Gathering Pentecost 2 2017 Lectionary - United Church of ...Gathering, Pentecost 2 2017. ... Have the word “thanksgiving” printed on a large card. ... and communities to have emergency

GATHERING, PENTECOST 2 2017Creation Time 1 to Reign of Christ Sunday, Year A

September 10 – Fourteenth after Pentecost...................................................................2September 17 – Fifteenth after Pentecost.......................................................................5September 24 – Sixteenth after Pentecost......................................................................7October 1 – World Communion Sunday..........................................................................9October 8 – Thanksgiving Sunday.................................................................................11October 15 – Nineteenth after Pentecost......................................................................13October 22 – Twentieth after Pentecost........................................................................15October 29 – Twenty-first after Pentecost.....................................................................17November 1 – All Saints’ Day (Wednesday)..................................................................19November 5 – Twenty-second after Pentecost..............................................................21November 12 – Twenty-third after Pentecost................................................................23November 19 – Twenty-fourth after Pentecost..............................................................25November 26 – Reign of Christ Sunday.........................................................................27

2 Gathering, Pentecost 2 2017

September 10 – Fourteenth after PentecostCreation Time 1 in the Season of Pentecost

Proper 18Worship materials for September 10 were contributed by Sue Morrison, Bells Corners U.C., Bells Corners, Ont.

Exodus 12:1–14Instructions for the first Passover.

Psalm 149 (VU pp. 872–873)Sing to God a new song.

Romans 13:8–14Owe no one anything but love.

Matthew 18:15–20Where two or three are gathered in my name.

To PonderWhen have you experienced a paradigm shift in your life? What part did your faith play in this?

SparkThe next five weeks are focused on the journey of creating a “people of God” who needed to develop a whole new way of thinking and being. This week, the theme looks at “creating a new paradigm.” Start a worship centre with a display of a walking stick and sandals, symbols of the Israelites’ preparation for their long desert journey. This display can be expanded by adding other symbols over the coming weeks as the Exodus story continues.

With ChildrenUse an example of a paradigm shift, or a shift in perception, to illustrate how sometimes we have to change the whole way we think about the world to better understand things. You might use a picture of the solar system to explain that, although ancient people thought the sun revolved around Earth, about 500 years ago, a scientist called Nicolaus Copernicus proposed the idea that the sun is at the centre of our solar system and Earth and the other planets revolve around it. This was a huge shakeup in how people understood the world! Then talk about the Exodus 12 story, which tells of a time when people had to have a big shakeup in how they understood things before they could solve their problem. In the Exodus story, the people of Israel were slaves in Egypt. Moses had been trying to convince the pharaoh to let the people go out of Egypt so that they could worship God their own way. But the pharaoh wouldn’t agree, no matter what God and Moses did to convince him. He liked having all the slaves, because the people of Israel had been living in Egypt for over 400 years. The Egyptians believed that the pharaoh was not only the king but also a god, so whatever he said was the law. He had total power in Egypt. The people of Israel had learned to think of the pharaoh as a god, too. So if he wouldn’t let them leave, they couldn’t go. Finally, God spoke to the people, and the people understood that God could take them out of Egypt no matter what the pharaoh said because, even though it

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Gathering, Pentecost 2 2017

was the pharaoh’s country, God was God! So they got ready to leave in a hurry in the morning, because God said so. They prepared food in a hurry, and they slept in their sandals with their walking sticks in their hands, ready to go in the morning. Bring out a walking stick and/or a pair of sandals as the first items to start a worship centre, to which other items will be added over the next few weeks as we explore the Exodus story. Sing the first verse of VU 639 “One more step.”

Sermon StarterThe Exodus passage focuses on the directions for the first Passover. It is a moment that Judaism has commemorated annually for thousands of years, the moment in its history when the descendants of the patriarch Israel began to solidify into a nation. Up to this point in the story, the Israelites have been passive observers of the plagues and the conflict, waiting to see whether or not Moses and Aaron would succeed in convincing the pharaoh to grant them the freedom to leave Egypt and worship the God of their ancestors. Until this moment, their understanding of the world has been much the same as that of the surrounding Egyptian culture, i.e., the pharaoh is all-powerful and the pharaoh alone has ultimate authority over everyone in Egypt. Now, God seems to speak directly to the people, giving them instructions to mark their doors with lamb’s blood and to prepare to leave in a hurry on their journey. The active choice to carry out these preparations is required of each Israelite household to mark them as part of God’s people, and they make their preparations with a clear understanding that the pharaoh will never voluntarily let them leave. Nevertheless, they can go and the pharaoh does not have ultimate power over them. Their God is more powerful, precisely because the people, individually and as a whole, follow God’s instructions and urgings, rather than the pharaoh’s capricious decrees. Listening directly to the inner urgings of God within them and following the Spirit who led them forward, the Israelites took on a new level of responsibility for their own lives and gained their freedom from the Egyptians. To what extent had they been enslaved not so much by the pharaoh as by their own limited understanding of their circumstances and of the pharaoh’s power?What message might today’s church take from this story in terms of how to move forward and shape a new future for the people of God? What or who are our own pharaohs of today, to whom we grant power over the church? How do the blinders of our own culture and times limit the future of the church?

