our community
23 THE EXTRA MILE DRAMA
Four Guild members in the aisle of a supermarket: Elsie Doris Agnes Gloria
Elsie: Come on Doris, we have to hurry as we need a proper lunch before going to the Guild. Doris: There’s Agnes. Hello, how are you? Agnes: (harassed) What a day. As you know I have the Guild this afternoon and I still have to bake the scones, but I ran out of flour and the car wouldn’t start so I had to take the bus and need to be there to meet the speaker.
Doris: Poor you, but I just don’t bake any more - end of story. Elsie: I never did bake. Just give them biscuits. Agnes: It is a special afternoon for the projects, so home baking is necessary. The projects are a very important part of Guild life, when we have the opportunity to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
Doris: I hope you get them made. Come on Elsie we need to go. (both exit) Gloria: Hello Agnes. Just overheard your conversation with Doris and Elsie and I know the Guild relies on you. Why don’t you let me drive you home and, on the way, pick up scones I baked ready to freeze and make things easier for you?
Agnes: Many thanks, that would be wonderful, but how can I repay you for going that extra mile? Gloria: By doing the Lord’s work and being a great Guild Convener! Questions following the drama 1. Who do you feel went the extra mile and why? 2. What do you think you can do to “go the extra mile” in the Guild locally, nationally or internationally?
24 THE EXTRA MILE DRAMA
Phone a Moan You will need people to play the various parts of Convener, Maureen, Susan, Jean and Betty
Convener Maureen enters the church hall
Maureen: Hi, girls. Good to see you, how are things today? Susan: To be honest, I’m a bit disenchanted with our fellow Guilders moaning. How are things with you, Maureen?
Maureen: I’m just great. Looking forward to today’s speaker from ‘Join the Dots’. As usual, just seeking to serve.
Jean: I hear where you’re coming from Susan. Betty: (shouts from the background) Don’t ask me to do the Bible reading and no way will I give the Vote of Thanks.
Maureen: Hold on girls, don’t get despondent. Maybe we need to think about what “seeking to serve” means to us.
Susan: (laughing) I bet some folk think it means “serving the tea”. Maureen: Yes, serving the tea is an important part of the Guild. It helps provide that sense of friendship and fellowship we all enjoy so much, but there is so much more to it than that.
Jean: I sometimes think back to the first time I was asked to do the Bible reading – I felt so honoured. Susan: Yes and I enjoy when I am asked to thank the speaker, who has very kindly given up precious time to come and speak at our meeting.
Jean: I was nervous, too, mind you, but I just said, ‘God help me to do this’, and because I said yes to the call, then I will be equipped to serve Him.
Maureen: Jean you are exactly right, we will just need to pray that folk will respond to the call and be prepared to go the extra mile for God.
25 THE EXTRA MILE EXTRA IDEAS
Ideas for your Guild meeting In small groups talk about: • Three people from history you believe would walk the extra mile with you and why? • Three people from today you believe would walk the extra mile with you and why?
Hopefully these names would open up discussion. Who would you walk the extra mile with, or for, and why?
The extra mile coaster You will need: Cork coaster (available to but online), old atlas or maps, pencil, scissors, aint brush, PVA glue, felt (optional) Directions: 1 Select a map, place coaster over an area and use a pencil to trace around it. 2 Cut the maps and trim to fit the tiles as needed. Coat the top side of the tile with PVA glue, then press the section of map over the top, smoothing gently. 3 Coat the tops of the coasters with PVA glue and set aside to dry for at least one hour. 4 Once dry, your map coasters are ready to keep marks off your furniture. You can make them scratch-safe by gluing small squares of felt to the bottom.
The extra mile map What you need: Large map of the world, pens, paper luggage tags, drawing pins Directions: Pin your map to the wall. As people arrive give them a luggage tag and a pen. During the meeting ask people to tell others about the best journey they have been on and why it was the best. Get people to think about places they have visited, it may be in Scotland it may be further afield. Ask them to write a small prayer for a place they have visited and then pin the tag to the map at the right place. Alternatively you can ask people to write a prayer for a country where there is conflict, climate emergencies or displacement and again pin it to the map.
