The call of God in your life is expressed in how you choose to live. The love of God in your life is expressed in how you serve. The presence of God in your life is expressed in how you love. Life in God is always waiting for you. Amen.

~ from Go Deep: Spiritual Practices for Youth Ministry by Doris e. Kizinna

Learning to listen for God’s voice takes practice and discipline. This week’s focus passage and session material offers some insights into ways people hear God speaking in their lives. In the story of God’s call to Samuel, age forms an interesting dynamic as Eli, the aging priest, is put in the position of handing on the mantle of leadership to Samuel, a young boy. Through the story of Samuel we realize that God calls people of all ages. Pray that people will continue to hear God’s call in their lives, and be able to give and receive encouragement from each other as they explore experiences of call. What does “being called by God” mean for you? Who in your life has helped you recognize and respond to God’s call?

O God, you have searched me and known me

~ Psalm 139:1

• “Known by God,” Adult “Digging Deeper” resource sheet based on Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 offers four reflection questions. If the psalmist lived in this time what images might have been chosen to convey the meaning of being known by God?
• Option: use the paraphrase “A Song About Being Born” based on Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (p. 49) and/or “Jesus Finds Some Friends” (p.50) based on John 1:43-51 from the Lectionary Story Bible, Year B; also available as an mp3 and projectable art download)

Some of the many options for recognizing God’s call through Samuel’s story:

• Ages 3-5: making puppets or poster of messages
• Ages 6-8: using art materials to create an image of a place where God’s call might be experienced or pillowcase messages
• Ages 9-11 and Multiage: making clay lamp symbol or hearing stories of church workers
• Ages 12-14: exploring listening skills or paper bag skits
• Ages 15-18: media presentation and/or skits or guest speaker
• Adult: discussing mentorship and/or reflecting on one’s own call

• Look at the poster “Pathway Home” as you reflect on God’s call in your life and listen to the song “Pulsing Spirit” (#7 on the Seasons Vol. 7 Music CD, also available as an mp3 download)
• Gather and Bless, Ages 6-8: If possible bring the songs “Circle Song” (p.10 in Seasons Vol. 7 Songbook and #11 on Seasons Vol. 7 Music CD) and “I’ve Got a Voice” (p. 20-21 in Seasons Vol. 7 Songbook and #13 on Seasons Vol. 7 Music CD, also available as an mp3 download)

January 22: Moving Forward
Focus: Mark 1:14-20

Call continues to be a theme in this week’s scriptures. Following in the way of Jesus means leaving behind past ways of life and moving into a new future. We can respond to God’s call trusting in God’s steadfast, constant love. To what is God calling us?

For SeasonsFUSION (which inspires worship in a setting for all ages) see the SeasonsFUSION blog and sign up to receive the SeasonsFUSION Tip of the Week.