spill the beans worship and learning resources for all ages issue 12 trinity and pentecost 15 june 2014 to 14 september 2014

A lectionary-based resource with a Scottish flavour for Sunday Schools, Junior Churches spillbeans.org.uk and Worship Leaders © 2014 Spill the Beans Resource Team trinity & pentecost 2014 1 ethos statement ethos There is a particular ethos behind this Then each activity is simply a way to in the Bible? Stories don’t exist on their material: it’s all about story. When we engage the story and enable children own but in a diverse web, each feeding spill the beans about anything, we tell the and adults to imbed the story, capturing the other. different aspects of it, highlighting story of what happened and we share the We believe that as we grow we reflect different images that help us hold the story of what that means for us. in different ways on the faith stories we story in our beings. We believe story is the lifeblood of faith. hold. Our idea is to invest these stories In story we can tell the truth and speak But we believe these faith stories ought in people, offering each as a gift of faith. with honesty about things for which there to be able to mingle with our own life The story may be understood in a literal are not yet words. Story contains mystery stories, our day-to-day experiences. So as way during younger years, then with and is the poetry that forms faith. Stories activities are engaged, it is important to questions about their historical accuracy grow as we grow and can reveal new ask people to retell the faith story along as people move into teenage years and truths at different times in our lives. with their own story of that week. It’s the then move into a third stage where we tangle of life stories with faith stories that hear the story again for the first time, but So we believe giving stories to people perhaps make both real. this time holding the meaning, the deep is one of the most important things we down truth in the story that helps it shape can do in sharing our faith. Children and We believe one story is the lens through our living and how we understand and adults hold stories in their being and keep which we hear other stories. Faith engage with the world in justice and in coming back to them throughout life. Our narratives create a web: if we think about grace. Story holds the faith more honestly culture is stored in story. The same is true water, then what other stories involving and in a much deeper way than any creed for our faith. water do we find in the Bible; if we are and doctrine. reflecting on forgiveness, what other We believe in telling story. This material is stories of forgiveness can we hear. During Join us and spill the beans. simply the retelling of our faith stories. activities the question ought to be asked: It always starts with the story each week. does this story remind you of other stories spill the beans team The team producing this issue included: Key to Abbreviations Shirley Billes Tina Kemp In the worship ideas section the following Keith Blackwood Bryan Kerr abbreviations are used: Stephen Brown Caryl Kyle CG Common Ground Ruth Burgess Jo Love CH4 Church Hymnary, 4th Edition Liz Crumlish Sandi McGill CH3 Church Hymnary, 3rd Edition Stewart Cutler John Murning JP Junior Praise Shuna Dicks Scott Paget MP Mission Praise Jonathan Fleming Lyn Peden SGP Songs of God’s People Peter Gardner Barbara Ann Sweetin WGRG Wild Goose Resource Group Roddy Hamilton Julie Woods Karen Harbison For more information and extra Roy Henderson materials, join us on the Peter Johnston Spill the Beans blog: http://spillbeans.org.uk

2 spill the beans, issue 12 introductions using spill the beans contents Welcome to the twelfth issue of the website for information about what we ongoing experiment called ‘Spill the plan to do for the next cycle. Page Beans’. This wee local idea has grown As ever, in this issue there is an extensive Through the Season Notes 4 somewhat as a group of people from collection of things to use each week. the Church of Scotland and other Sunday 15 June 2014 (Trinity) 8 Each piece is written with specific denominations have got together congregations in mind rather than some Sunday 22 June 2014 (Pentecost 2) 17 to explore Bible passages and write average congregation. Thus there may be worship and learning resources for their Sunday 29 June 2014 (Pentecost 3) 25 the need to be a little creative yourselves own congregations and then make in adapting and evolving some of the Sunday 6 July 2014 (Pentecost 4) 32 them available as a gift to others. Over ideas to suit your own place and culture 350 congregations have joined this Sunday 13 July 2014 (Pentecost 5) 39 and congregation. That is a good thing. experiment. Sunday 20 July 2014 (Pentecost 6) 47 Of course, if you are creative and you’d This issue marks the end of a complete like to share what you have done, then Sunday 27 July 2014 (Pentecost 7) 55 cycle through the Revised Common we have a place for that on our Blog Sunday 3 August 2014 (Pentecost 8) 62 Lectionary by the team. We will make all (http://spillbeans.org.uk). There you’ll find the previous issues available as a pack in Sunday 10 August 2014 (Pentecost 9) 70 PowerPoint backgrounds for most weeks, the future, but we are (at the time of this a live discussion of the passages for that Sunday 17 August 2014 (Pentecost 10) 78 writing) thinking about what to do for the week and how we might be able to adapt next few years. Please keep an eye on the Sunday 24 August 2014 (Pentecost 11) 86 and recreate what has been suggested. Sunday 31 August 2014 (Pentecost 12) 95 Sunday 7 Sept 2014 (Pentecost 13) 104 worship ideas Sunday 14 Sept 2014 (Pentecost 14) 112 Extra Resources and Activity Sheets 121 These are a few ideas that possibly expand Each week we provide a selection of upon the story offering words, phrases, words, ideas and creative moments to take poetry and ideas that could be used in the theme and the passage a little further. some way in worship. They are not to be We do not provide a ready made service or used exactly as they are but ought to be perfect prayers but ideas and pointers that edited and expanded to suit the culture of hopefully scratch at your own creativity your own faith community. and provoke heaven’s imagination within you. age group ideas Here are some helpful tips to guide you in 5. Use the gathering time exercise to 9. The intention is not to complete “the your use of the material in age groups: get into the story. Begin with a circle task” brilliantly, but rather to provide where the whole Sunday School is opportunities to begin conversations, 1. It presumes some introduction to the together and do this activity together build relationships, retell the story of story will have taken place in worship (gathering time). the day, and talk about what it might together or will play a part in the have felt like then and what it means service when children join it later. 6. Then retell the story together (it for us today. should have been told already in 2. Depending on the make-up of your worship if you begin together there). 10. There are numerous websites that own groups of children you will need will provide handout type sheets that to remain flexible in how you use the 7. Follow that by choosing as many or will have images, crosswords and material. as few activities your space and time wordsearches for the themes of these allow. You could offer a number of 3. Each idea has been given a guide weeks. While helpful in a pinch, try activities each at different stations age range to help your planning, but not to rely on these! all at the same time for all ages to this is only a guide and your own self-select with a teacher staffing each circumstances may make certain one, or have traditional classes. crafts or activities more or less successful. 8. During activities, ask children to retell the story to you and ask about their 4. Before the sit-down activities if you week, what was happy and what was have a group of young children or lots sad and if this week’s story reminds of boys, you may want to add a run- them of other biblical and personal around type game to expend some stories. energy. trinity & pentecost 2014 3 through the season through the season Introduction In this section you will find some ideas In as many of the stations as possible, it The Seven Stations for scene-setting activities and a weekly is suggested that the simplest way is to Day 1 visual focus as you move through the build on what you already have in the season. church, for example the “water” station Theme: Light should be laid out around the font, where Keywords: light, reflection These ideas are provided for you to use people are familiar with the sign of water. and adapt depending on the size, shape Situation: Near lectern from which Bible Each station has a small installation and an is read, or in front of brightest and layout of your worship space and action. whether you have access to or expertise window in the sanctuary. in using projected images and audiovisual Remind people that there is no hurry and Installation: On pages of an old bible, or elements. they can take their time to do the action, several old bibles, mark every reflect and pray. Give lots of time for this time light is referred to in a These ideas provide possible ways of during the service. If possible it would be significant way, e.g. Genesis linking all the weeks together which can good to have someone at each station to 1:3, Exodus 16:7, Psalm 27:1, be a helpful reminder to people of the assist those who want to use the station. Psalm 119: 105, Isaiah 9:2, thread of the story and the key aspects Matthew 5:14, John 1:5, John being focused on during worship. Genesis Through the Season: 8:12, 2 Corinthians 4:6, 1 John Genesis A Possible Timetable. 1:5. There are many more. We have tried to match one of the seven Use a bright highlighter! Trinity to Pentecost 7 stations with the theme of the readings for Then cut the pages out of the Introduction the next few weeks. Bible and using clothes pegs or mini bulldog clips (Tiger is On Trinity Sunday the focus is Genesis 1:1- This might be helpful or you might find a a good source for these) hang 2:4a, the whole of Creation in one Sunday, better way to link them together if you use on a line like a washing line, Genesis gave us six days, how can it all be the stations throughout the next season so that people can read them. covered in one? to Pentecost 7. Have small 5 c.m. squares of silver foil, acetate or spotlight It’s too much for us really, a bit mind Sunday 15 June Day 1 or All Seven Days gels in baskets beside the line blowing, so we suggest that you do Sunday 22 June Day 5 of pages. something a little different on 15 June and set up stations around the church so that Sunday 29 June Day 2 Action: Invite people to read the the congregation can spend a little time at Sunday 6 July Day 6 or Day 7, illuminated pages and attach one, a few or all of the stations and reflect depending on whether foil/acetate/light gels to on Creation and the Trinitarian Creator of your theme is rest or a the words they would like it all. The seven stations follow the Genesis call to action to reflect or be seen in their pattern of seven days. A suggestion is lives. that you then use the seven stations to Sunday 13 July Day 3 Alternative: If you are going to use this spread the story over each Sunday for the Sunday 20 July Day 4 station as the only station on following weeks. 15 June, perhaps you could Sunday 27 July Day 7 or Day 6, pick out other words from the Of course, creating all seven stations for see 6 July above creation story in Genesis 1:1- the first Sunday, 15 June, would create a 2:4a and follow them through really memorable service. It would also the bible, highlighting be a lot of work, even if you were able to them and hanging them on leave the stations in place to introduce different lines of string. You the theme of worship over the next few could use different ways for weeks. people to mark the words’ There is an alternative suggestion for 15 significance; for Water, a June of a single station or installation drop of coloured water on which will be found on Day 1. You could the page; for soil, something then add each station as suggested on a brown, or a leaf; for Seasons, later Sunday. a date from a calendar and so on.

4 spill the beans, issue 12 through the season

Day 2 Day 4 Day 6 Theme: Water and Sky Theme: Seasons, Sun and Moon Theme: Animals and People Keywords: water, clean, thirst, drink, rain Keywords: harvest, timing, seasons, Keywords: diversity, footprint, mark Situation: Around the font which waiting, growing making should be filled with water. Situation: Near Church noticeboards. Situation: Inside the front door of the Installation: Arrange an area with as many Installation: Hang together on a wall, church. glass bowls, glass jugs as you or lay on a table as many Installation: Tape large sheets of white can gather, filled with cold different calendars as paper to the floor. Draw water and clear plastic cups you can find (solar, lunar, animal footprints on them for full of drinking water. You will church calendars), diaries, folk to identify. It would be need towels for people to dry journals, your church rotas, good if it was placed where their hands. any timetables. If you are people would walk over Action: Invite people to dip their involved in planning for a it, leaving their own dirty hands in the bowls and let big event, for example in UK footprints. the water run off their fingers, Commonwealth Games, have Action: Invite people to draw round listen to the sound, feel that marked. Place clocks theirs, or identify theirs. the flow. Sip from the cups, ticking nearby. One wall What mark will you leave on look at the light, refection planner/calendar should be creation? unfilled. and refraction and rejoice Prayer: Look back and see the marks because of the gift of water. Action: Invite people to mark a made and thank God for date on which they will Day 3 them all, pray that the marks do something significant, you leave on creation will be Theme: Land and Plants celebrate something, visit for the good of all. Keywords: earth, land, plants, life someone, forgive someone or Day 7 Situation: An aisle where people have make something. Theme: Sabbath to walk, so that a path is Day 5 made in the soil. Keywords: completed, looking back, Theme: Birds (and Fish) Installation: Spread soil/potting compost resting Keywords: valued, noticed, loved, never on the ground (use paper Situation: Centre of the church, chance ignored or polythene to protect the or best pew (often the back floor, if necessary, if you fee Situation: In the quietest, most ignored one!). corner of church, often it it will be too messy for your Installation: Make a circle of your most is where the junk gathers, situation). The wider the area comfortable seats, all looking everyone has one. the more effective, make sure outward towards the rest there is a defined border, like Installation: Place flocks of little birds on of the church and the other a coast or a field. If you want the floor. See template for stations, add cushions, to develop this idea, a roll of printing 4 per A4 page on pillows, footstools. If there turf (easily purchased from page 122. There should be are pews everywhere, make a garden centre) could form enough birds so that there this in the chancel or make a path. Have someone offer are two for each person in the sure this is one padded pew handfuls of seeds for people congregation. where the rest of the church to sow. Action: Write on one of the birds can be seen. If you have Action: Walk the path or across the something that you value in lots of children and a young soil and sow some seeds. yourself or in someone else. church, cushions would work If you want more detailed Take one to keep with you as well. activity, use large seeds, through the service. Either Action: Sit and take your ease, talk pumpkin or sunflower they could be taken home or to the other people sitting perhaps, and invite people brought back to the flock as around telling them what to write a word they feel has part of an offering prayer. you love about your church been sown in their souls or building and about your that they would like to sow in favourite place in the whole the world then to plant their world. seed in the soil.

trinity & pentecost 2014 5 through the season through the season Pentecost 8-14 Piecing Together The Kingdom Introduction For Pentecost 8-14 we suggest using a large jigsaw map of the world in various stages of completion. These can be used as a visual stimulus during this second part of the season to give a focus on a different aspect of the Kingdom of God each week, as described in Matthew’s gospel. This could be an ongoing project for a group or someone within the church to complete the relevant parts of the puzzle in preparation for the next week. There are many different jigsaw puzzles of the world—ranging from simple ones suitable for children to monstrous 2000 piece puzzles to spherical puzzleballs if you want a different challenge—available from online sellers like Amazon. Weekly Suggestions 3 Aug Pentecost 8 Story: Matthew 14:13-21 10 Aug Pentecost 9 17 Aug Pentecost 10 Title: Pieces of Pieces Story: Matthew 14:22-33 Story: Matthew 15:21-28 Jigsaw: Broken up jigsaw Title: Doon the Water Title: Broken Borders pieces Jigsaw: Oceans and seas Jigsaw: Borders between Introduce the idea of the jigsaw countries Complete the parts of the jigsaw this week and how it all begins that reveal the oceans and seas Depending on the size of with a mess of broken pieces, all (this will be the hardest part). your puzzle, try to define as of which have a place and will many of the borders between fit somewhere but it is hard to The unfathomable chaos countries as possible. This will see how and where at this early for ancient people is often be easier with large puzzles stage. represented as the sea, yet this with many pieces. If you are not holds no barrier for Jesus, even This picks up on the image using a puzzle that allows such amidst storm and trouble, and from this week’s reading of the definition, then complete the neither should it for those who basketfuls of broken pieces whole puzzle and use masking trust Jesus. gathered after the multitude had tape (easily removable) or pins eaten. and wool to define some of the borders between countries. You could talk about how borders have changed over the years, they have not stayed static. Jesus pushes the boundaries and cultural borders in this week’s story.

6 spill the beans, issue 12 through the season

24 Aug Pentecost 11 7 Sept Pentecost 13 Story: Matthew 16:13-20 Story: Matthew 18:15-20 Title: All in a Name? Title: A Place of Peace Jigsaw: Names of countries Jigsaw: Areas of conflict (and how they have Identify on the jigsaw map those changed) areas of the world where conflict If your puzzle is not completed, is currently taking place and then just complete those where some are striving to work countries whose names you want towards peace. to illustrate have changed. A list of places where armed You could use Post-It notes conflicts are ongoing is available over different countries with at http://en.wikipedia.org/ their former names or identities wiki/List_of_ongoing_armed_ written on the note, hiding the conflicts. current name. Make it a quiz to How does the church model see who can remember former methods of conflict resolution? names. A long list of these changes can be found here: 14 Sept Pentecost 14 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Story: Matthew 18:21-35 Geographical_renaming. Title: Foundations of Forgiveness How have perceptions of Jesus Jigsaw: The complete whole changed? Has his title changed? jigsaw map How do we answer his question, “Who do you say I am?” This week complete the map, or if you had already done 31 Aug Pentecost 12 this previously, remove all the Story: Matthew 16:21-28 additions (boundaries, areas of Title: Costly Integrity conflict, name changes, and so Jigsaw: Persecuted areas of the on) so that all that remains is the world complete map. Illustrate on the jigsaw map A fresh start. Forgiven and free. those areas of the world where Christians know persecution. A list of candidate countries can be found here: https://www. opendoorsusa.org/persecution/ about-persecution. Following Jesus does not guarantee an easy life, nor did Jesus ever intimate that it would.

trinity & pentecost 2014 7 sunday 15 june 2014

trinity the first dawn sunday 15 june 2014 genesis 1:1-2:4a

Genesis 1:1-2:4a Psalm 8 bible notes 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Universal Selfies and Co-Workers Matthew 28:16-20 In March scientists from the Harvard- story we are familiar with as a ‘Hymn Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics of Praise’—a poem that illustrates the brought us the news that they had magnificence of God at the heart of discovered that the Universe had sent creation. As we read the Bible, letting the a message about its own existence and ‘Word of God’ speak to us, then it becomes particularly its formation. Described as clearer that rather than a random “like a message from the dawn of time” collection of ideas and unconnected it was said to be a ground-breaking teaching, the Genesis story is part of a big discovery giving a glimpse into how story that helps us celebrate the wonder the universe was born. Some described of creation and human life, and allows us In Genesis 1:26 we are given further this as the universe sending out its very to understand our place in it. notice of the activity of a God who is not own “Selfie”—a self-portrait of its early a single dimension but who is ‘many’ The verses from Genesis 1:1-2:4a provide moments. dimensions. “Let us make humankind us with an account of how an ancient in our image, according to our likeness.” This breakthrough will undoubtedly be people made sense of the messages they These plural references may refer to useful to all of us someday in widening were hearing from the universe. They other collaborations, but the point is our understanding of the world, but did very well to understand that in these they confirm the activity of God who is our theological understanding informs messages was something more than just multifaceted, and they sit well with the us that the universe has actually been a message from the flora and fauna, the Trinitarian understanding that informs our sending messages about itself for a very endless sky and ocean depths. These own post Easter resurrection faith today. long time and continues to do so today ancient people recognised a voice that we in many different ways. Throughout the call “God”. The story of creation is permeated with history of humanity, different cultures layer upon layer of anecdote emphasising The story tells us that God did, and does (from the moment the ability to ‘reason’ the importance of relationship. We have not, work alone. Appropriately on this and ‘formulate’ ideas into beliefs became the relationship of God, Spirit and Son Trinity Sunday we see that creation possible), have recognised the planet, (Trinity), and the relationship between originates and is established by God who nature and the universe sending out this God and all living things. It is when is ably supported by the Holy Spirit, the messages from the very core of its we appreciate what it means to say we ‘wind of God’. While not finding mention existence. Over time cultures, tribes, and each have the ‘likeness’ of God in us that of the second person of the Trinity, Jesus, faiths have discussed, argued over, and we truly understand the significance of in this account, we recognise the inherent formed conclusions on ‘big picture’ and living well together, and taking care of connection with the Gospel of John where ‘small picture’ matters as the universe has each other. The Bible’s story of creation it is established that this second person spoken. demands we become ‘co-workers’ with of the Trinity was and is with God in all his God in the ongoing activity of creation The creation stories we are familiar with in creativity. “In the beginning was the Word, with a focus on both the environment and Genesis sit neatly alongside many other and the Word was with God, and the Word all the people who inhabit it. such creation stories. Some describe the was God.” (John 1:1). 8 spill the beans, issue 12 the first dawn the story Before The Beginning For seven voices, each voice reading a In the beginning God made the heavens In the beginning and in the making line from each stanza, repeating the Stars God smiled same pattern. Planets God hoped Before the beginning Suns God listened Nothing Black holes God risked No light Galaxies God saw No warmth You really went for it God! God saw that everything that was made No stars was good. In the beginning God made the earth Nothing Water In the beginning God made the heavens Impossible to imagine really! and the earth and then God rested Land A day off At the beginning God Vegetation A breather God Almighty? Birds and animals A walk in the garden God Pre-existent? Fish A chat with the neighbours God Omniscient? Love the butterflies God! A dream for tomorrow God Omnipotent? In the beginning God made people Life for the world. God Omnipresent? A man and a woman God getting ready to get things done. Made in God’s likeness In the beginning God the creator People who could create God the maker People who could dream God the imaginer People who could be loving God the dreamer You made us like you God. God the designer God the artist You are quite someone God!

Retelling For Young People Stories Of Beginnings Read The Creation by Johnson. Genesis 1 v1-2v4a. Perform it for the congregation at the close of the In the bible it says that God made us to There are lots and lots of stories about service. how the world was made. Some of the be makers ourselves. God made us able to stories were not written down to begin dream and draw and tell stories and have Some Creation Stories great ideas. with, people remembered them and told Genesis (in The Message version) them to each other and to their children. Suggested Activities Developing available on line from www. Some of the stories were later written biblegateway.org. down and we find two of them at the From The Story start of the bible. • Imagining new plants and animals and The Creation by James Weldon Johnson naming them available on line at http://www.poets. One of the stories in the bible imagines org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15589. God making a world out of nothing and • Imagining new stars and planets doing it in six days and then having a rest The Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling. • Art work on the seventh day. The Labour Of Love by Kathy Galloway, • Mobiles of planets and stars Read the Message version of creation a creation story linked to the birth of a Genesis 1:1-2:4a. • Listen to parts of The Planets Suite by child. Gustav Holst A man called James Weldon Johnson Seven Hard Days, a script by John Bell wrote a poem about creation which talks • Develop a sound track with voices and Graham Maule. about God being lonely and creating the and musical instruments and sounds The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint- world. to go with the message version of Exupery describes a number of worlds.

trinity & pentecost 2014 9 sunday 15 june 2014 worship ideas Through the Season Prayer of Adoration Prayer for Others and Please visit pages 4 and 5 where you will and Confession Ourselves find ideas that can be used to help set Heavenly Father, Earth was a soup of nothingness, the scene throughout this season either we gather here a bottomless emptiness, with a one-off special this week with as your people, an inky blackness... seven stations representing seven days of as one people, then you brought light! creation or as a start of a visual and active as one family… And yet there are so many stimulus that will continue for the next We come connected who remain trapped in dark places. seven weeks. by the cords of your creation. May the light of hope shine in the hearts Gathering Activity From nothing, you brought beauty; of the depressed and brokenhearted. and from chaos, you brought wonder. May a spark reignite a flame of justice Have pieces of nature (pebbles, leaves, You crafted time and space for the oppressed and marginalised. bits of bark, twigs, feathers, and so on) in in which we continue to take our place a basket and offer everyone something as You spoke: “Separate! as your people and stewards they come in. Encourage discussion about Water-beneath-Heaven, of your creation. what they have and what is beautiful gather into one place; about it. But we are not always effective stewards... Land, appear!” And there it was. Pause Call to Worship You named the land Earth Creation: When we use our hands and the pooled water Ocean. to harm and rip apart the moon, the stars, And yet there are many who thirst. instead of healing and planting, forgive us. the sun, the sky, May the parched lands be soaked When we use our words to destroy the hills, the seas, with water and prosperity. instead of building up, forgive us. beauty abounds before our eyes. May all who work tirelessly When we simply do nothing to bring water to those without Gather round when your world needs action, forgive us. as we come before our Creator God, be strengthened and inspired maker of all we see and hear, Pause in all they do for the needy. smell and touch. We gather in your name, You spoke: “Earth, green up! Gather round Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Grow all varieties as we wonder again Help us to move from this time, forgiven. of seed-bearing plants, at our story of creation. Like a father forgives their wayward child. every sort of fruit-bearing tree.” Fill us with a spirit of joy, hope And there it was. Responses and preparedness Earth produced green seed-bearing for the journey you call us to take plants, all varieties, Leader: Father God of Creation in this world prepared for us. and fruit-bearing trees of all sorts. All: we wonder at your handiwork. Triune God, hear our prayers. And yet there are many who hunger. Leader: Son of the Creator We pray for all in lands So be it. All: we wonder at your example. with little or no vegetation, Amen. Leader: Creative Spirit for all who cannot afford to feed All: we wonder at your power. Prayer of Dedication themselves or their families whether across our globe Leader: Holy Creating Trinity Creator God, or around the corner. All: we bow down we bring before you these gifts We pray for the ongoing work of in wonder and awe. of ourselves and of our resources. foodbanks across this land Charge us to use these offerings whose volunteers bring hope and effectively nourishment at such difficult times. to further your Kingdom and to tend to the world around us. God you brought order to chaos. Amen. And yet our world is broken in so many ways. We pray for healing for broken communities, broken homes, broken churches and broken hearts.

10 spill the beans, issue 12 the first dawn

Sending 2 Lord, in the face of darkness and chaos God has made us, your Spirit brooded like a bird above the God has shaped us, watery abyss. God has chosen us, Be with all who need you God has sent us. this day and always. May we go now Creation Hymn Amen. to be makers of God’s peace, 1. Behold the wonder of God’s world: shapers of God’s love, All-Age Prayer transformed from turmoil, disarray, choosers of God’s way each living form he did create Dear God, and senders on the journey. then in his image man portray. we thank you for our world And may God be ever with us, And evening past and morning came, and all that fills it. ever creating us, his glory shone, his love imbued. We thank you for all we can do ever moulding us, He looked at all that he had made to make your world a better place. ever calling us and then declared that it was good, Help us to care for the world around us and ever leading us. and then declared that it was good. for the people of today 2. He made us keepers of the earth. and the generations of tomorrow. Praise/Hymns Entrusted us his work to do May our words, All creatures of our God and King CH4 147 and for all time to serve and care, our actions and our thoughts MP 7 protect, rebuild, restore, renew. change this world and change the lives All earth was dark MP 8 To live and love the way we’re meant of those around us all thanks and praise in Jesus’ name; and around the globe All things bright and beautiful CH4 137 fulfil our promise with intent, for the better. MP 23 his land to cherish and sustain, Amen. All you works of God CH4 151 his land to cherish and sustain. Reflection Creation Hymn see right 3. He calls us to a life of faith and to reflect him in our lives, Like a lovers’ knot: From all that dwell below the skies for all to live in harmony, each strand intertwined, CH4 146 a purpose each to realise. each supported by another, I love the sun CH4 144 Compassion shown and truth pursued, none complete without the whole, encourage, strengthen and inspire, distinctive elements Let all creation dance CH4 149 accomplish all he asks of us existing together, Lord, your hands have formed the world then all his hopes in us aspire, enhancing one another. CH4 140 then all his hopes in us aspire. As old as creation. As new as life itself. My God, I thank you MP 471 Words: © 2014 Diane Cumming Encompassing the mystery Oh, the life of the world CH4 141 Tune: Before The Throne Of God Above of faith and hope and love: by Vikki Cook (CH 466 or MP 975) the Trinity of God. The earth was dark until you spoke MP 643 DLM extended Think of a world without any flowers Sending 1 CH4 155 Leader: We go as individuals When your Father made the world All: to serve as God calls us All The Assembly Songs You’ll Ever Need 271 into a world in need of his co-workers. Leader: We go as a community All: to serve as God calls us as living witnesses to the kingdom values of right relations. Leader: We go as the people of God All: to be stewards of his generous giving, and to reflect his triune love in all we do and say.

trinity & pentecost 2014 11 sunday 15 june 2014 worship ideas Take Home This is a new inclusion for this issue Thursday your notes and will provide a variety of different Through a hovering green mist imagine... ideas for church members to continue the brilliance of lights in the sky... as thinking about the theme of worship markers for seasons and days and years. when they return home. You may want to print these ideas in your Order of The dawning of routines and rhythms Service or as a bookmark available for for life on earth, waking and sleeping... people to take home with them. celebration! Each day of this week take some time to Friday be quiet and reflect on a different aspect Through a hovering blue mist imagine... of Creation. the flapping of wings for first flight and Settling in to Silence fins for a slippery swim... as the diversity of life on earth and in the oceans becomes Close your eyes and imagine the apparent. beginning of time when ‘darkness covered the earth’. Communication and respect flowing between all creatures allows for the Cup and relax your hands while your integrity of each ‘being’ inhabiting the fingertips touch as if surrounding a planet. sphere, ‘planet earth’ perhaps. Saturday Breathe deeply three times, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through Through a hovering purple mist imagine... your mouth gently as you imagine ‘the plentiful resources for all of life... as spirit hovering over the waters in the human beings begin to grasp what it darkness ‘. means to love, care and be responsible for themselves as well as for all life around Allow your breathing to fall into a natural them. rhythm. There is enough breath, enough Repeat this ‘Settling in to Silence’ time nourishment, enough love for all of the before each day’s reflection. planet and its inhabitants. Monday Sunday Through a hovering red mist imagine.... Through a hovering white mist imagine... the birth of contrast... as light shines in the the spectrum of rainbow colours... darkness. pointing us towards a God who birthed Spirit and matter are enticed to dance the whole of creation within each human with the promise of incarnation. being. Tuesday God sees that same creation, in all its wonder and diversity, reflected in the Through a hovering orange mist imagine... world around us and is content. the birth of duality... as sky and sea are made separate. Above and below, here and there, the parting of the water under from the expanse of water above, heralds the coming of individuality. Wednesday Through a hovering yellow mist imagine... the birth of vegetation... as the earth produces abundantly. Nourishment is freely given for future sustenance, enjoyment and energy fuel for many creatures.

12 spill the beans, issue 12 the first dawn age group ideas gathering crafts Today a variety of crafts are suggested, Creation Stories all age one for each day of creation. Children Earth/Plants all age You will need: a collection of different could choose one or two crafts to do or You will need: small boxes, cardboard story books talking about creation and you could adapt the suggestions to make tubes, sellotape, PVA glue, glue beginnings. them more age specific. spreaders, scissors, scraps of funky foam, coloured cellophane, material, Let the children spend some time looking It would be good to be able to display all and some foliage either from garden or at the pictures and reading the books to the different crafts at the end of your time artificial. each other. together so that the story of creation is told for all to see. You might want to invite Get the children to make their own Use this as a starting point for talking other folk in the congregation to come plants from the materials provided. about the creation stories we find in the and see what the children have made bible. either today or perhaps next week once Sun/Moon/Stars all age Examples you could use are ‘In the glue has dried and you have a chance to beginning’ by Bara van Pelt and Anja A de display everything. You will need: polystyrene balls of Fluiter, ‘When the world was new ‘ by Alicia various sizes, tissue paper in a variety While working on all these crafts, talk Garcia de Lynam and see the suggestions of colours, thin PVA glue (one part glue about the beauty and variety of the on page 9 with the retelling of the story to two parts water) glue spreaders, world. Discuss ways of looking after the for young people. wooden barbeque skewers, plasticine, world and how we thank God for having glitter, paper clips, ribbon, garden canes A larger version of the image below is our place in the world. (hairdryer). included on page 123 which you could use as a visual stimulus while retelling the Light/Darkness all age Press one end of a barbeque skewer biblical creation story. gently into polystyrene ball and other You will need: frieze paper, lining paper end into plasticine which is then pressed Note: In dealing with questions that literal or large sheets of card, black paint, onto the table or working surface. It young minds may have of a mythic story yellow paint, paint brushes. would be good to do this before children (a story of beginnings that aids a culture’s Divide paper into two and get children arrive so that they are not working with understanding of itself), it can be helpful to paint one section with black paint and skewers which have sharp points. This is to start your retelling with something one section with yellow paint. to allow children to work on their ‘planet’ akin to the Native American tradition of without getting too sticky and so that beginning a story with, “Now I don’t know glue can dry. if it happened this way or not, but I know Sky all age this story is true.” You will need: A4 sheets of white card, thick felt tip pens, crayons, frieze paper or lining paper, glue sticks. Give each child a sheet of card and ask them to fill in the whole card with their idea of ‘sky.’ Encourage a variety of ideas: blue sky, grey sky, clouds, rain, snowy, sunset and so on. Glue the pictures to the frieze Children should pick the colours of paper. tissue paper they want to use and tear tissue paper into small pieces. Gluing and layering and overlapping the tissue paper, they should cover the whole ball. Glitter can be sprinkled on to ‘planet’. Unfold one end of a paperclip and push this end into the polystyrene ball. The other end of the paperclip will make a loop through which you can thread a piece of ribbon. Let the glue dry. Gentle heat from a hairdryer can speed up the drying process. Hang ‘planets’ onto garden canes to make a mobile.

trinity & pentecost 2014 13 sunday 15 june 2014 age group ideas activities Sea Creatures/Birds all age People all age Taste And Try all age You will need: pipe cleaners, crepe You will need: long strips of thin card You will need: jelly cubes, water, pre- paper, feathers, scraps of material, folded in concertina fashion, scissors, made jelly, spoons, bowls. funky foam, coloured cellophane, pencils, felt tip pens, small buttons, A good Trinity activity is to have your jelly scissors, PVA glue, glue spreaders. sticky gems, PVA glue, glue spreaders, in all three forms for the children to try. feathers. Get the children to make their own sea Jelly cubes, jelly with the water added creatures and birds from the materials Ask the children to draw a basic ‘person’ and the jelly made the day before set provided. shape on the front of their folded strip, in a bowl. They are all jelly but in three making sure ‘arms’ go right to the edge different forms similar to the Trinity. at both sides. Cut out the shape. You could let the children add in three Open out their concertina so that there different types of cream; single, double is a line of people all joining hands. and whipping or let them try three Get children to make the people forms of milk; full fat, semi-skimmed and individualised by drawing faces, clothes, skimmed. adding extras like pictures of ball, skateboard, book. Add on buttons, Apples all age feathers, bows, gems as appropriate. You will need: a selection of apples, Each child could design one person or a different varieties, colours, shapes, sizes. whole line of people. Animals all age Ask the children to identify the apples You will need: paper plates, coloured Rest age 9-12 if they can or else ask them to describe paper, felt tip pens, scissors, glue sticks, each apple: colour, shape, size, where they thin elastic or garden canes. This is probably more suited to older grow, what they grow on, and so on. children. The children will be making animal After the discussion take each apple in masks from the paper plates, it is a good You will need: A4 sheets of card, pencils, turn and half it and show the inside to the idea to have eye shapes already cut out fancy pens (metallic felt tip pens), gel children. Each apples is the same inside, before the children arrive as this is a wee pens, lining paper or frieze paper, glue core, seeds, white, it has a skin around it bit tricky to do. sticks. but different on the outside. God made us in his image, we are all the Give the children a paper plate each. Give each child a sheet of card and ask same on the inside but on the outside They can draw features of their animal them to think about appropriate words we are different; different colour, size and onto the plate, cut out ears and any for the seventh day. Examples might shape. other bits they want from the coloured be: rest, enjoy, wonder, awe, amazing, dream, sleep, imagine, thankful. paper. It would be helpful to have a few Ice, Water, Steam all age masks already made to give the children Each child should choose one word a starting point, for example, a pig, to write. Try to get a variety of words. You will need: kettle, water, ice cubes. elephant, lion. Alternatively you could The children should write their word in A golden oldie to talk about the Trinity, download templates of animal masks letters big enough to fill most of their using water in its three forms. from the internet. card (rather than a word in tiny writing You can either add thin elastic so that in the middle of the sheet of card). They children can wear masks (use staples to should write their word in pencil first fix the elastic to the paper plate) or you and then go over it in pen. They could do can attach small garden canes to either bubble writing or ladder writing or any side of plate so that children can hold other kind of fancy writing and colour masks in front of their faces. in the word or do a design in the word using the fancy pens. They could do a border or cut out round about the word. Stick words onto frieze paper or lining paper.

