Lectionary Links: Sunday, May 19, 2013

Pentecost

Year C:  May 19, 2013

Pentecost Reading: Acts 2:1-21

Say Hello by Rachel Isadora

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: “Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?’” How overwhelming and incredible it must have been for the multicultural crowd to gather and hear the good news being shared in their own languages! On Pentecost, we are reminded that the Spirit weaves us together, regardless of our race, class, gender, age, or nationality. This is a day to celebrate our connectedness as we hear many languages spoken aloud. Say Hello follows Carmelita as she walks through her multicultural neighborhood, greeting friends and neighbors in their native languages. As you read this story alongside the Pentecost text, invite your congregation to experience the power of connection that exists beyond language barriers.

Additional suggestions for this text may be found in our posts from Year A.

First Reading: Genesis 11:1-9

We by Alice Schertle

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment:  In his commentary on this text, Ralph W. Klein offers an alternative interpretation that differs from the traditional focus on human arrogance and God’s punishment. He suggests that God’s scattering of the people is not due to punishment, but to a desire for cultural diversity. “The story embraces cultural solidarity and cultural difference and acknowledges the value of both.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 3, p 7) We follows humanity from its origins in Africa to its expansion throughout the world, acknowledging our common beginnings as well as our cultural diversity. Use this story to help the children of your church explore what it might look like for God to scatter the people abroad over the face of all the earth.

Second Reading: Romans 8:14-17

We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption and Families by Todd Parr

(Written for ages 3-7)

Comment: “…you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” This text invites us to reflect on what it means to be children of God. Some of the children in your church may be adopted or know someone who has been adopted. Talk together about the way they understand adoption. How is being adopted by God related to other kinds of adoption? We Belong Together explores different types of adoptive families and what brought them together. The book emphasizes that adoption is something that occurs when people belong together and are rooted in love. This is also what it means to be children of God. God adopts us because we belong to God and God loves us.

Gospel Reading: John 14:8-17, (25-27)

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: The disciples express anxieties that are quite typical of those who worry about permanent separation. In promising the Advocate, Jesus is responding to their need for something concrete to hold, be guided by, and find comfort in. With the presence of the Spirit, their anxieties will not paralyze them from continuing the work of Christ. The Spirit provides peace, comfort, and guidance, helping us to remember Jesus is with us, even though we can’t see him. The Keeping Quilt helps a family remember they are with one another. Despite the distance across oceans and the separation of death, the quilt binds the generations of a family together through love and memories. When Anna’s mother makes the quilt from different family members’ clothing, she says, “It will be like having the family in backhome Russia dance around us at night.” Today is a day for dancing with the Spirit. May our Pentecost celebrations help us to see the way we are connected to Christ and the disciples of the church throughout time.

This week’s Lectionary Links are written by regular contributor Noell Rathbun-Cook.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, February 24, 2013

2nd Sunday in Lent
Year C:  February 24, 2013
First Reading: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Curse in Reverse by Tom Coppinger
(Written for ages 5-9)
Comment: God blesses Abraham with the good news that he will not remain childless, but will in fact have as many descendants as there are stars. While Abraham believes this promise, he questions God’s giving of land. Daryl M. Trimiew suggests “too often we find divine generosity so overwhelming that we dispute it.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 2, p 50) Sometimes, when our lives feel especially blessed, we might say we’re waiting for the other shoe to drop, as if a curse will inevitably follow a blessing. We see this nervous anticipation in the couple who receive a curse in reverse. They believe their baby is a blessing from God, and yet they nervously wait for the results of the witch’s curse. She must convince them that a curse in reverse is a blessing.
Second Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1
Me Too! by Jamie Harper
(Written for ages 5-9)
Comment: “Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.” Imitation is certainly not a new concept to children. While they love to imitate the people they admire, they often hate to be imitated. In Me Too, Grace is sick of her sister constantly trying to imitate her. Grace remains annoyed throughout the story until she realizes that she imitates her beloved swim coach. As the story ends, rather than escape her sister’s, “me too,” Grace decides to help her. Paul encourages us to practice imitation, that we might learn how to be followers of Christ through it. Wonder together with the children of your church about the ways we help one another to be imitators of Christ.
Gospel Reading: Luke 13:31-35
The Tale of Tricky Fox retold by Jim Aylesworth
(Written for ages 5-9)
Comment: In his response to the Pharisees, Jesus calls Herod a fox. Rodney Clapp suggests that in doing this, Jesus names the death-dealing of those who “want to see themselves as masters of the universe, invulnerable and imperial behind their relentless, foxy maneuvering.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 2, p 72) Our wise teacher Jesus will not be fooled by their foxy mischief. The tale of Tricky Fox is the story of another wise teacher who isn’t fooled by the fox’s foxy maneuvering. Through the teacher’s wisdom, the fox is changed and gives up his tricky ways. In Jesus’ longing to gather the children of Jerusalem to him, we see that his desire is for them to give up their foxy ways, and recognize their own belonging in his brood.

