Worship Tools

Worship Outline

Additional Scriptures 

Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19; Romans 5:1–8; Matthew 9:35—10:23 

Preparation 

Where you see “Chime” in the order of worship, sound a chime or bell, pause and then proceed with the reading. The Leader and Scripture Reader can be the same person or different people.  

Print short jokes and puns on paper and hand them out for the Focus Moment. 

Prelude 

Welcome 

Chime Scripture Reading: Genesis 18:1–5 

Leader: All are welcome in this house. As Abraham and Sarah welcomed three strangers into their tent, we welcome all to the house of the Lord. If you are weary, here you will find rest. If you are lonely, here you will find friendship. If you are searching for a spiritual home, we have built this house for you. All are welcome in the name of the Lord. 

Hymn of Welcome 

“All Are Welcome” CCS 276 

OR “The God of Abraham Praise” CCS 94 

Chime Scripture Reading: Genesis 18:6–8 

Hymn of Celebration 

“Sizohamba Naye/We Will Walk with God” CCS 377 

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own. 

OR “Blessed Be the God of Israel” CCS 396 

Invocation 

Sung Response: “All Are Welcome” refrain only CCS 276  

Prayer for Peace 

Chime Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 164:9b 

Chime Light the peace candle 

Prayer 

God of Grace, we welcome you into our hearts just as Sarah and Abraham welcomed the strangers. When we look into the eyes of strangers, we recognize you as the Lord that has created us all. May we share generously the gifts that we have received from you and live in peace with all who come into our path. To the stranger, let us provide welcome. To the refugee, let us provide refuge. To the orphan, may we provide a home. In your house, Lord, hospitality is the heart of peace. May we forever be servants of your welcome, bearers of your blessing, and doers of your word. We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace, even Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Focus Moment 

Chime Scripture Reading: Genesis 18:9–15 

Sharing Fun 

Print short jokes and puns on paper and hand them out to participants. Make sure the humor is appropriate for this setting (for example, upholds the worth of all persons). Give participants time to share jokes and puns in small groups of two or three. For ideas: margaretfeinberg.com 

OR Ask two or three people from your group to share an all-ages Bible pun or joke. 

Chime Leader: Sarah laughed at the Lord. The idea that she would have a child at her age was funny to her. When the Lord said, “Why did Sarah laugh?” She responded with embarrassment: “I did not laugh.” And the Lord responded good-naturedly: “Oh yes you did laugh.” When you have visitors in your home and you eat and talk and laugh together—that’s when you know you’ve had a good time. Abraham and Sarah showed hospitality to their visitors and in so doing, they showed hospitality to the Lord. 

Hymn of Laughter 

“God of Grace and God of Laughter” CCS 100 

OR “Help Us Accept Each Other” CCS 333 

Chime Scripture Reading: Genesis 21:1–7 

Hymn of Waiting 

“How Long, O God, How Long?” CCS 455 

OR “We Wait in Hope for the Lord” CCS 267 

Prayer of Examen 

After each prayer phrase, allow time for participants to meditate and pray. 

OR Facilitate this as an activity for everyone to speak their responses aloud. 

O Lord, I was aware of your presence when… 

O Lord, I find gratitude this day for… 

O Lord, I am aware of my feelings about… 

O Lord, I am especially called to pray for… 

And Lord, I seek your light for tomorrow. 

Amen. 

Morning Message 

Based on Genesis 18:1–15, 21:1–7 

OR Testimonies 

Share testimonies of times when you have welcomed or been welcomed as a stranger. How were you blessed? In what ways did you experience God’s Grace and Generosity? 

Disciples’ Generous Response 

Hymn of Generosity 

“Sometimes We Wait Expecting God” CCS 304 

OR “We Are Companions on the Journey” CCS 552 

OR “Brothers and Sisters of Mine Are the Hungry” CCS 616 

Leader: In sharing with strangers, Abraham and Sarah welcomed the Lord. God calls us to live lives of Grace and Generosity. As the Psalmist has declared. 

