Worship Tools

Worship Outline 1

Additional Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Preparation

Use link below to print copies of a Finger Labyrinth Meditation, distribute copies of the worksheet to each participant as they enter the worship space.

Prelude

Welcoming Statement

Welcome! All are welcome in the name of Jesus Christ: Healer, Counselor, Friend. Our focus today is drawn from a story in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus heals a man thought of as having an unclean spirit in Jesus’ day. Many different illnesses during this time were attributed to possession by an evil or unclean spirit. 

May we this day recognize the Holy One and be freed of stigma, welcomed in God’s love, lifted up in grace, and transformed in the care of the Holy Spirit.

Call to Worship: Psalm 111:1-3

Hymn of Recognition

“A Man of Ancient Time and Place” CCS 30

OR “We Would See Jesus” CCS 35

Invocation

Response

Sharing and Caring

Invite participants to share good news and prayer concerns.

Good News of Teaching, Scripture Reading: Mark 1:21-22

Liturgy of Grace

Reader 1: As Community of Christ, we seek to be more understanding of mental health challenges. For too long, ignorance and stigmatized responses have occurred.

Reader 2: 1 in 4 people will be affected by mental health or neurobiological disorders in their lifetimes. Globally, more than 300 million people are currently affected by depression.*

Reader 1: Globally, 800,000 people take their own lives each year. Four out of five are in low or middle-income countries.*

Reader 2: We offer Community of Christ as a safe space where we strive to understand how best to share the good news of Jesus Christ in a world where darkness and despair are often present.

Reader 1: We pledge to be respectful, compassionate, and empathetic;

Reader 2: to be good listeners. When you want to share, we are here to listen confidentially, without judgment.

Reader 1: The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of hope. We are not trying to pry, but you can talk to us. If you are not currently under the care of a mental health professional, we can refer you to the help you need.

Reader 2: As Community of Christ, we desire to be good neighbors. For those experiencing depression, anxiety, substance abuse or other conditions we want you to know that this is a safe space, a spiritual home for all who seek the joy, hope, love and peace of Jesus Christ.

—World Health Organization, www.who.int, 2017

Hymn for Healing and Wholeness

“Healer of Our Every Ill” CCS 547

OR “There Is a Balm in Gilead” CCS 234

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

The Good News of Recognizing, Scripture Reading: Mark 1:23-24

Prayer for Peace

Light the peace candle

Prayer

Holy Counselor and Beloved Source of Therapy,

Each of us, even in our weakness and separation from God, still have those moments when we recognize the Holy One of God. Help us find the strength in those moments to cast out ignorance and overcome darkness. Guide us in the way of peace.

When inner calm seems to elude us, help us to reach out to you, Oh God, for the peace that passes all understanding. When sadness surrounds us, help us to imagine our best possible future and find hope in the possibility of healing and wholeness. When the pain seems too great, help us reach out for help. For we know we are loved.

We know that your peace can be found in the smile of a friend, the hug of a family member, the memories of an old photograph, the gift of a community that surrounds us with love. Grant peace for each one present. Grant peace for each one known. Grant peace for the whole world. Amen.

The Good News of Healing, Scripture Reading: Mark 1:25-28

Ministry of Music OR Community Hymn of Wholeness

“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” CCS 31

OR “Who Is This Jesus” CCS 38

Message

Based on Mark 1:21-28

OR Personal Labyrinth Meditation

Printable Finger Labyrinths

Invite the worshippers to spend a few minutes with the personal labyrinth . Direct the meditation with questions such as these, allowing meditation time to ponder each question. Project or print the questions for all to see.

With your finger, slowly trace the path inward. What insights do you sense?

What is needed to bring you closer to God?

How does spending time in quiet meditation and mindfulness contribute to positive mental health?

How does being mindful bring us closer to an understanding of God’s will?

Then, slowly trace the path outward. What insights do you sense?

How does reaching out to others and finding social connection contribute to positive mental health?

What is needed to help you bring others closer to God?

