24th Sunday after Pentecost 33rd Sunday in Ordinary … Resources based on ... Provide sheets of...

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Resources based onsemi-continuous

readings of the Revised Common Lectionary.

Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

Things to keep in mind this week…

Planning ahead…

If you have Internet access, visit www.seasonsonline.ca to access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage.

Liturgical colour: green

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Revised Common Lectionary (Year A)

163163Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2017

Sunday, November 19 – Saturday, November 25 • 2017

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S M T W T F S

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30

November 2017

October 2017S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31

December 2017S M T W T F S

1 23 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 29 20 21 22 23

25 26 27 28 29 30

24th Sunday after Pentecost33rd Sunday in Ordinary TimeProper 28 (33)

Thanksgiving Day USAMaterials for Thanksgiving can be found on pp. 25-30.

Judges 4:1–7Psalm 123I Thessalonians 5:1–11Matthew 25:14–30

Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea

24/31

164 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2017 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 2017 Biblical Background • November 19, 2017

Seasons of the Spirit™ is based on the semi-continuous

readings of the Revised Common Lectionary.

Investing What Is Offered

Focus scriptureMatthew 25:14–30

Additional scripturesJudges 4:1–7Psalm 123I Thessalonians 5:1–11

God,often, despite ourselves, we rise or sink to meet high or low expectations.Help me to create high expectations for myself and others, and grant me the stamina and imagination to strive to achieve them.Amen.

This week, we continue in the judgment texts in Mat-thew, and we are asked to imagine what our contribu-tion has been to the kin-dom of God. Have we invested

wisely the gifts that God has given us? Have we been active or passive in our waiting? Have we worked through our fears and insecurities?

Focus scripture: Matthew 25:14–30This week’s gospel is set a couple of days before the Passover meal.

A wealthy landowner goes away for an undefined time, leaving his property in the care of three household slaves. The slaves are entrusted with significant amounts of money with no instructions. A talent equated to about 15 years of average wages. This vast sum of money stresses both the immense trust placed in the slaves and their enormous responsibility for the landowner’s wealth. The landowner is away for a long time and returns unannounced and unexpectedly to settle matters. The first two slaves, who have each doubled what had been entrusted to them, are generously praised and entrusted with even more. The longer focus, however, is on the third slave who returns only what he has been entrusted. He shares his reasoning – identifying the landowner’s harshness, expediency, acquisitiveness, and opportunism. He is rebuked and then condemned.

The use of “talents” is not referring to our God-given gifts and graces; it is simply the name of a unit of money. The qualities of the slaves are referred to in other ways. They receive “each according to their abilities” (v. 15). This parable is intended as a story for the Matthean Jewish-Christian community waiting for Christ in the turbulent late first century.

This story creates dissonance for the hearers. On the one hand they recognize fine qualities in the landowner who trusts, recognizes and affirms the different abilities, and responds generously. On the other hand, they feel sympathetic toward the rationale and actions of the final slave. Matthew lets the differing perspectives hang together in their tension. The hearers are to decide.

It is unclear if this story is a parable of the reign of God, or an allegory. As an allegory of the coming return of Christ, the passage suggests that being “good and faithful” is the essence of Christian waiting. Christian waiting is an active responsibility of initiative and risk. Some scholars, notably William Herzog, suggest that the third servant is a hero. This servant stood up to a demanding boss who encouraged his employees to increase his wealth by making loans or investments that charged exorbitant interest rates. Burying the funds kept them from being used for such corrupt purposes. By refusing to take action that would have oppressed others and shamed the business practices of the owner, the third servant embraces God’s reign of justice and equity.

Matthew makes no attempt to eliminate inconsistencies in the traditions that are woven into these stories of judgment and end times, and their witnesses to Jesus. The Matthean community, living in difficult times, is urged to be alert and oriented in their life-choices to the active ways of God, which are fulfilled in Christ.

Judges 4:1–7 Following Joshua’s death, Israel has not persisted in obedience to God, and consequently have experienced endless trouble from the Canaanites seeking to reclaim their land. Deborah counsels a battle against insurmountable odds. This requires trust that the word of Deborah is a word from God.