14 spill the beans, issue 12 the first dawn

games Earth, Water, Sand all age Light Fact Sheet age 9-12 Follow The Creator age 3-5 You will need: sand in buckets, water in You will need: copies of the fact sheet For this game the leader talks about all the buckets, soil in buckets, various hidden provided on page 124. things God created and asks the children items. to follow their lead. Go through the facts on the sheet and In each bucket you will need to hide some the questions included to see how much Look up to sky, shield eyes from sun, items which will relate to the material the children know and to help explore open eyes wide for dark, twinkle hands involved. together more about light and the for stars, make waves with hands for sea universe. or pretend rowing boat, big giant steps In the sand you could hide coins, junk for land, stand tall and arms outstretched jewellery, toy insects etc even have a The purpose being to create a sense of for a tree and sway in the wind, fruit by sieve on hand to sieve and see what they awe at our amazing universe. pretending to bite an apple, birds by arms can find for the older children. In the outstretched and running around the hall, water objects that float and sink and the animals: elephant with trunk, run like a children need to take them out or fish tiger, laugh like a hyena, insects: curl up them out with a net or throw a hoop over and move on the ground, snake: slither items. across floor, seventh day: lie on the floor For the older children why not have a to rest. worksheet that they can fill in: • Why did the object sink? Space Soup age 6-12 • Name another two types of fish? Instead of using soup ingredients use For the TRUE/FALSE star name quiz, the creation elements: Light, Sky, Land, For the earth you can hide cooked pasta FALSE stars are: Animals. Each corner of the room is for worms and the children need to find given a name and the group divided them. Why not add water to some of the • Katniss (the Hungry Star) up into each corner, with IT standing in soil buckets and make mud. Water into • Hagridus (Alpha Rubeus) the middle of the room. IT in the middle the sand and make castles and moats! • Charitis (the Giving Star) shouts out “God created... Light” and This is a great week to get interactive and For the questions relating to the Northern/ everyone in the light corner runs around messy! Be prepared with wipes, towels, Southern Lights, answers are: the person the middle, then “God created old clothes! sky” they run in and join the light, and so 1. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) on with the other groups. or The Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) depending on where you see To stop the running and get the children them. back in their corners IT in the middle shouts “then God created us” and 2. Near the North Pole or South Pole. everyone tries to get back to their corner 3. The light is created as a result of while IT tries to catch as many as they can. highly charged particles in the solar It starts over again with the additional wind (of which there are more during people in the middle until only one child times of high solar activity) colliding is left in a corner. with atoms in the high atmosphere of earth. The lights are seen at the poles because the magnetic fields of the earth funnel the particles into the atmosphere at these points (remember experiments with iron filings and magnets). If one of the children gets close with their answer, be very impressed.

trinity & pentecost 2014 15 sunday 15 june 2014 discussion starters terraforming Creation Is age 6-12 Preparation Complete Don’t forget there are games and craft activities for all ages in the sections above! Set your chairs out in a square facing outwards; one chair per child. Each row is You will need a copy of Moby’s song God given a name: fish, birds, insects, animals. Moving Over the Face of the Waters (readily When the leader calls one row at a time available online from iTunes or Amazon ‘fish’, they stand up and run around the or other sources)) and something to play square. The last person back turns their it on. Also a copy of the passage from chair to face inwards and is out the game. The Message (http://www.biblegateway. When you want all the children running com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A1- shout ‘God created us’ and all the children 2%3A4a+&version=MSG) run around at the same time with last For the terraforming activity you will person to sit turning their chair in and need craft materials. You can use paper sitting down on it. and paint/pens/pencils or you can model using whatever you want. Be creative. Pictionary age 6-12 Cardboard boxes work well if you want You will need: large sheets of paper or to do things on a grand scale! You’ll need flipchart, pen, some slips of paper with lots of good parcel tape and scissors too. the words to use (for example, light, birds, land, sea, water, insects, people, Opening Activity and so on). • What’s the most amazing thing you can. Emphasise “God spoke” at the start of each section and the days at the This week’s passage is great for you have ever seen? Is it a place? A end. Leave gaps between the sections. illustrations which are easy to draw. building? A piece of art? A thing? Describe it. Split the children into groups of three or Activity/Discussion • What was it like? four and give each team something from • What stands out in the creation story? the story to draw and for their own team • How did it make you feel? to guess using the same rules as per the • What surprised you? • Who made it? game Pictionary. • How did creation look in your After people have described their choices imagination? What images did the ask the group if they thought their story spark? Where did those images description really capture the thing they come from? were describing. • Where do we fit in the story? What is • What are the problems in describing our role? things? • What things would you have to The Word consider when creating your own world? Ask everyone to sit comfortably or lie on the floor or beanbags. Close your eyes. Have a go at terraforming! Make, paint Relax. Breath deeply and slowly. Allow or draw your own country / continent / your mind to clear and your imagination planet. to kick in. Living It Out Read Genesis 1:1-2 from The Message. Genesis 1:31 (the Message) says “God At the end of verse 2 begin to play Moby’s looked over everything he had made; it song. Play it quietly enough that you can was so good, so very good!”. hear someone reading over the top of it. • What does that mean for us? Read the remainder of Genesis 1:3-2:4a from the Message. Take your time. The song lasts 7 minutes. Try to read the story over about 4 minutes and then leave the music playing. Perhaps turn it up loud if

16 spill the beans, issue 12 a valued flock

pentecost 2 a valued flock sunday 22 june 2014 matthew 10:24-39

Genesis 21:8-21 Psalm 86:1-10,16-17 bible notes Romans 6:1b-11 Children of God Matthew 10:24-39 no quality or unique qualities. A suitable quest for all of us is to personality trait that is find the appropriate way to show others not recognised by the that we are God-made and to celebrate God who knows every our uniqueness, giftedness and value to part of us, including God. ‘every hair of our Correspondingly, as we recognise our heads’. This instinct personal value we acknowledge the value of God to know us, of others. As unique and special as we cherish us and rejoice are, so the people we live with and share in us can never be community with are equally as valuable to over-stated. Amidst so God. This leads us nicely full circle: ‘I am a many other noises in Child of God and they are the Children of the world today that God’. tell people they are of ‘lesser’ value than As we develop the confidence to tell our UNICEF looks after children in over 190 others, this resounding affirmation of God personal story so we need to find ways countries around the world. The United for each of his children is heard loud and to allow other people the opportunity Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the clear in this passage. to share stories from their lives. These Child, agreed almost 25 years ago, is the faith stories of how God blesses each of basis of their work and this states the right In Scotland we are very good at playing us should be encouraged and maybe of every child to a proper childhood, to ourselves down (especially when it comes creating a special space within our be educated, to be healthy, to be treated to our chances of winning at any kind of worship or young people’s activities would fairly, and to be heard. The list could be sport!). Individually it is, of course, quite be very appropriate this week. more extensive but under these general a good trait to keep a quiet countenance headings the welfare of each and every and not to be seen as pushy or arrogant As we move on from the Creation stories child is protected. The fact that every as happens when we continually talk of last week perhaps in the Gospel today single child matters is a wonderfully ourselves up. However sometimes we do we discover that once again God talks appropriate Christian principle. In the not think highly enough of ourselves and to us. If last week we were encouraged value system of the Kingdom of God each give credence to the wonderfully capable to listen to the Universe and to God as of us lives under the title, ‘a child of God’. people that we are. This Sunday’s passage messages are sent out that remind us We matter to God regardless of race or from Matthew encourages us to ‘shout of the connectedness of all things, then type and he knows our value. from the rooftops’; to share with the world in today’s Gospel we are encouraged to the secrets God passes on to us about listen for God in the different contexts of One of the clearest voices heard in the how special we are. Avoiding becoming our lives as he affirms our own value and verses of today’s gospel reading is the too self-righteous, God asks each one of that of all people; for we are the ‘Children voice that affirms us as ‘children of God’. us to be quite ‘open’ about our God-given of God’. God values each one of us and there is trinity & pentecost 2014 17 sunday 22 june 2014 the story The Sparrow’s Story Somewhere on a high branch on a Sparrow 1: He’s mentioned birds before Spring day in Galilee. and we were chuffed about that. Sparrow 1: Did you hear him? Sparrow 2: But this morning he talked Sparrow 2: Yes I heard him. about us sparrows. Sparrow 1: He tells amazing stories Sparrow 1: To be fair we’ve had a mention doesn’t he? before... Sparrow 2: Did you hear the one about Sparrow 2: A mention from King David... the party that no one would go to? Sparrow 1: Us and the swallows making nests... Sparrow 1: Yes, and the one about the coins that the woman lost. Sparrow 2: Nests in the temple. Sparrow 1: David said we can shelter Sparrow 2: And did you see him talking Sparrow 1: But it’s the first time we’ve had under God’s feathers... to that man hiding in the a mention from Jesus. Sparrow 2: Safe, like a chick, under its sycamore tree? Sparrow 2: Two sparrows who could mother’s wings. Sparrow 1: Yes, what a strange place for a be sold for a penny—that’s Sparrow 1: I’m glad we heard Jesus human to perch! definitely us. talking this morning. Sparrow 2: They do odd things don’t they, Sparrow 1: What did he say again? Sparrow 2: Talking about us sparrows. these humans? Sparrow 2: He said that God cares about Sparrow 1: Do you think the humans Sparrow 1: But he seems to love them all us. understand what he’s telling the same. Sparrow 1: Yes, and he said that God them? Do you remember when he is concerned about what Sparrow 2: Do they know how much they and his friends were walking happens to us. are cared about and loved? through the cornfields? Sparrow 2: That God knows who we are. Sparrow 1: They need to tell each other Sparrow 2: Yes, it was on the Sabbath and Sparrow 1: And he said that nothing will their stories. they were really hungry. be secret. Sparrow 2: Encourage each other to keep Sparrow 1: And they picked some seed- Sparrow 2: No more hiding in sycamore listening to what Jesus says. heads and ate them. trees. Sparrow 1: I’m getting hungry—it must Sparrow 2: It’s strange that they like the Sparrow 1: Even sparrows can tell their be time for dinner same food as us. story. Sparrow 2: Me too, my beak is definitely Sparrow 1: And do you remember that Sparrow 2: Tell each other how much we twitching. picnic with all those people? are cared about and loved. Sparrow 1: Do you think any of these Sparrow 2: I was so full I could hardly Sparrow 1: And do you remember what people have dropped any move. he said about humans? bread crumbs? Sparrow 1: All those breadcrumbs! Sparrow 2: He said every hair on their Sparrow 2: Lets fly around and see what Sparrow 2: And those flakes of fish—they heads God knew about and we can find. were so tasty... had counted. Sparrow 1: I wish he’d do that again. Sparrow 1: Seems a bit unfair on the babies and the older baldy Sparrow 2: Me too, it was sooooo good. ones! Sparrow 1: But this morning, did you hear Sparrow 2: Yes I thought that as him? well. Sparrow 2: I certainly heard him. Sparrow 1: I think feathers are better. Sparrow 1: He talked about us. Sparrow 2: Much, much warmer. Sparrow 2: Us, us two sparrows.

18 spill the beans, issue 12 a valued flock

Retelling For Young People Spurgie Good morning! especially when they’re eating sandwiches And they went about telling all the I hope you’re good at guessing. out-doors. So we stay close to them and other sparrows what they’d heard. God we eat up all the crumbs that they drop on cares about sparrows. God cares what I want to play the game: what am I? the ground. happened to sparrows. Sparrows are You ready? important to God. These two sparrows had noticed how Right. Lets start. many people came together to listen to And those sparrows who were told about • I’m small. Jesus when he was telling stories and they God’s love for them, told their chicks • I sometimes live in trees. often found a tree to perch in and they what Jesus had said, and their chicks • I usually live near people. listened too. They noticed that Jesus often told their chicks, all down the years. And mentioned animals in his stories. There my granddad told my mother, and my • I’ve got feathers. was a story about a man who looked after mother told me. And I know that God • My feathers are brown and white and pigs and another one about a man who cares about me. And that I can tell every black. lost one of his sheep. sparrow I meet that Jesus cares about • My name begins with the letter S. them too. Once these two sparrows had been Yes, you’ve got me: I’m a sparrow. near to Jesus when Jesus was talking So, remember my name? to thousands of people. And there had And because I live in Scotland I’m I’m Spurgie and my cousin in Newcastle been a huge picnic and there were sometimes called Spurgie. I’ve got a is called Spuggy and my friend in breadcrumbs everywhere, flakes of fish cousin in the North of England and he’s Yorkshire is called Spadger. too. The sparrows had had a great feast called Spuggy, and a friend in Yorkshire that day, they were so full they could You might see me and my friends in your and she’s called Spadger. hardly fly. garden or in a tree in your playground. I want to tell you a story today about two We might be talking about God,we might One day when the sparrows were listening sparrows who lived a long time ago in be telling each other that we’re hungry. to Jesus they heard him say that God Galilee. You might have heard of Galilee, cared about everyone and that God was Do you remember what we like to eat? there’s a big lake there called the sea of always interested to know what people Galilee, and its where Jesus lived and Seeds and corn and breadcrumbs and did and what happened to them. went about talking to people and telling cakecrumbs. And then they had a big surprise. They stories. And we will be very, very happy if you heard Jesus say that God cared about Now these two sparrows, like all of us give us some food. sparrows. They were really pleased sparrows lived near to people; because about that. They had heard Jesus talking we sparrows know that where there about how people were important to are people, there is food. We’ll eat most God before, but now Jesus had said that things. We like seeds and corn best, sparrows were important too. They were but we’ll eat breadcrumbs and cake chuffed! Jesus must have noticed them crumbs as well. And human beings are so listening and they’d become part of his untidy that they often drop bits of food, story.

trinity & pentecost 2014 19 sunday 22 june 2014 worship ideas Through the Season Prayer of Adoration Prayer for Others and Remember to visit pages 4 and 5 where and Confession Ourselves you will find ideas that can be used to Parent God, God of love, resonate through this season using the we gather as your children, God of care, creation imagery from Trinity Sunday. known, you value each and every one of us Gathering Activity accepted, and that is sometimes hard to accept. valued. It is hard to take it in: As people gather ask them to write a We gather as your family: that we are, truth/fact on a post-it or small piece of a family that cares for one another, each and every one of us, your children. paper. These could be displayed in a a family that seek to grow together Called to share this overwhelming love prominent place or read out if you are in love and understanding, with all around us. a smaller congregation as part of the a family that journey through the good Sometimes we find that hard to do. service. and bad together. Father, you call us to be a community of faith Call to Worship Lord, we are sorry when our family that can transform the world; becomes a clique: Come into the space of truth. you call us to proclaim you, when we close our doors on those Come into the space where to proclaim your love, who want to be a part; all are loved and valued. to proclaim our story. when we do not share Come gather together Help us to do so confidently what we are called to share as confident, beloved people. and may we be confident without stifling with our neighbours, Come gather before our God, or snuffing out the confidence of others. Creator and protector of us all. our community or our world. May we be public with our love Forgive us, Lord God. without overwhelming people Responses Help us to grow in love. to the point of ostracising Challenge us to grow in faith Leader: God of the bold or making others uncomfortable and inspire us to grow with hope. All: we come to you in confidence. around us. Leader: God of unsure These prayers we bring before you You call us without distinction All: we come to you in confidence. in the name of your own child, to gather around your table, Jesus Christ, our Lord. to gather in your home Leader: God of the loud Amen. and to be fed with the same food— All: we come to you in confidence. a vision of life as it should be. Reflection 1 Leader: God of the whisperer Inspire your children to make this a reality. All: we come to you in confidence. Good news deserves to be shared. May we be effective stewards Leader: In confidence we come Shared from the rooftops of all that feeds our bodies All: the bold, the unsure, not just whispered. and quenches our thirst. the loud and the whisperer, God’s love merits telling loudly May we bring bread and water together we come to you. to one and all: to all the corners of our globe. YOU ARE LOVED! May this vision be seen. From the tips of your toes May your kingdom come. to the top of your head, So be it. God’s attention to detail Amen. is beyond compare and God’s love knows no bounds. YOU ARE LOVED! In light, love is revealed and darkness retreats and the good news to be shared is no secret for YOU ARE LOVED! By God whose wonderful light banishes darkness embracing all creation in love. CHILD OF GOD, YOU ARE LOVED!

20 spill the beans, issue 12 a valued flock

Reflection 2 Sending 1 Taking up a cross, Leader: There is value in loving. losing a life. All: Let us learn to love more. What language is this Leader: There is value in sharing. that sounds so foreign All: Let us be ready to give more. from Jesus’ lips? Choosing God over family Leader: There is value in caring. seems to go against the grain All: Let us pay more attention to Praise/Hymns of this lover of justice need. Break our hearts and break our silence and prophet of peace. Leader: There is value in family. MP 1160 Hard choices. All: Let us embrace those known Child of blessing, child of promise CH4 633 Harsh words and unknown. Go, tell it on the mountain MP 179 uttered with love Leader: There is value in fellowship. but shot through All: Let us never cease God of great and God of small CH4 174 with a disturbing, restless Spirit to praise you, Lord, God whose love is everywhere MP 1177 who shakes the foundations in our work, in our ways, and rakes over the ashes Here in this place CH4 623 in our world. of the order we thought we knew. His eye is on the sparrow available online Spirit of God, Sending 2 http://www.hymnary.org/text/ unfettered, Leader: Valued and loved, why_should_i_feel_discouraged stirring up a restlessness known and understood, How lovely is thy dwelling-place CH4 52 we cannot quite assuage, forgiven and free, MP 247 but which we know All: we go to serve God, will only be stilled to take up our crosses, I know a boy (More than many sparrows) when the order we know to confront our fears. All the Assembly Songs You’ll Ever Need 109 lies in the ruins It’s the little things JP 403 of a chaos caused Leader: We go with good news by love lived out stirring within our souls, ‘Take up your cross,’ the Saviour said in the practice of justice. our hearts and minds, CH4 402 All: and we shout it from the MP 935 rooftops and treetops! Prayer of Dedication There are hundreds of sparrows Loving God, All the Assembly Songs You’ll Ever Need 234 as we bring before you JP 246 offerings of service and money, We sing a love that sets all people free bless all whose lives are touched CH4 622 by these offerings. May they know that they too When your Father made the world are your children. CH4 239 May they know that they are loved, You, Lord, are both Lamb and Shepherd valued and precious. CH4 355 May it be so this day and all our days. Amen.

trinity & pentecost 2014 21 sunday 22 june 2014 age group ideas gathering crafts Soft and Loud all age Every One Counted age 3-5 Pompom age 6-12 Play a few games of chinese whispers. You will need: paper plates, crayons, Sparrows Use this as a way into the idea of how we wool in a variety of colours, scissors, PVA You will need: brown wool, scraps of sometimes pass things on quietly and glue, glue spreaders. black, yellow and orange felt, scissors, sometimes we pass things on in much Give each child a paper plate. Get the PVA glue, glue spreaders, corrugated louder ways. children to draw a face on the plate. Cut card. Talk about how today’s story is about wool into a variety of lengths and get Before the children arrive, draw circles listening for the things God says about the children to stick wool on to plate to of about 6 c.m. diameter onto card and how we are loved by God and then make hair. It would be good to have lots cut these out. Cut a hole of about 3 c.m. passing on this message to others. of different bright colours for hair and not in diameter in the centre of the circle to just brown and yellow wool. make a doughnut shape. Each child will You may want to ask folk in the need two rings. congregation to bring in odds and ends of Give each child their two rings which wool for this craft activity. should be placed one on top of the Talk about how we are all precious to God other. Give each child a small ball of so precious that God knows how many brown (or other coloured) wool. Wrap hairs we have on our heads. the wool around the rings from centre hole to outside over and over again From The Rooftops all age around the ring until the whole ring is covered by one layer of wool. Repeat You will need: cardboard boxes (you until the hole in the middle is almost could go for shoebox size or large gone. packing boxes) sheets of corrugated card, scissors, sellotape, masking tape, marker pens, white card. Have the children work together in small groups with a variety of ages in each group. Each group makes a house from a cardboard box, using corrugated card to make the roof and fixing roof to house Cut wool all the way round the outside with masking tape. Before fixing roof to of ‘doughnut’ at the point where the two house, ask the children to decorate the pieces of card meet. Cut a length of wool roof by colouring tiles with marker pens. and place it between the two pieces of Talk about the words the children think card gathering all the strands of wool God would use to describe them, for together and tie tightly. Then ease the example special, important, unique, cardboard rings out from centre and loving, funny. Get the children to draw off the wool. You can cut the rings to speech bubbles onto white card and make this easier but make sure you don’t then write their words onto the speech accidentally cut the wool that is tying the bubbles. Stick the speech bubbles onto pompom together¬ the roof of the house. Once the rings are off, fluff up your pompom. This makes the body of the sparrow. Cut beak from yellow or orange felt, eyes and wings from black felt and glue these to the pompom to complete the sparrow. Talk about kinds of birds the children know. Talk about common little sparrow yet each sparrow is known by God. Talk about how precious each one of us is to God and ways we can treat others as important and special. 22 spill the beans, issue 12 a valued flock activities Sparrows age 6-12 Rooftops age 6-12 You will need: paper, pencils. You will need: copies of the resource Roof Of The World age 6-12 sheet on page 125. Give each child a sheet of paper and a You will need: copies of the resource pencil and as you describe a sparrow ask You could use the resource sheet or make sheet on page 126. them to draw it before they see a picture your own quiz by showing pictures, or This sheet has some information about of a sparrow. Describe the sparrow slowly, giving the children clues for which they this amazing part of the world, much of giving the children plenty of time to draw need to guess which type of roof. For which is the Tibetan Plateau, a huge area what you describe. example, an Eskimo lives under one (ice of uplifted land some three miles above roof); a castle has many of these (turrets); • They have stout bodies. sea level, and which includes peaks such you camp under this (canvas). • They have rounded wings. as Mount Everest. For the older children ask them to • They have broad heads. The sheet can be used to talk about this describe the roof types and pose some • And they have deep, conical bills. and includes a wordsearch activity based questions: on some of the keywords and areas. After this is done show them a picture of a • Where would you normally find these sparrow (easily found online). roof types? Sparrows are very common birds in many, • Are they energy efficient? many countries and there are numerous types of sparrows (almost 30 true sparrow • Would they be sensible in Scotland? species), can the children name any? • Can you stand on top of all these There are many people on the earth and rooftops? God knows each of us and values us for who we are. games God Knows all age Feely Bag all age Flappy Sparrow age 6-12 Everything You will need: a cloth bag or pillowcase, You will need: to learn how to do some an item (or some items) that is both basic origami to show the children, You will need: a table or tray, blanket, tricky yet identifiable within the bag. sheets of paper, patience. lots of smaller items. Encourage the children to create their Remembering what Jesus said about What is within the bag? Have an object own flappy sparrows, which could be God knowing everything, “even the very or a few objects for children to identify done in teams helping one another. As hairs on your head are numbered”, play a through the bag. leaders, you need to know how to do this. remembering game like Kim’s Game. Have For the older children make it a bit more A good video guide is available at: http:// lots of items on a table or tray, covered. difficult and something that they can youtu.be/EZbZJEgFEDw. Give each child a turn to play. Uncover the discuss when the objects are identified. contents for them for 15 seconds. Then We can all learn from each cover it up again. other so ask the children For the younger children, you could then their thoughts on the remove an item. Reveal the items and see objects. if the child can remember what is missing. For the older children, after they have had 15 seconds to look, have them write down on a piece of paper as many items as they can remember. This can be competitive.

trinity & pentecost 2014 23 sunday 22 june 2014 discussion starters for teens finding the good Preparation In today’s story most versions use ‘sparrows’ in the last verse but the Message uses ‘canaries’. On this occasion you might want to use a different version to tie in with the stories used in Church. Have a copy of Emeli Sande’s song Read all about it, Pt III which is easily bought online via the likes of iTunes or Amazon and the means to play it for all to hear. Have some newspapers, frieze paper, wallpaper, scissors, PVA glue. Opening Activity News Have everyone share their news for the week. Try and get beyond a simple reporting of what has happened and talk about feelings, connections and thoughts. The Word You will need: bibles. Read Matthew 10:24-31. Activity/Discussion Make a Good News collage from the newspapers. You might be able to find some good news stories but if you cannot then use the headlines and pictures to make your own. Try to see the stories through positive eyes. Once this is done, talk about: • Was it easy to find ‘good news’? Living It Out • Why do we tend to talk about the bad usually if you look hard you will find these Try and see the good in everything this stuff rather than the good stuff? positive stories: where someone is trying week. to make things better or helping others. • Is it easy to share our Good News that Look at the world in a hopeful way, seeing God loves us? • Can you find those people in the news all the wonderful, wonderful people. stories? Doing this takes practice. We can choose to see the world in a hopeful way. Sometimes that is difficult Gather together around your collage of See how you get on this week. because there might not seem to be much news. Listen to Emeli Sande’s Read All that is good or hopeful happening, but About it, Pt III. • What does the song say to you? I wanna sing, I wanna shout I wanna scream ‘til the words dry out So put it in all of the papers, I’m not afraid They can read all about it Read all about it, oh...

24 spill the beans, issue 12 a place of hospitality

pentecost 3 a place of hospitality sunday 29 june 2014 matthew 10:40-42

Genesis 22:1-14 Psalm 13 bible notes Romans 6:12-23 Rewards And Sanctions Matthew 10:40-42 and the points at which individuals is compensation too, “you will surely be will balk and start to impose their own rewarded.” sanctions on others who are “not playing While the editing of this passage by ball”. Having methods by which rewards the gospel writer is clearly influenced and sanctions can be applied can by the persecution and troubles being improve the efficiency of changing group inflicted upon those within the early behaviour. Christian community, it would be wrong As the driver of an electric car, your writer to understand this as only a historical can testify to this. The reward of the situation. government providing a network of public Agitators for Jesus’ Way today are just At the time of writing, there is much charging points is a great incentive for as likely to be persecuted and ridiculed debate and talk about the power (or people to adopt electric vehicles (EVs). by the powers that be, or, perhaps even otherwise) of imposing sanctions on However, a number of drivers of internal worse, utterly ignored as irrelevant within Russia over its land grab of parts of combustion engined (ICE) cars do not the national conversations of many Ukraine. How can one influence the play ball and continually park in these countries that once were considered behaviour of others? Carrots or sticks? public charging bays, blocking them from “Christian”. Rewards or Sanctions? use by EVs. At the moment there are few There is a field of research in group sanctions on this behaviour available, Within this context it would be all too easy dynamics that explores the effect of leading to frustration for EV drivers and a to withdraw into a cultural ghetto. These rewards and sanctions on the behaviour lower uptake of EVs than the government verses are the encouragement never to of groups. The most obvious area of (and climate change) would undoubtedly do that, for hospitality and openness and application is the school classroom where find beneficial. faithfulness are entwined here in such a way that it is hard to tease them apart. Can models of behaviour management have Which is a long-winded point of entry one be faithful without hospitality, good changed radically over the years: no more to this week’s closing of the previous hosts without openness? sticks, but plenty of carrots (and a few teaching in chapter 10 of Matthew. This sanctions along the way). chapter has been a call to the disciples to The chapter ends with a verse that echoes Research into the effects of rewards and go out in imitation of Jesus. In these final down the years to us little ones, rendered sanctions, however, does not stop there verses we find the motivational reward by Eugene Peterson as, “This is a large and is also applied to national behaviour for all that good behaviour, even in the work I’ve called you into, but don’t be as public bodies and governments try face of conflict and affliction that they and overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. to best encourage changes in public we will inevitably face. It is as though the Give a cool cup of water to someone who behaviour and identify the point up to sanctions come anyway, so be prepared is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act which individuals are prepared to make for them, that is just a part of following of giving or receiving makes you a true personal sacrifices for the common good, The Way. But do not lose hope, for there apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.”

trinity & pentecost 2014 25 sunday 29 june 2014 the story A Cup Of Cold Water Retelling for Young People A short monologue to follow the A Special Welcome Bible reading, beginning in a slightly and saying hello, with Alfie bouncing disparaging tone and becoming Stephen wanted to do something special around on the grass. increasingly serious and reflective. The to welcome his uncles. He hadn’t seen reader could pour a cup of cold water them for a long time. “Come on in!” said Mum, and soon they from a jug before speaking, and hold the Uncle Mick and Uncle Gerry and their were all sitting round the kitchen table cup as they speak. Between paragraphs, bouncing poodle Alfie would be travelling with cups of tea and chocolate cake. as indicated, reader could pause and all day to get from their house to “What a welcome!” laughed Uncle Gerry. drink a couple of mouthfuls. Stephen’s by teatime. They were coming “You always make us feel at home!” cried A cup of cold water. Would you really call to visit for a week’s holiday. Uncle Mick. They were so busy chatting, this a welcoming thing to offer? Good Dad and Mum had been busy all day, no-one noticed as Stephen went to the hospitality? Just plain cold water from the tidying the house, and even making sure cupboard by the sink, filled a plastic bowl tap? Not very impressive. Not to me or the garden looked its best. with water, and put it on the floor. you anyway. Just turn on the tap and here Stephen went into the kitchen, it is, without any effort. Just boring old the sitting room, the bathroom, water. What a scoosh, if you don’t mind the bedroom, and outside into the me saying! Colourless, pretty tasteless, but garden, looking for something he on the plus side, it’s clean and fresh, safe could do to give the best welcome. and reliable. But it looked like Mum and Dad Pause and drink. had thought of everything. A cup of cold water to drink. It’s the least The grass was cut. There was a you can do for someone. The very least. bunch of balloons tied to the gate! The bare minimum in fact. Even if you run The front door sat open in the out of tea and coffee and haven’t so much afternoon sun, and the hallway was as a digestive biscuit in the house, you can swept. There was a lovely smell of a surely give a cup of water. cake baking in the oven. The teapot Alfie’s tail was wagging even faster than Pause and drink. and cups were on the table. There were clean towels by the shower and a vase of usual as he lapped up a long drink. A cup of cold water. One in six people can flowers in the spare room. “Oh Stephen, thank you! What a lovely only dream of this. A billion people across thing to do!” said Uncle Mick. the world would give anything to be able Was there anything more to do? to turn on a tap and pour out a cup of Stephen was so excited as he thought “You thought about welcoming Alfie cold water. Every year, millions of people, about seeing Uncle Mick and Uncle too!” said Uncle Gerry. millions of ordinary people just like us, die Gerry again, but he wished he could do And they hugged their favourite nephew, from preventable diseases linked directly something special for their arrival. who always did such special things. to the lack of safe water. “Here they are!” called Dad suddenly from Pause and drink. the garden, and Stephen heard his Mum’s A cup of cold water. It can mean so little. footsteps, so he ran outside after her to It can mean so much. Either way, thirst see his uncles and his parents all hugging quenching matters. It’s kingdom work. Raising cup. Cheers! Image: www.scripturepics.org 26 spill the beans, issue 12 a place of hospitality worship ideas Through the Season Prayer of Adoration Prayer for Ourselves On pages 4 and 5 you will find details and Confession and Others of the visual focus that can be used God of hospitality, Host of hosts, throughout this season, picking up on God of welcome, we have gathered in your house this day different aspects of creation. God of inclusivity, to worship you, to learn from you, Gathering Activity God of acceptance, to be guided by you, we gather as your people to praise you to serve, to accept, Encourage people to be particular about here in this, your house. to care for all. welcoming each other. Have a time at the You throw open your doors Lord, let us learn to be effective hosts beginning or the service where people and welcome us with open arms. from beginning to end. can say hello to others in other parts And yet sometimes May we welcome all whom we encounter. of the church. Especially any visitors or we simply don’t get it Be with those who are yet to experience people they do not know. and fail to grasp what it means that welcome. Call to Worship to be a people of hospitality. At this time we bring before you, in a moment of quiet, We are sorry for the times This is a place of welcome, those who feel excluded and alone... a place where all may find solace, we have moved someone from a seat. where all may celebrate, We are sorry for the times Silence where all are valued, we have made comments where all are loved, about an outfit under our breath. Lord, let us learn to be effective hosts where all find refreshment on offer. We are sorry for the times from beginning to end. God welcomes you here. when we have let our own desires May we look out for all your guests: Let’s come to him in worship. be the only ones we care about. to keep an eye out for the newcomer; We are sorry for not being the hosts to keep an eye on the vulnerable; Responses you call us to be. to keep an eye on those who are sometimes taken for granted. Work in us and through us that we Leader: Welcome. At this time we bring before you, may be hospitable people, All: It is God’s welcome in a moment of quiet, and a hospitable congregation. those who have crossed a threshold, Leader: You are valued and loved. May we know more of the overwhelming taken that first step, All: It is God’s welcome. hospitality that you offer us those who seek care so that we may, in turn, offer it Leader: We offer you some refreshment. and the love of a community or a family. All: It is God’s welcome. fully to all your children. Silence Leader: Stay a while in this place. When people step into this place, All: It is God’s welcome. we ask that all may feel your presence, Lord, let us learn to be effective hosts your welcome and your love from beginning to end. revealed in us and all around us. There is something amiss with a host In Jesus’ name we pray. who spends their whole time in the Amen. kitchen and leaves the guests to talk amongst themselves. May we be present with those around us. May we find the strength to come out from behind the counter; to leave the dishes until later; to put people before prim and proper. At this time we bring before you, in a moment of quiet, all who work so hard across this world to be good hosts, to care for all around them, to accept all for who they are, to comfort, to care and to share. Silence Lord God, host of hosts, hear our prayer. For your love’s sake. Amen. trinity & pentecost 2014 27 sunday 29 june 2014 worship ideas Prayer of Dedication Sending Accept these gifts, God of giving. With hands outstretched in welcome, A Prophet Has A Lonely Task Although we know that ears open to the cries of God’s people, 1. A prophet has a lonely task — our financial giving is only one way eyes focussed on God’s work to help the world to see anew, that you call us we leave this place. to name injustice, then to ask to practice Christian discipleship, Where the world is unwelcoming, what God is calling us to do. we pray that you will blend our actions, may we offer friendship. our gifts of money, 2. On city streets among the poor, our talents and our prayers, Where words of love are dismissed, in places spoiled for oil or coal, so that we may touch the lives of others may we speak as prophets. at yet another time of war, who seek your love. Where your people thirst for justice, a prophet seeks the nation’s soul. So be it. may we bring the water of life. 3. O Lord, you taught us: Amen. And may we seek no reward Hear their shout! Reflection but to serve the God who sends us. Receive their call to turn from sin! When others seek to shut them out, A cup of cold water, Praise/Hymns the church must welcome prophets in. a symbol of righteousness yet so much more: A prophet has a lonely task see right 4. For in our welcome, Lord, we’ll find the gift of sharing, a living faith, a new world-view, As the deer pants for the water CH4 550 a life more peaceful, just and kind, the gift of caring, MP 37 the gift of wanting to make a difference. a church that gladly welcomes you. Costing so little As water to the thirsty MP 803 Words: © 2011 Carolyn Winfrey Gillette to those who have it to give, Be still and know CH4 755 All rights reserved. but gifting so much MP 48 Used by permission. to those who receive; and blessing the giver Brother, sister, let me serve you CH4 694 If you would like to use this with the reminder How long, O Lord, will you forget CH4 7 hymn, please contact Carolyn that, in having a cup of cold water to give, MP 848 and Bruce Gillette (bcgillette@ we are blessed indeed. comcast.net) for permission and I bind my heart this tide CH4 508 to get a copy of the hymn in MS Take Home Ideas It’s a world of sunshine CH4 245 Word format for bulletin use. 1. This week try and invite someone Let us build a house CH4 198 Tune: Wareham or Canonbury whom you would like to get to know 8.8.8.8 better to your home for a cup of tea Let us share All the Assembly Songs and a get-to-know-you. You’ll Ever Need 160 2. Make a donation to a charity that Oh, greatly blest the people are CH4 53 supports the homeless or give some Water, water of life CH4 525 food to a foodbank. Welcome everybody from Fischy Music 3. Run your tap and fill a glass of water CD I Wonder...Why? and drink it and realise how refreshing it is. Whatever you do available at http://carolynshymns.com/whatever_you_do.html 4. Either decide to make one change in your lifestyle that will conserve water When I’m feeling down and sad CH4 568 or make a small donation to Water When I’m feeling sad CH4 569 Aid. When I needed a neighbour CH4 544 Worship the Lord in the beauty CH4 201 You can drink it, swim in it All the Assembly Songs You’ll Ever Need 285

28 spill the beans, issue 12 a place of hospitality age group ideas intro note crafts games We enter the summer holiday period and during this time a variety of, mainly, Welcome Posters all age Drinking Game age 6-12 all age ideas will be offered for working You will need: A3 size sheets of coloured You will need: small drinking glasses with children, recognising that numbers card, old magazines, marker pens, (ASDA or other supermarkets have these of children are likely to fluctuate and that stickers, pencils, glue sticks. available very cheaply), water, lemon perhaps different people will be leading juice, melted chocolate, towels/baby Have the children choose a sheet of card the work with children at this time of year. wipes. in a colour they like and then, using the materials provided, to design a poster to You will need three glasses per child. Each welcome people to the church. child will have the three glasses filled; one gathering Discuss with the children what sort of with water, the other with lemon juice and the last one with melted chocolate. Welcome all age information should be included on poster. Display the posters around the church or You can make this into a relay game or You will need: music for ‘Welcome in shops, libraries, community spaces in a combination taste and try game or everybody’ by Fischy Music (available on your area. guess the taste with eyes blindfolded. Be CD ‘I Wonder... Why?’) prepared for some mess! Talk about the importance of welcome Play or sing ‘Welcome everybody’. If and how we can welcome others to the you have not done so before, teach the church. Pass The Water all age children the actions to the song. You will need: cheap drinking cups Talk about times and places where the Ice Lolly Rewards all age (ASDA or other supermarkets have children have felt welcome. How did that these available very cheaply, you need You will need: freezer on the premises (it make them feel? Have there been times ones with the lip around the rim), water, would be difficult to take these home!), when they have not felt welcome? towels. ice lolly moulds and sticks or plastic cups Use this as a starting point for the story and lolly sticks, juice. The idea with this game is to give the today. Make ice lollies. You could make simple water you have to someone else, however, ice lollies with juice or lemonade or you you have to do it with no hands, holding could be more adventurous and make the cup by your teeth (the rim on the cup your own fruit smoothies which you could helps to grip). then freeze. Whatever drink you decide to use, when it is ready pour juice into lolly moulds or into plastic cups and put in the freezer. The children will get to eat them next week! Talk about welcoming people and caring for people by giving them something to drink: a cup of tea on a cold day, a glass of water on a hot day. Discuss their ideas of things we can do to help people feel ‘at Pair off children and give each child a cup. home’. Fill near to full one of the cups for each pair. Then have each child hold their cups A further discussion point would be to see in their teeth, one full, the other empty. how others have reused plastic bottles. When you tell them to go then they have See http://ecoble.com/2009/04/27/ to try and transfer the water from one cup extraordinary-reuse-projects-10-amazing- to the other. The winning pair is the pair ways-to-recycle-plastic-bottles/ for some that transfers most water. astonishing examples. If the children get the hang of this easily, Richie Sowa made his own island all then you could set it up as a team game supported on 250,000 old bottles. See where children are in a line and have to http://youtu.be/Cvn9l1pJ3-A. pass the water back down the line as far as they can until all the water has been spilled. The winning team will transfer the furthest down the line.

trinity & pentecost 2014 29 sunday 29 june 2014 age group ideas activities Water age 6-12 Welcome All all age Temperature age 6-12 Experiment You will need: copies of the worksheet Gauge available on page 127, pencils. You will need: two baby food jars You will need: different thermometers of the same size, blue and red food Teach the children how to say ‘welcome’ for the children to look at (for example, colouring, cold water, hot water, squares in a few different languages, or have them bulb, cooking, strip, electronic), activity of cardboard or wax paper (10 c.m. tell you the ways they know. Use the sheets provided on page 129. square). A bit of practise! worksheet as a way to do this. Talk about the various temperatures that Fill one of the jars with very hot water and The correct match-ups are: most people know about (all in Celsius): add a drop of red dye. What happens to Dutch – Welkom • water boiling: 100 °C, the drop? French – Bienvenue • water freezing: 0 °C Fill the other jar with cold water and add a German – Willkommen drop of blue colouring. What happens to • normal human body: 36.5 °C. Hawaiian – Aloha the drop this time? Add more cold water • ideal room temperature: 21 °C until the water is running over slightly and Hungarian – Udvozlet then place your cardboard square on top Italian – Benvenuto • ideal sleeping temperature: 19 °C of the jar with the cold water. Tap the card Japanese – Yokoso • water for perfect coffee making: to form a seal. Gaelic – Failte 90-95 °C This is the moment of truth. Pick up Spanish – Bienvenido • water for perfect tea making: 80 °C (for the blue water and turn it upside down Swahili – Karibu green and black teas, if you want to be quickly. The card will stick. If you hesitate picky, as white teas should be 70 °C. the seal will loosen and the water will go Romanian – Bine ai venit Now you know!) everywhere! Place on top of the jar with Greek – Καλώς Όρισες the red water. Have someone hold both When salt is added to boiling water does it jars as you slowly pull out the cardboard. A Word Of all age boil at a higher temperature? (Yes) What happens? Welcome When salt is added to freezing water does it lower the freezing temperature? (Yes) You will need: copies of the worksheet available on page 128, pencils. Use the activity sheet provided on page 129 for the children to mark on the Ask the children to think about what it thermometer some of these different means to be welcoming to other people. temperatures, perhaps drawing a picture Using the activity sheet on page 128, see alongside the different temperatures (for what words they can come up with to example, ice, kettle, person, and so on). describe how they would welcome.