Useful resources Scripture Union: [email protected]
26 THE EXTRA MILE DISCUSSION TOPIC
The End of The Road Introduction The material in this section is designed to help you towards discussion; it is not meant to be a Bible study. The underlying issues which may emerge during the discussion topic may be very personal and upsetting, so please be sensitive to this as you lead your group. We have come to the end of our three year strategy - ‘One Journey, Many Roads’. We have shared together ‘Seeking the Way’, ‘Companions on the Road’ and this session will be looking at ‘The Extra Mile’. As we come to the end of ‘One Journey, Many Roads’, we will take a slightly different approach for our discussion topic and look at ‘The End of The Road’. In today’s society the subject of death is not something that we generally like to think about, however, it is the one certainty in life that will affect us all. At the time of the Crucifixion, many thought that it was the end of the road for Jesus but we now know that it was just a part of His journey. The Church of Scotland’s document on End of Life Issues (May 2009) addresses issues such as The Right to Die, End of Life, Dignity in Dying and Palliative Care. So it is fair to say that the Church is not neglecting the issue of ‘when we come to the end of the road’. The then National Youth Assembly also addressed the issue of End of Life Issues at their annual conference in 2018, but is it something we talk about or discuss within our Guilds? Why not ask a member of Youth Assembly to attend your discussion topic meeting? They might even lead it for you! Use the following discussion topics as stand-alone or mix the contents to suit the needs of your individual meetings. They are just a resource to aid your discussion on ‘The End of The Road’
27 THE EXTRA MILE DISCUSSION TOPIC
Suggested Hymns/Songs Topic 1: Topic 2, 3, 4: When I survey the wondrous cross In Christ Alone How deep the Father’s love for us The Lord’s My Shepherd Were you there when they crucified my Lord? One more step along the world I go Courage, brother! Do not stumble The day you gave us, Lord, has ended Brother, sister, let me serve you Brother, sister let me serve you
Or you could play something like - ‘Keep Right on till The End of the Road’, by Kenneth McKellar or ‘You Raise Me Up’, by Westlife at the start of the discussion. You may have some other favourites!
Suggested Bible passages: Topic 1 Psalm 22: 1+12-18 Isaiah Ch 53 (The Crucifixion prophesised) Matthew 27: 32 -46 (The Crucifixion) Luke 24: 50 -53 (The Ascension)
Topic 2, 3, 4: Psalm 23 Psalm 46: 1-2 Luke 10: 25 -37 Matthew 25: 37-40 John 3: 16 & John 11: 25 -26 Romans 8: 38-39 James 2: 2 -5 Quotes: “Often we say that Christ will meet us on the other side. That is true, but never forget that He walks with us on this side and then guides us through the end, we will meet Him there, because we have met Him here.” (Erwin Lutzer) “The journey is about risk and discovery, loss and transformation, and at journey’s end? We shall not know until we get there, but we are promised that it will be good.” (Eddie Askew Unexpected Journeys 2009) “Just because we cannot see clearly the end of the road, that is no reason for not setting out on the essential journey.” (John F.Kennedy) “There will always be an easy-path, and a right path.” (J K Rowling) “Here I am at the end of the road and at the top of the heap.” (Pope John XX111) “Death, a cause of terror to the sinner, is a blessed moment for him who has walked in the right path.” (James Joyce)
28 THE EXTRA MILE DISCUSSION TOPIC
The Crucifixion Topic 1 The greatest journey of all those written about in the Bible is the earthly journey of Jesus, from the stable in Bethlehem to the cross on Calvary. It is a story that we know so well. We follow the events of the story, especially the last week of Jesus’ earthly life during Holy Week; from His triumphal entry in to Jerusalem to His horrible and degrading death just a few days later when the shouts of praise, “Hosanna!” from the crowd changed to jeers and shouts of “Crucify Him!” Could Jesus have avoided this death? Jesus had a large following, so why did He not incite the crowd to action; to support Him and have Him set free? He didn’t because He knew He had come in to the world to die for our sins. He was the Son of God. Even on the cross, He could have called His angels to come down and rescue Him. Why did He not try to escape? He didn’t because there was only one solution to the problem of our sins and that was to die in our place. Before He went to Jerusalem, Jesus told his disciples that He would be handed over to the Gentiles. They would mock Him, insult Him, spit on Him, flog Him and kill Him. He told Pilate, “For this reason I was born, for this reason I came in to the world.” Jesus knew there was no escape. He knew He would have to endure a horrible, sickening death. A death which shocks us. But what would we have done if we had been in the crowd? Would we have joined in the jeers and the mocking? We see how easily shouts and actions can spread when we watch news items on television; when people are caught up in demonstrations which start peacefully and turn violent just as quickly as the crowd in Jerusalem turned against Jesus. Things to consider: • Would we have tried to disappear in to the crowd? • Would we have run away, afraid to be associated with Jesus? • Would we have denied knowing Jesus? • Would we have enjoyed the pain and degradation, as the crowd did, of this man who went the extra mile for us? We need to think before we answer. What would we really have done?