In Psalm 123 we hear a lament, either from Israel or an oppressed group within it. It is in expectant dependence on the mercy of God to effect changes in their situation.

Anticipating the culmination of all things, Paul reminds the church in I Thessalonians 5:1–11 that there are important choices to make. They are not to become complacent and lose their sense of urgency. The end-of-time-table is not an issue.

• • • • •What do we do with what is offered to us and how much of our actions can be assumed by expectations? The landowner had clear expectations for each of the servants. What does God expect from us as we wait for the coming kin-dom? And what can we be doing to meet and exceed those ex-pectations?


Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 2017Reflection and Focus • November 19, 2017

Adapt and use for youth and adult studies, sermon seeds, lay worship teams.

Reflecting on the Word

Connecting with life Think of stories of people who have needed assistance to help them reach full potential (movies like Good Will Hunt-ing, Queen of Katwe, or books like the Harry Potter series or Matilda).

■■ What role does their surrounding community play in the creation of these heroes?

■■ What makes them question their abilities? Why are they fearful or fearless? What helps them to take the risks needed to shine?

ScriptureMatthew 25:14–30 The game of Monopoly teaches that it is easiest to make money with money. Western society con-tinues to teach this through the glorification of wealth and material possessions. There are people in society who are famous solely because they are rich; their credibility and power comes from their wealth, be it earned or inherited.

■■ What is your congregation’s relationship with money?■■ Who has the most power within your community? Do

those who give more have more power and authority?■■ How might personal finances exclude people from

participating in the church? What can you do to ensure everyone feels comfortable and able to participate?

Specifically directed toward the early Christian community living in difficult times and expecting the physical return of Christ. Matthew 25:14–30 is another of Jesus’ parables about living in the reign of God.

■■ How do you hear this parable – as condemnation, criticism, encouragement?

■■ If the landowner was to return today, how do you think that your community would be judged? What praise and what chastisement might you receive?

■■ What servant do you most relate with as a community? What servant do you most relate personally? Why?

■■ In what ways is your community actively expecting the in-breaking of God’s realm? How is that evident?

Psalm 123 expresses both the confidence in God’s provision (verses 1 and 2) and the dire realities of living in an economic system not based on God’s abundance (verses 3 and 4).

■■ With which verses would the first two servants in Matthew 25:14–30 identify? What about the third servant?

In I Thessalonians 5:1–11 there is a hint that people are losing their sense of urgency in the way they live.

■■ How have you and your community become comfortable and complacent?

■■ What does it mean for you and your community to belong to the day sober, and wearing faith, hope, and love as protective garments (v. 8)?

Connecting scripture and life This week’s focus reading encourages us to reflect on how we, as individuals and as a faith community, invest ourselves spiritually, emotionally, and physically in sharing God’s love in the world.

■■ What are the invested interests of your faith community?

■■ How do you imagine you and your church being called to take part in God’s reign?

Focus for Worship, Learning, and Serving“Be and Be Not Afraid.”In this Tracy Chapman song, the singer encourages us, despite our fears and very real limitation, to reach out to heaven, whatever that heaven may be. Many people within the world and within the community are working hard to fight low self-esteem and self-worth brought on by the circumstances around them; a society or culture that tells

them that they are not good enough, or an economic struc-ture that is designed to keep the rich wealthy and the poor impoverished. What is the good news of the gospel for those who are in need? And what is the word of challenge to those who have plenty? How might worship, learning, and serving this week encourage the people of God to reach for heaven in their daily lives?


Music Suggestions

A chart that shows the licence holder(s) for each song in each of the 9 Seasons of the Spirit Music Volumes can be found at www.seasonsonline.ca. Click on Library; Seasons Music Information. Please contact a licence holder for permission to duplicate.

NOTE: All of these suggestions are mere starting points; adapt, delete, and add according to your local needs.

Prepare

Gather

Worship Outline • November 19, 2017

Investing What Is Offered

■❑ Recruit volunteers needed for worship.■❑ Choose an option for hearing Matthew 25:14–30. For

the Bible story, arrange for a storyteller to present the story “Hide and Seek” on p. 170. For retelling the story, arrange for a few people to act out the story as it un-folds (optional).