The Lectionary Links this week were written by regular contributor Noell Rathbun-Cook

Something Beautiful

Name of Book:  Something Beautiful

Author:  Sharon Dennis Wyeth

Illustrator:  Chris K. Soentpiet

Publisher:  Dragonfly Books

ISBN:  9780385322393

Audience:  Ages 7-9

Summary:  A little girl in the city is tired of looking at the trash in the courtyard, graffitti on the walls of her building, and the homeless lady who lives in a cardboard box.  She wants to see something beautiful.  She believes that beautiful means “something that when you have it, your heart is happy.” When she asks her neighbors to show her something beautiful, they show her the simple things that surround them: a fried fish sandwich, a tasty apple, a smooth stone, and a laughing baby.  Determined, the girl goes home and picks up the trash in the courtyard and scrubs the graffitti off the front door of her building.  When her mother gets home, the little girl asks her if she has something beautiful and her mother replies, “Of course, I have you.”

Literary elements at work in the story: This story is written from the little girl’s point of view, so the reader never knows her name, which means it could be the perspective of any little girl growing up in the inner-city.  The paintings on each page are bright and colorful and shed light to all the sights that the little girl sees in her neighborhood.  It is a story about the little things that make life beautiful.  It is about community, children’s innocence, the beauty of friendship and the power of hope.

(How) does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story?  The little girl clearly lives in a dangerous run-down neighborhood in the city with few resources.  But even in the midst of crime and poverty, there is hope and beauty.

Theological conversation partners (scripture, confessions, doctrines, theologians, etc):  Whenever we struggle with difficult times such as illness, job loss, divorce, or even death, there is something beautiful that can still be found.  In our darkest times, we must be looking for the blessings of God to give us hope.  Sometimes beauty is given to us and sometimes beauty can only be found if we work for it.  The little girl made a decision to make her building more beautiful and she took the first step by picking up the trash and scrubbing away the graffitti.  We, too, are called to be in community with others working towards building something beautiful.  Possible Scripture texts to accompany this book are: Genesis 12:1-3 and Psalms 139:13-18.

Faith Talk Questions

1. Tell me about something beautiful in your life.  What is it and what makes it beautiful?
2. Is there something close to home that could be made more beautiful?  What is it and what can you do to make it so?  What help and resources do you need to make it happen?

This review was prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Amanda North.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, March 4, 2012

Second Sunday of Lent

Year B: March 4, 2012

First Reading: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

Fathers Mothers, Sisters, Brothers: A Collection of Family Poems by Mary Ann Hoberman (Written for ages 3-8)

Comment: We’re continuing the theme of covenant as we move through Lent; part of what makes a covenant work is the relationship between those who make the covenant. In this case it is God and Abraham and Sarah. They trust in each other and have faith in God’s promise that their family will grow. Explore a variety of family relationships with Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers–a book of poetry about different families and family relationships and how they work.

Second Reading: Romans 4: 13-25

Saint Francis and the Wolf  by Richard Egielski (Written for ages 5 -9)

Comment: In this familiar story we read about the time when Saint Francis was living in Gubbia and the town was being tormented by a wolf. Many people and things had been tried to get the wolf to leave them alone, but Saint Francis tried something different. He walked into the forest right up to the wolf and talked with it. He had no fear because he had faith in God and in what God was leading him to do. Like Abraham and Sarah, Francis had faith in something that seemed impossible. As we reflect and pray during this Lenten season we can also be mindful of listening for God and believing in what God is telling us.

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:31-38

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling (Written for ages 14 and up)

Comment: “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.” In recent Young adult fiction, what better example of the options presented by Jesus could there be than the characters of Harry Potter and Voldemort? Voldemort seeks to save his life for eternity by storing parts of his soul in horcruxes. He does not realize that in seeking eternal life, he has actually destroyed himself. In turn, Harry Potter has a noble goal and in seeking what is good for the world, he willingly sacrifices his own life. In this action, he ends up saving his life because he sought what was good. Harry’s action is one of taking up the cross, explained by Melinda A. Quivik in New Proclamation as “the daily journey of focusing on what endures, what matters, what reconciles and seeks the good.”

