June 18: A Sunday of Celebration and Blessing!

On one particular Sunday this year, a grade three student burst into the classroom and said, "I cannot wait for the blessing today!" Each week he crosses his arms, leans eagerly over the rail and waits to hear the priest say words that affirm his belovedness.  His desire for the blessing is instructive to me, more than anything he wants to hear words that call forth what is most true about who he is.  Amongst all the other competing, demanding, distracting voices in a week, this voice of blessing is the one he longs for.

In his book, The Life of the Beloved, Henri Nouwen says this of blessing:

"In Latin, to bless is benedicere.  The word, "benediction" that is used in many churches means literally: speaking (dictio) well (bene) or saying good things of someone.  To give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can offer.  It is more than a word of praise or appreciation; it is more than pointing out someone's talents or good deeds; it is more than putting someone in the light.  To give a blessing is to affirm, to say "yes" to a person's Belovedness."

One of the Hebrew translations for the word Bless is 'barak' which means to praise, to congratulate, to salute.  It can also be translated 'esher' which is translated as happiness, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers but his delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law he meditates day and night.  He shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in its season, whose leaf does not wither and whatever he does prospers."  If you remember when we we looked at Beatitudes this year we used the words, "God is on the side of..."instead of "blessed" to get a fulsome understanding of the word Blessed in that context.  In the Bible 'to bless' carries with it a number of connotations but it is never a weak word.  For our purposes we will share words with one another that affirm our Belovedness, God's work in us, the unique gifts that each of us have.

Here is a further excerpt from The Life of the Beloved by Henry Nouwen, on blessing:

Not long ago in my own community, I had a very personal experience of the power of a real blessing.  Shortly before I started a prayer service in one of our houses, Janet, a handicapped member of our community said to me: "Henri, can you give me a blessing?"  I responded in a somewhat automatic way by tracing with my thumb the sign of the cross on her forehead.  Instead of being grateful however, she vehemently protested, "No that doesn't work, I want a real blessing."  I suddenly became aware of the ritualistic quality of my response to her request and said, "Oh, I am sorry... Let me give you a real blessing when we are all together at the prayer service."  She nodded with a smile and I realized that something special was required of me.  After the service when about thirty people sitting in a circle on the floor, I said, "Janet has asked me for a special blessing." She stood up and walked toward me.  I was wearing a long white robe with ample sleeves covering my hands as well as my arms.  Spontaneously Janet put her arms around me and put her head against my chest.  Without thinking I covered her with my sleeves so that she almost vanished in the folds of my robe.  As we held each other, I said, "Janet, I want you to know that you are God's Beloved Daughter.  You are precious in God's eyes.  Your beautiful smile, your kindness to the people in your house and all the good things you do show us the beautiful human being that you are.  I know that you are feeling a little low these days and that there is a sadness in your heart, but I want you to remember who you are: a very special person, deeply loved by God and all the people who are here with you."

As I said these words, Janet raised her head and looked at me; her broad smile showed me that she had really heard and received the blessing.  When she returned to her place, Jane, another handicapped stood up and said, "I want a blessing too."... The most touching moment, however, came when one of the assistants, a 24 year old student, raised his hand and said, "And what about me?" "Sure, " I said, "Come."  He came and as we stood before each other, I put my arms around him and said, "John it is so good that you are here.  You are God's Beloved Son.  Your presence is a joy for all of us.  When things are hard and life is burdensome, always remember that you are loved with an everlasting love."  As I spoke these words he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, "Thank you, thank you very much." 

That evening I recognized the importance of blessing and being blessed and I reclaimed it as a true sign of the Beloved.  The blessings that we give each other are expressions of the blessing that rests on us from all eternity...

(from pages 69-72)

Let us bless one another this week and celebrate that we are all God's beloved children.  For younger students in Grades 1 and 2 I think it might be appropriate if each student had a large heart shape or if they made a card with their name and a drawing on the front.  Perhaps we could write the blessing from Numbers 6:24-26 on each heart or card:"The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you, the Lord be gracious to you and give you peace." Then children can write something that they appreciate about each person on their heart/card.  Perhaps it would be good to brainstorm a number of phrases for blessing then students can pick from that list what they want to say about each person.

Here are some examples:

You are joyful

You are kind

You are a good friend

You are funny and you make people laugh

You think of other people and make everyone feel welcome

You are fun

You encourage me

May God be with you this summer

May you have a peaceful summer

May you have joy playing outside

May you have peace in your house

In the older grades some direction might also be helpful; you might want to have the students make cards with their names and a drawing on the front and on the inside they can write blessings - something that they appreciate about each person and a prayer of blessing for the summer ahead:

May God watch over you and keep you

May you know the love of God for you

May you have peace this summer

May you have joy doing ________

If you come early you might want to write a few words of blessing for each student; you may even want to read your blessings aloud to the kids at some point in the morning. Do this only if you have one for every student and if a new student comes you will have to be prepared to write out a blessing,  in this case you could write out the blessing mentioned above from Numbers.