Chime Scripture Reading: Psalm 116:1–2, 12–14 

Statement 

When we understand God’s love and grace are given freely to us, we respond out of gratitude and are liberated to share freely in return. 

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes 

Chime Statement of Commitment, Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b–4a 

Sung Benediction 

“Thuma Mina” CCS 661 

Sing several times. Participants are encouraged to sing in languages other than their own. 

OR Sing along with the vocal recording on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings available from Herald House. 

OR “Shalom chaverim” CCS 653 

Sing as a two- or three-part round. 

OR Sing along with the vocal recording on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings available from Herald House. 

Postlude 

Sacred Space: Small-Group Worship Outline

Gathering

Welcome

Ordinary Time runs from Pentecost to Advent. This part of the Christian calendar is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on our discipleship as individuals and a faith community.

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle

God of peace,

We open our hearts today and feel the yearnings of our brothers and sisters as we strive for peace. Although we do not know everyone’s concerns, we invite all to share in the blessings of this community, created in the name of the One who suffered on behalf of all, the Prince of Peace.

Encourage us as we work to respect each life’s journey, even when it is broken and uncertain, for each person at times must walk alone. Help us be ready to listen and slow to criticize, lest judgments be unrighteous and unredemptive.

Remind us that we are your hands and feet, and that if peace is to come, it must be through our actions. We pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

—Based on Doctrine and Covenants 161:3a–b

Spiritual Practice

Dwelling in the Word

Read the following:

Today we focus on the Enduring Principle of Continuing Revelation. We will practice this with Dwelling in the Word.

I will read a scripture aloud. As you hear it, allow words, images, or phrases to come to your mind. Try not to focus on them. Let them rest in you. After a moment of silence, I will read the excerpt a second time. As you hear the words again, listen for how God’s Spirit is nudging you or catching your attention.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 163:4a:

God, the Eternal Creator, weeps for the poor, displaced, mistreated, and diseased of the world because of their unnecessary suffering. Such conditions are not God’s will. Open your ears to hear the pleading of mothers and fathers in all nations who desperately seek a future of hope for their children. Do not turn away from them. For in their welfare resides your welfare.

Pause.

Read the scripture a second time.

Pause.

Invite group member to share responses to these questions: What words, phrases, or images came to mind? How is God’s Spirit nudging you? How does Dwelling in the Word create continued revelation within you?

Sharing Around the Table

Genesis 18:1–15 NRSVue

18 The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. ² He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them and bowed down to the ground. ³ He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. ⁴ Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. ⁵ Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” ⁶ And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.” ⁷ Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. ⁸ Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared and set it before them, and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

⁹ They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” ¹⁰ Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. ¹¹ Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. ¹² So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I be fruitful?” ¹³ The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ ¹⁴ Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.” ¹⁵ But Sarah denied, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “Yes, you did laugh.”

—Genesis 18:1–15 NRSVue

Today’s passage focuses on how God surprised Abram and Sariah (Abraham and Sarah) with news that they would be blessed in their old age with a child. Not surprisingly, Sarah’s response to such “unrealistic” news was to laugh.

God’s grace and generosity are revealed as life-giving for everyone involved. The passage begins with Abraham’s uncommon generosity toward the three visitors. Abraham welcomes the guests as nobility without knowing their station or purpose. Abraham engages his whole household in providing a feast for the visitors. It was a gift that involved everyone’s participation. In return, God gave Sarah a son, despite her laughter at the idea. In this way, gratitude begat gratitude and blessed generations.

God’s generosity also can be surprising in our own lives and communities. Sarah’s laughter at God’s pronouncement soon turned to joy. Like Sarah, each one has potential waiting to be revealed through God’s blessings and joyfully given to others. Sometimes we laugh at God’s promptings, doubting the possibilities. Yet when we step forward to receive God’s offering, we are blessed with joy. God visits us faithfully. It is never too late to receive and respond.