This Lectionary Links post was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Rachel Mastin and alumna Noell Rathbun-Cook.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, February 26, 2012

First Sunday in Lent

Year B: February 26, 2012

First Reading: Genesis 9:8-17

The Color of Me by Linda L. McDunn (Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: Jane Anne Ferguson suggests that God’s rainbow promise can serve to inspire the church “to be a place where ‘all the colors of the rainbow’ [are] welcome in God’s sight…” (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 2, p 30) Linda McDunn explores this theme by following God’s use of color throughout creation. Finally people come to argue about what color God is. As they witness a rainbow following the storm they come to realize that God is the color of everyone and everything. “From that day on, the people rejoiced in the goodness of God’s colors, passing on the story of the rainbow to every generation, for it was known that God colors in love and that God is all colors.

Second Reading: 1 Peter 3: 18-22

There’s a Big, Beautiful World Out There! by Nancy Carlson (Written for ages 3-7)

Comment: In her comments on exploring this text with children, Carolyn Brown highlights “Peter’s insistence that even though at times it will look as if the bad guys are winning, God will win in the end.” (http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2011/04/year-the-sixth-sunday-of-easter-may-29.html) This topic is one of many that might make the worry lists of children in our church families. Sometimes in the midst of fear or suffering life can seem very hopeless. There’s A Big Beautiful World Out There follows the worries and fears of a little girl. It also highlights what we’ll miss if we allow our worries and fears to keep us hidden away under the covers. Use this week’s epistle lesson to help children in your church to explore the ultimate thing worth getting out from under the covers for: the hope we find in God, through Jesus.

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:9-15

Swimming with Sharks by Bety Hicks (Written for ages 7-11)

Comment: The season of Lent is modeled on Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness. During this time, many communities take on the challenge of picking up a particular practice such as study or fasting. Taking on a new discipline can be a difficult task. Perseverance is required to endure the journey that is in front of us. In Swimming with Sharks Rita learns about perseverance. She works hard, learns new skills, and looks to friends to help inspire her so that she can accomplish her goal of making the Shark swim team.  During our Lenten journey, may our goal of focusing on Christ help us to take heart, practice and work hard so that we too can persevere.

This week’s Lectionary Links post was written by regular contributor Noell Rathbun-Cook and Union Presbyterian Seminary student Rachel Mastin.

At Break of Day

Name of Book:  At Break of Day

Author:  Nikki Grimes

Illustrator:  Paul Morin

Publisher:  Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

ISBN:  978-0802851048

Audience:  Ages 4 – 8.   This book, while categorized as a children’s picture book, is not at all juvenile in its language or illustrations. It would thus make an excellent addition to any youth or adult study of the creation story.

Summary:  At Break of Day is a beautiful retelling of Genesis 1-2. From the very beginning, father and son delight in the creation of the earth and all that is upon it. From the chaos of the darkness, to the gentle beauty of human love, father and son create a world that is both mysterious and sacred.

Literary elements at work in the story:  This picture book’s strength is derived from the artful combination of gentle, lilting prose and the beautifully textured and rich illustrations. Rather than relying on simple rhymes in this children’s book, Grimes makes great use of alliteration and gently rhythmic language. The result is a text that is both graceful and, at times, percussive. Additionally, Grimes weaves into the traditional creation story a playful and loving relationship between father and son, thus combining the imagery of Genesis 1 and John 1. Finally, the illustrations work beautifully with the text to conjure complex and earthy pictures of the creation; nearly all of the pictures are deeply textured and beg to be touched. The exception to this is the illustration of Adam and Eve, which mixes shadow and light and points to the spiritual nature of humanity.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability: This picture book uses traditional language for the father-son relationship within the trinity. This relationship is depicted as loving, playful, and creative. When Adam and Eve are created, they are created together and for one another, in an artful blend of both Genesis accounts.

Theological Conversation Partners:Genesis 1-2; Proverbs 8:22-31; John 1:1-4

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Ask the students to consider some of the varied feelings they experience when they create something.
2. When we create, we often want to share. Whether we bring a painting home to be hung on the refrigerator, or we are asked to display a sculpture in the fanciest museum, we delight in sharing our creative efforts with others. How do the father and son share in the creative process of making light, sky, earth, and growing things? How do the father and son share their creation even further?
3. Compare this picture book with the Genesis 1 and 2 accounts of creation. What are the similarities? What are the differences? Do you think these similarities or differences are important?
4. The illustrator creates pictures for this book that are very colorful and full of texture. For Adam and Eve, however, the pictures are different. Why do you think Adam and Eve are different from the other parts of creation?

