Holy One,
We open now to the mystery
of how your voice sometimes speaks in our hearts,
and how at others we find you in welling silence.
Lift us from the prison of fear
to the palace of presence,
gently release us from whatever stops us from shining our light.
Flare out in us expansively, so we may become living lamps
set high on lampstands,
vital candles illuminating the entire room.
Use our times of uncertainty and doubt as occasions for growth
so we can mediate your Presence,
triumphing over the wrecks of all our lost Edens.
Help us to be like Jesus,
generously pouring out the wine of life,
or like a magnolia blossom dreaming its own white magnificence.
Let us be, Holy One,
like a lotus flower whose beauty glows the more exquisitely
against the darkness of the depths that brought it forth.

~ From Arousing the Spirit: Provocative Writings by Susan McCaslin, p.120

Today’s focus verses are from the section of Jesus’ teaching sometimes called the “judgement discourse.” Jesus is in Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion, and has gone with the disciples to the Mount of Olives. There Jesus responds to their questions about the “end of the age” with the parable of the ten bridesmaids – some who have tended their lamps so they are ready to shine when lit and some whose lamps are empty and unprepared. Through the metaphor of “tending the light” all generations can hear the call to tend and nurture the presence of God’s Spirit within so they might shine in acts of love, justice, compassion, and mercy. What are some ways that we can tend the light of the Spirit as we prepare for life in God’s reign? What Christian practices nourish and sustain your faith and hope and help you to be fully and awake – as an individual and as a church?

“The continuing life of faith communities is never a given. It is a responsibility, a trust. The church does not exist because it is the church. The church exists to be the church, to do the work of God’s called-out-people. Wisdom in the church, as in our lives, takes shape in preparing for dynamic partnership with God.”

~ John Indermark from Parables and Passion

“Scholars point out that Matthew was dealing with a frightened community, which had been waiting for the return of Jesus for decades, in the midst of an oppressive Roman occupation. So Matthew’s interpretations of Jesus’  parables tilt toward the needs of that early community. And part of that need was for alertness and readiness – displayed in doing good deeds, and by actively serving those in need…  Jesus taught inclusion, not exclusion; love, not punishment; and forgiveness, not holy revenge… In this parable the offer to come and join Jesus’  way is given. We can reject the offer, and there are consequences for doing so, but they are not punishments; they are self-chosen consequences of our choices. The five young women who have prepared for the way of goodness – by doing active deeds of goodness – get to celebrate and let their light shine.

~ from “The Parables in the Gospel of Matthew,” The Art of Parables: Reinterpreting the Teaching Stories of Jesus in Word & Sculpture by Charles McCollough

• Access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage.
• “Weddings in Jesus’ Day (Time)” (Multiage, Ages 9-11); Weddings in Biblical Times and significance of oil information on resource sheets (Ages 12-14, Ages 15-18)

• Figures of ten bridesmaids from Storytelling poster (Ages 3-5) and “Ten Young Bridesmaids” poem p.75
• Game on Story Props poster (Ages 6-8)
• Ten Bridesmaids counting rhyme (Multiage)
• Parable in drama and mime (Adult, Ages 15-18)
• Option: use the paraphrase “The Wedding Party” (p. 236) of the Lectionary Story Bible, Year A; also available as an mp3 and projectable art download)

• There are many ways for exploring the parable of the bridesmaids such as helping hands booklet and oil lamp (Ages 3-5); exploration game and outreach project (Ages 6-8); pinch pot lamps and outreach (Ages 9-11, Multiage); exploring what it means to shine (Ages 12-14); creating art images and serving options (Ages 15-18); art response and serving options (Adult)
• Important: “Tending the Light” (Adult resource sheet) could lead to an all-church serving project. “Prepared to Respond” (Ages 15-18 resource sheet) could be used by church councils and outreach committees to reflect on how the church does and could “bear light”

• Art Response: Look at the poster Let the Energy Flow, considering the source of the energy in this painting. Listen to quiet music, such as “Nature Care Meditation” (#25 on Seasons Music CD, volume 9) as you reflect. Using oil pastels or coloured chalk on drawing paper, work to create an image that expresses in some way the source of energy in your own life. Spray fixative on the drawing so it doesn’t smudge. If done as a group activity, discuss observations and display artwork in your meeting space.
• Ages 3-5 and 6-8 use the Storytelling and Props poster.
• Music: “I Feel God Around Me” (#20) is an excellent song to sing with all ages of children. It is easy to learn, and inspires actions that make it lively and fun.
• Songs are available as a downloadable mp3 purchase from www.seasonsonline.ca.

November 13: Abundant Possibilities (Mathew 25: 14-30)

The parable of the talent (currency in Jesus’ day) is open to multiple interpretations. Read the biblical background provided in your Seasons material for some suggestions. God’s life-giving power let loose in the world unleashes abundant possibilities for justice, love, and compassion. How will you use God’s gifts to you in faithful and extravagant service to God and neighbour?

• What do you think? When the rich exploit the work of the poor, what can we do about it? ~ from The Art of Parables: Reinterpreting the Teaching Stories of Jesus in Word & Sculpture

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. In Advent/Christmas/Epiphany Fusion, page 25, you will find an idea for a Christmas Pageant with a difference – a Powerpoint telling of the age old story using art created by children and adults in your congregation.