HymnsTheme song for five Sundays: VU 639 “One more step.” Sing an additional verse each Sunday.Exodus 12:1–14VU 274 “Your hand, O God, has guided”VU 655 “All my hope on God is founded”MV 98 “Like a river of tears”MV 140 “As long as we follow”HB* 143 “When Israel was in Egypt’s land”Psalm 149VU 217 “All creatures of our God and King”VU 218 “We praise you, O God”MV 156 “Dance with the Spirit”

Romans 13:8–14VU 427 “To show by touch and word”VU 565 “Love, who made me in your likeness”


MV 89 “Love is the touch” MV 196 “We will take what you offer”Matthew 18:15–20VU 479 “Draw us in the Spirit’s tether”MV 14 “Where two or three are gathered”

*The Hymn Book



September 17 – Fifteenth after PentecostCreation Time 2 in the Season of Pentecost

Proper 19Worship materials for September 17 were contributed by Nicole Beaudry, Bells Corners U.C., Bells Corners, Ont.

Exodus 14:19–31God parts the sea for the Hebrews.

Exodus 15:1b–11, 20–21 (VU p. 876)Miriam and Moses sing the “Song of the Sea.”

or Psalm 114Tremble, O earth.

Romans 14:1–12Whether we live or whether we die, we are God’s.

Matthew 18:21–35 How many times must I forgive?

To PonderWhen have you experienced salvation, emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually?

Spark This is the second week exploring the journey of creating a “people of God.” This week’s theme is “creating a new vision,” based on the story of the crossing of the Red Sea. Add to the worship centre a life jacket or a life buoy to signify salvation and passage to safety.

With ChildrenShow the children inflated water wings. Ask them, What difference does it make to wear them? Tell the story of a child who still wore them, not realizing they were not inflated, but needing the reassurance to stay afloat. Ask the children what they use for reassurance and comfort. Share something you use (perhaps a favourite old teddy bear?). Talk about how knowing that God is with us brings comfort, reassurance, and rest. Sing verses 1 and 2 of VU 639 “One more step.”

OR share the story of the Saguenay “little white house” (search on the Internet). A small white house stood nearly unharmed while torrents of water rushed in on every side and levelled the neighbourhood. It became the symbol of survival. When everything looks like it is lost, there is always hope.

Sermon StarterVision means being able to perceive, to imagine, to dream. It is sometimes defined as foresight: the capacity to envisage the future or plan for the future. It is someone’s idea or hope of how something should be done or will be in the future. Words related to


vision are hope and expectation. Sometimes it takes a challenging situation to bring new vision.

In drying up the sea or parting the waters, was God’s purpose to help the Israelites realize God’s tremendous power? When they reached the other side, they were in awe and now trusted in God and Moses. Yet, how could they feel victorious when they looked back and saw the Egyptian cavalry and chariots engulfed in the sea, bodies washing up on the shore? Was this killing necessary? One Jewish midrash story says that while the Israelites were celebrating, God was crying for the Egyptians who had died that day. This Exodus story evokes the crossing of the sea by immigrants and refugees, who often put their lives in peril in search of a better world, some of whom don’t make it.

Is the church at a Red Sea crossing? Can it afford to remain in the “old country”? If it safely crosses, what are the losses and what are the gains? The Israelites trusted God was leading them. Do we trust that God is leading the church, even when the way forward seems uncertain and possibly treacherous?

HymnsExodus 14:19–31 and Exodus 15:1b–11, 20–21VU 449 “Crashing waters at creation”VU 651 “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah”MV 3 “River”MV 51 “Yahweh be praised”MV 90 “Don’t be afraid” in both languagesRomans 14:1–12VU 581 “When we are living”VU 589 “Lord, speak to me”Matthew 18:21–35VU 364 “Forgive our sins as we forgive”



September 24 – Sixteenth after PentecostCreation Time 3 in the Season of Pentecost

Proper 20Worship materials for September 24 were contributed by Lorrie Lowes and Janice Pound, Bells Corners U.C., Bells Corners, Ont.

Exodus 16:2–15Bread and quails to feed the people.

Psalm 105:1–6, 37–45 (VU pp. 828–829, Parts One and Four)Tell what God has done.

Philippians 1:21–30For me, to live is Christ.

Matthew 20:1–16Daily wages for the labourers: what’s fair?

To PonderWhen have you had to trust that God would provide? How did it work out?

SparkThis week’s theme on the journey of creating a “people of God” is “trusting that God provides; trusting God’s economics.” Place a basket at the entrance to the sanctuary, labelled “Take What You Need.” Fill it with items like tissues, cough drops, pencils, paper, fans, etc. Ask greeters to encourage people to take an item.

