Gathering 2014le Lectionary

GATHERING, LENT EASTER 2014

Contents – Ash Wednesday to Pentecost, Year A

2 Gathering, Lent/Easter 2014

March 5 – Ash Wednesday

Worship materials for Ash Wednesday through Holy Week 2014 were contributed by Jim Allan, Karen Bridges, and Tammy-Jo Mortensen of Robertson-Wesley United Church, Edmonton, Alberta.

Joel 2:1–2, 12–17 The day of the Lord is near.

or Isaiah 58:1–12 A fast that is acceptable to God.

Psalm 51:1–17 (VU pp. 776–777) Create in me a new heart.

2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10 We are ambassadors for Christ.

Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21 Give alms and fast in secret.

Spark

Hand out a dried palm leaf to each person as they enter the worship space to remind them of the Lenten journey to come. The palm leaves are brittle and can be broken easily. Invite the congregation to put them into a fire resistant receptacle as a symbol of a new beginning and the letting go of what they need to release.

Theme Engagement Question

It says in the Matthew reading “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (verse 21). What do you treasure most in your life? What does God treasure most about you?

With Children

Kindling. Spark. Fire. Water. Ashes. All of these elements play a role in the service today. Invite the children to describe each one: What does it look like? How does it make them feel? What does it remind them of? Tell the children the story of the phoenix, like the one Dumbledore had in the Harry Potter tales. Remind the children that in this service we will be going through a similar transformation or process as followers of Jesus during Lent. First we need to let go of things from our past that get in the way of us being all that God intends us to be. We let go of these things by writing about them on paper and burning the paper with palm leaves from the year before. As we engage in this ritual, we will smell smoke and watch the flames as the fire burns. Water is then poured upon the flames. The water reminds us that we are refreshed and our hearts have been cleaned. At the end of the ritual, we are ready to walk with Jesus with new eyes, an open heart, and a loving spirit.

Sermon Starter

This service marks the beginning of Lent and is about facing God and ourselves with openness and honesty. It is an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with God and with people in our lives. Ash Wednesday is connected to the ancient Jewish festival of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Atonement is defined as “at-one-ment.” It is easy to drift away from God or to become so

Gathering, Lent/Easter 2014 3

living out our faith in the world. We can ask ourselves what it is that God wants of us. We can ask how we can change the priorities in our lives to reflect what we truly believe. What gifts has God given us and how are we using these gifts? What forgiveness do we need to offer ourselves in order to accept the love that God freely gives? The centre of this service is the ritual of burning the palm branches and then receiving the sign of the cross from the ashes, a symbolic opportunity to reflect and to reconnect with God.

Hymns

Joel 2:1–2, 12–17VU 22 “Wait for the Lord”VU 949 “Grant to us, O God”MV 7 “Gather us in”MV 90 “Don’t be afraid”

Isaiah 58:1–12VU 109 “Now quit your care”VU 367 “Come down, O love divine”MV 114 “Behold the face of Christ”MV 171 “Christ has no body now but yours”MV 173 “Put peace into each other’s hands”

Psalm 51:1–17VU 112 “O God, how we have wandered”VU 116 “Giver of the perfect gift”VU 364 “Forgive our sins as we forgive”MV 17 “God in the darkness” Anon., arr. Sharon Bradimore “Create in me a clean heart”

(see Hymnary.org)

2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10VU 112 “O God, how we have wandered”VU 116 “Giver of the perfect gift”VU 589 “Lord, speak to me”VU 595 “We are pilgrims”VU 701 “What does the Lord require of you”MV 21 “Open our hearts”MV 46 “Bless the Lord”MV 79 “Spirit, open my heart”MV 177 “This is my body”

Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21VU 149 “When I survey the wondrous cross”VU 544 “In gratitude and humble trust”VU 561 “Take up your cross”VU 701 “What does the Lord require of you”

GeneralVU 105 “Dust and ashes touch our face”VU 411 “O God we call”VU 427 “To show by touch and word”VU 433 “Day is done”VU 619 “Healer of our every ill”VU 948 “O God, hear my prayer”MV 74 “When painful mem’ries”MV 75 “Veni Sancte Spiritus”MV 85 “Take, O take me as I am”


March 9 – Lent 1

Genesis 2:15–17, 3:1–7Temptation in the Garden of Eden.

Psalm 32 (VU p. 759)Joy of forgiveness.

Romans 5:12–19 Adam and Christ.

Matthew 4:1–11Temptation of Jesus.

Spark

Place a (potted) tree in the sanctuary and hang things on the tree that would be tempting for people to touch or eat. Or place on the communion table a big red “push” button that you know people will wonder about or want to touch. Or use caution tape to cordon off a pew or area of the church. Or take a long piece of rope and make a circle on the floor with an X through it to indicate that people should not go into the circle. See what people do.


What part of the human condition seems the most hopeless to you? What in today’s scriptures speaks to that hopelessness?

With Children

Begin by inviting the children to name things they really want but that their parents don’t think they should have. Write down three of the things they say. Now invite the children to think of three things that we really need in life. Retell the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness using the things the children have named as wants and needs. Jesus chooses not the things people typically want (or think we need), but the things we really need. Remind the children that sometimes our desire for things can get in the way of friendship and time with God. Today we need to trust that God will give us all that we need for a life that is full of love.

Sermon Starter

In the Genesis and Matthew readings, we have the juxtaposition of Adam succumbing to temptation and Jesus resisting it. Paul underlines the contrast. Without getting dogmatic about original sin, we can all recognize the ways in which humanity seems stuck. No one can explain why poverty, war, racial discrimination, and so on, persist. Some tend to be cynical about their inevitability: the sense of being cursed forever. During Lent, we are invited to bring our feelings of cynicism, hopelessness, and bewilderment about the human condition to worship. Then we can acknowledge the many ways in which the Way of Christ changes the script, bends the karma, lifts the curse.