30 spill the beans, issue 12 a place of hospitality discussion starters for teens pay it forward

Preparation The Word Living It Out You will need a ball of wool or string and a You will need: bibles. Try it. flip chart and pen (or something to write Read Matthew 10:40-42 a few times Do three random acts of kindness this a list on). together. week. A copy of the film Pay It Forward (12) and If anyone asks why then tell them you are something to watch it on (the relevant Activity/Discussion trying to make the world a better place scene is available on YouTube, but we Think of an idea to change the world… and challenge them to do three random would advise getting your own copy of No pressure! acts of kindness too. this super film). Watch Pay it Forward chapter 3 Opening Activity (00:07:17-00:11:20) where the new Social Studies teacher (Kevin Spacey) sets the What’s in a name? assignment for the Seventh Graders (11-12 Stand in a circle. Give someone a ball year olds). of wool or string. They should hold the • What would your answer to the end of the string and throw the ball assignment be? to someone else. The person catching holds the string and says an idea for a • How does it feel when someone does random act of kindness: a way to help something kind for you? someone. They then hold onto their piece • How does it feel when you do of string and throw the ball to someone something kind for someone else? else creating a web of kindness, and it is their turn to come up with an idea. Keep If one of you did three kind things a week passing across the circle until you run that would add up to 156 acts of kindness out of ideas. Keep the ideas simple and, if in a year. Work out the total for your group. possible, free. • What about if everyone at church did It might help if someone makes a list of three kind things a week? all the ideas. It could be anything from • What would the world be like if offering to help with something, giving a everyone tried to do this? small gift, leaving an encouraging note for someone or some such. Leave the webbed Look at the web of string / wool. It is wool or string by laying it on the floor in amazing how quickly we are all connected the pattern it made. by random acts of kindness. • Do you think you could do three random acts of kindness in a week?

trinity & pentecost 2014 31 sunday 6 july 2014

pentecost 4 jesus or john? sunday 6 july 2014 matthew 11:16-19,25-30

Genesis 24:34-38,42-49,58-67 Psalm 45:10-17 bible notes Romans 7:15-25a Playgrounds and Partners Matthew 11:16-19,25-30 One of the great mysteries of life is the by those who question whether he could rapidity with which joyous screaming and be the Messiah; and let us be clear, even laughter from a playground or garden as John has his doubts. This is why Jesus in a group of children play games with each verses 25-30 so strongly supports those other can flip into raging screams and who have seen and heard and understand, tears. “It will all end in tears...” we adults in contrast to those who saw, heard but sigh as the children play, and sadly this failed to understand. This is so important is more often proven true than we might because folks were not grasping the hope. revelation of God that Jesus gave through his work and teaching. It was not just Following on from last week’s comments about Jesus, the itinerant preacher, it was about group dynamics and the role about the Father, and understanding God of rewards and sanctions in changing more completely. group behaviour, an observer of human dynamics can spend a fascinating Emphasising this is the “thunderbolt from afternoon watching groups of children the Johannine heaven” that is verse 27, playing to see the different interplay of though this line of thought for John spoke characters and personalities, the use of the eternal Word, for Matthew the focus of rewards and the divisions that easily is Messianic and functional. arise within groups. Leaders take charge, The final few verses, so often used at directing the other children, who will play times when comfort and solace are along as long as it suits them, then power sought, look ahead to the discussions games start to arise as followers begrudge of John and Jesus, and it is easy to about the Sabbath that follow for these being told what to do, leaders are usurped draw a crude distinction between the are not words aimed at anyone who just by others, wailing and gnashing of teeth aesthetic John wrapped in sackcloth happens to be tired and exhausted, they rapidly follow. All this interpersonal drama in the wilderness and Jesus restocking are focussed on those who are wearied by can easily take place in the space of an the wine cellars at the local community the laws of the scribes and Pharisees. The hour. feasting. Observers of Jesus and John rest for your souls that is promised is not It is no wonder that children playing were doing the same thing we do of a comfy pillow, a darkened room and an games are used to illustrate larger themes children as we watch a group of them Enya album, it is an active rest from that of leadership and the comparisons many and try to determine the ringleaders and which wears you down; replaced by the were trying to make between John and the followers. This passage forces us to easier yoke, or the ‘kinder’ yoke that does Jesus in this week’s focus passage. see beyond these caricatures of John and not chafe. The work still needs to be done, Jesus. but Jesus enables us to do that work in a The word at the steamie (the washhouse) way that we can handle. It is a partnership was no doubt about the caricatures In this chapter Jesus speaks highly of John, he does not fall into the trap set for him in building the kingdom. 32 spill the beans, issue 12 jesus or john? the story Something Missing Retelling for Young People Dialogue between two friends who have Voice A: Yep. That’s who we’ve got. Friendship not seen each other in a long time. Voice A: What?! Robin and Linda? You Natalie sounded really angry as she Voice A: Long time no see! How are things mean those two got married?! spoke to Reece: “I don’t know who’s with your church? I hear you’ve Voice A: Yep. They’re fantastic together. worse. You’re weird but then look at got a new minister. And what a ministry team. Patrik, he’s probably weirder.” Voice B: Oh yes. Two new ministers, in Just like my mum said, they’ve Then Shelley jumped in, sounding just as fact! We got a really interesting silenced the complainers for angry: “No he isn’t, it’s you Reece, you’re application from a married once. No more arguments much more of a loser.” couple, keen to do a job share. about what kind of person a real That’s them six months with us. minister should be, what kind Reece looked at his two friends and tried What a breath of fresh air! of things a real minister should not to laugh. “Why are you saying that?” spend their time on, what kind he said, “Why are you arguing again?” Voice A: Well, I had heard a few of personal habits a real minister mutterings on the grapevine, but “Patrik thinks he’s better than us,” said should cultivate, what kind of I didn’t know what was the right Natalie. “He’s weird. Look at the clothes example a real minister should story. he wears. He looks like an old man! You set. never see him laughing or cracking a Voice A: Oh… (chuckling) What Voice A: Has it not become a Robin camp joke. He never comes to anyone’s party. mutterings would that be? and a Linda camp though? He looks so serious all the time. He’s Though I bet I can guess… never any fun!” Voice A: No, that’s the amazing thing! Voice A: Well, just that they had silenced Finally we’re getting it… that “Huh,” replied Shelley. “You’re even worse, a lot of the usual complainers for there are lots of right ways to Reece. You can’t say anything without once. do things, lots of right kinds of telling long stories to make a point. Voice A: Oh really? Who’s saying so? people, lots of great examples. You go to parties and stuff your face! And look at the other people you make Voice A: It was your mum actually! The church needs folk like Robin, and folk like Linda, and even friends with… you even go talking to Voice A: Well, she says it like it is. (Pause) folk like my mum and me! It’s homeless people on the streets. Yuk!” Do you remember Robin from brilliant. (Pause) “Wait a minute, you two!” interrupted our university days? But it’s funny… it does feel like Reece. “Don’t you know that I am friends Voice A: Holy Robin the teetotal vegan? there’s something missing at with Patrik?! I really like him and he Robin with the one pair of smart times now… really likes me! There are lots of different shoes for life? Robin whose ways to be a cool person! Patrik’s just only idea of a night out was the Voice A: Something missing? being Patrik and I’m just being me. You Philosophy Society? Voice A: Well… a church with no complain at him being no fun, then you complaining. Not that I’m don’t like me when you think I’m having Voice A: Yep. And do you remember too much fun!” Linda? complaining… Natalie and Shelley looked at each other. Voice A: The definition of party animal! Bit of a shock to discover it was “I suppose Shelley is quite different from theology she was studying! Work me,” thought Natalie, “but I kind of like hard, play hard. Not afraid to her anyway.” put her head above the parapet! And Shelley was thinking, “Is Reece I’ll never forget her bringing in right? Are there lots of different ways to those homeless guys to the spare be a cool person? Could we just all be seats at that fundraising dinner! friends?” • Ask the children how Shelley, Natalie, Reece and Patrik could be friends and stop arguing. • Then ask them to think of their friends with their different personalities and qualities, and to try name some different ways to be a cool person.

trinity & pentecost 2014 33 sunday 6 july 2014 worship ideas Through the Season Responses All-Age Prayer On pages 4 and 5 you will find details Leader: God of the burden Father, mother, of the visual focus that can be used All: take my heavy load. sister, brother, throughout this season. grandpa, grandma, Leader: Jesus, teacher of sinners, aunty, uncle, All: take my heavy load. Gathering Activity cousin, friend. Have a variety of images of Jesus available, Leader: Enlivening Spirit Each one unique, including smiling and laughing Jesus. All: take my heavy load. special to you, O God, for you made us all. Encourage people to choose an image Leader: Come all who are weary, they like. to the One who will bear it all. Some of us are loud, some of us are quiet. “The Christ we Share” pack available Prayer of Approach from CMS UK can be very helpful for this Some of us like sport, kind of exercise. http://www.cms-shop. and Confession some of us don’t. org.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/CMS/_W. Some of us like nature, O God, you created the universe some of us like technology. PACK004/-/The%20Christ%20we%20 a vast space full of diversity and wonder. Share). No one is better O God, you created each one of us or worse Call to Worship in your image, than the other, the optimist and the pessimist, we are just different, Jesus or John? the cheery and the gloomy, just the way you made us. Party or abstinence? the loner and the party goer. Need it be a choice? Thank you God, Can’t it be both? All of us unique and individual, that we are all different, all of us loved by you. that no two of us are the same. John bore his burdens. Thank you that you love us all Jesus did too. And yet still we prefer to complain and that you accept us as we are. Same but different. about those who are not like us, Jesus offers us the chance and we choose to make friends with Help us to enjoy the company to lighten our load. people who are like us. of those who are different, especially those So he enjoyed a party or two, Forgive us for failing to embrace who seem very different. and enjoyed the company of sinners. those who are different from us. Help us to find ways to engage Jesus offers us the chance Forgive us for refusing to make the effort and love them as you do. to lighten our load. to see you in each person. Help us to look out for those people Come on, shrug off that burden, Help us to see past a personality who need us to be a friend, pull up a chair, sinner, and see the soul beneath. or to share a smile or a meal with, and join Jesus, Guide us to the people to visit when they are lonely, let him take your burdens: who can show us more about you or to comfort when they are sad. let him lighten your load. through their differences. Thank you for the people Take Home Idea So be it. who are friends with us, Amen. who help us In this week, instead of going out to do when we are sad or lonely, something for God, pray every morning Prayer of Dedication when we are tired or hungry. that God will let you hear and see what Generous God, he wants you to do and listen for God’s Remind us that Jesus you gave everything through your Son, prompting that an opportunity to help is always with us to show us you love us. someone or share a moment of faith is ready to comfort us Accept these offerings of money, with you. and give us rest may they be a symbol of all that we offer when we need it. Every evening, take a moment to reflect in the service of your kingdom. on how God has helped you through the Help us to be generous Thank you for always day and give thanks in prayer. with all of our gifts loving us and for giving and to share them willingly. us Jesus to be our friend. Every day, look around you and see Amen. Amen. where God is at work in all kinds of human beings around you who share the kingdom of God in ordinary ways.

34 spill the beans, issue 12 jesus or john?

Prayers for Others and Ourselves God, sometimes we get so tired, O God, gentle and wise we feel like we are carrying hear our prayers, the weight of the world restore our souls on our shoulders. and revive our spirits. Said with a smile Give us strength to Leader: God of the happy times, There aren’t enough keep following All: smile and laugh with us. hours in the day the way of Jesus. to get everything done. Help us learn from him Leader: God of all people, There are too many and take up his yoke. young or old, people and situations We want the rest he offers. silent or loud, that need our help. We long for it for ourselves weighed down or untroubled, Jesus said, ‘Come to me and for others. All: may we find peace and I shall give you rest’. Lord, give us patience in your presence God, sometimes we get so fed up, to await your response and rest in your love. we feel that no matter to our requests. how much we do Praise/Hymns In Jesus name we pray. nothing really changes. Amen. Come to me CH4 759 Poverty is all around us, Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go CH4 529 too many people Reflection MP 159 have too little. So we’ll never please everyone Corruption is present I danced in the morning CH4 404 that we know well at all levels but that’s no excuse I heard the voice of Jesus say CH4 540 and seems unstoppable. for not using those gifts MP 275 Jesus said, ‘Come to me, that God has given us, ‘Lift up your hearts’ CH4 654 my yoke is easy and my burden is light’. to do what we can where we are Lord Jesus, think of me CH4 492 God, sometimes we get so stressed, with what we have we feel frustrated Meekness and majesty MP 465 so that others get it: and struggle to make it the message O come and join the dance MP 489 through each day. that God equips us One there is, above all others MP 542 Life is demanding, with all that we need we have to deal with to lighten our load Praise the One who breaks the darkness so many situations and emotions. and, by being ourselves, CH4 348 We get caught in a cycle we do what we can Says Jesus, ‘Come and gather round that only leads us to display the image of God CH4 342 to more stress and frustration. that dwells within us and draws us ever closer Sing of the Lord’s goodness CH4 157 Jesus said, ‘Come to me to the kingdom of God. and find rest for your souls’. The great love of God CH4 358 God, sometimes we get so angry, Sending Thou hidden Love of God CH4 188 we feel let down Said quietly We played the flute! the children said by family and friends available at and this causes us pain. Leader: God of the quiet times, http://www.carolynshymns.com/ All: speak peacefully to our souls. Conflicts and disagreements we_played_the_flute_the_children_said.html tear us apart Said loudly What a friend we have in Jesus CH4 547 and break our relationships. Leader: God of the noisy times, MP 746 Holding on to grudges All: share our shouts of joy. only makes us feel worse and brings no healing. Said solemnly Jesus said, ‘Come to me Leader: God of the sad times, and learn from me, All: comfort and console us. I am humble and gentle in heart.’

trinity & pentecost 2014 35 sunday 6 july 2014 age group ideas gathering crafts activities Opposites/Pairs all age Helping Hands all age Guess The Weight age 6-12 You will need: cards with words and You will need: coloured paper, felt tip You will need to have the room set out pictures of opposites or things that are pens, pencils, scissors, large sheets of before the children arrive if possible. different and pairs or things that go card, frieze paper or lining paper, glue It would also be better if you had together (one word or image per card). sticks. a number of boxes of various sizes and into each box place an item. For Have plenty of cards available for Give out coloured paper and ask the example, in a large box you could place everyone and scatter them around the children to draw around their hands with a pencil and in a small box you could floor with everyone gathered around. Try pencil. Cut out hand shapes. With felt tip place a brick. and get the children to match them up. pens draw pictures of or write the names Use this as a way of introducing the idea of people who help us on to the hands. Mark each box A, B, C or 1, 2, 3. of how things and people are different, Stick hands onto card, lining paper or Ask the children to look at each box, and yet all are needed. frieze paper in a big heart shape. Write maybe walk around them but not to touch words of all age prayer in the middle of Examples of opposites might be: them. the heart. • feather/ brick Ask them to write down which box is the Discuss with the children times they have lightest up to the heaviest just by looking • knife/ fork needed help and who has helped them. at them. Discuss with the children how they can • light / dark help others. Talk about Jesus giving us rest The next time around ask a leader to lift • sellotape / scissors and use all age prayer to bring activities one box at a time but they need to act it out (maybe not moving it at all, screwing Examples of pairs might be: and discussion together. up their face, puffing out their cheeks or • socks Friendship age 9-12 lifting it effortlessly, again to confuse the • gloves Bracelets children). Once again the children write down which • bucket and spade You will need: embroidery threads in one is lightest to heaviest. • ice cream and jelly different colours, scissors, sellotape, copies of the instructions on creating a Lastly give each child a chance to lift it friendship bracelet. themselves and mark down which one they find lightest to heaviest. There are lots of websites which give instructions for friendship bracelets. Only God knows the burdens people carry. Choose a simple design and print out instructions. Provide threads in a variety Different Yokes age 6-12 of colours and let the children choose the You will need: pictures of different types colours they think their friend would like. of yoke (some examples that could be Follow the instructions to make the printed and cut out are provided on bracelet. It is unlikely that the bracelet will pages 130 and 131). You may even be be finished during the time you meet, so able to borrow an old yoke if you are let the children take them home to finish near a museum. and give them a copy of the instructions Allow the children time to look at the to take with them. pictures on the worksheet. Ask them Use the all-age prayer on page 34, talk if they know what the different yokes about how we are all different and ask the are and then allow them to come up children to give the bracelet to a friend with a simple story either in groups or who they feel needs rest or help at this individually about all the yokes. time. Explain later that the yoke helps us (or animals) carries a heavy weight. Ask them if they think they can work out what Jesus meant when he said the yoke he asked people to carry was light.

36 spill the beans, issue 12 jesus or john?

games Music And Dance all age What Annoys You all age Skittles all age You will need: music and ability to play it You will need: stress balls. This game can be played in two different for all (recent hits), a refresher on some ways. In this game it would be better for the dance moves (you may need to enlist children to sit in a circle. If you have The first is by using 10x 2 litre plastic some of the children to assist you here). enough stress balls for each child that bottles and a small soft ball. Around each For this week you could have the children will be great but if not you can pass the of the bottles write the name of an issue dancing to the many hit dances that stress balls around. Each child is to keep or a topic that weighs people down either involve group dances with everyone squeezing the stress ball for as long as personally or in your community. These dancing together: Cha Cha Slide, they can with the hand they normally might be, litter, dog poo, bullying, children Macarena, Ketchup Song, Gangnam Style, write with. Count the number of times. Do in developing nations needing help, liars, Agadoo, I am the music man, Superman the same with their opposite hand. lack of food, and so on. The children then and so on. start to play skittles and knock them down, each person getting a turn. The children could make up their own dance to their favourite tune or to a hymn/ Alternatively you can play this game chorus they like. using real people and a large soft ball. The children are the skittles that are to be knocked down and if the ball hits their feet/legs when it is rolled they are out. The children are allowed to jump to avoid it meaning the people behind may not see it coming their way. When they jump if they touch another person they are both out.

What is the difference in the total numbers? Ask the children to think of something that really annoys them at school; in church, at home. Explain why people sometimes use stress balls but that they can do even better by reading their bible and talking to God.

trinity & pentecost 2014 37 sunday 6 july 2014 discussion starters for teens nicknames and burdens

Preparation Ensure you have access to some baby Rest for the name books or access to name meaning sites on the internet. You will need one piece of card for each burdened member of the group cut out roughly one third of a piece of A4 paper, (210 x 100 m.m.). On each piece of card write the name of a place to which the young people go. These might be: home, school, shops, sports centre, community centre, cinema, shopping centre, and so on. Lastly it would be good to have one plain cardboard parcel tag per group member. Opening Activity Naming Rights Spend a bit of time thinking about names. Ask the young people to find out what their names mean, using the name books Living It Out you have provided or via the internet. What I see is... Give each young person a cardboard luggage label, ask them to take it and tie it The Word The passage asks us to see the difference onto something that they see that reflects between the children and others. The Read Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. what Jesus said he brings. This might be children play lively music, the others will rest for the weary and burdened, learning Activity/Discussion not dance; the children sing a dirge, the from Jesus, gentleness, humbleness, rest, others will not mourn. caring, laughter, and so on). Nicknames Yet it is the others who judge the Invite the young person to write the thing The passage asks us to think of a bunch behaviour of Jesus and John while on the label before tying it on sometime of young people watching how others ignoring their own issues. this week. act and challenging them on this. The The second part of the passage points out others in the story watch Jesus’ and John’s that the truth of this situation is revealed actions and give them nicknames based to the children because that how God had on how they act. made it. Ask the young people to think about Take one of the cards and on the back nicknames, what they mean and how they write what you see when you look at the are given to people. place named on the card. • Do you think the names for John and • Do you see what Jesus offers in verse Jesus are fair enough? 28-30 at that place? (rest for the weary • How much do the names reflect the and burdened, learning from Jesus, whole person of Jesus or John? gentleness, humbleness, rest?) • Have you ever seen your friends play/ • If so where at that place? act up in order to live up to their • If what Jesus gives is absent, what do nicknames? you see instead?

38 spill the beans, issue 12 the generous sower

pentecost 5 the generous sower sunday 13 july 2014 matthew 13:1-9,18-23 Genesis 25:19-34 Psalm 119:105-112 bible notes Romans 8:1-11 Seeds, Soils and Reality Parables Matthew 13:1-9,18-23 How controversial might this parable be? anywhere and maybe in some It seems like a gentle arable image, indeed cases something will happen while the image we might have in our mind as in other cases nothing. There is we read the parable probably incudes no targeting, no market research, the sun just rising, the long shadow of no best growth strategies which the farmer stretching across the land means, for a theology that likes to as he throws with wild abandon, his imagine an almighty God and a seeds worrying not where they land. He Messiah who enters the world with probably has a smile on his face too as the force (even if that is for the second birds circle overhead and all nature is at coming), that the whole seed one. Nice. image may seem pretty shambolic and weak. Those who heard this passage, however, more programmes in the church to turn might have been apoplectic with Jesus as All of this also happens out of sight. The us from extinction to mega-churches, we he smashed some long held beliefs and growth of the kingdom does not look that have plans and projects in order to make structure of their religion. If the land is much of anything really. Indeed, while the field as fertile as possible. The reality a symbol of different people then some not impossible to find, you often have to is, however, all these different conditions would have been very upset that Jesus look long and hard to find it. You might exist and love is sown into all of them, not suggests that God sows the seed among imagine God would use some strong arm by us, but by the sower. Every condition is all people. They were adamant that God tactic if you have an image in mind of an a possible growing place and is given as did no such thing. all powerful God ready to turn the world much chance as any other. back to God. Some people believe this to be true Indeed, when Jesus explains the parable, even today. They are certain that God The sower parable, in contrast, is he doesn’t explain the sower, he explains scatters the word out to Israel, or somewhat lackadaisical, almost the soil. The seed falls on different perhaps a particular nation today (‘God suggesting an image of a God who sits grounds regardless. Perhaps we would bless America...’ springs to mind), or back in a deckchair having sown the seed target our limited resources to those denomination, or church. To imagine God wherever it will, watching the setting sun areas that will bring the biggest impact or throwing the seed universally (without our while chewing on a piece of dried grass return, carrying out cost/benefit analyses involvement, take note) would cause no with his hands behind his head and with to aid our decision making, but this is not little grinding of teeth on the part of some no real concern about what the outcome how it is done in the Realm of Love. of his original hearers as it does for some might be. today. The Good News is given and offered and Might this be a reality-parable? The four invited to grow no matter the condition Not only that, its not exactly a very conditions of the land might represent the you are in, the culture is in, the land is in, good business model that the CEO conditions we often experience in life. We or the church is in. It is universally given of heaven has come up with here. It are always gadding about trying to make and generously offered by the divine feels too random: just throw the word things ‘right’ to sow the seed. We introduce sower. trinity & pentecost 2014 39 sunday 13 july 2014 the story Listen Retelling For Young People Listen. Growing God But some birds came down and pecked at the seeds that fell on the path, and Ssshhh. This is a little piece of improvised drama. had a great feast. Be quiet. If you have enough children present you Listen. could give them different parts, if not Pretend to peck at the seeds on the What can you hear? you can get them to join in the actions path. with you. Maybe someone coughing, Some of this scattered seed landed on another shuffling their feet, One day Jesus came out of the house, rocky ground, and after a while it began someone else walked down the road, and sat quietly by to grow and grow, and looked great, but breathing heavily? the sea watching the boats tossing about because it had no real roots it just wilted in the water. and died. Ssshhh. Be quiet. Walk around the church a little, sit down Pretend to be growing plants, kneel Listen. on the edge of a pew, and pretend to be down low, grow tall, and then fall over. looking out to sea. What can you hear? In next to no time people gathered Some scattered seed fell among thorns The wind howling, around Jesus and were blocking the entry the rain upon the windows, and it was just overgrown and it kind of to the harbour, there were so many of got choked to death. the birds singing, them. the traffic moving? Hands round the neck and make Other children could pretend to be the choking noise. Ssshhh. crowd. Be quiet. But the seed that fell on the best ground, Listen. So Jesus climbed into a boat and asked just grew and grew and grew, until it everyone to sit down and to keep the What can you hear? covered the whole field, and it looked passageways free, and he told them a beautiful. Ssshhh. story not about a fisherman at sea, but a Be quiet. farmer on the land. Growing seed again, and this time Listen. when you are tall, show bright smiling This is what Jesus said: ‘One day a farmer faces. Listen, went out to sow some seeds. He did not for background everyday noises, this by hand, and he scattered seed God casts his seeds far and wide. When but for the word of God EVERYWHERE! it takes root in people’s lives it makes a difference to everyone. speaking to you, yes, you… today! Farmer pretends to cast seed in all Ssshhh. directions. Be quiet. Listen. God is good, God is generous, God is everywhere, God is a chance giver, God is a change maker, God is a provider, God is a nurturing God, God is a growing God, God is an anywhere God God is an opportunity God, God is a sowing God, God is a fruit bearing God, Ssshhh. Be quiet. Listen. Hear the word of God, and let it flourish in your heart, and mind and soul.

40 spill the beans, issue 12 the generous sower worship ideas Through the Season Opening Reflection Prayer of Adoration Details of the seasonal ideas can be found There is an old, old story of a farmer and Confession on pages 4 and 5 which provide some who with great sweeps of his arm Generous God, focus ideas across this season based on scattered seed you sow the seeds the creation story. hither and thither of your word across his land. Gathering Activity freely and widely, Good seed, you do not check to see Invite people to plant a seed in a pot filled healthy seed, where they will fall with fresh compost. You could try winter each holding within it you simply sow and flowering pansies: maybe someone with a a hundred ears of corn allow the seeds to land. greenhouse would be willing to take them lingering in every dry husk: Sometimes seeds fall all home and look after them until they on the hard path can be planted out. a waiting potential, a longing promise, where there is no soil Call to Worship a birth of future but the birds of the air and each bounced are able to enjoy a feast. Come to the Sower of seeds, as they scattered Planter of hearts. Sometimes seeds fall across the land. on the rocky ground Come this morning/evening They shimmered in the sun, where there is only to the enriched, caught by shards of light a little soil fertile ground of God’s love. that were going to stretch them and the roots cannot Come away from the stony ground, and pull them up go deep enough away from the strangling weeds. from the earth; to allow the plant Just a brushing glint to reach it’s full potential. Come let your roots be strengthened as they boomeranged and your hearts flourish. Sometimes seeds fall through the sky on soil that already has Come and worship God. and scrambled other plants to sustain across the field. and the new plants Responses Then each was left helpless are not able to share Leader: Stony ground. thrown into corners the soils precious resources All: Stony hearts. they never chose to go, and are hindered in their growth. abandoned on land Leader: Tangled weeds. But sometimes seeds fall they never chose to take root: All: Tangled lives. on empty soil some among thistles, where they are free to Leader: Rich soil. strangled between weeds, put down deep roots All: Rich harvest. helpless over rocks, and to grow unhindered scorched on pathways Leader: Come to the place of enrichment into their full leaf and flower. and left there, All: we come to worship our Lord. left there We are so glad that you sow freely to fend for themselves. that you do not restrict your seeds to a particular place. Help us to remember that we too must sow the seeds of your word freely. Help us not to judge the soil or test it before sowing. Help us to sow the seeds of love everywhere and anywhere, trusting that you will take care of the rest. Amen.

trinity & pentecost 2014 41 sunday 13 july 2014 worship ideas Prayers for Others Reflection Creator God, that there is no space How awful! maker of heaven and earth, for the seed to grow. How obscenely extravagant! hear our prayers We pray that you would for our fragile world. sow the seeds How indiscriminate of God of patience and gentleness to throw open the gates of the kingdom Where there is drought so that the ground so that anyone might find a way in. and the soil is might allow both plants too dry and hard No standards. space to grow. to sustain life, No safeguards. and where people have Where there is good soil But a generosity hardened their hearts and the seeds are able that is sure to be abused and put up a wall to grow freely and just as scandalous today to deflect your love. and to their full potential, as was this message We pray that you would and where people to those who listened to Jesus. have chosen to sow the seeds Still there are those grow and be transformed of refreshing rain who do not want to believe, by the seed. so that the ground who want to rewrite We give you thanks, might be softened the story of God’s unconditional welcome, O God, for these seeds and the walls removed. who want to maintain standards and for the fruit their Where there is rocky ground and conditions plants will bear, and the soil is and limit the sphere the new seeds not deep enough of the impossible kingdom of God. that we hope they to allow deep roots, will freely sow Thankfully, the God of the Universe and where people have as you have freely sown. knows no bounds allowed the seed and cannot be subdued O Lord, help us to see to take root but carries on regardless, which soil we are but are unable sowing and reaping, at this moment, to allow it shuffling and shoogling, help us to be willing to fully take hold making space for all, to change towards and bring transformation. throwing wide the doors the good soil, We pray that you would and gathering us in. sow the seeds and help us to of grace and mercy encourage others so that the ground whatever soil they are. might support In Jesus name we pray. the plants that grow. Amen. Where there is thorny ground and the soil is already supporting plant life, and where people have lives already full and active

42 spill the beans, issue 12 the generous sower

Prayer of Dedication Contemporary Reading Extravagantly generous God, Here are some of the parables of Sing Verse 3 and chorus. you have provided Matthew 13 in poetic form, ready for There once was a man who sowed seed all that we need and more hearts to hear them though they are and another who among them for a simple lifestyle. in limerick form. Whether Jesus would sowed weed wince or smile we leave up to you to Receive all that we offer this day, the seed became corn guess, but here they are anyway… not just our money, and the weed became thorn but our time and talents, Between each limerick you could sing and the farmer knew not how to proceed. take them and use them ‘For the world and all its people’ (CH I’ll leave them to their own endeavour to help bring your kingdom 262) a verse at a time beginning with the but I’ll not leave them in there together here and now, first verse. for when the season has turned in this place and Each limerick should be read by a the weeds will be burned, in every place. different person who could bring but the grain will be stored up forever. Amen. forward a symbolic object from the Sing Verse 4 and chorus. parable. All-Age Prayer Each parable is an everyday story God of all that is Sing Verse 1 and chorus. sometimes gentle and sometimes and all that is still to be, A farmer who went out to sow a bit hoary, we gather in your house, sowed more than he could ever know but can transform how we live a place built on the soil despite weeds and hard soil and together we give of our community. and rocks and birds toil the world hope and God all the glory. We are glad that you his grain-sacks would soon overflow. But there are some who never will hear are such a generous God, There are some who never will hear, so listen if you have the ears that you sow in every so listen if you have the ears for these stories disclose part of the world, for these stories disclose that the kingdom is close and that your church that the kingdom is close and through them God’s way is growing and blossoming and through them God’s way is made clear is made clear. here and around the world. Sing Verse 2 and chorus. Sing Verse 5 and chorus. Encourage us not to keep There was a man who was not very the seeds of your word enthralled boxed into buildings, by his mustard seed which seemed but to be like you, very small, taking those seeds out but it put down some roots everywhere we go and grew up some shoots and to all the people we meet. until it was tallest of all. We are sorry that sometimes And a woman who never could bake we fail to be as generous as you, found flat bread was all she could make, that sometimes we choose but adding yeast and some know-how to be greedy and refuse to share raised the dough, and then somehow the seeds of your word she discovered the flour was awake. in all we say and do. Remind us of your generosity, of your overflowing love for each of us, a love that is freely spread by you, the sower. Help us to grow more like you, so that we too become sowers of the seeds of your word, today and always. Amen.

trinity & pentecost 2014 43 sunday 13 july 2014 worship ideas Sending Take Home Ideas May God’s living Once A Farmer Went Out Sowing Often this week’s parable is used in a way be sown within your soul. that the different soils onto which the 1. “Once a farmer went out sowing,” seeds are sown represent different people May his life fill you with goodness Jesus began. and their ability to receive the Word of and his love bear fruit “Soon the tender plants were growing God and let that Word grow within them. in you and those you meet. there on his land. Why not think about the passage a bit And may you know fulfilment Every day he labored, tending, differently during the week ahead. in the growing, weeding, working, hope unbending. in the gleaning, So his care was never-ending Instead of applying the metaphor of the in the gathering, for what he’d planned.” different soils to different people, with in the freshness, 2. God of love, when he was sleeping, the attendant judgement that involves of in the flavour, his harvest grew. others, think about: in the fullness, Even with his faithful keeping, • Looking back at my own life and faith in the trying, life came from you. history at what times did my own in the taking, You awakened seeds he’d sown there; heart and soul exhibit the qualities of in the tasting you gave strength to what the different soils Jesus describes? of the life-giving Christ was grown there. today and always. He was never all alone there; • In my life today, are there certain he looked to you. areas of my life that are more open to Praise/Hymns receiving the Word than others? 3. Long ago our church was planted Christ taught us of a farmer available at here in this place. • What might I do to make all aspects of http://www.carolynshymns.com/ Those who loved you worked my life more favourable to God’s Word christ_taught_us_of_a_farmer.html and tended being sown? For your generous providing CH4 655 in your embrace. • Thinking about the places I visit and Here they built a place of worship, God has spoken to his people MP 182 spend time, how receptive do you feel laboured well in faith and friendship, they are to God’s good news? How deep the Father’s love for us CH 549 preached and served MP 988 in times of hardship, all by your grace.. I am the bread of life MP 261 4. In our joyful celebration, I planted a seed All the Assembly God, this is true: Songs You’ll Ever Need 113 you sustain this congregation; In our lives plant seeds of hope CH4 349 life comes from you. In the times we pray and gather, Lord of creation CH4 500 when we risk for things that matter, MP 440 as we love and serve our neighbour, Love divine CH4 519 we trust in you. MP 449 Words: © 2010 Carolyn Winfrey Gillette O love that wilt not let me go CH4 557 All rights reserved. Once a farmer went out sowing see right Used by permission. Take, oh, take me as I am CH4 795 If you would like to use this hymn, please contact Carolyn The spirit lives to set us free MP 664 and Bruce Gillette (bcgillette@ The wise may bring their learning JP 253 comcast.net) for permission and to get a copy of the hymn in MS There’s a wideness in God’s mercy MP 683 Word format for bulletin use. Tune: Ar Hyd Y Nos 8.4.8.4.8.8.8.4

44 spill the beans, issue 12 the generous sower age group ideas gathering crafts activities Plant Quiz all age Cress Fields all age Types Of Soil age 6-12 You will need: pictures of different plants You will need: newspapers, tissue paper, You will need: copies of the activity sheet or flowers. cress seeds, A4 card, scissors, felt tip on page 132, if possible some examples pens. of different soils. Using pictures from magazines or from the internet put together a gardening Ask the children to lay out sheets of Talk about the different types of soil that quiz where the children have to match the newspaper on a table (it would be good you get; sandy, clay, silty, loamy, peaty and name of a flower with the picture of that if this table could remain in place all chalky. You could arrange these names flower. week, rather than a table that has to into anagrams and after your talk about be folded away). Sprinkle paper with the soil ask the children to re-arrange Use this as an introduction to the idea of water until soggy. Then place sheets of the letters. Dysan/Sandy and so on. If sowing seeds and waiting for things to coloured tissue paper on top, overlapping you have examples of the different soils, grow. colours and press down until tissues then that would provide some hands-on paper is damp. Scatter cress seeds over excitement. tissue paper. The children should write Then try the activity sheets to see if the the names of streets and places in their children can match the descriptions of the community onto the card making street soils to the names. signs which can then be cut out and places on the tissue paper. It would be helpful if someone could check up on the cress seeds during the week and ‘water the paper’ if necessary. Talk about God generously planting seeds of love in our time and place and how we can look out for signs of love in our community. Discuss what they might be. The correct order for the soil types on the Sunflower Pots all age sheets is (clockwise from top left): • Silty You will need: plastic flower pots, • Loamy compost, sunflower seeds, address labels, felt tip pens, stickers. • Sandy • Chalky Give each child a few address labels to decorate with stickers, drawing and • Clay writing. Stick decorated stickers onto • Peaty plant pots. Fill plant pots with compost and plant sunflower seeds, one in each What Does The age 6-12 pot. The children could make some Farmer Do? pots to give to people in their family, in the congregation or in the community- You will need: copies of the sheet perhaps to a local nursing home or provided on page 133, pens. sheltered housing complex. For this activity you will find a worksheet Talk about God generously planting on page 133 on which the children need seeds of love in our time and places and to match up what each farmer does. You how we can look for signs of love in our may then wish to pick one or two of the community. Discuss what they might be. items and discuss them more fully, have them as examples, pictures of them, how to look after them, grow them, harvest them, and so on.

trinity & pentecost 2014 45 sunday 13 july 2014 discussion starters games sowing seeds Trad Games age 3-5 This is a good week to do some older games like “The Farmer Wants A Wife” or to sing “Old Macdonald Had A Farm”. You could also bring in some farm related puzzles or toys for the children to play with, such as farm jigsaw puzzles, tractor toys, farm animal models. What Am I? age 6-12 You will need: have cards prepared each with a different well-known crop written or printed on it, plus a list of ‘taboo’ words related to the object. Give each child the name of a crop that they need to describe to the other children one at a time, however like the game Taboo they are not allowed to say certain words. For example, if the object is a carrot, you could add taboo words like: orange, dark, long, rabbits. The number of Preparation Activity/Discussion taboo words you add will determine how To fit with the agricultural theme of the difficult this game is. Plant a number of seeds. Please ensure passage, if possible, negotiate some space you have the ability to take care of Where Do The age 6-12 in the church garden or buy some pots whatever it is, perhaps by asking the and compost. Ensure you have a selection young people to volunteer on a rota or by Seeds Fall? of different seeds that are suitable for managing the care yourself. July planting. A handy list is here on the You will need: a target area of four or As the group plant, by design ensure that five rings half way up the hall, lots of internet: http://www.sarahraven.com/ coloured counters. shop/seeds/seeds-to-sow-now/july.html • some fall on the path, Mark each ring of the target with different Todays activity is based outside in the sun. • some fall in rocky places, Make sure there is protection available, types of soil, so: • some fall amongst thorns, perhaps some sun cream, or perhaps a • Outer Ring 1: Pathway gazebo maybe required. • some on the good soil. • Ring 2: Rocky Path A cool drink will always be welcome. Reread the story form the bible, using • Ring 3: No Soil your groups planting as a live illustration Opening Activity to the story. • Ring 4: Thorny Soil Simple! It is July, the sun is sure to be Living It Out • Bullseye: Good Soil shining (well, one can hope) so take the group outside to a space around the Offer each young person a cool drink. Split the group into teams and give each church you have prepared for today team a pile of counters, each team with a In discussion point out that, as the bible (perhaps a patio area, car park, garden, or different colour. notes help us to see, the next part of the some such). growing process happens out of sight, the From a good distance away (you may want next part requires waiting, it requires love to try this before you meet to see what The Word and care, but is hopeful. is possible for your space and counter You will need: bibles. weight) have the teams all together try Ask each young person to write a plant to throw/sow their counters. The winning Read Matthew 13:1-9,18-23. If there are tag with something reflecting this hope team is the one that gets the most different ground surfaces around you filled activity and plant it next to the seed counters in the good soil. can use these to illustrate what you are they planted in the garden. reading. Finish by sitting, waiting, and enjoying a cool drink together. 46 spill the beans, issue 12 weeds and seeds

pentecost 6 weeds and seeds sunday 20 july 2014 matthew 13:24-30,36-43 Genesis 28:10-19a Psalm 139:1-12,23-24 bible notes Romans 8:12-25 Sowing and Reaping in a Chaotic World Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 This parable is the cousin of last week’s the result involves the story. Last week the story relied on expenditure of vast different kinds of soil. This week the focus amounts of energy. is on different kinds of seeds. There is an important The image of someone sowing bad seed side-line to mention at in another person’s field is a metaphor this point. The weeds for us building the kingdom wherever we are not misunderstood find ourselves: whether in our community, plants. We should get rid church or world. When we begin our of that romantic notion. kingdom work, we have the best While they do not seem intentions to create and build our new to have an effect on the plan or programme or building. Somehow, wheat in the parable, however, when it is brought to life or used they are not gathered regularly, the cracks and flaws begin to up into the harvest. They appear: the idea, plan or project naturally are thrown out. They do While the parable ends there, our descends into chaos. We should not be not have a place. It is therefore important understanding must not. The parable is surprised, for chaos is the state to which to recognise that the parable does not about us and our community. We are the the universe is attracted. In truth, it is insinuate that we put up with bad or field, not the mixture of wheat and weeds. perfection and order that is unnatural and abusive behaviour. At harvest time, that which is Kingdom-of- the “normal” chaotic state will always take God-like will be gathered and celebrated This is a parable about the collective over. Even with the work of the kingdom and given thanks for, and that which is experience of the world, the church and this seems to be true. Kingdom-of-somewhere-else-like will be the community. It is a reality parable as destroyed. What should we do? much as last week’s was. This is what living is like: a mixture of good and bad, of This is a parable about the Good News Before we think about things we should healthy and unhealthy. As that is the case, of what we have been able to grow in do, we should recognise that there we ought not imagine that God is the the name of love. This harvest will be are various things we ought not to do. great weeder of our lives, putting on the gathered and there will be rejoicing for Jesus suggests that we not get back at gardening gloves to pull out all the weeds that fruitfulness. We are not to live such the enemy or fight the reason for chaos that are part of life’s experience. a skewed relationship with the kingdom because often that just compounds the that all we can focus on is the bad and chaos. Jesus suggests not to think you can The parable ends, of course, with the define ourselves only by what is bad in us. take it on and sort it out yourself. Normally gathering of the harvest. The wheat is Rather, the parable invites us to celebrate when we try to better something like that, gathered and the weeds burned. Great! At that which is good in us, all of which will we can often make it worse. Trying to last we can be clear of these things that be gathered up. And we trust that God has make perfection out of something chaotic are not perfect and speak clearly of the got a technique to get rid of the weeds can make a bigger mess and whatever Kingdom of God. come harvest time. trinity & pentecost 2014 47 sunday 20 july 2014 the story Gardeners and Bonfires Retelling For Young People Andy: Hey, Ada. I think Jesus must have Andy: Like you and the Minister do, The Wise Gardener been a good gardener. Ada? Amy used to love paying visits to her Ada: What makes you say that Andy? Ada: Well I try my best Andy. You do papa Bob’s house. He was always in his too, sometimes. Andy: Well, he is always talking about garden doing something and Amy loved seeds and plants and growing Andy: So who are the bad guys, the to help her papa in the garden. He even things. weeds in our community? gave her a wee bit of his garden which he lovingly named “Amy’s Garden”. Ada: Aye, he certainly does Andy. Ada: Well, perhaps they are the people who undermine a sense Andy: Maybe they could invite him of community. The drug pushers onto Gardeners’ Question Time. on the street corners, those who Ada: I think that Jesus is more beat up their wives and weans, interested in people than plants those loan sharks who bleed though Andy. He only uses these people dry of their hard earned horticultural illustrations to make cash. These are just some of the a point about people or the weeds I can see in _____! Kingdom of God. (Change this part for your own Andy: So he would’nae advise me what situation.) poison to use to get rid of my Andy: So why does God not just zap One day when Amy came to visit she neighbours then? these baddies and burn them up noticed that her little bit of garden Ada: No, Andy, I don’t think Jesus like a pile of weeds on a bonfire? seemed to be covered in weeds and she would suggest killing anyone off! Ada: Maybe he is giving them a began to cry: “Look Papa, the weeds have taken over and spoiled my garden!” Andy: Aye, but Ada he does talk about chance to reform. After all, a the weeds getting in among the weed is still a plant and that has But Papa Bob was a wise old man. He said good plants in the Bible today. some value, Andy. Maybe it is not to Amy that “a weed is just a plant that is up to us to judge and condemn. growing where you don’t want it to.” Ada: He does Andy, but he is talking That’s up to God to decide their about the communities where fate. “But Papa, I don’t like the weeds. Can we all live. we use that weed killer you use on the Andy: Well, if it was left to me I know paths?” Andy: But Ada, we live in a tenement what I would do. I would hang building where there are not them up by the… Papa thought for a moment and said, many gardens! “Well Amy if we use the weed killer, we Ada: Yes, we know what you would will kill all the good plants that we sowed Ada: Aye, Andy, I know that, but I like to do to them, but that earlier, so that might be a bad idea.” think Jesus is saying that in is not your call Andy. You are every community there are good challenged to continue growing “Well Papa, let’s dig them up.” people trying to do his work and to your own full potential in the Papa Bob said, “If we do that we might others who just couldn’t care sight of God. accidently dig up some of your good less and even some who are very flowers.” against his work. Andy: Aye, but guess what? Ada: What Andy? “Oh Papa, what are we going to do?” said Andy: So who are these good people? Amy. Andy: There is a big bad burny fire Ada: Jesus says it is those people “Well Amy, we need to be patient. We who do the things God asks of for those that remain as weeds it says here, and they will be let the plants and the weeds grow side them, like fight for justice and by side. When the good plants come care for the poor, the needy and weeping and gnashing there teeth! through and reach their full potential, the vulnerable. The people who then we can separate them from all the show love and compassion and Ada: Well, Andy, you better go and weeds and leave your beautiful garden practice forgiveness toward put your dentures in just in case! looking just the way you would like it.” others. Amy thought for a moment and gave her papa a great big hug. “You are just so clever Papa. You sound just like God.”

