All Saints Day All Saints Day (Year B) All who claim and trust in the promises of God are blessed. As in ages past, God’s saints today are called to embrace God’s new creation, here and now. In baptism, we become God’s new creation – God’s saints – and are commissioned to live now in the presence of God’s promises, working toward their fulfillment. Focus Scripture Focus Scripture: Revelation 21:1–6a Revelation 21:1–6a The beginning of the book of Revelation tells This new heaven and new earth are not Additional Scriptures us that it is the record of the visions of John meant to completely replace the old, for that Isaiah 25:6–9 or concerning “what must soon take place” (1:1). would mean that human history is ultimately Wisdom 3:1–9 The term for this kind of revelation is apoca- unimportant to God. The vision is one of Psalm 24 lypse, meaning “unveiling.” Revelation was renewal. Like the flower in the bulb or the oak John 11:32–44 likely written around 95 CE. This date, plus in the acorn, the new has been present in the the style of language, leads most scholars to old all along. say it was not written by the apostle John or Another vision of God’s ultimate reign is Holy God, your the author of the gospel of John. This John given in Isaiah 25:6–9. The prophet describes was a Christian prophet, speaking a vision of the time when God will call “all peoples” to a wisdom has God’s word to seven early churches. new life on God’s holy mountain – a location formed all that A central tenet of Judeo-Christian beliefs that suggests the meeting of heaven and earth has been, that is that the universe has been created by God – where death will be swallowed up forever. is, and that shall for a purpose; therefore, history has meaning On a similar note, the writer of Wisdom 3:1–9 be. Thanks for and purpose. According to this belief, history describes how God watches over the souls revealing your is not an endless cycle where events are of righteous ones forever, in spite of what glorious ways in destined to repeat themselves, but rather a mortals may perceive. Psalm 24:4 echoes the Christ and in the path with a destination. As the Bible begins refrain of God’s glorious reign as home for lives of all your with creation in Genesis, so it ends with those “who do not lift up their souls to what saints. Strengthen re-creation in Revelation. There, John speaks is false.” us to live faith- of the goal of God’s creation – a purpose John 11:32–44 is the account of Jesus filled lives, with never fully realized in the history of time and journeying to be with Mary and Martha as confidence in space, but not entirely beyond history, either. they grieve the death of their brother Lazarus. The text speaks of a new Jerusalem “coming Jesus weeps with them, yet still offers the your eternal love. down” from heaven, the place of perfection. promise of new life in God’s glory. Amen. Jerusalem, the central and most important point • • • • • in the world for Jews – and at this early stage It is often said that the past informs the present, the church was predominately Jewish in self- but it may be just as true to say the future understanding – is portrayed as a character in informs the present. When we faithfully place a wedding ceremony. In this new time of living, ourselves in God’s presence, new possibilities God will remove death and tears. The time of for life and service become visible. All Saints human pain will have passed. Day is a time to remember the saints who have At the same time, the sea is “no more.” For gone before us and to give thanks for the bless- ancient Jews, the sea was a threatening place ings God has given us to share with others. and in Revelation it was a place from which Visions of renewal, of new covenant, and of all the beast had come (13:1). With it gone, there creation singing praises to God – how do these would no longer be any chaotic forces that glimpses of God’s hope for the new heaven resist God’s sovereign love. There would be “a and the new earth inspire us to bring renewal new heaven and a new earth”– perfect, holy, right here, right now? and in union with God.
