Moses and the Golden Calf B

Home , Day to Praise

Copyright © Wood LakePublishing Inc.2019 SAT 17 FRI 16 THUR 15 WED 14 TUES 13 MON 12 SUN 11 found be can for Thanksgiving Materials Thanksgiving (Canada) TorahSimchat (Judaism) Ordinary in Sunday 28th Time Proper (28) 23 after Pentecost Sunday 19th World Food Day on p. 17. Things to keep in mind this week… Planning ahead… September 2020 20 27 13 6 S October 2020 October 25 18 11 4 S 28 21 14 7 M 22 29 15 8 1 T 26 19 12 5 M 23 30 16 9 2 W Seasons oftheSpirit™ Seasons Sunday, 11 October –Saturday, 17 October •2020 24 10 17 3 T 20 27 13 6 T 25 18 11 4 F 26 19 12 5 28 S 21 14 7 W November 2020 November 22 29 15 8 1 S SeasonsFUSION Season ofCreation Season SeasonsFUSION •Pentecost 22020 23 30 16 9 2 M 22 29 15 8 1 T 24 10 17 3 T 25 18 11 23 30 4 W 16 9 2 F 26 19 12 5 T 20 27 13 24 6 10 31 17 F 3 S 28 21 14 7 S seasonsonline.ca to Go scriptures. week’s this with events current the link. the Lection Connection Churches, 2006). (Geneva: World Council of lum and Terry MacArthur World Common Prayer forthe Based on green Liturgical colour: Matthew 22:1–14Matthew Philippians 4:1–9 106:1–6,Psalm 19–23 materials for age-level focus the Exodus 32:1–14 Nepal Bangladesh, Bhutan, readings on the Common Lectionary. Lectionary Lectionary Revised Common Prayer Calendar , ed. HughMcCul By Ecumenical Ecumenical semi-continuous semi-continuous Spirit™ ofthe Seasons oftheRevised In God’s Hands: is based isbased (Year A) (Year and click on on click and links links www.

- Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 2020 Biblical Background • October 11, 2020 Exodus 32:1–14 the focus in age-level materials God of freedom, Psalm 106:1–6, 19–23 your invitation to a life of liberation never ceases. Philippians 4:1–9 You call us to give faithful witness to your love, Matthew 22:1–14 justice, and freedom. May we be steadfast in faith, and our lives and community marked by Seasons of the Spirit™ is based on the semi-continuous readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. our thanksgiving and joy. Amen. Living as a Liberation Community

his week’s readings centre around the conflict be- back into covenant. Who stands in the breach today? How tween fear and bold faith to walk with God despite can we be people who repair broken trust between different Tthe obstacles the world throws at us. Using the story of entities? What kind of faith, leadership, and patience would a golden calf as a mirror for the times we fall short of God’s that entail? vision, let us put on the robe of faith and justice. Having a sense of centredness helps. Paul calls for such a state of being in Philippians 4:1–9 writing the iconic phrase, Exodus 32 contains what is likely one of the most confusing “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.” and dramatic stories in the Hebrew Scriptures. It has been His is a plea, like Moses’ plea, to not be afraid, even when interpreted in myriad ways, but mostly as a cautionary tale the world seems to let go of the possibility of liberation, of turning toward other gods. However, a reader with strong physical or social or spiritual. But how does one not fear? interfaith allegiances can glean different – perhaps deeper Paul seems to suggest that the lack of fear comes from a meanings from the story. Meanings that centre on liberation, grounding in the promise of a higher, more loving order. fear, and the challenge of working toward the social justice Amid these calls for peace and freedom from fear, and liberation that is God’s vision. The people, afraid that Matthew 22:1–14 seems jarring. At a surface level, it Moses will not return to them, turn to Aaron’s leadership. appears that the people who do not dress right are the ones They turn in all of their gold to create a golden calf to wor- whom God punishes. Why would God do this, forgetting a ship. Moses returns to deliver a message of God’s simul- preferential option for the poor and oppressed? God is the taneous anger and forgiveness. We might call the people one who teaches that fineries matter less than spirit. impatient, unfaithful, jealous, fearful – but we might also This is a parable, and parables speak in symbol and call them tirelessly determined, even though misguided, in irony. Read on a deeper level, the clothing signifies our their quest to find their freedom in the Promised Land. In spiritual preparedness for what God provides. Perhaps the a way, they are like all of us, doing the best we can with the robe is a robe of justice, or equality, or community. When information and ideas that we have. The people are fearful, are we so busy or fearful or distracted and forget to clothe and one could argue that they turn their backs on God but ourselves in these values? do they? They might lose some faith in God, but in turning • • • • • in their gold they continue to participate in the quest that is Together, this week’s texts ask us to slow down and recali- most precious to God: their freedom. brate. When we pray, do we search for security or justice? In the story of the golden calf, Moses stands, according Comfort for some, or comfort for all? When, in the search to Psalm 106:1–6, 19–23, “in the breach” that has developed for freedom for ourselves and all people, do we also miss the between God and the rest of the community. Moses repairs mark? Perhaps we can aspire to do the best we can to love the broken trust on both sides, calling God and the people God and to fight for freedom and equality for all.