Hymns

Genesis 2:15–17, 3:1–7VU 112 “O God, how we have wandered”


VU 515 “Holy Spirit, source of love”MV 17 “God in the darkness”

Psalm 32VU 135 “Beneath the cross of Jesus”VU 271 “There’s a wideness in God’s mercy”VU 614 “In suffering love”MV 64 “Because you came”MV 81 “Love us into fullness”MV 95 “How deep the peace”

Romans 5:12–19 VU 116 “Giver of the perfect gift”VU 337 “Blessed assurance”VU 364 “Forgive our sins as we forgive”VU 686 “God of grace and God of glory”VU 707 “For the faithful who have answered”MV 76 “If I have been the source of pain”

Matthew 4:1–11 VU 113 “To the desert Jesus came”VU 114 “Forty days and forty nights”VU 115 “Jesus, tempted in the desert”VU 133 “Go to dark Gethsemane”VU 212 “Eternal Christ, you rule”VU 322 “O God, whose first creative word”VU p. 808 “On Eagle’s Wings”MV 65 “When we are tested”MV 118 “Me alone”

General / SeasonalVU 361 “Small things count”VU 633 “Bless now, O God, the journey”VU 945–946 “Kyrie eleison”MV 67–70 “Kyrie eleison”MV 120 “My soul cries out”MV 151 “Your will be done”


March 16 – Lent 2

Genesis 12:1–4aCall of Abram.

Psalm 121 (VU p. 842)Yahweh will not let you stumble.

Romans 4:1–5, 13–17 Abraham’s faith.

John 3:1–17 Nicodemus visits Jesus.

Spark

Position at the front of the church a basin of water with a spruce branch or a small bowl of anointing oil and a towel. Invite people to come forward to receive a blessing of the sign of the cross on their hand or forehead with the oil, or invite the children to put their fingers in the water and sprinkle those in the sanctuary as a blessing.


How do you feel about newness and being a beginner? When have you felt God leading you to be born of the Spirit?

With Children

Talk to the children about saying grace before we eat. What do we say or sing? Invite the congregation’s suggestions. This is one way we give blessings. A blessing is an action or a proclamation that what we have or have been given is special. We bless the bread and wine at communion. We bless children and adults during baptism. Some churches bless rooms dedicated to someone; some hold services to bless animals and pets. God thinks that each one of us is special and should therefore be blessed. Sometimes when we bless someone or something we put our hand on them or above them. Sometimes we use water to sprinkle as a blessing. Invite the children to dip their fingers in the water and sprinkle the people in the pews. Invite everyone to say a word of blessing to each other, such as, “You are a gift from God. Blessings be upon you.”

Sermon Starter

How can one be born again? The story of the call of Abraham roots our faith tradition in a new beginning. Nicodemus, in conversation with Jesus, puzzles about how one can be born again. We talk a lot about being born again, but it is easy to miss Jesus’ meaning. Nicodemus had to realize that it was not about re-entering his mother’s womb. Today, we can miss Jesus’ meaning by thinking it is about modernism: the church of the latest thing. Or we can be tempted to think in terms of modern self-help psychology, pointing to a perfectionist personality makeover. Jesus challenges us to look deeper and, like Nicodemus, to open our hearts to being “born of the Spirit.” This is not about newness; it is about going deeper in our relationship with God.

Hymns

Genesis 12:1–4a


VU 643 “Faith, while trees are still in blossom”MV 20 “God of still waiting”MV 46 “Bless the Lord”

Psalm 121 VU 286 “If you will trust in God to guide you”VU 653 “Come, let us to the God of love”VU 716 “My life flows on”MV 82 “Bathe me in your light”MV 129 “To the high and kindly hills”

Romans 4:1–5, 13–17 VU 580 “Faith of our fathers [mothers]”VU 642 “Be thou my vision”VU 663 “My faith looks up to thee”MV 139 “True faith needs no defence”MV 162 “Christ, within us hidden”

John 3:1–17 VU 135 “Beneath the cross of Jesus”VU 147 “What wondrous love is this”VU 333 “Love divine, all loves excelling”MV 93 “What calls me from the death”MV 100 “Lord God, you love us”MV 102 “Jesus, your Spirit in us”Marie J. Post “As Moses raised the serpent up” (see Hymnary.org)

General / SeasonalMV 18 “Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary”MV 21 “Open our hearts”MV 46 “Bless the Lord”MV 115 “Behold, behold I make all things new”MV 222 “May the peace of God be your peace”


March 23 – Lent 3

Exodus 17:1–7 Water from the rock.

Psalm 95 (VU pp. 814–815) Let us shout to the rock of our salvation.

Romans 5:1–11 Hope in God does not disappoint us.

John 4:5–42 Jesus and the Samaritan woman.

Spark

Bring some large rocks to the church and place them in random parts of the sanctuary, or create a well using milk cartons covered in construction paper to look like bricks. You could have a small water fountain made of rocks displayed.


What are you thirsting for? What is the congregation thirsting for?

With Children

Invite the children to think of a time when they were really thirsty, a time when they did not have anything to drink. Ask: Where were you? What were you doing? How did you quench your thirst? Now have the children find an adult with whom they can share the story of the time they were thirsty. Then bring into view a glass of water. Ask the children/congregation how many of them now want this glass of water. In today’s scripture, Moses turned to God for help because the Israelites were complaining to him of their thirst. Jesus said that if we follow him, we will no longer be thirsty. But Jesus wasn’t talking about water. He was talking about thirsting for other things in life, such as love and acceptance. When we follow Jesus, we experience unconditional love and acceptance of who we are. Invite the children to think about how much God loves them the next time they drink a glass of water.

Sermon Starter

As each year passes, our hearts tend to harden from the wear and tear of life. Things happen to us that hurt us, make us more cautious, cause us to fight back, and cause us to build up walls of protection. These things also tend to leave us thirsting for something more in life. God quenches our thirst and provides us with living water that often comes from places we would least expect. Exodus is a story with which we can easily identify: many of us have experienced people around us who are negative, who complain about everything and everybody, and this scripture reminds us to look deeper. What are the people really longing for? Where and how do we experience the presence of God? The story of the woman at the well reminds us that if we are open to what is happening around us, Jesus is present. God provides us with what we need in places we would least expect God to provide it. Perhaps we need to move out of the church and into the world to experience Jesus as the Samaritan woman did.

