Lectionary Links: Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013

Easter Sunday

Year C:  March 31, 2012

Additional suggestions for these texts may be found in our posts from Year A and Year B.

First Reading: Isaiah 65:17-25

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

(Written for ages 13 and up)

Comment: New creation is the hope that we cling to, and the hope that shapes lives bent towards justice, even as we continue to live in a world filled with weeping and distress. At the end of the Hunger Games trilogy, readers cling to the hope that the change in Panem’s leadership will mean that the people of these stories, who have suffered greatly, shall no longer labor in vain, or bear children for calamity. When Katniss asks Plutarch if there will be another war, he responds, “not now… but collective thinking is usually short-lived. We’re fickle, stupid beings with poor memories and a great gift for self-destruction…” (Chapter 27) Plutarch has a point, if life is up to us alone, it doesn’t seem there’s much to hope for; yet we are a resurrection people, who gather not because we believe in our own power, but because we believe in God’s power.  On this Easter Sunday, as we celebrate the resurrection, may we look for the ways we can take part in God’s restoration of our ailing world.

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-43

The Cherry Tree by Daisaku Ikeda

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “In Peter’s speech, the resurrection brings a new reality where Jew and Gentile as themselves contribute to a diverse witness to God’s mission in Christ… [The message of the resurrection] gives eternal hope… [and] also shakes the present world, bringing a new outlook.” (Fever, Kyle,  Commentary on Acts 10:34-43, WorkingPreacher.org) This text helps us remember that Easter is a day to share and celebrate stories of hope, new life, and new outlooks. The Cherry Tree is a story of despair and hope, death and resurrection, and a celebration of new life. Through the tending of a seemingly dead tree, two children and an old man help their war-torn village come back to life. With this text and story, let us reflect on the ways God calls us to be changed by the resurrection.

Gospel Reading: John 20:1-18 or Luke 24:1-12

Turtle Spring by Deborah Turney Zagwÿn

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: Though the story of that first Easter morning may seem old hat to we who have heard it year after year, one can only imagine the shock and surprise that met those who thought they were simply visiting a grave. What must it have been like to have realized that their beloved teacher, whom they thought to be dead, was actually alive? A small reflection of this kind of joy can be found in the story Turtle Spring. For the duration of the winter, Clee believes her turtle has died. When Spring emerges and she is playing near the compost heap, she discovers it is actually alive. “She could not believe her eyes… it was the best surprise.” Wonder together what it would be like to be Clee, or one of Jesus’ disciples, and help the children of your church celebrate the joy and surprise of the resurrection.

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, March 24, 2013

6th Sunday in Lent

Year C:  March 24, 2013

Additional suggestions for these texts may be found in our posts from Year A and Year B

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a

One by Kathryn Otoshi

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: “I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together.” In this reading from Isaiah, we hear that God’s presence gives strength in the midst of conflict and trials. For children, this idea might be explored through the topic of bullying. Standing up to a bully alone is scary, but the presence of someone who is supportive can empower us and give us courage. In Otoshi’s book, One contends with the previously bullied colors, giving them the confidence to stand up to Red. Invite the children and adults of your congregation to share the ways God or other people have given them confidence to stand up to things in our sometimes scary world.

Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

A Little Peace of Me by Madeleine Lippey

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “…be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind…” Paul’s words encourage us to live and work for God’s desires. What would it look like if we were of the same mind? If God’s dreams for the world we our own? This idea is explored in 16-year-old Lippey’s A Little Peace of Me when three children on three different continents share the same dream of peace. While I think adults are more likely to connect with the text of Lippey’s book, the broader idea of the three children’s shared dream will be accessible for children. The book encourages us to ask ourselves how we have sought to give a piece of ourselves to peace this Lenten season.

Gospel Reading for the Liturgy of the Passion: Luke 22:14-23:56

Grandma’s Purple Flowers by Adjoa J. Burrowes or Mama by Eleanor Schick

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “Do this in remembrance of me.” In the act of sharing communion, we remember Jesus, even thought his bodily presence is no longer among us. Our senses connect strongly to our memories, helping us to hold on to the people, places, and things that we value. This idea of remembering can be found in two children’s books where young girls experience a loss in their family. In Burrowes’s story, the granddaughter’s memories are stirred by purple flowers: “I think of Grandma. I feel her big hug…” In Schick’s story, the daughter finds comfort in actions that spark memories of experiences with her mother: “I know you’re with me. All the time, in everything.” In the sacrament of communion, and in the hearing of stories such as these, may our memories bring us comfort and connection to the ones we love.