■❑ Bring items for setting the worship space.■❑ Provide sheets of paper, and bring the hope box from

last week.■❑ You might choose to print the art image ”Grossman

Tower Doors” on your bulletin covers (in the Images to Project and Print folder on the Season of Creation, Pente-cost 2 CD and in the web version of SeasonsFUSION). You might also include one of the art engagement ideas described in “Connecting with the Art” (p. 4).

■❑ Bring a song such as “As Long as We Follow/Na Nzela Na Lola” (Seasons Songbook, vol. 9, #17 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 9. Printed music and recording are also avail-able at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www.seasonsonline.ca).

■❑ Set stations as described on pp. 171–172.

As Long as We Follow/Na Nzela Na LolaJoseph Kamemba; Seasons Songbook, vol. 9

A World of DifferenceMonica O’Brien, Gina Ogilvie, Seasons Songbook, vol. 9

Be God’sDanielle Rose; Seasons Songbook, vol. 9

The AnointingJames Maher; Seasons Songbook, vol 9

Fill Us, GodGerry Holmes; Seasons Songbook, vol. 9

I’ve Got a VoiceDavid MacGregor; Seasons Songbook, vol. 7

The Heart of Your DreamingKevin Bates; Seasons Songbook, vol. 5

We Give Our Hands to You/Reamo LebogaDaisy Nshakazongwe; Seasons Songbook, vol. 1

Begin with these words followed by a moment of silence.If we were to have an auction where things that are “price-less” were offered, what would you offer? What would you accept as payment for it, if anything?

Call to worshipOne: As dry land thirsts for water. As budding plants reach for the sun. As dying leaves fall to the earth.All: Our longing souls call us to worship.

Opening prayerOne: Today and every day,All: may we build each other up in love.One: Today and every day,All: may our faith protect us from utter despair.One: Today and every day,All: may our love for you and each other strengthen us.One: Today and every day,

All: may our hope in the risen Christ give us the courage to move forward toward Christ’s coming reign.

Amen.

Prayer of confessionOne: There is a thin line between playing it safe and being

reckless.All: Help us to choose our actions wisely.One: There is a point when holding on to something too

tightly can weaken our grasp.All: Help us to hold our convictions tenderly.One: There are moments when fear stops us from doing

what we know to be right.All: Help us to practice our ministry boldly.One: There are words of scorn that can enslave us, feelings

of disappointment that can unravel us.All: Help us to speak to each other lovingly.

Words of affirmationDo not be afraid, for God is our helper and our strength.



EngageOpening the wordMoving into the focus scripture Distribute sheets of paper and pencils.Bring to the front the box that was wrapped last week in words and symbols of hope. Make sure that you can open the box or that a slit has been cut into it. Invite people to anonymously write down, or draw on one side of a sheet of paper a gift or talent that they have hidden. Once all have written something, ask them to write on the re-verse side of the paper how they think that gift could bring hope to the community. During the offering, pass around this box and ask people to put their papers in.

Matthew 25:14–30Choose from the following for hearing the focus story.Bible story Have a storyteller present the story “Hide and Seek” on page 170. Retelling the story A few people might act out the story as it unfolds.

In The City, there was a mother with three daughters whom she loved very much. The mother had many gifts that the city relied on, so she entrusted these gifts to her daughters while she went to another city to share her gifts there.

To the first daughter, she gave the gift of farming. She taught her about the land and how to care for it. The daughter cherished this gift and taught anyone who would listen how to water and care for the earth. The entire city blossomed with the gift of farming and had a bountiful harvest of every good fruit of the earth.

To the second daughter the mother gave the gift of reading and writing. The daughter cherished this gift, and taught anyone who would listen, how to read, write and create beautiful stories of the city. Soon schools were built, and people of all ages gathered to read, learn and tell stories. The city created a library so that everyone had access to this amazing gift of reading and writing.