How does the mission of Jesus Christ bring others closer to an understanding of God’s will?

—Based on Doctrine and Covenants 161:3d

Disciples’ Generous Response

The Good News of Liberation, Scripture Reading: Mark 1:27-28

Responsive Blessing of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Leader: Giver of all gifts and source of life, our hearts are full of gratitude.

People: And yet we confess that at times we spend unwisely, impulsively, compulsively.

Leader: Help us to Spend Responsibly; avoid selfishness; and seek help for hoarding.

People: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Leader: Giver of all gifts and source of life, our hearts are full of compassion.

People: And yet we confess that at times we respond with less than our true capacity.

Leader: Help us to Share Generously, supporting what matters most:

ALL: The Mission of Jesus Christ!  Amen.

Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Hymn of Liberation

“When We Are Living/Pues si vivimos” CCS 242/243

Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

OR “O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come” CCS 544

OR “In Christ We Live” CCS 326

Benediction

Sending Forth

You are a beloved child of God. This is your community. You are loved. Even when you feel pain, know that God loves you. Never give up. We are here for you. We love you. You are never alone. You are a beloved child of God. Amen.

Postlude

Worship Outline 2

Additional Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:15–20, Psalm 111, 1 Corinthians 8:1–13

Invite People to Christ

Prelude

Welcome and Invitation

Invite the assembly to greet one another.

Call to Worship

Read with enthusiasm and emphasis.

Reader 1: Hallelujah!

Reader 2: Give thanks to God with everything we’ve got.

Reader 1: God’s works are so great,

Reader 2: worth a lifetime of study—endless enjoyment!

Reader 1: Splendor and beauty mark the Savior’s craft.

Reader 2: God’s generosity never gives out.

Reader 1: This is a God of grace, a God of love.

Reader 2: The Holy One remembers the ancient promises.

Reader 1: This God is a God of truth and justice.

Reader 2: The good life begins in God—

Both: We will always know the blessings of God. Hallelujah lasts forever!

—Psalm 111, adapted

Hymn of Praise

“Halle, Halle, Hallelujah” sing several times  CCS 86

OR “Teach Me, God, to Wonder” CCS 176

OR “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” CCS 101

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Mission Prayer

Print or project this prayer so all can see.

God, where will your Spirit lead today?

Help me be fully awake and ready to respond.

Grant me courage to risk something new and

become a blessing of your love and peace. Amen.

Response

Develop Disciples to Serve

Scripture Story: Mark 1:21–28

Read as a spontaneous melodrama with a narrator and someone acting out the parts of Jesus and the man with the unclean spirit. Those assembled read the part of those in the synagogue. Project or print the words.

Narrator: They went to Capernaum; and when the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out,

Unclean Spirit: “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?  I know who you are, the Holy One of God.”

Narrator: But Jesus rebuked him, saying,

Jesus: “Be silent and come out of him!”

Narrator: And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another,

Assembly: “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

Narrator: At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

Object Lesson

Display a remote control and ask what it is. What can it do? Discuss how some of the universal remote controls can do many more things. In our scripture today we are reminded that Jesus always seems to be able to control the situation. He heals, he teaches, he loves. He wants to be part of your life too, not as a “control freak” but as someone who loves you and wants the choices you make to be good ones because you are loved so much!

Brainstorm some of Jesus’s most well-known teachings. Ask participants to share—with a partner or in small groups—about the one who shapes their lives. Play music to bring the gathering back as one.

To extend the learning for children, hand out to the children an activity (such as coloring sheets or find-a-word sheets) based on today’s scripture.

Pursue Peace on Earth

Confession Reading

Invite people to silently read CCS 168, “I Will Talk to My Heart” OR have it read while someone uses sign language to interpret the text.

Prayer for Peace

Light the peace candle

Prayer

Dear God,

Lead us, supply our needs as we strive to follow in answer to your call to bring your peace to your suffering world. Weed our hearts of weariness and cares; permit us to feel your affirming Spirit in our lives that we will take courage and continue in your light. Help us reflect the peace that comes from knowing of and striving to understand your ways, even as we meet clamor, chaos, troubles, or griefs. We ask for and need your blessings in grace, strength, compassion, and love as we reach out to other lives. Grant these, we ask in your son’s name. Amen.            