Questions

1. When have you “laughed” at God’s promptings to you?
2. How has God blessed you in the midst of your doubts?
3. What new thing is God birthing in you?

Sending

Generosity Statement

Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:9

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response. This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

God of our discipleship, As we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us to save wisely, spend responsibly, and give generously. In these ways may we prepare for the future and create a better tomorrow for our families, friends, the mission of Christ, and the world. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

CCS 246, “I Know Not What the Future Hath”

Closing Prayer

---

Optional Additions Depending on the Group

• Communion
• Thoughts for Children

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Communion Scripture

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.

We share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community. In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings (select one):

• 515, “In These Moments We Remember”
• 516, “Coming Together for Wine and for Bread”
• 521, “Let Us Break Bread Together”
• 525, “Small Is the Table”
• 528, “Eat This Bread”

Bless and serve bread and wine.

Thoughts for Children

Materials: cups, plates, napkins (enough for each child), tablecloth

On a small table or the floor, set out the cloth, cups, plates, and napkins. Place fruit and Goldfish crackers (or gluten-free crackers) on the plates. Fill the cups with water.

Say: This table looks so lovely, and the snacks look delicious. Whom shall I invite to join me at the table?

Ask the children to come to the table.

Say: Thank you for joining me. I am so happy to share these snacks with you. You have made this a special occasion by coming and eating with me.

Abraham invited some people to join him at the table. Inviting others is a way to offer hospitality—to make people feel welcome in your home or at your table.

How can you show hospitality?

Whom can you invite (friends at school, family at home, friends from church) to sit at a table with you?

This week, invite someone to share a snack or sit at the table with you. Share hospitality with others.

Sermon Helps

Exploring the Scripture

The book of Genesis can be divided into two main parts. The first part covers God’s creation of the world and people’s early cultural and religious development (Genesis 18:1–11). The second, the lineage of God’s chosen people, prospering amid human struggles and strife (vv. 12–50). Genesis writers captured the word-of-mouth histories of ancestors as passed from generation to generation of those who lived before their time and beyond their memories or experience. They included good, bad, and difficult stories to make the book a truthful telling. In their understanding, ancestors and details did not need to be perfect or accurate for their journeys to be divine and true. Genesis is the beginning, the birthplace of their existence, lineage, and their community’s lasting covenant with God.

Abraham and Sarah appear at the start of the lineage portion of Genesis (chapters 12–25). Abraham kept covenant with God by obeying commandments and following God’s will. Abraham’s lineage is claimed by Judaism and Christianity through Isaac (vv. 21:1–4) and Jacob (vv. 25:21–26), and Islam through Ishmael (vv. 16:9–13). Abraham not only fathered bloodlines, he also journeyed to settle in the land given him by God (vv. 12:1–3) and be an example of faithfulness.

Today’s passage focuses on how God surprised Abraham and Sarah with news that they would be blessed in their old age with a child. God appears to Abraham as three visiting strangers. Abraham treats the visitors with high esteem, providing water and a feast. After eating, the visitors ask Abraham about his wife Sarah. They tell Abraham that after a fullness of time they will visit again and Sarah will have a son. Listening from the tent, Sarah laughed to herself at such news. The divine visitor hears her thoughts and surprises Abraham and Sarah by asking why Sarah laughed. Sarah denies out of fear saying, “I did not laugh.” “Oh yes, you did laugh,” God replied (v. 18:15).

The pronounced time passed and despite her advanced age Sarah gave birth to a son. Abraham named him Isaac, from the Hebrew word for laughter, and circumcised him at eight days old as God commanded (vv. 17:10–12). Sarah proclaims that God brought her laughter so others will laugh with her, for no one could imagine she would bear Abraham a son so late in life (vv. 21:6–7).