The third daughter received the gift of music. The daughter cherished this gift. She would go high into the mountains to practice this gift of music where she thought no one would hear her. She practiced singing and playing the harp day and night, but never felt ready to share her gift with the city, or with anyone but the birds.

One day, when she was up on the hill practicing, she saw her mother returning, and she started to cry. She looked out over the city and saw the lush and green farmlands because her sister had shared the gift of farming. She saw the beautiful library and people reading stories to each other because her sister had shared the gift of reading and writing. And she felt ashamed because only the birds were singing, and no one was playing music.

When the mother returned, she celebrated and congratulated her first and second daughter on the splendid work they had done. When evening came, she asked her daughters, “What is that sound coming from the mountains?” We do not know, there has been a beautiful sound coming from the mountains since you left, we assumed that it was the birds, but today it sounds different, it sounds like wailing.

The mother went up the mountain, and there was her third daughter crying so violently that she was gnashing her teeth. The mother was disappointed in her daughter, but clearly not as much as the daughter was in herself. She informed the daughter that she will be going to a new town, and will be bringing her two sisters. The daughter pleaded with the mother to go with them, but the mother said no. “Everyone in The City is in love with the music of the sky; you must remain and teach it to them.”

After the focus scriptureInvite children, young people, and all who wish to move to the stations. Others will remain seated for proclaiming the word.

RespondAfter proclaiming the word, you might invite those who have not already done so to move to and around the stations, taking ten minutes or so with a chosen practice.

Sing or listen to a song such as “As Long as We Follow” as people gather together again. (Seasons Songbook, vol. 9, #17 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 9. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www.seasonsonline.ca).



Bless

Prayers of the peopleLoving God,we cannot predict when we will be most needed. None of us know when our gifts and skills will match the needs and hopes of another. Prepare us, God, to be ready to be of service when the time is right. May we be sensitive to the needs and hurts of others, those that we are aware of and name to you now (leave space for people to add intercessions). May we be sensitive to the suffering that remains silent and hidden, which we offer into the silence now (allow for a time of silence). May we be aware and angry about the injustices in the world, those we witnesses and those in which we actively participate. May we be encouraging and supportive of those who are seeking to live in the way of Jesus; and may we daily hold each other in prayer. Amen.

Invitation to offeringIn the end, it is not about how much we have collected in earthly treasures.

In the end, it is what we did with those treasures, how we used them to support and encourage others to build the city of God.

In the end, it is not about us as individuals; it is about us a community.

Our offering is a practical and symbolic reminder that we are in the business of kin-dom building together.

Prayer of dedicationBring forward the hope box.Thank you for this community and for the responsibility of being your people.

Forgive us for the times when we have tucked away and hidden our gifts and talents from the world.

As a community, help us to support and encourage each other so that we can share all of our gifts for and to your glory.

Bless these gifts, both seen and unseen, that they might be a blessing to others.Amen.

What gift do you need help sharing? How will this gift add hope to the world?This week, ask a friend to help you in using this gift.Tell them what you need to be encouraged, inspired, and supported.

Go, for the world is waiting and is in desperate need of what only you can offer.Go, and don’t be afraid,for the grace of God,the love of Jesus, and the friendship of the Holy Spiritgoes with us all.Thanks be to God.Amen.

Special Day Commentary

November 24 – Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Sikhism)The ninth of the ten Sikh gurus was murdered on this day in 1675. He believed in the freedom of religion and the right of the Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs to live in peace and practice their own religions.


Poetry and Prose • November 19, 2017

Fair Trade and MicrocreditAdele Halliday

Fair Trade Churches and church-related organizations have been in-volved with the fair trade movement for decades.

In our global economy, some in the world are wealthy, while many are poor. Fair trade seeks to offer an alternative and to guarantee that workers will get a fair price for their labour. Fair trade is not the only thing that will transform the lives of people living in poverty; however, it is making a difference. Fair trade is not about charity, or international aid, but rather about paying people a fair price for what they do.

