Prepare for God’s promised one!
The promised one has a message for each one of us:
That we stand in a long tradition of Christian saints;
That we have gifts to give and use in God’s service;
That we know and can promote the values of God’s realm – justice, peace, and sharing;
That nothing can separate us from the love of God.
This is Good News!
We stand with John, and wait for the coming of Jesus.

~ from Pastoral Prayers to Share, Year B: Prayers of the People for Each Sunday of the Church Year, by David Sparks

“Comfort, oh comfort my people.” In this weeks scripture readings we hear words of comfort and invitation spoken to people long ago, words that can still offer comfort today in our world of change and uncertainty. As you discover a wider understanding of both receiving and offering comfort through this week’s session materials, think of ways your community supports, comforts, nurtures, and encourages people. Pray that all people will experience God’s comfort and strength as they move through changes in their lives.
 

Now is the Time
Here is the Place
And this is Holy Ground.

~ from “A Practice of Presence,” in Going Beyond Words by Lois Huey-Heck

• “Setting Sacred Space” (Ages 15-18) offers ideas for setting up your session worship area. 
• a PowerPoint presentation of an aurora borealis would be lovely to show during meetings or in worship (on Ages 15-18 disk and Fusion Data CD)
• a finger labyrinth could be used as a meditation tool during Advent (information can be found on Ages 12-14 extra resource sheet; Ages 15-18 supplemental resource sheet and on Ages 15-18 supplement disk)
• Access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. This week's Spirit Sighting takes a look at the Occupy movement.

• “The Words of Prophets” (Adult) offers helpful background information about the book of Isaiah
• “The Second Coming” resource sheet (Adult: digging deeper) offers opportunity to explore beliefs regarding writings about biblical prophecies and “end times”
• “God Will Change Everything” (Ages 6-8) involves shouting, so children may get distracted. Pause and make sure you have everyone’s attention before continuing.
• Option: use the paraphrase “Get Ready” based on Isaiah 40:1-11 (p. 16) and “John the Baptizer” based on Mark 1:1-8 (p. 19) of the Lectionary Story Bible, Year B; also available as an mp3 and projectable art download)

Some of the many options include:

• Ages 3-5: comfort is explored through calming ritual and making cards or decorating pillow covers
• Ages 6-8: explore Isaiah’s message of comfort and hope through action story or hope ornament
• Ages 9-11: proclaim God’s care through comfort cards or Advent banner
• Multiage: are messengers of God’s comfort through star messages or songs of comfort
• Ages 12-14: explore Isaiah’s message of comfort and hope through collage or comfort cards
• Ages 15-18 explore God’s messages of hope through abstract art images or writing thank you cards
• Adult: discern role in offering comfort through word reflection or engagement with all six posters.

• Poster images The Prophet, Pathway Home and/or Landscape of Stars are used in various age levels. Adults have the option to reflect on all six posters.
• Music: “May You Find Peace” (#19), “Invocation” (#5) on Seasons CD, volume 7; also available as a downloadable mp3 purchase.

Note: December 25 and January 1 are “All ages” sessions (the same for all age levels)

December 11 | Advent 3: Hope Restored

Focus: Psalm 126

The Season of Advent tends to be one of growing anxiety generated by demands for time, energy, and resources that may be limited. The readings for this third Sunday of Advent encourage us to remember the abundant grace of God. In reflecting on ways in which we have experienced God’s abundance when all we could see was scarcity, hope is restored. The challenge is one of being faith-filled – dreamers even when the world seems hopeless. What dreams bring us light and hope?

Become familiar with the material for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany:

• Look at the Planning-Overview section for the Season at a Glance (for Encore) chart, as well as registration forms, attendance charts, and lectionary bookmarks.
• Find the Age 3 Supplement in the Library & Action Zone.
• Review and practice the Advent songs (to familiar tunes like “This Old Man” and “Frere Jacques”) in your Advent resources material.
• Listen to the music on Seasons of the Spirit CD, volume 7.

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.