Hymns


VU 105 “Dust and ashes touch our face”VU 113 “To the desert Jesus came”VU 287 “Wellspring of wisdom”VU 421 “Lead on, O cloud of Presence”MV 17 “God in the darkness”MV 109 “My soul is thirsting for you”

Psalm 95 MV 2 “Come all you people”MV 9 “O come and let us sing”MV 92 “Like a rock”

Romans 5:1–11VU 373 “As comes the breath of spring”VU 424 “May the God of hope go with us”VU 654 “All my hope is firmly grounded”

John 4:5–42VU 222 “Come, let us sing”VU 449 “Crashing waters at creation”VU 626 “I heard the voice of Jesus”VU 702 “When a poor one”MV 87` “Water flowing from the mountains”MV 102 “Jesus, your Spirit in us”MV 117 “By the well, a thirsty woman”“Come to the Well” (see www.commoncup.com)

General / SeasonalVU 577 “I’ve got peace like a river”VU 651 “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah”MV 85 “Take, O take me as I am”

http://www.commoncup.com/


March 30 – Lent 4

1 Samuel 16:1–13 David selected to be King.

Psalm 23 (VU pp. 747–749)The Lord is my shepherd.

Ephesians 5:8–14 Children of light.

John 9:1–41 A man born blind receives sight.

Spark

Begin the service without any candles lit. Then invite members of the congregation to light candles for places of healing within your community.


Who do you relate to on the basis of externals and who according to the inner person? What do you see when you look at people through the eyes of the soul rather than through your physical eyes?

With Children

Take the children on a trust walk around the sanctuary. A trust walk is similar to what it would be like for the sheep when the shepherd would lead them and care for them against danger. Have adults on hand to help and place blindfolds on all the children who are willing, or simply trust the children to keep their eyes closed. On the trust walk have them touch things like a pew or the communion table to experience the surroundings in a different way. Bring the children back to the centre of the sanctuary and let them open their eyes. Does the room seem brighter now? Does the sanctuary look different? Ask if they could sense the people around them as they walked. End this time with a healing blessing shared with the entire congregation. Invite them to clap their hands, rub them together quickly, and then place their hands out in front of them with their eyes closed and feel the energy that is released from their hands. Invite them to move their hands from one side to the other, telling them that they are sending healing love to the people around them as a blessing from God. Let the healing energy that is created bring warmth to each one of us.

Sermon Starter

Jesus sees in the blind man a soul more closely related to God than the Pharisee’s. Samuel sees in the heart of the boy David courage beyond his strong brothers. Both were derided and discounted. Who is it who is derided and discounted in our world today? Who would be overlooked? But what difference does it make for the church to see beyond the externals to the inner person; to affirm each one who comes into our midst; to make room for their light to shine?

Hymns

1 Samuel 16:1–13


VU 572 “Send me, Lord”MV 161 “I have called you by your name”MV 167 “Hush! Hush!”MV 172 “God says”

Psalm 23 VU 273 “The King of love”VU 360 “A woman and a coin—the coin is lost”VU 398 “Great shepherd of your people”MV 126 “Are you a shepherd”

Ephesians 5:8–14 VU 79 “Arise, your light is come”VU 82 “A light is gleaming”VU 336 “Christ whose glory fills the skies”MV 82 “Bathe me in your light”MV 209 “Go, make a diff’rence”

John 9:1–41 VU 121 “Tree of Life and awesome mystery”VU 266 “Amazing grace”VU 371 “Open my eyes, that I may see”VU 619 “Healer of our every ill”VU 622 “Your hands, O Christ”MV 115 “Behold, behold, I make all things new”MV 171 “Christ has no body now but yours”

General / SeasonalVU 117 “Jesus Christ is waiting”VU 344 “How sweet the name of Jesus sounds”VU 389 “God is here”VU 514 “God the Spirit, guide and guardian”MV 90 “Don’t be afraid”MV 120 “My soul cries out”MV 165 “There is a time”MV 169 “When hands reach out beyond divides”


April 6 – Lent 5

Ezekiel 37:1–14 Valley of dry bones.

Psalm 130 (VU pp. 852–853)My soul waits for God.

Romans 8:6–11 Life in the Spirit.

John 11:1–45 Jesus raises Lazarus to life.

Spark

Have wooden blocks available or bring in logs, petrified wood, or a skeleton. Incorporate the sound of the wooden blocks into your call to worship to suggest an image of bringing the bones back to life. Or you may want to have a video of a fire crackling in the background as people arrive, to remind them of the spirit that sparks our life.


What is it that kills our spirit and destroys the soul of our community? What raises us and makes these bones live again?

With Children

Consider inviting some people who are good with movement or dance to recreate the valley of the dry bones coming to life. Or have the children (and any adults who are willing) lie down on the ground and keep completely still. Then, when they hear a sound, they are to move one part of their body and move another part of their body each time they hear the sound until they are standing upright. Then have the music grow faster until they are moving around continuously. Ask the children how they feel afterward. Do they feel more alive, more energized? Talk about how sometimes in our faith lives it seems as if we aren’t connected to God. Then we need to do something that will spark our faith and get our spirit moving again. Invite people to think about what has sparked their faith recently.

Sermon Starter

This time of year, we wait again for the miracle of the seed—lying far beneath the winter snow—that, with the sun’s love in the spring, becomes the rose.* The prophet sees the people who have lost their spiritual vitality and asks, “Can these bones live?” And when Jesus arrives in Jericho, Lazarus is already in the tomb. These miraculous images reflect the powerful essence of life that God has planted at the heart of all life. In all of the dried-up, empty, dead places and moments of our life and world, we are challenged to believe the answer is “Yes, these bones can live again,” thanks to the life-giving Spirit that is more powerful than death itself.* Note the song “The Rose” by Amanda McBroom made famous by Bette Midler – Ed.

Hymns

Ezekiel 37:1–14


MV 115 “Behold, behold, I make all things new”MV 150 “Spirit God, be our breath”James Weldon Johnson “Dem Bones” (spiritual)

Psalm 130 VU 112 “O God, how we have wandered”VU 611 “Out of the depths, O God”VU p. 852 “Up from the depths I cry to God”MV 72 “Why stand so far away”MV 73 “O God, why are you silent”

Romans 8:6–11 VU 368 “Holy Spirit, truth divine”VU 376 “Spirit of the living God”VU 381 “Spirit of Life”VU 383 “Come, O Holy Spirit, come”MV 75 “Veni Sancte Spiritus”MV 79 “Spirit, open my heart”

John 11:1–45 VU 146 “When Jesus wept”VU 154 “Why has God forsaken me”VU 326 “O for a thousand tongues to sing”VU 622 “Your hands, O Christ”MV 93 “What calls me from the death”Suzanne Toolan “I am the bread of life” © 1993 GIA Publications

General / SeasonalVU 121 “Tree of Life and awesome mystery”VU 614 “In suffering love”MV 45 “You are holy”MV 130 “Rise up, rise up”MV 165 “There is a time”


April 13 – Palm/Passion Sunday

Liturgy of the PalmsMatthew 21:1–11 Jesus enters Jerusalem.

Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29 (VU p. 837) The stone the builders rejected.

Liturgy of the PassionIsaiah 50:4–9a The suffering servant struck and insulted.

Psalm 31:9–16 (VU p. 758) My times are in your hand.

Philippians 2:5–11Let the same mind be in you as was in Jesus.

Matthew 26:14—27:66or Matthew 27:11–54The Passion of Jesus.

Spark

Make signs of welcome for Jesus’ triumphal entry, or have people waiting outside your front doors welcoming people and telling them that they are watching and waiting for Jesus to arrive.


How do you participate in this journey into Jerusalem with Jesus? How has Jesus inspired you to servanthood?

With Children

Retell the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry from the point of view of the colt/donkey. Use a donkey puppet or a simple costume piece. The donkey would probably have lots of questions, such as, Why are palm branches all over the road? Why are people chanting? The children could be invited to help figure out who the donkey is carrying. Why is he so special? Where is he going?

Sermon Starter

At the beginning of Holy Week there is a mix of emotions—celebration, joy, a sense of fear and imminent doom, political strife, uncertainty, and resistance. The week begins with Jesus entering Jerusalem and the crowds crying out “Hosanna,” but who is this man whom they have travelled so far to greet and to honour? How do these events fire us up and inspire us to make love our resistance? Have Canadians, have Christians, and have we as a congregation stood silently too long? This is a good Sunday to explore who Jesus is—servant, teacher, rebel, healer, and so on. You may want to use excerpts from A Song of Faith as a way of bringing to light the reasons that so many people gathered to celebrate Jesus entering Jerusalem. Invite the congregation to think about why they would have come to the parade and waved palms. Why do we still wave palms today?


Hymns

Matthew 21:1–11VU 122 “All glory, laud and honour”VU 123 “Hosanna, loud hosanna”VU 128 “Sanna, sannanina”VU 151 “Lift high the cross”VU 646 “We are marching”MV 128 “When they heard”AGCS* 18 “Palm Sunday peace”*All God’s Children Sing”

Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29VU 325 “Christ is made the sure foundation”MV 8 “And on this path”MV 92 “Like a rock”

Isaiah 50:4–9aVU 145 “O sacred head”VU 660 “How firm a foundation”VU p. 806 “O God, our help in ages past”MV 65 “When we are tested”

Psalm 31:9–16 VU 652 “Be still, my soul”VU 658 “O love that wilt not let me go”VU 670 “Precious Lord, take my hand”MV 83 “Let my spirit always sing”

Philippians 2:5–11VU 335 “At the name of Jesus”VU 595 “We are pilgrims”MV 47 “Born in human likeness”MV 155 “Unbounded Spirit, breath of God”SFGP* 106 “He is Lord”*Songs for a Gospel People

Matthew 26:14—27:66 or Matthew 27:11–54VU 133 “Go to dark Gethsemane”VU 136 “O come and mourn with me awhile”VU 142 “Jesus, keep me near the cross”VU 143 “My song is love unknown”VU 152 “There is a green hill far away”MV 73 “O God, why are you silent?”


April 17 – Maundy Thursday

Exodus 12:1–4, (5–10), 11–14 Instructions for the first Passover.

Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19 (VU p. 836) How can I repay you, O God?

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 An account of the Last Supper.

John 13:1–17, 31b–35 Jesus washes the disciples’ feet.

Spark

Set up a long table near to the floor with cushions around it to recreate the scene of the Last Supper in the Upper Room. Also, have the baptismal font in a prominent place with a large (pottery) jar of water at hand, as well as basins and towels for foot/handwashing.


How have you lived Jesus’ new commandment to love one another as he loved us? How will you receive the peace that Jesus gives?

With Children

Invite the children to think of the various ways we show people that we love them. Then show the children how Jesus showed his love for the disciples by washing their feet. Invite the children to have their hands or feet washed as a sign of Jesus’ love for us. Invite the adults to come forward and receive the same. The children can help with the washing of feet or hands.

Sermon Starter

The story of the Last Supper is a compelling story and one that can be re-enacted in this service. The sermon could then reflect the thoughts of people who were at the supper but whose voices we haven’t heard. You could reflect on how Mary Magdalene feels as she watches Jesus wash the feet of the disciples and then shares the bread and the wine. You could reflect on the point of view of his mother Mary or one of the other disciples such as Thomas or John. What is their reaction to the words that Jesus says? What are their fears? What has Jesus meant to them? The service would do well to end in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus goes to pray. Consider ending the service in silence, quiet prayer, and personal reflection.

Hymns

Exodus 12:1–4, (5–10), 11–14 VU 457 “As we gather at your table”Latin 6th century/John Mason Neale, trans. “The Lamb’s high banquet called to share” (see www.oremus.org)

Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19 VU 215 “Hope of the world”

http://www.oremus.org/


1 Corinthians 11:23–26VU 130 “An upper room did our Lord prepare”VU 458 “Christ, let us come with you”VU 462 “Before I take the body of my Lord”VU 466 “Eat this bread”VU 469 “We gather here”VU 470 “For the bread which you have broken”MV 194 “Bread of life, feed my soul”MV 195 “Long ago and far away”MV 202 “Bread for the journey”

John 13:1–17, 31b–35VU 130 “An upper room did our Lord prepare”VU 593 “Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love”VU 594 “O Christian, love”MV 12 “Come touch our hearts”MV 162 “Christ, within us hidden”

General / SeasonalVU 129 “Said Judas to Mary”VU 148 “Jesus, remember me”VU 290 “Nothing can trouble”VU 948 “O God, hear my prayer”


April 18 – Good Friday

Isaiah 52:13—53:12 The suffering servant despised and rejected.

Psalm 22 (VU pp. 743–746)Why have you forsaken me?

Hebrews 10:16–25Provoke one another to love and good deeds.

or Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9 Jesus, the high priest who knows our weakness.