29 THE EXTRA MILE Topic 2 Are we now so familiar with the details of the Lord’s sacrifice for our salvation that we are affected less by the horror? Have we forgotten just how great a sacrifice He made for our sins? Has our gratitude diminished with familiarity? Perhaps if we consider the emotional, physical and spiritual torture which Jesus endured then we might once more fully appreciate the price paid for our salvation. He suffered emotional trauma because He was accused of things He did not do but He could not defend Himself. He had to keep to the plan which the Father had for Him. He was rejected by the people who, a few days before, had welcomed Him in to Jerusalem. Where were the disciples when He needed their support? Jesus’ physical pain began when He was arrested and taken to Caiaphas, the High Priest. He was struck on the face by a soldier when He refused to answer Caiaphas’ questions. He was blind-folded while the palace guards taunted Him, mocked Him and spat on Him. Next morning, battered and bruised, deprived of sleep and dehydrated, He was sent to Pontius Pilate. Pontius Pilate sent Him to Herod who returned Him to Pilate, who because of the shouts of the crowd, had no option but to condemn Jesus to scourging and crucifixion. Scourging requires a prisoner to be stripped and have hands tied to a post above his head and to be whipped across the back and shoulders with leather thongs which have balls of lead attached to the ends. The thongs first cut the skin but then go deeper before blood is produced from the veins and arteries. The beating stops only when the prisoner is near death. To add to the physical pain, Jesus then suffers emotional trauma when He is mocked. The soldiers call Him King of the Jews and cause more physical pain when they force a crown of thorns on His head. No wonder He was not able to carry His cross. At Golgotha He is thrown on to the cross and has nails driven through his wrists and His feet. The cross is raised and He is crucified. He suffers excruciating pain as the nails tear through His body. As the muscles cramp and the pain continues, He fights to breathe. During this time He manages to speak. He asks forgiveness for the soldiers, and pardons the penitent thief. Then finally He says, “It is finished” and at the moment of death, “Father, in to Thy Hands I commend my spirit.”
30 THE EXTRA MILE Jesus’ spiritual agony was worse than His physical torture or His degrading and humiliating emotional rejection. He feels let down and abandoned, even by the Father when He says from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus feels the pain of loss and loneliness. He feels abandoned and deserted, even by God Himself. Why is the perfect Son suffering like this? Why is Jesus forsaken? He prayed in Gethsemane, “Father, all things are possible for You. Remove this cup from me”, but the Prophecies had to be fulfilled. Could Jesus have chosen another road on His earthly journey and so avoided the physical, emotional and spiritual pain of the cross? No, Jesus had to die to fulfil the prophecies in the Old Testament of what would happen to the Messiah. In Psalm 22, David describes a crucifixion, which was an unknown way of death in David’s time. He wrote that evil men would pierce His hands and feet, His heart would melt like wax within Him and His life would be poured out like water while people stared and gloated over Him. All His bones would be out of joint and His tongue would stick to the roof of His mouth.” (Psalm 22) Jesus stuck to the plan and chose the path to the cross but we know this was not the end of the journey, it was a fork in the road. We believe in the Ressurection. Jesus appeared many times between the Crucifixion and his Ascension: to the women at the tomb and to his disciples in many places, until they saw Him taken up to heaven. The end of the road, at last. We can’t begin to imagine what Jesus suffered, but let’s consider: • How would we feel to be rejected, especially by those who have loved us and befriended us? • How do we feel of the injustice of being accused of something we have not done? (and we can defend ourselves) • How do we react when we lose some blood from a small cut? • How do we cope with physical pain? • How can we go the extra mile for Jesus as He did for us? • How can we try to repay Him? • Can we make sacrifices for others as He did for us?