God’s grace and generosity are revealed in this passage as life-giving for everyone involved. The passage begins with Abraham’s uncommon generosity toward the three visitors. We understand the visitors as personifying God. However, Abraham welcomes the guests as nobility without knowing their station or nature. Abraham has his household provide foot-washing, refreshment, and relaxation, with Sarah willingly preparing snacks and a feast. It was a gift that involved everyone’s participation. In return, God gives Sarah a son, despite her laughter at the idea. Abraham receives his son Isaac and treats him as his firstborn (vv. 25:5–6). In this way, gratitude begets gratitude, and blesses generations.

God’s generosity can also be surprising in our own lives and communities. Sarah’s laughter at God’s pronouncement soon turned to joy. Like Sarah, each one has potential waiting to be revealed through God’s blessings and joyfully given to others. Sometimes we laugh at God’s promptings, doubting the possibilities. Yet when we step forward to receive God’s offering, we are blessed with joy. God visits us faithfully. It is never too late to receive and respond.

Central Ideas

1. Be open to God’s surprise for your life and congregation.
2. Be available to receive God’s generosity.
3. Be ready to respond to God’s call.

Questions for the Speaker

1. What do you see God giving birth to in your life, congregation, and community?
2. How are you or the congregation experiencing God’s generosity?
3. How can you and the congregation respond
   faithfully to where the Holy Spirit is leading you?

Lessons

Adult Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Genesis 18:1–15; 21:1–7

Lesson Focus

Grace and Generosity work together in God’s economy.

Objectives

The learners will…

• see the birth of Isaac as an act of God’s generosity.
• understand God’s grace and love as a source of generosity.
• explore how we should respond to God’s grace and generosity.

Supplies

• Bibles or copy of Genesis 18:1–15; 21:1–7 for each participant
• Paper, pens or pencils
• Copy of the definition of grace, the Enduring Principle Grace and Generosity, and Basic Beliefs statements—Discipleship and God for each participant
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)

Notes to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Genesis 18:1–15; 21:1–7 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: Old Testament, p. 89, available through Herald House.

This lesson is to help the students understand another complex theological concept: Grace. It also shares the idea of generosity being a proper response to God’s grace.

Gather

Begin the class using a breath prayer. Sit quietly, breathing naturally for a minute or so; then begin to deepen your breaths.

As you breathe in, say silently to yourself, “Breathing in God’s Grace.”

As you breathe out, say silently to yourself, “Breathing out Generosity.”

Repeat for a couple of minutes.

Engage

Share the following definitions of grace: a noun—unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification; a virtue coming from God; a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance.

—www.merriam-webster.com

• How is this definition of grace reflected in your understanding of God?
• Have you seen God’s grace active in your life? How?

Enduring Principles are qualities the church sees as always true in the past, present, and future. Read together the Enduring Principle Grace and Generosity.

Grace and Generosity

• God’s grace, especially as revealed in Jesus Christ, is generous and unconditional.
• Having received God’s generous grace, we respond generously and graciously receive the generosity of others.
• We offer all we are and have to God’s purposes as revealed in Jesus Christ.
• We generously share our witness, resources, ministries, and sacraments according to our true capacity.

—Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, p. 28

Discuss:

• Using the definition for grace above, what is this Enduring Principle saying?
• What is the relationship between grace and generosity? Can you have one without the other?
• Reflect on your life. How has God’s grace affected your generosity?

Keeping in mind the definition of grace and the Enduring Principle Grace and Generosity, read today’s focus scripture from Genesis 18:1–15; 21:1–7.

• How is grace presented in this story?
• How is generosity presented in this story?
• How did grace and generosity bring joy?
• When you’ve experienced God’s grace, did you also experience joy? What effect do grace and joy together have on generosity?
• Can generosity be joyous?

Respond

Review the Basic Beliefs statements of Discipleship and God.

Discipleship

Being a Christian is more than holding a list of right ideas; it is about radical obedience to Jesus in every part of life. God’s boundless love sets us free for lives of responsible stewardship in which we generously offer our lives in service to God’s reign. Discipleship is both an inward and outward journey. Jesus calls us to follow him and to invite others to experience the transforming power of his grace.

—Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, p. 37

God

We believe in one living God who meets us in the testimony of Israel, is revealed in Jesus Christ, and moves through all creation as the Holy Spirit. We affirm the Trinity—God who is a community of three persons. All things that exist owe their being to God: mystery beyond understanding and love beyond imagination. This God alone is worthy of our worship.

—Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, pp. 33–34

Discuss:

• How do these come together to bring Grace and Generosity?
• What influence do these have in your daily life?
• Do you see these two Basic Beliefs as necessary parts of Grace and Generosity?
• How do you respond to God’s grace and generosity in your life?

Send

Spend a moment in silent prayer, making notes on how you will respond to God’s grace and generosity.

Bless

Read or sing together “O, Day of Peace” CCS 380 for the closing prayer.

Youth Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Genesis 18:1–15, 21:1–7

Lesson Focus

Generosity is an intricate part of being a disciple. We are called to give, even to the stranger.

Objectives

The learners will…

• journey in the story of Abraham and Sarah.
• understand the importance of generosity as a disciple.
• serve their fellow peers.
• create giving bags to hand out to their communities.

Supplies

• Bible
• Copies of Genesis 18:1–15; 21:1–7 and the Dwelling in the Word handout for each student (end of lesson)
• Paper
• Colored markers
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
• Pens
• Bowl of water
• Clean washcloth
• Grapes
• Small plates
• Water
• Small paper cups
• Gallon plastic bags (enough for each student)
• Various supplies for Giving Bags (not limited to items below; these are just ideas):
  • Small tissue packets
  • Socks
  • Candy or protein bar
  • Hand warmers
  • Gloves or a hat
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Bottled water

Note to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Genesis 18:1–15, 21:1–7 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: Old Testament, pp. 89–90, available through Herald House.

Before class set up a small worship center with a bowl of water, cloth, grapes, and cups of water. Feel free to be creative and use other décor or accessories. Make sure the bowl of water and cloth are easily accessible to the students.

Toward the end of the lesson the class will have the opportunity to create and share “giving bags.” The supplies needed may be costly or require time acquiring. You may ask the congregation for donations or work with the class beforehand to gather the supplies. You are encouraged to find ways to get the entire congregation involved. Phone trees, church announcements, and Facebook are good avenues for asking members in your congregation to give!

Gather

Hand out paper and markers for every student. Have each of them draw a picture of a moment that represents a time in their life when they were surprised. If they were surprised by a gift, they can draw the item. If they were surprised when their military family member came home early from deployment, they could draw the memory. If they were surprised at a party, they may draw their experience. It is okay if the students do not see themselves as artists.

Engage

Note to Teacher

Please print out copies of the scripture and the Dwelling in the Word provided at the end of the lesson.

Invite students to find a comfortable place in the room. They may sit or lie down; make sure they know they can be comfortable. Explain that the class will be engaging with the spiritual practice known as Dwelling in the Word. This practice gives the students an opportunity to explore a scripture in a different way. Have them close their eyes and simply listen.

Read Genesis 18:1–15; 21:1–7. When you are done, allow time for silent reflection. Then read the following:

As I read aloud the text a second time, I would invite you to pick a character in the story: Abraham, Sarah, God, or God’s two companions, Isaac. Try to imagine yourself in that person’s place. What are the person’s thoughts? Feelings? See the story from their point of view.

After you’ve paused for more silent reflection, pass out the scripture and Dwelling in the Word handout so every student has their own. Make sure each student also has a writing utensil. As you read a third time, invite the students to highlight, underline, or make notes on just the scripture handout. When you’ve completed the third reading, have the students reflect on the Dwelling in the Word questions. Give the class an opportunity to share their reflections from the experience.

Note to Teacher

If the class is struggling, have them share in small groups first.