88 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2020 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019 Reflection and Focus • October 11, 2020 Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 2020 Reflecting on the Word ■■ What does the wrath of God mean in this context? What would it mean for us today? ■■ How does the psalm shift if we hear “I” in the context of Adapt and use for youth and adult studies, community? sermon seeds, lay worship teams. Philippians 4:1–9 Paul is especially concerned about the shaping of community. Connecting with life ■■ What norms are named by Paul that might be essential ■■ How do you combat fear and doubt? How does for a community of liberation? uncertainty feed your faith? ■■ What norms might undermine the life of a community? ■■ When have you done your best, only to realize that ■■ Why might the peace of God surpass all understanding? society, or the world, needed something other than What do you imagine it to be? what you were giving? ■■ How do we discern whatever is true, just, honourable…? How might Paul have defined it? Scripture ■■ What does lived faith look like? Exodus 32:1–14 might have us wonder about what it means ■■ How do you search for God’s peace? to lose our way even when we are trying our best. ■■ What is the anxiety and fear for the people of Israel, as Matthew 22:1–14 Jesus’ parable here is jarring, but it is also they wonder about Moses returning or not? a meditation on how we prepare for God and live intention- ■■ How, as people committed to community and justice ally in our spiritual lives. The biblical background suggests and creating the realm of God on Earth, do we that the robe might stand for the work of justice. What else sometimes miss the mark? might the robe symbolize? ■■ Who, like Moses, alerts us today when we miss the mark ■■ What spiritual garb do you want to don lately? (Faith, on the vision of a just world? justice, compassion…?) ■■ If a “golden calf” leads to missing the mark, what ■■ “Many are called, but few are chosen.” What “golden calves” do we build, personally and as a reaction do you have to this phrase? How might it be community, state, and nation? reinterpreted? ■■ What should we make of such an angry God? What ■■ What might be the dress code of righteousness? purpose does it have in the story? Does God seem wrong? Connecting scripture and life ■■ Can you think of a golden calf moment – a moment in Anxiety, fear, and a desire for quick solutions are an under- which people thought they did the right thing but did standable and common response to uncertain times. not – in today’s world? ■■ What are sources of anxiety and fear for your ■■ What type of leadership is needed for a community to community? remain faithful to the God of liberation? ■■ What are the sources of uncertainty in the world that evoke anxiety, fear, and a desire for simple answers? Psalm 106:1–6, 19–23 lifts Moses as a leader with moral ■■ Where do you see leadership reinforcing those fears, clarity who can remember God’s goodness and vision for and where do you see leadership challenging those humanity. fears? ■■ What does it mean that Moses stands in the breach? ■■ What might you as a community of faith do to address ■■ What might “righteousness at all times” look like? your fears? Focus for Worship, Learning, and Serving This week’s texts invite reflection on moments that that word aloud, with the emphasis on the first syllable. make us falter in our faith, the moments when our fear, For this action of putting and keeping the pieces, the however small, prevails over our instinct to do good. relationships, together is what it means to keep covenant: A crisis of memory is at work in the story from with God, with one another. Exodus. It raises the call to remember what it means What “re-members” you from individual believers to be God’s people. Faithful remembrance does not into the one Body of Christ? How might the Body of simply mean a recalling to mind. It leads to action – Christ then move into the community and demonstrate action that results, among other things, in putting that love that advocates on behalf of God? which is broken back together: re-membering. Say