Hymn of Peace

“O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come” CCS 544

OR “Jesus, Partner, Lover, Friend” CCS 40

Message

Based on Mark 1:21–28

Ministry of Music OR Community Hymn

“Holy Presence, Holy Teacher” CCS 601

OR “Holy Spirit, Teacher, Friend” CCS 181

Experience Congregations in Mission

Disciples’ Generous Response

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 165:2a–f

Testimony

Working in a shopping centre, I observed many people. One day I came across a little girl in distress because she wanted to buy her mummy a very special birthday card and though she had saved her money, she didn’t quite have enough the shopkeeper told her. It was a practice of mine to pick up the loose change I would find as I walked around the centre, and so I happily gave her the 20 cents extra she needed to buy the “very special card” for her mummy. Immediately her tear-stained face turned to a beaming smile. I then took her to a friend’s shop and explained what this precious child wanted to do—he then helped me put together a basket of treats for her mother from some broken packages he had out the back. Afterward, she gathered the goods up and ran off toward where her mummy was waiting, but suddenly she stopped and ran back with a beautiful “thank you.” I was reminded that day that sometimes so little can do so much. Remember whether it is a lot or a little, a mite or a million, your generosity makes a difference.        

—Barry Ballard, Green Cathedral Ministries, Australia Mission

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Hymn of Sending Forth

“Holy Presence, Holy Teacher” CCS 601

OR “Praise the Source of Faith and Learning” CCS 174

OR “In Nature’s Voice We Hear You, Lord” CCS 368

Benediction 

Response 

Postlude 

Sacred Space: Small-Group Worship Outline

Welcome

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.
Light the peace candle.

Peace before us,
Peace behind us,
Peace under our feet.

Peace within us,
Peace over us,
Let all around us be peace. Amen.

—CCS 164, “Prayer of Peace,” Verse 1

Spiritual Practice

Blessings of Loving Kindness

Take a few moments to quiet yourself. When you feel a sense of calm, begin by repeating the following blessing, giving the words time to resonate in your heart and mind:

May I be blessed with loving kindness. May I be blessed with health. May I be blessed with true happiness. May I be blessed with peace.

Think of someone who is beloved to you. Visualize the person. As you pray, insert the person’s name into the prayer.

May my beloved be blessed with loving kindness. May my beloved be blessed with health. May my beloved be blessed with true happiness. May my beloved be blessed with peace.

Now think of a close friend. Visualize the person as you pray:

May my friend be blessed with loving kindness. May my friend be blessed with health. May my friend be blessed with true happiness. May my friend be blessed with peace.

Think of someone who has harmed you or with whom you are in conflict. Visualize this person. Take a moment. Breathe deeply and lovingly pray this blessing:

May the one who harmed me be blessed with loving kindness. May the one who harmed me be blessed with health. May the one who harmed me be blessed with true happiness. May the one who harmed me be blessed with peace.

Invite people to share the thoughts, emotions, and images they experienced during this time of blessing.

Sharing Around the Table

Mark 1:21–28 NRSVue

²¹ They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. ²² They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. ²³ Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, ²⁴ and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” ²⁵ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet and come out of him!” ²⁶ And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. ²⁷ They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He^[a] commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” ²⁸ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

—Mark 1:21-28 NRSVue

The story of the man with the unclean spirit is Mark’s first example of how Jesus restores persons to wholeness. In this Gospel, the disciples don’t understand who Jesus is or his true purpose, but the unclean spirits recognize and obey Jesus. 

Jesus was teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. There, a man with an unclean spirit approached him and called him by name, identifying him as “the Holy One of God.”

In Jesus’ day, a name was more than a label. It stood for one’s character, personality, even destiny. People believed that if enemies knew your name, they had power over you. So when the man with the unclean spirit named Jesus, he was trying to control Jesus. Jesus told him to be quiet and commanded the unclean spirit to leave.