With Children Have a backpack ready to prepare for a trip. Ask the children, What would you put in the backpack for a trip of one day, or a week, or a month? What would you do if one of your friends ran out of some of the things they needed before you did? Add the backpack, symbolic of our continuing journey, to the worship centre begun in the previous services. Sing verses 1 to 3 of VU 639 “One more step.”

Sermon StarterThis was a time of upheaval and uncertainty for the Israelites. They were in the wilderness now, facing an unknown future. Rations were running out and they were frightened. Whining for the “good old days” in Egypt where they had food and shelter, they had forgotten about the hardships of living in slavery. God needed to shape the Israelites into a different kind of people, from slaves to Yahweh’s free people; from a people who hoarded food in fear to a people who trusted in God and shared with one another.

Reflect on the reality TV series Survivor and how the “tribes” worked together, or conversely, how the relationships broke down in times of scarcity when the individuals started complaining and competing for resources. Who is our tribe and how do we relate in times of need? Do we support each other, or do we act in self-interest?As people of God, we should ask ourselves, How much is too much? Do we need more things? Are we complainers, or do we have an attitude of gratitude? Do we see God’s


presence in the ordinary and the miraculous? When have we not recognized and shared God’s blessings?

HymnsExodus 16:2–15VU 288 “Great is thy faithfulness”VU 460 “All who hunger”VU 556 “Would you bless our homes and families”MV 26 “Your love is amazing”Psalm 105:1–6, 37–45VU 405 “New every morning”VU 651 “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah”Philippians 1:21–30VU 326 “O for a thousand tongues to sing”VU 425 “God, dismiss us with your blessing”MV 44 “Shadow and substance”Matthew 20:1–16VU 200 “O Holy Spirit, by whose breath”VU 227 “For the fruit of all creation”VU 234 “Let us with a gladsome mind”MV 127 “I saw the rich ones”



October 1 – World Communion SundayCreation Time 4 in the Season of Pentecost

Proper 21Worship materials for October 1 were contributed by Kim Vidal, Bells Corners U.C., Bells Corners, Ont.

Exodus 17:1–17 Water flows from the rock for thirsty people.

Psalm 78:1–4, 12–16 (VU p. 792, Parts One and Two) God’s marvellous deeds.

Philippians 2:1–13Let the same mind be in you that was in Jesus.

Matthew 21:23–32 By what authority does Jesus act and teach?

To PonderHow do you use water? How do you perceive it as part of your daily life or your faith life?

SparkToday’s theme in the journey of creating a “people of God” is “creating a new way of thinking.” Consider making this an all-ages worship for World Communion Sunday. Let the children and youth process with baskets of bread from many parts of the world, to be used for the communion. Adorn the sanctuary with containers of water (vases, bowls, etc.) and a variety of rocks or stones. Display an image of a water fountain; play water sounds in the background.

With ChildrenAsk, Why do we need water? How do you feel when you’re thirsty and there’s no water? Talk about the story of Moses and the Israelites in Exodus 17, where there is desperate need of water. Share how the issue was resolved by striking a rock. Name some countries in the world where water is scarce or where clean water is needed, including First Nations communities in Canada. Engage the children with the story from Gifts of Vision about a mission to bring clean water to the town of Bipemba, Democratic Republic of Congo by building a well (see www.giftswithvision.ca/project/build-well). Add a container of water to the worship centre. Before a prayer is shared, distribute “prayer stones” to each child as a reminder that God is there in times of need. Sing verses 1 to 4 of VU 639 “One more step.”

Sermon StarterLife is continuously evolving. As they say, “The only constant is change.” Human nature is such that, when something new happens, it disturbs the status quo and pushes us to perceive the world in a new way. In the story in Exodus 17, the people could not imagine where they would find water. They called on God to quench their thirst but did not really imagine it could happen. They blamed God, they blamed Moses, and they quarrelled with each other. Focus your preaching not only on metaphorical thirst, but on the fact that this was real thirst in a real desert. In today’s


global village, there are many whose thirst is very real. Talk about how water is contaminated in the name of infrastructure and technology. Water that used to be clean, free, and abundant is now a product controlled and sold for profit. In certain places around the world, including our own countries, people have no access to clean, safe water. As people of faith, how do we respond to the global water crisis? How do we see water in a new way?

HymnsExodus 17:1–17 MV 3 “River”MV 87 “Water flowing from the mountains”MV 92 “Like a rock”MV 144 “Like a healing stream”Psalm 78:1–4, 12–16VU 245 “Praise the Lord”Philippians 2:1–13 VU 593 “Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love”Matthew 21:23–32 VU 416 “Forth in your name, O Christ”MV 145 “Draw the circle wide”MV 209 “Go, make a diff’rence”Communion HymnsVU 461 “Bread of the world”VU 469 “We gather here”VU 471 “Eat this bread and never hunger”MV 202 “Bread for the journey”



October 8 – Thanksgiving SundayCreation Time 5 in the Season of Pentecost

Worship materials for October 8 were contributed by Lorrie Lowes and Peggy Aitchison, Bells Corners U.C., Bells Corners, Ont.