Gospel Reading for the Liturgy of the Palms: Luke 19:28-40

Glory by Nancy White Carlstrom

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: “As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice…” The Pharisees do not seem to appreciate this praising of God and ask Jesus to silence his disciples. His response of “if these [disciples] were silent, the stones would shout out,” suggests that God, who is worthy of praise, will always be praised, whether it be by humans or some other form of creation, such as stones. Glory is a wonderful example of different creatures praising God. Take time today to explore the ways people and other parts of creation have been made to praise God.

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, March 17, 2013

5th Sunday in Lent

Year C:  March 17, 2013

First Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21

Demolition by Sally Sutton

(Written for ages 3-6)

Comment:  In her commentary on the text, Kristen Johnston Largen asks, “can we hope that God is still at work in our lives, creating a future for us where no future seems possible?” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 2, p 126) If we are to believe the word spoken by Isaiah, the answer is yes. Where we might bemoan a hopeless future, God responds, “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” God takes the things of old and makes them into something new, giving us a future full or hope and promise. This vision of turning the old into new can be seen in the book Demolition. Readers watch the destruction and recycling of an old abandoned building, and experience the joy of the bright new playground that is established in its place. This story and the text from Isaiah help us to explore the places where we see God doing new things.

Second Reading: Philippians 3:4b-14

Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ… For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things… in order that I may gain Christ.” Paul shares his personal story with the Philippians in order to help them recognize the value of faith in, and belonging to Christ. Though he had plenty in life to boast about, he set it all aside for Christ. This text extends an invitation to share stories of people who have set things aside in their own lives to follow Christ. Patrick, the saint of Ireland, is one of these people. He had the option to live comfortably with his family in Britain, yet he left the life he loved behind in order to share the love of Christ with the Irish people.

Gospel Reading: John 12:1-8

Thank You Bear by Greg Foley

(Written for ages 3-6)

Comment: Everyone has an opinion when it comes to gift giving.  Certainly questions came up when Mary gave Jesus the gift of nard and anointed his feet. Judas was quick to point out that this was a waste of money. Maybe others in the room were asking questions as well.  Why did she give it? What was her motive? Was it appropriate? Bear comes up against questions when he finds the perfect gift for mouse. Others are quick to point out problems with the gift, leaving Bear to wonder if it’s so great after all. Perhaps Mary also paused to wonder about her gift as Judas criticized it. In both stories, love is at the root of giving, and love is expressed in the receiving. As we reflect upon our own offerings, may love remain central to both our giving and receiving.

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

Lectionary Links: Sunday, March 3, 2013

3rd Sunday in Lent

Year C:  March 3, 2013

First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9

The Magic Gourd by Baba Wagué Diakité

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: Isaiah invites readers to a feast of abundance, provided not because of the money they can give in exchange, but because of the grace of the one who prepares the feast. God’s thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways. Surely, we think, one must earn their feasting through hard work or riches. It is difficult for us to accept grace. It is also difficult for us to believe we have enough when our culture tells us we should have more. In The Magic Gourd, Rabbit, his family, and his neighbors experience the bounty of grace as they eat and drink their fill from the gourd. The greedy king, influenced by the world’s desires for power, wealth, and more, steals the gourd. In the end, the gourd is returned to Rabbit, and the King is changed by an experience of grace in which he learns the value of generosity and friendship. Like the King, may our thoughts and ways be shifted by the experience of grace.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

The Great Fuzz Frenzy by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: Paul warns of the dangers of idolatry, a common temptation known to our ancestors and to us today. The groundhogs learn of the danger of idolatry in The Great Fuzzy Frenzy. Originally a kind community focused on the needs of one another, their adoration of the fuzz from a tennis ball begins to fracture their community, turning their peaceful town into a battleground. Eventually they are freed from the fuzz and their community is restored. This story and Paul’s warning invites us to think about the fuzz that entraps our own communities. It is valuable for us to reflect upon our life and priorities and to ask ourselves, “What is it that we worship?” The answer shapes the way we live and act in the world. We are being called to refocus our worship and our way of life towards God. In worshiping God, may we be led to live and act for God’s kingdom.