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2020 89 Worship Outline • October 11, 2020 Living as a Liberation Community Prepare NOTE: All of these suggestions are mere starting points; adapt, delete, and add according to your local needs. ❑❑ Recruit volunteers needed for worship: five for the call to worship, two for bless. Music Suggestions ❑❑ Choose an option for hearing Exodus 32:1–14. For the As Long As We Follow/Na Nzela Na Lola Bible story, arrange for a storyteller to present “The Joseph Kabemba; Seasons Songbook, vol. 9 People Are Impatient” on p. 94. For the Dramatic retell- Fill Us, God ing, arrange for someone to present the paraphrased Gerry Holmes; Seasons Songbook, vol. 9 version “gods instead of God” (p. 93). In God We Live and Move ❑❑ Bring items for setting the worship space. Bruce Harding; Seasons Songbook, vol. 9 ❑❑ Bring a clock analogue or digital, clockwork or battery. The Anointing ❑❑ You might choose to print Truth Teller on or in your James Maher; Seasons Songbook, vol. 9 bulletin (in the Images to Project and Print folder). For All We Long For Trisha Watts; Seasons Songbook, vol. 6 background to the art and artist, see “Connecting with the Art” on p. 10. Be Still and Know John L. Bell and Graham Maule; Seasons Songbook, vol. 6 ❑❑ Bring song such as “As Long As We Follow/Na Nzela I Want Jesus to Go with Me Na Lola” (Seasons Songbook, vol. 9, #17 on Seasons Music African American Spiritual; Seasons Songbook, vol. 6 CD, vol. 9. Printed music and recording are also avail- If You Will Only Let God Guide You able at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www.seasonsonline. Georg Neumark; Seasons Songbook. vol. 4 ca). A chart that shows the licence holder(s) for each song in each of the 9 Seasons of ❑❑ Set stations as described on pp. 95–96. 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. Gather Call to worship Three: the Maker of Earth and Sky; One: Do you remember who first Four: the Ground of all Being; invited you to worship? Five: the God of Jesus, born of Mary; All: We come in praise for those All: we come to worship God who brought us here. in remembrance that leads to hope. One: Do you remember the first community of faithful ones you joined? Opening prayer Two: A nursery class who welcomed you Great God, with care and open arms? the beauty of creation reminds us of the beauty of Three: A youth group who accompanied you your way. with energy and open minds? Your teachings bind us together as pilgrims, Four: A small group meeting in someone’s home? on a common path towards abundant life for all. Five: A congregation, large or small, Your laws are sweeter than honey in a honeycomb. rural or urban, quiet folk or rowdy ones? Guide us towards your path, God, All: We come in praise for those and lead us away from dangerous roads, who meet and receive us here. so our words, and the meditations of our hearts One: Do you remember the God may always be acceptable to you, you have come to worship? our rock and our redeemer. Two: The One who delivered Israel from Egypt; Amen.

90 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2020 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019 Worship Outline • October 11, 2020 Prayer of confession failing to recognize your Spirit in our own being. Forgive us, God, when we forget you, Forgive us, O God. speaking and acting and organizing Amen. as though you are not here. Words of affirmation For still, we fashion our own deities God does not forget. to lead us on our way: God remembers – political ideologies and in doing so, that claim unquestioned allegiance; re-members us. material pursuits Re-members us with love, that calcify our devotion in commodities; that puts us back together – within and with others. religious self-righteousness Re-members us with grace, of the right or left that baptize our prejudices. that closes the door on fear and opens our lives to welcome – Forgive us, O God, when we forget you: and welcomed renewal. failing to see you in neighbour, God re-members us back to life. failing to care for you in creation, Engage Opening the word Invite them to tell what it was like waiting for time to pass Moving into Exodus 32:1–14 the focus scripture for age-level (either in the full community or in pairs or threes). materials in ENCORE Show clock (digital, analogue, clockwork or battery) and lis- Choose from the following. ten to it ticking, or watch the second hand moving, or wait for the next minute to turn over on a digital clock. Hide the clock Bible story Have a storyteller present the story “The People face. Explain to those gathered that on your word “Go,” they Are Impatient” (p. 94). are to put up their hands up when they think 15 seconds have Dramatic retelling Arrange for someone to present a dra- passed. Discourage counting. Try again with 30 seconds. matic reading of the paraphrased version of the story “gods Instead of God” (p. 93).