48 spill the beans, issue 12 weeds and seeds worship ideas Through the Season Opening Reflection Prayer of Praise Refer back to pages 4 and 5 for the notes The sun warmed the ground and Adoration about this season’s visual focus idea that and pulled up the wheat, Creator God, revolves around the creation imagery of tall and golden, you made the daffodils Genesis 1. stretching into the light. and the dandelions, Gathering The field was thick with grain the roses and the thistles that moved and danced, and you saw that they were good. Give everyone a flower. If someone has a shaping eddies of wind Who are we to decide plentiful supply of weeds (e.g. daisies) use as the breeze scurried across the field. which are good plants those. Encourage people to consider the and which are weeds? beauty of the flower. And the farmer smiled at the glorious sight. You made each of us in your image Call to Worship Long months of toil tall and short, blond and dark, was coming to an end. So we plant a seed and pray for success. women and men We spray against weeds Each stalk was beginning to bear grain. and you saw that we were very good. and do our best Ears of butterscotch gold, Who are we to decide to protect our tender shoots. heavy with promise which people are good and bread. But every now and then a weed appears: and which are bad? a scornful voice, an ill-mannered remark, But there if you look, Jesus came to show us a miss-judged comment, scattered throughout the field, that this world God created a thoughtless word. brazen and bold, allows both the good plants arrogant in their being there: Here in this place, at this time and the weeds to grow, we come to our God; weeds. but reassures us that God who cares tenderly and lovingly Darnel, in the end some of creation whenever given the chance. a grain that grows like wheat will not endure forever. Come let us worship the Sower but only when the grain opens We are so grateful of good seeds is it seen for what it is. that you are wiser than us, our Head Gardener and Lord. And the farmer stared that you know what we need only now realising what had happened: and what will help us to grow Responses that in the night after he sowed and be transformed into Leader: God of heaven, so many months ago people ready for an eternity with you. All: sower of good seed. more sinister hands Leader: God of the growing, sowed the weed Help us to recognise All: sower of good seed. that hides itself till harvest, the weeds in our own fields but now there for all to see. and help us learn from them, Leader: God of the harvest, help us to see them as friends And the workers shout, All: sower of good seed. and not as enemies “Let us pull up the weeds.” so that we do not waste time Leader: God of us all, strong and weak, And the farmer cries, “No! If I did, on them but devote our time All: gather us in. I would only win the battle. to developing the good plants. Let them grow together O God in your mercy, and in the end hear our prayers. I will win the war”. Amen

trinity & pentecost 2014 49 sunday 20 july 2014 worship ideas Prayer for Others All-Age Prayer and Ourselves God, we love you. O God, your patience For the women, men and children God, we praise you. is eternal, who are waiting God, we offer this time to you. for millennia creation for the changes to come, Thank you God, has struggled we pray that you would for the world we live in. through times of war give them patience and grace Thank you God, and golden eras of peace. as they wait in hope for the day when change for the people we love In that time you have witnessed will turn their lives around. and the people we many different people and empires find hard to love. who have grown up For the people who feel Thank you God, and ruled for a while suffocated by the weeds for the sun and the rain, before being broken down and unable to carry on, for all the green growing plants, by the next one. we pray that you would give them support to whether they are weeds or not. As we look out at our world today endure all that they Thank you God, through the screens of our TV’s, are suffering that you love us iPads and smartphones, and that they would just as we are: we are saddened find a way to be when we are good that the weeds are supported and upheld and when we are bad; still present, in their struggle. when we are kind trying to choke and when we are not. the new good life Creator God, for which many dream. maker of all that is seen May we seek and all that is hidden, to be more like Jesus, We cannot always change we bring your world— to love everyone, the way people choose to live, all of it, weeds and good plants— to be kind and gentle. but we can speak up before you and ask for and stand beside those May we help others, your grace and mercy who seek to bring changes to help everyone to sustain us today for a better world. to be the best and in the days ahead. that they can be. For the churches, organisations Amen. To be all that you and individuals who work made us to be. to bring these changes, So be it. we pray that you would Amen. give them courage and energy to continue their work Reflection and may they encourage others to join them. Who are we to judge who’s in and who’s out, who fits and who doesn’t? How can we tell what belongs and what doesn’t? The God of the harvest encourages us simply to do what we can, to grow together, to influence the other, knowing that in the end no matter how it looks on the outside, how much it may seem like we all fit together, those who deny life to others will not survive but will be removed, allowing space to grow the kingdom of God. 50 spill the beans, issue 12 weeds and seeds

Contemporary Reading This parable might be read as ‘them and us’ but perhaps it is an insight into the two sides of ourselves. We are the field and within us we have both weed and wheat. This short contemporary reading takes some big characters in the Bible who Voice 1: I am the patriarch of freedom. Voice 1: I am the apostle of God. have within them wheat and tares but this is who I am. This is who I am. find that loving the world back is the The leader of exodus: The one who journeyed best way to defeat evil. the turning moment that set round the early church God’s People free. and brought in Gentiles You can sing ‘For the world and all it’s I am wheat. to the family of God. people’ (CH4 262, verse 1 and refrain) I am wheat. where indicated. Voice 2: I am a murderer. I am that person Voice 2: I am a persecutor Two people read this standing back to who killed an Egyptian of the Christians. back. In one verse, one person is facing even as I was an adopted I am that one holding the coats the congregation and then in the next Egyptian prince at the martyrdom of Stephen, verse the two turn round so it is the and ran without facing enthusiastic in my work. other person speaking: different sides consequences. I am weed. of the one person. Perhaps the two I am weed. could dress in contrasting colours to Both: I am a man of faith: emphasise the point. Both: I am a man of faith: a faith that lies in the redeemed a faith that lives in the living tension between this and that. Voice 1: I am the father of the nation. tension between this and that. For the world and all it’s people... This is who I am. For the world and all it’s people... The progenitor of the faith. Voice 1: We are everyone. The fixed point in time Voice 1: I am the befriender of Jesus. This is who we are. when the family of God began. this is who I am. We who have joined I am wheat. The woman who the way of following tended his needs, and believed the vision Voice 2: I am a liar. who remained with him of God’s Realm. I am that husband who passed even at the end. We are wheat. off my wife as my sister I am wheat. for the sake of pharaoh Voice 2: We are a sinner to do with as he wishes. Voice 2: I am a sinner. who has broken the covenant I am weed. I am that person whom he said, and walked the less narrow way. “If no one accuses you That is who we are. Both: I am a man of faith: neither do I. We are weed. a faith that lives in the harmonic Go and sin no more.” Both: We are people of faith: tension between this and that. I am weed. a faith that lives in the tension For the world and all it’s people… between hope and grace. Both: I am a woman of faith: a faith that lives in the forgiving For the world and all it’s people... tension between this and that. For the world and all it’s people...

trinity & pentecost 2014 51 sunday 20 july 2014 worship ideas Prayer of Dedication Sending Take Home Ideas Blessed are you, O God, God who sows This week employ greater powers of who causes the rain to fall and God who reaps, observation as you walk around your on all the world, God who allows growth community. Here are some ideas for on the fields of the earth, even in the hard places, reflection during the week. on the weeds and the good plants. God who waits patiently 1. Take time to look at the gardens for the right time, You are generous you pass as you walk. Ponder on send us out now beyond our understanding, the continual struggle between the into the fields of your world giving us all that we need relentless growth of weeds and the to plant hope and so much more, gardener’s intent. amidst the weeds and seeds of life. but we have not shared it equally. And may we learn 2. How does this mirror the internal O God, help us to be generous, to scatter love wisely struggles we sometimes feel at work as you are generous, till you gather us in once more. within us? to give freely 3. Look around at the other aspects of our time, our talents Praise/Hymns of your community. Where is life and our money. You may find hymns from last week are struggling to maintain its hold? What Take and use all that we offer also appropriate this week. are the distractions that prevent so that all people Alleluia! Alleluia! CH4 427 people from living life to the full? might come to know 4. If you have a garden yourself, spend of your love for them Be thou my vision CH4 465 some time in your garden. Let this be through the work MP 51 time to be present, not necessarily of your Church, Come, you thankful people, come CH4 233 time to be active. the body of Christ, MP 106 here on earth. Amen. God has spoken to his people MP 182 I planted a seed All the Assembly Songs You’ll Ever Need 113 The reign of God, like farmer’s field CH4 343 The word of the Lord is planted JP 473 This is the field available at http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/h/thisistf.htm Were I to cross from land to land by Greg de Blieck available at http://newscottishhymns.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/ were-i-to-cross-psalm-139.pdf Wheat and Tares available online at http://www.hymnary.org/hymn/CEHW1894/112 You are before me, God CH4 96

52 spill the beans, issue 12 weeds and seeds age group ideas gathering games In The Garden all age Pick-Up age 3-5 If it is possible, take the children outside The Weeds to look at the garden area of the church or You will need: a selection of pictures gardens close to the church. printed out of flowers and weeds. Talk about what they see growing activities Place the pictures around the room and and what they know about gardening encourage the children to pick out the What’s A Flower/ age 6-12 from observing folk in their family or one they think are the weeds. community who are keen gardeners. What’s A Weed? See if the flowers smell. There may be You will need: copies of the activity sheet opportunities to get the children to do Pick-Up Sticks age 6-12 on page 134, pencils/pens. some simple work in the garden as an You will need: a pick-up sticks set extended activity. available cheaply at toy shops or online. Talk about the differences between weeds and flowers. This is very subjective. In If it is not possible to go outside, or if you Try to get hold of a set (or sets) that have many ways a weed is just a plant you do live in a very urban area, use pictures/ colour banding on the sticks. This denotes not want growing in a particular place internet to discuss some ideas about different values for the sticks when (usually your garden). It might be fine gardening. playing the game normally. For this week’s in the wild. Though some weeds are theme, however, you could designate Use this as an introduction to the story genuinely very destructive when growing certain sticks as the weeds (perhaps those and the idea of plants and weeds growing in the wrong places (like Japanese with the most stripes) and these must together. Knotweed which can destroy buildings). be avoided. Otherwise the usual rules to apply, if any secondary sticks are moved, a Use the activity sheet as a way to try to get player’s turn ends. this point across. Tell the children that they crafts are to think like a gardener would think The Bad Weed! age 6-12 when looking at what should and should Gardening Tools all age not be growing in their garden. You will need: sticks of differently You will need: plastic bottles (fizzy coloured chalk, parents who do not The plants pictured are: drinks), plastic milk bottles, scissors, mind their children having some chalk 1. Iron Weed (Weed) masking tape, string, and bamboo canes on their clothes! 2. Daisy (Weed) (cut to lengths of about 30 c.m.). This is a basic tag game, but with a ripple 3. Apple Blossom (Flower) Ask the children to design gardening as the person who is IT carries a piece of 4. Horseweed (Weed) tools using plastic bottles to make trowel, chalk with which they tag people. spade, rake. Bamboo canes can be used 5. Dandelion (Weed) You could play this two different ways. for the shaft and handles. Attach one part 6. Rose (Flower) Either have one person as IT and then to the other using string and masking have a strictly controlled time (1 or 2 7. Japanese Knotweed (Weed) tape. minutes) when the game runs. At the 8. Lily (Flower) Talk about the patient, hopeful work of end you count up how many people they 9. Lavender (Flower) gardening and letting things grow. managed to tag by the chalk marks. Brush off the chalk, then let someone else be IT. Garden Art all age Repeat. The winner is the one who tagged most people. You will need: twigs, leaves, and flowers. Additionally, daisies and dandelions Alternatively, have three or four ITs, each and small trays (plastic trays from food with a different coloured chalk and run packaging would work well) would be the game with them all active. At the end, helpful to have. count the different coloured tags on the children to see who was able to take over Let the children choose from the things the most. provided and get them to make a picture on their trays by laying out the leaves, Weeds take over gardens, in the same way twigs, and so on in their own design. that people can influence others for good or for bad. Talk about the patient, hopeful work of the gardener and letting things grow.

trinity & pentecost 2014 53 sunday 20 july 2014 discussion starters for teens the human condition

Preparation Get a “snakes and ladders” game (you can download template sheets to print as the board online), counters and dice. Supply some prepared wheat and weeds illustrations and a piece of paper and a pencil for everyone. A large flip-chart sized sheet premarked with a 10x10 grid. Opening Activity Living It Out Go on a short visit outside to check on the With about 10 minutes of your time left, Look at the wild edges. condition of the seeds planted last week. If finish with a spoken meditation for the Look at the uncared for space. you organised the young people to water young people. Ask them to sit comfortably Look at the space that is messy. the seeds, perhaps a small report back on and give each person a piece of paper and The times you hurt. how it went would be good. a pencil. The times you fail. The times you can’t. The Word Ask the young people to concentrate on the meditation and if anything strikes The human condition You will need: bibles. them as important, or creates a visual is the field of your life. Read Matthew 13:24-30-36-43 together. picture in their mind’s eye, or stands out It’s a field of good and bad, for them while you are speaking, ask them pride and shame, Activity/Discussion to either write it down or draw a picture of the awful and the beautiful. what was in their mind. It is space to tend to you Start a game of snakes and ladders with and deal with you. your group. After a short silence, read the meditation, giving it space to breath. The human condition As you play, ask the young people this is the field of your life. question: The Human Condition Our field is a mix • How would the game change if you The human condition of wheat and weeds, removed all the snakes or all the is the field of your life. our brilliance and our failings, ladders? It’s a field which needs a place of thickening the plot • What would the game feel like with to be tended and cared for. and leaving the edges wild. It is your space to grow and nurture. only rewards or only forfeits? Finish with a moment of silence and then Pause the game and suggest you change Look at the beauty. ask each young person to take their paper it. Designate the snakes as weeds and the Look at the good stuff. home and put it somewhere where they ladders as wheat. Look at what is pleasing. can see or discover it over the course of The times you try. the week. Or, use the large sheet of paper predrawn The times you do. with a 10x10 grid and ask the young The times of better. people to draw on it wheat sheaves as rewards (like ladders) and weeds as forfeits (the snakes). They need to clearly start in one square and end in another. Play the game as before.

54 spill the beans, issue 12 unseen abundance

pentecost 7 unseen abundance sunday 27 july 2014 matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Genesis 29:15-28 Psalm 105:1-11,45b bible notes Romans 8:26-39 Abundant, Hidden, Everyday Kingdom Matthew 13:31-33,44-52 We are really going for the arable images to be one of those big cathedral images as we once again find seeds and grain as that fill up the landscape and takes over an image of the Kingdom of God. When all else. It creates local space for real life Jesus uses these images, however, he and in doing so creates a home without does not say ‘The Kingdom of God is like a putting out banners. It is subtle, intuitive, such-and-such’, and leave it there. Instead generous. he says, ‘The Kingdom of God is like a Yeast: In what way does the activity of such-and-such which...’ It is not the object yeast illustrate the Kingdom of God? Well, itself that describes the kingdom but perhaps the Realm of God is like the work rather what happens to that object which of a woman. It could be either gender who in a way to make you notice. You just find provides the illustration of the Kingdom works but, interestingly, Jesus uses the it in the everyday. of God. image of a woman in a household doing Once you have found it, however, you There is no shortage of objects to which the chores. This is someone who readies really ought to do everything to hold on to something happens in this week’s the place and provides for others, and the it. It becomes your focus in life and if that passage. Matthew has applied the scatter result is always greater than the effort put means selling everything to get it, then gun approach here. One might even in (hopefully). Whatever the kingdom of so be it. Though it does beg the question suggest there are four too many for any God is, it grows. whether a peasant would have enough to one service. It may be best to pick one and It is worth noting here that it is sell in order to buy the field for would it focus on that in your service. unleavened bread that is usually thought not be peasants Jesus was talking to? Mustard Seed: In what way is it like the of as ‘holy bread’ as used in the Passover. Pearl: The same is true here, also. I wonder kingdom of heaven? A bit of background Leavened bread on the other hand is how Jesus’ original listeners heard this is probably necessary here. Mustard seed associated with everyday-ness, there parable? Pearls? Riches? A wee insight into is hardly a mighty image and was seen to might even be a sense of corruption and the lives of others perhaps, a bit like the TV be a weed rather than a plant you grew impurity here. This is the context of the soaps Dallas or Dynasty in the 1980s. on purpose. Without wishing to contradict image of leavened bread and the image what was said last week, the positive side Jesus uses for the kingdom. The yeast, Net: This final image is again about of a weed in the Kingdom of God image is the kingdom, is hidden in the flour and it something that works below the that it grows just where it wants. It is not changes things unseen. surface, unseen. More than that, it is not cultivated and it is not always welcome. It particularly choosy. Everything is brought Treasure: The same image of the Kingdom is what happens to it, however, that is the in and when it comes to separation, flick being hidden is true here as well. You can image and it is a prosperous future both back to last week’s wheat and tares. just find it there. The Kingdom of God for itself and other wildlife. is not something that has steeples and The kingdom is abundant, hidden, in the It is not exactly a majestic old oak tree, but websites and twitter accounts that lets everyday. Go seek, knead, fish or whatever then the Kingdom of God is not meant you know it is there and does everything you do. It is there that you will find the kingdom. trinity & pentecost 2014 55 sunday 27 july 2014 the story The Word in Thought everyday care for those around us so that many will receive great comfort from our A Thought on the Word meagre efforts. To what can we liken your Kingdom, God? a woman’s effort; treasure, hidden and You wants us to seek out the worth and unseen but precious; a pearl, small but We want flat tablets of stone and graphic beauty of life, of others, of all that we are still not insignificant; and a Net, trawling illustrations of grand things, like palaces given so generously to enjoy. beneath the surface of what is visible. and cathedrals in which we can see your You want us to cast our net wide and glory or even where we could meditate Jesus told us stories that seemed more deep that our catch would be great and upon how lofty you are. like riddles. People must have puzzled many would be fed and nourished. at his Way and yet in this you show your And yet your Son spoke of different things greatness. In this is the wisdom of the You want us to have the multifaceted and gave us parables to explore. Images eternal. beauty of a precious gem, like a that we have come to know that your diamond glistening in the SONlight. Not kingdom holds the multifaceted beauty of For you and he do not want us to fix our beyond our reach but mined from the a precious gem, like a diamond glistening sights on something seen, permanent, experiences of our everyday life, the Way in the sunlight. But these are so beyond static than we can put in a special or of the Kingdom that the he walked in his the reach of ordinary people and he would separate compartment of our existence. day and the Way he calls us to walk in not place your kingdom there, for it was You want us to see the possibility of the ours. precisely his way to place it within reach of Kingdom come even in those things and those ordinary people who followed him It is to these things that we can liken your people that we don’t think much of or rate Kingdom, God. to hear Good News. highly. It is mostly here in our life, rather than in Instead he spoke of the Mustard Seed, a You want us to build the Kingdom in our weed most would trample on; yeast and lofty places that we find you.

Retelling for Young People Here is a question: What is the Kingdom • Northern Ireland: street art, Rory explore these things for our own United like? McIlroy, Titanic, marches Kingdom. Today we live in the United Kingdom and • Wales: male voice choir, leeks, dragons Jesus told stories about another Kingdom. He did not say it was like how if we asked what that was like we might But there is a lot more than just these much land there was, or how many say its like four countries. images. There are stories of the kingdom’s people there were. Instead he talked If older children are present ask if they history and its people and how it came about things like fishing nets and pearls know the names otherwise tell young to be a kingdom and what the people of and treasure and yeast. And we can look children the names that kingdom are like today and what its at these things altogether in a picture values are. There are many stories that • Scotland and see them just like we can look at a • England map of the lands of the United Kingdom. • Wales But there is more. These stories are meant • Northern Ireland to tell us about how the kingdom comes to be and how the people can make it The United Kingdom has a monarch grow and what its values are. Jesus gives as the head of state. This is our Queen, us many short stories to explore what Elizabeth II. that means and to help us understand Explain that it is sometimes a King things you cannot see clearly. hence why we talk of Kingdoms. And this Kingdom is not headed by How would you describe each member Queen Elizabeth II. It is headed by God, country in the United Kingdom? the King of Love. It is not a separate place, because it could be anywhere. Here you could go for some obvious We know when we are close to God’s stereotypical images for each country, Kingdom when we are loving to each either with printed pictures or onscreen other. We know it and can feel it. And and make it a quiz. when we feel loved and accepted, we • Scotland: kilts, bagpipes, haggis also feel God’s love and acceptance. • England: Big Ben, red buses, London Eye

56 spill the beans, issue 12 unseen abundance worship ideas Through the Season Prayer of Adoration Pages 4 and 5 contain ideas that can be Living, breathing, creating God, in the value it brings to human life; used to help set the scene throughout your work in the world never stops: a gift of your Love for all people. this season introducing symbolism for growing, Again, again, again Lord. the theme being explored this week and kneading, You just don’t stop! encouraging a sense that each week is revealing, You are always trying to reveal yourself, thematically tied together. sourcing, teaching us of your Kingdom, sorting. calling us to participate. Gathering Activity In every aspect of life Your Spirit works But do we really see? Offer people a post it or piece of paper as the energy that generates the potential and activity of your Kingdom. Do we stop to listen, to watch, to absorb with the words “The Kingdom of God is...” what you reveal? printed or written on it and invite them to We become before you, We are sometimes slow to adopt write something to complete the sentence ready to praise you the values of the Kingdom. then to talk to a neighbour about what and ready to open our eyes, We think bigger is better, they have written. our hearts and minds thinking that nothing of value comes in or to the values of the Kingdom. Call to Worship from what the world deems Lift the veil this day of small consequence. God, your kingdom is... that you might reveal to us We go for the quick fix, the instant hit, among us all the kaleidoscope of divine colour not recognising that like the work in surprising places, that reveals the full variety of making bread, hidden in the everyday, and brilliance of the activity effort is needed to bring the constituent small but precious, and work of the Kingdom. parts of life together above us and below us. The Kingdom is real, in a way that satisfies the hunger Your kingdom is here it is here and it is waiting to welcome all not just of some, but of all. and we gather as part of it for it is inclusive in its depth, We succumb to the temptation to worship and adore you, O God. it is for the whole of humanity. Amen. of acquiring more and more possessions; Responses especially those we deem trendy Prayer of Confession and that others too would desire. Leader: The Kingdom of God is We miss what is truly precious Again, again, again Lord. All: within us all. in the hunt for what we think is precious. You just don’t stop! Leader: The Kingdom of God is You are always trying to reveal yourself, Lord forgive us. All: found in the most surprising of teaching us of your Kingdom, In your mercy and love for us places. calling us to participate. do not stop working away at us. Persevere in making us understand. Leader: The Kingdom of God is Parables, conversations, shared journeys, All: hidden in the everyday things fellowship round a table. Again, again and again of life. You spoke to people and opened up open our eyes to the true values Leader: The Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of God. of the Kingdom; All: small but very precious. Its values shining through like sunlight; how precious it is. its vastness as deep as the oceans; Continue to reveal yourself, teach us, Leader: The Kingdom of God is its power to give life All: here and now. and call us to participate and grow whatever it touches in your work in the world. Let us worship God equal to only the work of the Spirit. who reigns over the Kingdom. This is our prayer; How precious is the Kingdom? in Jesus’ name. Nothing can compare Amen.

trinity & pentecost 2014 57 sunday 27 july 2014 worship ideas Prayer for Others All-Age Prayer and Ourselves Lord the cycle of nature works well. Lord God, We pray for those whose poverty Thank you! source of Hope and Justice for the World, or circumstances mean From the plants and trees come seeds. we ask that you cast your net they possess little that the world They fall into the ground over each one of us today. would deem as precious. or are carried by insects and birds Individually, we need to sort out or lives, And we pray for those who cannot sort and are dropped into waiting earth. that the emphasis of our heart’s desires out the good from the bad in life; The soil contains food; are first and foremost centred who cannot maintain the skies give water. on the values of the Kingdom. a desired life for themselves Your Kingdom is for each of us: Seeds grow, and grow and grow. because of mistakes accidentally made a place where we know ourselves to be or the result of bad choices. New life is born. recognised, valued, cared for and blessed. In that place we come closest of all Lord, may your Kingdom come Food for animals and people, to identifying ourselves children of God; for people across the whole world. colour for creation. beneficiaries of your full care It is abundant and available for all. A cycle of life in nature that works well. and protection. It is not meant to be Thank you! in the possession of some in the world, Your Kingdom is for others. From the smallest seed but is given for all. a place where others too comes a large tree. will have their needs met, Use us, active God, Earth is full of the possibility of hope. their potential fulfilled. that we might live Our Life too is like that, God. Some in the world need help by the values of the Kingdom Thank you. to clear the way for and direct us that we might uncover Amen. that experience to be possible. that wonderful treasure May the work of the Kingdom so others may possess and share it. Reflection flourish in the lives of those who Amen. face individual hardships A tiny shard of coloured glass or community challenge. Prayer of Dedication through which to view the kingdom: each shard lending Lord, our possessions So this day we pray for those a different colour, are not like treasure to bury away who see no hope in their lives. a different perspective. May they be reminded in some personal closet; that from the smallest seed of possibility to hoard as if they are ours alone. Seeds that grow into sheltering trees, hope can be born and grow. You give to us abundantly in the yeast that ferments form of physical and non-physical gifts. and leavens the dough, We pray for those who are starving, treasure and pearls and nets, For our wealth, for our homes, who hunger for bread. all worth ditching everything else for our cars, for all we own we thank you. in order to secure. We pray for those who cannot find For opportunities, experiences, the treasure they are looking for: freedom and love we thank you. So many ways the right career, of describing the indescribable, Receive these money offerings we make the perfect companion, putting the pieces together and those gifts we take to others, peace in their hearts, still doesn’t produce a whole or share with the world, the family of their dreams, but perhaps the knowledge as tokens of our appreciation inner satisfaction, of such a multilayered phenomenon for all we have. the right opportunity, will serve to remind us of the enormity fulfilment. Bless what we give, and the mystery the work we do, of the Kingdom of God. and the good we share. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

58 spill the beans, issue 12 unseen abundance

Sending Take the smallest seed and produce life. Add yeast to the bread of life and it will grow. Find the hidden treasure in your life, invest all you have in living for God. Cast wide your net and haul in the catch. your ideas All these blessings and more are yours Take Home Ideas from God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Look out for signs of the Kingdom of there for you today and always. Heaven this week. Praise/Hymns Say to yourself each morning: “Today I will pay attention to All creatures of our God and King CH4 147 moments when I witness or MP 7 experience the Kingdom Bring heaven to earth, Lord MP 1161 within myself, within others and in the world all around me.” I planted a seed All the Assembly Songs You’ll Ever Need 113 Keep a journal called ‘Kingdom Moments.’ In our lives plant seeds of hope CH4 349 Notice when you find glimpses of the Kingdom in unexpected places or O God, thou art the Father CH4 119 in unexpected ways within yourself, alternative tunes: Aurelia or Ellacombe within others and in the world all Praise God for the harvest CH4 230 around you. Seek ye first CH4 641 Take a quiet few minutes to be still before MP 590 you sleep. Singing, we gladly worship CH4 257 Imagine that you are shining a light The great love of God CH4 358 on all that has reminded you of the Kingdom during each day within The kingdom of God MP 651 yourself, within others and in the The reign of God, like farmer’s field world around you. CH4 343 Give thanks for all the bright Kingdom To what can the Kingdom of God be moments of the day. compared available at http://www.carolynshymns.com/to_what_can_the_ kingdom_of_god_be_compared.html When a mustard seed is planted see http://www.thehymnsociety.org/hymns/index. cgi?read=810 Will you come and follow me CH4 533

trinity & pentecost 2014 59 sunday 27 july 2014 age group ideas gathering/ crafts games activity Kaleidoscope all age Find The Treasure all age Pictures You will need: black plastic bags filled Hunt The Colours all age You will need: cellophane pieces with dry rubbish (cardboard, paper, clothes, carrier bags). In each black bag You will need: small pieces of different from gathering activity, card cut place a number of small colour glass coloured cellophane (either cut into diamond shape, PVA glue, glue stones (gems). cellophane sheets into pieces or use spreaders, hole punch, ribbon, scissors. wrappers from chocolates—any excuse!) Give each child a diamond shape. Punch The purpose of the game is for teams to be given a plastic bag each from which Hide the different coloured pieces around a hole near one of the points of the they have to find the hidden gems. the room and send the children on a diamond and thread a length of ribbon treasure hunt to find all the pieces. Let through the hole so that the picture can light shine through the different colours hang up. Stick pieces of cellophane onto Hide And Seek all age and talk about how Jesus gives us lots of the card, covering the card with some of If your meeting space is large enough you different colours, pictures, ways of seeing the cellophane going over the edge of could play a full game of hide and seek. and understanding what God’s way is like. the card so that light can shine through. Suggest hanging their diamonds on a You can develop this idea for a general Hunt The Thimble all age window. activity and perhaps for older children You will need: to hide an object in your have larger pieces of cellophane with As with the Gathering Activity, talk about meeting space. numbers on them and a clue / keyword. how Jesus gives us lots of different They gather the keywords (perhaps colours, pictures, ways of seeing and You could use the traditional hot/cold the objects mentioned in today’s bible understanding what God’s way is like. directions to guide the treasure hunter to passage: mustard seed, yeast, treasure, Choose one of the parables to talk about find the missing object. Hot for near, cold pearl, net) as fast as they can. The clues in more detail. for far. lead them to the next hidden colour. You will need to give this a bit of thought and Mustard Seed Trees all age Hangman age 6-12 determine the clues depending on your You will need: small plastic flower pots, You will need: whiteboard or flipchart(s) situation. cling film, Plaster of Paris (tub to mix or large pieces of paper on the wall, plaster in), twigs, small pieces of card, marker pens. felt tip pens, scissors, PVA glue, glue We sometimes forget about all the spreaders, pieces of cellophane from wonderful things that God has given us, so Gathering Activity. why not play a game of hangman. Ensure Line flower pots with cling film (most you have your words prepared. You may plastic pots have holes in the bottom, the need to be ready to give additional clues cling film will prevent the Plaster of Paris for the younger children. from dripping through the holes). Make You could do this in a number of rounds. up the Plaster of Paris and pour into the If you were very keen on chaos, have pots. Quickly place a few twigs/branches two teams doing it at the same time on into the plaster and hold in place until different sides of the hall in a race to see the plaster begins to set. While the plaster who gets the answer quickest. is setting, draw little birds onto the card and cut them out. Stick the birds onto the Here are some possibilities for themes: branches with glue. Use cellophane to Round 1 Fish of every kind make leaves and blossom and stick these onto the branches too. Round 2 Types of gems Talk about the parable and how amazing Round 3 Types of birds things grow from small beginnings and in Round 4 Types of soil unexpected places. Round 5 Let one of the children make up their own word to use for the rest of their team (or to challenge the other team).

60 spill the beans, issue 12 unseen abundance discussion starters for teens the kingdom around us

Preparation For the opening activity you will need some visual images such as, • Rorscharch test images, • some Magic Eye puzzles, • optical illusions, The Word Living It Out which the young people can try in order You will need: bibles. Challenge the group to create their own forced perspective picture. to see things in different ways. These can • What’s the best thing you have ever be found using an internet image search. found? You can read about what this means here: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/force- Over the next four weeks we will be asking • What’s the best thing you have ever perspective-photos/ the young people to consider where they waited for? see God in action and life around us, and Ask the group to keep a record of “where Read Matthew 13:31-33,44-52. then helping the young people to write/ did you see God at work today” this week tell/discuss these glimpses. Over the to feedback next week. week or a few days before the session, Activity/Discussion take some time and think of where you Following Jesus is a crazy thing to do, saw God this week, consider how you can you are asked to live your life knowing share these best share and discuss these in that God has acted: that the Kingdom of conversation with the young people you heaven is here on earth as it is in heaven. work with. That is an awesome thought to get to You may wish to design a week diary to grips with. give to the young people as a practical There is also a need to balance that diary/visual reminder so they can keep with the knowledge that life is not fully a note of where they see God at work changed for everyone. it is a place of during the week. waiting, anticipating, and deliberate For the activity/discussion section we action, where the knowledge of Jesus has are using Kaleidoscope Pictures from the changed us forever. Crafts section of the Age Group Ideas For today’s activity create Kaleidoscope on the previous page, so check what is Pictures, but obviously with teenagers you needed there. can encourage a higher standard of work from them. Opening Activity As you work on the pictures, discuss What do you see? where you saw God at work this week. Use which ever visual media you have selected and prepared, and ask the young people to look and tell what they see in the pictures. trinity & pentecost 2014 61 sunday 3 august 2014

pentecost 8 pieces of pieces sunday 3 august 2014 matthew 14:13-21

Genesis 32:22-31 Psalm 17:1-7,15 bible notes Romans 9:1-5 An Everyday Miracle? Matthew 14:13-21 5,000 fed just like that. How often does abundance and generosity of the Lord’s that happen? Supper. If Matthew’s community had a tradition of remembering the Last Well, actually, quite a lot in the Supper then this story cannot fail to tradition of the Hebrew Scriptures. connect with that. The generosity of bread is not quite common-or-garden but certainly a All in all it is a story that repeats the regular occurrence. Banquet tables are often told story of God’s generosity in a fairly frequent topic of theological the wildest and hungry places of life. conversation throughout, manna in the Can we leave it there, or might we wilderness is the iconic feeding story, recognise the other part of storytelling there is the widow of Zarephath and which, rather than hearing the same there are frequent prophetic visions of Jesus’ time in the lonely place, however, story told again and again, allows the bread for the hungry, the orphaned and is cut short. The crowds gather and soon story to apply to us? Stories often have widowed. they are hungry and so Jesus sets the invitations attached to them to go and example and begins feeding them. No one Matthew, in his retelling of the incident, do likewise or to continue telling the goes hungry. like the other two synoptic gospels, sets story in more practical ways. There is a the story immediately after the death of We can argue till we are blue in the strong moral here of wondering why we John the Baptist. Only Matthew, however, face the details and theology of what let people turn almost to skeletons in the has Jesus ‘withdraw to a lonely place’. This happened and how it happened and hungry places of the world before we find image provokes memories of wilderness while that might be interesting it is not ourselves responding with any amount of stories, for it was often to the wilderness as important as what all this means. The generosity towards them. that people would look for promised whole incident is packed with many layers The Kingdom of God is perhaps not found providence in dark times: manna, stones of tradition and story that go back deep in in the miracle at all. Perhaps our emphasis that turn to bread, water from stones. the tradition of Israel. The incident moves should move away from the idea of Perhaps Matthew is expecting us to us through the Exodus and the prophets, miracles in order to find itself once more connect these incidents that hint of it speaks of the psalms and of John in the everydayness of life, the eating promise as Jesus enters this wilderness the Baptist who preached renewal and together and the sharing of those things. place in response to John’s death. Maybe repentance in the wilderness. It is another Maybe that is why bread and wine are so there is a subtext here that even in these story of abundance and grace found in the powerful: that in these everyday objects difficult hours when Jesus has to walk wilderness and echoes the theme of these the whole of heaven is found and shared through the valley of the shadow of death older stories. and the smallest crumb contains as much we should watch out for God will supply It does not stop there, however, for it as the biggest loaf. with cups that runneth over and tables moves us towards eucharist too and that are set with banquets. Either way, 5,000 being fed might be an the sharing of bread and wine and the everyday occurrence after all. 62 spill the beans, issue 12 pieces of pieces the story Fasting And Feasting Retelling For Young People Voice A: I’m hungry! Voice A: And five thousand men as well More Than Expected as all those women and children Voice B: Then go and get some food. were fed. When we’re growing up, we have to depend on our parents or guardians Voice A: There’s none in the cupboard Voice B: Well, he could do miracles and I and I have no money to buy any! and they provide what we need, things can’t. like love and food and clothing, things Voice B: And you expect me to do what Voice A: There was also enough food left we need for school and times of fun. exactly? over for others too. Sometimes we do not always get what we want and some children do not even Voice A: A few scraps wouldn’t go amiss. Voice B: Your point is? get what they need. Voice B: You mean you want me to Voice A: Where are your leftovers? provide for you as well as me? But there is a story in the Bible that Voice B: They’re in the bank. As I said, I’m tells us of a time when people needed Voice A: Don’t you have enough to go blessed. something really badly. They needed around? hope. They had come to Jesus for it Voice A: Maybe God’s point is that we are but they got a lot more than they ever Voice B: Well, yes. God is good and I’ve blessed in order to bless others. been blessed. expected. Voice B: Now you’re repeating yourself. Voice A: Are we not blessed so that we They got their lunch provided by God’s can bless others? Voice A: It might be the only way I can goodness: five loaves and a couple of get through to you. And get from small fish blessed by Jesus and shared. Voice B: Who said that? fasting to feasting. It was a bit of a miracle because not only Voice A: Well, God did. The God of Jesus Voice B: Now you’ve moved up from was there enough for five thousand men, said it! scraps and you want a feast? plus the women and children, but there were also leftovers. Voice B: Where? When? Voice A: It’s what we’re promised. When we come to church, we come to Voice A: Well, he said it in lots of ways and Voice B: And you think I’m here to fulfil hear about Jesus and hear the stories in lots of places. Jesus definitely that promise? said, “love others as l have loved that give us hope. We not only find hope, you”. Voice A: Are you not? but also encounter so much more. Voice B: Well, I love other people. Voice B: Am I? The story of Jesus’ miracle of feeding the multitudes helps us to understand that Voice A: And have you not read that he Voice A: Maybe you should think about life is not about hoarding possessions blessed five loaves and a few that one. and belongings, but is rather about small fish? Voice B: I think I’ll need to. sharing what we have and giving Voice B: But that was Jesus. I’m just an Voice A: While you do, remember me. I’m generously: sharing the leftovers, so to ordinary person trying to make famished! speak. my way in the world. Although giving to others can sometimes feel like we are losing something, it’s then that we realise that we gain a bigger blessing as we join with Jesus in bringing the miracle of hope to others. Be assured that we can all depend on our heavenly parent, who provides us with everything need and even leaves us some leftovers.

