Lectionary Links: Sunday, September 30, 2012

26^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year B, September 30, 2012

First Reading: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

The Story of Esther: A Purim Tale retold by Eric A. Kimmel

(Written for ages 5-8)

Comment: This is the only time in the three-year cycle that Esther appears in the Lectionary. Esther’s story might not be familiar to a majority of children and adults in the congregation, and the selected verses only give a glimpse into everything that is happening. Eric Kimmel does a nice job in retelling Esther’s story in his book The Story of Esther: A Purim Tale. In retelling Esther’s story, a  Kimmel honors the Biblical story as he seeks to share Esther with children. Kimmel does not gloss over the parts of violence, but also does not exaggerate or focus upon them. The Story of Esther: A Purim Tale is great book to introduce Esther’s story to any who are unfamiliar with it and to remind those who are familiar of the complexity of Esther’s story.

Second Reading: James 5:13-20

Does God Hear My Prayer? by August Gold

(Written for ages 3-7)

Comment: Does God hear my prayer? is a question asked by children and adults alike throughout the faith journey. The reading from James highlights the importance of prayer and types of prayers as he encourages Christians to pray for and with one another. Prayer in James holds the community together. It allows God’s wisdom to fill the community. August Gold  highlights for children what prayer involves. Gold acknowledges that sometimes we pray for things that we don’t get, like a new bike. Gold goes on to show ways in which we pray that allow us to open ourselves to God, and then teaches children they must pause and listen for God. Gold provides a summary sentence towards the end of the book which can be a simple reminder for all to hear. “So prayer isn’t telling God what to do – it is letting God help you remember what’s true.” What is true is that God hears us when we pray, and that all are able to pray.

Gospel Reading: Mark 9:38- 50

Yakov and the Seven Thieves by Madonna

(Written for ages 7 and up)

Comment: Learning how to be a part of a group while also welcoming new people in is a task that is difficult to learn. Mark presents the disciples struggling with this task. There are some people who are doing things in the name of Jesus, but because they are not part of the disciples they need to stop, according to the disciples. Yakov’s only son is sick in Yakov and the Seven Thieves and he goes to the wise old man who can speak to angels asking for a miracle. The wise old man prays but is unable pass the gates of heaven. The next night, the wise old man sends his grandson into the city to find all the people who are excluded from society, the thieves, pickpockets and criminals. These seven individuals who gathered in the house begin to pray after hearing the story of Yakov’s son and people are changed. When we welcome in those who have been out cast miracles happen, sometimes in the least likely places. As the program year is getting into full swing in churches, there are probably some new faces among the children and this scripture passage and children’s books are good reminders to look beyond what we see and welcome all into the group.

We are grateful for the Links that Union Presbyterian Seminary graduate Elizabeth Landes Boulware has contributed to the children’s literature blog over the past 9 weeks.  This is her last Lectionary Links post and we thank her for her commitment, enthusiasm and creativity.  Regular contributor Noell Rathbun-Cook, fresh off a vacation to Ireland and Taize, will be returning here next week.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, September 23, 2012

25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year B, September 23, 2012

First Reading: Proverbs 31:10-31

Little Yau by Janell Cannon

(Written for ages 5-8)

Comment:  This passage highlights the importance of seeking God’s wisdom for everything we do in our lives. This woman described in the poem is characterized by her care for others, compassion, and humility. She serves as an exemplar for all who read her story. Kathleen O’Connor writes “the poem invites all readers to search for wisdom as if for a precious stone.” Wisdom is something precious and valuable that we should be seeking to direct how we live our lives. Yau learns this lesson in the midst of a crisis in Little Yau. After failing a big test, Yau finds a friend in trouble, and is willing to do what ever it takes to find the herb needed to make him better. Yau searches and searches until finding the thumbfoot leaf. Yau never gives up and in the end, Yau finds something greater than the thumbfoot leaf. It took a crisis for Yau to understand the wisdom of the wise ones. We do not have to wait for a crisis to discover God’s wisdom in our life. We can look to the women in Proverbs 31 for an example. (Feasting on the Word, Year B. Vol 4, pg 79)