This review was prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Catherine Lovejoy.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, January 8, 2012

Baptism of our Lord/1^st Sunday after Epiphany/ 1^st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Year B: January 8, 2012

First Reading: Genesis 1:1-5

Comment: At the start of a new year we get to read the very beginning of creation. Since the creation story is such a familiar one for many churchgoers, it’s refreshing to look at it in an unconventional way. These are a few creation tales we enjoy:

Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle (Written for ages 2-6) This is a simple story of creation by an artist. Each thing the artist draws request another drawn creation. Readers will enjoy turning the page to discover more and more of the artist’s creation.

And God Created Squash by Martha Whitmore Hickman (Written for ages 5-9)

The movement of this book follows the creation story of Genesis 1. It is highly imaginative, seeking to put readers in the mindset of God as God considers what to create. The story ends with a reminder that God made us for company, and is always present as God says, “Think of me. I’ll be thinking of you.”

There Was an Old Man Who Painted the Sky by Teri Sloat (Written for ages 5-9) Inspired by the discovery of cave paintings depicting  creation, this is another story that presents the creator as an artist. For those who love telling stories through music, the text could easily be sung to the tune “There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly.”

Mr. and Mrs. God in the Creation Kitchen by Nancy Wood (Written for ages 5 to 9)

This book is a fantastic and creative look at the creation story. It’s a fresh take on a familiar story with eye-catching illustrations and a whimsy that is sure to intrigue the readers.

Second Reading: Acts 19:1-7

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson (Written for ages 4 to 8)

Comment: In this reading we have a baptism story that ends with the appearance of the Holy Spirit. After being baptized in the name of Jesus the Holy Spirit comes down and inspires the disciples there. One never knows how the Holy Spirit will move you;  you just have to be open to hearing what the Spirit is saying to you. Harold is a small child with a big imagination. He takes his purple crayon and creates a world to travel through. In the same way that we are constantly thinking of our situation and responding to the word of God and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, so Harold is going along, thinking of where he is, where he might want to go, and creating it with his purple crayon. The story invites us to open our imaginations to wherever the Spirit leads.

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:4-11

Wizzil by William Steig (Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: Preachers or teachers could go in many directions exploring the baptism of the Lord. For the purposes of discussing this text with children, I find it most helpful to follow the advice of Leslie J. Hoppe: “Though Christian baptism has a significance different from that of John’s baptism, the preacher should use the opportunity presented by the Gospel lesson to lead the members of the congregation to reflect on the significance of their baptism.” (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 1, p 240) Even children who have not been baptized will find it helpful to explore what baptism means. This sacrament represents a cleansing and a transition from an old life to new life in Christ. Through baptism, we express our understanding that we are transformed by God. Wizzil the Witch experiences a kind of baptism of her own when she falls into the river. In mere moments “Wizzil had been so thoroughly cleansed by the crystal-clear water that all her vicious nastiness was whirled away downstream.”

The Lectionary Links this week were written by regular contributor Noell Rathbun and Union Presbyterian Seminary student Rachel Mastin.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, August 14, 2011

20^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year A:  August 14, 2011

First Reading: Genesis 45:1-15

The Adventures of Granny Clearwater & Little Critter by Kimberly Willis Holt

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: In today’s reading from Genesis, we meet Joseph and his brothers once again. This time they are reunited in Egypt and Joseph shares the stories of his adventures and encourages the whole family to settle down and make a home in Egypt.  Like Joseph, Granny Clearwater and Little Critter are separated from their family, though it is purely by accident. They also experience a wide variety of adventures and finally come to a stop in California.  Excited by their homecoming with the rest of their family, they celebrate their reunion by building a new home and settling out West together. Though the stories are wildly different, both contain adventure, journeys, families reuniting, and settling in new lands.

Second Reading: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

Then I Think of God by Martha Whitmore Hickman

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.” The faithfulness of God is perhaps the most important message in this text to share with children. One way we can understand what it means for God to be faithful is remembering experiences of God’s presence and love. Children do this in the story Then I Think of God. They experience God in the midst of wonderful times, as well as scary times; God is with them regardless of the nature of their actions. Spend time exploring with children the times when they think of God and experience God’s faithfulness.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 15:(10-20), 21-28

Back of the Bus by Aaron Reynolds

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: It takes courage to stand up for oneself as the Canaanite woman did. It’s uncomfortable imagining her talking back to Jesus, shaking the waters. Yet her actions are also encouraging and have the potential to empower us to stand up against situations of injustice. Rosa Parks stood up for herself when she refused to give up her seat on the bus. The boy in the story watches Mrs. Parks with her strong chin. His Mama, clearly nervous about Mrs. Park’s action, comments that she’s “stirrin’ up a nest of hornets,”  but even as she says it, the boy see’s her eyes brighten. He is empowered by what he has witnessed and “instead of feelin’ all shaky, [he feels] a little strong.”