Deuteronomy 8:7–18God will bring you to a bountiful land.

Psalm 65 (VU pp. 782–783)God provides, the valleys sing.

2 Corinthians 9:6–15God loves a cheerful giver.

Luke 17:11–19Ten healed, one returns to offer thanks.

To PonderWhat kind of giver are you: reluctant or cheerful, cautious or generous? How would you describe yourself?

SparkThis is the final Sunday of the journey theme of creating a “people of God.” The focus is on “remembering that God is the source of blessings: remember and celebrate.” Have an extra-large basket at the front. As the scripture is read, arrange for designated people to put each of the symbols from the previous weeks into the basket as a reminder of the journey.

With ChildrenHave the word “thanksgiving” printed on a large card. After reading the word with the children, cut the word into two pieces: “thanks” and “giving.” Discuss what each word means. Switch the words around to “giving thanks.” Talk about how they will celebrate Thanksgiving. Next, talk about these two words as two parts of what this day is about. It’s good to say “thanks” for what we have, but we can make it even better by putting that gratitude into action by “giving” to others. Sing all verses of VU 639 “One more step.”

Sermon StarterWhen we think of “thanks” and “giving” as two separate actions, it puts a new spin on the day. “Thanks” and “giving” often come from the most unexpected places. In the reading from Luke, we hear of 10 lepers who were healed by Jesus. We can assume that all were grateful, but only one came back to thank Jesus—and this one was a Samaritan. Thanks came from an unexpected place! It seems, even today, that in times when we are most blessed, we get amnesia about where those blessings have come from. We might also forget to share those blessings with others who may be in need. What can help us remember to give thanks and live a life of thanksgiving? You might reflect on each of the journey symbols that have been placed in the basket. These symbols are reminders of the ways that God was with the people every step of the journey and the ways that God is with us now: symbols of what we are thankful for.


HymnsDeuteronomy 8:7–18VU 245 “Praise the Lord”VU 513 “Give to me, Lord, a thankful heart”VU 579 “The church is wherever”Psalm 65VU 231 “I sing the mighty power”2 Corinthians 9:6–15VU 516 “Come, you thankful people, come”VU 518 “As those of old their first-fruits brought”Luke 17:11–19VU 266 “Amazing grace”VU 358 “When Jesus the healer”VU 621 “Heal me, hands of Jesus” (a prayer)MV 185 “Ev’ry day is a day of thanksgiving” MV 187 “We give our thanks”



October 15 – Nineteenth after PentecostProper 23Worship materials for October 15 to November 1 were contributed by Nora Vedress, Calvary U.C., Prince Albert, Sask.

Exodus 32:1–14Worshipping the golden calf.

Isaiah 25:1–9God provides a feast on the mountain.

Philippians 4:1–9Rejoice in God always; again, I say, rejoice.

Matthew 22:1–14Violence at the wedding banquet.

To PonderWhat is your best way of praying and your best place or time to pray?

SparkSet a table at the front with all the things you need for the Children’s Time: a bouquet of dandelions (with some going to seed), a coin, a wishing well, a picture of the first star in a night sky, and a birthday cake or cupcakes with candles (enough to share with the kids after church). You might add to the decoration with a mobile of stars or a sparkly star garland.

With ChildrenShow the items on the table. Ask, What do all these items have in common? They are all for making wishes! What is a wish? What do you wish for? Share some of your wishes.

Now ask people in the congregation to act out or show pictures of the following: a person with hands folded and head bowed; someone kneeling by a bed; someone standing with arms open to the sky; and the laying on of hands at confirmation or for healing. What do all these have in common? These people are all praying. How do you pray? What is the difference between wishes and prayers? Prayer is not like writing to Santa and wishing for everything on your list. Prayer is a conversation with God. It is us talking, hoping, and asking, but it’s also listening, acting, and living. Sometimes God’s answer is not what we expect. Sometimes God asks us to be part of that answer. Is there a right or wrong way to pray? No! People pray in all kinds of ways. Over the next few weeks, we will explore a few different ways we can pray. Now let’s hold hands in a big circle and pray together (share a prayer).

Sermon StarterDo you remember learning how to pray? Did someone teach you or did you always know how to talk to God? Was it something your family did together at mealtimes or bedtime? How about in church? Think of what your prayer life is like now: When do you


pray? What do you pray for? How do you feel when you are praying? The United Church may not always have been so great at teaching people how to pray. It isn’t often intentionally done, although we’ve got some great group prayers. Share your story of learning to pray. (Here’s mine: my friend’s mom taught me when I was seven. She was Mennonite and a super-great pray-er!) In Philippians 4:6, we read, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Unpack the whole prayer idea based on Philippians and then give people time to write down their personal prayers, supplications, and thanksgivings to God. Assure people that the prayers won’t be read out loud. Collect the prayers in paper bags to place on the table before your prayer time. After church, take them to an appropriate place to be burned and, in this way, be offered to God.