Seasons of the Spirit Ages 15–18 All Saints Day (Year B) 1 All Saints Day – Year B The Focus for Ages 15–18
oung people are very involved in the world of and inequality. As they become more aware of the “new beginnings.” In their personal lives they harshness of reality in many places, teenagers need and Yare often “trying on” new identities as they want visions of hope and today’s session can provide an learn more about themselves through interactions with opportunity to share concerns, hopes, and visions. friends, family, and society. In their outer worlds they Sometimes mentors and role models can help in are experiencing the new beginnings involved in dif- offering support for that hope. Today, as we celebrate ferent schools, falling in love, starting part-time work, All Saints Day, encourage young people to think about and changed relationships with family members. What those who have provided inspiration and encourage- new beginnings are the members of your group facing? ment. Young people can also be encouraged to reflect Be aware that some young people may be experiencing, on the ways in which they too are saints, helping to do or have recently come through, some of the hard grow- God’s work of love in the world. Consider how you can ing pains of adolescence. Some young people also have listen to, celebrate, and affirm their imaginations. Pray a passion for being part of “making things new” in the that today’s session will inspire and empower them to world. They care about the destruction of the environ- participate in God’s vision for a renewed world. ment. They are conscious of oppression, and poverty,
Prepare
Before the session Respond q Prayerfully reflect on the scriptures, Psalm 24, Choose one or two options. Prepare and bring the Isaiah 25:6–9, Revelation 21:1–6a, and biblical materials. background material (p. 1). q Poems: sheets of paper, felt markers or coloured pencils q Prepare a worship area with white cloth, white pillar q Mural: mural paper, oil pastels, kitchen foil; collage and candle, and Bible. craft materials q Bring Bibles, candlesnuffer, matches, and CD player, if q Thank you cards: denominational outreach possible. magazines, church newsletters, information about Gather local community outreach projects, construction paper, q Bring song “Gather Us, O God” (p. 15 in Seasons coloured paper, art supplies, envelopes, stamps Songbook, volume 6; #3 on the Seasons Music CD, Bless volume 6) or “You Are Holy/Hamba Nathi” (p. 42 in q Bring tealights. Seasons Songbook, volume 8; #21 on the Seasons Music q Bring song “Behold, I Make All Things New” (p. 10 CD, volume 8 ). Both recordings also available as in Seasons Songbook, volume 6; #4 on Seasons Music Seasons mp3 downloads . CD, volume 6) or “A World of Difference” (pp. 6–7 in q Bring copies of the resource sheet “Psalm 24” (p. 6). Seasons Songbook, volume 9; #2 on Seasons Music CD, Engage volume 9). Both recordings also available as Seasons q Bring copies of the resource sheet “The Book of mp3 downloads. Revelation” (p. 5). q Bring a selection of meditative music, such as “Adagio” Materials needed (#29 on Seasons Music CD, volume 7) or “Autumn Harp” (#29 on Seasons Music CD, volume 8).
2 Seasons of the Spirit Ages 15–18 All Saints Day (Year B) All Saints Day – Year B All Saints Day (Year B)
Scripture Revelation 21:1–6a
FOCUS To explore how we are called, as a community of saints, to imagine the possibilities of God’s new creation.
Welcome the young people and invite them to paraphrase of Psalm 24 as an opening prayer. share some experiences from the past week. Sing or listen to the song “Gather Us, O God” (volume 6) Gather around the worship table and light or “You Are Holy/Hamba Nathi” (volume 8). the candle. Point out the white colour in the Making connections worship area, explaining that today we cele- Invite group members to reflect on times when they brate All Saints Day, a day when Christians experienced the sense of things being made new or honour the memory of saints in the history times when they were given a second chance or a of our church and those who work towards God’s chance to make a fresh start. Ask: realm today. n What is hopeful and exciting about this kind of Pray Distribute copies of the resource sheet “Psalm 24” experience? and form two groups to read alternate verses of the n What is frightening or challenging about it?