The unclean spirit tried to wield power and control over Jesus, but the authority of Jesus overcame the unclean spirit, bringing wholeness and salvation.

Questions

1. How is God’s reign, the peaceable kingdom, bringing wholeness into the world today?
2. Who is Jesus to you?
3. If salvation is the purpose of God to reconcile and restore all of creation unto God, how have you experienced salvation?

Sending

Generosity Statement

“Sharing for the common good is the spirit of Zion” (Doctrine and Covenants 165:2f).

We receive God’s grace and generosity. The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

The offering prayer for the season after Epiphany is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

Gracious God, May we always be generous. You have gifted each of us with boundless grace and unending love. May our response to that love and grace be humble service to others, and may generosity be part of our nature. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

CCS 38, “Who Is This Jesus?”

Closing Prayer

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Optional Additions Depending on Group

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Choose one scripture to read from this selection: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Matthew 26:17–30; Mark 14:12–26; Luke 22:7–39.

Invitation to Communion

All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

In preparation let’s sing Community of Christ Sings 520, “God Extends an Invitation.”

Blessing and serving of the bread and wine.

Thoughts for Children

We learn to listen to words people say, but what other sounds do we hear?

Sit quietly. Close your eyes. Listen carefully. What do you hear (outside noise, clock, chairs squeaking, breathing)?

When we sit quietly, we can hear many noises that do not use words. Often, we can hear the love of Jesus, even though Jesus is not using words.

What are some ways Jesus might speak to you without words (birdsong, wind, feelings)?

Today we are learning about recognizing Jesus. With practice, we can learn to see the ways Jesus makes himself known to us.

Let’s practice one more time. Sit quietly. Close your eyes. Listen carefully. (Wait five seconds. Encourage the children to continue to practice at home.)

Sermon Helps

Exploring the Scripture

In the context of Mark’s Gospel, God’s creation is broken. Satan’s demons live in people. Nature is chaotic and threatening. Illness brings impurity. Religious and political leaders dominate—instead of serving—the people. Into this world, Jesus brought good news: God’s rule has come, and healing can begin!

The story of the man with the unclean spirit is Mark’s first example of how Jesus, as God’s agent for God’s rule, can restore wholeness. But in this Gospel, the disciples don’t understand Jesus’ identity or true purpose. The reader knows because Mark announces that Jesus is the anointed one, the Son of God. Unclean spirits recognize and obey Jesus. The sea and wind recognize his authority. In the end, even a Roman centurion announces that “Surely this man is the Son of God.” Here, in these verses, Mark prepares us for the ironic fact that at first all creation recognizes Jesus except the people closest to him.

After being tested in the desert, Jesus announced the rule of God; called Simon, Andrew, James, and John; and began to teach in the synagogue in Capernaum. There, a man with an unclean spirit approached him and called him by name, identifying him as the holy one of God. In Jesus’ day, a name was more than a label.

It stood for one’s character, personality, even destiny. To know someone’s name was to lay claim to them. People believed that if enemies knew your name, they had power over you. So when the man with the unclean spirit named Jesus, he was trying to control Jesus. Jesus told him to be quiet and commanded the unclean spirit to leave. First-century people believed Satan had power over unclean spirits. The exorcism of the unclean spirit is a direct result of Jesus’ successful confrontation with Satan in the desert.

The unclean spirit in this man foreshadows all that is wrong in the humans whom Jesus will encounter. The man was present in the synagogue—suggesting the religious authorities in Galilee and Jerusalem. He was afraid of Jesus, just like the disciples, the religious leaders, and the Romans. He tried to wield power and control over Jesus, as both the disciples and the religious leaders tried to do. And the unclean spirit was willing to destroy to save itself and secure its future. In the end, it was Jesus who showed power and brought about wholeness and salvation.