Pieces of Pieces For non-Scottish readers, a colloquial word often used for a packed lunch or a sandwich is a ‘piece’. Search for the Jeely Piece (jam sandwich) song online for a brilliant usage of the term.

trinity & pentecost 2014 63 sunday 3 august 2014 worship ideas Through the Season Responses Prayer of Confession Pages 6 and 7 contain ideas that can be Leader: We have gathered here God, we need to learn from your Son. used to help set the scene throughout All: to meet Jesus. He prioritised help this season introducing symbolism for for the poor and vulnerable, Leader: We have come seeking the theme being explored this week and healing for those with troubles, All: the one who can heal us. encouraging a sense that each week is and food, both physical and spiritual, thematically tied together. Leader: We are hungry for those who were hungry. All: for the word of God He did not shun those who were different Gathering Activity that satisfies and gives us life. nor did he turn his back on those who weren’t of his kind. As people gather, ask them if they have Prayer of Adoration any food in their bags/pockets (most He was loyal and dependable, usually have some sweets). Invite them to Loving God, you care for all people. available to those place their food items into a basket so that You are deeply aware of the hurts we carry who sought the touch of God. they can be shared later in the service, and the fragility of our existence. We know the need for quiet space in life, perhaps just after the reading. Better than we know ourselves, yet we also recognise you recognise that as human beings that we sometimes use this Call to Worship we are vulnerable as an excuse to keep ourselves Jesus wanted to be alone, to the circumstances of life. unavailable to help others. to mourn the loss of his cousin, That is why you never turn We are sorry but the people followed him. your back on us. when we have not cared enough about other people’s suffering When Jesus saw the crowd You are always available and we can always find you. or recognised the ability we have to he was filled with compassion. make a difference through our love. His own needs were put to the side. So today we seek you, God, ready to share with you God we need to learn Jesus spent the day healing the sick the blessing we have enjoyed, from those who followed your Son. and by evening the people were hungry. recognising your creativity and generosity Those people came from far away, So, Jesus blessed what they had, and bringing to you our concerns putting aside their day-to-day concerns five loaves and two fish, over those things just to spend some time and everyone shared together that bother or threaten us. with the Son of God. with twelve whole baskets left over. To worship we gather, In faith they sat down We gather today as people in faith we come together, believing that in him they would find the who are in need of healing and and in anticipation we wait to be fed. source of what they might need. who are hungry for God’s word. In Jesus name we pray. They opened up to his spirit Amen.. and in fellowship Let us worship our God they shared what they had with others. who is extravagantly generous We are sorry to all people. when we have not trusted you as these people trusted Jesus. We are sorry for not having a big enough faith to believe that you are the source of all that we might need. We are sorry for not opening up to the spirit, at times being unwilling to share from our own bounty so that others might be as satisfied in life as we are. Merciful God, forgive us and give us the resources we need to better live faithfully and in humble service to others. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

64 spill the beans, issue 12 pieces of pieces

Prayers for Others and Generous God, Reflection on the day that ended Ourselves with a meal for 5000, The bits left over, God of life, Jesus started with some quiet time. what of those? we thank you for all you provide for us: He knew well, it seems from his story, Pieces left strewn around, sunshine and rain, that at times in life no longer required. work and holiday, and in the journey of faith, A plethora fellowship and quiet time. your people are best served by of scraps, some one-on-one time with you, God. yet Christ leaves none discarded You have thought of everything. but calls for all to be gathered in, This creation we live in In this worship, saved and treasured. and the life you make available we make some quiet time now contains everything we need for each of us to come before you Baskets filled with an extravagance, to enjoy good and happy lives. in prayer. excess cherished. Symbolism We pray for those today Triune God, that can only be imagined. who have little opportunity to our understanding of you A hungry crowd, enjoy fellowship with others. is of a God of relationship, a boy’s packed lunch, building personal relationships a great big picnic. We remember the lonely and the grieving, with each of us. the prisoner and the victim, People fed We thank you for your care and protection and still enough and those separated of us and all your people. from their loved ones. to go on sharing Be with us in the week ahead the blessing, Today, we pray for those who are hungry. as we go nourished with abundance, There are many in our country the spiritual food only you can provide. and grace of God. and world who lack home necessities, In Jesus name we pray. who do not earn enough Amen. Sending to live adequately, Leader: Jesus gave us his all. who struggle to pay the bills Prayer of Dedication All: It is now our turn and provide for their families. Generous God, to give our all to him. There are still many who live in lands crowds gathered, hungry and tired, Leader: Having been filled where a lack of rain or resources uncertain and anxious. and refreshed once again, can oftentimes mean there is They sought your son, All: we can go and do a shortage of food. for maybe he could help. Food became available— the task he set. We pray today for those plenty for everyone— Leader: Strengthened by his who are tired spiritually, 5,000 and more were fed. sustaining word, who find no reason to walk in faith, Pieces of food were left, All: we can go and do to share fellowship with other believers, for there was more than enough the task he set. or even trust in your ability to provide. to satisfy the people’s hunger. It was collected and saved, Leader: Made whole by his endless love, maybe to be used again. All: we can go and do It would be nice to think that what was left the task he set. was used to feed others who were hungry. Leader: So go and do the same for others It would be nice to think and may the blessing of God rest this is what happened. with you all. Lord we bring you not what we have left, but what we think suitable to offer to the work of your Church here and in the world. This offering, we make to you. Bless it and may it be used for your work. Amen.

trinity & pentecost 2014 65 sunday 3 august 2014 worship ideas Praise/Hymns Take Home Ideas A boy gave to Jesus JP 1 Look out for signs of the ‘Upside Down your notes Kingdom’ this week. As the deer pants for the water CH4 550 MP 37 Say to yourself each morning: Bread of life, hope of the world CH4 463 “Today I will look beyond what I receive in order to survive and notice Break thou the bread of life MP 64 the excess: of food and water, of love God of great and God of small CH4 174 and of grace.” God will make a way MP 1047 Continue writing in the journal with ‘Upside Down Kingdom’ as this week’s Great is thy faithfulness CH4 153 title. MP 200 Notice what you do each day with Guide me, O thou great Jehovah CH4 167 what you have been given. MP 201 Consider what happens to the Jesus cared about the people leftovers, from your home, your All the Assembly Songs You’ll Ever Need 140 church, your business, your life. What Praise the one who breaks the darkness happens to leftover food, clothes, CH4 348 time and compassion? Sing of Andrew, John’s disciples CH4 339 Take a quiet few minutes to be still before The Lord is king CH4 129 you sleep. The Lord’s my shepherd CH4 14-17 Imagine that you are standing in the MP 660, 1008 gap between poverty and abundance. Two little fishes, five loaves of bread Next, picture ‘grace’ flowing in until CH4 504 the gap is filled with a love which allows you and others to swim freely When I receive the peace of Christ CH4 566 in a space which does not recognise Who took fish and bread JP 286 labels and limits, but allows for potential, generosity, and extravagant giving. Give thanks for the various ways in which we can all share and care in the ‘Upside Down Kingdom’ regardless of age, ability, or bank balance.

66 spill the beans, issue 12 pieces of pieces age group ideas gathering crafts A Big Crowd all age Baskets all age Bread and Fish all age You will need: a large sheet of paper, You will need: plastic drinks bottles (2 Cakes thick crayons. litre size), strips of coloured paper about You will need: fairy cakes (which can 1 c.m. wide, 30 c.m. lengths of fabric Gather the children around the big sheet be purchased quite cheaply from most ribbon or gift ribbon, sellotape, and of paper and give them each a chubby supermarkets or you could make your scissors. crayon. Set a time limit, approximately two own), icing sugar, bowls to make icing minutes, and get them to draw as many Prepare bottles beforehand by cutting the sugar in, spoons, icing pens in different dots as possible within that time. Have top part off of the bottle (about 1/3 of colours, sprinkles, and paper plates. they managed to draw 5,000 dots? Use way down from neck of bottle). Cut from Give the children a paper plate each and this as a way to introduce the story and to the edge you’ve now made down the have them write their names on their talk about the size of the crowd. length of the bottle to about 5 c.m. from plates so they can easily identify them. the bottom. Repeat all the way around If you have plenty of space you could use Give each child at least two cakes. Make the bottle every 2 c.m. until you have lots a long strip of lining paper around which up the icing and have the children ice and of long strips of plastic. Bend each plastic to gather all the children and ask them decorate their cakes, one with picture of a strip over towards the inside of the bottle to draw as many faces as quickly as they fish and the other with a picture of bread, and secure the bottom of each strip to can on the sheet, give them a time limit using the icing pens and sprinkles. the inside of the bottle near the 5 c.m. and count how many they came up with mark. You now have the basket ready Talk about the story and the food that together. for children to weave. Give each child a was given to the crowds. Discuss with the prepared basket. children ideas of how they can share with Shared Snacks all age others and be generous. With coloured strips of paper or ribbon You will need: a snack such as a bag of they should weave in and out of the Give them their plates and cakes when crisps or small bag of fruit, or sweets for plastic strips, securing the ends of the they leave to enjoy at home, encouraging everyone. paper/ribbon with sellotape. The second them to share them with others in their If your children meet in the church first strip of paper ribbon should start at the family. and then go to their own groups, give out alternate piece of cut plastic to the first to the snacks as they enter the church and give a woven effect. Make a handle with instruct them to hang on to them to bring ribbon or card if time allows. to their groups later. Talking Point: Talk about the story- the When they do so, ask them to place all food that was shared and the food that the bags in one big basket which you can was left over. Discuss the generosity of share together later. (The adults may do God and ideas of how the children can something similar in the main service.) share and be generous to others

trinity & pentecost 2014 67 sunday 3 august 2014 age group ideas activities games A Supersize Meal all age What Can You age 6-12 Jigsaws age 3-8 You will need: packaging and cartons Find? You will need: age-appropriate jigsaw from some of the fast food outlets You will need: copies of the activity puzzles (the images on them are not (McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Pizza sheets available on page 135 and page as important as the symbolism of the Hut, Subway, and so on). 136. puzzle itself). If you go online, you will find facts about Discuss with the children what it is they Break apart the jigsaw puzzle and talk with fast food restaurants. For example, like about the story. the children about how Jesus broke up all McDonalds uses over 3 million potatoes the pieces of bread and fish to share with per day worldwide and they serve over Ask them who they think about in the everyone present. 45 million people everyday. story when they hear it. Do they think about Jesus, the disciples, the crowds? Then together remake the puzzle. As you Ask the children question related to food get near the end, talk about how what and their experiences: You could use this discussion to lead into Jesus did helped people feel whole again the importance of the phrase “give us this and full up. As the last piece is placed you • Which is their favourite fast food day our daily bread” that we use in the can talk about full stomachs and how restaurant? Lord’s Prayer. happy people were with Jesus. • What are their favourite meals and The activity sheets include a wordsearch drinks? and spot the difference image, both Flappy Fish all age • Do they get children size portions or related to this week’s story. You will need: simple fish shapes cut out normal portions? of light weight paper (crepe paper works • Would they like the ‘large’ portions? well), newspapers. Why is that? The old loud and frustrating game. Mark • Have the children ever felt hungry? two lines in the hall parallel to each other, What about starving? one on one side of the hall, the other near the opposite side. These are your start and • Have they ever eaten too much? What finish lines. happened? Create relay teams. Give each team a fish • The feeding of the 5000 was the first to place on the start line. Then give each ever supersized meal. How easy would team a folded newspaper with which they find it to share what they have? they have to hit the ground near the fish • How can we share food today? (not touching the fish itself) so that the (Provide ideas if necessary, for instance Sandwich Making all age displaced air scoots the fish along. food banks, on the playground with Once a team member gets the fish to the You will need: bread (different friends, here in church, send money to finish line, they can pick it up and run it types), tinned tuna, tinned salmon, a charity, and so on). back to the start line of the next team mayonnaise, check for any food member. Laden Baskets all age allergies or special requirements. The first team to all successfully get their Allow the children to make sandwiches You will need: baskets of various fish across the line is the winner. sizes, bread/rolls, flowers, eggs, picnic and cut them into any shape they wish, equipment, flowers and oasis, and so on. representing the breaking of the bread by Jesus. Talk about what kind of things go into baskets. You could relate this to or show The children could serve these sandwiches pictures of people shopping with wicker to the congregation after the service. baskets or the old fashioned delivery Additionally, consider allowing the pictures of butcher boys. Ask the children children to make bread dough to take what a shopping basket looks like. Divide home to cook themselves. This would, the children into groups and give them however, require preparation beforehand. the task of decorating and presenting their basket to the other groups.

68 spill the beans, issue 12 pieces of pieces discussion starters for teens generosity multiplied

Preparation This week, we are following up with the stories of where the young people saw God. As this is the first week after this has been suggested it would be wise to have some of your own stories ready for the feedback session as an example. Encourage the young people to share. Activity / Discussion You will need a large piece of card or lining Using the activity of sandwich making, • Why did Jesus bless the food? in the Activities (previous page), ask paper and some colour pens for the young • What do you think they did with the the young people to prepare some people to use. leftover food? sandwiches to give away after church. As The main activity is making sandwiches, you engage in the activity, discuss these • What would you have done with all which is detailed in the Activities section questions: that food? on the previous page. Check to ensure that you have the correct resources to • Why did Jesus try to get away from Living It Out make the sandwiches. people? This week, as we look and try to see God • How do you react when people get in Opening Activity at work, ask the young people to note the your private space? date and time they saw God moving and Invite the young people to share some • How do you think the disciples felt working in their life or the life of someone of the ways in which they saw God this about Jesus wanting time alone? else in the week to come. week. Share your own thoughts by way of encouragement. Jesus hears the concerns of those close to For quite a few young people this is the him and asks them what they can offer to week that school starts back. Consider Together make a poster visually help meet their needs and the needs of planning a back to school hilltop meal, representing some of the situations where others. He takes what little can be offered, using the model of the meal from this they saw God at work this week. blesses it, and multiplies it beyond our week’s story. Give some time to show the forced realms of possibility, solving the issue with perspective photos the group took during our giving. the week to each other. • Who suggested that Jesus feed the The Word people? • Why do you think it is important that You will need: bibles. Jesus used what was offered rather Read Matthew 14:13-21 together. than have food drop from the sky or some other miracle (as happens in The • What questions does this passage Hunger Games)? raise?

trinity & pentecost 2014 69 sunday 10 august 2014

pentecost 9 doon the water sunday 10 august 2014 matthew 14:22-33

Genesis 37:1-4,12-28 Psalm 105:1-6,16-22,45b bible notes Romans 10:5-15 Liquid Mountaineering Matthew 14:22-33 A famous footwear company sponsored asked whether it was possible that Jesus own endeavours without faithfully being a brilliant mini-movie introducing the walked on water, but not from a modern empowered by the Spirit of God to carry new sport of “Liquid Mountaineering”. The understanding of physics and natural laws, out their mission and ministry. YouTube clip’s (see below) description when we might ask “Is it possible?” They When Jesus appeared, encouraging the says, “Liquid Mountaineering is a new had a more flexible understanding of the disciples, perhaps we should see it not sport which is attempting to achieve what setting-aside of natural laws by divine fiat, so much as a display of power (in the man has tried to do for centuries: walk on and so the question of whether Jesus did manner of an illusionist), but rather that it water. Or to be more precise: running on this was more a question of the identity expresses the extent of the care he offers, water.” This super parody of typical Red of Jesus than the nature of miracle. It thus the pastoral outreach that extends even Bull-style extreme sports videos is part makes sense for us, in our context, to across the turbulent waters of the lake to of a ceaseless fascination with walking similarly set aside the questions of “how?” the fearful disciples aboard. Why, then, on water. Illusionist Dynamo (aka Steven that were not that important to Matthew does Jesus walk on water in Matthew’s Frayne) was filmed for his TV show walking and think about what was important to narrative? Because it was how he could across the River Thames towards the Matthew when including this story in his best tend to the disciples’ need in their Houses of Parliament before being picked gospel: “why?” terrified state. We are all in the same boat up by the killjoy river authority police. Here it would seem that Matthew was with the disciples, and that pastoral care Even the American Mythbusters TV show motivated to express how God worked that Jesus extends to them is extended to has an episode devoted to walking on through Jesus, enabling him to do us all. water. things beyond our ken, to go beyond Can knowing that Jesus encourages Yet this week’s story is also one that expectations, to find success where others and supports us allow for the risk-taking provides a stumbling block for many might only see the possibility of failure. It ventures that demand stepping over the readers. What? Really? Do I have to believe is thus very important that Jesus is fully side of the boat in faith today? In thinking this happened? Many have been the human, but portrayed as empowered by about fresh expressions of church, of attempts to explain away Jesus walking God to do things beyond what a human different ways to build communities of on water: perhaps it was a sandbar on could ordinarily do. This makes sense faith, these all require a faithful focus on which he walked creating the illusion of of Peter also being granted this special Jesus as steps of faith outwith the tried walking on water (the favoured technique power by God, at least until his own faith and tested models of church community. of illusionists today is to create a clear in that power wavered. Can this story also provide a means for walkway just under the surface of the The disciples themselves had been sent dealing with the reality of failure? water), or Jesus was walking in the out alone, without Jesus, and almost shallows along the edge of the lake, or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe3St1GgoHQ immediately had got themselves into perhaps this is one of the resurrection troubles upon the lake, a metaphor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEc_jeGBVxs stories mistakenly placed earlier in the perhaps for the faltering steps of the narrative (see John 21:1-8). Christian community trying to build a In the first century people probably also new community of faith reliant on their 70 spill the beans, issue 12 doon the water the story What Made Him Do It? This is a retelling for two voices, but it Voice B: What made them do it? Voice A: Anxious courage. could also be read straight through by Screaming in fear and not Courageous anxiety. one person. Keep it steady, with healthy recognising him. Cowering like Voice B: Coping. Not coping. pauses. they’d seen a ghost. All their trust Voice A: Swimming. Sinking. Voice A: What made him do it? in him blown away in the wild wind. A safe hillside to a dangerous Voice B: It’s going to go wrong. sea. Anyone else would have Did they ever live it down? Voice A: It’s going to be alright. stayed put and prayed from afar. Voice A: What made them do it? Voice B: Hesitating. He risked his life in trying to That rush of newfound courage reach them. as the storm died. Crying out Voice A: Vacillating. He never let them down. their sudden certainty in his Voice B: This is how it is. power and presence. This is always how it is. Voice B: What made him do it? Who in their right mind would Surely they would never doubt Voice A: But he’s there. step out of a boat in the middle again. A & B: He’s always there. of stormy waters? The fool Voice B: What makes us do it? nearly drowned! He must have Trust. Fear. regretted it in an instant! Bet he never tried that again. Retelling For Young People Voice A: What made him do it? I wonder if you have ever felt brave and screamed, “There’s a ghost out there!” Where did he find the courage scared at the same time? Here’s a story Someone was in the lake, trying to get to believe he wouldn’t die? about a night when Jesus’ friends felt to the boat, but wait a minute, it wasn’t What kind of guts does it take to brave and scared. They were in their a ghost, it was Jesus! Peter felt so brave, actually throw yourself over the fishing boat on a lake and the weather or so scared, or so brave and scared all at side and into the waves? began to get very stormy. once, that he jumped out of the boat and tried to reach Jesus! Oh no! He couldn’t He must have been ecstatic for Jesus wasn’t with them. He was spending swim! those few fleeting moments! some time alone on the shore. Out on the lake, the water started to get choppy A big wave tossed him up and he got a Bet he never forgot it. as the wind got stronger. Soon there mouthful of salty seawater, and just as he were big waves crashing against the was trying to shout, “Help!” boat as the wind howled around and Jesus was right there beside him, rain began to lash down. Oh no! What grabbing his arms and pulling him a frightening night! What if the boat towards the boat, then huffing and capsized? What if somebody drowned? puffing as everyone reached over the Peter and Andrew and James and John side and helped him and Peter tumble were really good at fishing and they were back in. Thump! really good at sailing, and they had been Just as they landed safe on the deck, the caught in a few storms before, but they wild wind died down and the lake grew couldn’t actually swim! So just as they calmer and calmer, until the boat was thought they could handle the boat and hardly moving at all, just drifting on still keep everyone safe, another big wave water. Peter and all his friends wondered rocked them up and down, and just how Jesus had felt when he came to as it felt like the boat might turn right find them right in the middle of a storm! over, the wind dropped for a second “Jesus must have felt very brave tonight,” and everyone held on tight again and they thought, “but he must have been believed they would survive. scared too!” They felt brave and scared all at the same They were very glad that in all that time! Oh dear! How many more waves feeling brave and feeling scared, Jesus would hit their little boat? How much really cared about them and had come longer would the storm go on? And how to help. much better everyone would feel if only Jesus had been there with them! Oh no—now what? Somebody

trinity & pentecost 2014 71 sunday 10 august 2014 worship ideas Through the Season Prayer of Adoration Prayer of Confession Pages 6 and 7 contain ideas that can be Lord, we have a friend. Lord, sometimes we make used to help set the scene throughout You have made it so! Christian Faith too complicated; this season introducing symbolism for It is you; it is Jesus Christ, it becomes an issue of fact or fiction; the theme being explored this week and your Son, our Lord. truth or illusion. encouraging a sense that each week is When we call out your name, Forgive us when we become too thematically tied together. you come running. preoccupied with finding specific answers Gathering Activity When we call out his name, to the questions of life, he comes—walking across too concerned with explaining the details Ask people to share with a neighbour a the troubled waters of life, of the stories contained in scripture, time when they have been really scared, calming storms, too impassioned in seeking to prove what were they afraid of and what helped bringing healing and peace. those events that some call to calm their fear. modern day miracles. Today, make that unconditional Call to Worship and faithful love Strange, unexplainable, not just the fragile illusion of a weak, and special things happen in this life. From hillside to lakeside unsteady faith, Wonderful, amazing, Jesus meets the needs of his friends. but the core energy and conviction and life-changing experiences Always surprising them and us at the heart of an increasingly are made known. growing faith; with his words and actions. Lord, Your power, your influence faith in your ability to care and the work you do in the world Always responding to our needs, for all your people. are miracles that can only be explained always there for us. Amen. by divine energy and purpose. We gather to give thanks and praise to the one who loves and cares for us. All-Age Prayer Forgive us when we become too quick Lord God, to laugh off those who are able We offer ourselves and this time to believe things and invite Jesus to surprise us once more. some of us have spent time this summer at the sea, that we find it hard to believe, Responses some of us have visited towns and cities, and forgive us when we criticise some of us have enjoyed the mountains those who do not believe what we can. Leader: We come here to meet Jesus, or the peace of the countryside. Forgive us when doubt and fear All: the one who is full of love. Some of us have rested; leave us frozen in time, Leader: We come to hear his word, some of us have been busy. unable to find a way forward. All: the word that is full of Everything is yours, Forgive us when we cower behind others, surprises. all time is in your hands. unable to move forward boldly in faith. Leader: We come to grow in faith, We thank you for the time Forgive us too when we overlook All: the faith that is strengthened you have given us during our summer: the fact that others may and renewed every day. for some of us a break from school, find faith not as easy a state and for some of us an outdoor routine of mind and heart of rest and pastimes. to experience as we might do. Thank you God. Merciful God, Now we ask, continue to watch over us. Jesus showed us May life be exciting, varied, that you do not leave us to sink and full and may we under the waves of doubt, live in confidence or weakness, or even sin. that you will watch over us. Amen. He challenged his disciples to live more faithfully and more correctly following his example; yet he did so with compassion, and by first making it possible for them to know his peace. Allow us to know that peace now. Amen.

72 spill the beans, issue 12 doon the water

Prayer for Others and Ourselves Lord God, We pray today: show us how to have trust. for those drowning Lead us to know the full conviction in the sorrow of their grief, and the emptiness of their loneliness, of our faith that whatever strife Reflection or storms we find ourselves in, for those drowning you will come to us, in squalor, poverty and hunger, Like the disciples extend your hand, for those drowning when we are tired and weary and invite us to take hold of it. in the inadequate availability and out of sorts of basic resources, the last thing we need Show us how to believe. for those drowning is to be confronted Reveal the full breadth in a sea of violence and hatred as victims with our Lord of your glory that we might and as those embroiled in it, approaching us on water. and for those drowning lift the limits on what we are prepared to, In the midst of a storm and are able to, envisage in an ocean of despair as they see no way out and no prospect of change we long for calm, as the possibilities of life and creation not more high jinks. under the energy of your Holy Spirit. in their life’s circumstances. We batten down the hatches, Show us how to live. God, your love for people is no illusion, it is no trick of clever rhetoric, retreat into ourselves, Teach us through the stories it is no mere opiate created by the Church admiring those who launch themselves of the Bible and the example to ease people’s pain. into the waves, of others that we might understand Your love is real, it is living, but happy to sit back ‘The Way’ of discipleship and it is present. and watch and apply it in the way and smile with satisfaction Through your church we set about living our own lives. as their efforts may this love be known in the world, are swamped. Compassionate God, and made available through us many in our world live with fear, to all we come across. We are content to allow the miracles and many find it difficult May people come to believe unfolding all around us to do anything other than cower away in the constancy of your love to become submerged from the world by the words and actions of our own faith. in the complexities of life. as if beaten by the pressures, In Jesus name we pray. We long to be brave enough challenges, anxieties Amen. to step out of the boat, and the worries of day-today existence. but we settle for the comfort Prayer of Dedication of the turmoil we know. Again today, God, While Jesus invites us Scripture reveals that when we need you, to throw caution to the wind, you will come. to let go With hands outstretched towards us, and plunge in, you invite us to take hold knowing the safety and be looked after. of his steadying hand. We present our offering to you, The one who commands the elements, the money gifts we make in other ways, invites us to walk on water. and our time and talent.

May this readiness to serve you and the world be an acknowledgement of our trust in you and our willingness to give illustration of your love to others through our own faithful living. Amen.

trinity & pentecost 2014 73 sunday 10 august 2014 worship ideas Sending Witnesses to something amazing, In Cana At A Wedding Feast something unbelievable. 1. In Cana at a wedding feast, If you would like to use this Jesus walked on water. Christ worked his first great sign. hymn, please contact Carolyn Witnesses to something frightening, There Jesus’ mother told her son, Gillette ([email protected]) someone’s failure. “They don’t have any wine!” for permission and to get a copy Peter fell in. He called for six stone water jars; of the hymn for bulletin use. But Jesus reaches out to help his friend, they filled them to the brim; and the waters calmed. Tune: Ellacombe through water changed to wine We go now to find ways 8.6.8.6 D that day, of doing the same. his friends believed in him. Reach out and give someone Take Home Ideas a hand up this week. 2. Far from the town, Look out for signs of Jesus walking in the crowds pressed in And the blessing of God… ‘unexpected places in the Kingdom’ this on Jesus’ prayer retreat. week. Praise/Hymns He healed their sick, then told his own, “You give them food to eat!” Say to yourself each morning: At the name of Jesus CH4 468 Five loaves of bread and two small fish “Today I will step out of my comfort MP 41 were all they found to share, zone and go to places which require Bind us together, Lord MP 54 yet thousands ate the meal he blessed, me to have a focused intent and with baskets left to spare. to trust as I reach out knowing that Eternal Father, strong to save CH4 260 Jesus is waiting for me there.” MP 122 3. Out on the sea, the winds were strong; the stormy waves were high; Continue writing in the journal with Here in your arms MP 1056 there Jesus’ friends were filled with fear ‘Unexpected Kingdom’ as this week’s title. I believe in Jesus MP 264 when he came walking by. “Take heart, for it is I!” he said, Notice how you create your own I will set my face MP 1188 and helping Peter stand, reality each day by the decisions that you make: If you believe and I believe CH4 771 he calmed the storm and stirred their hearts; • To what have you said ‘Yes’ today In Cana at a wedding feast see right God’s world was in his hand. and where did that lead? Jesus’ hands were kind hands CH4 351 4. The blind, the poor, the outcast too, • To what have you said ‘No’ today Lord Jesus, think of me CH4 492 found Christ to be their friend. and where did that lead? “Have mercy!” Bartimaeus said. Lord, speak to me that I may speak “I want to see again.” Take a quiet few minutes to be still before CH4 542 With great compassion and with grace, you sleep. MP 444 Christ gave him back his sight. Imagine that you have a list of the Lord, you have come to the seashore Through deeds of power, decisions that you made today in CH4 532 deeds of love, front of you. he filled our world with light. Mercy to the broken-hearted MP 1206 Which would you say you made out 5. O Lord, we see your wondrous signs of ‘love’ and which did you make out Mine eyes have seen the glory CH4 476 and know through faith-filled eyes: of ‘fear’? One more step along the world I go you are new wine that brings us joy, If you stepped out of your own boat CH4 530 true bread that satisfies. trusting in ‘love’ more often, visualise You give clear vision to your church, Son of God, eternal Saviour CH4 486 where you would dare to go and you make the wounded whole. what might happen there? You are before me God CH4 96 You give us hope, when seas are rough; Give thanks for Jesus who encourages us Your hand, O God, has guided CH4 511 for you are in control!. to step out in faith and risk living out of MP 705 love. Words: © 1999 Carolyn Winfrey Gillette All rights reserved. Used by permission. Found in “Gifts of Love: New Hymns For Today’s Worship”.

74 spill the beans, issue 12 doon the water age group ideas gathering crafts In The Storm all age Paper Boats all age Calm/Stormy Sea all age You will need: a variety of floating You will need: coloured A4 paper, basin You will need: paints (blues, greens, objects, basin, water. (or paddling pool!), water, origami black), large plates for the paint, instructions available on page 137, protective aprons (this will be messy, Allow the children to float the different practise yourself so you can show the so you may consider doing this outside objects on a basin of water and observe children (you might want to watch if the weather allows), large sheets the differing ways the objects float. As a someone create the boat, which you can of paper which children can work way to work the children into the story, readily find on YouTube). on together, newspapers to protect ask questions about the floating objects, surfaces, cups for water, and, lastly but such as: Give each child a piece of A4 paper and importantly, washing facilities for after then together create origami paper boats. • How well would the objects float in a the project. If you have a larger group, have one storm? person show step-by-step what to do, Ask the children to work together in small • How would waves and wind affect the with helpers assisting the children at each groups and give each group a large sheet floating objects? step if required. of paper. Show the children how to finger paint and then ask the children to create a Note: prepare some objects which will not The resulting boats, once opened up, will clam sea picture using only their hands. float in the ‘stormy water’. float on water (at least for a short while). Talk with the children about the first part While floating the boats on the water, of the story, describing how a storm arose work with the water to make it calm and from the calm sea. then stormy. As you do so, talk with the children about how the disciples possible Show the children how their calm sea felt as the storm arose and how they can be made to look like a stormy sea by would have reacted seeing Jesus walking adding more paints and darker colours on the water, as well as why the disciples’ and swirling it about with their fingers. feelings were calmed when Jesus came to They should then turn their calm sea them. painting into a stormy one again using Discuss with the children times in their only their hands. lives when they have been scared and ask Once more, discuss the story with the them what calms them. children. Consider talking about the feelings of the disciples and how Jesus calmed then when they were anxious and afraid. Perhaps there have been times that they have been anxious and afraid. What do the children do to calm themselves? Did any of them think to talk to Jesus in prayer?

trinity & pentecost 2014 75 sunday 10 august 2014 age group ideas activities In A Boat age 3-5 Storms age 6-12 Walk On Water all age You will need: cardboard boxes. Ask the children to name a few type of You will need: cornflour, a large storms, for instance: tornado, hurricane, container or plastic basin, food dye, Seat the children on the floor or cut out gales (all wind related), tidal waves, huge water. a boat shape from cardboard boxes to waves in a stormy sea, whirlpool, eddys, sit on. Get the children to row together This is a lot of messy fun. It is a simple tsunami, and so-on. slowly, then faster and faster, then slower, experiment but an amazing one for all mixing it up. Next, instruct the children Check out YouTube for many clips of these ages. You are creating what is called a non- to bob up and down, be very still in calm different types of storms and show them Newtonian fluid. It is a liquid unless it is water, rock side to side as the waves get to the children. Consider having images being compressed rapidly (for instance by bigger, and work toward the still, calm of other types of storms available to show, suddenly stepping on it) when it solidifies. motion. such as thunder and lightening. Engage If you keep moving, you can walk on it. If the children in the lesson by asking them you stand still, you sink. The children will Emotions age 6-12 questions. want to try this one! You will need: copies of the emoticon set • What does it feel like to be caught in a For a demonstration and instructions available on page 138. storm? on how to make your own see this clip: http://youtu.be/kR3Ha3IYu6E for a small The disciples’ emotions were all over • Were you frightened? experiment. the place when they were on the boat • Did you cry out? in the storm. Give each child a copy of the emotion icons and ask them to write • Who or what comforted you? down what each one is saying to them. You could have some facts about famous Next, ask the children to identify an storms to further peak their interest about emotion icon that describes them in the the power of storms. following situations: Continue with more questions. • Getting a good result on a test. • What other type of storms can the • Coming first in something at sports children think of? If you want to “Go Large” then have a look day. at this clip (http://youtu.be/D-wxnID2q4A) • Are there storms in a family, such as which you could show the children. • Times when a parent is annoyed at one between a brother and sister? them. Perhaps there are storms between Song And Dance all age • Falling off their bike or scooter. different nations around the world. You will need: a copy of “Superman” • Times when they feel sick. • What do the children make of the (and “I am the Music Man”) by Black phrase ‘a storm in a tea cup’? You may wish to add in coming to church Lace and the ability to play it loud or Sunday Club or any other additional enough for the children to dance along. situations that are appropriate for your To some people Jesus is a bit like group. Finally, ask the children to design Superman, especially since he did things an emotion icon of their own. like walking on water. Play the song Superman by Black Lace and What Is What? age 6-12 dance out the actions with the kids. You will need: copies of the activity sheet Additionally you can play and act out ‘I am on page 139, pens/pencils. the music man’ by Black Lace because the Spend some time thinking about different music man can play everything. boats and the jobs they do. You can use the activity sheet as a way into this topic. • Name some types of boats (sailing, fishing, rowing, lifeboat, pleasure, and so on). • Can you name any famous ships or yachts?

