“In this new cosmological paradigm, the earth herself is an embodiment of the divine. She is a source of divine wisdom. Her intricate and elegant ecosystems have something to teach us. Rather than exploit her, we can approach the earth as sacred revelation…Her wisdom is immense. For example, scientists are not even close to being able to mimic the process by which an ordinary leaf transforms sunlight into energy.”

~ Bruce Sanguin, Darwin, Divinity, and the Dance of the Cosmos, p. 36.

Promises of the rainbow and promises of baptism figure prominently in the readings for this first Sunday of Lent. The rainbow of the Noah story and all rainbows remind humans that we are a part of the earth, sharing its fate with “all living creatures.”

Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan followed by a time of testing, after which the “fullness of God drew near,” reminds us of God’s mercy and faithfulness in difficult times. Through it all we are invited to know that God can and does meet us where we are and is our constant companion along the way.

Lent can prompt sober reflection on the brokenness around us. What actions can we begin in this time and place that might help us re-member again the covenant of grace?

• Access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage
• Review “About This Lent and Easter” and “About the Art for Lent and Easter.” Find a well-lit place where you can arrange all of the art posters in front of you. Take in the range of colours and moods represented in the posters as a whole and then in each one in turn.
• “Encyclopedias, Sunsets, and the Mysteries of God” (Ages 15-18) offers advice to youth leaders. “It is not for us to convince, to persuade, to sell. It is enough for us to be present, to share in the mysterious love of God, and to offer that invitation to all in our groups.”

• Option: use the paraphrase “God Sends a Rainbow” (p.76) based on Genesis 9:8-17 and “You Are Chosen” (p. 78) based on Mark 1:9-11 from the Lectionary Story Bible, Year B; also available as an mp3 and projectable art download)
• “Flood Legends” (Ages 15-18 and Adult, Digging Deeper) helps to share and explore other flood stories throughout the ancient world. The age levels hear the story of Noah through various means: drama, active storytelling, and Bible research.

• Lenten Calendar (Ages 3-5) requires leader preparation (pre-group time) from the Storytelling poster.
• Lenten Stepping Stone Pathway (Ages 6-8) (see page 88 for instructions)
• Prayer ritual: “Praying the Psalms” (Ages 15-18, p. 88) and Lenten Gathering Prayers (Adult, p. 87)
• Especially for this week, bring the poster Rainbow over Pilbara

Some of the many options for learning about God’s promises:

• Ages 3-5: Story picture, rainbow painting mural and/or rainbow catcher
• Ages 6-8: Rainbow snack, rainbow activities (choices include: bracelet, poster, or curtain) and/or  rainbow mural
• Ages 9-11: Rainbow bracelet or Lenten prayers and/or Lenten offering
• Multiage: Art engagement with poster Rainbow over Pilbara or choose from rainbow reminders: bracelet, poster, or planter
• Ages 12-14: Rainbow acrostic or mosaic mural or Lenten service projects
• Ages 15-18: Rainbow acrostic or prayer flags or mosaic mural or Lenten offering
• Adult: Poetry writing and/or Lenten service projects

• Rainbow over Pilbara poster: Where do you see warm colours? Where do you see cooler colours? How does this painting make you feel? Where would you be standing in this picture? Why?
• Listen to the songs “To You, O God” (#17),“Don’t Be Afraid” (#2), and “I’ve Got a Voice” (#13) on the Seasons Music CD, Volume 7, also available as an mp3 download.

Lent 2: March 4 – Living Legacy

(focus: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16)

Readings focus on another covenant: the promise God made to Abram and Sarai. Again, we are reminded that such promises of faithful relationship are initiated by God, not based on merit or worth, with the purpose of bringing blessing to all the earth.

“Developing Traditions of Celebration in an Intergenerational Christian Community”: read the article to learn about some fun activities that involve everyone, that could be included outside the time allocated specifically to worship, that will enhance your Easter season together.

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.