Fair trade benefits small-scale farmers and workers who would traditionally earn very little money for their work. Through fair trade, farmers can work in cooperatives and work democratically. They are also better able to negotiate prices for their products. In addition, producer organizations receive a fair trade premium, which they can decide how to use toward improving conditions in their communities. This communal money can be used to build wells, roads, and other infrastructure, invest in health care, or invest in a number of other actions for the local community. More than 1.5 million farmers and workers are involved in fair trade work. With a stable income, farmers and workers can do longer-term planning for themselves and their families. Importantly, child labour is drastically reduced.

Fair trade also brings about a positive impact on the planet. To be fair trade certified, a product cannot be genetically modified; farmers are encouraged to promote water conservation, and environmental standards must be upheld.

In addition to environmental standards, there are also internationally developed fair trade social and economic standards that seek to have a positive impact on people and the planet.

Fair trade involves some customer action by people in developed countries. By looking for the fair trade label, customers around the world can choose to buy fair trade products and positively impact people in developing countries. There are about 30,000 fair trade products for sale in 125 countries worldwide; products such as coffee, cocoa, cotton, bananas, rice, and tea are among those available under the fair trade label.

Many churches continue to support fair trade products, particularly by buying fairly traded coffee and tea for their refreshment times.

Explore more about Fair Trade International: www.fairtrade.net.Or, connect with fair trade specific to your country:

•Australia and New Zealand: www.fairtrade.com.au•Canada: www.fairtrade.ca•South Africa: www.fairtrade.org.za•United Kingdom: www.fairtrade.org.uk•USA: www.fairtradeusa.org

MicrocreditGlobally, about 2.7 billion people – one-third of the world’s population – do not have access to formal financial services. Without credit or savings, it can be difficult to obtain funds to start a business or invest in one’s future. This means that people can get stuck and find it challenging to improve their own situations.

Oikocredit is one organization that is trying to change that.

Oikocredit works in areas where banks may not operate, and fills a much-needed gap. Oikocredit lends money to microfinance institutions; in turn, those institutions provide financial services to low-income earners.

People who are financially disadvantaged can receive loans through these microfinance institutions to start a business, access health care, invest in education, and more. It empowers people to improve their lives, and is an example of social investing into financial inclusion, promoting fair trade, women’s empowerment, and respect for the environment.

Oikocredit has its roots in the ecumenical movement. In 1968, at a meeting of the World Council of Churches (WCC), church people called for methods of ethical investment. It has been operating since 1975; currently, there are loans to partners in 71 countries. While Oikocredit later became independent of the WCC, churches and church-related organizations continued to be actively involved.

Explore more about Oikocredit at www.oikocredit.ca.


Bible Story • November 19, 2017

A recording of this story is available in MP3 format in the Audio Stories folder on the Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 CD and in the web version of SeasonsFusion.

Bible storyThe practice of storytellingMaterials recording of today’s story

“Hide and Seek,” player, paper or drawing pads, crayons, pencils, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see; alternatively, arrange for a storyteller to present the story

Directions1. Listen to the story “Hide and Seek.” 2. Use the art supplies to record your responses.

Hide and Seek Based on Matthew 25:14–30

Jesus continued talking with groups of people.He told them more stories about God’s dream. The

dream was about a community where everyone was loved, healthy, and happy. People would be treated well, everyone would eat and be filled, and the place where they lived would be beautiful. Some called it the kingdom of God, and some called it God’s reign.

This community was so big and beautiful that it is hard to describe, so Jesus told stories to help the people imagine such a place. The stories also helped the people to imagine, wonder, and think deeply about how we should live into the world that God wants for all people.

This story was about a rich man who was talking with the people who worked for him.

Jesus said that there was once a man who was about to leave on a long journey. The man gathered together the people who worked for him and asked them to take care of his gold treasures. He gave one person five pieces of gold; he gave one person two pieces of gold; he gave one person one piece of gold.

The person who had five pieces decided to invest all of them. They earned five more pieces of gold; they had 10 in total!

The person who had received two pieces of gold also invested those pieces; they earned two more pieces of gold; they had four in total!

The person who was asked to care for one piece of gold was not sure what to do with it, and how to care for it. So this person dug a hole in the ground and hid the piece of gold.