New teachings with new authority need new commitments and loyalty. Many who were curious sought this Jesus. Others were confused or uneasy with a new expression of authority. The authorities in Jerusalem noticed, and they felt fear. Simon responded with an invitation to his mother-in-law’s house, where she lay sick. Jesus healed her. She immediately got up and began to serve her guests. She fulfilled the pattern of servant ministry, the role Jesus tried over and over to explain to his followers.

Did the man who was healed become a follower? The Gospel doesn’t tell us. He experienced a transforming moment with Jesus, but his response is hidden within his history.

Central Ideas

1. The world that God created and called good is awry. It needs the good news of God’s rule bringing wholeness and renewal.
2. Jesus was God’s agent, announcing that God’s rule has come into the world and inviting all to be part of that reign.
3. Fear, domination, self-preservation at the expense of others, and rebellion against God’s rule reflect illnesses of the spirit in need of Christ’s healing.
4. Each person who encounters Jesus’ healing touch is responsible for the choice of following or not following Christ.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How is God’s rule bringing wholeness into the world today? Give examples.
2. How have you allowed fear, domination, self-preservation, and rebellion to keep you far from the rule of God? How have you overcome those things to minister?
3. Who do you say Jesus is? How do you respond to Christ’s touch in your life?
4. What is the Holy Spirit prompting you to do in your life and ministry? In the life of the congregation? In your pursuit of mission and the rule of God?

Lessons

Adult Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Mark 1:21–28

Lesson Focus

Jesus uses his authority to serve.

Objectives

The learners will…

• compare the authority of Jesus with fleeting human authority.
• acknowledge how names have power, both today and in the ancient world.
• understand how this scripture passage ties together reconciliation and healing.

Supplies

• Bible
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
• Doctrine and Covenants

Note to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Mark 1:21–28 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: New Testament, pp. 34–35, available through Herald House.

Gather

In the ancient Mediterranean world, names had power. Knowing someone’s name gave a person power over them. Jesus was a newcomer to preaching and teaching in the synagogue, yet people recognized his authority and called him “the Holy One of God.” God calls us by name and hopes we will respond.

Sing together “I Have Called You by Your Name” CCS 636.

Engage

Read together Mark 1:21–28.

In Jesus’ day the teachers of the law would reference the source of their teaching by saying “according to the scripture” or “Rabbi X said…” Authority for teaching came through another person. Jesus did not claim authority through another person; rather, he spoke with his own authority. This was recognized by those around him, including the man in the scripture passage who was possessed.

In small groups or pairs consider these questions.

• What is something meaningful to you about your name?
• How is your personality reflected in your name?
• How do we use names or name calling to control people in today’s world? What does this suggest about the brokenness of today’s world?
• Think of some of the names Jesus is called in scripture. How do they describe Jesus’ character and calling?

Respond

In Jesus’ day people believed illness indicated unforgiven sin. Evil spirits were everywhere. Healers used a variety of incantations and rituals. But Jesus removed the spirit with his words. He didn’t scream at it or create a scene.

Afterward he didn’t boast about his authority, but used it in servant ministry. He taught, healed, and called people, never insisting on loyalty as a condition of his love. Jesus’ message was about reconciling God’s creation and bringing wholeness to life.

In small groups or pairs, consider these questions.

• What authority does Jesus have in your life? Why is healing so important to Jesus ministry? Share a healing story with the group.
• How is reconciliation an essential practice of discipleship?
• What relationship do you see between reconciliation and healing?

Send

Read together paragraph five of the preamble to Doctrine and Covenants 152, 156:5a–c, 161:2a, and 163:8a (below), then discuss:

• Which of these passages best describes reconciliation and healing to you? Why?
• How can the sacraments move us toward the blessing of reconciliation and healing of the spirit?
• What will you do this week to participate in reconciliation or healing?

The grace of God is recognized in that he loves us even when we turn from him, and the call to repentance and reconciliation is accompanied by the renewed assurance of divine blessing.

—Doctrine and Covenants 152 preamble, paragraph 5

The temple shall be dedicated to the pursuit of peace. It shall be for reconciliation and for healing of the spirit.