After you have finished your cards of blessing you may want to take time to share about summer plans.  Ask the children to share about what they are looking forward to and what they are feeling a bit nervous or uncertain about as they head into the summer months.  Some children who are going to summer camp may be feeling excited and still a little unsure about being away from home. For other children being home all summer might be weighing on their minds particularly if their friends are going away - summer can be lonely for some kids.  I am always mindful that while summer holidays is greatly anticipated by some, for others it is not so carefree.  Please take the time to pray for one another in your classes.  Our Grade six students are writing PAT exams and they will certainly appreciate prayer for the upcoming week.  Please give students the opportunity to share and to pray for one another: you may do this out loud or you may pray as you draw together writing each other's names, writing words or symbols and using colour to express your thoughts you can use the paper on your tables or alternatively I can provide you with paper. It is up to you!

Feel free to bring treats that everyone can share.  Please contact me if you have questions about allergies in your class.  Alternatively if there is a craft or activity you would like to do to wrap up the year, let me know I will happily get you the supplies you need.

I hope this morning will be a lovely time of blessing and celebration!

Philip and the Ethiopian

Philip and the Ethiopian

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road - the desert road - that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza."  So he started out and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury.  This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet.  The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet.  "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
"How can I?" he said. "Unless someone explains it to me?"  So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.  This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:

"He was led like sheep to the
slaughter,
and as a lamb before its shearer is
silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
In his humiliation he was deprived of
justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from earth."

The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me please who is the prophet is talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the Eunuch said, "What is to prevent me from being baptized?"  And he gave orders to stop the chariot.  then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.  When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.


Acts 8:26-40

As children hear this story I wonder what questions they will ask and what connections they will make?  As I think back on the year this story reminds me of the unlikely and unusual meeting between Elisha and Namaan.  Remember the miraculous healing of Namaan's body and soul as he walked in and out of the Jordan river seven times and the great joy that ensued. Perhaps the students will make a connection to the travellers on the road to Emmaus. They too had the scriptures opened to them so that their hearts burned within them and then Christ appeared before them and just as quickly as they recognized him, he disappeared.  Like Christ, Philip quickly disappeared after baptizing the Ethiopian - in both of these encounters there is an in-breaking of God's glory that is other-worldly, just like the presence of angels.  These stories all have to do with God interrupting the on the way, everyday, stuff of life, with revelation and mystery and glory.

In our story Philip, John and Peter had converged in Jerusalem after preaching and teaching in many villages throughout Samaria.  In Jerusalem, Philip was instructed by an angel to go South, to follow the road to Gaza.  Surely there was a sense of expectancy for Philip - what would he encounter on the road?  I wonder what was in his mind and in his heart as he left Jerusalem on that day?  Since the Spirit had come upon these disciples at Pentecost in the mighty mind, in flames, and in great unity they had seen God do wonders. People were receiving Christ daily, a community - followers of the Way- were gathering for prayer, and as they shared meals, and their lives they also they spread news: "Christ died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again!"  They were continuing the work of Christ on earth: they were seeing people set free from all kind of spiritual and physical afflictions, they were caring for people on the margins and bringing them into the community of Christ.

However, life for the early church was not without great difficulty. The apostles had begun to encounter persecution: they were arrested, beaten, intimated and threatened.  Elsewhere they were facing a great challenge of communicating the true Christ amidst a raft of false teachers driven by greed and deception. A man named Saul began to destroy the church going from home to home, throwing men and women in jail.  The followers of Christ persevered in the midst of persecution and as they did their hope in Christ was firm and they had joy in sharing the gospel; joy seeing lives transformed by the grace of God.

On this particular day, Philip follows the messenger of God and sets out on the wilderness road.  Also on the road at this time was an Ethiopian man, a man of high esteem and position - the treasurer of the Queen's Court.  He was on his way home from worshipping in Jerusalem and while riding in his chariot he was reading the prophet Isaiah.  The Spirit told Philip to go near the chariot and to stay near it.  Philip obeyed the guidance of the Spirit and got so close to the chariot that he could hear the man reading aloud.  Imagine his heart quicken as he heard the Words of the prophet Isaiah, words that he loved, that he knew by heart.  Immediately he knew why the Spirit had lead him here on this morning. As he walked along he began to speak to the African man, "Do you understand what you are reading?" he boldly asked .  The street preacher and the government official, the Christian apostle and the observant Jew, the African man and the Greek man began a conversation, shared a carriage and encountered the living God through the Holy Scriptures, for one needed the other to interpret the Word to him. The Spirit brought Philip on this day to connect Isaiah to Christ, the Messiah, and to share the Gospel.  In a way the Ethiopian friend just needed a teacher to help him understand what his heart already believed.

Philip and Christ, the traveller on the road to Emmaus, remind us of the great need for the Word to be interpreted by teachers.  I can think of a few bible teachers in particular who have opened up God's word for me in profound ways; they have not only helped me to understand intellectually but they have helped me make connections, find my place in the story, and discover the love of Christ.  Perhaps you are thinking of someone who has done this for you - take a moment to thank God for this person.  I also hope this is an encouragement to each of you as teachers who open up the word for our students each week.  I hear these teachings reflected back through my children and from other children in our community and I am humbled by the ways God's word is taking root and bearing fruit in their lives. Thanks be to God for the Holy Spirit who opens our hearts and minds to understanding and thanks be to God to each of you who use your gifts of teaching in sharing the Word with children.