One day, the rich man came back home. He gathered together the three people who worked for him and asked them what they did with the pieces of gold. The person who had received five pieces of gold explained that they had invested the money and made more – and gave the rich man ten pieces of gold in total. The rich man was very happy! He said, “Well done; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things.”

In the same way, the person who had received two pieces of gold explained that they had invested the money and made more – and gave the rich man four pieces of gold in total. The rich man was very happy! He said, “Well done; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things.”

Then the person who had received one piece of gold came forward and said, “I was scared! I did not want to lose your gold because I know that is important to you. I hid the gold so that it would be safe.” And the person gave the rich man back his one piece of gold.

But the rich man was not happy with this news. He said, “You are lazy! Why did you not invest the gold? Then I would have earned more.” The rich man took back the one gold and gave it to the person who had ten pieces of gold, so even more money could be earned for the landowner.

The people looked at each other. This was a hard story. Jesus had given them a lot to think about how they should live.


Stations • November 19, 2017

Suitable for all ages working together

Suitable for ages 9–adult

Suitable for all ages

Living, Learning, Growing as DisciplesThe following stations might be set up around your worship space or in other places around the church. Choose one or more practices, depending on your space and numbers. Display the directions.

For your convenience, instructions are formatted for printing and available in the Stations folder on the Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 CD and in the web version of SeasonsFUSION.

The article “Connecting with the Art” on page 4 provides some background to the two posters for Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 and some art engagement ideas for individuals and groups. You might choose to

add an Art Engagement station each week and choose one of the art engagement ideas.

Bulletin board display The practice of building communityMaterials church bulletins and news-

letters, computer or computer tablet with Internet access, paper, construc-tion paper, poster board, scissors, pencils, felt-tipped markers, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see

DirectionsIn a letter to the church in Thessalonica, the early Christians there were asked to encourage one another and to build each other up, as they waited and worked for God’s reign of justice and peace. 1. Think of the many ways that the people in your church are investing their lives

and gifts as they show God’s love and compassion in and for the community. 2. Encourage one another and build each other up by decorating the bulletin board, or

making a poster that celebrates and recognizes the various ministries undertaken by your church and individuals in their daily lives.

3. Look through church newsletters and bulletins for information about the stories and ministries, use photos, and check your church’s website (if it has one) for details and inspiration.

Pay it forward The practice of givingMaterials song “A World of Differ-

ence” (Seasons Songbook, vol. 9 and #2 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 9. Printed music and recording are also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www.seasonsonline.ca), a copy of the dir-ections displayed where all can see

Directions The people returned the money and more to the landowner. In the movie Pay It Forward, based on a book by the same name, a social studies teacher asks his junior high class to think about one thing that could make the world a better place, and then to do that one thing. One student proposes the idea of paying something not back, but forward. Rather than repaying good deeds he would pay good deeds forward. Today, you will have a chance to reflect on how you could “pay it forward” to people in your life.1. Reflect on one favour that someone has done for you recently. With a partner, think

about a way you might “pay it forward” in the upcoming week by doing kind things for three additional people.

2. Talk together about paying forward is about making a difference in the world; read, or listen to the song “A World of Difference.”

3. If possible, each time that someone does a good deed for you this week, pay it forward by doing three kindnesses for three other people

Alternative Monopoly The practice of equityMaterials copies of resource sheets

“Alternative Monopoly” (in the Extra Resources folder on the Season of Cre-ation, Pentecost 2 CD and in the web version of SeasonsFUSION), board game Monopoly (if continuing the board game from last week), scissors, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see

Directions In this week’s story, a rich man asked other people to take care of his gold. In today’s world, some people have extra gold and money, while others do not. Explore how wealth is distributed, and consider alternatives so that people could have enough. 1. Find at least one other person who will play the game with you.2. Carefully cut out each box from the resource sheets “Alternative Monopoly” (or use

the cards from last week, if available). Maintain one pile for the more-developed countries, and a separate pile for the lesser-developed countries.

3. Randomly designate who will choose their cards from the more-developed coun-tries pile, and who will choose from the lesser-developed countries pile.