—Doctrine and Covenants 156:5a

It shall also be for a strengthening of faith and preparation for witness.

—Doctrine and Covenants 156:5b

By its ministries an attitude of wholeness of body, mind, and spirit as a desirable end toward which to strive will be fostered.

—Doctrine and Covenants 156:5c

Become a people of the Temple–those who see violence but proclaim peace, who feel conflict yet extend the hand of reconciliation, who encounter broken spirits and find pathways for healing.

—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2a

The Temple is an instrument of ongoing revelation in the life of the church. Its symbolism and ministries call people to reverence in the presence of the Divine Being. Transformative encounters with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler await those who follow its spiritual pathways of healing, reconciliation, peace, strengthening of faith, and knowledge.

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8a

Bless

Ask each person for a prayer word or phrase describing he hope they find in Jesus. Offer these as praise and thanksgiving in a closing prayer

Youth Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Mark 1:21–28

Lesson Focus

Recognizing Christ’s authority and being peacemakers in the world

Objectives

The learners will…

• understand where Christ’s authority comes from.
• recognize that there are influences in the world that act with authority but are in opposition to Christ’s mission.
• explore their roles as peacemakers and actors in Christ’s mission.

Supplies

• Square pieces of colored paper at least 6 x 6 in / 15.24 x 15.24 cm
• Directions for making paper cranes online
• Bible
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)

Note to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Mark 1:21–28 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: New Testament, pp. 34–35, available through Herald House.

Gather

As students gather, have them stand in the center of the room. Designate one side of the room as “A” and the other side as “B.” Explain that as they make their choices they should move to the appropriate side of the room. Next, give them the following scenarios and ask them who has the most authority in each situation. Begin with some of the easier examples below and move to the more difficult ones.

• Setting your curfew

A. your friends

B. your parents

• Determining due dates for assignments

A. your teacher

B. your soccer coach

• Giving a speeding ticket on the highway

A. a police officer

B. a highway patrolperson

• Deciding if a law is just

A. the president/prime minister

B. the Court

Just as some of these examples were easy to answer and others were more difficult, in life it is sometimes more difficult to know who has authority. It is important for us to discern prayerfully the will of God so we can avoid listening to the wrong influences.

Engage

Read Mark 1:21–28.

We know now that many of the demons and unclean spirits referred to in scripture are probably undiagnosed mental and physical illnesses. However, this passage still has an important lesson for us. Because of the way Jesus spoke and acted, all those around knew he had the authority to teach and heal. He was able to bring peace and comfort to a man who was stricken with strife.

• Where does Jesus’s authority come from?
• With so many competing interpretations of Christ’s mission, how do we know who has the authority?

Doctrine and Covenants 163:3c tells us,

There are subtle, yet powerful, influences in the world, some even claiming to represent Christ, that seek to divide people and nations to accomplish their destructive aims. That which seeks to harden one human heart against another by constructing walls of fear and prejudice is not of God. Be especially alert to these influences, lest they divide you or divert you from the mission to which you are called.

• According to this passage, what should we look for to know which influences have authority?
• What will the influences that do not have God’s authority seek to do?
• What are some examples of those influences in our modern world?

Respond

Part of the mission to which we are called is creating shalom. What is shalom?

Peace is God’s shalom: justice, righteousness, wholeness, and the well-being of the entire creation. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to preach the kingdom and to be our peace through the cross. The Holy Spirit empowers us for the costly pursuit of peace and justice for all people.

—Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, p. 38

We are called to be peacemakers, and when we are truly in alignment with Christ’s mission to Pursue Peace, we, too, can act with God’s authority. Anything we say or do that builds walls or categorizes people is not God’s will; it is not in pursuit of Christ’s peace.

Allow each student to choose a colorful square of paper. On one side ask them to write a situation in their life or in the world that they believe to be contrary to Christ’s peace. After everyone has had the opportunity to finish writing, show how to fold a paper crane. As you work explain that in many places paper cranes are symbols of peace. Let them know that at the Community of Christ Temple, which is dedicated to the pursuit of peace, visitors can take a paper crane with them so they can carry peace into the world. When everyone has finished folding, pray for peace together.