Respond

Before class begins, prepare a bowl of water and place it in an area of the room as a worship center. Make sure to have a clean washcloth placed next to the bowl. For the second part of this activity make sure there are enough small cups of water and grapes. These items may make up the worship center.

Today’s scripture passage tells us of three men who arrived at Abraham and Sarah’s tent. Abraham immediately showed them hospitality by bowing to them. He offered his service of giving the travelers what they needed. We as the readers come to know that these three visitors are God and two of God’s companions. Abraham does not initially know this. That does not matter, however, for Abraham and Sarah both extend hospitality to these strangers by honoring them, preparing food and feeding them, and cleaning them to make them feel welcome. They were genuinely concerned with the strangers and their welfare.

Explain to the class that today we will be serving our fellow classmates. Everyone in the class will have an opportunity to have their hands cleaned by a peer or leader, like Abraham cleaning the strangers. Such an act symbolizes the person’s worth as a member of God’s kingdom. Begin by going to the bowl of water and inviting a student to come up and have their hands washed. As soon as you are finished, take a seat and have them wash the hands of the next person who comes to the worship center to have their hands washed. Continue this activity until every student has had their hands washed. Encourage staff to also participate in the activity.

Not only did Abraham and Sarah clean their three guests, but they also prepared a meal and fed them. The class will participate in an agape meal. This practice gives an opportunity for participants to both give and receive words of comfort and affirmation, and to receive nutrients (both physically and spiritually through words of hope or encouragement). Ask a student to go to the worship station to get a grape and a cup of water. Invite them to give the food to someone in the class. Before they give their gift, have the students give words of affirmation, support, or hope to the individual. Make sure every student receives a chance to share the meal before concluding the meal.

Send

We now can give to our larger communities. As a class we will be creating Giving Bags full of supplies. (See suggestions above).

Take a gallon-size bag and fill it with the items you’ve collected. Every student needs at least one bag to take with them. Challenge the students to give the bag to a stranger in need. Today’s scripture passage not only focuses on human hospitality but also showing God hospitality. In Matthew 25:45 we read, “…just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” Verses before it are about not giving food, water, clothing, and more to “the least of these.” God is in and with our neighbors, strangers, and ones who are different from us. When we serve and provide ministry to others, we provide ministry to God.

Bless

Read or sing “Sometimes We Wait, Expecting God” CCS 304.

Genesis 18:1–15—A Son Promised to Abraham and Sarah

¹ The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. ² He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. ³ He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. ⁴ Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. ⁵ Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” ⁶ And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.” ⁷ Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. ⁸ Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

⁹ They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” ¹⁰ Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. ¹¹ Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. ¹² So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?” ¹³ The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ ¹⁴ Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.” ¹⁵ But Sarah denied, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. He said, “Oh yes, you did laugh.

Genesis 21:1–7—The Birth of Isaac

¹ The Lord dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as he had promised. ² Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time of which God had spoken to him.    ³ Abraham gave the name Isaac to his son whom Sarah bore him. ⁴ And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. ⁵ Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. ⁶ Now Sarah said, “God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” ⁷ And she said, “Who would ever have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”

Children’s Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Genesis 18:1–15; 21:1–7

Lesson Focus

As it was with Abraham and Sarah, God generously surprises us with gifts that—as disciples—we must learn to share with others.

Objectives

The learners will…

• learn the sacred story about Abraham and Sarah bearing a child.
• draw a connection between the surprise gifts and talents they receive in their own lives with God’s surprise for Abraham and Sarah.
• share an important message about God’s Grace and Generosity with an adult in their congregation or church.

Supplies

• Website with description of balloon experiment: brightside.me
• Lectionary Story Bible, Year A, by Ralph Milton, illustrated by Margaret Kyle (Wood Lake Publishing, 2007, ISBN 9781551455471)
• 1 balloon (inflated with air and tied off)
• A handful of pushpins or a bed of nails
• Coloring page for each child (end of lesson)
• Markers or crayons or colored pencils
• Glue sticks or tape
• Baby drawing for each child (end of lesson)
• Scissors
• Large, empty box wrapped with bright wrapping paper and a bow; the only thing inside the box should be a note that reads, “Surprise! Be open to the gifts God has for you!”
• Gift Bags–one per child
• Blank strips of paper

Notes to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Genesis 18:1–15; 21:1–7 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: Old Testament, pp. 89–90, available through Herald House.