As the men were talking the chariot passed by some water and seeing it the Ethiopian says, "What is to prevent me from being baptized?"  The Ethiopian is asking a vulnerable question here, "Can I too go through the waters of baptism?"  The answer: Yes! Nothing is to prevent you, be baptized, turn towards Christ, hear him calling you his own and follow him!"  And so, the Ethiopian called for the driver to stop the chariot and they went out toward the water and Philip baptized him.  Take a moment to imagine this.  Did they run toward toward the water and jump it or was it a slower more reflective walk to the water? Think about these two people who not that long ago were unknown to one another now going into the waters of baptism together, connected to one another through Christ - brothers.  Think about the risk Philip took in approaching the chariot - the way in which he trusted the Holy Spirit and followed him into conversation and into the waters of baptism.  Reflect on the way in which God had been working in the Ethiopian.

Do you remember a time when you were beginning to come alive to Christ? Our story today reminds me of the faith journey of a friend. In her exploration of Christianity she began to read the Bible and at around the same time she began to attend a local church.  She read the scripture and her spirit was stirred but she didn't understand intellectually and this bothered her.  Each week that she went to this church the sermon was on a reading she had done in the previous week and the preacher spoke directly to the questions that she had been wrestling with! This didn't happen one Sunday or two Sundays, it happened for nine Sundays in a row.  Each week she could hardly believe it, it almost made her laugh - she felt as thought God was speaking directly to her.  And I believe He was.  Just in case you ever begin to think that God is only cosmic and not particular, read the story of Philip, reflect on your own story, listen to others share how they have encountered Christ and you will discover a God who is not only cosmic and universal but who is also particular and personal.

In this story we meet a disciple who is radically open to God - following the leading of the Spirit, speaking boldly and not only sharing the good news of the Gospel but the love of Christ across cultures as he welcomes this man into the body of Christ through baptism.  One of Luke's (the author of Acts) great concerns is that the obstacles of age, religious tradition, race of ethnic origin, or physical condition must not keep people from hearing and applying to themselves the gospel of salvation, this is emphasized in the closing words of Luke: "Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ."(Acts 28:31)

In closing I want to share something I was reminded of this week as I reflected on this text and my own life.  In 1997 I went with a team to encourage Christian students in Belgrade, Serbia.  Yugoslavia was torn apart, there was such a profound sense of brokenness and despair.  Christian workers who had stayed through the war were worn out and very discouraged - the students they had worked with had fled, tensions rose up that threatened the unity of Christians who remained.  The vibrant community they had been a part of was now almost gone entirely.  Christians left in the city were grieving profound losses and the complexity of the situation felt far beyond the abilities of a group of young students such as myself.  At the end of the six weeks, the only good I could see of our time in Belgrade was that at best we were an encouragement and if nothing else a distraction.  On the last night, I sat on a bench in the eerie quiet of the city, wondering why God had brought me here.  It was not an easy six weeks.  I was confident that I was meant to be there, I had felt the comfort of the Holy Spirit in some profound ways but still I struggled with how insignificant this time had been and overwhelming the issues were.  As I sat on the bench I was joined by a girl about my age, she asked me what I was doing in Belgrade, we began to chat and before I knew it she was praying to receive Christ with me.  The Holy Spirit brought us into each other's lives at just that time.  I enjoy a fair number of on the way spiritual conversations with people. But this was the first time someone said to me, "I want to follow Jesus. Please pray for me, right now."  I wanted to throw up a lot of barriers, "you really want to think about this... it is a big decision that could really affect your life..." But I yielded to the Spirit of Christ and we both received grace upon grace and rejoiced together.

I look forward to hearing how God meets you and the students as you encounter his living Word together this week.


This story catches us in some profound ways and offers us some interesting points of reflection and  exploration:

•  Philip is lead to the Ethiopian by the spirit/ How does the Spirit of God lead us? How do you know it is God who is leading you?
• The Ethiopian is clearly ready to receive the Good news of Jesus! Sometimes God has been at work in the lives of people and we are surprised to discover all people want is an invitation; they want to know Jesus and the waters of baptism are for them.
• These two people from very different backgrounds and yet they come together because of the truth of Christ.  One preacher imagined Philip as a Street Preacher and the Ethiopian as an Government Official in a car with a flag and maybe security.  What are the chances of the street preacher being picked up in the government car? This diversity is remarkable and is something that is only possible through the Spirit of Christ. Where do we see diversity in our own community?  How does diversity challenge us?  How does diversity bless us, grow us and mature us?
• The Ethiopian needed a teacher to explain the scripture to him. We need people to open the word of God up for us. Who are our teachers?  Let's thank God for our teachers.
• The Ethiopian went away rejoicing! Consider joy as a mark of the Christian life!

The Feast of Pentecost

Acts 2:1-21

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

2 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” 12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. 15 Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16 No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

17 ‘In the last days it will be, God declares,

that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,

and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

and your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.

18 Even upon my slaves, both men and women,

in those days I will pour out my Spirit;

and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will show portents in the heaven above

and signs on the earth below,

blood, and fire, and smoky mist.

20 The sun shall be turned to darkness

and the moon to blood,

before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.