HymnsExodus 32:1–14VU 391 “God, reveal your presence”VU 401 “Worship the Lord”Isaiah 25:1–9VU 680 “Isaiah the prophet has written of old”Philippians 4:1–9VU 249 “Rejoice in the Lord always”VU 664 “What a friend we have in Jesus”MV 48 “I can feel you near me God”MV 96 “And when you call for me”Matthew 22:1–14VU 395 “Come in, come in and sit down”MV 145 “Draw the circle wide”



October 22 – Twentieth after Pentecost

Proper 24Exodus 33:12–23God speaks to Moses face to face as a friend.

Psalm 99 (VU p. 819)God is a ruler who delights in justice.

1 Thessalonians 1:1–10We always give thanks to God for you.

Matthew 22:15–22 Give to God the things that are God’s.

To PonderWhose image do you bear? How do you see yourself as made in God’s image?

SparkFor several weeks leading up to this Sunday, place a “penny” jar in the narthex (okay, there aren’t any pennies in Canada now) and invite people to put their loose change into it. On this Sunday, place the jar at the front and, beside it, place a mirror.

With ChildrenIn a letter that Paul wrote to the church at Thessaloniki, a letter we call 1 Thessalonians, Paul says that he gives thanks for the people and remembers them and all that they do in his prayers. Today we are going to do a “bubble” prayer, giving thanks for the people God has blessed us with in our lives. I’ll blow the bubbles, and each time you pop a bubble, I’d like you to call out the name of someone you are thankful for. (Note: be careful if your church floor is hardwood or linoleum, as it can get slippery if a lot of prayers are offered.)

Sermon StarterWhat are you willing to give to God? It’s an easy question at first glance, but, in truth, what are we truly willing to part with? In the gospel reading, Jesus is once again being put to the test. He’s a pro at it now and seems to handle this particular situation with ease. Yet, as with most of the “quick” stories or Jesus “one-liners,” I tend to get this sinking feeling that we are missing something or that the punchline isn’t as simplistic or superficial as it sounds. Lance Pape notes in his commentary on Matthew 22:15–22 (www.workingpreacher.org), “Confronted with the question of human loyalty and the coin bearing the image of the earthly emperor, it’s easy to picture Jesus flipping that coin in his hand a few times, and then tossing it casually aside. In my imagination I see his eyes rising to meet those of his opponents, confronting each of them with an unspoken question hanging in the air: ‘And you, my friend: Whose image do you bear?’”

Perhaps we’d be wise to ponder the question ourselves, as individual people of faith or even as the church as a whole. Whose image do we believe we bear? How does that belief guide and influence what we do? Hold up a coin from the loose change jar. Whose image does the coin bear? How will we, who are created in the image of God, use it? If you wish, make a decision together about where to donate it.


Hymns Exodus 33:12–23VU 459 “Here, O my Lord, I see you face to face”MV 140 “As long as we follow”MV 161 “I have called you by your name”MV 172 “God says”Psalm 99 MV 84 “In you there is a refuge”MV 95 “How deep the peace”1 Thessalonians 1:1–10VU 236 “Now thank we all our God”MV 187 “We give our thanks”MV 188 “I thank you, thank you, Jesus”Matthew 22:15–22 MV 85 “Take, O take me as I am”MV 157 “I am a child of God”



October 29 – Twenty-first after Pentecost

Proper 25Deuteronomy 34:1–12Moses dies and is buried in Moab.

Psalm 90:1–6, 13–17 (VU pp. 805–806)O God, our help in ages past.

1 Thessalonians 2:1–8We care for you like a nurse tenderly cares for her own children.

Matthew 22:34–46Love God; love your neighbour as yourself.

To PonderWhen have you begun a project or started working toward a vision but then had to hand the completion over to someone else? What was that like for you?

SparkProject a slide show of mountain images, or print some mountain pictures and place them around the sanctuary.

With ChildrenSt. Augustine said, “He who sings prays twice.” In fact, many of the hymns we sing are written as prayers. So, this week let’s try singing our prayers.Here are some prayers to sing:

“Love the Lord your God” by Jim Strathdee (available in the We Are the Children songbook)VU 400 “Lord, listen to your children praying”MV 188 “I thank you, thank you, Jesus”

Or sing a fun camp song in a three-part round that ties into the Matthew reading (search Love the Lord your God/We’ve got Christian lives to live on YouTube).

You might also gather enough instruments for all the children (or everyone in church, if you’re brave!) and rock out to some of your favourites.