Gospel Reading: Luke 13:1-9

The Monster Who Lost His Mean by Tiffany Strelitz Haber

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: In her reflections on this text, Barbara Brown Taylor explains that Jesus knows we cannot always protect ourselves from our fears; rather, his focus is on the way we respond to them. “That torn place your fear has opened up inside of you is a holy place. Look around while you are there. Pay attention to what you feel. It may hurt you to stay there and it may hurt you to see, but it is not the kind of hurt that leads to death. It is the kind that leads to life.” (“Life-Giving Fear,” The Christian Century, March 4, 1998, p 229) In The Monster Who Lost His Mean, Monster experiences the life-giving fear described by Taylor. He frantically searches everywhere for his mean and is ostracized by his community. Eventually he lives into this change, and in becoming Onster, he is able to celebrate the new life and community he finds.

This Lectionary Links post was written by regular contributor Noell Rathbun-Cook.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, January 20, 2013

2nd Sunday after Epiphany

Year C:  January 20, 2013

First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5

Ellen’s Broom by Kelly Starling Lyons

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give.” In his commentary on the text, Rick Nutt highlights the fact that God desires justice for people who have been marginalized and oppressed. “In anticipation of vindication, the oppressed must cling to the conviction that–contrary to what oppressors may say–they are valuable to God and do not deserve the treatment they receive.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 1, p 244) The story of Ellen’s Broom is set shortly after the end of slavery. Ellen hears how her parents jumped the broom as slaves to symbolize their marriage. The broom travels with the family to the courthouse where Mama and Papa will be legally married. As we explore the story of the broom, we hear both the hope of an oppressed people and their experience of liberation.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Camille’s Team by Stuart J. Murphy

(Written for ages 3-5)

Comment: “To each of these is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” This text is a wonderful opportunity to talk about the ways we work together in the church as participants in God’s work in the world. The Spirit gives us different gifts and talents that help us work together. Camille and her friends find that building a sand fort works much better when they work with one another. They each fulfill different tasks, working as a team to build a great fort. Wonder together with the children in your church about the different tasks we do in order to be the church together. How do you see cooperation at work in your community of faith?

Note: Several young adult books highlight people with different gifts and talents working towards the same goal. If you’re interested in further exploring those, check out Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, or The Mysterious Benedict Society.

Gospel Reading: John 2:1-11

The Wedding by Eve Bunting

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: Robert M. Brearley calls weddings “accidents waiting to happen”. We all have stories of things that go wrong in the midst of wedding ceremonies and celebrations. This happens at Cana when the wine runs out. Brearley speaks of the way Jesus saves the celebration: “The servants know what has happened, the steward is amazed, and the disciples believe in Jesus. How is that for a happy ending?” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 1, p 260) Eve Bunting tells the story of a wedding that could potentially be disastrous, as all the participants have been delayed. Miss Brindle Cow saves the day, carrying everyone to the wedding on her back. The joyous celebration can continue and readers get the best surprise when they learn that Miss Brindle Cow is the bride!

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

Lectionary Links: January 13, 2013

Baptism of the Lord Sunday

Year B:  January 13, 2013

First Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7

Homemade Love by bell hooks

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” There is comfort in this passage for children and adults alike. Despite our own brokenness, despite the darkness in the world, we belong to God. In this sense of belonging we find comfort and hope. Homemade Love is the story of a girl who knows she belongs and knows she is loved. The story closes with the girl tucked in bed: “No need to fear the dark place. ‘Cause everywhere is home.” This simple story opens up possibilities for conversation with young children to wonder about the ways we are loved and care for at all times, whether we’re well behaved, naughty, happy, or afraid.

Second Reading: Acts 8:14-17

The Baabaasheep Quartet by Leslie Elizabeth Watts

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: According to Raewynne J. Whiteley, the power this brief text can be found when look at it through the eyes of the Samaritans. “[The] giving of the Holy Spirit validated the Samaritans as full members of the newborn Christian church. This was one church, composed of Jew and Samaritan alike, whose former hostility turned to unity through the gift of the one Spirit.“ (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 1, p 235) When we look at the experience of the Samaritans, it might help us to think today how baptism through the Spirit unifies us to one another in the church. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we find a sense of belonging, potentially in relationships that are historically tumultuous. The Baabaasheep Quartet are looking for a sense of belonging, too. Eventually, through the power of song, they find they are connected and members of this community where they once felt out of place.