Invite children, young people, and all who wish to move to the stations. Others will remain seated for proclaiming the word. Respond After proclaiming the word, you might invite those who Let us remember in prayer those broken in body or mind or have not already done so to move to and around the stations, spirit: those who are ill and hospitalized, those treated for taking ten minutes or so with a chosen practice. cancer or other diseases, those who are depressed. (silent prayer) Sing or listen to a song such as “As Long As We Follow/Na Nzela Na Lola” as people gather together again (Seasons Song- Let us remember in prayer those whose brokenness is in book, vol. 9, #17 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 9. Printed music and relationship: with partner or child or parent, in vocation or recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www. friendship, estranged from hope or from God. (silent prayer) seasonsonline.ca). Let us remember in prayer the brokenness in creation: riv- Prayers of the people ers polluted and hillsides denuded; overabundance hoarded Let us remember in prayer those who suffer the brokenness and need ignored; for denial of natural crises. (silent prayer) of grief: of friends and loved ones who have died in this week, or in times more distant yet still fresh with pain and Let us remember in prayer the brokenness among nations longing. (silent prayer) and peoples: for growing accustomed to war; for achieving ends with violence; for demonizing those who differ from us. (silent prayer)

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2020 91 Worship Outline • October 11, 2020 And let us remember in prayer the one to whom we pray: Prayer of dedication or offering prayer whose way is love; whose wisdom is justice, Thank you, God, for these gifts; gifts that we now return to whose heart is compassion; whose promise and call is peace. you. May they be faithfully used for the building of your Remember us, O God, and make us whole. kin-dom here on Earth. Amen. Bless

A litany of blessing based on Philippians 4:1–9 whatever is commendable: One: Whatever is true, Two: Remember these things. whatever is honourable, All: Do these things. whatever is just: Two: remember these things. One: Rejoice in God. All: Do these things. Two: Help one another. All: Trust that the peace of God, One: Whatever is pure, which surpasses all understanding, whatever is pleasing, will keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Special Days Commentary

October 11 – Simchat Torah (Judaism) music, sometimes even a little schnapps, and most import- Simchat Torah is one of those times during the Jewish year antly reading of the last portion of Deuteronomy and the that Jews are expected to P-A-R-T-Y. Simcha means “joy” first part of Genesis – keeping the circle complete. We finish or “celebration” and the Torah is the embodiment of Jew- and then begin each year again because we believe that we ish learning and teaching. During the year, the Pentateuch must continue to turn to the Torah over and over again, for (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) everything is contained in it. is split up into 39 separate portions. One portion is read Rabbi Adam Morris lives in Denver, Colorado, and serves as a consultant each week beginning in Genesis sometime in September or to the Seasons of the Spirit editorial team. He also answers questions October and ending about a year later. The point between posed to “Ask the Rabbi” at www.seasonsonline.ca. the beginning and ending point is the Celebration of Torah or Simchat Torah. It falls on the eighth day after the seven October 16 – World Food Day days of Sukkot (see Leviticus 23:36). World Food Day marks the founding of the United Nations’ The culmination of the intense High Holyday season, Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in 1945. Many this day celebrates Torah as the dynamic tool of survival of churches and communities use this day (or the Sunday prior) the Jewish people. Simchat Torah celebrations include dan- as an opportunity to highlight issues of hunger, agriculture, cing with the scrolls of the Torah around the synagogue, and land use and development.