Second Reading: James 3:13-4:3, 4:7-8a

The Girl Who Drew a Phoenix by Demi

(Written for ages 7-10)

Comment: Wisdom is a central theme in much of James. We as Christians are to seek God’s wisdom, and live a life shaped by it. When we talk about being wise in the church, it is not based on how much we know. Christian wisdom is seen in how we act. James writes, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace” (17-18). Feng Huang learned the lesson about wisdom from above being based on our actions in The Girl Who Drew a Phoenix. In order to draw a phoenix Feng must uncover the true spirit of the phoenix represented in clear sight, equality, generosity, and right judgment. Once she is able to draw these, the spirit of the Phoenix comes through in her drawing. Feng must practice drawing the Phoenix and we must practice following God’s wisdom to truly uncover the spirit and allow it to direct our lives.

Gospel Reading: Mark 9:30-37

At Jerusalem’s Gate: Poems of Easter  by Nikki Grimes

(Written for ages 10-13)

Comment: In the Gospel reading for this Sunday we hear Jesus predict his death and resurrection for a second time in Mark. Again the disciples do not understand and do not question Jesus about it. It might seem a bit odd to discuss Easter in the middle of September, but this reading gives us the opportunity to talk about the message we hear on Easter morning, disconnected from the Easter bunny, Easter eggs, and Easter candy. Nikki Grimes’ collection of poetry opens the doors to discussions on all aspects of Holy Week, but two of the poems seem to connect with the emotions of Mark 9. “From a Distance” and “To Be Continued…” both highlight confusion about the story. The first shows the disciples unwillingness to engage with what is happening around them. Instead they look on from the edges in the poem, and change the subject in the scripture. The second poem highlights our lack of understanding what Jesus’ death and resurrection mean. We are told the disciples in Mark, after hearing Jesus predict his death do not understand, but are afraid to ask questions.

The Lectionary Links this week are written by Union Presbyterian Seminar graduate Elizabeth Boulware Landes.

Lectionary Links: September 16, 2012

24^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year B, September 16, 20122

First Reading: Proverbs 1:20-33

Poppy’s Puppet by Patricia Lee Gauch

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: Lady Wisdom is lamenting all those who hear her voice but do not obey her words. She is lamenting those who choose to ignore her advice. This passage from Proverbs presents listening as something that is active. It requires a response from those who hear the words of Lady Wisdom. Kenneth Carter writes, “Listening in Proverbs is always linked to obedience and obedience is participation in the practices that lead to wisdom”.  In Poppy ’s Puppets, Poppy hand carves toys from wood he finds in unexpected places. He takes the time to listen to the wood and carve it into the thing the wood wishes to be, until one day he finds a piece of wood that is silent. Instead of waiting to discover what the wood wants to be, Poppy carves to  soon and this interaction between this puppet with the others never quite comes about. Poppy reminds us that sometimes we must be patient in our listening, especially when we are listening for wisdom or God, but when we do listen and obey, we will find ourselves “secure…and without dread of disaster” (v 33). (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 4, Page 52)

Second Reading: James 3:1-12

Candy Shop by Jan Wahl

(Written for ages 4-9)

Comment: According to James, the tongue is something we are unable to tame. It makes blessings and curses. The language we use is not a problem limited to the time and place in which James was writing. It might be more of a problem today with the use of written forms of communication along with spoken. This passage allows for a conversation about the ways in which spoken words and written words can hurt someone. All Daniel can think about is finishing his chores and buying candy, but when he arrives at the candy shop with his Aunt he finds the owner Miz Chu crying and a crowd of people outside the store. Someone has written angry and mean words on the sidewalk. Daniel recognizes the words are the reason Miz Chu is crying and he works to wash them away. It is important to remind children that even though the words are washed away Miz Chu was still upset by them, and that our words can hurt others even when we apologize for saying them. We cannot take back what we have said or written but we can strive to make amends.