Gospel Reading: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Water Boy by David McPhail

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: “[When] Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’“  Following his baptism, we see as Jesus prays, the Holy Spirit opening his understanding that he is God’s son. On Baptism of the Lord Sunday, we explore the way our baptism explains our identity. Through our baptism we come to understand that we are claimed and loved by God. Baptism, according to Robert M. Brearley, tells us that “Human existence has its origin not in the accidents of history and biology, but in the will and intention of the Lord God, creator of heaven and earth.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 1, p 240) Water Boy is the story of a boy who discovers his identity and relationship to the world around him through his own experience of water.

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

Lectionary Links: January 6, 2013

Epiphany of the Lord

Year C:  January 6, 2013

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Three Wise Women  by Mary Hoffman

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “Nations shall come to your light… they all gather together, they come to you…” In her commentary on the text, Kendra G. Hotz encourages interpreters to look at both the original context as well as the way we interpret the text in light of Christ’s coming. “Epiphany reveals that even in his infancy Jesus Christ is for all people… [he] is the very love of God incarnate, and that love cannot be confined to ethnic or national identity; it cannot be restricted by gender or claimed only by the powerful and privileged.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 1, p 198) This revelation of Jesus for everyone is explored in Three Wise Women. Readers experience the way Christ’s light invites women from different nations to travel long roads in order to experience his love. Hoffman’s book is a beautiful illustration of the power of Christ’s welcoming light.

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:1-12

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

(Written for ages 3-7)

Comment: “[The] Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus…” In her reflections on this text, Carolyn Brown emphasizes worship options that focus on the mystery Paul discovered: that God loves people around the world. (http://bit.ly/RHwP3J)  This experience of being loved is something we share with people who might be quite different from us. It is good to learn about our differences and diversity, but it is also good to remember that we all belong to God. Using Mem Fox’s Whoever You Are, you and your children can explore the things that are different and the same for people around the world.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

The Last Straw by Fredrick H. Thury

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “[Wise] men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’“ On Epiphany we celebrate the wise men’s journey to honor Jesus. We are also invited to reflect upon our own spiritual journeys. “Everyone who happens to worship on Epiphany has their own idiosyncratic story to tell concerning their pathway to the manger… all are present due to the prompting of God, who initiates our asking, our seeking, and our finding.” (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 1, p 216) In The Last Straw, we hear the unusual story of the camel Hoshmakaka’s  journey to the manger and experience the ways he is changed by his experience of Christ. This Epiphany, consider the ways you invite the children and adults in your congregation to share the stories of their journeys to and experiences of Christ.

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

Lectionary Links: Trinity Sunday, June 3, 2012

Trinity Sunday

Year B:  June 3, 2012

First Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8

The Precious Gift by Ellen Jackson

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!” In using this text with children, it is perhaps God’s call and Isaiah’s response that are most accessible. Children will connect to the idea of volunteering or responding to a call or request. In this text from Isaiah, the call wasn’t really one that people would jump to volunteer for. Often responding to a call takes great courage and determination. We see this type of interaction in the Navaho story shared by Jackson. First man and woman call out for someone to go back to the world they’d left behind for a drop of water. Though the other animals are afraid to volunteer, little snail calls out, “let me go!”

Second Reading: Romans 8:12-17

I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose Lewis

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “…you have received a spirit of adoption…it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God…” To be children of God connects us not only to God, but to one another.  When we see each other through the spirit of our adoption, we are able to recognize each other as family. Lewis tells the story of her daughter’s adoption and the way they became family. Readers also experience the way being Lewis’s child connects her daughter to the rest of the family; because of this connection, they love her.  What a blessing it is when we can see one another through God’s eyes and love one another as family.

Gospel Reading: John 3:1-17

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: “For God so loved the world…” In her comments on the text, educator Carolyn Brown suggests that this is a good time to focus with children on God’s love. (http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2012/04/year-b-trinity-sunday-june-3-2012.html) God’s love is greater than we can imagine. The classic children’s story Guess How Much I Love You? explores a love greater than little bunny can imagine. Each time he thinks he’s discovered the biggest way to explain love, his father’s describes a love that is greater. Use this story to wonder together with children about our love for God and God’s great love for us.