21 Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

One day at the height of summer euphoria I was outside with the kids under a sunny sky, my ears were full of the delightful sounds of children contented by sandboxes and water spraying and backyard swings (I really do love summer).  In the midst of all playing I  overheard a little song coming from the tent under the pear tree. I was curious so I inched nearer the tent and the words of the song fell so beautifully on my ears: "I love you, Holy Spirit, you are always with me, you help me not to be afraid..." The song went on and on sometimes in two parts sometimes one voice carrying the melody; I stood outside the tent overwhelmed by the beauty of their worship to God.  If I had heard something like this from children only once or twice maybe I would just think of this as a nice story.  But, as I have spent time with young children I have discovered that this is not so uncommon.  I think children are often quite well acquainted with the Spirit. Spend some time listening to them and you might discover a depth of feeling and a richness of experience that surprises and delights you. There have been many times where a child has said something that I have felt was a word from God. On one occasion after a particularly long day of teaching I sat down at the kitchen table and without uttering a word (which is unusual for me) I dropped my head into my hands.   Not soon after I felt a little hand on my back and a wee voice said, "Mommy, I think you are a good teacher." Those words went straight to my heart; I recognized immediately that the Spirit was speaking a word of encouragement to me through my child.  Maybe you have a simple story like this or perhaps your child has had a dream or a vision from God or a song in their heart.  Do not discount this!  I would encourage you to listen, to ponder, and to be prayerful.  As we gather this week we have an opportunity to consider the gift, the mystery of Holy Spirit and to learn together with the children.

Our story today opens in dramatic fashion, a sound like the rush of a violent wind, divided tongues as of fire, each of the people in the room speaking in other languages, a large crowd gathering at the noise and commotion and causing further noise and commotion!  Wind and Fire are symbols of the Holy Spirit, you may want to spend some time thinking about them with the children.  The Spirit is like a wind, blowing into us the breath that we need to live, just as the breath of God created the world and gave life to Adam so the the Spirit gives us life to us.  Indeed God is as close to us as our very breath.  The Spirit is also like a flame burning in us - it is the way our hearts burn within us when the word of God is opened to us, it is the joy that comes from deep within and you feel truly alive, it is the gentle sustaining, the strength to go on when you feel like you cannot take one more step.  The Spirit is like a light showing us how to live in the way that God wants for us.  At baptism we are given a candle, the light of Christ and a reminder of the flame of Christ within us.

Now the Holy Spirit came to the disciples and their friends as they were gathered together.  At the same time as the believers were together many Jewish people from all over were also gathering in Jerusalem to celebrate the Festival of Weeks.  Now because Jewish people had come from far and wide there were many languages heard in the city.  You could be walking down the street and hear people talking and have no idea what they were saying.  Remember the tower of Babel - how people were given different languages and they had little idea what they were saying to each other and they had to abandon the tower they were building.  Well, today at Pentecost that curse is reversed!  As the Holy Spirit came upon the believers they began to speak in different languages and all of these people from foreign lands heard their language!  Now, because many, many people in the world speak or understand some English probably very few of us have had the experience of being in a foreign land and having a language barrier, but if you have you know it can be a very isolating experience, indeed it can be very challenging to share life with one another when you don't share a common language.  AND when you finally hearing your language spoken well it is so wonderful, it kind of sounds like coming home! It fills your heart with such joy to be able to communicate that in your enthusiasm you might find the words just tumbling out one on top of the other.  (Maybe you can ask the children in your class how many people speak a language other than English; perhaps some will even be willing to speak and share their language with your class.)  So these believers began to speak about Jesus and everyone heard the same message! The Holy Spirit brings a connectedness between people.  The Spirit brings us together as the church to show people who God is; to enact his mercy and love in the world, to share with other who Jesus is.  Only through the deep mystery of the Holy Spirit can believers from all over the world come together and worship God as one body.  The Holy Spirit also connects us to life with God in the mystery of the Holy Trinity.  "Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, so Paul tells us, we're able to share the prayer that Jesus prays.  When we say "Our Father" we're jumping into that great mystery, that depth of eternal prayer, which Christ gives to the Father.  It really is like hurtling ourselves into a river flowing towards the mystery, flowing towards a kind of waterfall over which the water drops forever and ever.  The prayer of the eternal Christ to the eternal Father.  That's what the Holy Spirit shares with us." (Rowan Williams)

On the day of Pentecost the reaction of the crowd was varied, some were amazed and received Christ others were cynical and mocking.  We know about this tendency towards cynicism, all too easily we find ourselves standing back, looking on with skepticism and choosing to sneer. And to the crowd Peter spoke the words of the prophet Joel to all gathered: "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams." May God give us his words to speak, give us his vision and dreams, filled with his Spirit that we might show the world the love of God.

Today we celebrate the birthday of the church!  Let us be sure to remind the children that the church is not our physical building but the people of God gathered around the world.  Maybe you want to look at a map, talk about all the places people in your class have connection to around the world.  Perhaps you have a story to share about the church in another part of the world. Children might mention the church in Haiti as we have spoken quite a lot about of our brothers and sisters there.