Exodusgods 32:1–14 Insteadparaphrased of God Sandy Dodson

Moses had climbed up a mountain to talk with God. He was God saw what is going on. (The very thing the people of taking longer than seemed reasonable. The people of Israel Israel had been warned not to do – to have no carved gods became impatient, irritated, edgy, so they sought out Aaron, of any size or shape, and not bow down to them nor serve Moses’ associate. them – was happening [Exodus 20:1–6].) God was angry. “Go down at once! Your people whom you brought up from the “Hey, we think Moses, the leader who brought us out of land of Egypt have made a mess of things!” Egypt, isn’t coming back. You need to do something! Make gods for us so they can lead us.” Yahweh wanted to do away with them and give Moses another people to lead. (Moses could have had a dictator’s “Okay,” said Aaron. “Take off all the gold rings that adorn dream – a nation for himself! But that was not Moses’ way.) the ears of your wives, sons, and daughters. Bring them to me.” This they did, and Aaron formed the jewellery into a Moses met God’s wrath with calming words. golden calf, a young bull. The people were ecstatic. They “Why, God, would you lose your temper with your people? needed the assurance of something they could see. You have done so much for them. You have shown your power and strength to those ruling in Egypt. Why let the “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up from Egyptians say, ‘Their God had it in for them – brought them Egypt!” out so they could be killed in the mountains.’ Turn away from your anger, God.” When Aaron heard this, he set to building an altar in front of the calf because there would be a worship service to honour And God was sorry. God’s mind was changed. Yahweh first thing the next day. And so it happened. Early in the morning, the people brought offerings to the altar. They Spoiler alert: In the verses to follow, Moses descends from sat down to eat and drink and proceeded to party. the mountain and becomes furious with Aaron and the Is- raelites. gods instead of God are not okay. It gets ugly.

BasedThe on Exodus People 32:1–14 Are Impatient

oses had gone up the mountain to talk with God. that might have been useful.) Aaron worked hard, and the Leading the people of Israel to a new land and a people watched eagerly to see what he would do. Mnew life was not easy. The people often grumbled At last, he was finished. He had made a golden calf. and complained and wondered if Moses knew what he was The people crowded around to look at it. They thought doing. Moses would listen to God to find out where to go that it was beautiful, and they began to pray to the calf and and what to do next. Moses was away for a long time, and bring presents to it. They were worshipping the calf. “This the people were becoming impatient. What would they do is the God who brought us out of Egypt!” they said. Aaron if Moses didn’t come back? They weren’t going to wait any made a stone platform, put the calf on it and announced a longer. They talked to one another and decided to go and festival the next day to praise God. The people had a party. speak to Aaron. They asked Aaron to make a god who would They ate and drank and had a happy time. lead them to their destination. They didn’t know how Aaron God was angry! God had sent a message with Moses, would do it, but Moses had made Aaron leader for the time just a little while ago, that the people should be worshipping Moses was away, so they were confident that he would think the one true God. Moses wanted to protect the people and of something. asked God to stop being so angry and remember that these Aaron sent them away and said that he would call them are the people God had brought out of slavery in Egypt. back in a short time. Aaron thought for a while and then Moses also reminded God of the promises God had made had an idea. He asked the people to collect gold jewellery to Abraham. God had promised Abraham that they would from their family members – rings, necklaces, earrings, and have many descendants, as many as stars in the sky and bracelets. The people were excited. At last, someone was that they would have land – a place to call home. Moses going to help them so that they could move on. They rushed asked God to calm down and forgive the people. around, collected the jewellery, and took the items back to This was a hard time for Moses. What would happen? Aaron. Aaron had some special tools with him. (Remember Fortunately, God’s mind was changed. Moses was they were on a long journey, so people had taken tools very pleased and went back to the people and reminded them again that they must follow God.