John 18:1—19:42 The Passion narrative.

Spark

Consider beginning and ending in silence as when we pause for a moment of silence during times of remembrance. Perhaps this can happen several times in the service. Also consider the role of sound to help bring the story alive.


What impact does Jesus’ death have on how you continue to be a faithful follower of Christ?

With Children

Consider creating a ritual in which the children can participate. They might lay flowers or the palm branches from Palm Sunday at the foot of the cross in memory of Jesus. This would also be a good time to invite the children to pray to Jesus. For what would they wish to pray?

Sermon Starter

If you were asked to do a memorial service or funeral for Jesus, what would you say in your sermon? Taking time to reflect on the impact Jesus had on his family, friends, and the community that he served provides the preacher with the opportunity to flesh out all the ways that Jesus has hope, love, compassion, inspiration, and grace. As they do for Maundy Thursday, the scriptures bring this story alive; we don’t need to try and manipulate the emotions of those who have come. Allow the music and the scriptures to speak, and people will respond in their own genuine way. You may want to give the congregation time to picture what it would have been like to wait at the foot of the cross after Jesus had died. What would be going through their heads? How would they feel? Would they have gone and shown themselves in this time of conflict or would they have chosen, like Peter, to hide the fact that they knew Jesus? Invite people to consider where they are in their faith journey and remind them that Jesus is with us all, no matter what we have said or done.

Hymns

Isaiah 52:13—53:12 VU 116 “Giver of the perfect gift”VU 138 “Ah, holy Jesus”


Psalm 22 VU 119 “When we are tempted”VU 154 “Why has God forsaken me”MV 73 “O God, why are you silent”

Hebrews 10:16–25 VU 147 “What wondrous love is this”VU 436 “Abide with me”VU 559 “Come, O Fount of every blessing”VU 688 “O day of God, draw nigh”MV 95 “How deep the peace”MV 96 “And when you call for me”MV 100 “Lord God, you love us”

Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9 VU 111 “As the sun with longer journey”VU 238 “O Lord my God”VU 671 “I need thee every hour”MV 12 “Come touch our hearts”MV 81 “Love us into fullness”MV 82 “Bathe me in your light”MV 139 “True faith needs no defence”

John 18:1—19:42 VU 132 “Bitter was the night”VU 133 “Go to dark Gethsemane”VU 136 “O come and mourn with me awhile”VU 145 “O sacred head”VU 148 “Jesus, remember me”VU 152 “There is a green hill far away”MV 64 “Because you came”MV 162 “Christ, within us hidden”MV 189 “Jesus, we are here”William B. Petricko “Alone in Gethsemane”* (found on page 54 in this issue of Gathering)*Music Editor’s note: This Good Friday hymn was one of the winners of the Sacred Song for Holy Week/Easter competition held last year.


April 20 – EasterEarth Sunday

Acts 10:34–43 Peter’s account of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

or Jeremiah 31:1–6 God’s everlasting love.

Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24 (VU p. 837) God is my strength and my song.

Colossians 3:1–4 Set your mind on things above.

John 20:1–18 or Matthew 28:1–10 Mary and the empty tomb.

Spark

During the season of Lent, invite the children to use craft materials to create a large stone that can be used on Easter Sunday as a symbol of removing the stone from the entrance of the tomb.


When have you experienced leadership that was truly effective? In what ways do you experience Jesus as a leader in your life?

With Children

Place a clear bowl on the communion table. Take an egg and crack it (making sure it is hard-boiled so that nothing falls into the bowl). Before you crack it, ask the children what they think will happen when you crack the egg. After you have cracked the egg, ask if the children were surprised or not. Ask the children what the disciples were expecting when the stone was removed from Jesus’ tomb. In the same way that we expected the egg to come out of the shell, the disciples expected Jesus to be in the tomb when they looked in. But, like the surprise of the egg not coming out of the shell, the disciples found the tomb empty. Jesus had been transformed into a new state of being.

Sermon Starter

We spend a lot of time and energy in the church today considering and developing leadership. Throughout the Bible, there is a great deal said and told about leadership, especially the leaders God appointed. In Jesus, people find a different kind of leadership—more humble, more in touch with people, more courageous in challenging the establishment. Then, after the powers that be do their best to destroy him, the disciples realize that he is yet in their midst, still leading them, but from beyond death and therefore more powerfully than anyone has led before.

Hymns

Acts 10:34–43


MV 48 “I can feel you near me God”MV 59 “Alleluia, praise to God”

Jeremiah 31:1–6 VU 240 “Praise, my soul, the God of heaven”VU 253 “Sing your joy”VU 352 “I danced in the morning”MV 94 “Love knocks and waits”

Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24 VU 169 “Good Christians all, rejoice and sing”VU 175 “This is the day that God has made”VU 325 “Christ is made the sure foundation”VU 348 “O love, how deep”VU 412 “This is the day”MV 8 “And on this path”MV 16 “Come and fill our hearts”MV 122 “This is the day”

Colossians 3:1–4 VU 167 “Christ is risen from the dead”VU 217 “All creatures of our God and King”VU 230 “Heaven is singing for joy”VU 706 “Give thanks for life”MV 36 “Glory to God”MV 38 “Glory to God”MV 162 “Christ, within us hidden”

John 20:1–18 or Matthew 28:1–10 VU 168 “The risen Christ”VU 170 “O sons and daughters, let us sing”VU 173 “Thine is the glory”VU 176 “Who is there on this Easter morning”VU 180 “Christ is risen, yes, indeed”VU 183 “We meet you, O Christ”MV 90 “Don’t be afraid”MV 121 “Hey now! Singing hallelujah!”Bill Steadman and Robert Hall “Jesus Incarnate”* (found on page 55 in this issue of Gathering)*Music Editor’s note: This Easter hymn was one of the winners of the Sacred Song for Holy Week/Easter competition held last year.


April 27 – Second Sunday of EasterCamping Sunday

Worship materials for the Second Sunday of Easter through the Fourth Sunday of Easter were contributed by Scott MacAuley and Judy McKelvey of Sparling United Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Acts 2:14a, 22–32 Peter preaches on Pentecost.

Psalm 16 (VU pp. 737–738)In you, God, I take refuge.

1 Peter 1:3–9 Salvation is the outcome of faithfulness.

John 20:19–31 Jesus appears to the disciples and to Thomas.