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:27-38

The Mysterious Guests: A Sukkot Story by Eric Kimmel

(Written for ages 6-9)

Comment: The final section of our Gospel reading for this morning is a call to discipleship for all Christians. This call is issued to all Christians including children and requires us to deny ourselves and take up the cross. Sharon Ringe explains that to “deny oneself is to remove oneself from consideration”. This requires us to put other people’s feelings and needs ahead of ourselves. Children learn to do this everyday when they share toys, and take turns. Eben and Ezra in The Mysterious Guests: A Sukkot Story each have the opportunity to welcome strangers into their sukkah and to share what they have. One brother is grateful to share while the other turns the strangers away. This book shows us that it is a choice to follow Jesus and to put others first, but when we do this we receive blessings. (Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 4, pg. 73)

This Lectionary Links post was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary graduate Elizabeth Boulware Landes.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012

22^st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year B, September 9, 2012

First Reading: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 2-23

Alexander, Who used to be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: The selected verses from Proverbs are calling us to pay attention to the responsible way that money is to be used in the Christian community, while also reminding us that the rich and the poor are all children of God. Verse 8 expects the rich to work for justice in the communities, and verse 9 expects the rich to share resources with the poor. Many children are learning how money works and what role it will play in their life. Alexander  is learning this lesson the hard way. His grandparents come to visit and he has a whole dollar for one day. Throughout the day he loses or spends it cent by cent until he is left with nothing. While Alexander is not sharing his money with the poor, he is learning the difficult lesson of how quickly and easy it is to spend money, and how he feels when he does not have any money. Proverbs invites us to pay attention to the money in our possession and use it in a way that brings justice and bread for all people.

Second Reading: James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17

Is There Room on the Feather Bed? by Libba Moore Gray

(Written for ages 2-6)

Comment: James warns us against playing favorites and leaving people out of the community. The examples James provides are based on socio-economic status, but this example could be anything that makes us different. In Is There Room on the Feather Bed? all the animals have buddied up, but skunk looks on from afar. On a cold and rainy night all the animals ask to be let in and to sleep on the feather bed and the compassionate woman lets them in. After a while the skunk knocks on the door and is let in too. All the animals run out into the rain and stay there until they realize if they accept the skunk for being a skunk they can all enjoy the warm and coziness of the featherbed. Our days are better when we accept people for who they are. James reminds us that Christianity is about loving our neighbors as ourselves and that includes the poor and the skunks.

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:24-37

Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss

(Written for ages 6 and up)

Comment: Horton must convince Kangaroo that the whos exists on the speck. Only he can hear them, but he does not give up and continues to fight for Kangaroo to believe him. The gospel reading for this Sunday includes two healing stories in which healing is asked for on behalf of the one needing healing. Like the whos on the speck need Horton to protect them, the Syrophoenician women must ask for healing for her daughter and the dead ma’s friends speak for him. The Syrophoenician woman is denied healing upon her first request, but it is in standing up for herself that she is able to receive the healing for her daughter.  We do not know why Jesus refuses her request at first, but we know that he honors it because she was not willing to accept no as an answer. Both Horton and the Syrophoenician women know what the right thing to do is in this situation and both need courage to follow through. Neither lets others influence their actions. These stories can serve as reminders to children that sometimes doing the right thing takes courage, and when we do not back down we can achieve what we set out to do.

The Lectionary Links this week were written by Union Presbyterian Seminary graduate Elizabeth Boulware Landes.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, September 2, 2012

22^st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year B, September 2, 2012

First Reading: Song of Solomon 2:8-13

Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms by Julia Rawlinson

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: We have all experienced the joy of winter fading away when flowers begin to peak out of the ground and animals peak out of their homes. There is a sense of joy and playfulness that comes with the spring. The lectionary passage from Song of Solomon points us to the playfulness and joy that comes with the spring. This is a time when love is in the air, and children are itching to get outside, explore nature, and play. Fletcher is so excited that spring has arrived he races out the door to play, only to discover snowflakes falling. Fletcher is worried about all the flowers that have begun to bloom and the animals awaking from winter slumbers and he hurries off to warn all the animals that springtime is not quite here. Each of the animals in turn wants to tell another animal to prepare for a snow. Rabbit suggests playing in the snow before the work is begun, so they all go to play. Susan Henry-Crowe writes Song of Solomon’s “beauty is that it invites all humankind to play as if life and love depended upon it (as they do).”   This is a lesson we can all learn, but is especially important to remind children that God calls us to play and to delight in life.