Optional Activity: Write prayers for peace and submit them to Community of Christ for consideration for reading at the Daily Prayer for Peace online.

Send

Invite the class to look for opportunities to bring Christ’s peace into the world. If you have enough students, form prayer partners, and encourage them to pray for peace in each other’s lives.

Bless

Close by singing “Seek Ye First” CCS 599.

Children’s Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Mark 1:21–28

Lesson Focus

Jesus was a gifted teacher whose teaching show us how to live in God’s way.

Objectives

The learners will…

• explore what makes a good teacher.
• practice teaching someone else.
• consider what they could teach about God.

Supplies

• Bible or Lectionary Story Bible, Year B, by Ralph Milton, illustrated by Margaret Kyle (Wood Lake Publishing, 2008, ISBN 9781551455648)
• Chart paper or board and markers
• Paper and pencils or pens
• Optional: supplies for students to use when “teaching” their partners
• Timer or chime

Note to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Mark 1:21–28 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: New Testament, pp. 34–35, available through Herald House.

Gather

Welcome the children and ask the students:

• Have you ever been taught something in school that was confusing to you?
• How did you figure it out?
• Did someone explain the idea to you in a simpler way that made more sense?
• Who was it that helped you figure it out?

Engage

Today we are going to read another story from the Bible about Jesus. This story tells us about the kind of teacher Jesus was. Read Mark 1:21–28 or “Jesus Goes to the Synagogue” from the Lectionary Story Bible, Year B, pp. 58–59.

Say, “Let’s talk about the man in the story that was yelling at Jesus. Have you ever been angry or confused and said things you didn’t really mean?” Allow children to share or share a story from your own experience.

• What did Jesus tell the man to do to help him feel better?

Say, “He encouraged the man to sit quietly for a few minutes. Has anyone ever told you that? To sit quietly and maybe take a few breaths to help you calm down? Jesus was showing this man that he loved him even though the man had been yelling at him. Sometimes people get confused and they just aren’t sure what God wants them to do. Jesus was good at helping people understand that God loves us no matter what, and God wants us to love each other. He was an excellent teacher. And we still are learning from Jesus’ example today. By reading these stories in the scripture about Jesus, he continues to teach us how to live God’s way.”

Respond

Ask the students to think of the very best teacher they know. Have them share one thing that makes that person a great teacher. Summarize the characteristics you heard and create a list on chart paper or the board. Title the chart “A Gifted Teacher Is…” Ask the children if there is anything else that should be added to the list.

The students can be excellent teachers, too! Let them know that today they are going to teach something to someone else. Form the class into two groups. Each group will decide on a skill they can teach. You may want one adult to guide each group. Some ideas of what children might teach one another are a game, a song, a skill, or some information they are knowledgeable about.

Each small group should spend some time deciding what they are going to teach and practicing it. Every person in the group will be responsible for teaching someone else, so all participants need to be able to accomplish the skill.

When everyone in both groups is ready, pair a person from Group A with a person from Group B. If you have an odd number of students, someone can pair with one of the adults.

Once everyone has a partner, begin the teaching. Remind the students that when it’s their turn to be the teacher, they should use the characteristics they listed. When it is their turn to be the student, be polite and really listen to what the “teacher” is teaching (even if they’ve done it or heard it before). It’s their job to listen, not to teach. Allow each group three to five minutes to teach their skill. Once everyone is done, call the groups back together. Let the children know that while it’s not easy to teach others, as followers of God it is up to us to teach others just like Jesus did!

Send

Give each child a piece of paper and something to write with. Ask the students to make a list of what they know about God and Jesus that they could teach someone else. Encourage them to try it out this week and see if they can teach someone about God’s love.

Bless

Close by reciting the mission prayer as adapted below.

God, where will your Spirit lead this week?
Help me be fully awake and ready to respond.
Grant me courage to risk something new and
become a blessing of your love and peace.
Amen.