Sermon StarterIt is rather sad that Moses doesn’t make it to the Promised Land. He only gets to see it from the mountaintop, and then he dies with the promise that God will lead the next generation there. Where have we, as a church, journeyed, and what have we accomplished? What do we need to do to prepare things for the next generation of faithful people, even if we don’t see the end results?

Perhaps, like the people of Israel, we are in a desert time, wandering in the wilderness, rather lost and disillusioned. All around us, churches are closing and we tend to long for the “glory days,” just as the people who followed Moses looked back to Egypt, remembering a past that didn’t really exist. Yet, what if we, too, are on the top of


Mount Nebo, looking out over at the Promised Land, wondering if we will get to enter it? One can’t help but bring to mind Martin Luther King Jr.’s sermon “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” as our church and our world face struggles that send our minds and our hearts reeling.

As I am writing this, I have no idea what will be happening in the world come October 2017. What will have come of the rise of racist propaganda plastered around our cities, or the churches, mosques, and synagogues that have been vandalized, or the LGBT2Q-phobic crimes that have taken a remarkable turn for the worse? What will have happened at Standing Rock, to the child in Aleppo, or to the refugee crisis in Europe? If we are on the mountain, if the Promised Land is in our sights, what has to change in order for us to enter? What are we willing to do? Will we be able to learn to love our neighbour? Where will we need courage?

Hymns Deuteronomy 34:1–12VU 131 “If our God had simply saved us”VU 649 “Walk with me”MV 28 “God of the Bible”MV 120 “Canticle of the Turning”Psalm 9 0:1–6, 13–17VU p. 806 “O God, our help in ages past”1 Thessalonians 2:1–8VU 595 “We are pilgrims”Matthew 22:34–46VU 372 “Though I may speak”MV 138 “My love colours outside the lines”MV 179 “Sisters let us walk together”



November 1 – All Saints’ Day (Wednesday)

Revelation 7:9–17They will hunger no more and thirst no more.

Psalm 34:1–10, 22 (VU pp. 761–762)Taste and see that God is good.

1 John 3:1–3What we will be as God’s children has not yet been revealed.

Matthew 5:1–12The Beatitudes.

To PonderWho are the saints in your life who have gone before you? What reminds you of them?

SparkYou may wish to celebrate All Saints’ Day on the closest Sunday. For a few weeks prior to this, invite people to bring symbols or photos of people who have died (recently or in years past) that they wish to honour during the All Saints’ service. Consider writing a special invitation for the service to those people whom you have served through funerals over the last year. Maybe have a “memory book” where people can write names of loved ones. Prepare a space at the front of the church, perhaps a special table or a beautiful cloth on the chancel steps, to place photos and mementos of loved ones who have died. During the service, perhaps at communion time, invite people to bring their photos or mementos to the front.

With ChildrenCreate a “heaven mural.” Tape a large piece of paper to the wall and invite the kids to help imagine what heaven might be like. Invite them to add whatever they want to the poster, with “beyond the sky” as the only limit. Make sure to have many different colours, textures, stickers, glue sticks, and more available. Don’t forget the glitter!

Sermon StarterSo often, people are opting out of a funeral service these days. The reasons range from the practical limitations of the expense (funerals are not cheap!), to deep and well-thought-out personal beliefs, to hoping to avoid the pain of grief. Yet, we are gifted with this lovely day of All Saints. It offers us the chance to honour and remember those whom we love who have died. We can remember and grieve together, in a safe place, surrounded by support and held up by our faith. Take this time to explore what it means to remember, knowing that grief is something most of us carry with us all the time and acknowledging that it is wise to give our grief some attention now and then.

Excellent resources:A Good Ending: A Compassionate Guide to Funerals, Pastoral Care, and Life Celebrations by David Sparks (UCPH, 2014)The Wilderness of Grief: Finding Your Way by Alan D. Wolfelt (Companion Press, 2007)

HymnsRevelation 7:9–17


VU 382 “Breathe on me, breath of God”VU 494 “Those hearts that we have treasured”Psalm 34:1–10, 22VU 456 “Now to your table spread”MV 198 “When we gather at the table”1 John 3:1–3VU 710 “Shall we gather at the river”Matthew 5:1–12VU p. 896 “Blest are they”MV 12 “Come touch our hearts”



November 5 – Twenty-second after Pentecost

Proper 26Worship materials for November 5 to 26 were contributed by Elaine Bidgood Sveet, First Lutheran Church, Rugby & Leeds, North Dakota.

Joshua 3:7–17Joshua leads the people across the Jordan River.

Psalm 107:1–7, 33–37 (VU pp. 831–832, Parts One and Four)God’s steadfast love endures forever.

1 Thessalonians 2:9–13Lead a life worthy of God.

Matthew 23:1–12The greatest one will be the servant.

To PonderWhat power do you feel you have in your life and in your work? From where does that power come?