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

Lectionary Links: Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012

Easter Sunday

Year B:  April 8, 2012

First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9

The Conch Bearer by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

(Written for ages 9-14)

Comment: In this text there is a vision of the hope that sustains us when we are journeying through a valley full of suffering and death.  The Conch Bearer, is a moving tale of journey from a world of suffering to a place of worship where things will be made right. In his travels to return the Conch to it’s rightful place, Anand faces unimaginable experiences, tests of inner strength, and painful moments of sacrifice. As the story ends, Anand is named Keeper of the Conch. “He, Anand, the butt of Haru the tea-stall owner’s gibes and jokes, the boy whom the rich, school-going children laughed at as an ignorant lout…” (Chapter 19) Readers see that Anand has been transformed. This is really the message and hope of Easter, according to George Bryant Wirth, “that God transforms suffering into the promise of salvation…” (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 2, p 363)

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-43

We Dream of a World…by The Gifted and Talented Students of Pershing Accelerated School in University City Missouri

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: “If we are to learn from Peter’s experience with the Holy Spirit, we should let go of our assumptions and live our lives aware that the Holy spirit comes breathing new life into us, pouring the Good News into our lives and communities in ways we cannot anticipate.” (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 2, p 363) In her commentary on the text, Debra Carl Freeman goes on to ask questions that inspire readers to dream of how a world filled with the Good News would look. Similarly, we find inspiration from the children who wrote We Dream of a World… As we join together in worship to celebrate the Resurrection, we are called to think about the ways God inspires us to dream of a world transformed by grace. As we go out into the world, we are invited to live into that dream.

Gospel Reading: John 20:1-18

When the Wind Stops by Charlotte Zolotow

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: Each year we hear the stories of Holy Week and Easter. Each year we experience Christ’s dying and rising. We, too can experience the anxiety and sadness expressed by Mary.  The world as she knew it has been turned upside down. The life of her beloved teacher has ended, and while seeking to grieve, she finds his physical body gone as well. Mary’s experience is not so different from our own. We also worry about endings. A little boy expresses these worries in When the Wind Stops. His mother eases his anxiety by explaining that all endings are new beginnings. Like Mary and the young boy, we can find comfort in the new beginnings and hope in the promise that life goes on and on.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, February 5, 2012

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Year B: February 5, 2012

First Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31

Jasper’s Beanstalk by Nick Butterworth (Ages 3-6)

Comment: “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength…” Sometimes waiting feels like a hopeless task. The patience required to wait can overwhelm adults and children alike. Isaiah tells us that God will strengthen us when we are wearied by our waiting. Jasper grows weary as he waits for his beanstalk to grow. In his frustration he throws the bean out the window. After time, Jasper’s hope is renewed when he finds a beanstalk right outside his window. In Jasper’s Beanstalk and the text from Isaiah, readers are given the opportunity to discover the worth in waiting.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23

Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky by Faith Ringgold (Ages 5-9)

Comment: “I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some.”  It is not out  of deception that Paul takes on different roles, but a desire to make the gospel accessible to many. He is willing to take on whatever form is necessary to aid in the salvation of others. Harriet Tubman risked a return to slavery every time she traveled south to lead more people to freedom. In Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky,  Cassie relives the experience of a slave traveling the underground railroad and sees the varied forms it takes. “Sometimes the train is a farmer’s wagon. Sometimes it is a hearse covered with flowers–inside, a live slave hides in a coffin.” Each part of the railroad has the same purpose: to lead as many people as possible to freedom.

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:29-39

The Conjure Woman by William Miller (Ages 4-8)

Comment: “He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her…” In his commentary, P.C. Ennis emphasizes the power of touch in this text and throughout scripture. “Love not expressed, love not felt, is difficult to trust. Theologically speaking that is the reason for the incarnation. God knew the human need for nearness.” (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 1, p336)  The conjure woman also understands the need for nearness. She cradles a very sick Toby in her arms and they magically journey to Africa where a circle of people reach out to heal him.  “Toby looked around the circle, saw himself reflected in the eyes of all the people. He felt strong again, strong enough to get up from his bed, touch the faces of the ones who healed him.” In reading The Conjure Woman and the stories of healing in Jesus’ ministry, we come to know, if it has not already been felt it in our own lives, the important role touch plays in the healing process.

This Lectionary Links post was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Rachel Mastin and regular contributor Noell Rathbun.