Here is how the Jesus Storybook Bible tells the story of Pentecost:

Suddenly, a strong wind filled the little room, whistling through the walls, rustling straw on the floor.  And there on everyone's heads, shining in the gloom were flickering flames.  Fire that did not hurt or burn.  And something more, in their hearts they felt a strange heat, almost as if the coldness and hardness were melting away.  As if their broken hearts were mending.  And God was giving them brand new hearts - hearts that could work properly.  How it happened they didn't know, but they knew God's power had struck their hearts ablaze - and Jesus himself was coming to live inside them.  they had seen Jesus go away, but now he was closer than he had ever been - inside their hearts.  And this time nothing could ever separate them.  Jesus would always be there. With them. Loving them. Whispering the promise that would get rid of the poison and the terrible lie and sickness in their hearts.  God's wonderful promise to them: "you are my child and I love you".  "Make my home in me, as I make my home in you," Jesus had said.  Could it be? Heaven was coming into their hearts. They threw open the shutters sunlight flooded their room as love flooded their hearts.  And the little room was filled with happy noises. Dancing feet, singing, laughing.  They unlocked the door and surged out into the streets - as if they had never been afraid.

Peter spoke in a loud voice, so everyone could hear: "Jesus died for you! Because he loves you God made him alive again.  He has rescued you!"  People stopped.  And listened.  The words sank down deep into their hears and worked like medicine that makes you well.  Like a kiss that wakes you up from a deep sleep.  "Stop running away from God," Peter said, "Run to him instead! So he can love you and make you free!"  And Peter told them the wonderful story of God's love.  How Jesus had come and all that had happened.

There were lots of people from faraway countries in Jerusalem.  They couldn't speak the same language but as they listened to Peter, everyone could understand what he was saying in their own languages!  Many people believed.  And became Jesus' new friends and helpers.  And the wonderful news of Jesus spread.  Like sparks from a fire. To villages. Towns. Cities.  Every day more and more people believed.  And so it was that the family of God's children, his special people, grew.  And nothing in the world would ever be able to stop it.

- Sally Lloyd- Jones

HAPPY PENTECOST!

Acsension of Our Lord

Acts 1:6-11 - The Ascension of Jesus

The Ascension of Jesus

So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?"  He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth."  When he said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.  While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them.  They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven?  This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way you saw him go into heaven." Acts 1:6-11

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Today (Thursday) is the Feast of Ascension and this Sunday we will reflect on the Ascension of Christ together with the children.  Our season of Easter tide is coming to a close, forty days have passed since the resurrection of Christ and throughout this time he has made appearances to his followers, stretching out his hands to them, breaking bread with them, restoring them, opening the word to them, speaking about the kingdom of God and the coming of the Holy Spirit.  In these Easter stories Jesus often appears unexpectedly: to the women at the tomb, to the disciples in the upper room and then to Thomas. e cooks breakfast on the beach, meets the travellers on the way to Emmaus and at the end of this period he leaves them in a cloud of glory with his words burning in their hearts:

"It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth."

As I have contemplated this story I have wondered what it would have been like to witness the ascension - that particular time when the veil between this world and the world to come became very small and God's glory broke through.  I suspect it would have been all at once unsettling, overwhelming and mysterious. I think I might have stood weak kneed and slack jawed.  But perhaps as I went back with the other disciples and talked and prayed I would see it more and more as the gift, the revelation God intended it to be. And it would continue to minister to me and to teach me throughout my own ministry.  Perhaps after I had absorbed the wonder of the clouds and the vision of Jesus being lifted up before me I would remember Moses and the cloud that settled on the tabernacle; the glory of the Lord - a sign of his divine presence.  As I spoke with the others I would remember the words of the prophets, and the prophet Elijah who was taken to heaven in a chariot and great whirlwind. I would remember the voice of God from the mount of transfiguration saying, "this is my Son, my chosen, listen to him."  And the ascension would become weighted with meaning and beauty that "Jesus would take Earth, in his own person, in his own human body right into heaven" and then we would pray and wait for Spirit is "the life of heaven manifest and powerful here on Earth." (NT Wright). 

I imagine the disciples struggled mightily with fear as they waited for the promised Holy Spirit. I imagine them gathered together and praying as they had been taught:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever.

... Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  This Kingdom of God subverts the powers of the kingdoms and rulers on earth; it always has.  Jesus came to us as a baby, he was baptized by John and the Spirit came upon him. To those who believed he was a healer, prophet, teacher, leader, saviour, companion, the Messiah. He was crucified King of the Jews, rose on the third day and he has just ascended before our very eyes to the right hand of the Father.  We have glimpsed this Kingdom in Christ. It is a Kingdom where the God reigns with love, with justice and in truth, where not one person is overlooked, where people are made whole, where all of creation is made new.  God will send his Spirit, soon, very soon. There is anticipation amongst our people as we pray; there is a longing for this Kingdom; there is an energy that is palpable.  We hold closely to one another and to the Word.

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you..."

"You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth..."

But how, Lord, we wonder as we wait....

Ascension Day

We saw his light break through the could of glory

Whilst we were rooted still in time and place,

As earth became a part of heaven's story

And heaven opened to his human face.

We saw him go and yet we were not parted,

He took us with him to the heart of things,

The heart that broke for all the broken hearted

is whole and heaven-centred now, and sings;

Sings in the strength that rises out of weakness,

Sings through the cloud that veils him from our sight,

Whilst we ourselves become his cloud of witness

And sing the waning darkness into light;

His light in us and ours in him concealed,

Which all creation waits to see revealed.