SparkImage is not everything. Appearances do not matter more than actions. Clothes do not make the person. You can’t judge a book by its cover. Display these and other sayings about appearances on a screen or at the front of the church.

With ChildrenFor the four Sundays of November, you might share my children’s short-story series called Stories of Greatness. You can print the stories and the children can illustrate or colour them. The series is available in the Drama & More File for Pentecost 2 2017. (E-mail [email protected] to obtain this file.) This week’s gospel-based story is called “King of the Castle.” Or tell your own story about playing King/Queen/Ruler of the Castle, and then share the story of Jesus where he asks us to be servants to others. Jesus defines greatness in a different way than most people do.

With the children, say a “repeat after me” prayer: Loving God / help me to work well with others. / I want to make your world great. / Being good for you / and helping others / is the best thing I can do. / Amen.

Sermon StarterA November sermon series based on the gospel readings might be entitled Striving for Greatness, God’s Way. This week’s sermon could be called A Position of Power. Focus on examples of good church leaders and volunteers who work together for the kingdom and the benefit of others, rather than expecting praise or ordering others around while they watch the workers. Talk about people sharing work at church and at home. Highlight how Jesus led by example, giving himself completely, all the way to the cross. What is the difference between power claimed and power received?

Hymns


Joshua 3:7–17VU 274 “Your hand, O God, has guided”VU 559 “Come, O Fount of every blessing”VU 651 “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah”Psalm 107:1–7, 33–37VU 288 “Great is thy faithfulness”1 Thessalonians 2:9–13VU 582 “There’s a spirit in the air”VU 585 “Jesus bids us shine”Matthew 23:1–12VU 410 “This day God gives me”VU 595 “We are pilgrims” (“The Servant Song”) MV 1 “Let us build a house”MV 7 “Gather us in”SeasonalVU 706 “Give thanks for life”VU 710 “Shall we gather at the river”“Come to the table of grace” by Barbara Hamm

Do you know about www.hymnary.org? Find “Come to the table of grace” and other hymns, with words, music, and audio recording, as well as information about authors, composers, and sources.



November 12 – Twenty-third after PentecostSunday closest to Remembrance Day

Proper 27Joshua 24:1–3a, 14–25Joshua challenges the people to choose God.

Psalm 78:1–7 (VU p. 792 Part One)We will teach the next generations.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18God will raise the dead.

Matthew 25:1–13Parable of the 10 bridesmaids and the lamps.

To PonderWhat is spiritual preparedness? Do you feel spiritually prepared?

SparkYou might plan for a surprise guest to walk into worship, or some other sort of surprise. Decorate with lamps of various shapes and styles, including oil and electric types, some lit (or on) and some not.

With ChildrenThis week’s gospel-based story in Stories of Greatness is called “Ready or Not, Here I Come,” which can be found in the Drama & More File for this issue (e-mail [email protected]). Or tell your own story about the 10 bridesmaids. When have you been surprised by someone’s arrival? Were you ready? What if Jesus walked in here today? Would we be surprised? Are we ready? The bridesmaids needed oil for their lamps in order to be ready. What would we need to do or have in order to be ready for Jesus? But, surprise—ready or not, Jesus is always with us.

With the children, say a “repeat after me” prayer: Loving God / no matter how big I grow / help me to always know / you are in my heart / and I am in yours. / Make me / a ready disciple of Christ. / Amen.

Sermon StarterIn the November sermon series on the gospel readings (Striving for Greatness, God’s Way), this week’s sermon theme is Emergency Preparedness. Talk about the push for families, businesses, and communities to have emergency disaster kits and plans. List the emergency plan and kit materials in your church for fire, tornado, medical emergency, etc. You might also talk about being prepared for the end of life, having wills, power of attorney, and other documents prepared that make it easier for our families as they grieve. Link this to being spiritually prepared to face the disasters and tragedies of life, and ultimately to meet our maker at that unexpected hour.

Hymns


Joshua 24:1–3a, 14–25VU 217 “All creatures of our God and King”VU 220 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”MV 2 “Come all you people”Psalm 78:1–7VU 299 “Teach me, God, to wonder”VU 679 “Let there be light”1 Thessalonians 4:13–18VU 173 “Thine is the glory”VU 222 “Come, let us sing”VU 426 “Saviour, again to your dear name”Matthew 25:1–13VU 424 “May the God of hope”VU 635 “All the way my Saviour leads me”“Lead me, guide me” by Doris Akers (www.hymnary.org)



November 19 – Twenty-fourth after Pentecost

Proper 28Judges 4:1–7The judge Deborah speaks God’s word to the general Barak.

Psalm 123 (VU p. 847)We lift our eyes to you, O God.

1 Thessalonians 5:1–11The day of God will come as a thief in the night.

Matthew 25:14–30The parable of the talents.

To PonderIn your job, do you work mostly out of your talents or often in areas that challenge you?

SparkInvite people to consider this question as part of the act of offering: What do you love to do? List seven things you are good at doing. How could God use your talents to make a positive impact on the world?