76 spill the beans, issue 12 doon the water discussion starters games on the stormy lake Catch The Object all age You will need: basins, water, floating objects, teaspoons. You will need basins of water for each team and objects that float in the water. Give each team a teaspoon to lift the objects out of the water and bring back to their team. (It is more difficult than you think depending on the size of the objects). Bath toys, ducks, apples, cork, could be used. Make it into a race. You could also have the children duck for apples. Drop The Coin all age You will need: buckets half-filled with water, 2 pence coins. The leader drops a 2 p coin in each bucket Preparation Activity/Discussion and each child is to drop another 2 p coin on top of the one already in the bucket. The activity/discussion suggestion this The activity today is a silent meditation. The closest is the winner. Warning: the week is a silent meditation with retelling This in an opportunity for the young children will have a lot of fun taking the of the story. You can make this as simple or people to listen to the story again and coins out! complex, technically, as befits your group hear it in a new way. This can bring a and the facilities available to you. different perspective to the story. As the leader your role is to tell the story, this Toss The Balloon all age This reflection can be found on page 140. retelling will benefit from a couple of You will need: filled water balloons, If you are looking for an alternative practice readings using the sound effects. towels, spare dry clothes for the activity, consider either the paper boats There is a separate sheet available on page children. activity or the calm seas/stormy seas HOLD with the reflection. activities. Details of both are in the Crafts An outdoor wet game. The children are sections above. to stand in a small circle and throw the Living It Out balloon to each other. It may or may not Opening Activity This week as we look and try to see “where burst when they catch it or drop it! did you see God at work today.” Check with the young people where they Parachute Games all age have seen God at work over the past week. Ask the young people to note down what Use a piece of paper and create a timeline sounds they heard when they saw God at You will need: play parachute, soft ball. using the times a dates the young people work this week. Using your parachute try and keep the noted down. ball on the parachute with rippling the If you did the seed planting activity on 13 parachute like the sea in a storm. of July, check in with the young people to Then try the traditional “sharks and see how the young plants are growing or lifeguards” game. being cared for. Spell It Out age 6-12 The Word You will need: Bibles. You will need: ball. Read Matthew 14:22-33 together. The children stand in a circle and toss a ball to each other and if someone drops the ball they say the first letter of the word ‘Faith’ and then keep spelling it out every time the ball is dropped. F.A.I.T.H. Faith. F. A.I…

trinity & pentecost 2014 77 sunday 17 august 2014

pentecost 10 broken borders sunday 17 august 2014 matthew 15:21-28

Genesis 45:1-15 Psalm 133 bible notes Romans 11:1-2a,29-32 Broadening The Focus Matthew 15:(10-20),21-28 good news is for all who hear it, that the gender, in a way that Peter was unable to thought of Jesus turning someone away do in the previous story. That Matthew and the harsh language employed in includes this story must reveal something Matthew’s account—“It isn’t right to take of the importance of Jesus’ divine power food from the children and throw it to working beyond the scope of the chosen the dogs!”—strikes us as out of character people of God. Something new was for Jesus. The use of ‘dogs’ here sends a happening. The Gentiles were hearing the shudder down our spines along the lines good news and were being drawn to the of words like untermenschen: sub-humans. kingdom of God. Could Jesus be so cruel to a mother in Note that there are parallels in this story Gender boundaries, tribal segregation, need? to the similarly structured story in 8:5- racial stereotyping, sectarian chanting, Indeed, many scholars believe that this 13 when the Roman officer, another security walls and border checkpoints: dialogue reflects much more Matthew’s Gentile, impresses Jesus with his faith and we have lots of ways by which we like to own focus on the Jewish community. assurance that Jesus is the one who can differentiate between us and them. In last In this, does Matthew side more with help him. week’s story we read Matthew’s account Peter and James’s ministry within Judean of Jesus walking on water, displaying the With faith in Jesus comes a sense of communities, rather than on Paul’s lengths he was willing to go to in order to humility on our part as we reflect on the mission to the Gentiles, a mission of comfort and console his scared disciples bigger story of faith that we share with which Jesus would have had much more on the boat. That is wonderful, but in the Abrahamic traditions. We are all part support? Jesus’ trips into Gentile territory doing so Jesus was shepherding ‘us’, his of that larger story. The Canaanite woman suggest that he was not one to shy from own, his Jewish disciples. recognises that she is designated one mixing with people across boundaries, of the “dogs” as a Gentile, but no matter In this week’s story we see that even even a Canaanite woman, the epitome for for her as she became a part of the new in Jesus’ own time these boundaries Jewish readers of wickedness. chapter of that larger story in Jesus. Is were being confronted. It is generally That being said, Matthew includes this it the same for us as we recognise the understood that Jesus own concept of his story and makes a point of it because privilege of being a part of that faith ministry was of one within the confines in it he portrays Jesus changing his community in Jesus: this is something of Judaism, a reforming and refocusing mind following the petition of the for which to be humbly thankful, it is of Jewish faith for those sheep within the faithful mother doing all she could for not something to then use as a tool to flock who had strayed. His focus was on her troubled daughter. We see the total determine who is in and who is out, the people of Israel. commitment and faith of the mother who is us and who is them? While some Could this be what makes this passage whose eyes are set on Jesus as the one politicians use the term “broken borders” rather harsh for our ears today? We are who can help her in her own personal to lament immigration policy, we in the so used to portraying Jesus as the one life-storm. She keeps faith in Jesus, even Christian community see that term rather whose ministry is for all, whose gospel across the boundaries of culture and differently. 78 spill the beans, issue 12 broken borders the story A Mother’s Love Retelling For Young People A monologue through the eyes of the Nikkal’s Story Syro-Phoenician woman. This is a story from a little girl called couldn’t make the illness go away, I knew Did you hear him? He called me a dog. Nikkal, whose Mum once met Jesus. Let’s she loved me so much! So I hated it when Your rabbi, your holy man, your hero. He hear what happened… she went away. called me a dog. He said your God does She was gone for two days when I not feed or tend the likes of me. I don’t My name is Nikkal and I once got very, woke up in the morning and knew that belong at the table. No surprises there. He very ill. My Mum was really worried about something had changed. My skin felt did just what I expected: his first reaction me, and she didn’t know what to do to cool and smooth again instead of all the was to ignore me completely. But I was help me. The illness made me behave very sweating and fever! When I stood up, I felt ready to take him on. Don’t get me wrong, strangely, like shouting out and falling strong and steady instead of dizzy and I’m not one to beg. But Nikkal was in the over and rolling on the ground in pain. wobbly! And I was hungry! grip of some terrible spirit. Do you know It made me cry a lot, and I couldn’t think how it feels to see your child tormented, properly or even eat anything. I ate a big slice of bread and cheese, it crying out, terrified by a pain you can do Our doctor didn’t want to come near me. tasted wonderful! My aunts and uncles nothing to soothe? Your rabbi was my He didn’t know what was wrong with me. were overjoyed! We couldn’t wait to tell last resort. I knew he didn’t keep inside My Mum didn’t think anyone could help Mum, but where was she? the lines on everything. He had a passion! me and she worried that I might never Finally, late that afternoon I heard I dared to think he could be pushed or get better. She hated seeing me so ill, but my Mum’s voice outside, talking to a persuaded, or maybe even shamed, into whatever she tried to do, nothing made neighbour, “Yes, I met Jesus early this helping me… and for Nikkal… I had me any better. morning, and do you know what, he was nothing to lose. After I’d been ill for nearly two weeks, so rude to me! Even when I begged him, So I refused to back off when he blanked Mum decided to go and look for the for my poor sick daughter! In the end, he me. I refused to retreat when his teacher called Jesus. We lived in a different promised to help, but I don’t know if he companions urged him to deal with me. country from him, and we knew he didn’t will…” I refused to be silenced when he finally usually talk to people like us, but Mum I just burst out laughing and ran out to faced me and drew that line in the sand was desperate to ask anyone who might meet her. “Mum! Mum! I’m fine! Look, between your tribe and mine. For Nikkal, be able to cure my illness. We had heard I’m well! I got better this morning! Right only for Nikkal, I put all my pride aside and that Jesus had healed some very sick when you were meeting Jesus!” got down on my knees in the dust, and people—maybe he would help me! for the first time in my life I truly begged. You should have seen her face! “Nikkal! And for my tears and my clinging to his When Mum went away to look for Jesus, Oh my dear girl! My dear beloved Nikkal!” feet and my desperation, and for Nikkal’s I was left with my aunts and uncles. But And she hugged me tight, just like she pain and fear, what did I get? He called me I missed my Mum! Even when I fell over always does, because she’s my Mum and a dog. and couldn’t stop the terrible pain, Mum she loves me! always picked me up and hugged me Well I know about dogs. I know what they tight until I calmed down. Even when she do while the guests feast, while the invited ones dine. They skulk and they hover, they watch and they wait, and when the waste and the leftovers are swept off the table by the careless hands of the full-bellied, the dogs are there like a shot. So I’ll take being called a dog instead of being given the respect of a dignified diner. I’ll pounce on what falls to the floor. I’ll crouch in the dirt and fight for a fistful of crumbs. Give me the scraps, then, give me the dregs, for even that dross will work the miracle I need for my child. Oh the look on his face! The shock in his eyes! Has he never known the fury and ferocity of a mother’s love? I had provoked him! Was it enough to goad him into crossing that damned line? YES!

trinity & pentecost 2014 79 sunday 17 august 2014 worship ideas Through the Season Prayer of Adoration Prayers for Others Pages 6 and 7 contain ideas that can be God of all, and Ourselves used to help set the scene throughout we make approach to you, Gracious God, this season encouraging a sense that each ready to offer praise there are moments in life week is thematically tied together. and ready to receive when we really need your help. from your gracious hand. Gathering Activity We search you out: Welcomed here as members of your sometimes for help with our own need Have a large heart-shaped piece of paper family we can expect and sometimes because the need (a flip chart in the foyer would be ideal) to receive your love. of other people we care for is great. with the words LOVE IS... on it and invite As a parent comforts, teaches, You are there for us people to write their responses as they protects and cares for children as you are there for all people. gather then display their suggestions in you do the same for your people. No person is excluded from your love the worship space. Bless us now with your gifts of love. Amen. on account of anything. Call to Worship Prayer of Confession We are unique in personality Love is... and come from varied paths offered to one and all. Loving God, yet your love is given unconditionally. Love is... would a parent not do anything It is easy, of course, stronger than hate. for their child? for us to pray in this way Love is... In most cases yes, for we are lucky in that our lives willing to learn and change. but sadly some abuse that youthful trust. are generally good, secure, and without troubles Love is... We say sorry, God, that threaten to weaken us brave and bold. for those times when we to the point of breaking. Love is of God let our children down: and God is love. when we are too busy, However we know there are many Let us worship too preoccupied to help, in the world for whom the one who loves us when we are too quick to judge, that faith is not present and be prepared when we mistake lavish gestures and their circumstances leave them to share that love for kindness and love. already broken. with one and all. We say sorry, God, So we pray for those who feel for those times when we have they are heading to breaking point Responses let the children of the world down: and those who are already there. when we accept the economics of the Women: We come as mothers, We pray for parents struggling world and shrug off childhood poverty, daughters and sisters. with issues relating to their children: when we buy cheap clothes poor health, waywardness, Men: We come as fathers, without thinking of the child sweatshops loss of place and identity, bullying, sons and brothers. where they were made, and broken relationships. Women: We know the lengths we would when we allow abuse to go unchecked go for our family. because of institutions turning blind eyes We pray for children and spouses to the problems within their purview. coping with issues Men: We understand the depth of relating to their parents: We say sorry, God, family love. illness, grief, dementia, low confidence, for our lack of love towards all others need of specialist medical intervention, All: We come to worship for we are taught that prospect of nursing care. the one whose love all are the children of God. is stronger and wider We pray for the unemployed, Merciful God, and deeper the hungry, the refugee, we are privileged for your kingdom than we can ever the maimed and injured has been extended. know or understand. and those who live with terrible disease. No longer (if ever) are you the God of single tribes, nations, or peoples. Lord, not one of us is immune No longer (if ever) are you the God from challenge and not one of us of the wealthy, the powerful is excluded from your love. and the chosen ones. Take care of each of us, You are God of all and we rejoice all those we love in your goodness this day and all your children this day. and your readiness to love all of us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. 80 spill the beans, issue 12 broken borders

Prayer of Dedication Reflection impossible in the two of us: Change is all around us, “the dogs eat the crumbs Last week’s story of Peter stepping out in the lives of individuals we see it, and none of God’s children of the boat and this week’s story of the in the community around us we see it, need to go hungry Syro-Phoenician woman contrast each in the politics between nations we see it, for life’s good news.” other beautifully: in one there is Peter, and in the surprised look on the face He said to me disciple, closest to Jesus, known as the of even the wisest leaders we see it. “O ye of great faith, rock and he steps out the boat and then May these offerings be used, great faith, great faith… sinks like one. Jesus says to him, ‘O ye of as we too may be used, little faith.’ …great faith, great faith, great faith, in the service of breaking down borders, is found in the smallest things bringing change that includes others, Then there is the Canaanite woman with in spontaneity, and as a witness to our commitment everything about her life and genealogy like walking out of the boat in instinct, to your Kingdom, Lord of all. and gender and status placing her as far like calling help Amen. from Jesus as is possible and Jesus says from the stranger in impulse, to her, ‘O ye of great faith’ All Age Prayer like believing in water-walking in a word, So this reflection takes these two stories that challenges cultural prejudices. Lord God, mixes them a little and contrasts them. And even though I was the disciple holidays are over closest to him Two voices are needed to read, each and it is time to get ready for school. and had journeyed a thousand miles taking a stanza at a time. As the last line and seen impossible things Back to work, is read by one they get softer and the maybe I had seen too much back to activities, first line on the next stanza is read at and believed too little back to daily transport duties. the same time by the other voice getting and the one of little faith Life gathers speed— louder so the two voices segue together. was me, was me, was me… sometimes leaving us breathless. I saw him! …was me, was me, Life is full of tasks It was impossible, but I did! it was me who showed the greatest faith and sometimes we feel there is no but when I saw him who hadn’t seen anything, time just to be— I trusted him. but just trusted what I needed to believe to be still, It was all I could do that my daughter could be healed to take time for ourselves. I couldn’t help myself even when culture and religion and purity Yet, we must. I felt pulled out of the boat laws said “No!” We need time to rest and create time and chose to walk, to walk, to walk… I fought back with trust to refuel: …to walk, to walk, to walk leading to a healing spiritually, into hostile territory but also the bigger impossibility: physically we need time. was his choice. the breaking open of prejudice Grant this time, Lord, we pray. If he was sent for the lost sheep of Israel and this was the greater faith, Open our eyes to the prospect then that was where he should have greater faith, greater faith… of a contended life stayed and left his impossible prejudices …greater faith, greater faith, and the blessing of knowing fulfilment there with him, with him, with him… greater faith comes not from what you see in everything. …with him, with him, with him is possible with your eyes, Amen. it seemed impossibly easy but from what you see is impossible and it was, with your heart. until I realised what I was doing When I saw the waves I saw with my eyes, then gravity became the guiding principle when I saw Jesus I saw with my heart, rather than trust when I saw the prejudice, and all I heard as I got my feet wet was I saw with my eyes ‘O ye of little faith, little faith, little faith… when I saw the crumbs I saw with my heart …little faith, little faith, little faith and it beats now, beats now, beats now… is all you need to move mountains,” he said, …beats now, beats now, beats now But the mountain of history with the impossible God, is as impossible a mountain impossible God, as you can find, impossible God… tangled up in both our histories— Jew and Canaanite— was prejudice and mistrust yet our conversation changed the trinity & pentecost 2014 81 sunday 17 august 2014 worship ideas Sending Take Home Ideas With parental love, God sends us out. Look out for signs of the ‘Kingdom being your notes Not with the crumbs from his table for everyone’ this week. but with all the jewels of his Kingdom. Say to yourself each morning: We are not the blind leading the blind, “Today I will look at those people and but the loved serving places where I would least expect to the apparently unloved. see signs of the Kingdom with the Share God’s love, eyes of my heart show God’s love to those you meet. - willing to listen and learn from Share the jewels not the crumbs. those whose lives are different from And the blessing of God… mine” Praise/Hymns Continue writing in the journal with Blessing and honour CH4 441 ‘Kingdom for Everyone’ as this week’s title. Come and find the quiet centre CH4 716 Notice how your preconceived ideas and conditioning limit your awareness: Do we ask the questions see page 141 Who have you overlooked today and Fairest Lord Jesus CH4 463 what could they teach you if you paid For the healing of the nations CH4 706 attention? Glory to God CH4 762 When has an assumption that your way is the best or only way limited God whose almighty word CH4 112 your loving response today? Healing God, almighty Father MP 226 Take a quiet few minutes to be still before Healing river of the Spirit CH4 707 you sleep. How sweet the name of Jesus sounds Imagine someone you know who CH4 461 never seemed particularly significant MP 251 or important to you but whom you have noticed. Take a moment to give Jesus put this song into our hearts thanks for that person and consider CH4 692 what they may have to teach you. MP 376 Give thanks for the diversity of our world Lord of lords MP 883 and for the lessons of the Kingdom found The Lord created families CH4 684 in everyone. There’s a wideness in God’s mercy CH4 187 MP 683 We lay our broken world CH4 721 When I needed a neighbour CH4 544 When to our world the Saviour came MP 761

82 spill the beans, issue 12 broken borders age group ideas gathering crafts Patience, Patience all age Coconut Dogs all age Pom-Pom Dogs all age If possible have one of those buzzer You will need: approximately 12 dogs You will need: medium-weight card games where the children can each have can be made from the following: a 200g (old cereal boxes would work), scissors, a try at getting the loop around the shape tin of condensed milk, 175g desiccated pencil, wool, self-stick googly eyes, self- without making the buzzer go off. If you coconut, 250g icing sugar, silver cake stick felt. have an electrician in the congregation, decorating balls, food colouring (colour Using the pencil draw two circles on they may be able to make one for you. determines the colour of dog the the card (around a cup would be large children are going to create, you can enough) and cut these out. Make these have white dogs too), baking parchment into doughnut shapes by drawing a or greaseproof paper, cling-film, bowls, smaller circle in the centre of each and hot water, spoons for mixing and cutting it out. Place the two pieces of card dropping, sweets for ears, nose, and so together and wind the wool round and on. round them by passing the wool through Ask the children to firstly mix together the central hole until it is no longer the icing sugar and the condensed milk possible to get any more wool through in a bowl. Next add the coconut and a that hole. Cut through all the layers of few drops of food colouring to make the wool on the outer edge of the circles. Alternatively, using ‘Happy Families’ cards desired colour. Then pulling the circles apart slightly tie or ‘Snap’ cards see if the children can take Show the children how to place the spoon a piece of wool around the centre of the turns at building a card pyramid. in some hot water before then scooping pom-pom in between the pieces of card. Use these activities as a way into the story out some of the mixture with it and The two card circles can then be cut off by talking about persistence or trying and dropping it onto the cling film. Using the leaving the pom-pom. Add googly eyes, a trying until you succeed as the woman in cling film as a barrier the children should felt tongue and felt nose to create a pom- the story did. then shape their mixture into a dog pom dog. shape—sitting or standing—finishing it Talk with the children about the story. Talk off by adding silver ball eyes by pushing about how the woman might have felt them into the mixture and using the when Jesus spoke to her in the way he sweets to add a nose and ears to their did and about the dog and the crumbs. shape. Discuss how persistent the woman was Ensure all the bits of coconut are included to keep asking Jesus to help her and how in the shape and no ‘crumbs’ are left on the that persistence meant that her daughter table or in the bowl. You can refer to the was healed. crumbs in the story here. Set aside the creations to harden on the baking parchment or greaseproof paper. Talk with the children about shaping their dogs. Ask if anyone changed their mind while they were making it and re-shaped their dog in another way. Ask them what changed their mind. Talk about how Jesus changed his mind when the woman in the story came to see him to ask him for help. Discuss with he children what they think might have made Jesus change his mind.

trinity & pentecost 2014 83 sunday 17 august 2014 age group ideas activity games Knees, Knees, age 6-12 Commitment all age Our Knees age 3-8 Knees and Support For this game talk to the children about You will need: copies of the sheet Does your Church or Sunday Club/School the different things that they can on their available on page 142. support a charity, a mission partner or are knees and what our knees help us do; you twinned with another church? we need our knees to run, jump, skip, One can picture the mother in this week’s walk, crawl, hop. Now get the children to story falling down on her knees to plead This passage today relates to support and do all the actions emphasising the knee with Jesus. What do the children know commitment, so how does your group movements. We can also kneel to pray to about knees? support and show its commitment to your God, clean the floors, weed the garden; charity? act these out again. A quiz is provided on page 142 for the children to try. Either they can have sheets Is it a once a year collection/coffee each, do it in teams, or you could have a morning and is that really showing Port/Starboard age 6-12 quizmaster asking teams the questions. commitment and support? The traditional game, running from end to end of the hall at the appropriate The answers are: How else can the children show commitment and support? Fundraising is commands, but make sure you use “scrub 1. Yes. an obvious way, but what about learning the decks” frequently to emphasise being on your knees, and “captain’s coming” for 2. An inflammation of part of the knee of the needs, problems, advantages and thinking about following instructions and that affects people who work on disadvantages of the group in question. doing what God hopes of us. their knees a lot (housemaids, joiners, Have pictures, information and ideas carpet fitters, gardeners, roofers). for the children to look at, discuss and hopefully to plan support which you then Dogs and Cats age 6-12 3. Orthopaedist. must turn into action. This is a variant of “Cat and Mouse”. 4. Patella. The children form up in rows with arms 5. Jump, hop, run. outstretched and fingers touching when 6. Femur, patella, tibia. they face the front and then the side. One person becomes the dog and they 7. Knee Flick. are to chase the other person who is the 8. Knee joint. cat. Once the cat is running between the lines of children the dog is set off but the 9. Praying, gardening, begging (or other leader continually shouts change and the appropriate suggestions). columns change direction making it very difficult for the dog to catch the cat. It’s A Dog’s Life all age You will need: preparation for a dog! Trump Cards age 6-12 This would be an ideal Sunday for some Top Trump cards are still popular, see if of the children or congregation to bring you can find a pack with dogs and let the in their dogs to the Sunday Club/School. children have a game or compare the Maybe one dog, would suffice! No matter differences between breeds of dog. what the weather is like you could get the children to take the dog for a walk, an example of responsible caring! Whoever owns the dog could come in and explain how they look after their dog but especially what they give the dog to eat. Do they feed the dog titbits from the table? Does the dog eat what they eat? Do they give leftovers to the dog?

84 spill the beans, issue 12 broken borders discussion starters for teens not taking no for an answer

Preparation This week is relatively straightforward, you just need pens and paper, and to have thought yourself about the challenge from last week so you can also share your own observations of where you felt you saw God at work during the week, and the sounds you associate with that. Living It Out Opening Activity • Where in life have you heard protests This week as you consider the passage you Let the young people share there ideas for justice and it has annoyed you? may find a connection to the Lord’s prayer and the phrase, “your kingdom come, on about the sounds they noted when they In this passage we see a woman who was earth as it is in heaven.” saw God at work during the week. discriminated against by Jesus. That may Listen to the controversial song from last surprise you. The Lord’s Prayer has been a part of our conversation with God for years, yet where year “Accidental Racist” by Brad Paisley The writer, Tom Wright, puts it as “the do we need some “kingdom on earth” and LL Cool J which takes the form of disciples, and perhaps Jesus himself, are now? Where do we want God to act now, a dialogue between a young Southern not yet ready for Calvary, yet this woman not later as promised? white man in the US and a black man is insisting upon Easter.” living in the hood reflecting on their This week invite the young people to take The woman is saying, in effect, I know who shared history and the discrimination that a piece of paper and a pen and either, Jesus is, I know why you are here, and I still exists in the country today. write a prayer, a poem or song, to draw a know that you will come to people like me picture or a cartoon strip, in which they in the future. But I cannot wait. I need the The Word can speak to Jesus about a situation future now. She demonstrates a faith that You will need: Bibles. where a bit of heaven is needed right here Jesus finds impressive, which brings about on earth. Read together Matthew 14:21-28. a change in the situation for the woman. She refused to accept the answers given This week as you look and try to see Activity/Discussion to her question and kept on asking. “where did you see God at work today?” ask the young people to notice where In the discussion that follows be prepared • What does the woman do that they would like to see Jesus at work this to deal with some difficult thoughts and impresses Jesus? ready to step in if the discussion gets week. very personal. This will depend on the • In what situations would you argue individuals in your group and the situation with Jesus? and culture in which you are located. • What does it feel like to be a lone • Where in life do you see people being voice speaking up when everyone else discriminated against? seems to disagree with you? • Where in life are you treated in a way which you feel is not fair?

trinity & pentecost 2014 85 sunday 24 august 2014

pentecost 11 all in a name? sunday 24 august 2014 matthew 16:13-20

Exodus 1:8-2:10 Psalm 124 bible notes Romans 12:1-8 The Chosen One Matthew 16:13-20 for the task? Messiah. For Peter, Jesus was indeed Might it be that the Chosen One of Isaiah’s anticipation, he was and the deliverer from God centuries-worth remains the of Peter’s predecessors had longed for, Chosen One: the there before him, in Peter’s here and one truly to have now. Jesus commended Peter’s insight brought renewed and then commanded his disciples hope to the club. to secrecy about it all. That command It was just that would seem to be strange until Jesus talk of pain did talks of the struggle that lay ahead. Peter, not gain him and presumably others of the disciples, many admirers. roundly misunderstood that none of that And so a different was optional. To paraphrase a psalmist, choosing was the disciples were “slow to understand and High in the stands of Old Trafford football required. Perhaps the title of the Chosen abounding in steadfast confusion”. ground there hung a banner which One was too much pressure for Moyes to declared, “The Chosen One”, alongside What kind of Chosen One was Jesus if such bear. a picture of David Moyes. In a form of a rocky road lay ahead, they may have footballing apostolic succession, David Jesus is often referred to as the Chosen wondered. And the pressure of being who Moyes had been crowned as managerial One in Christian thought. He is the he was seemed almost too overbearing successor to the legendary Sir Alex fulfilment of the anticipated servant figure for Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Ferguson, on Ferguson’s strong (some in Isaiah 42. “Here is my servant whom Yet the Chosen One knew who he was and might say irresistible) recommendation. I have chosen, my beloved, with whom the crucial role he had to play. Moyes, then, was the Chosen One, and it my soul is well-pleased.” And now, on the Jesus was, in the end, side-lined, stripped felt there was something almost biblical road to Caesarea Philippi, the Chosen One of his dignity, and strung up to die. Even about it all. is keen to hear who people are saying he Messiahs and not just football managers is: to see if they see him as such, or some Ten months later and the Chosen One are meant, it seems, to bring unbridled other thing. It is not vanity that prompts was sacked from his role: gone from the and immediate success. Jesus to ask such a seemingly self post. He had talked about tough times of absorbed question. In asking what other Heralding hope is hardly enough. readjustment to a new way but football people are saying, he is simply preparing club owners are hungry for immediate Football is just a game, of course. Faith, on his own way to be able to fix the disciples success and any talk of transition sounds the other hand, is not a game and Jesus with the bold question, “But who do you like an excuse. And so the Chosen One truly was and is the Chosen One that say that I am?” became the “Fired One”. Isaiah foresaw. Peter got the name right: And Peter saw through the trees to not Moyes but Messiah! But does that mean Moyes was ill-chosen the wood and declared him to be the 86 spill the beans, issue 12 all in a name? the story Who Is He? Andy: Hey, Ada, I’m confused. Man in the gospels is novel, and Ada: How many keys have you lost before its use there, no records Andy? Ada: Nothing unusual about that of its use in any of the surviving Andy. You get confused over Andy: Well, one or two, but let’s not Greek documents of antiquity what breakfast cereal you want change the subject. Why, when exist. The interpretation of the in the morning. Peter says this, does Jesus tell use of the Son of Man in the all the disciples to keep this Andy: Naw, Ada, I’m not confused New Testament has remained secret? Don’t you think that was about my culinary experiences. challenging and after 150 years something worth telling? I am confused about Jesus, of debate no consensus on though. the issue has emerged among Ada: It certainly is and we can tell scholars.’ everybody about it now, but at Ada: Why would you be confused that moment, it was not the right about Jesus? Andy: And that helps me how? time for the disciples to shout it Andy: Well, who is he? That is the Ada: Well, you asked what it means so from the rooftops. question posed by our Bible I told you. Are you less confused now Andy? reading this morning isn’t it? Andy: So... was it that some people got Andy: Eh, well…umm… I think I get it. Ada: And? confused that Jesus could be a (Obviously, he doesn’t) dead prophet like Elijah or John Andy: Well people seem to have the Baptist come back to life? Ada: Never mind. All that really different opinions about him. matters is what you know and Ada: Well let’s see what Wikipedia Ada: People have always had different believe Jesus to be in your heart. says. opinions about him Andy. There Andy: He is my saviour and my Lord. is nothing new about that. Andy: Please don’t bother. Just tell me what you think, Ada. Ada: Now you’re getting there! Andy: Well, I know, but, well… I’m confused. Ada: Well, I think it was because they Andy: So can I get another key for the were kind of inspirational figures front door? Ada: Come on, out with it. What are and heroes in religious circles you confused about? Ada: No! and so they compared Jesus to Andy: Well, why did the people on the them, believing that he was very street called him the Son of Man? special. Ada: Hold on while I check it out on Andy: But Ada, the disciples must have my phone. known the answer as to who Let’s see, Wikipedia says that: Jesus was after the time they had ‘Son of man is the translation spent with Him, don’t you think? of various Hebrew and Greek Ada: Yes, you would have thought phrases used in both the Old and so, but just like you and me, the New Testament. In Judaism it they had to come to their own refers to normal human beings. conclusion about who they really In Christianity it is a title given to believed Jesus to be. I think that Jesus. Christians also believe that is why Jesus turned the question the Son of Man is a prophesied back on them. spiritual divine external ruler Andy: Aye, and trust big mouthed Peter who can be found in the Old to come out with an answer that Testament.’ According to this blew your socks off: ”You are the the ‘Hebrew expression Son of Messiah, the Son of the living Man appears one hundred and G o d ”. seven times in the Hebrew Bible, ninety-three times in Ezekiel Ada: But he is Andy! alone. In the Koine Greek of Andy: I know that, Ada, but why the New Testament, the Son of does Peter get the keys to the Man is invariably used with a Kingdom of God for his answer definite article. The use of the and I don’t even get a key to the definite article in the Son of front door?

trinity & pentecost 2014 87 sunday 24 august 2014 the story worship ideas Retelling For Young People Through the Season Prayer of Adoration “Hey, have you seen that new kid that Pages 6 and 7 contain ideas that can be and Confession has come to our school?” asked Amanda. used to help set the scene throughout God of all creation, “Does anyone know anything about this season encouraging a sense that each unseen in places yet to be found, him?” she continued. week is thematically tied together. unknown in things yet to be discovered. “Some people say that his cousin used to Gathering and Departing God of Jesus the Messiah, come to our school, you know that guy seen in his living and breathing, that had a strange name. What was it... Activity known in his Word and his Way. Jean Baptiste? I think he was from France Like last week, you could have an A3 sheet God of the Living Spirit, or somewhere” said Robert. of paper (or a cut out of a person for the unseen in the mystery of life, known in the reality of our lives. “I heard that Ellie is his big sister, you more daring artists) with the words “JESUS know, that big powerful girl in P7. IS” on it. Invite people as they gather to We come to you So you better not mess with the new add their own thoughts. This could then with our hearts and minds, kid”, shouted Jayne, who was afraid of be displayed in the sanctuary, perhaps with our fears and hopes, everyone. beside last week’s Love Is... ideas. with our praise and thanksgiving. For you have not left us adrift “I think he is a friend of the teacher Call to Worship as flotsam and jetsam in the world. because he got a star award on his first You have given us instead day at school”, said Billy, who never ever Jesus is your Son, our Messiah. got any awards at school. “I think he the King of Kings. Your truth, our hope. looks lovely”, sighed Louise. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Your love, our rock. It seemed that everybody had an Jesus is The keys to the kingdom. opinion on who this new kid could be, the Wonderful Counsellor. We come to you but no one it seemed had bothered to Jesus is with the recognition ask the new kid his name. They never our Lord and Saviour. that as much as we have discovered asked him where he came from, what he of these things, liked to do, what his favourite football We gather here to worship God, there are things we do not yet team was, or whether he liked Irn Bru or the Father of Jesus, understand or make real Pepsi? and the Holy Spirit, our guide. For the sake of your kingdom. So I took it upon myself to find out Responses Sometimes we are complacent something about him. It was true that he and like to rest in our own strength. Leader: Jesus is was related to Jean Baptiste, first cousins, All: the King of Kings. God of all people, in fact. He did have a sister but her name gather us deeper was Mary, not Ellie. He had never met his Women: Jesus is into your heart and mind teacher until today and he got an award All: the Prince of Peace. and into your purpose. for getting every one of his sums right. Men: Jesus is Help us to see through the fog and mist He prefers Irn Bru to Pepsi. All: the Wonderful Counsellor. of our own creating. He came from a tiny village somewhere Help us to discover the beauty and truth Leader: Let us gather here and offer our up north and he loves playing football, of your mystery, worship PlayStation games, and his favourite that we might see more clearly All: to God the Father, God the Son, dinner is pasta. His name is George who you are and God the Holy Spirit. Lennon and his dad is someone really and who you would have us be. important and famous. In us, let the rock “Oh, who is his dad?” asked Thomas. on which you built your church be ever more “Well, maybe if you get to know him solid and steadfast better, you will get to know who his dad in our seeking is”, I said. and in our serving, Now, is that not what Jesus once said? that your kingdom will grow and become a reality, blossom and show your beauty and goodness. The keys to life. Life with you. Amen.

88 spill the beans, issue 12 all in a name?

Prayer for Others Prayer of Dedication All-Age Prayer and Ourselves As we bring this offering, Jesus, God who gives love and life, we do it because we see we come to church knowledge and wisdom, that you have given us so much. to meet you sight and insight, May it be a key and we think we know you, we pray for those things to open growth of your church but do we really? in our world and your kingdom in the world. Do we sometimes love you that we see are not And as we give this, and sometimes ignore you? we give ourselves of your kingdom, Maybe that’s the way it is. to be your people for those people It sure was with Peter. for the kingdom. who have not One day he was great Amen. or who cannot and recognised you as the Messiah, find the keys Reflective Prayer the Way. to enjoy its goodness. The next day, How is it, Lord, We pray for those well, he was off on his own way. that we see only what we want who do not have and not what you seek to reveal to us, Maybe we come to church even the most basic needs: that we walk with a blindness mostly because we hope homeless, hungry, that defies the power you will love us thirsty for water, of your Spirit at work in us as much as you loved Peter, for life. ignoring the prompts of conscience, that you will forgive us We pray for those walking past the need of others, as much as you forgave Peter, who do not have worshipping our own creation? that you will stick with us peace in their streets: as much as you stuck with Peter, Is it time? fearful, cowering, and that you will challenge us Time we use in the wrong ways. yearning for reconciliation, as much as you challenged Peter. Is it time? for hope. Time for us to open our hearts. We need you We pray for those Is it time? to keep us on track who do not have Time to wake up and see. because without the keys you give, even an inkling of your love: the doors of life are locked to us It is time! confused, disoriented, and the kingdom is locked to others. Time for us to see and do. longing for stability, It is time! So we ask, for peace. Time for people to grow and go. stick with us Jesus We pray for your church, It is time! and never let us go that it would be Time for your kingdom to come. until that day an answer to the problem when we are one together Be our vision Lord. rather than a problem, in your kingdom come. So be it. by ignoring the answer Amen. Amen. that your people would be the key to life with you forever here on earth. Amen.

trinity & pentecost 2014 89 sunday 24 august 2014 worship ideas Reflection Voice A: He said he was the Messiah. B: Scared of what? B: Do you think that’s what Jesus means when he talks of Messiah? Voice B: No, he didn’t. A: Of what people might expect. A: He didn’t talk of Messiah, A: Yes, he did. B: What do you mean? remember? I did. But yes, I think B: No, he didn’t. A: Well, if he is the Messiah, people that’s what he meant. might expect him to be more like A: Yes, he did. Che Geuvara. B: And why he is scared? B: No, I said he was the Messiah. B: Pardon? A: es, why is he scared? People get the wrong idea of what he is A: You said? A: Well, to some Che Geuvara about. B: Yes, I said. was a freedom fighter. Judas Maccabees, way back in Jewish B: I’d like him to be a bit of a A: Well, what did he say? history, was a freedom fighter. freedom fighter. He’d clear out B: Nothing. That’s what they expect of the the Romans and we wouldn’t be Messiah, to be a freedom fighter. oppressed any longer. A: Nothing? B: But Jesus has never even lifted a A: But he is a freedom fighter. He B: Nothing. He said we were to say Bible, let alone a gun. brings freedom in a different nothing. way, not with violence, but by A: I know. But some people haven’t A: Not a word? freeing people to live full lives, moved on. They still think of the telling us the things we are B: We weren’t to tell anyone. Messiah in the same way their bound to (like money and status A: What weren’t we to tell anyone? grandparents thought about the and ritual), showing us that the Messiah. rules of religion and the wrath B: That he was the Messiah. B: You just don’t get a good of the church isn’t the way God A: So he did say he was the Messiah like you used to in the wants us to live. Always being Messiah? past. Things have changed. scared of our enemy doesn’t bring us any more life. He wants B: No! He said nothing. A: I know, you don’t need to tell us to be free of all of that, to A: Nothing? me. I was once a comfortable unbind ourselves from the things fisherman minding my own that bind us up. B: He said we were to say nothing business. Now I’ve no home to about this. go to at night and I don’t know B: No wonder he’s scared. A: About what? where my next meal is coming A: I don’t think he is scared. I think from. I see people healed every we’re scared. B: That he was the Messiah. day, I now have a list of friends B: Of what? A: Why? who were my enemy, my cheek is sore from turning, I’m wandering A: Of bring set free! B: I don’t know. around with a tax collector as A: Do you think he’s scared? one of my best friends, and I’m following someone who wants to B: Might be. change the world. I know things A: I think he’s scared. have changed.

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Sending Take Home Ideas Who do we say Jesus is? Look out for signs of the ‘Keys of the your notes How do our lives reflect this? Kingdom‘ this week We go now to live out our faith Say to yourself each morning: in word, in action and in love. “Today I will listen out for the turning And we go of Kingdom Keys and locks releasing knowing the love of God the Father, where love opens doors which may strengthened through know the risen Son have seemed to be tightly shut.” and inspired by the Holy Spirit, in this place Continue writing in the journal with and at this time, ‘Kingdom Keys’ as this week’s title. always. Notice when you accept the responsibility Praise/Hymns of using the ‘Keys’ in everyday life: To whom today have you given Big man JP 16 a welcome into your presence/ All the Assembly Songs You’ll Ever Need 26 unlocked the door with love? Christ is made the sure foundation When today have you given or CH4 200 received ‘loving keys’ which have MP 73 offered hope of a new way in the I am the church CH4 204 face of barriers or difficulty? I believe in Jesus MP 264 Take a quiet few minutes to be still before I have decided to follow Jesus MP 272 you sleep Imagine that as you accept the I will build my church MP 305 ‘Keys of the Kingdom’ from Jesus an I’m not ashamed to own my Lord MP 992 overwhelming loving light floods Let there be love shared among us MP 411 through every part of your being and radiates out to all around you. Let us build a house CH4 198 Imagine yourself and people in your Longing for light CH4 543 life becoming freed of situations MP 1201 which keep them feeling imprisoned Lord, speak to me that I may speak through the light of Christ. CH4 542 Give thanks to Jesus the Messiah who MP 444 gave us the ‘Keys of the Kingdom’. Be Praise the Lord ye heavens adore CH4 139 thankful that we can all open doors for ourselves and for one another with love, Praise the Lord, you heavens MP 920 as the light of the Christ bursts through. Rock of ages MP 582 The Church’s one foundation CH4 739 Through the love of God our Saviour CH4 562 You are my strength MP 1019

trinity & pentecost 2014 91 sunday 24 august 2014 age group ideas gathering crafts Something all age Rock Painting age 3-8 Identity Bracelets age 9-12 Unknown You will need: stones, newspapers, paint You will need: alphabet beads (available You will need: ball of wool. in a variety of colours, paintbrushes, from hobby/craft shops or Baker-Ross), paint pots, PVA glue, and aprons for coloured beads, thin black elastic, and Standing in a circle and using a ball of protection. scissors. wool, play a game where the first child tells the group something interesting This one is an old favourite! Give each child a piece of elastic and the beads to form their name. They should about themselves that the others may Having protected all surfaces with then thread the beads onto the elastic to not know. Then, holding onto the end of newspapers and the children with aprons, make an identity bracelet. Before tying off the wool, the first child then throws the give each child a stone and ask them the bracelet, ask each child to think of one wool to another child, who then repeats to paint it as they wish. Encourage the quality which would best identify them the process by telling something about children to paint it with something that and they should then pick the alphabet themselves before again holding on to would perhaps help people to know beads to make that word. the line of wool and throwing the ball to that it belonged to them, that it was another person. their stone. Explain to the children that Having done so they should then thread When all the children have shared a fact demonstrating something is theirs does a few coloured beads onto the elastic on about themselves, the wool will have not always mean painting their name either side of their name before adding ideally criss-crossed around the circle on it. Discuss with them other ways they the word which describes them to the creating a ‘web’ effect and the children might help people to know who they are. bracelet. Once all the beads are in place will have learned something more about For example, they could put their hobby the bracelet can then be tied off. on it, or something in particular that they those they share time with on a Sunday. Talk about some of the qualities the like doing, or a place that they like going, children have chosen for themselves and and so on. decide if others feel they would be useful When the stones are dry they can be in helping to identify that person. Talk ‘washed’ with diluted PVA glue to prevent about the story and the qualities of Jesus the paint from rubbing off. which might have given Peter a clue as to who Jesus truly was and so helped him to Before discussing the stones, try to have identify him as the Messiah. some children guess to whom stone each might belong. Then talk with the children about what they have painted on their Personalised all age stone and what it says about them. Talk Key Rings about looking for signs and clues on the You will need: packs of key rings (the stones as to the person’s identity. Talk metal ring with plastic display shape about the signs and clues Peter might attached which are available from have got from watching and travelling hobby shops in packs of 12), and with Jesus. coloured pencils/pens. Give each child a key ring. Open the plastic tab for them and take out the paper inside. Allow the children to personalise the paper by decorating one side with their name and the other side with a picture or symbol. The picture or symbol should be of something which would be special about them or something which would help others to identify that it belongs specifically to them. Talk about our identities and how people know who we are. Discuss whether it is necessary for people to always have to know our name or if it is sometimes possible to tell who someone is just from a description of them or what they do.

92 spill the beans, issue 12 all in a name? activities games Rocks all age Who Is That? all age Who Am I? age 6-12 You will need: ideally some sample of You will need: pictures of celebrities Play a game of Twenty Questions with the different types of rock. (film, sport, music, television), Bible children only able to ask questions which characters, cartoon figures, fairy tale Let the children feel and observe them elicit yes/no answers. characters, and so on (making sure and write down what they experience: these images are appropriate for the cold, rough, smooth, the colour, the smell, Guess Who? age 6-12 group you have), envelopes. if any, and so on. You will need: one (or a few) copies of Place each picture in a sealed, separate Create a list with the names of all the the game (which no doubt many folks in envelope and mix them up. Ask each child different rocks and then ask the children the church will have floating around in to select an envelope. One by one, have to guess which one is which. cupboards). the children open the envelopes and Take the children outside of the building describe the person in the picture. Let the children play this game, linking to to see what their external church walls the story and how we can who someone • Did the children know who the person are made of. If going outdoors is not is. In the game it is all about the outward is? a possibility, you could also ask your appearance, but in real life it is about what property convener to talk about the • Why is this person/character famous? we are like inside and about what we do. external building. What it is made from, • Are they a parent? how easily it is maintained, and so on. When was the church built? Has it been • Do you know where they were born? modified in any way? • Have they had any serious illnesses? Gate String Figure all age • Do they give money to charity? You will need: string or wool of around • Do they think of themselves before 60 c.m. length tied in a loop to connect others? the two ends. • Do they obey the laws of the land? You will need to acquaint yourself with • Do they believe in God? how to make the “Open The Gate” string figure. There are many videos on YouTube You will need to do some fact finding on Who Am I? 2 age 6-12 which show you how to do this (http:// the people you pick beforehand. You will need: copies of activity sheet on youtu.be/yCaILfpdzJM or http://youtu.be/ Feel free to repeat the activity using page 143, pencils. fBw46tbxm5M). pictures of people in your church, for example the Minister, Treasurer, Sunday Use the sheet provided for children to find Club Leaders, Property Convenor, and so the Bible heroes within the wordsearch. on. People talked about Jesus by comparing him to other figures from the Scriptures. • Do you know the people in the church How would we do the same today? Who who make decisions? would we compare Jesus to today? • What do you really know about these Once you are on this site, you will find people? Rock, Paper, age 6-12 links to many more string figures like the Let them fact find and ask the church Scissors Eiffel Tower, Cat’s Cradle, and so on. people questions. The old game, but always a favourite.

trinity & pentecost 2014 93 sunday 24 august 2014 discussion starters for teens some say...