Malcolm Guite

Ascension and Pentecost are closely linked and I am grateful that the texts of the last couple of weeks have been leading us towards Pentecost. This week as we gather with the children, we celebrate the Ascension of Christ; we give thanks for his life, his death, resurrection, ascension in glory to the right hand of the Father.  We reflect on the time that we live in, the age of the church; what it means that we bear witness to Christ; to be a people who reveal the justice, mercy, love, wholeness of God's Kingdom in our city.

Here are some ideas on how we might teach on the life of Christ and his ascension today:

(from Carolyn Brown)

1.  Gather some images or props from Christ's Life: his birth, his baptism, his ministry, death, resurrection, ascension.  Take some time to share some things you have learned this year about the life of Christ.

2.  Where is Jesus now?  He sits at the right hand of the Father.  People have not seen Jesus since he ascended but people do see Jesus in dreams and visions.  Jesus will come again in the same way he left.  Take some time to think look up some of the references to clouds and the glory of God.  Give children the opportunity to have a creative response to this.

3.  Using the image of passing the baton in a relay race you can discuss with your class, Jesus finishing his leg of the race and passing the baton on to the disciples, to the church.  You could have kids run around a space and pass the baton to illustrate this. How does the church carry on Jesus' work today?

4.  Witness!  What is a witness? Have you ever been a witness to something joyful and good or even to something difficult?  What was this like? How are we witnesses to the love of God?

5.  Why are you looking Up?  This question is a reminder that God is with us, he is all around us wherever we are.  Everywhere we go we can look for where God is at work and we can join him.  It might be in caring for the earth, in gardening this summer, it might be in kindness you show someone, in standing up for what is right or including someone who doesn't have many friends in your group, it might be in welcoming someone who is new in your neighborhood this summer, it might be in helping your mom or dad, it might be that you look around, see where God is and give thanks.

6.  You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth!  How would this group of disciples begin the work of sharing the gospel with the world?  How do we share the gospel today?  Have your friends ever asked you about God or what it means to be a Christian?  You might want to share a story of a missionary that has impacted your life.

Awe Came Upon Everyone

Life Among the Believers

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles.  All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and good and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.  Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all people.  And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Acts 2:43-47

The Believers Share Their Possessions

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.  With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.  There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold.  They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to him the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement").  He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles feet.

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The text for this week opens with the word 'awe' and it seems a fitting description for what I feel as I read this text today. Awe.  The testimony of a community of Christ followers united in heart and mind, sharing possessions and goods as any had need, spending much time together in the temple, breaking bread together with glad and generous hearts and praising God does indeed inspire awe.

Or maybe it creates in some apprehension or even fear?  Is the gospel this radical? Is this community in Acts some kind of model community that we should try and emulate? Recreate?  Should we all become new monastics?  Won't that make us appear even more strange?

More to the point, have you ever tried to share or give away something of value?  It is not as simple as it appears in this text, or is it?  Surely, this is meant more as a historical account than an exhortation to the church today? Right?

The example of these early believers isn't spoken of a great deal in the New Testament but we do know theirs was a unique and a powerful witness of the transformative power of the gospel in lives and communities.  And today we need to remember just that: the gospel transforms us and it transforms our communities.  

We see this in our churches, we give witness to it in our lives.  It is a holy mystery. As we read God's word and are instructed in the scripture we are reminded of the story that we belong to, we remember how God has acted throughout history for redemption. We have a firm hope in a faithful God.

As we pray and worship together we are confronted with who God is and who we are; we are convicted of the ways we distort the truth, the ways we miss the mark in our lives and utterly fail.  We receive God's grace and mercy towards us - we are loved and forgiven.  This is most visible in our worship as we receive the sacrament of communion. There is a way forward for us as a people,  through the body and blood of Christ.  

Did you notice the words, "they spent much time together" in the text earlier.  I read somewhere that for children the words, "quality time" are not what matter.  It is "quantity time":  it is around the table, over the board game, in the car, cleaning the house, walking to school that the relationship grows and secure attachment is formed.  Apparently there is no substitute for quantity not, quality time.

The same is true for our faith communities: the more we give ourselves to Christ and to one another the more we discover who we are together, here, in this place. We begin to move beyond the surface conversations; we get a little more real with one another.  We pray for and encourage each other.  And we begin to wonder what God might have for all of us gathered here, together...

If you have ever glimpsed God working in a community in generous and hospitable ways where people speak freely to the work of Christ in their midst, you have a context for this text.  It looks different and the same; I can only describe it as beautiful and mysterious and utterly compelling. And to witness or to be a part of it is a foretaste of the Kingdom to come - it is a place where the space between the already and the not-yet seems incredibly small.  Sometimes I get a glimpse of this work here in our midst - in groups that gather to share life with one another and to pray, among people who get together to serve, to work with new Canadians.

I am also reminded of what Father Don shared after returning from Haiti in 2014. He spoke of driving through the devastation of disaster and poverty and arriving in the small, remote, rural community of Cachiman and discovering amongst this poor community the rich presence of Christ.  These people who sleep on earthen floors, spend hours transporting water in a day and know struggle deeply, also know joy and generosity.  They give out of their poverty and abundance of heart to a benevolent fund sharing with those in their community in need.  They don't just want any partner church who will donate money to projects, they want a partner church who believes in the God they believe in.  And when they heard Father Don deliver the creed they couldn't even contain their joy, they were praising God even as he spoke.  And the clapping and cheering led to singing 'How Great Thou Art' in Creole and English with the same heart and mind and the tears rolled down as they sang.  Awe came upon them.