Spark

Place a table in an accessible space in the sanctuary and cover it with tea lights. During the prayers of the faithful, invite those gathered for worship to think about the doubts they experience in their faith journeys. After an appropriate time of silence, encourage people to visit the candle station, light a candle, and offer their doubts to God. This may be done while singing “Take, O take me as I am” (MV 85) without accompaniment.


What doubts have you overcome due to the presence and witness of the faith community to which you belong?

With Children

Bring a bag to church that contains a block of Swiss cheese, a transformer toy, some hard beans, and a cellphone. Share with the children that you are going to take items out of the bag and tell them something about each. They have to tell you whether or not they believe you. For example, tell them that the Swiss cheese is a piece of the moon, the transformer robot is a taxi cab, the beans are magic, and with the cellphone they can call God. When the children don’t believe you, ask them what would make them believe you. If they do believe you, ask them why they believe you. Tell them the story of Thomas the doubter and what it took for him to believe that Jesus was alive.

Sermon Starter

The Evangelist John has passed on to us this wonderful story of the apostle Thomas’s movement from doubt to belief after his encounter with the risen Christ. While we often focus on Thomas’s doubt and hold it up as a kind of assurance that our doubts are healthy, normal, and to be expected, it may be of value to dig a little deeper in this familiar story. When Jesus first appears, Thomas is absent from the community of disciples. When Jesus appears again a week later, Thomas is present in the community of disciples. Is it possible that John is trying to tell us that our presence in the community of disciples is necessary to experience the risen Christ? What does


Hymns

Acts 2:14a, 22–32VU 155 “Jesus Christ is risen today”VU 158 “Christ is alive”VU 253 “Sing your joy”

Psalm 16VU p. 737 “Protect me, God”MV 84 “In you, there is a refuge”

1 Peter 1:3–9VU 663 “My faith looks up to thee”MV 220 “Hope shines as the solitary star”

John 20:19–31VU 170 “O sons and daughters, let us sing”VU 185 “You tell me that the Lord is risen”MV 147 “God, help us to treasure”


May 4 – Third Sunday of Easter

Acts 2:14a, 36–41Three thousand new followers of the Way.

Psalm 116:1–4, 12–19 (VU p. 836)How can I repay you, God?

1 Peter 1:17–23Souls purified through obedience.

Luke 24:13–35Jesus’ appearance on the road to Emmaus.

Spark

Invite the worship team to bring their digital cameras and join you for a mid-week walk of the community. Ask members to take pictures of places where they believe God is at work. Subjects might include a renewed playground, building project, wetland area, outdoor hockey rink, or any other signs of community renewal. Meet together to review the pictures taken and to prepare a PowerPoint presentation that could be used during the call to worship, gospel reading, or sermon. When these pictures are shown, highlight that they are examples of God walking with us in community. Emphasize that, like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, if we look with eyes of faith, our eyes will be opened to see the resurrected Jesus at work in our community.


What projects, ministries, and events in your community cause your heart to burn within you?

With Children

Using a magnifying glass and a cereal box, show the children the small print on the side of the box and explain that this includes important information about nutrition, calories, and fat content. Explain that for many it is difficult to read the information. Show the children what happens when you place the magnifying glass over the small print. Share the story of the Road to Emmaus and explain that the disciples could not see clearly and did not recognize Jesus. As Jesus talked and broke bread with them, they were able to see more clearly and finally recognized him. Invite the children to consider how Jesus is like a magnifying glass that helps us understand the important things in our lives.

Sermon Starter

In his work Beyond Duty: A Passion for Christ, a Heart for Mission, Tim A. Dearborn makes the statement “It is not the church of God that has a mission in the world, but the God of mission who has a church in the world.”1 This quote has become something of a foundational pillar for the missional church movement and has helped Christians and whole denominations to reclaim what it means to be engaged in mission. Our God is engaged deeply in the world and invites all of humanity to join in the work of renewing creation. We could add to Dearborn’s quote by saying the God of mission also has a synagogue in the world, a mosque in the world, and countless other institutions that are invited into the work of renewing creation. Luke is the only gospel to relate the story of the Road to Emmaus. Within this very real journey of the disciples on the road, a spiritual truth is slowly unveiled and the disciples see with eyes of faith what God is already


doing in their midst. The choice for the disciples is to continue on their journey and ignore what has been revealed to them, or to turn back to Jerusalem and participate in the work that God has already begun. How many times do we find ourselves absorbed in the works of the church and headed on a journey away from the work that God is already doing in our midst?

Hymns

Acts 2:14a, 36–41VU 190 “The head that once was crowned”VU 480 “Let us break bread together”MV 135 “Called by earth and sky”

Psalm 116:1–4, 12–19MV 191 “What can I do?

1 Peter 1:17–23VU 667 “Jesus, priceless treasure”MV 13 “O let the power fall on me”

Luke 24:13–35VU 182 “Stay with us through the night”VU 184 “As we walked home at close of day”MV 21 “Open our hearts”MV 199 “When at this table”


May 11 – Fourth Sunday of EasterChristian Family Sunday

Acts 2:42–47 The believers share everything in common.

Psalm 23 (VU pp. 747–749)God is my shepherd.

1 Peter 2:19–25Christ’s example in suffering.

John 10:1–10Jesus the Good Shepherd and the Gate.

Spark

“...and the sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4). Create a central, two-tiered, altar-like area by placing some sturdy boxes on a table and covering everything with white or gold cloth, long enough to “puddle” the fabric down the front and onto the floor. At various levels around the table, place pictures, newspaper clippings, articles, names, and images of known leaders (past and present) within the community. These may include some of the church’s past and current ministers and lay leaders, community politicians who have made significant contributions, and volunteers of the church and other non-profit community organizations. Intersperse these images with symbols of leadership such as a cane to represent a shepherd’s crook, walking stick, gavel, stole, sash, and so on. Invite the congregation to reflect on how these leaders have been “shepherds” of the community to make it a safe place and how leadership is exercised in their own families and workplaces.


How do you recognize the voice of Jesus in your prayer, worship, and community life?