Preparation You will need blindfolds and some tactile objects to guess, along with paper and pens to make posters. Opening Activity Mystery Objects Blindfold someone and present him or her with a range of mystery objects to touch, smell and perhaps even taste. Try to supply some odd things made of a variety Living It Out of materials. Does being a follower of Jesus change • How easy is it to guess what things are What do You Say? who we are? when you cannot see? Have a chat about who you think is the best at things like singing, sports or some Think about how people might know that The Word kind of skill. you follow Jesus. Who might they say you are? You will need: copies of the Bible. • How do you judge? Read John 16:13-20 a couple of times. Take • Is there a way to decide? your time. • Who would you compare Jesus to Activity/Discussion these days? Some Say... The people at the time compared Jesus to John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah and the Each week on the TV show Top Gear, other great prophets and heroes of the The Stig, the test driver whose identity Bible. is unknown dressed in a white racing suit and helmet, is introduced with a few • How would you describe Jesus if funny sentences that always begin with someone asked you ‘Who do you say ‘Some say…’. he is?’ Ask the young people to come up with • Why do you think Jesus was so pleased their own ‘Some say…’ introductions for that Peter said Jesus was the Son of Jesus. Remember, these are rumours and the living God? gossip. • What reward does Jesus promise • What would the people who did not Peter for recognising that Jesus is the know Jesus well say about him? Messiah? • What would the chat among the • Why do you think Jesus told the people be? disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Messiah? Was he shy? Not ready • Just how strange and silly would the yet? Scared people would expect too stories about Jesus be? much too soon? Collectively make a poster advertising Jesus.

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pentecost 12 costly integrity sunday 31 august 2014 matthew 16:21-28

Exodus 3:1-15 Psalm 105:1-6,23-26,45b bible notes Romans 12:9-21 Self-Denying, Cross-Carrying, Life-Losing Matthew 16:21-28 Warren Buffett, though a billionaire, did and it is an inevitable not lavish money on his children. How consequence of such easy it must have been for his children a misreading of the to presume they were destined to be in gospel, that serious clover forever. How easy it must have been illness, tragedy, and for Buffett to consider paying, painlessly, disability are the for all their needs for all their lives. result of faith not being strong enough, Buffett was wise in his withholding, it FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY is both unbiblical and seems. His children, compelled to be deeply troubling. It Peter Rock outside any sumptuous bubble, learned suggests a petulant to live life by the sweat of their brows and God withholding Self-Denying • Cross-Carrying the graft of their hands. And they are the Life-Losing blessings on the basis wiser and more fulfilled for it. In terms of belief measured of riches, their father’s almost limitless on some kind of wealth might have suggested he and his spurious scale. consequences of any actions need be children could have had the earth. But, to feared? It grieves God greatly when we borrow Jesus’ words, “What will it profit The psalmist was right to proclaim that live in denial of our failings or care not a them if they gain the whole world but “God is merciful and gracious: slow to jot for the effect our words, deeds and forfeit their life?” anger and abounding in steadfast love.” thoughts might have. But that is a world God’s grace knows no bounds. God’s “Self-denying, cross-carrying, life-losers”. away from compelling belief and forcing mercy is wider than we sometimes dare It does not sound much of an enticing faith within us. to presume. God’s power and might are recruitment slogan for disciples, but measureless. And yet, and yet. Still, as Discipleship is a commitment to live not it is the only one worth having. God’s followers we are to fulfil the slogan- self- on the basis of reward for faith but, rather, grace is sumptuous and God’s blessings denial, cross-carrying, life-losing. It is a despite the lack of any obvious reward. priceless. There might understandably be discipline that forges faith not on the basis Otherwise, our following is self-centred an assumption that faith offered a form of reward or presumptions of worth, but and ultimately flawed. Warren Buffett’s of preferment in all of that. The slogan on the basis of service. withholding of riches from his children counsels caution against such a misplaced was, they recognised in the end, the confidence. The wholly misguided Life for the Buffett children was not all loving thing to do: the only route they “Health and Wealth” gospel, popular in cosseted and cosy. They were faced with could find to fulfilment. That God requires South Korea and elsewhere, suggests the real challenges life provides rather followers of Jesus to live as self-denying, that faith is the ticket to prosperity. As a than shielded from all ill. Slogan-based cross-carrying, life-losers is strangely and reading of the gospel, it beggars belief. It followers of Jesus are equally exposed. savingly similar. is so easy to refute and so wicked even if Where is the moral imperative in life unintended. That there be a suggestion, if God so shields us from pain that no trinity & pentecost 2014 95 sunday 31 august 2014 the story People Of Integrity Retelling For Young People Andy: Hey Ada, remember last week Ada: That sounds about right Andy! Accepted, No Matter What when we were talking about who He never gave up, he stood John was not the happiest boy in school. Jesus was? his ground, he did what he Sometimes when he was asked to had to do, all for the sake of all Ada: Look Andy, I told you that you read aloud in class, he would get all his humanity and never flinched are not getting a key to the front words mixed up and people would start from his responsibilities. No door. You are not getting a key laughing at him, sometimes even the wonder the church struggles to to the church door. You are not teachers. like Peter in any shape or form, live up to that calling today. John could never see what was so funny except you sometimes let Jesus Andy: Yeah, if the church, and not and when his friends told him what he down! another church, but our church, said, he didn’t believe them and would could show such courage and Andy: Ouch! I know that Ada, but this sometimes end up getting into fights commitment in the world today, week’s reading continues on with them and causing more trouble for we could make a difference to from last week. himself at school. our community. Ada: (somewhat ironically) You are a No matter how hard John tried to get it Ada: Yes, Andy. We could show our quick thinker, Andy! right he always seemed to get the wrong commitment to feeding the answers and this worried him. Andy: Quick? I am like lightening at hungry through our local food times! bank! • Have you ever given the wrong answers in school? Ada: Watch and don’t burn yourself Andy: And we could look at ways then. to tackle the injustices in our • How did you feel if people laughed Andy: Eh. Anyway, I was thinking Ada… community. at you? Ada: That can be dangerous for you Ada: Aye, we could show Jesus by • How did you feel discovering you Andy! serving and helping people who misunderstood or maybe did not are frail or elderly. even hear the question properly? Andy: Well, if Jesus knew he was the Messiah and everything he did Andy: And let’s not forget the young One day a new teacher came in to cover was the work of the Son of Man people. We could run a club for in John’s class and when he got the or the Son of God, that just has some of those kids that hang wrong answer again and people started to be brave, courageous and around outside the church. laughing, the teacher asked everyone to be quiet. She told John that lots of wonderful. Ada: We could write to the local paper people make mistakes and sometimes and tell them about some of the Ada: What do you mean Andy? get their words around the wrong way good things that are happening when they are reading, but that she Andy: Well, if he knew that something in our local community rather thought there were things she could do terrible was going to happen to than complaining about things. him, it showed that he was a man to help John. of real inte…integri…integrity! Andy: Aye, the next time the minister asks for a volunteer to do a job Ada: Wow, that’s a big word for you in church or outside, we could all Andy, especially at this time on a say, “I can do that!” Sunday morning. Ada: Yes, and we could be loving, and Andy: Aye, well. I mean Jesus kept on kind toward people, even wee doing what he had to do and Mrs McGlumpher! never seemed to have second thoughts about it. He carried on Andy: Aye, even wee Mrs McGlumpher! as before: preaching, and healing That’s what Jesus wanted his and helping all sorts of people, followers to do. even though he knew there were Ada: And we are his followers are we some bad things waiting just not Andy? around the corner. Andy: We are Ada. We are. Ada: Integrity. People of integrity!

96 spill the beans, issue 12 costly integrity worship ideas Through the Season Prayer of Adoration Pages 6 and 7 contain ideas that can be and Confession used to help set the scene throughout She told him that he might have a God who is good this season encouraging a sense that each all of the time, condition called dyslexia, and that he week is thematically tied together. could be helped to see things clearly. God who is whole John was excited by this news. No one Gathering Activity all in yourself, had offered to help him before. For God who is true the first time someone was taking him Jesus knows his fate and tries to share it all for the Way, seriously and could maybe help him with his friends, but instead of supporting we welcome you. not to always sound so stupid. This new him they try to change his mind. Think We praise you. about and share with someone next teacher could make his life different: There is nothing fickle in you, to you whether there have been times from one of embarrassment to one of for you have shown when we have failed to listen to a friend happiness and joy. that you are true to your Word who was needing support regarding an and to your heart of love. And she did help John and lots of other important decision, even when we didn’t people just like him because she was a agree with them? You sent your Son special teacher trained to look out for and he showed us you: such things. Call to Worship completely, John still had dyslexia, but he didn’t Jesus knew the path he had to take. irrevocably, make such terrible mistakes anymore. He asked his friends for support good, Now when he gets things wrong, he but they failed him. loving. understands why. Steadfast Jesus found the strength to go on in your desire Peter in the Gospels sometimes got and do what he knew was right. for us to things wrong, said things without know you. thinking, and believed he knew what As the body of Christ, was right. Yet Jesus came along and we are called to take a similar path, We know that showed him a new way, a better way to a cross of our own and beyond. we get it wrong so often. of living, of thinking and doing, and God give us the strength we need. Not as good as we could be, changed and transformed him. Refresh us and encourage us not as loving as we should be, and shaky in our faith and service. Jesus accepted Peter for what he was, his so that we do not fail you. mistakes and all, and loved him for being So draw us into him. In fact, Jesus does the same for Responses a new place everyone. He just wants to help people Leader: Parent God, where we see put things right All: meet us here. the path to your purpose clearly and where we can walk Leader: Jesus Christ, straight and sure All: guide us to our cross. into your purpose Leader: Holy Spirit, for us, All: give us integrity for your church, to take up our cross, for the world, today and always. following Jesus. Amen

trinity & pentecost 2014 97 sunday 31 august 2014 worship ideas Prayer for Others Prayer of Dedication All-Age Prayer and Ourselves Our whole life Jesus, It’s a world is given in your breath you were a real man bent on it’s own interests and in a beat of your heart. and you were proclaimed as the Son of God. that we live in God. Our whole wealth And we come to worship you We know there must be times is given in your provision because you were strong when you just want and in a touch of kindness. to put it all behind you and stayed true to your course Our whole hope and move on. and so we know so much is given in your grace And yet you remain love and the blessing of your Son. true to yourself, and goodness and peace forever giving, And so we bring our offerings and… forever loving, to be a blessing and… forever hoping for you, and… In humankind. for your church, for your kingdom come. And so we remain We could go on forever We know quiet and calm because your giving you will not fail us. in this place of goes on forever Amen. prayer and longing, and sometimes we let that stop us from in this place of Reflective Prayer cross and resurrection. being loving, Waiting for you to touch us. Holy or wholesome, and sharing goodness Waiting for you to inspire us. which are you? and bringing peace Waiting for you to guide us. But more to the point and… which are we? and… Pause and… Are we in here As you speak to each one worshipping and praising We could go on forever individually, personally, in our plenty and comfort because a new world of possibilities enjoying what we have we aren’t always is born in our midst, whilst you are out there, as real as you were, and so give us the strength living and breathing even if you have called us to make those possibilities In the poor and the needy, children of God. a reality, mourning what they don’t have. that the blind would see, Don’t be angry with us. that the lame would walk, Holy or wholesome, Don’t give up on us. that the sick would be healed, what would you have us be? Keep us with you. Help us to unlock and that our world Sometimes it is clear would be made whole. the door and we get it. through which Bless your people on earth Sometimes we are blinded we can go out with the spirit of heaven by the sparkle of church. into the world, and may the hope of the kingdom Sometimes with all your integrity better people, live with us you must despair real and true. just as steadfastly and long to proclaim hope. To you, as you remain Sometimes with all our failings, to life, true to us. you must love us to the kingdom. and continue to call us out. Today we pray especially for... Amen. Please, Items of news, locally, nationally, let us hear it today! globally to be inserted here. Amen. Lord hear our prayers. For your name’s sake. Amen.

98 spill the beans, issue 12 costly integrity

Reflection Reflection 2 Voice 1: Jesus, water walker and bread Living your Image Into Life Were you sweet? Not exactly: you told breaker. your friend a few home truths in no Voice 2: Jesus, baptiser and companion. Jesus, we read the words of scripture uncertain terms. The cross lies ahead and Voice 3: Jesus, stranger and forsaken. and you come to life, rising out of it to there is no escaping it. It is your way. It touch us and to call us to follow you. So should be our way and if it’s not we should Voice 1: Jesus, troublemaker and wholesome, so human and so divine. just get out of your way! revolutionary. Voice 2: Jesus, resurrection and We have words that present a different But you were wholesome! You knew you conspiracy of love. picture of humanity that go “too sweet were not here for empire building but for Voice 3: Jesus, light in darkness and to be wholesome” and we confess that is Kingdom building and you would not be breaker of silence. sometimes how Christians seek to portray distracted or drawn in another direction. the way to live the Christian life. And You held to the path of your own integrity. Voice 1: Jesus, friend of sinners and tax more, we want to create you in that image You would not flinch from defining God’s collectors. instead of allowing you to create us in love and humankind’s misunderstanding. Voice 2: Jesus, friend of children and your image. You walked a straight path, right through disturber of adults. our preconceptions and misconceptions Voice 3: Jesus, friend of the outcast and Peter wanted to do that because he and you call us to follow, carrying a cross, agitator of empire. thought he knew better. Jesus, you began to speak of the realities of the way you finding our greatness in you. All: Jesus, Jesus… proclaimed God’s love for the poor, for the Jesus, we are so glad that you persevere Voice 4: Who do you say I am? less than perfect, for the disenfranchised, with us to save us from being too sweet for all. And Peter, creating you in the to be wholesome. That you come to life, image of his big plans for taking over rising out of the word to touch us and call the world said, “Oh, no, no, no! That’s not us to follow you. As we let you create us in gonna happen!” your image, help us to be human and so Peter, like most of the disciples, lived with give glory to the divine. a skewed vision. Not yet seeing the whole Will we get behind you and follow your picture and the full wonder of who you way? are. He still walked the walk and talked the talk of empire building rather than Kingdom building.

trinity & pentecost 2014 99 sunday 31 august 2014 worship ideas Sending Take Home Ideas Jesus knew how his story would unfold. • How can God work through us this Our stories are unfolding week and beyond? in front of our eyes, • Is there someone who you think could stories tied up do with a visit or a phone call to see and entwined with Jesus, how they are doing? stories that show the world the love of God in our lives, • Is there something in the community, the teaching of Jesus the church or a charity that you have reflected in our decisions thought about supporting in some and the power of the Holy Spirit way? in our collective actions. Take time, if you can, to re-read today’s As we leave this place reading. Reflect on the words. may this inspire us and comfort us. Make space in the day to seek a sense of Praise/Hymns God’s call. Follow me All the Assembly Songs Do not be afraid to talk to others about You’ll Ever Need 63 where you are feeling led. Sometimes our calling comes from the most unlikely of For my sake and the gospel’s, go CH4 248 places. Glory to God, glory to God CH4 110 Hail to the Lord’s anointed CH4 474 I will offer up my life CH4 50 your notes Lord for the years MP 428 Meekness and majesty CH4 356 MP 465 Spirit of God show me Jesus MP 609 Take up your cross CH4 402 MP 935 To God be the glory CH4 512 MP 708 Unless a single grain CH4 347 View the present through the promise CH4 479 What a friend we have in Jesus CH4 547 MP 746 Who is on the Lord’s side? JP 287 You are coming, O my Saviour MP 789

100 spill the beans, issue 12 costly integrity age group ideas gathering crafts What A Mess! all age Junk Modelling age 3-8 Transformed age 9-12 Create a real mess in your gathering space You will need: lots of junk (which you Storage by having tables and chairs upset and can also use in the Gathering Activity), You will need: crisp tubes (large or materials all over the place so that as the PVA glue, sticky tape, scissors, pencils, small), PVA glue, old magazines, ruler, children come into their usual gathering wool, string, paints and so on. scissors, brushes to spread the glue. space all they see is that it is totally Leave all the materials out on the floor messed up and everything is in the wrong Give each child a tube and some magazine or on tables and simply let the children place. pages. Taking the magazine pages ask the create whatever they want, letting their children to cut them into strips about Together help each other to transform imaginations go. 4 c.m. wide. The children should then glue the place back to what it was before or Discuss the children’s creations and talk the strips to their tube either horizontally something even better. with the children about the choices they or vertically to cover it completely. Again Use this as a way into the children’s story made and why they made those choices. using the magazines they should look for where Jesus took Peter as he was and Establish if they made any wrong choices large contrasting letters and cut out those transformed him by showing him a better when modelling and, if so, if it made it letters they would need to enable them way to live, to think and to act. Use this harder to make their creation. Establish if to add their name or the name of the item as a way into today’s crafts which are all they had to alter any of the pieces of junk they will store in the tube or a phrase they about transformation and recycling. in order to make them fit in with their particularly like around the tube. Once design. chosen they should stick the letters on in whatever way they choose. Taking the Talk then, about the story and how magazines once more they should cut Jesus takes us as we are and tries to help out a striking picture which can then be us to make the right choices and how glued to the lid. Once complete the whole sometimes we will have to change to be tube can be given a glossy appearance by as Jesus wants us to be brushing it over with watered down PVA glue. Talk with the children about the way the tube has been transformed and the benefits of transforming it rather than throwing it away. Talk with them about the story and how sometimes we do make the wrong choices but Jesus does not give up on us, he still works to transform us and to help us to change.

trinity & pentecost 2014 101 sunday 31 august 2014 age group ideas activities games Transformed all age First Aid age 3-5 On My Tails age 3-5 Ingredients You will need: a First Aid box. You will need: lengths of ribbon (enough for your group when paired off to have You will need: Rice Krispies or Show the children what is in a first aid one per couple). Cornflakes, chocolate, cake cases, bowl, box and ask them the identify items like hot water, spoons, optional mini- a safety pin, Elastoplast, bandage. For Have the children form pairs. Give a marshmallows. a cheap way to make bandages for the piece of ribbon to each pair. One person Simply melt the chocolate in a bowl over children to play with is to buy a single tucks the ribbon into their waist so that it hot water then stir in the Rice Krispies white sheet from a supermarket and cut it hangs down behind them as a tail. When or cornflakes. Stir around until they are up. Let the children bandage arms, legs, or everyone is ready, on the leader’s signal coated fully in the chocolate. Then taking hands. Have some first aid toys available the children with the tail rush off and spoonfuls of the mixture drop it into the for the children to play hospitals. the other partner has to follow them to cake cases, add a mini-marshmallow if try and catch their tail. If they manage using, and then leave to set. First Aid 2 age 6-12 to catch the ribbon, then that pair hold the ribbon between each other and skip You will need: a First Aid box. around the room. As above only go into much greater detail. Teach them how to put on a Follow The Leader all age support to take the weight of an injured Let children take turns being a “leader” arm/shoulder. What to do if they burn and finding hard things for the followers themselves. What to do if they are alone to do. Examples might be to stand on one with a parent when the parent becomes foot, twirl in a circle, climb under a bench, ill: who do they contact, how do they and so on. This can be used to emphasise contact them, what information will they that sometimes following is hard. need and so on. If you have a health Talk about the changes in the chocolate professional in your congregation ask from solid to liquid and in the cereal from them to come and speak to the children. Bible Verse Relay all age plain to chocolate coated. Talk about You will need: print in large text a verse how these simple things can be totally Stumbling Blocks age 6-12 from this week’s passage (perhaps from transformed into a sweet cake with a little The Message: “Anyone who intends to You will need: boxes of various sizes such help from us. Talk about how we take come with me has to let me lead. You’re as shoe, crisp and removal sized boxes. these simple things as they are and help not in the driver’s seat; I am.”) and then them to change into something different. Split the children into two teams and if cut out each word to hide. Do this for the Talk about the story and how we can be an odd number put the extra child in the number of teams you may have. changed by listening to what Jesus says building team. The building team are Divide the group into two or more teams. and by looking at what he does. given a two minute start to build a barrier Each team will have to be given a certain either on the floor or on top of a table. area of your meeting space for their team Once the two minutes are up the other to hunt for the words of their Bible verse team are to start taking the boxes away or a “portion” of the verse. and placing them in the middle of the When the team finds the words, they’ll floor so that the builders can reach them meet in the centre of their own area and to keep the keep rebuilding the wall. If put the words together into the verse. See we are like Jesus and live our lives with which relay team can hunt, find and put integrity then the stumbling blocks will the verse together first. come down quicker than they can be places in front of us.

102 spill the beans, issue 12 costly integrity discussion starters for teens big picture

Preparation For this week you will need ten extreme close up photos of everyday objects and then ten wider shots showing what the object is. You could either print them off or show them on a projector or laptop. Activity/Discussion You will also need some paper and pens • What is Jesus about to give up? Why? for people to write their answers. Don’t forget to look at the activities for other age groups on the previous pages. • What does Peter say? If you do the Transformed Ingredients Transformed Ingredients would be a good Craft activity on the previous page you activity to do with the young people. • How does Jesus react? will need the ingredients to do that. The Big Picture • Why do you think Jesus is so angry with Peter? Opening Activity It’s hard to see something clearly when • Is Peter just too close to see what you’re close to it and emotionally involved. What is it? needs to happen? • What do you think Jesus is talking Show the ten close up photos of objects Jesus is asking us to be transformed. and see how people do in working out about in verses 24-26? • What does he want us to be like? what they are. Do this as a quiz and get Perhaps he is saying we should try to put the young people to write down their God first and our own selfish thoughts Living It Out answers. away. There’s an idea that we can ‘flip’ things • What would you give up if it would The Word by looking for the positive in everything. make someone else’s life better? You will need: bibles. Have a go at ‘flipping’ this week. • How far would you go? When you see a problem think about how Read John 16:21-28. • Your mp3 player? you could turn it into something good. • TV? • Games console? • Favourite toy? • Is there anything you wouldn’t or couldn’t give up? Have a look at verse 21 again.

trinity & pentecost 2014 103 sunday 7 september 2014

pentecost 13 a place of peace sunday 7 september 2014 matthew 18:15-20

Exodus 12:1-14 Psalm 149 bible notes Romans 13:8-14 Softly, Softly Matthew 18:15-20 that had been committed so that healing resolution that the whole company of the and not further harm might happen. As church becomes appraised and involved. a model of repairing deeply damaged In this “softly, softly” approach, the relationships, it remains inspirational and, seriousness of the offence is not in no small way, has inspired others to find downplayed, but the chance for healing peaceful solutions to historically deep- and reconciliation when the truth is seated problems—not least in Northern rehearsed is given full opportunity, and Ireland. gracefully so. The South African model of reconciliation Too often, the misdemeanours—real or is, itself, deeply influenced by the biblical supposed—of others are occasion for loud imperative to reconciliation. And the denunciations. It is a form of scapegoat- critical part of the practice in that biblical ism. And the words of Jesus echo painfully reconciliation is found in the words of and plaintively, “Let those without sin, Jesus in Matthew 18. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission cast the first stone!” In the story that in South Africa saved a nation. In the The most famous phrase from the occasions that challenge from Jesus, he aftermath of the dismantling of apartheid Matthew passage is, “where two or three did not then publicly rebuke the woman as the system of government in South are gathered in my name, I am there caught in adultery but quietly spoke with Africa, there was always the deep among them”. In truth, these words are her individually. He gave room for healing danger that those parts of that society most often heard when there is a poor rather than driving in guilt like a deadly which had been treated as second-class turn out for worship, as a kind of balm sword to the heart. As the psalms remind citizens but who, at a stroke, became the to the disappointment, but they arise in us, “God is merciful and gracious, slow to majority of the voting public might seek the gospel in connection with church anger and abounding in steadfast love”. discipline. And, to borrow the title of to wreak revenge on those who had so In the end, there truly is more joy in the spin-off television programme from wronged them. That this did not happen heaven over one repenting sinner than the iconic Z-Cars, it is a “Softly, Softly” is understandably seen by many as a over the ninety-nine who need no approach. modern-day miracle. repentance. It is just that the ninety- It is not that the wrongs previously Wrong is not, in the first instance, nine are assuming too much when they committed were ignored. There was a confronted loudly and publicly. Instead, suppose they have no such need. Jesus counsels a quiet word. But there is wise judgment as to how the offence of As the singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen back up. If the quiet word does not win those wrongs be dealt with in a way that wrote, “There is a crack in everything. the case, others get involved. But, again, enabled all lives to be rebuilt. And so the That’s how the light gets in”. And it is that there is a measured approach in this. Truth and Reconciliation Commission shared fragility and the humility it should Only one or two further folk are involved. began its work of enabling the nation foster that ensures reconciliation is not It is only if this does not work and bring and individuals to face up to the wrong just an opportunity but a duty. 104 spill the beans, issue 12 a place of peace the story Jesus Disagreements Bart: Hello Matthew! Matt: Well , there’s stuff about if you Bart: You’re right. Jesus was very clear Matt: Hello Bartholomew! disagree with someone you about Christians needing to ask should try and sort things out for forgiveness. It’s all there in the Bart: You said you wanted to see me with each other, one to one. prayer he taught us. Matthew? Bart: Makes sense. Matt: As we forgive those who trespass Matt: Yes, Bartholomew, I wanted to against us. talk to you about some material Matt: Then it says if that doesn’t work the church has given me that you need to find witnesses to Bart: That’s basic stuff, and it is so they want me to put into my hear what’s being said and... important. book about Jesus. Bart: And? Matt: So what do I do? Bart: Is there a problem with that, Matt: ...and if that doesn’t work you Bart: It’s not easy, Matthew. I know Matthew? take the matter to the whole that the church needs to Matt: I’m not sure, Bartholomew, that’s church—or it might mean the discover ways in which we can why I wanted to talk it through church officials and... be accountable to each other, but I’m not sure if these rules with someone else, and you and Bart: And? I have talked about my book are the right understanding of before, and you’re a good person Matt: ...and if that doesn’t work something Jesus said. you throw the person you’ve to talk to. Matt: What if I put these words in, disagreed with out of the church Bartholomew, but put in one of Bart: Thanks, Matthew, flattery will altogether. get you everywhere, but I’m no Jesus’s stories about forgiveness expert, you know that. Bart: You throw someone out of the straight after them, then people church altogether? Matthew, that will hopefully read one after the Matt: You’re a good listener, doesn’t sound like Jesus to me. other and they can decide for Bartholomew, you think about themselves what these words Matt: That’s what I thought, things, you’re honest, and I mean. really don’t need an expert. Bartholomew, but the church I need someone who knows wants me to put this stuff in my Bart: Sounds good, Matthew, I don’t about Jesus and who has lots of book, so what do I do? know who will end up reading your book, but something tells common sense. Bart: Does any of it sound like me when you get it finished it’s something Jesus said? Bart: Okay, Matthew, I’m listening, going to be a best seller. Matt: Well, there’s a bit about Jesus Matt: Good. As I said the church has Matt: I don’t know about that, being with Christians when they given me some material they Bartholomew, and anyway I’ve gather together. want me to put into my book got a lot more to write yet. and I don’t know where it comes Bart: That sounds like Jesus, he said Bart: I’ve got to go now, Matthew, it’s from. he’d always be with us. my turn to pick the children up Bart: Go on. Matt: And I can see where the idea of from school, but call me again if Matt: Well, its written as if it’s bringing disagreements into the you need me. open comes from. something Jesus said, and he Matt: I will Bartholomew, and thanks may have, but it sounds to me Bart: Yes, Jesus wasn’t into secrets. He again for your help. more like some rules that the said things that are told in the Bart: You’re welcome, Matthew, bye church has made up to help dark should be spoken in the for now. Christians know how to settle daylight. disagreements. Matt: Bye. Matt: But getting rid of people you Bart: Disagreements? In the church? disagree with? Surely not, Matthew! Bart: Matthew that really doesn’t Matt: Oh, Bartholomew, stop sound right. making me laugh, we need to concentrate. Matt: Bartholomew, the Jesus I’ve been writing about, the Jesus Bart: Sorry Matthew, I couldn’t help who other people have told me it—I’m listening. about, the Jesus I love, he didn’t punish those who’d hurt him, he forgave them!

trinity & pentecost 2014 105 sunday 7 september 2014 the story Retelling For Young People The Argument Helen and David were having an jury to decide guilty or not guilty – Did argument. David had accused Helen of Helen steal David’s pen? They have 10 stealing his pen. Helen said she hadn’t minutes to decide and they should all stolen it, she’d seen it on the floor and agree. she’d put it in her pocket, and she meant Whilst the jury are making a decision, to find out who it belonged to but she can you come up with a way to help forgot. David had told his friends that David and Helen forgive each other , Helen had stolen his pen. Helen had told and maybe a way to help all the children her friends that David was telling stories involved in the story be friends. about her. David’s friends weren’t talking to Helen’s friends. Helen’s friends were After 10 minutes call the jury back to You need information for the judges, not talking to David’s friends. There were give their decision. Ask them if they Helen and David and their friends, and rumours of a fight after school. all agreed. Ask them if they came to a the bible reader. decision. You can then tell David and • How do you think Helen and David Helen what you have decided they could sort things out? Roles should do. With older children you could set up • Three children to be judges a ‘court’ role play, with three judges, • One child to be Helen Information for David and a speaker for the accused and the David’s friend • One child to be David accuser, and a jury. The judges should In addition to the story add: remind the jury of some of Jesus’ • One child to support Helen words about love and openness and One of you is David and one of you is • One child to support David forgiveness before they decide if David’s friend. anyone is guilty and of what they are • One child to read out the words of Decide who is playing which role. guilty. The judges could come up with Jesus about love and forgiveness a sentence that will help both parties The judges will ask David to tell his side • The other children can form a jury towards reconciliation. of the story. Note that if any of the children present Information for Judges The judges will ask David’s friend why are called Helen or David change the The Story they think David has done the right names in the role-play! thing. Helen and David were having an Give the children as much or as little argument. David had accused Helen of Information for Helen and guidance as they need with this role stealing his pen. Helen said she hadn’t Helen’s friend play. An adult can support each role if stolen it, she’d seen it on the floor and In addition to the story add: necessary. This role-play does not but she’d put it in her pocket, and she meant could include witnesses for the accused to find out who it belonged to and she One of you is Helen and one of you is and defence and cross questioning. It forgot. David had told his friends that Helen’s friend. would be up to you and the abilities Helen had stolen his pen. Helen had told Decide who is playing which role. of your group how much you make of her friends that David was telling stories this. about her. David’s friends weren’t talking The judges will ask Helen to tell her side At the end of the role play do to Helen’s friends. Helen’s friends were of the story. something to help the children not talking to David’s friends. There were The judges will ask Helen’s friend why understand that the role play has rumours of a fight after school. they think Helen has done the right finished. Perhaps a game or a song. Information thing. Then talk to the children about You are the court judges. Your job is to their experience and offer them an read out the story to the jury and then opportunity to talk it through one to to listen to what Helen and David have one if anything in it is disturbing them. to say. You can ask any questions you You will find sample information scrolls want. You also need to listen to Helen and on pages 144-6 or you can make up David’s supporters. Before you ask the your own using the following text, jury to decide if Helen or David have done make sure to include the story on each anything wrong, ask the reader to read out scroll as well as the information. some words from the bible. Instruct the

106 spill the beans, issue 12 a place of peace worship ideas Through the Season Prayer of Adoration Pages 6 and 7 contain ideas that can be God, our Maker, used to help set the scene throughout you love us, Information for the Reader this season encouraging a sense that each your arms are wide in welcome, Read this out when the judges ask you to. week is thematically tied together. you know our names, you care about us. Jesus said we must love each other. Gathering Activity Jesus, our friend, Jesus said we must forgive the people Invite people to gather in two’s or three’s you love us, who hurt us. and think about something they agree on you listen to our joy and pain, Jesus said when we disagree with to pray about, perhaps gather the prayers you tell us great stories, someone , we must listen to each other. together at the prayer for others time in you care about us. the service. Jesus said we can ask other people to Holy Spirit, our strength, help us sort out our disagreements. Call to Worship you love us, you listen to our questions, Information for the Jury As we gather in this place, O Lord, you beckon us to adventure, you are here. In addition to the story add: you care about us. Within us and among us, You know us, God, Listen to what the judges and David and you are here. Helen and their supporters have to say. you know that we love you, Listen to the words from the bible. Draw our hearts and minds you know about our good days near to you and let us agree and bad days, Think about these questions: that we are here to praise you. you know that we can be loving, Was David right to accuse Helen of you know that we can hurt other people stealing his pen? Responses and ourselves. Short pause to reflect Did Helen steal his pen? Voice 1: Come among us Lord. Did David do anything wrong? We are sorry, God, 1 & 2: Come and join us in our worship. sorry for the people we’ve hurt, Did David do anything right? 1, 2 & 3: Come, Lord Jesus, sorry for the times we’ve walked away Did Helen do anything wrong? meet us here today. from you. Did Helen do anything right All: Come, Lord Jesus, Hear what Jesus told his friends: draw near to us I love you, All of you together need to decide if as we draw near to you. I forgive you, Helen did steal David’s pen. Is Helen come and walk with me. guilty or not guilty? Amen. The judges will call you back in 10 minutes and ask you if you have reached a decision.

trinity & pentecost 2014 107 sunday 7 september 2014 worship ideas Prayer of Dedication Prayer for Others Reflection We thank you, forgiving God, We pray today for peace makers We have a problem, Jesus. for your gracious reconciliation, and peace keepers, It is hurting your body, the church. and for the many ways for those who practice People are trying to be honest. in which you bring new life and rebirth. forgiveness and reconciliation People are trying to listen to each other. and help others to do the same. Some people are sure of their conclusions. May we offer ourselves to listen, Some people do not know to witness to your loving truth, We pray for United Nations Peacekeepers. what they should say or do. and to share with those in need, Be with them as they work that our lives may become an offering, in dangerous places God, Help us to listen to each other, Jesus. that furthers your kingdom keep them in your love. Help us to understand what you taught us. and glorifies your name forever. Help us to find a way forward God, in your mercy, Amen. that is just and caring. hear our prayer. Help us to be loving Reflective Prayer We pray for all who work to those who disagree with us. to make our society It’s your church, Jesus, We are your body, a just and loving place to live in— it’s not ours. your church, Jesus. for those who serve on children’s panels, But we struggle to know how We are hurting. for social workers, your church should behave. We need healing. for judges, We need your love. You struggled for those who serve on jury’s, with the religious authorities. for those who work in prisons. You didn’t see eye to eye. Reflection 2 You knew the value of tradition God, in your mercy, Jesus, I got hurt and you knew that tradition hear our prayer. and I’m sad continually needs to be challenged We pray for those who are ill and I’m angry and sometimes things have to change, and for all who care for them. and I want to hurt back. sometimes things have to go. We pray for those who are in need, Jesus, you got hurt We are not good at change, Jesus. or in trouble, and you were sad It hurts too much. or in a place that is strange to them. and you were angry We prefer the well known, God, in your mercy, and you didn’t hurt back. the safe and solid world. hear our prayer. I need you, Jesus. But when our traditions We pray for ourselves, I need your love in me and rules hurt people, for our hopes, your love in my hurt reject people, our needs, and my sadness turn people away from you, our dreams. and my anger. when our traditions are no longer loving Be with me please. God, in your mercy, help us to discern what changes hear our prayer. need to be made. Sending Help us to make our decisions Loving God, Leader: In a world where conflict exists in the light of your justice and love. help us to make All: may we be brokers of peace. and to keep peace in our world, It is your church, Jesus. our streets, Leader: In a world where disagreements May we be honest loving members of it, and our homes. are common today and every day. All: may we be agents of harmony. Amen. We ask our prayers in Jesus’ name and in the Holy Spirits’ love and power. Leader: In a world where Amen. hearts are broken All: may we be givers of healing and love. Leader: Into this world, our world and God’s world we go now to bring peace, harmony and healing to those we meet.

108 spill the beans, issue 12 a place of peace age group ideas Praise/Hymns All heaven waits MP 15 gathering At half past three we go home to tea Obstacles all age Peace Flowers age 6-8 All the Assembly Songs You’ll Ever Need 20 As an introduction to working together as You will need: white crepe paper As we are gathered CH4 197 a peaceful community and the need for or tissue paper cut into circles MP 38 good communication between people, set (approximately six for each child), black Break not the circle CH4 206 up an obstacle course in your space. paper strips 5 c.m. x 1.5 c.m., green pipe cleaners, green paper, scissors, PVA glue, Come now, O Prince of peace CH4 275 Put the children into small groups and glue spreaders, sellotape. then blindfold one child in the group For the healing of the nations CH4 706 and ask the others to guide that person Give each child a pipe cleaner and a strip He is here, he is here MP 218 through the obstacle course. Repeat for of black paper. Placing the paper with the each group as time allows. long edge at the top ask the children to I come with joy, a child of God CH4 656 cut little slits along the top of the paper, If you believe and I believe CH4 771 these should come no more than half way In the name of Christ we gather CH4 677 crafts down. Jesus tawa pano CH4 773 Then taking the black paper—keeping the Story Puppets age 3-5 long slit cut edge at the top—spread glue Jesus calls us here to meet him CH4 510 along the bottom edge and spread some You will need: wooden spoons, scraps of glue on the top of the pipe cleaner then Jesus stand among us MP 381 fabric and wool, scissors, PVA glue, glue show the children how to roll the black spreaders, felt pens. Make me a channel of your peace CH4 528 paper around the top of the pipe cleaner MP 456 Give each child a wooden spoon and show to make the centre of their flower. Give The Church is wherever God’s people them how to make a ‘puppet person’ using each child their paper circles and ask them CH4 522 the fabric for clothes and the wool for to place them one on top of the other. hair. Then using the felt pens the children Show them how to find the centre of the The King is among us MP 650 should put a face on both sides of the circle and mark it with a small hole. Then spoon: a happy one on one side and an using the bottom of the pipe cleaner Take Home Ideas unhappy one on the other. ask the children to push it through the Take time this week centres of the circles from the top down. A to think of the mistakes piece of blutack under the paper circle to that we have made. support the paper as they push the pipe The things said or not said... cleaner through can be helpful. The things done or not done... As the pipe cleaner is carefully pulled through, it should form the centre of the Make time this week to do what we can to flower. The centre and petals can then be right these wrongs. teased out by the children to shape and • Who have we been promising to call? form their flower. They may need to wrap Talk about their story for today and then some sellotape around the bottom of the • Have you not replied to an e-mail from using their puppets have the children petals to hold them in place on the stem. an old friend? re-tell the story in their own words. Take They can then cut out a few leaf shapes time to talk with the children about how • Is there a friendship that we have let which can be glued to the pipe cleaner to their ‘puppet person’ might be feeling at slip away? form the stem. different times in the story. Talk about how Take time this week to say what needs Jesus wants us to get along together and For a visual demonstration of how you said, to do what needs done and carry on how much happier we will be if we do. could make a simpler version of these the journey with a lighter load. flowers see http://youtu.be/Patyf7dsyw0.

Talk with the children about the story and of how when people agree it is usually called peace. Talk of how white is often used as a colour to symbolise peace and of their white ‘peace’ flowers. Talk of when we might want to give peace flowers to others.

trinity & pentecost 2014 109 sunday 7 september 2014 age group ideas activities Peace Plate age 9-12 Peace Plait all age Witnessing age 6-12 You will need: paper plates, felt pens or You will need: lengths of wool in You will need: a First Aid box. collage materials, rulers, hole punch, different colours, scissors. For this activity you have a choice. If string or wool for hanging. Give each child three different coloured possible show the children a clip from a Give each child a plate and show them the lengths of wool. Show the children how movie, television programme, or sports symbol which was once used as the ‘Ban the wool is easily broken when it is one event. Beforehand you will have watched the Bomb’/’Peace’ symbol, signifying for length on its own. the clip and form a number of observation some protestors the desire for peace. questions. For example, was the lady Now ask the children to go to two other wearing a hat, what number was on the children and swap two of their pieces bus, was the man wearing his watch on his of wool with them until they again have right or left arm, what did the taxi driver three strands of wool. Then ask the say to the child, that kind of thing. children to help each other make a plait with their three strands of wool, tying it at After the children have watched the clip one end to begin and finishing it off at the ask these questions and see if they all say other end with a knot. the same thing or whether or not they disagree with each other. If the children wish it could be formed into a ‘friendship style’ bracelet! Just because you witness something doesn’t mean everyone gets it right! Talk with the children about that one strand of wool that was easily broken. Alternatively read the children Ask the children to draw that symbol Discuss with them whether they think a descriptive story and then ask onto their plate using the felt pens and that their plaits would be so easily broken comprehension questions from that. the rulers to create three sectors on their now. Why not? Talk about how we can Again, did everyone agree? be stronger when we agree and work plate. Or, you could also get a few of your together just as we did when making our Talk with the children about what they leaders to do a little skit and ask questions plaits. Talk about Jesus’ words and what think people in general and the peoples of on that. thy might mean for us. the world should be trying to agree on to bring about peace. Never One-Sided age 6-12 Now ask the children to draw or create in In this activity describe a scene or tell each sector something of which they have a story to the children that they can spoken in their discussions. The finished associate with. You want the children to ‘Peace Plate’ can then have holes punched look and discuss the event from different at the top and string or wool threaded angles. Describe an event that happened through to allow it to hang. in the playground/on a trip/in your home and let the children look at the incident Talk with the children about what they from various points of views. Eg. On the have chosen to include in their plates and trip a child could have wandered off and why. Talk about this week’s story and how got lost – look at the view of the parent they might help people to agree and so or carer, the child, bystanders who started prevent conflict. Discuss with the children looking, a phone call to the police, maybe how they might help to bring peace to the someone who found the child. world, and ask if they think that would be easy or hard? Story Time all age You will need: appropriate stories illustrating reconciliation. Two books you could use are “The Hating Book” by Charlotte Zolotov for younger children and “Enemy Pie” by Derek Minson both of which can be readily found at booksellers (online or otherwise).