Setting the scene n What words of hope are offered in this vision for The scripture reading for today is about those experiencing hardships? a vision or revelation of a fresh start, In the vision we hear the words “I am the Alpha and of something being made new. It was Omega.” These words represent the first (Alpha) and a vision that helped people in biblical last (Omega) letters of the Greek alphabet. times to visualize God’s promises. Dis- n In what ways does this vision speak of beginnings tribute copies of the resource sheet “The and endings. Book of Revelation” and invite young Look together again at Revelation 21:3. The Message, a con- people to read the background information. temporary paraphrase of the scriptures, translates verse 3 Scripture reading as, “Look! God has moved into the neighborhood...” Play a selection of meditative music and invite group n What does this interpretation say to you about members to close their eyes as you read Revela- Gods’ reign now and in the future? tion 21:1–6a. Read the passage slowly, with a tone of n How are things different when God is “in the neigh- wonder and awe. bourhood”? n What images in this passage stand out for you? Why do they stand out? Digging deeper Another scripture reading for today, Isaiah 25:6–9, also n What does this vision say to you about God’s dream offers a vision of God’s new creation. Invite a volun- for the world? teer to read these verses. The prophet describes people Invite young people to read Revelation 21:1–6a for being called to new life on God’s holy mountain. In themselves. The writer of Revelation speaks of a new biblical times mountains were considered holy places, heaven and earth. where heaven and earth met. n What are the things that will be no more in this new n What messages of hope are offered in this vision creation? from the book of Isaiah? Recall that the Christians in the early church often n What similarities and differences do you see between experienced persecution because of their faith. the visions in the book of Isaiah and the revelation to John?
Seasons of the Spirit Ages 15–18 All Saints Day (Year B) 3 All Saints Day – Year B
Connecting scripture with life Invite young people to talk together about signs of Read Revelation 21:4 again. Invite group members God’s new heaven and new earth that they have seen to reflect on the things that cause suffering and pain happening in their community and in the world. in their own lives and in the world. n Who are some people today who hold a vision n Where in the world do you see a need for renewal? and help to “make all things new”? n What can this vision from Revelation tell us about how to live as God’s saints?
Choose one or more of the following options. q Poems God’s saints today create a mural of images and words that express are called to embrace God’s the visions of God’s creation described in this new creation, here and now. day’s scripture readings. (Option: play a recording Invite young people to review of meditative music as they work.) the information about “Diamante q Thank you cards In God’s new creation we are poems” on the resource sheet “Psalm 24” and told that pain and suffering will be no more. create poems that celebrate living in the midst of Review the information about denominational God’s new creation. Have them follow the struc- and community outreach programs, noticing the ture, beginning with words naming things in community of saints whose work helps to ease need of renewal and moving to images of God’s pain and suffering and promotes the vision of new creation (such as, “Polluted” to “Pure”). God’s reign. Invite each person to choose an indi- q Mural The scripture readings for All Saints Day vidual or organization and create a card or letter offer vivid pictures of the wonder of living in the of thanks for their work. Make arrangements midst of God’s creation. Stretch a length of mural for sending the cards and letters. Consider how paper along a table and invite group members to group members might become involved in one of work together with the art and craft supplies to the projects.
Gather around the worship area. Sing or listen to “Behold, I Make All Things New” Invite young people to reflect for (volume 6) or “A World of Difference” (volume 9). a few moments in silence, think- Close the session by offering the following blessing, ing about how they, as part of the “May God bless you as you go out to participate in community of saints, can live their helping to build God’s new creation.” Invite young lives in the light of the possibili- people to take a tealight each from the worship ties of God’s new creation. Invite space, and light it at home as a reminder that they group members to name saints are part of the community of saints, called to imag- who they would like to bring to ine the possibilities of God’s new creation. mind today, lighting a tealight for each one named.
What insights did young people express about what it means to be part of the community of saints, working toward the vision of God’s reign? How might you affirm their hopes as they participate in the vision of God’s new creation?
4 Seasons of the Spirit Ages 15–18 All Saints Day (Year B) Resource Sheet Resource SheetAll •Saints Reformation Day – DayYear B The Book of
he RevelationRevelation to John is a challenging book to read and understand. It was written in symbolic language in a time of great danger and persecution. Its language of visions is a kind of secret codeT that the writer used to encourage Christians to remain faithful and to stand firm against opposition.
