After Pentecost, the RCL provides two parallel streams for the Old Testament and Psalms, one surveying the whole OT over three years, the other linking with the NT readings, and I am attempting the precarious task of straddling both streams!
Liturgy resources will be based on either or both OT / Psalm combinations, or on the NT readings, seeking to maintain a seamless ‘flow’ of words without allusions seeming forced or unnatural.
Whichever texts you are using, you should find something to link with your readings and theme and, as always, you can use the search boxes to find resources for any text.
But first, some links to my and other folk’s resources and a fab visual to help us think about hearing God over the incessant clamour of our lives.
- Chains, 1 Kings 19, Gal 3 and Luke 8 – with fab visual activity
- Bread, 1 Kings 19 and John 6
- Ian Paul’s blog on Luke 8
- Recharging, 1 Kings 19 – including prayer-station activity
- Original artwork by Ally Barret – Elijah under the bush (see below)
When Elijah couldn’t even, God gave him permission to rest by providing a tree for shelter, some water and a cake. https://reverendally.org/art/
After The Fire
Try this great up-front demo at your all-age worship, Messy Church or for a school assembly.
Or, how about this? Use it with adults! Just because something is accessible to children does not mean it is only for children. We adults need visual aids too! Think back to a service you remember. I bet there was something visual. (And I’ll double bet that it was the ‘children’s slot’? Hmmn? Yeah, me too.)
You will need:
- three children – one Elijah and two helpers
- two hairdryers, plus extension leads / sockets
- ‘wobble board’ (or sturdy plank and tin can)
- bamboo pole or broom handle
- gold and red tinsel
What to do:
- Prepare the ‘fire’ by tying lengths of tinsel all along the pole at 10cm intervals. Place it at the front of the stage.
- Tell the story of Elijah who went up a mountain to try to listen to God. First, there was a great wind. Stand your Elijah in the middle and have the two assistants blow him with hairdryers.
- While the hairdryers are blowing, whisper the child’s name. The child will not hear.
- Next, there was an earthquake. Stand Elijah on the wobble board and have the assistants steady him and cheer him on. Get the audience to join in.
- Whisper the child’s name behind the noise.
- Then there was a fire. Due to heath and safely regulations, we are not allowed to set fire to anyone, so we will use tinsel instead. Have the helpers lift the pole and shake the tinsel over Elijah.
- Hmmn, not frightening enough. Encourage the audience and helpers to make fire noises. Have Elijah react to fire.
- All this noise will cover you whispering the child’s name.
- After the fire was the sound of pure silence. Pause. Whisper the child’s name. Child (hopefully) turns and says ‘Yes?’
- Talk about making space in our lives to hear God’s voice in the silence.
I’m a free-lance writer and I give The Reflectionary away for free because I believe this stuff is important. But it takes time to produce and I have to pay the bills. So I’d be tickled pink if you’d like to support the production of more free resources.
You can click on the Paypal link in the side bar, or just send Colin Firth round with diamonds. Darn it, just send Colin Firth (with or without damp shirt – swoon!)
Also, I’ve just signed up with Buy Me a Coffee, so if that suits better you can click this link. Regular supporters get freebies including signed books and original artwork!
But, as always, if you can’t afford anything, don’t worry at all. It’s great to have you along for the ride. Look around and help yourself. xx
Liturgy Resources for Proper 7 / Trinity 1
1 Kings 19:1-15, Psalms 42 and 43, Isaiah 65:1-9, Psalm 22:19-28, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39
Confession and Absolution
You have called to us, O God, in the still, small voice of silence;
we have listened instead to the earthquake, wind and fire of this clamouring world.
But you, O Lord, be not far away.
O God my help, come quickly to my aid.
You have held out your hands to us all day long;
we have been a rebellious people, following our own devices.
But you, O Lord, be not far away.
O God my help, come quickly to my aid.
You have invited us into your family and called us to be one in Christ;
we have fought and squabbled and wounded your image in us.
But you, O Lord, be not far away.
O God my help, come quickly to my aid.
O God, hide not your face from us,
but hear us when we cry to you,
and come quickly to our aid.
Have mercy upon us, we pray;
restore us, revive us
and strengthen us for the journey
for the sake of your son, our saviour.
Amen.
As God’s children,
know that you are dearly loved,
know that you are clothed in Christ,
know that you are forgiven
through Christ’s redeeming love.
Amen.
Blessing and Dismissal
May you know the Lord’s steadfast love by day,
at night, may you hear his song.
May God send out his light and his truth
may they lead you to his holy hill, his dwelling
and may you live in peace with God for ever.
Go now, as the family of God,
one in Christ and heirs of the promise,
and declare how much God has done for you.
In the name of Christ, we will.
Amen.
The Reflectionary 