110 spill the beans, issue 12 a place of peace discussion starters games peace mala Parachute Games all age You will need: large play parachute, soft ball/toy. Play some parachute games that emphasise working together, for instance “roller coaster” when the group works together to make the ball go around the outside edge of the parachute without it Preparation spilling off. To make Peace Mala bracelets you will Peace Mala need cord or string and 2 red, orange, Make Peace Mala bracelets (http://www. yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet and Cooperative all age peacemala.org.uk). Running white beads each. A Peace Mala is a symbolic bracelet that You can see how to make one You will need: string or scarf. promotes friendship, respect and peace here: https://www.youtube.com/ between the faiths and all people in AKA “The three-legged race”. The children watch?v=MmCII4PShB4. our world. It cuts through all forms of can pair up and use a string or scarf to tie prejudice and celebrates what makes us two of their legs together as they stand Opening Activity different from each other. It is a vision for next to each other. Then teams will run in Depending on your numbers try and the future. Wearing the Peace Mala is a a race to the finish line and back. play some team games. Try and be really promise to help create a better world. You If you do not want to do this as a race, competitive. Relay races or dodgeball can buy kits or you could make your own. the children can just run or walk together would be great. in an area while music plays or try some cooperative dancing, and so on. The Word You will need: bibles. Bounce, Bounce, all age Read John 18:15-20. Bounce You will need: a ball (or balls if you have Activity/Discussion a large group) that will bounce (soft Go back to the story of David and Helen balls would not work very well for this from the Story retelling on page 106. If game). you have the numbers have a go at the Designate a wall on the side of your role-play. As you go through it stop the building (you might need to check this) action at various points and allow people Living It Out to ask questions about how people feel, that the children can throw a ball against. Think about the promises you have made what they would like to happen and how and not quite managed to live up to or get The children can then throw the ball they might do things differently. If not the around to. against the side of the building letting it numbers then talk through the situation bounce three times only and then catch - and what the young people might do to • Is there anyone you need to say sorry no more, no less. resolve it. to or make up with? You can make many variations to this • From the Bible story today, how do game but mostly remember to let the you think Jesus is telling us to sort out children know that the number three is our differences? very important in today’s bible story. Read verse 20 again. • What do you think that means? • If Jesus is there with you should that change how you behave? • What would the world be like if we could all make peace?

trinity & pentecost 2014 111 sunday 14 september 2014

pentecost 14 foundations of forgiveness sunday 14 september 2014 matthew 18:21-35

Exodus 14:19-31 Psalm 114 bible notes Romans 14:1-12 Three Strikes... Matthew 18:21-35 crimes resulted in the full force of harsh someone with respect in allowing that consequences. The evidence against the person to continue in their folly. We are efficacy of three strikes laws, twenty years in danger of being a stumbling block to later, is striking (sic), it should be added. that person in allowing them to think that their forgiveness is assured however Peter seemed to be ahead of his time. many times they commit the wrong. So He was arguing for a ‘seven strikes and what is Jesus teaching about forgiveness you are out’ principle to apply. It is one of in his call for an inexhaustible capacity for those instances in the gospel that might forgiveness? be more humorous than serious. Peter may well have known that he was on a The Lord’s Prayer has at its heart “forgive sticky wicket (to press another sporting us as we forgive others” and lying behind metaphor into service). He surely will that petition is the sentiment picked have known that Jesus would hardly say up by the prayer of St Francis, “it is in something along the lines of, “Yeah! that pardoning that we are pardoned”. There sounds about right.” He surely will have is something of let the one without sin know that the response would be much cast the first stone at work in this. Where more challenging. And so it proved. is our own part in any guilt being levelled at another? Might the very wrong being Jesus argued for an inexhaustible capacity perpetrated against us be due to some ‘Three strikes and you are out’ not only for forgiveness. There was to be no point un-acknowledged part we play? began as the batting practice in baseball, at which the strikes were so many that but was taken up by the State of California there was to be an out. It might seem Within community, there are often cross- as a legal principle. In baseball you are that this stands in some contradiction tensions not seen by all. Consequently, given, effectively, three chances to hit the to what Jesus said in his teaching in some sins and slights are felt by people ball in a scoring way. Three failed attempts last week’s passage. There, it almost did at the hands of others but those sins and and the batter is out. As a legal principle, seem to be a three strikes and you are slights are exacerbated by those others the idea is that when three offences are out philosophy: from the quiet word feeling, themselves, sinned against and committed, the offender is not out but in, with the offender, to a meeting with two slighted. that is, in deep trouble (which will mean or three, to a hearing before the whole Jesus’ teaching about the settling of in jail). church. But the teaching in view in today’s accounts is to underline his challenge to passage is about individual’s responses States other than California have similar forgive: that holding grudges will foment to being individually wronged and here laws. They are intended to deal with the kind of unrest that unravels whole there is no comfortable limit, but rather a the withering matter of reoffending. communities, while forgiveness can create challenge to continue forgiving endlessly. California’s application of the principle a peace that enables a space in which We might wonder whether this is wise. was controversial since it was not just understanding and healing can happen. applied to serious offences. Even trivial Surely, after all, we are not treating 112 spill the beans, issue 12 foundations of forgiveness the story Forgiving And Forgiving This is an all age story, but younger Voice 2: and he told the king Voice 3: Did he cancel the man’s debt? children may find it easier to follow with one voice rather than three. Voice 3: that he could not pay him what Voice 1: No, he didn’t. he owed him. Voice 1: One day Peter came to Jesus Voice 2: He grabbed the man by the Voice 1: The king looked at the servant throat and said, Voice 2: and Peter asked Jesus a question. and said, Voice 3: “Pay me what you owe!” Voice 3: “Jesus if someone in church Voice 2: “If you cannot pay me, you will Voice 1: When the man asked for mercy wrongs me, how many times be sold to be a slave should I forgive him?” Voice 2: and when the man asked for Voice 3: and I will sell your wife and your time to pay, Voice 1: Peter knew that Jesus was into children and all your possessions forgiveness as well.” Voice 3: the servant had him thrown into prison until he could pay back Voice 2: so he thought he’d better be Voice 1: The servant fell to his knees the debt. generous before the king. Voice 1: What do you make of that? Voice 3: and he asked Jesus, “Should I Voice 2: “Please have patience with me,” forgive him seven times?” he said. Voice 2: It wasn’t very fair was it? Voice 1: Jesus smiled. Voice 3: “Give me time and I will pay you Voice 3: However, some other servants Voice 2: He knew Peter”s way of thinking back everything I owe you.” stood in the street watching Voice 3: and he told him, “No Peter, not Voice 1: The king looked at the servant Voice 1: and were very upset. seven times—but seventy times Voice 2: and felt sorry for the servant. Voice 2: They told the king what had seven!” happened Voice 3: The king knew that the servant Voice 1: And while Peter was trying to owed so much money that he Voice 3: and the king was very upset. work out that sum on his fingers would never be able to pay it Voice 1: Who can blame him? Voice 2: Jesus did what he often did: back. Voice 2: The king sent for the servant Voice 3: he told Peter a story. Voice 1: The king thought for a moment whose debts he had forgiven Voice 1: “Once upon a time there was a Voice 2: and then the king told the Voice 3: and the servant came. king, servant, Voice 1: The king told him what he Voice 2: a rich king, Voice 3: “You may go. You do not need to thought of him. pay me back your debt.” Voice 3: a rich and powerful king. Voice 2: “You are evil,” said the king. Voice 1: The servant was amazed and Voice 1: The king had many servants. Voice 3: “You pleaded with me Voice 2: he quickly got to his feet Voice 2: Some of his servants were rich Voice 1: and I forgave you your debt and Voice 3: and went out into the street a free man. Voice 2: but when you met someone who Voice 3: some of his servants were poor. owed you money Voice 1: But the servant who had been Voice 1: The king was careful with his forgiven his huge debt came Voice 3: and they asked for mercy money. across another servant Voice 1: you had them thrown into Voice 2: He counted it often Voice 2: and he remembered that this prison. Voice 3: and took note of which of his servant owed him money. continued over page servants owed him money. Voice 3: It was not much Voice 1: One day the master was looking money, only a few at his accounts days wages, but it was still money that Voice 2: and he discovered that one of his he was owed. servants owed him thousands of pounds Voice 1: So what did the first servant do? Voice 3: and the king sent for that servant. Voice 2: Did he forgive as he had been forgiven? Voice 1: The servant came to the king

trinity & pentecost 2014 113 sunday 14 september 2014 worship ideas Through the Season Prayer of Adoration Voice 2: You pleaded with me Pages 6 and 7 contain ideas that can be God our maker, Voice 3: and I forgave you used to help set the scene throughout we love you. this season encouraging a sense that each We love the beauty Voice 1: and you should have forgiven week is thematically tied together. and wonder of this world. the servant who owed you We delight in the stars money in kind. Gathering Activity and the heavens and Voice 2: I’m disgusted with you,” said the Provide buckets, pens, and small pieces we recognise your smile king. of paper or card. Invite people to write and your tears in each other’s faces and lives. Voice 3: “You will go to prison until you a situation in which they are trying to can pay me everything you owe forgive themselves or another. Jesus our friend, me.” Once they have written the card, have we love you. We love your stories that make us laugh, Voice 1: “Well Peter,” said Jesus, each person take it to the bucket and rip it up to drop into the bucket. cry, and question. Voice 2: “did you understand my story? We recognise ourselves and others Consider bringing the buckets forward amongst your tales of bakers Voice 3: Have you worked out what during the prayer of confession and/or and children and kings. seventy times seven equals yet?” placing the buckets near the cross. Holy Spirit, our safe-keeper, Voice 1: Peter, who by now had come up we love you. with three different answers to Call to Worship We love your challenge, seventy times seven, Merciful God, your mystery, Voice 2: gave up counting and said to you are patient and kinds your wisdom and Jesus, slow to anger we recognise you breathing in us, and quick to forgive. your love, and your justice and life. Voice 3: “Do you mean I have to go on and on forgiving the people who Jesus taught us to forgive Hear our prayers today God. do me wrong?” not once, not twice, not even seven times, but Hear the words that we sing, Voice 1: And Jesus said, “Yes, Peter, go on seventy times seven. the words that we whisper, and on forgiving. the thoughts that we find it hard to share. As we draw near to you Voice 2: Yes, Peter, go on and on loving. and give you thanks and praise Silence Voice 3: For God will always go on and on for your love and forgiveness, Hear the words of Jesus: forgiving and loving you.” give us the grace to receive I love you. the forgiveness that you offer so freely. I forgive you, always.

Come and walk with me. Responses Amen. Leader: God of Love All: give us ears to hear. Prayer of Dedication Leader: God of Grace ‘Forgiven, loved and free’, we sing, All: give us eyes to see. for we come as your family, children of God, Leader: God of Mercy and we know your love All: give us hearts of love, that empowers our own forgiving, which long to forgive our own loving, and be forgiven. our own caring, our own serving. Use us, gracious God, as we offer ourselves and these gifts for the work of your Kingdom, today and always.. Amen.

114 spill the beans, issue 12 foundations of forgiveness

Prayers for Others Reflection and Ourselves Not seven times, We pray today for friends and neighbours, but seventy times seven. for those whose stories we read A gasp. in the papers or hear in the news. An intake of breath. God, in your mercy, A shocked step backwards. hear our prayers. A shake of the head. Sending Responses An angry retort. We pray for those who live in places where A cynical laugh. Leader: In holding a grudge there is hunger and despair and danger. A hammer blow. we are held in chains of bitterness. God, in your mercy, Are these the responses you knew, All: In forgiving we find peace. hear our prayers. Jesus, Leader: In hanging on to hate We pray for those who live near us, as you talked about forgiveness? Even as you offered forgiveness our hearts are tied in chains. for those we pass in the street, All: In forgiving we find love. for those we meet each day. to those who did not realise what they were doing Leader: In wallowing in bitterness God, in your mercy, as the nails were hammered home? we lose all sight of God. hear our prayers. Because we know those responses: All: In forgiving we find love. We pray for those who are ill, ‘I might forgive, but I will never forget’; Leader: May the love of God, or in trouble, ‘there are some things Father, Son and Holy Spirit, or in any kind of need. you just cannot forgive’; free your hearts We pray for those who have died ‘I want to hold on to my anger and pain from all that binds them, and for all who mourn them because it is all that I have left’. today and always. and miss them. Not seven times, God, in your mercy, but seventy times seven. The Sending hear our prayers. Go on loving, Could we forgive the terrorist holding no grudge. We pray for ourselves, if our own child had been killed? for our hopes, Could we forgive the drunk driver Go on forgiving, our needs, who took the life of a spouse? releasing the chains of bitterness. our dreams. Could we forgive the despot Through forgiving who destroys entire generations? God, in your mercy, we find peace, hear our prayers. Not seven times, extend grace, Loving God, but seventy times seven. and show love. hear our prayers. It is hard, Jesus, oh so hard. We have been set free, Be in our lives Yet it is the only way to break new ground, that we might set others free. today, tomorrow, to find paths of reconciliation, and forevermore. to see light in the tunnel of bitterness, Amen. to build new foundations and hopes for the future. Not seven times, but seventy times seven.

trinity & pentecost 2014 115 sunday 14 september 2014 worship ideas Praise/Hymns A king once told his servants see right A King Once Told His Servants your notes Dear Lord and Father of mankind CH4 485 1. A king once told his servants, MP 111 “Now pay me what is mine!” One came to him and begged him, Forgiveness is your gift CH4 361 “I’ll pay! Just give me time!” God forgave my sin MP 181 And so the king forgave him, though that man’s debt was great. Great God, your love CH4 484 What joy to be unburdened! Help us forgive, forgiving Lord CH4 693 What cause to celebrate! Here is love, vast as the ocean MP 987 2. Though he had been forgiven, I come with joy, a child of God CH4 656 that man was not so kind. He threatened one who owed him, I stand amazed in the presence MP 296 “Now pay me what is mine!” Lord, I pray, if today CH4 541 He would not show compassion toward one whose debt was small. I’m accepted, I’m forgiven MP 321 What judgment came upon him! Lord, teach me all your ways CH4 21 How bitter was his fall! Such love MP 619 3. O God, in Christ you freed us; now may we not forget. Teach us, O loving heart CH4 488 Our sin was overwhelming The church is wherever CH4 522 but you once paid the debt. May we live lives of mercy, Up from the depths I cry CH4 88 forgiving, blessing, too; And may our grace toward others Take Home Ideas reflect our thanks to you. Last week, we made time to reconcile with Words: © 2012 Carolyn Winfrey Gillette others who we may have forgotten about, upset or otherwise. This week, it is our turn All rights reserved. to forgive. Used by permission. • Who have we fallen out with for things If you would like to use this said to us? hymn, please contact Carolyn Gillette ([email protected]) • Is it worth letting a friendship turn sour for permission and to get a copy over this situation? of the hymn for bulletin use. • Who has forgotten to call us/e-mail us Tune: Aurelia or Thornbury despite promising they would? 7.6.7.6 D • Is it time to get in touch ourselves before time runs away and contact is lost? Use this week to forgive as we have been, are now, and always will be forgiven.

116 spill the beans, issue 12 foundations of forgiveness age group ideas gathering crafts Sevens Chains all age Crowns age 3-5 Forgiveness age 9-12 You will need: prepare three paper You will need: prepared strips of card Spirals chains, one with seven links, another about 8 c.m. wide and long enough to You will need: a cardboard spiral with 49 links, and the final one with 70 go round child’s head with some extra template for each child in varying links. length to spare. Cut points along one of colours (you could print/photocopy the the long sides to make crown shape and Ask the children to hold the chains and template on page 147 onto coloured ready one “crown” for each child. You discuss the differences in the length of the card), scissors, confetti hearts, glitter, will also need sticky gems, sellotape, chains and in the number of links. Imagine felt pens, PVA glue, glue spreaders, scraps of tissue paper in a variety of a chain that was made up of 70 x 7 links. lengths of wool or string, and a large colours, PVA glue, and glue spreaders. Can the children guess how long that eyed sewing needle. would be and how far around the room it Give each child a crown and sellotape Talk with the children about the story and would go? Use this as a way into the story. the ends together so that the crown sits the forgiveness that was offered to the on the child’s head. Get the children to servant. Discuss with the children times decorate their crowns with sticky gems when they have been forgiven by others and small pieces of scrunched up tissue and when they themselves have forgiven paper. others. Talk of Jesus saying in the story Talk about the king in the story and how that we should forgive endlessly. he forgave the servant. Discuss with the Give each child a template and ask them children times others have forgiven them to use the pens to write the word ‘Forgive’ and how they can forgive others. repeatedly around their spiral on both sides. Allow the children to decorate the Bags Of age 6-8 spiral with the confetti hearts and glitter Forgiveness before cutting it out along the lines to create the spiral. By making a hole in the You will need: rough hessian material top centre of the spiral a length of wool cut into rectangles of 20 c.m. x 10 c.m., can then be passed through it and tied scraps of wool, plastic darning needles, securely to allow the spiral to be hung scissors, narrow ribbon, and chocolate and then twirl endlessly as a symbol of coins. forgiveness being endless. Give each child a piece of material and a needle. Thread the needle with a length of the wool. Fold material in half to make a bag of 10 c.m. by 10 c.m. Show the children how to sew down the side of the bag from the fold to the edge. Repeat on the other side. You should have opening along the top. You can leave the bag with stitching showing or you can turn it outside in. Thread narrow ribbon through a plastic darning needle and weave it in and out of the top edge to make a draw string so that the bag can close. Place the chocolate coins in the bag. Talk about the servant in the story and how he received forgiveness from the king. Discuss with the children times others have forgiven them and how they can forgive others.

trinity & pentecost 2014 117 sunday 14 september 2014 age group ideas activities Sevens Mobile all age Story Time all age Number 7 all age You will need: a wire coat hanger, long This parable tells us that we must forgive You will need: copies of the worksheet crepe paper strips, sellotape, a variety again and again. There are two books available on page 148, pens. of number seven shapes cut out of card, which would be good to share with the Let the children try their hand at the quiz scissors (plain an patterned), PVA glue, children. Consider sitting young children that revolves around the number 7. glue spreaders, a variety of materials for in a circle on a blanket on the floor. decorating the sevens (for instance, stick The answers are: These are readily available: “Tales of a on jewels, glitter, scraps of material, Fourth Grade Nothing” by Judy Blume 1. China sweet wrappers, stickers), felt pens, and “The Adventures of Naughty Nora” by patterned stamper pens, thread or wool 2. 3 Stephen Cottrell. for attaching, and a hole punch. 3. 1 Give each child a coat hanger and crepe Guess The Number all age 4. 7 paper. Show them how to attach one You will need: clear jars or bowls, lots end of the paper to the hanger using the 5. 7 of small stones or glass beads, slips of sellotape and then how to wind the crepe paper, pens. 6. Violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, paper around and around the wire of the orange, red. coat hanger all the way around it to cover Fill each bowl with a set number of small the wire and secure with tape. stones/glass beads, all multiples of seven, 7. Great Pyramid of Giza, Hanging and if you have the patience and beads/ Gardens of Babylon, Temple of Give each child a few ‘sevens’ of varying stones fill one with 490! Artemis, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, sizes and ask them to decorate each on Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Colossus both sides. Ask the children to visit each bowl and of Rhodes, Lighthouse of Alexandria. count out the number of stones in each When complete, the top of each seven and mark that number down. What are 8. Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Relief, can have a hole punched in it and a thread the numbers in each bowl and then see Harbour of Rio De Janeiro, Mount attached and tied in a way which will if the children can work out what the Everest, Aurora, Paricutin Volcano, balance the coat hanger to create a seven connection is between the numbers? Victoria Falls (this list is more or seventy seven mobile. subjective—it was compiled by Ask the children to add all the numbers Talk about the servant in the story and CNN—so if someone has another together and divide by seven. They should how he received forgiveness. Discuss with good idea congratulate them). have a final number that is divisible by the children times others have forgiven seven. If not, something has gone wrong. 9. Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, them and how they can forgive others. Talk about forgiving someone who hurts South America, Antarctica, Australia. your feelings: a sibling, a teacher, a friend. God expects us to forgive them more times than all the stones put together.

118 spill the beans, issue 12 foundations of forgiveness discussion starters games grudges forgiven Golden Coins age 3-5 You will need: gold foil wrapped chocolate coins. Hide some chocolate gold coins (perhaps 49) around the room and ask the children to find them and collect them all in. Once they have all been found count them into piles of seven. Buzz age 6-12 Preparation The children will probably be used to You will need the jars and beads (or playing this game from school. Gather perhaps better jelly beans!) for the Guess everyone in a circle and then go around The Number activity if you choose to play the circle with each person calling out the it. next number (start at one) but whenever the next number is divisible by seven or Opening Activity has a seven in it (for example, 17), that Play Guess The Number from the activities person says BUZZ instead. If they get it on the previous page. wrong, they are out. Try to go as fast as possible. Play a ‘chain relay’. In teams, one person runs to the end of the hall and back. They This is used in the classroom to help then join hands with the second person, children think about their times tables. run up and back then join with the third • Why do you think forgiveness is so and so on. Sevens Relay age 6-12 important? Race The Word • What would the world be like if people did not forgive each other? Spilt the children into two or three teams You will need: Bibles. • Do you think forgiving someone depending on the number in the group. Read Matthew 18:21-35 together. Ask them to form team names based means forgetting what they have around a theme or idea from today’s Bible Activity/Discussion done? reading. • When you played the chain relay • Can you forgive someone who isn’t Once the teams are sorted, explain the earlier, how did the person who had sorry for what they have done? rules to the group. After the completed to run every time feel by the end Forgiveness is hard. It is hard to forgive reading aloud of a multiplication question, compared to the last person in the other people but it is also hard to let each group will race from behind the chain who only ran once? ourselves be forgiven. agreed start line to a chalk or dry erase • What’s going on in this week’s story? board. The first group to get the correct Living It Out answer gets a point for their team. The • How do you feel about the servant? Try to treat people as you would want to multiplication questions should be related Why? be treated this week. Take a moment, if to the number seven. • Do you think he was right to look someone makes you angry or upset, and For example: out for himself? Did he do anything think about why they have made you 7 x 3 = 21 wrong? upset. 7 x 6 = 42 • What would you have done if it was • Is there anything you can do to make it 7 x 1 = 7 you in his place? better rather than having an argument or holding a grudge? 7 x 7 = 49 • Do you think the king was fair to him? • How do you think we should treat people who owe us or who have done something wrong to us?

trinity & pentecost 2014 119 your notes

120 spill the beans, issue 12 giftsresource of the sheets spirit

extra resources and work sheets

trinity & pentecost 2014 121 bird outline

122 spill the beans, issue 12 seven days of creation The Seven Days

trinity & pentecost 2014 123 light fact sheet Amazing Facts: Light and Our Universe The full moon is about 500,000 How fast does light travel? times fainter One metre 3.3 nanoseconds than the Sun. A nanosecond is Moonlight is 0.000000001 seconds. supposed to be 1.3 seconds Moon to Earth romantic. Sun to Earth 8.3 minutes Sun to nearest other star (Alpha Centauri) 4.2 years Earth to nearest neighbouring galaxy

(Canis Major Dwarf) Speed of light: 25,000 years 299,792,458 metres per second Across our own Milky Way galaxy 100,000 years Know your stars? Test your knowledge of the heavens

Mark TRUE or FALSE alongside each star. Are they real or not? Sirius (the Dog Star)

Katniss (the Hungry Star)

Canopus (Alpha Carinae)

Rigel Kentaurus (Alpha Centauri)

Betelgeuse (the Martial Star) 1. What is the name of the amazing light shows you can sometimes Vega (Alpha Lyrae) see in the night sky? Hagridus (Alpha Rubeus) 2. Where is the best place to see these lights? Polaris (the Pole Star) 3. Do you know why (or how) the Arcturus (Alpha Boötis) light appears? 4. Charitis (the Giving Star) Have you ever seen these lights?

124 spill the beans, issue 12 rooftops What kind of roof? See if you can match the roof to the people or places. an eskimo’s igloo thatched a gardener’s slate/tiles greenhouse a country cottage flat a lord’s castle turret a fancy hotel glass a camper’s tent solar panel an environmentally swimming friendly house pool most houses in ice my town a garden shed canvas

trinity & pentecost 2014 125 roof of the world Bam-i-Duniah (Roof of the World)

Where is the Roof of the World? What is the name of the highest mountain in the world?

The Roof of the World, also known as Bam-i- Duniah, is an area of very high overall elevation in Central Asia (about three miles above sea level). It is sometimes referred to as “High Asia,” and it is generally regarded as the highest area in the world, not least because it hosts Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain. This region has become famous as a cultural site, and some very unique cultures and peoples have emerged from the area.

This region consists of very high mountains and plateaus that have been created by India’s slow collision with the tectonic plate which houses the rest of Asia. As India presses into Asia, it causes n p m t f h e i h t buckling and folding, leading to an area of high elevation where the two plates meet. The elevation t a a o e o s a m l gives the Roof of the World a very unique climate u s t k u b o r n e and perspective, and visitors to the region often t i e s i n i r e h express awe when they are taken to see its peaks. a t r r i s t t s m Several countries are included within the region, e a w n e k t a t n including Tibet, India, China, Pakistan, and a n d n a v i a i n Tajikistan. The high elevation has provided some n i o e t s e j n n very distinctive challenges to native peoples, who a h r y a f i i a s must eke out a living from land that is often barren e c d l r o w a e t and difficult to work. Residents rely heavily on pack animals like yaks, along with durable farm animals such as goats, and despite the hardship of life in Can you find these Roof of the High Asia, they have developed rich, World related words? colourful tajikistan pakistan cultures with distinctive mountain everest artistic traditions. tibet india china world asia roof

126 spill the beans, issue 12 welcome all Welcome All! Can you match the ‘welcome’ to the language? Welkom Romanian Bienvenue Hawaiian Willkommen Gaelic Aloha Dutch Udvozlet Swahili Benvenuto Japanese Yokoso German Failte Greek Bienvenido French Karibu Italian Bine ai venit Hungarian Καλώς Όρισες Spanish

trinity & pentecost 2014 127 a word of welcome A Word Of Welcome

What does it mean to welcome others? Add a word starting with each letter that describes how you could welcome other people.

w e l c o m e

128 spill the beans, issue 12 thermometer How hot, how cold?

trinity & pentecost 2014 129 different yokes

130 spill the beans, issue 12 different yokes

trinity & pentecost 2014 131 different soils What kind of soil? Do you know your silts from your clays, your chalks from your loams? See if you can name each kind of soil. They are all different, and all have their purpose.

• Tiny pieces • Well drained • It is slippery when wet • Fertile • It is extremely fertile • Retains water and nutrients • Retains water • Granular structure • Easily transported by wind and water • Soft and crumbly • Good for agriculture • Easy to work with purposes • Ideal for tomatoes, • Ideal for growing carrots, potatoes roses, vegetables, fruit and yellow marigolds and amaryllis Iris

• Dry and gritty to touch Silty • Dark brown • Easily drains water • Soft and spongy • Warm and airy • Rich in organic matter Clay • When wet crumbles • Retains water through fingers • Found in bogs Chalky • Lacks essential nutrients • Ideal for moss and some • Ideal for watermelons, shrubs Loamy peanuts, peaches, tulips

• Smooth when dry Sandy • Light in colour • Sticky when wet • Lime rich soil • Retains water Peaty • Stony • Drains poorly • Severely dry in summer • Rich in nutrients • Poor in nutrients • Cool and dense • Porous • Ideal for leafy vegetables, • Ideal for honeysuckle peas, tomatoes, roses and and geranium asters

132 spill the beans, issue 12 what kind of farming? What sort of farming?

In the middle you will find different sorts of farming. Can you match what the farmers grow to the sort of farming?

Cows Hens Material for Wearing

Salmon Roses

Trout Chickens

Pigs Carrots

People smoke this Horses

Potatoes Daffodils Strawberries

trinity & pentecost 2014 133 flowers or weeds What’s a Flower? What’s a Weed?

Can you decide whether these are flowers or weeds?

1. Am I a weed 2. Am I a weed 3. Am I a weed or a flower? or a flower? or a flower?

4. Am I a weed 5. Am I a weed 6. Am I a weed or a flower? or a flower? or a flower?

7. Am I a weed 8. Am I a weed 9. Am I a weed or a flower? or a flower? or a flower?

134 spill the beans, issue 12 feeding 5000 spot the difference see if you can find them all. There are ten things missing from the picture on right, Can you spot the difference? spot you Can

trinity & pentecost 2014 135 feeding 5000 wordsearch Feeding 5000 Wordsearch f s g r a s s v d s s s c h w i d e e b u i i r e a h e i a v w r e s l s e v t i a n t l e o e e l c v a i l l s o a k t r j a i o o s d e n d i a i h c g p t l f r d w n l s b n o e l f o i e n o k c i s a g u e e w e n e t h s i f a s t s l t d d m n e k o r b p k w a e a o o e v e n i n g m e e n o o w f o l l o w e d o t l d f b n e v a e h n e m c s v t f h u n g r y s k n a h t e e

baskets followed satisfied boat food sick bread grass thanks broken healed towns children heaven twelve compassion hungry two loaves crowds jesus village disciples late walking evening left overs women fish men five thousand

136 spill the beans, issue 12 origami paper boat

trinity & pentecost 2014 137 emotion set How am I feeling?

138 spill the beans, issue 12 what kind of boat? Ships, Boats, Subs

Can you match the picture to the description/name?

aircraft carrier container ship coracle cruise liner oil tanker RNLI lifeboat row boat sailing ship submarine yacht

trinity & pentecost 2014 139 discussion starter meditation Reflective Meditation

Preparation It would greatly enhance this meditation to have some Then speaking at a faster space: audio clips used during the meditation. You can use a At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward source like Spotify for sound clips. Spotify is an online them walking on the water. They were scared out of their source of music and audio files for streaming across the wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror. internet. It contains quite a number of sound effects as well as music. It can be accessed for free, or with no The sound of the wind and big crashing waves reaches a adverts for a fee. There are many alternatives available peak, maintain this noise level. depending on the devices you use, so use what is But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. available to you. Don’t be afraid.” A means of amplifying the sound form the online source Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me is needed. This needs to be something bigger than just to come to you on the water.” internal computer speakers to give a more immersive sound. He said, “Come ahead.” The Bible translation The Message is used. Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning The Storm: A Meditation beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. Ask the young people to find a space where they can sit Play the song “Munich” by Editors from the album The and listen, where they will be comfortable to close their Back Room. eyes. Peter cried, “Master, save me!” Invite the young people to close their eyes and respect Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his and trust each other during this space. hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” Invite the young people to take off their shoes. (yes with The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died your eyes shut!) down. Pause for a moment of silence. Slowly adjust the sounds of the wind from a great storm Fade in the sound of a crowd talking. sound to a small wind over a minute or so. As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, sure!” he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and Pause pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night. Play a song to finish, such as “God is Love” by The Fade into the sound of a calm sea with gentle waves. Innocence Mission from the album My Room In The Pause to allow the sound to fill the room gently. Trees, or “Our Great God” by City On A Hill from the album Sing Alleluia. Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them... Pause Slowly adjust the sounds of the wind from a small wind, Ask the young people to open their eyes when they feel to a great storm sound. Have over a minute or so of ready. constant growing noise. ...and they were battered by the waves. Big sound of the wind and big crashing waves. 140 spill the beans, issue 12 do we ask the questions

Do We Ask The Questions

// // ## 6 . j j & 4 œ . œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œœœ œ œ œ œ  œ œ œ. J œ œ œ œ œ œ Do we ask the ques-- tions that trou ble our own hearts? Do we j j ? # 6 œ œ . œ. œ œ  œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ # 4 . œ œ œ œ  œ œ œ œ œ œœœ

3 // // # j # nœ. œ œ œ  . & œ œ #œ  œœ nœ  œ  œ œ dare to raise them know- ing what we'll start? Do we

? # œ œ  œ œ œ œ  œ œ # nœ œ œ œ   œ . œ œ  œ  know- ing

1. Do we ask the questions 5. Do we ask the questions that trouble our own hearts? that stir the hornet's nest? Do we dare to raise them Who is welcome in Christ's church? knowing what we'll start? Must there be a test?

2. Do we ask the questions 6. Do we ask the questions that Jesus heard each day? to which no answer comes? 'Will you feed me, heal me, Do we stand as witnesses and hear what I say?' for the selfless one?

3. Do we ask the questions 7. Do we ask the questions that Jesus asks of us? that turn our world around? Will you follow him today, Let compassion rule our hearts; give him all your trust? peace and grace be found.

4. Do we ask the questions that wake our sleeping souls? Turn God's love to action, broken hearts made whole.

Words and Music: Peter Johnston ©2012 Sleepless Nights Publications for Spill the Beans trinity & pentecost 2014 141 knees, knees, knees Knees, Knees, Knees

How much do you know about knees? Try this quiz.

1. Is there a condition known as ‘Housemaid’s Knees’?

2. If you think that is true what is it?

3. What is a knee specialist known as?

4. What is another name for the kneecap?

5. Name three movements you could not do without your knees?

6. Name the three bones that connect at the knee?

7. Which of these sayings is the odd one out? • Knee high to a grasshopper • The Bee’s Knees • Knee jerk reaction • Bony knee • Knobbly knees • Knee flick

8. What is the largest joint in the body?

9. Name another three reasons why you would be on your knees?

142 spill the beans, issue 12 who am I? Who am I? t q t u z e c h a r i a h h e o s h a i m e r e j o a a h s i l a s d l s a r r s g p n t j h q m e e o a a l g i b p o v a s a l i m r e a l n a s i o b e l u k a o i i a b h m s i a e a a e j n h h e u j n a l k m c p z n p t h a a f d i a k l h o e j a t d c s t h a e u a i s o n n f o f a i b h h k h a n b h h b r h a i d a b o d a z o d b j p e l i s h a u h s j a m v h a j i l e v j aaron isaiah nathan Jesus wondered abel jacob noah what people abraham jeremiah obadiah though of him. amos joel paul People compared daniel john the baptist philip him to many elijah jonah samuel others. elisha joshua silas Can you find ezekiel judas zechariah some of the heroes from the Bible habakkuk malachi yourself? haggai moses

trinity & pentecost 2014 143 court room role play instruction scrolls tell David and Helen what you have decided they should do. they all agreed. Ask them if came to a decision. You can t hen After 10 minutes call the jury back to give their decision. Ask them if the children involved in story be friends. help David and Helen forgive each other, maybe a way to all Whilst the jury are making a decision, can you come up with w ay to David’s pen? They have 10 minutes to decide.They should all agree. bible. Instruct the jury to decide guilty or not – Did Helen steal done anything wrong, ask the reader to read out some words from the supporters. Before you ask the jury to decide if Helen or David have any questions you want. You also need to listen Helen and David’s and then to listen what Helen David have say. You can ask You are the court judges. Your job is to read out story jury Information for the Court Judges rumours of a fight after school. Helen’s friends were not talking to David’s friends. There stories about her. David’s friends weren’t talking to Helen’s f riends. had stolen his pen. Helen told her friends that David was telling it belonged to and she forgot. David had told his friends that Helen the floor and she’d put it in her pocket, and she meant to find out who of stealing his pen. Helen said she hadn’t stolen it, she’d seen it on Helen and David were having an argument. had accused The story the right thing. The judges will ask Helen’s friend why they think Helen has don e The judges will ask Helen to tell her side of the story. Decide who will play which role. One of you is Helen and one Helen’s friend. Information for Helen and Helen’s Friend David’s friends. There were rumours of a fight after school. talking to Helen’s friends. friends were not that David was telling stories about her. David’s friends weren’t friends that Helen had stolen his pen. told her to find out who it belonged and she forgot. David had told hi s seen it on the floor and she’d put in her pocket, she mea nt Helen of stealing his pen. said she hadn’t stolen it, she’d Helen and David were having an argument. had accused The story

144 spill the beans, issue 12 court room role play instruction scrolls Information for the reader Read this out when the judges ask you to. Jesus said we must love each other. the people who hurt us. Jesus said we must forgive Jesus said when we disagree with someone, must listen to each other. Jesus said we can ask other people to help us sort out our disagreements. The story Helen and David were having an argument. had accused Helen of stealing his pen. said she hadn’t stolen it, she’d seen it on the floor and she’d put in her pocket, she mea nt to find out who it belonged and she forgot. David had told hi s friends that Helen had stolen his pen. told her that David was telling stories about her. David’s friends weren’t talking to Helen’s friends. friends were not David’s friends. There were rumours of a fight after school. Information for David and David’s Friend One of you is David and one David’s friend. Decide who will play which role. The judges will ask David to tell his side of the story. The judges will ask David’s friend why they think David has don e the right thing.

trinity & pentecost 2014 145 court room role play instruction scrolls

The story Helen and David were having an argument. David had accused Helen of stealing his pen. Helen said she hadn’t stolen it, she’d seen it on the floor and she’d put it in her pocket, and she meant to find out who it belonged to and she forgot. David had told his friends that Helen had stolen his pen. Helen had told her friends that David was telling stories about her. David’s friends weren’t talking to Helen’s friends. Helen’s friends were not talking to David’s friends. There were rumours of a fight after school. Information for the Jury Listen to what the judges and David and Helen and their supporters have to say. Listen to the words from the bible. Think about these questions: Was David right to accuse Helen of stealing his pen? Did Helen steal his pen? Did David do anything wrong? Did David do anything right? Did Helen do anything wrong? Did Helen do anything right All of you together need to decide if Helen did steal David’s pen. Is Helen guilty or not guilty? The judges will call you back in 10 minutes and ask you if you have reached a decision.

146 spill the beans, issue 12 spiral cut out

trinity & pentecost 2014 147 number 7 Number 7

1. Which Eastern country believes the number 7 is lucky and will bring them good fortune?

Japan Russia China Thailand

2. What number is opposite 4 on a dice?

1 6 5 3 2

3. What number is opposite 6 on a dice?

1 5 2 4 3

4. Opposite numbers on dice always add up to?

8 10 9 7 12

5. When two dice are rolled together which combined number has the highest probability of being rolled?

11 9 8 7 12

6. Name the seven colours in the rainbow (clue – vibgyor)

7. How many of the seven wonders of the ancient world can you list?

8. How many of the seven natural wonders of the world can you list?

9. Can you name the seven continents?

148 spill the beans, issue 12 your notes

trinity & pentecost 2014 149 your notes

150 spill the beans, issue 12 your notes

trinity & pentecost 2014 151 © 2014 Spill the Beans Resource Team http://spillbeans.org.uk Booklet produced by Sleepless Nights Productions 152 spill the beans, issue 12