Who wrote this book? church. John’s vision is of the desert the world and will create final battle between God and a new heaven and a new earth. The author is named as “John the forces of evil. John describes the Divine,” the preacher or Salvation will come through Rome and the emperor as teacher. He is not the same Christ, called the Lamb, who embodiments of evil. He tries to person who wrote the gospel of died and is alive again, and give hope to Christians, saying John. The writer of Revelation has the power to overcome that very soon the Roman was a Jewish Christian who evil. John ends his book with a Empire will be overthrown was persecuted for his faith. prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus…” and the reign of God will be When he wrote Revelation he established in all its fullness. was living in exile on an island, The author warns Christians How has the book of Patmos, off the coast of Asia against compromise with the Minor. Revelation been used? religious, social, and economic The early church had trouble When was it written? values of the Roman world. He deciding whether Revelation also writes to encourage them should be included in the Bible. Revelation was written around in their faith during times of It was not accepted into the the year 95 CE, near the end persecution. canon of scripture until the of the reign of the Roman fifth century CE. In our own emperor Domitian. Christians Apocalyptic writing time, Revelation has sometimes were scattered throughout the been used to predict the time Roman Empire. There had been “Apocalyptic” means the of the end of the world or to some persecution of Christians unveiling of something hidden. warn of a cataclysmic end to our under emperors Nero and Apocalyptic writing seeks world. The book of Revelation, Caligula. Domitian insisted to encourage people in the however, was not a prediction that he be called “My Lord and midst of their struggles. An of future events. The images my God.” Christians refused early example of apocalyptic and symbols were intended to to pledge allegiance to him in literature in the scriptures is this way and were sometimes the book of Daniel, written encourage Christians living brutally punished. during the revolt of the under Roman persecution to Maccabees (about 165 BCE) to remain faithful and to find hope encourage the Jews to revolt in their belief that God will Who was it written for? against oppression. The author reign forever. The message of The first chapter begins with of Revelation uses images of Revelation for Christians today the words “…to the seven battle, of dreadful creatures, is the same. We live in God’s churches that are in Asia…” and of a world dissolving in fire world and we affirm God’s reign Since seven is the number and blood. The message hidden over the whole of creation, while symbolic of wholeness, it is in this vision is a warning that waiting for the time when Jesus believed that these churches although things will go from will come to bring God’s reign probably represent the whole bad to worse, God will not to fulfillment. Seasons of the Spirit Ages 15–18 All Saints Day (Year B) 5 Resource Sheet All Saints Day – Year B Psalm 24 Turning and turning, our pale blue globe So seek God in high and holy places. burns bright in the blackness of eternity. Let the vast valleys throw open their arms, The Earth is God’s, and all that is in it – Let the summits stand tall in pride. all life embodied in the only home we know. For this is the body of our God!
God created life in the oceans, With all the glory of the universe to choose from, and nourishes it with nutrients from the mountains. with all of creation quivering in expectation, Trace the course of a river to its source; the God of life picked this planet as home. stand among the mountains and marvel. Who would dare defile this paradise? So throw open your valleys, oh earth! Spread wide your plains to welcome God! God sees through our deceit and pretense; For the God of all creation lives here. we cannot claim innocence when we have dirty hands. We can only approach God with clean hands and Psalm 24 Earth-rise pure hearts. From: Everyday Psalms by James Taylor. Copyright © 1994 Wood Lake Publishing. Used by permission. Then we will see a smile on the face of God; Then God’s wisdom will be evident in the world.
One Diamante word (a noun) poems ◆ The text of a Diamante Two adjectives poem forms the (describing first word) shape of a ◆ diamond. Three verbs (ending in “ing” and describing first word) ◆ Four nouns (first two connected with first word; last two connected with last word) ◆ Three verbs (ending in “ing” and describing last word) ◆ Two adjectives (describing last word) ◆ One word (a noun, opposite of the first word)
6 Seasons of the Spirit Ages 15–18 All Saints Day (Year B)