Gather

As children arrive, instruct them to sit around a table so everyone can see. On the table should be a handful of pushpins sitting on the flat side, with the points sticking straight up. Once everyone has arrived, say, “I’m going to poke this balloon with all these pins and it won’t pop.” Allow a few moments for kids to react (the goal is for them to respond in surprise or doubt; you want them to question and laugh at your “absurd” statement). Once they have appropriately responded, take the balloon and very carefully press it down on all the pushpins, ensuring that the balloon is pressed evenly on all the pushpins. The balloon should not pop; when you increase the number of pins, you reduce the pressure on each pin.

Allow children to react in a surprised manner; then ask the following questions:

• When I first told you that I was going to poke the balloon with a bunch of pushpins, did you think it was going to pop?
• Did you believe me when I told you it wasn’t going to pop? Did you think it was possible?
• Were you surprised when it didn’t pop, just like I’d promised?

Explain that just like in the experiment, our scripture story focuses on a husband and wife who are surprised by some news from God…just like you, they didn’t believe it.

Engage

Give a coloring page to each student to color. Explain that the story you will read is about this husband and wife. As they are coloring the picture, read the story aloud “A Mother of Nations” from Lectionary Story Bible, Year A, pp. 133–134. After reading the story, ask the following questions:

• What surprise did God promise Abraham and Sarah?
• How did they react when they heard the news?
• Why was it so hard to believe that Sarah would have a baby?

Pass out the drawing of a baby for each student. Allow them to color, cut out, and then glue the baby onto their coloring page in the arms of either Abraham or Sarah.

Respond

Explain that just like in the sacred story about Abraham and Sarah, sometimes God surprises us with gifts we could never imagine. God always wants to show us the blessings God has planned for us, but sometimes we have a hard time believing they are possible. One of our Enduring Principles is Grace and Generosity. “God’s very nature is grace and generosity. Generosity is the way God loves us and wants us to love others. Everything comes from God, out of God’s great love” (Of Water and Spirit, Facilitator Guide, p. 51). Even though it may sometimes be difficult to believe, we need to be open to God’s surprises in our lives.

Place the large gift-wrapped box in front of the class stating that you have a surprise for the class. Allow students to tear open the box to discover what is inside. Hopefully some of the kids will be surprised and laugh when they see nothing but a piece of paper inside. Ask a student to read the paper aloud. Then ask and discuss the following questions:

• What does it mean to “be open” to the gifts God has for you?
• What can you do to figure out what gifts and talents God has given you?
• Has God surprised you with any gifts and talents before? Explain.

Send

As followers of Christ, our job is to always be ready to respond to God’s call. “We receive God’s grace and generosity. When we follow Jesus, we become a person who wants to share love and treat others with generosity, too. This is being our true selves as God created us. God is loving and generous. We can be, too” (Of Water and Spirit, Facilitator Guide, p. 51). Disciples don’t just rejoice in their gifts from God. Instead they choose to be generous with their gifts, using them to bless others.

Pass out a strip of paper and gift bag to each child. Ask the children to copy the saying, “Surprise! Be open to the gifts God has for you!” onto their strip of paper and place it in their gift bag. Send the kids into the congregation to give their gift bag to an adult. Ensure that the children stay to watch the adults open their gifts before returning to the classroom.

Bless

Explain to the class, “Because of the surprise gift from God, Abraham and Sarah were able to have many children. And those children had children, who had many children, and so on. To help us remember to always listen and receive God’s generosity, let’s sing the song “Father Abraham” together with the actions.”

See sing-along lyrics with movement prompts at www.youtube.com