With Children

Bring along a cane to act as a shepherd’s crook and explain to the children that shepherds care for their sheep by protecting them from prey, helping them to get untangled from bushes, and leading them to pastures where they can eat and drink water. Show the children how the cane or “crook” could be of assistance to a shepherd in scaring off wild animals that wanted to hunt the sheep. Also, explain to the children that sometimes shepherds let their sheep mix together when there are large open fields and that the sheep all know the sound of their own shepherd’s voice so that when the shepherd calls, they will come from wherever they are to meet him. In today’s gospel, Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd. Reflect on why Jesus is like a shepherd. The Good Shepherd knows each of us by name and keeps a caring watch over us.

Sermon Starter

The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is one that inspires, comforts, and encourages us in our individual faith journeys. Knowing we are named by Jesus and that he calls us to join in caring for others is a timeless truth. It is good for us to reflect on how we hear the voice of the Good Shepherd amid the cacophony of voices in our world, but the image of Jesus the Good Shepherd is also one that calls us out of ourselves to join our individual spiritual journeys with the journeys of our faith communities. Leadership is never for the sake of an individual’s vision. Rather, a


Hymns

Acts 2:42–47VU 588 “Many are the lightbeams”VU 603 “In loving partnership we come”MV 1 “Let us build a house”MV 145 “Draw the circle wide” MV 154 “Deep in our hearts”

Psalm 23VU 273 “The King of love”VU p. 747 “The Lord’s my shepherd”VU p. 748 “God is my shepherd”MV 105 “You are my father”

1 Peter 2:19–25VU 559 “Come, O Fount of every blessing”MV 79 “Spirit, open my heart”MV 91 “Cradle me in your arms”

John 10:1–10VU 478 “You satisfy the hungry heart”MV 126 “Are you a shepherd?”MV 161 “I have called you by your name”


May 18 – Fifth Sunday of Easter

Worship materials for the Fifth Sunday of Easter through the Seventh Sunday of Easter were contributed by Michael Brooks, Gord Dunbar, Richard Hansen, and Candy Harvey of Port Nelson United Church, Burlington, Ontario.

Acts 7:55–60 Stephen is stoned.

Psalm 31:1–5, 15–16 (VU p. 758 Parts One and Three) My times are in your hand.

1 Peter 2:2–10 A chosen race, a royal priesthood, living stones.

John 14:1–14 I am the Way, the Truth, the Life.

Spark

Display a cloak beside a pile of small stones.


How is Jesus for you the Way, the Truth, and the Life? What does this mean in a multi-faith world?

With Children

Have a discussion with the children about a time when they felt badly about something. Perhaps it was a time when they had done something wrong. Give assurance that they are loved—that they are loved and forgiven by God. They will make mistakes, but hopefully, will learn from making them. God is always with us and for us, despite our failure (or what we may perceive to be our failure).

Sermon Starter

Stephen never read the book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie (Gallery Books, 1998). He swiftly hooked his Jewish accusers by recounting the long, faithful tradition of their Hebrew ancestors. Then he twisted the knife by comparing the Jewish authorities in their treatment of Jesus to the ancestral oppressors of the Israelites, calling them betrayers and murderers. Stephen’s resulting demeanour while being stoned, his words echoing Psalm 31:5, has been perceived as a demeanour rooted in truest faith. However, does Stephen’s attitude of confrontation, making it about “us” and “them,” demonstrate listening to the Spirit? How might we be called to live and to proclaim our faith prophetically, leading to the building of communities rather than tearing them apart? Or are we like Saul, standing guard over the cloaks at our feet, nodding our heads in agreement while witnessing the end to a troublesome perspective? The Acts reading is short, so include verses 7:54 and 8:1.

Hymns

Acts 7:55–60VU 615 “When quiet peace is shattered”


Psalm 31:1–5, 15–16VU 614 “In suffering love”MV 92 “Like a rock”

1 Peter 2:2–10VU 584 “Through the heart of every city”VU 681 “Where cross the crowded ways of life”MV 136 “When hands reach out and fingers trace”

John 14:1–14VU 158 “Christ is alive”VU 324 “Jesus, come to our hearts”VU 331/332 “The church’s one foundation”VU 344 “How sweet the name of Jesus sounds”VU 628 “Come, my Way, my Truth”MV 115 “Behold, behold, I make all things new”MV 176 “Three things I promise”


May 25 – Sixth Sunday of EasterRural Life (Rogation) Sunday

Acts 17:22–31 Paul points the Athenians to “the unknown god.”

Psalm 66:8–20 (VU pp. 784–785 Parts Two and Three) God preserved us.

1 Peter 3:13–22Do not repay evil for evil.

John 14:15–21The Advocate, the Spirit, will be with you.

Spark

Place a sign that reads, “You are a child of God!” above a large mirror (perhaps on a stand). Alternatively, you could place a small mirror in a bag and pass it around to the children for them to see themselves. On the outside of the bag, write “Look inside and see something precious to God!”


When have you experienced the presence or action of the Spirit? What convinced you that it was so?

With Children

Talk about how we can’t see God or the Holy Spirit. We can’t see air either, yet we know that the air is there. The same is true for God and the Holy Spirit. Hold up an empty glass. This glass is full of air. Can you see the air? No, but it’s there. Fill the glass with water to the very top. Holding it over a bowl might be a good idea. Take a piece of cardboard from a cereal box (or similar) that has a shiny side to it (i.e., non-porous). Put the cardboard (shiny side to the water) on top of the glass, turning the glass upside down as you keep your finger on the cardboard. Ask what would happen if you took your finger off the cardboard—and then do it. The cardboard stays! Move the glass around—even put it over your head—just don’t move the cardboard, otherwise you’ll be baptized! (Hint: practise ahead of time.) What’s holding the cardboard? Air. Just as air is all around us, God/Holy Spirit is all around us. We can trust God/Holy Spirit to be with us always, even though we can’t see God/Holy Spirit.

Sermon Starter

Include verses 17:21 and 17:32 when reading the Acts passage; they provide an effective parenthetical context. After all, Paul is trying to proclaim the Good News beginning rhetorically with the Athenian context. The Athenians and foreigners were eager to explore novelty. They were just as eager and just as curious as the people of our wider communities today who yearn for a deeper spiritual connection. Similar to the approach in the 1 Peter passage, Paul is attempting to model, in word and in deed, the faith he proclaims—the worthwhile sacrifices faith demands that deepen that spiritual connection. Sequestering ourselves within protective walls does not nurture faith. Faith is nurtured within the rough and tumble of life lived passionately in the world. Like Paul, we are sent out. Like the Athenians, some will scoff, but others will hear. In what direction is the Spirit pushing you and your people?