4. Draw a card from the pile; read it, and discuss it. Reflect on any news you have heard of a situation that reflects what is described on your card.

5. After drawing all of your cards, reflect on your experience. Consider: What are the real-life implications of this game, and what is described on the cards? What are some real-life implications for you, in your part of the world? What concrete actions might you take as a result of this? Discuss together.


Stations • November 19, 2017


Gifts, talents, resources


The practice of encouragementMaterials paper, pencils, record-ing of “We Give Our Hands to You/Reamo Leboga,” (Seasons Songbook, vol. 1 and #49 Seasons Music CD, vol. 1. Printed music and recording are also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www.seasonsonline.ca), a copy of the directions displayed where all can see

DirectionsOne way to interpret today’s story from Matthew 25:14–30 is to see it as a commentary on making the most of all that God has given us. 1. Reflect on what Jesus might say to us about how we use our God-given gifts, talents,

and resources as we invest in God’s reign of justice and peace.2. Spend several minutes quietly reflecting on the abundant and generous gifts of

God. How are you investing these gifts in service of God and neighbour? When have you buried your gifts or hidden them for fear of what people might say or do?

3. Take a sheet of paper and a pencil and trace around your hand. On the palm of your hand write three gifts that God has given for you to use and grow (consider also things such as natural resources).

4. On the fingers of the hands, write ways you are using those gifts and investing in God’s reign of justice, love, and peace.

5. Swap your hand outlines with a partner and have him or her add to the list you have written – gifts they see in you and ways they see you using those gifts.

6. If there is time, you might swap again. 7. Return the hand outline to its “owner.” 8. You might conclude by singing or listening to “We Give Our Hands to You.”

Fair Trade and microcredit The practice of fairnessMaterials resource sheet “Fair Trade

and Microcredit” (p. 169), two large pieces of paper on which you could pre-print the words “Fair Trade” and “Microcredit,” paper, pens, cue cards/index cards, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see

Directions The rich man in this story had gold available to him that he could invest. Because he could invest, he was able to make even more money. In some parts of the world, people do not have much money available to them, and it is therefore very difficult to invest or earn money. Some of the purchases that people make can have a positive effect on people in other parts of the world, so they can live with fairness.1. Read the article “Fair Trade and Microcredit.” If you have access to the Internet,

explore the link to fair trade that is in your country.2. What did you discover about fair trade and microcredit? Write some key words

on the paper about what they mean to you. Consider how you and your church community could deepen your involvement with fair trade and/or microcredit.

3. What could you do personally about fair trade and microcredit? Are there any changes that you could commit to make in your personal life? Write at least one idea on a cue card/index card, and keep it with you. Reflect on how you could live out your commitment.

Transforming fears The practice of living faithfullyMaterials a copy of the directions dis-

played where all can see Directions The person who received one piece of gold in Jesus’ story said that they were scared. They were afraid of losing the gold and hid it. Sometimes, we are also afraid and not able to be our full selves because we are scared of what might happen, or what other people might think of us.1. Reflect on something that you are afraid about, or something that has scared you

in the past. You might choose to think about a fear of something specific (such as a spider, or heights); or to think about something more general (such as what people think of you, or uncertainty about the future).

2. Imagine how your fear might be represented in a physical way. Use drama to move into that posture. (For example, a fear might be represented by curling into a ball, or sitting in an uncomfortable position.)

3. Consider ways that you could transform your fear so that you can live more faith-fully. Physically move yourself from your position of fear into a position that could represent freedom from that fear.

4. Remember that feeling of freedom and reflect on how it could be replicated in your own life.

5. Offer a prayer that your fears can continue to be transformed into faithful living.


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14

The S

tory

of

Th

ree W

orke

rsBa

sed

on M

atth

ew 2

5:14

–30

One

day

, Jes

us to

ld th

is s

tory

…O

nce

ther

e w

as a

lan

dow

ner

who

w

as g

oing

on

a tr

ip. B

efor

e le

avin

g,

the

land

owne

r ask

ed th

e w

orke

rs to

ta

ke c

are

of t

hing

s. T

he la

ndow

ner

trus

ted

the

wor

kers

to d

o th

eir b

est.