Second Reading: James 1:17-27

Paulie Pastrami Acheives World Peace by James Proimos

(Written for ages 5-8)

Comment: Paulie is a young ordinary boy who decides to start being kind. He faces the same struggles many children face: avoiding kisses from our aunts, putting clothes on that match, and brushing our hair so it doesn’t stick up. Yet he is different because of his desire to care for others around him. As he sees the changes that are being made by kindness, he wants to spread kindness farther. The passage from James reminds us that our actions and words are important. As Christians we are expected to live in a way that allows God to be seen in us. One of these ways is to spread kindness to everyone around us. What may seem like something small to one person might be the thing that turns their day around. Paulie and James understand how far a smile, or a kind word can go. James calls us to live out our faith in active way. This should included small things we do everyday because of our faith.

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

All For Me and None For All by Helen Lester

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: Greed is something that is often refereed to in scripture as a bad thing for Christians to exhibit. At the end of this discourse between Jesus and the Pharisee in Mark, Jesus lists some of the things that make a person unclean and greed is among this list. Greed is something we all experience. Greed might be one of the easiest for young children to fall into as many are still learning how to share.  In All For Me and None for All, Gruntly must learn this lesson the hard way. He has become so greedy that he cannot even hear the directions for a treasure hunt and ends up all alone as he searches for the treasure. Gruntly’s greediness was beginning to get in the way of his friendships, but as he learns to share, his friends become more at ease around Gruntly. Like Gruntly we all could be reminded to share what we have, and not to want everything for ourselves.

The Lectionary Links this week were written by Union Presbyterian Seminary graduate Elizabeth Boulware Landes.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, December 12

(3^rd Sunday of Advent)

Year A: December 12

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10

The Return of the Buffaloes by Paul Goble (Written for Grades K-3)

Comment: “For waters shall break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert…” This text is a promise of renewal and restoration in the midst of desolation and despair. People of all times have experienced the effects of depression, war, famine, or grief. At Advent we wait for the birth of Jesus and the return of joy to the world. There is hope in the promise of Immanuel’s return. Hope for restoration of our homes, our bodies, our relationships. In Goble’s book, a mysterious woman promises a return of the buffaloes to a people who are starving and barely strong enough to survive. When the buffaloes return, it is both frightening and wonderful. People laugh, give thanks, and once again there is enough for everyone.

Second Reading: James 5:7-10

Christmas Farm by Mary Lyn Ray (Written for Grades K-3)

Comment: In James we are told to be patient as we wait for Christ’s coming. This patience is compared to that of a farmer who waits for the crop. Christmas Farm gives an excellent snapshot of patience to children and adults alike. Wilma and Parker care for Balsam trees for five years before they are ready to be sold as Christmas trees.It seems like the trees will never be ready, but in the end, they are and with much joy and accomplishment. After most of the trees have been harvested, Wilma and Parker sit down to plan another five year venture growing Christmas trees!

Third Reading: Matthew 11:2-11

Messenger, Messenger by Robert Burleigh (Written for Grades K-3)

Comment: Jesus refers to John as the messenger sent to prepare the way for his coming. In a world of emails and text messages, the concept of a messenger becomes trickier to grasp. Electronically, braving the wilderness or even a couple of blocks seems easy. Of course in the past messages weren’t so easily shared. Even today postal workers and other messengers work hard to deliver goods and information—not everything can be done with the click of a mouse! John did not have an easy life, wearing soft robes, but went wherever the message needed to be shared. Messenger, Messenger shares a day in the life of a bicycle messenger. Calvin’s job takes him to scary parts of the city, “but messenger man’s gotta answer each call.” Like John, Calvin goes wherever his messages need to be shared.