31 THE EXTRA MILE DISCUSSION TOPIC 2
Use a suggested Hymn/Song and Scripture passage for opening worship. Have groups of four to six people. Either have questions written out in advance for each group or supply paper and pens for answers to questions read out by a leader. Use a flip chart or screen and have some prepared answers ready. For many people facing or journeying through a bereavement, the loss is devastating. Grief has no set pattern, it is unique to each individual, there is no need for especially hushed tones, and laughter at times might be quite in order. There are, however, as described by Kubler-Ross, some common experiences that bereaved or dying people may describe. “In my experience, there is no ‘normal’ time period in the bereavement process. Each person deals with grief in different ways. It is about having patience, understanding and a shoulder to cry on. Most of the time it is about just being there for them” (Independent Church Leader, Dorset) 10 mins: Make a list of emotions which could be either physical, mental or spiritual in nature that people may experience going through a bereavement. Guilt - anger – fear – sadness – loss income – acceptance – loss of appetite – confusion - insomnia – relief - loss of faith – a blessing. The list is endless. Compare answers after 10 minutes. Add to the prepared list. Are there some surprising emotions? Supply each group with a copy of Brother, Sister Let Me Serve You (CH4 694) printed out for each member (or use Hymn book). Ask a member from each group to read a verse out loud until all verses have been read. 10 minutes: In verses 2 and 4 what does it say to you about helping each other and sharing the load? In what way can we support those around us through a difficult time in their life or is it just the role of the minister? Make a list of suggestions. E.g. prayer, listening, shopping, visiting, flowers. Name some groups, national or local, that can support those who are in need of support. E.g. Cruse, Sands, Crossreach, Age Concern, Care for the Family. Compare answers with other groups. Think about a situation where you felt out of your depth in supporting someone. What did you learn from that experience that would make you do something different the next time? Check everyone is OK after discussion. Maybe close with an uplifting hymn or song.
32 THE EXTRA MILE DISCUSSION TOPIC 3 - 4
End of Life Issues
There is always some form of media coverage regarding end of life issues. These may include the right to die, dignity in dying, funeral costs, to name a few. Making decisions about end of life has ethical, religious and pastoral implications that can affect us all at some time in our life. This could be our own ‘end of the road’ journey or of those close to us. In groups of four-six, choose one of the following two topics for each group and allow 20 – 30 minutes for discussion. At the end of time, each group is to read out their topic to everyone present and share their comments. Allow time for some feedback from other groups. Remember there is no right or wrong answers. Each person is individual and will have different opinions on each topic.
Topic 3 How has the culture of funeral/dying changed over the last decade? (NYA)
Fewer people People living Cost wanting religious longer funerals
Above are a few of the issues you can discuss in your group The funeral for many is an essential stepping stone on the journey of grief. The bereaved person remaining practically involved in planning of the funeral can help them come to terms with events and allows them something to focus on. Have you planned your own funeral and discussed it with your loved ones? If not, why not? Often, families - regardless of the age of deceased - feel unable to bring children to funeral services. Is there a place for children at funerals? What are your thoughts on the above comments? Discuss within your group. If you feel able, give some personal examples of good or not so good practice.
33 THE EXTRA MILE Topic 4 The Right to Die: In our society, issues regarding end of life are increasingly approached from an individual perspective. The right to decide to die is argued to be part of our liberty as human beings. The subject of euthanasia, replaced by the new phrase “Assisted Dying”, has been discussed by the General Assembly on at least four occasions. A 23 page document on the subject End of Life Issues by the Church of Scotland (2009) discussing this issue and a supplementary report looked at End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill (May 2010) and concluded that the Bill be rejected. Read the following extract as a group. Discuss your thoughts on Assisted Dying. End of Life Issues: A Christian Approach (printed from SRT Project, Church and Society Council) The Old and New Testaments do not condone assisted dying. The Bible does not specifically address many of our present day problems related to “letting someone die”, possibly because the medical knowledge available in Biblical times did not allow for sustaining life for long periods of time. However, Scripture does give principles from which to draw conclusions. These are based on the understanding that we are made in God’s image; therefore all human life, irrespective of an individual’s ability or gifts, is precious and holy. We are all part of society. Our lives as well as the lives of others are to be treated with respect. End of lives issues cannot simply be addressed in isolation. These decisions affect not just the terminally ill person, but also the family, the carers, the medical support group and the understanding of society as a whole. All these people bring their own life experiences, values, beliefs and feelings to the decision making process, respecting the fact that this process is centred around a person who happens now to be a patient. The death itself, the manner of death or the subsequent survival of the patient and his/her quality of life are significant matters that have spiritual and psychological consequences for the patient, the relatives, carers and staff. The focus should not just be on the actual moment and manner of physical death, but on the period (days, weeks or months) leading up to the moment of death with an emphasis on achieving the best quality of life possible. This focus is best realised through the palliative care model of holistic care.
Quote from Supplementary Report (2010): “The medical profession is there to treat, cure and care for sick and disabled people. Once lawyers get involved, the whole premise changes: bitterness, strife and serious money takes over, families are divided, and suspicion reigns. Doctors should steer clear of assisted suicide – or more accurately of putting someone to death – if they want to retain the trust of their patients.” - Julia Cumberledge former health minister, House of Lords.
What are your thoughts?
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