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

Bible story Materials recording of today’s story The practice of storytelling “The People Are Impatient,” player, Directions paper or drawing pads, crayons, pen- 1. Listen to the story “The People Are Impatient.” cils, a copy of the directions displayed 2. Use the art supplies to write or draw your response to the story. where all can see; alternatively, arrange for a storyteller to present the story

94 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2020 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019 Stations • October 11, 2020 Living, Learning, Growing as Disciples The following stations might be set up around your worship space or in other For your convenience, instructions are formatted places around the church. Choose one or more practices, depending on your for printing and available in the Stations folder. space and numbers. Display the directions.

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.

Spirit of freedom, your invitation to a life of liberation never ceases. Affirming church leaders Materials blank notecards or con- The practice of caring for others struction paper in many colours, scis- Directions sors, glue, coloured pencils and mark- 1. Make a quick list of the pastors/ministers in your congregation – you should also ers, envelopes, stickers for decorating include laypeople with leading roles, such as the church secretary, sexton/property cards/envelopes, a copy of the direc- officer, and the leaders of church councils and committees. tions displayed where all can see 2. Create cards and write notes of affirmation for these church leaders. Affirm their gifts and include personal notes about the difference they’ve made in your spiritual Suitable for life and to the church community more broadly. Use your creativity and add a few all ages visual elements (drawings or simple images like hearts or crosses) to your cards. Decorate the envelopes, too. Make sure everyone on your list will receive at least one note from the people at this station.

Working with clay Materials self-hardening moulding The practice of valuing you clay, copy of the directions displayed Directions where all can see 1. The story of the golden calf reveals that who we are and what we do matters to God, and to ourselves. To make self-hardening clay, 2. Ponder how you use your talents and abilities to show God’s love, harmony, friend- mix 1 L/4 cups of flour, 5 ml/1 ship in the world. tsp of alum, 375 ml/1½ cups salt 3. Give thanks for the person you are. together in a bowl. Gradually add 4. Shape the moulding clay into an example of your loving actions. 375 ml/1½ cups of water until the 5. Create a display for the whole congregations to see. mixture is smooth and no longer falls apart. Store in the refriger- ator in sealed plastic. Bring clay to room temp for easy use. Leave finished article to dry for two days.

Suitable for all ages

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2020 95 Stations • October 11, 2020 Golden idols Materials Bibles, copies of “gods in- The practice of confession stead of God” (p. 93) and “The People Directions Are Impatient” (p. 94), sheer type gold Definition of idol: Any object of ardent or excessive devotion or admiration. fabric (approximately 50 cm/20 in 1. Read Exodus 32:1–14 story, or the paraphrased story “gods instead of God,” or the square); box containing a cell phone, Bible story “The People Are Impatient.” Choose according to the vocabulary and tablet, pretend paper and coin money, writing style that best suits you. an article of status clothing, fake dia- 2. Reflect quietly or talk with another/others at this station on these questions: mond ring, a pretend diploma from ■■ In this story, what are the examples of what people admired or trusted most? a prestigious university; construction ■■ What are idols people may have today? paper; scissors; pens/pencils; a copy ■■ What is it about these things that make them appealing? of the directions displayed where all 3. Look into the box. On pieces of construction paper, write the names of things that can see you identified as today’s idols that are not in the box. Scatter the slips of paper and “idols” from the box on a table. Suitable for ages 6–adult 4. Begin to build a sculpture of idols. Once everyone has had a chance to contribute, cover the sculpture with a gold translucent fabric. 5. Pray: Holy One, we get distracted, and our focus shifts from you to material things and wants. We are sorry for these times and attitudes. Forgive us. Help us stay focused on your loving power that cannot be broken, stolen, or replaced. Amen. 6. Re-locate the sculpture into the sanctuary space as a conversation starter. Songfest Materials Bibles or copies of Philip- The practice of singing our faith pians 4:1–9, Songs and Prayers from Directions Taizé (GIA Publications, Inc. Chicago, 1. In Philippians 4:1–9, this week’s reading from the letters, Paul addresses the entire IL, 199), assorted hymnals familiar to community with reminders of what is possible and expected through God’s love. group, music accompanist to play or Verses 4–9 are filled with sentiments found in songs. lead singing (option) 2. Slowly skim the verses for words and phrases that call to mind a certain song or Suitable for hymn. For example, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice”, is a popular ages 10–adult song. There are several songs from the Taizé Community that embody the sentiments of Philippians 4:4–9. 3. This is an opportunity to learn new music and revisit familiar meditative prayers. Option You might have a community sing-along, receiving suggestions from the group. Or introduce newfound songs/hymns into worship over the coming weeks. Stepping into the breach Materials Bibles or copies of Exodus The practice of social action 32:1–14 and Psalm 106:1–6, 19–23, a Directions roll of brown craft paper fixed to the 1. Read Exodus 32:1–14 and Psalm 106:1–6, 19–23. Pay close attention to verse 23. wall (alternatively, lay it out on the 2. Spend a few moments thinking about this week’s news or looking through the floor or table); markers; copies of re- news items displayed. cent newspapers, news magazines, or ■■ What breaches or breaks do you see happening in your local community or a tablet with access to the Internet for around the world? searching through the news; a copy ■■ Where are the areas of tension? of the directions displayed where all ■■ Who is being marginalized or forgotten? can see ■■ Who is standing on each side of the breach? Draw a brick wall on the craft paper. 3. Reflect on how you might step into one of these breaches to protect or defend marginalized people. What action can you take to fill the breach? Suitable for 4. On the brick wall that is drawn on the craft paper, write one action you can take ages 12–adult this week to symbolize stepping into the breach like Moses in today’s readings from Exodus and the book of Psalms.

