Christian hope is not passive. Jesus sent his disciples out to heal and teach in his name. In doing so, he invited them to participate in the new community God was shaping. This is participatory hope. Jesus taught that Spirit works in countless ways, few of which are independent of human initiative.

~ Ross Smillie in Practicing Reverence: An Ethic for Sustainable Earth Communities

Authority, or the ability to affect the behaviour of others, is a common thread in the scriptures this week. The session materials provide the opportunity for groups to explore authority within the context of the time in which Jesus lived.

In Jesus’ day, people believed in the presence and power of demons and evil spirits. People thought these beings had the power to control human actions and cause physical and spiritual illness, such as blindness, paralysis, and madness. Possession by unclean spirits made persons ritually unclean. They could not go to the temple or participate in religious festivals – they were considered to be separated from God, family, and neighbours.

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus is presented as one who has power and authority over evil, or unclean spirits. In his ministry Jesus claimed the authority that God gives to teach and to heal.

We too are called to identify ways to use our God-given authority. In what ways might we use our God-given authority toward God’s desire for the community of earth to be whole?

The temperature of the spiritual life of the Church is the index of her power to heal.

~ Evelyn Frost

• Access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage. This week's Spirit Sighting explores Impossible2Possible, an innovative program that brings the world to the classroom.
• “First-United – A Sanctuary” and the poster Sanctuary describe the mission developed by one church -- “Those who are pushed to the periphery will come to know, within this safe haven, they are of great worth.”

• “The Spirit World of Mark’s Gospel,” Adult “Digging Deeper” resource sheet provides helpful background into the hierarchy of authority and power of the whole cosmos that was part of the belief system of early Christians.
• “Gospel Search” (Ages 9-11) and “Jesus’ Authority” (Ages 12-14) engage the group in searching the scriptures to answer questions about “authority” and “power”
• Option: use the paraphrase “Jesus Goes to the Synagogue” based on Mark 1:21-28 (p. 58) and/or “A Song About God” (p.60) based on Psalm 111 from the Lectionary Story Bible, Year B; also available as an mp3 and projectable art download)

Some of the many options for exploring Jesus’ teaching and healing through:

• Ages 3-5: magnets and/or flower bouquets, and/or collage
• Ages 6-8: rhythm poem or people-shaped mural
• Ages 9-11: crayon-resist art or writing poems
• Multiage: scratch art or paper hug
• Ages 12-14: abstract art or discussion with contemporary teachers and healers
• Ages 15-18: art reflection and/or authority guest speakers
• Adult: contemporary stories and/or writing prayers, and/or art engagement

• Listen to the song “Pulsing Spirit” (#7 on the Seasons Vol. 7 Music CD or available as an mp3 download)
• Use art supplies and create abstract images that express some of the feelings and emotions in the scripture reading
• Scratch Art: Cover sheets of paper with solid blocks of colour using different coloured crayons and pressing hard. Then use a black crayon to cover the entire sheet. Use a sharp object to “draw” a symbol or image of Jesus’ loving power and authority from this week’s scripture, by lightly scratching away the black covering to reveal the colours beneath.

February 5 – Sustaining Ministry

(focus: Mark 1:29-39)

Mark portrays Jesus’ ministry as having two major thrusts – proclamation of the Word and reign of God, and healing. What is our role in proclaiming the gospel and in becoming healers in our time and circumstance?

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