To t

he fi

rst

wor

ker,

the

land

-ow

ner

gave

five

coi

ns. 1

, 2, 3

, 4, 5

.To

th

e se

cond

w

orke

r, th

e la

ndow

ner

gave

two

coin

s. 1

, 2.

To

the

thir

d w

orke

r, th

e la

ndow

ner

gave

one

coi

n. 1

.5,

2, 1

! “T

ake

good

care

of t

his m

oney

,”

the

land

owne

r to

ld th

em. T

hen

the

land

owne

r w

ent a

way

.W

hile

the l

ando

wne

r was

aw

ay,

the

first

wor

ker

boug

ht s

ome

seed

s w

ith th

e fiv

e co

ins.

1, 2

, 3, 4

, 5. T

he

wor

ker

plan

ted

the

seed

s an

d la

ter

sold

the

veg

etab

les

that

gre

w f

rom

th

ose

seed

s. N

ow t

he w

orke

r ha

d te

n co

ins.

1, 2

, 3, 4

, 5, 6

, 7, 8

, 9, 1

0.

Th

e se

cond

wor

ker

boug

ht a

co

w w

ith th

e tw

o co

ins.

1, 2

. Eve

ry

mor

ning

the

wor

ker

wou

ld m

ilk

the

cow

and

sel

l th

e m

ilk t

o th

e ne

ighb

ours

. N

ow t

he w

orke

r ha

d fo

ur c

oins

. 1, 2

, 3, 4

.

The

thir

d w

orke

r lo

oked

at t

he

coin

and

was

afr

aid

that

the

one

co

in w

ould

be

lost

. 1. S

o, th

e w

orke

r hi

d th

e co

in.

One

coi

n st

ayed

one

co

in. 1

.M

uch

late

r th

e la

ndow

ner

retu

rned

hom

e. T

he la

ndow

ner w

as

very

int

eres

ted

to k

now

wha

t th

e w

orke

rs h

ad d

one

with

the

coin

s.To

th

e fir

st

wor

ker

the

land

owne

r sa

id,

“I g

ave

you

five

coin

s. 1

, 2, 3

, 4, 5

. Now

I s

ee t

hat

I ha

ve t

en c

oins

. 1, 2

, 3, 4

, 5, 6

, 7, 8

, 9,

10.

You

r w

ork

is i

mpo

rtan

t, an

d yo

u di

d w

ell!

Be h

appy

with

me.

”

To

the

seco

nd

wor

ker,

the

land

owne

r sa

id,

“I g

ave

you

two

coin

s. 1

, 2. N

ow I

have

four

coi

ns. 1

, 2,

3, 4

. You

r w

ork

is im

port

ant,

and

you

did

wel

l! Be

hap

py w

ith m

e.”

To

th

e th

ird

wor

ker,

the

land

owne

r sa

id,

“I g

ave

you

one

coin

, and

you

hid

it. I

stil

l hav

e on

ly

one

coin

. 1. Y

our w

ork

is im

port

ant,

but

you

chos

e no

t to

do

it.

”

10,

4, 1

! Ev

eryo

ne’s

wor

k is

im

port

ant!

The

coin

s in

the

stor

y th

at Je

sus

told

can

rep

rese

nt th

e gi

fts

that

God

gi

ves u

s to

shar

e w

ith o

ther

s. T

he c

oins

bel

ow a

ll ha

ve th

e w

ord

“lov

e”

wri

tten

on

them

. Aft

er t

he w

ord

“lov

e” w

rite

som

eone

or

som

ethi

ng

with

who

m y

ou c

an s

how

love

(lov

e m

y fa

mily

, lov

e G

od, a

nd s

o on

).

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSIO

N Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2017Copyright ©

Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSIO

N Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2017 Copyright ©

Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

activity

23

The landowner helped the workers to see that they were all important and could make a difference. Even a small gesture makes a difference. Write or draw about ways you can use your abilities and gifts to make a difference in the world. Here’s one idea: Draw a smiling face and think about ways your smile or kindness can make a difference. What other gifts do you have to offer?

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