96 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2020 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019 Children's Activity Leaflet • October 15, 2017 Directions Children's Activity Leaflet • October 11, 2020 God cares about what we do and create how we express our feelings. • Print “God Cares” along the story top of your plate. Moses and the Dancing • Decorate your plate with markers. Golden Calf time plates • Punch holes along the bottom of each plate and tie lengths Based on Exodus 32:1–14 You will needa sturdy paper plate, 5 of ribbon through the holes. Up, up, up the mountain Moses “What are you doing?” Moses asked lengths of curling ribbon. • Curl the ribbon using scissor hiked. Moses had an important the people. blades. job to do. Moses was leading the • Shake your plates and dance people to a new and better land, “We were waiting and waiting for your feelings as you think and that wasn’t always easy. Now you to come back. We needed to talk about God’s love. Moses wanted to talk with God. with God, too, but we did not know what God looked like… We decided While Moses was on the moun- to make a god. We made this beauti- tain praying with God, he felt that ful golden calf.” something was happening with the people. Moses wasn’t sure what, but Moses knew that this was not the way he had a feeling that he needed to be to talk with God. Moses said to his back with them. So Moses started to friends “Take away this golden calf! walk back down the mountain. This is not God’s way. We can pray to God anywhere, at any time. God Down, down, down hiked Moses. It listens. God cares a lot about what was a long way down. The path was we do and wants what is best for us.” very steep. Moses had to walk care- fully so that he didn’t slip. As Moses The people felt very sorry for what reached the bottom of the mountain, they had done. They realized that he could hear the sounds of music. And Moses could see something what they did mattered to God. glittering in the sun. It was a calf made of gold. Moses didn’t know This made Moses smile. what this meant, but he was worried.

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2017 4 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2017 1 4 CopyrightSeasons of © the Wood Spirit™ Lake SeasonsFUSION Publishing Inc. Season 2016 of Creation • Pentecost 2 2020 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSIONCopyright Season © Wood of Creation Lake Publishing • Pentecost Inc. 2 2016 20201 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019 activity Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2013 Lake Publishing Wood © Copyright ActivityOctober • Sheet 12, 2014 Circle some of the things you do to show God’s love, then use markers and pencils to decorate the page. the decorate to and pencils then markers use love, God’s show do to you some things the of Circle SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2014 Seasons • Pentecost of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation God’s love goes on and on, and we can show God’s love when we... when love God’s show can we and on, and on goes love God’s 104 God’s love goes on and on, on, and on goes love God’s when we… love God’s show can we and love, show do God’s to you some things of the (Circle page.) the then use markers decorate pencils and to

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2017 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2017 2 Seasons of the Spirit™SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2020 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 20203 2 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 20163 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019