With ChildrenThis week’s gospel-based story in Stories of Greatness is “I Can’t Do Anything” and can be found in the Drama & More File for this issue (e-mail [email protected]). Or tell your own story about sharing talents. Sometimes it is normal to feel like there is a lot we cannot do. God trusts each of us with talents or gifts we can use for God. Everything we have is a gift from God. God will use you for good. Share a personal story of how God has called you to use your gifts and talents. Invite the children to consider how they share their talents for God.

With the children, say a “repeat after me” prayer: Loving God / thank you for the talents you give me. / Thank you for trusting me / to do great things for you. / I will not let you down, God. / Amen.

Sermon StarterIn the November sermon series on the gospel readings (Striving for Greatness, God’s Way), this week’s sermon theme is Using the Hand You’ve Been Dealt. Share stories of ordinary people using their talents to God’s glory and the betterment of the world. Your denomination’s mission magazine will have stories along these lines: a nine-year-old who used birthday money to build a well for a community in need of water rather than buy an Xbox; a group of retirees who crafted new Christmas cards for prison inmates to mail to their families; a young parent who used his love of running to start a church-hosted “fun run” fundraiser for a special cause; or a single parent who chose to become a foster parent. How can we use our talents rather than hoarding or hiding them? How might God be challenging us to use our gifts and resources in new ways, taking risks?


HymnsJudges 4:1–7VU 223 “Eternal, Unchanging, we sing”VU 589 “Lord, speak to me”VU 686 “God of grace and God of glory”Psalm 123VU 293 “We praise you, Creator”VU 436 “Abide with me”1 Thessalonians 5:1–11VU 423 “God be with you till we meet again”VU 671 “I need thee every hour”VU 674 “Fight the good fight”Matthew 25:14–30 VU 361 “Small things count”VU 420 “Go to the world”VU 537 “Your work, O God, needs many hands”



November 26 – Reign of Christ SundayProper 29Ezekiel 34:11–16, 20–24God searches for the sheep; judges between the fat and the lean.

Psalm 100 (VU pp. 820–824)Make a joyful noise all the earth!

Ephesians 1:15–23May God give you a spirit of wisdom, revelation, and hope.

Matthew 25:31–46When you helped the least of these, you helped me.

To PonderWhen have you helped “the least of these”? When have you found yourself to be “the least of these”? Do you find it easier be the giver or the receiver? Why?

SparkWho in your community needs help, and whom might your community be missing when giving assistance? Consider refugees, foster children, those about to be released from prison, children with a parent in prison, and other people in your congregation. How can assisting involve dignity for everyone?

With ChildrenThis week’s gospel-based story in Stories of Greatness is “The Secret Superhero” and can be found in the Drama & More File for this issue (e-mail [email protected]). Or tell your own story. Do you ever like to pretend to be someone else, like a superhero or a favourite toy? Whom do you like to pretend to be? Jesus tells us that if we want to be like Jesus, we should be great helpers. Suggest a project that the children could do together in the next few weeks before Christmas, and then do it. What ideas do the children have for a project? Here are some to get you started: 1) make an “undies for under the tree” collection of underwear for those of all ages and genders who find themselves homeless; 2) make Christmas cards for inmates at a local jail so that they can send them to their loved ones; 3) hold a baking and carolling afternoon where children choose the songs and decorate the cookies to give out. In all the projects, work so the children are leaders in creating, helping, and visiting.

With the children, say a “repeat after me” prayer: Loving God / you teach me / that little things I do / matter to you. / Help me to think / not just about myself. / I want to help people / who really need help right now. / Amen.

Sermon StarterIn the November sermon series on the gospel readings (Striving for Greatness, God’s Way), this week’s sermon theme is Serving Jesus. God’s kingdom reigns when we choose to get involved in our community and world. Be specific today. Name ways you have seen your congregation be the true hands and feet of Christ. Congratulate them and encourage them with stories of the great work of other congregations across the


country or world. Speak of the ways we can follow the Way of Jesus in our own lives, day by day. Inspire the people to be partners in building the kingdom of heaven on earth!

HymnsEzekiel 34:11–16, 20–24VU 112 “O God, how we have wandered”VU 312 “Praise with joy the world’s Creator”Psalm 10VU p. 888 “Earth and all stars”MV 156 “Dance with the Spirit”Ephesians 1:15–23 VU 337 “Blessed assurance”Matthew 25:31–46VU 593 “Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love”VU 600 “When I needed a neighbour”VU 603 “In loving partnership we come”VU 605 “Jesus, teacher, brave and bold”SeasonalVU 211 “Crown him with many crowns”VU 334 “All hail the power of Jesus’ name”

Documents

Gathering Pentecost 2 2017 Lectionary - United Church of ...Gathering, Pentecost 2 2017. ... Have the word “thanksgiving” printed on a large card. ... and communities to have emergency