The lessons for this week focus on themes of one big family, God's people share and God's people are dependable. I am curious to hear how the children will respond to this text: what is their experience of the church? What are the ways that they participate in and contribute to our life together?  Why does this matter?  May our community of children be a place of hospitality for children, a place where scriptures come alive, where life is shared and Christ is made known.

The Road To Emmaus

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about things that had happened.  While they were talking and discussing Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.  And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?"  They stood still, looking sad.  Then one of them whose name was Cleopas answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things than have taken place there in these days?"  He asked them, "What things?"  They replied, "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how are chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him.  But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.  Yes and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place.  Moreover, some women of our group astounded us.  They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive.  Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as they had said; but they did not see him."  Then he said to them, "Oh how foolish you and, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared!  Was it not necessary that the messiah should suffer these things and then enter his glory?"  Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on.  But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over."  So he went in to stay with them.  When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it and gave it to them.  Then there eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.  They said to each other, "were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scripture to us?"  That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together.  They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed and he has appeared to Simon!"  Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Luke 24: 13-35



Our scripture tells the story of two weary, sad and disoriented travellers trying to make sense of a week that has them reeling.  They are on their way home; they have seven miles to talk, or to share silence, to simply put one foot in front of the other.  When they are joined by the third traveller they must have been engaged in conversation as the stranger asks them what they are talking about.  They seem taken aback by the question, is anyone talking about anything else other than the events of the week which culminated in the crucifixion of Jesus?  And now the word from the women that his tomb is empty and he is alive?

The identity of the stranger is unknown to the two travellers.  Jesus, the one whom they are talking about - the prophet mighty in word and deed is in their midst but they are unable to discern his identity.  What was it about about seeing Jesus after the resurrection that made him hard to recognize?  Resurrection challenges everything we believe about life and death and even though these followers of Jesus might have known about resurrection they likely would not have expected it to occur on earth. It was for eternity with God; not for "walking on the same old roads, on the same old ground they had grown up on and talked on and worked on, with the same old people they had grown up with." (Peterson, p.67) Is it also possible that these travellers never imagined Jesus would appear to them?  Could they not recognize Jesus because they were "foolish and slow of heart"? Was it because their hopes were utterly dashed and they were unable to imagine how God could redeem Israel now? Did Jesus want to remain veiled so that he might teach them first and help them see himself and themselves in light of the resurrection?  To see how the resurrection fits into the larger narrative and is the fulfillment of God's plan? Or maybe Jesus was just content to walk and be present and wait with these two travellers until they saw with the eyes of their hearts who he was.

The stranger begins with a question and goes on to engage the travellers; he listens to them, creates space for their questions and for their disappointment.  He speaks directly to them and opens up the word of God; he puts the events of the past week into the much larger story of God beginning with Moses and all the Prophets.  His words are potent, the travellers are cut to the heart. Have you ever walked with a friend through a time in life that was difficult, disorienting, grievous?  A time when you wondered where God was; who he was?  How did you experience the presence of Christ?  Do you have a recollection of someone who reflected Christ to you? Were there words of scripture or words of writers that were dear to you? Did anyone ever open up the Word of God in a way that caused you to see - as if you were seeing for the first time?  Here, Jesus the Word interprets the word and the hearts (minds and feelings) of the travellers burn within them.

The travellers are getting close to Emmaus and though they are tired and hungry they almost wish they had more time on the road together. The sun is falling in the sky so they plead with the stranger to stay for the night.  He agrees, comes to their place and sits down at the table.  It is a simple affair, no one has fussed over a menu or gone to elaborate preparations but the food and wine provide the travellers with sustenance and rest and it is as good for the soul as it is for the body to be together around the table and be nourished.  The guest takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it and gives it - he becomes the host. And at in a moment it all becomes clear to the travellers.  He is Jesus!  One can just imagine the exhilaration of the moment of recognition.  And as soon as they realize who he is, Jesus is gone.  The travellers don't just finish their meal, delighted at this time they have spent with Jesus and tuck into the deepest and most peaceful sleep they have had in years.  No! That same night they returned to Jerusalem to tell the others what has happened.  

There is a noted pattern in meals that we read of in scripture, often three to four verbs appear: taken, blessed, broken and given.  You have likely heard it most often, "The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "this is my body that is for you.  Do this in remembrance of me."  Jesus life: taken, blessed, broken and given for the life of the world.  These words: taken, blessed, broken and given are the shape of our liturgy and our lives.
Jesus takes what we bring him, he takes us and gives thanks and blesses what we bring, who we are in our bringing.  He offers it up to God and into the person of the Godhead and the operation of the Trinity.  Jesus breaks what we bring him. We cannot come to the table with pride, with pretense, with hard hearts, with demands - Jesus breaks through this so that we might be open to new life, to new action.  We discover the brokenness of Jesus and our own and we find our healing in his broken body.  "And Jesus gives back what we bring him, who we are. Only it is not what we brought.  Who we are, this self that we offer at the table has been changed into what God gives and what we sing about as amazing grace."  Transformation takes place at the table in the resurrection meal of bread and wine.  "Christ in me." (Peterson, pg. 94)

This story contains themes of journey, friendship, honest conversation that grapples with the biblical narrative and our daily lives, the presence of Christ both hidden and revealed, the practice of hospitality, and the table (communion table and dinner table) as the place around which our lives our formed in Christ, in resurrection wonder. As you reflect on this story and prepare your lessons may the Word cause your hearts burn within you!