This Lectionary Links post is written by Union Presbyterian Seminary alumna and regular contributor Noell Rathbun.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, August 7, 2011

19^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year A:  August 7, 2011

First Reading: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28

Chloë’s Birthday… and Me by Giselle Potter

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: The story of Joseph and his jealous brothers touches on feelings commonly experienced by most children with siblings. (Though Joseph’s brothers reacted with extreme, disturbing measures.) Giselle has similar feelings of jealousy when life seems to revolve around planning for her sister Chloë’s birthday. When the family heads to the beach to celebrate, Giselle comes up with the brilliant plan to bury Chloë’s present in the sand. Eventually Giselle feels bad about her actions, and is able to genuinely celebrate her sister’s special day. This delightfully illustrated story is an excellent way to explore the causes of jealousy, and the effects it has upon us.

Second Reading: Romans 10:5-15

Jubilee by Ellen Yeomans

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’” Paul’s words remind us that it is not who we are or where we are from that matters, the good news of the gospel is that Jesus’ love is for everyone.  Jubilee, Yeomans’s vision of Heaven, displays a diverse community of people finding joy in life together. The final illustration of the group gathered is a beautiful visual representation of what it is to be part of the family of God.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Ladybug Girl at the Beach by David Soman and Jacky Davis

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: Lulu is excited to go the beach, until she stands in front of the ocean. Seeing such a vast, noisy mass of water is overwhelming and scary, to say the least. Lulu’s fear isn’t unlike that of Peter when he notices the wind and the water around him. Their stories, however, are sequentially the opposite. Peter takes his first steps in faith, and then finds himself sinking from fear. Lulu’s story begins with fear. Her fear is overcome by faith in her superhero alter ego Ladybug Girl. Ultimately both stories teach a similar lesson, overcoming our fears requires a step (or splash) of faith—both in oneself and in something greater!

This Lectionary Links post was written by Noell Rathbun.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, July 31, 2011

18^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year A:  July 31, 2011

First Reading:  Genesis 32:22-31

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

(Written for ages 2-7)

Comment: The story of Jacob’s wrestling encounter with God is one of transformation. In some ways, he will remain the same, yet he will carry reminders of his experience—a limp, a new name, a blessing—with him. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has been a beloved story of transformation for generations of children. The caterpillar grows, endures a tummy ache, and finds rest in his small cocoon. When he emerges from the cocoon, he is a beautiful butterfly. This story serves as an excellent starting point to discuss transformation with children by wondering together about the parts of the caterpillar that change as well as those that stay the same. Like the caterpillar and Jacob, we too, experience transformations throughout our own lives. What incites them, how do they change us, and what remains rooted within us?

Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5

I Dream of Peace: Images of War by Children of Former Yugoslavia

(Written for ages 6+)

Comment: “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.” In this text Paul is sharing his grief with the community. In her commentary, Martha C. Highsmith says that Paul “seems to break down, fall apart, with grief over the failings of his own people.” (Feasting on the Word, Year A, Volume 3, p. 302) She also points out that the reading from Romans ends with a hopeful note—a reminder of the Messiah, who is over all. Even in the midst of grief, there is hope. The UNICEF sponsored book, I Dream of Peace, shares drawings and writings from children traumatized by war in former Yugoslavia. The intent is to share both the anguish of the children as they lament their experiences as well as their hope for a peaceful future.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:13-21

How Hungry Are You? by Donna Jo Napoli and Richard Tchen

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: In the story of the feeding of the five thousand, the disciples don’t believe they have enough food to feed the gathered crowd, but Jesus has faith that they do. When the five loaves and two fish are shared among the crowd, everyone eats until they are full and leftovers remain. How Hungry Are You? Is the story of two friends going on a picnic. As additional friends with food join them, the group tries to determine how they will divide the food. When Fox arrives without food, they don’t feel inclined to share, especially as they can no longer divide the food evenly. Eventually they soften and determine a way that everyone can eat and they’ll still have leftovers to share. In both stories we learn the value of abundance that comes from sharing whatever we have.

Review prepared by regular contributor Noell Rathbun