Hymns

Acts 17:22–31VU 420 “Go to the world”MV 145 “Draw the circle wide”MV 157 “I am a child of God”MV 169 “When hands reach out”MV 212 “Sent out in Jesus’ name”

Psalm 66:8–20VU 690 “From the slave pens of the delta”

1 Peter 3:13–22VU 286 “If you will trust in God”VU 373 “As comes the breath of spring”VU 694 “To us all, to every nation”

John 14:15–21VU 367 “Come down, O love divine”VU 368 “Holy Spirit, truth divine”VU 631 “Jesus, your boundless love to me”


May 29 – Ascension DayOr use these scriptures on Sunday, June 1

Acts 1:1–11The promise of the Spirit and Jesus’ Ascension.

Psalm 47 (VU p. 771) Clap your hands, all you peoples.

or Psalm 93 (VU pp. 812–813) Majestic is our God.

Ephesians 1:15–23 I do not cease to give thanks for you.

Luke 24:44–53 Jesus’ last words to the disciples bring joy.

Spark

Suspend a large butterfly above the communion table. Leave a white cloth or robe draped over the table.


What does it mean for Jesus to have authority in your life? In what roles do you have authority and what is your model for how you exercise that authority?

With Children

Tell the story using the Lectionary Story Bible, Year A by Ralph Milton, pp. 114–115 (Wood Lake, 2007) based on Acts 1:6–14 and Luke 24:44–53. Or use the Lectionary Story Bible, Audio & Art CD, Year A story, or you can purchase the mp3 download of “Jesus’ Friends Feel Stronger,” the audio story from Wood Lake Publishing. This story could also be performed as a simple drama involving four voices for the disciples—two female and two male.

Sermon Starter

Three liturgical occasions in particular serve as conclusions to seasons and reminders that Jesus Christ is the central figure of the Christian faith: Reign of Christ, Transfiguration, and Ascension. Yet, despite its centrality in many Christian traditions, Ascension Day is not commonly observed in the United Church. Some feel it places too much emphasis on arguably dated doctrines of lordship and authority. Our society is highly suspicious of most manifestations of authority. However, the reading from Ephesians is a reminder that, in Christ’s Ascension, God gives Jesus a different kind of authority. Without the church—the Body of Christ—the fullness of God cannot be fulfilled. So, give Ascension a chance! Use the occasion to explore new understandings of authority while deconstructing unhelpful ones. One could also use the occasion to summarize the Easter season and to remind listeners of the many ways Christ will continue to be revealed post-Ascension.

Hymns


VU 330 “Jesus shall reign”VU 336 “Christ whose glory fills the skies”

Psalm 47VU 246 “Shout for God”VU 294 “Clap your hands”VU p. 884 “You shall go out with joy”

Ephesians 1:15–23VU 168 “The risen Christ”VU 325 “Christ is made the sure foundation”VU 512 “Lord, you give the great commission”MV 171 “Christ has no body now but yours”

Luke 24:44–53VU 211 “Crown him with many crowns”VU 314 “Come now, almighty King”


June 1 – Seventh Sunday of EasterEnvironment Sunday

Acts 1:6–14The Ascension of Jesus.

Psalm 68:1–10, 32–35 (VU p. 787)God makes a home for the poor.

1 Peter 4:12–14; 5:6–11Cast your cares on God. Be alert.

John 17:1–11 Jesus prays that his disciples “may be one.”

Spark

Have a symbol from each of the Abrahamic traditions on the communion table—Christianity, Judaism, and Islam—in some sort of circular formation/display (i.e., a global representation). Alternatively, display a large United Church of Canada crest. The Latin words Ut omnes unum sint that surround the symbols on the crest mean “That all may be one” and are taken from John 17:21. They are a reminder that we are both a united and a uniting church. In August 2012, the Mohawk phrase “Akwe Nia’Tetewá:neren” [aw gway–nyah day day waw–nay renh], which means “All my relations,” was added, acknowledging the presence and spirituality of Aboriginal peoples in the United Church.


How do you glorify God with your life? How does God glorify your life?

With Children

Have a discussion about the gifts that each one of us has—perhaps a musical talent, being able to speak to a group of people, being a mediator for a playground disagreement, making new friends easily. We speak about all of us being children of God and making up the Body of Christ. All of us are required to work together to continue God’s mission. That’s why we are here in God’s creation. Our mission is to love one another and help each other. We all go about it in different ways, but this is what is required of us. If a concrete example is needed, you might try this: play a note on the piano and have everyone try to sing that note. We can never all sing exactly the same note, but everyone is trying to accomplish the same thing—some jump right in, some listen first, some never get it exactly right—but we all have something to add. We all have different pathways even as we are one. Refer to the symbols placed on the communion table. (See Spark above.)

Sermon Starter

The petition Jesus offers repeatedly in his prayer to God in John is “glorify.” Jesus is suggesting that the act of glorifying—giving glory—is a reciprocal act. Just as Jesus has glorified God through his ministry among the people, so now Jesus asks God to glorify him as he approaches the end of his earthly witness. As the Easter season draws to a close, the John text could be used to explore reciprocal relationships. What do we expect in return for what we have done or what we have given? There are many cultural situations in which the expectation is that, when something is given, something is expected in return. In a society that rewards measurable results, the “you


reciprocal nature of glorifying invites us into another understanding of “giving for getting.” It is, perhaps, a relationship of mutual care and support, as “we are one” together as God’s people.

Hymns

Acts 1:6–14VU 213 “Rejoice, the Lord is King”

Psalm 68:1–10, 32–35VU 608 “Dear God, who loves all humankind”VU 699 “Live into hope”

1 Peter 4:12–14; 5:6–11VU 190 “The head that once was crowned”VU 674 “Fight the good fight”VU 686 “God of grace and God of glory”

John 17:1–11VU 162 “The glory of our King”VU 198 “Come, O Spirit, dwell among us”VU 402 “We are one”VU 685 “We turn to you”MV 159 “In star and crescent”

With ChildrenVU 701 “What does the Lord require of you”

Documents

Gathering 2014le Lectionary