*Peterson quotes from Living the Resurrection: The Risen Christ in Everyday Life

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

Last week we celebrated the Feast of Easter the oldest and most important feast of the church year.  But Easter is not over, in fact it lasts for fifty days.  Eastertide is a season of celebration and joy as we reflect on God's divine act of forgiveness and liberation; the new life that is offered to us in Jesus' death and resurrection.  All four gospels tell post-resurrection stories, they begin with Mary Magdalene who meets Jesus near the tomb where he was buried.  This week we hear the story of his first appearance to the disciples.  We take time to reflect on the wonder, the disbelief, the questions, the grace of Christ who appears to his followers with peace, with forgiveness, with an invitation to Follow Him.

This week our text is from John 20:19-29, in our Sunday School curriculum the text is titled: "Doubting Thomas"- this might be how you know the text as well.  However, when we tell the story with the two words, "Doubting Thomas" it is very easy to hear it in a negative light or to miss the grace and mercy in this story of Christ's appearing.  So perhaps when we might simply call it Seeing and Believing?  I will leave that with you to decide.

Our text today records that the disciples are on lock down. They have heard Mary's report - she has seen the risen Lord, she has heard his voice, wrapped her arms around him.  They gather together disoriented and weighed down; unsure of how to proceed.  They are desperately afraid of the religious authorities who have just crucified Jesus, they are ashamed of how this has all unfolded, how they deserted and denied Jesus.  They might even be afraid to see him, after all what might he say to them?  The doors are locked.  And yet despite this fact, Jesus comes into their midst and he says "Peace be with you." The words echo back from the Last Supper, "My peace I give you, my peace I leave with you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid." But this time the words carry a different weight, Jesus is offering peace as the resurrected one, the one who has suffered and prevailed.  He is in their midst and his first words to them do not express disappointment, his words to do not shame them or make them feel guilty. Instead Jesus offers peace and forgiveness unburdening the disciples; relief and joy washing over them.

The disciples are loved and chosen by God and in the room, with their hands in his, they know who he is - their Saviour.  Maybe the words of Isaiah were running through their minds "He was wounded by our transgressions and by his wounds we are healed." Perhaps they were thinking back to all  the people Jesus healed with his hands, with his breath, with words.  And now Jesus breathes on them, the life giving breath of God, the Holy Spirit.  And Jesus gives them a task: to forgive others as they have been forgiven.  They know the power of forgiveness, they had been locked in a room, afraid and ashamed and now they are sent out into the world - free, to love and forgive as Christ has.  The transformational life of the Spirit is at work in them and in us!  The work of forgiveness is all of ours as followers of Jesus; we pray how Jesus taught us when we say, "forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us."  Forgiveness is the hard work and the gift that transforms relationships and frees us from fear and sin.

Thomas is the only one not present in the room with them; for some reason, he is absent.  And when the disciples tell him what has happened he cannot simply believe upon their report.  Maybe he too just wants to see Jesus and touch him one more time, to see his resurrection body with his own eyes.  We don't know what his disbelief is all about.  But we can often identify in ourselves a refusal to believe, can't we?  Sometimes it is the refusal to believe that we can be forgiven or loved by God - we can even keep serving God, still not believing.  Sometimes disbelief or misconceptions about who God is makes it hard for us to recognize Jesus.  Sometimes we have hard questions that we need to wrestle with  and we need a place where there is room for faith and for our hardest questions.  Maybe Thomas isn't that different than Mary or the disciples or us.  In our story today, Jesus comes to Thomas, again the disciples are gathered behind closed doors and he offers his peace; he shows Thomas his hands and his sides.  It is an act of mercy, of love.  Thomas recognizes this and exclaims: "My Lord and My God."  The last two verses of this chapter read, "And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that believing you might have life in His name." (John 20:30,31)  Belief that brings us into life - this is the good news of Eastertide!

The students might also be curious about the body of the resurrected Christ.  We read that he could pass through doors in this chapter which is very curious.  And yet he was not ghostlike, he could be touched and was recognizable; he ate with the disciples on the beach.  So his body was like ours and yet not like ours.

Here is an image by Caravaggio, you might want to share with students this Sunday.

A blog I like had some great ideas that pick up on the idea of recognizing Jesus, just as Thomas and Mary and the disciples recognized Jesus.  Check out them out over here:
Flame: Creative Children's Ministry 

And a poem for you, by Luci Shaw:

Open
John 20:19, 26

Doubt padlocked one door and
Memory put her back to the other.
Still the damp draught seeped in, though
Fear chinked all the cracks and
Blindness boarded up the window,
In the darkness that was left
Defeat crouched in his cold corner.

Then Jesus came
(all doors being shut)
and stood among them.