Worship Tools

Worship Outline

Additional Scriptures 

Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b; Matthew 14:22–33; Romans 10:5–15 

Preparation 

As people enter, distribute greeting cards or pieces of paper and envelopes, along with something to write with, to each person for use in the Call to Action. 

Prelude 

Hymn of Centering 

“In the Quiet of This Day” CCS 161 

OR “Come Away from Rush and Hurry” CCS 83 

Welcome 

Call to Worship Responsive Reading 

Leader:  O give thanks to the Lord, 

make God’s deeds known among the peoples. 

People: Sing praises to the Lord; 

tell of God’s wonderful works. 

Leader:  Remember the wonderful works of our God, 

the miracles and the judgments spoken, 

People: Glory in God’s holy name; 

let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 

All:  Praise the Lord! 

—Psalm 105:1–3, 5, adapted 

Hymn of Praise 

“Lord, You Have Brought Us” CCS 76 

OR “Rejoice, Ye Saints of Latter Days” CCS 81 

Invocation 

Response 

Disciples’ Generous Response 

Video 

Watch “I Love, So I Give” video found at: www.youtube.com.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes 

Scripture Reading and Reflection: Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28 

Read from a children’s Bible or tell as a story. Ask for reactions to the story. 

• When have you been jealous?  
• How does it feel to be jealous?  
• How would you feel if you were Joseph?  
• Where is God when bad things happen?  
• How might jealousy be transformed by love? 

Motivated by Love 

Reading 

Form two groups and turn to CCS, 540, “Not for Tongues of Heaven’s Angels.” Read the hymn aloud with the first group reading the first two phrases, the second group reading phrases three and four, and the whole group reading the last phrase together for each stanza. 

OR Ministry of Music OR Community Hymn 

“Not for Tongues of Heaven’s Angels”  CCS 540 

Message 

Based on Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28 

Prayer for Peace 

Light the peace candle 

Read the prayer slowly, pausing where indicated, to allow participants to reflect and become active in the prayer. Ask them to reflect and offer their own silent thoughts and voices to the prayer as it is read. 

Prayer 

God of Peace and Justice, 

We pray today for those who have known injustice; 

Pause 

And for those who have experienced deep betrayal due to greed, jealousy or hatred.  

Theirs is a deep pain that begins to heal through the reconciling power of your  

Spirit. 

Pause 

Allow your Presence to be evident for those hurting and feeling alone. 

Pause 

Grant courage to those who are witnesses of reason, who serve with hands of friendship. 

Pause 

Open our eyes to understand more responsible choices. Soften our hearts to seek compassion and reconciliation. 

Pause. 

We pray for healing and wholeness for all of creation. 

Pause 

In the name of the One who taught of justice, reconciliation, healing and wholeness—Jesus. 

Pause 

Amen. 

Hymn of Prayer 

“O Living God” CCS 183 

OR “Let Us Pray for One Another” CCS 186 

Call to Action 

Using the materials provided as people entered the worship space, ask participants to write a message of hope and support for someone else. Provide quiet background music during this activity. Encourage them to either put the card in the mail or deliver it in person. 

Hymn of Commission 

“Lord, Who Views All People Precious” CCS 637 

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own. 

OR “God, Bless Your Church with Strength!” CCS 638 

OR “Find Your Wholeness” CCS 643 

Benediction 

Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 154:7b 

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 as a faith community.

Prayer for Peace

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

Our most gracious Creator, we have met in the hope of peace. To this end we raise our hearts and voices in prayer.

As a cistern gathers drops of rain to form a pool of life-giving water, may we receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the evidence of peace that comes into our lives. Having received the promise of peace from above, may we hold it to be used in times of need.

We do wonder how peace can be pursued while there is so much injustice in the world. We pray we will not be the cause of hurt but instead offer healing to those who need such blessing. Thus, those who hurt truly may be healed.

We anguish because there are those with no help, no hope, nothing. Then we remember there is help, there is hope in the angels’ message of good tidings of great joy. We rejoice in the promise of Jesus, who said, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11 NRSV). We pray for realizing peace in self, peace with others, and peace in the world.

In our best moments, we know love is the only foundation on which to build a peaceful life, and we believe such love will help us arrive at the likeness of the Prince of Peace.

To this end, we pray thy grace, in the name of he who is grace, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

—Kenneth Stobaugh

Spiritual Practice

Holding in the Light

Read the following to the group:

Our Enduring Principle focus this week is on Blessings of Community. We are taught to create communities of peace in our families, neighborhoods, congregations, nations, tribes, and around the world. A spiritual practice that helps us feel connected to our communities is called holding in the light. It is a form of intercessory prayer/meditation adapted from the Quaker movement.

Share the following instructions:

We will stand in a circle. I will light the candle I hold. The rest of you will hold your hands in front of you as if you are helping me hold the light.

Allow time for the group to get situated.

Look at the candlelight and become aware of your own breathing. Begin to center yourself with breath prayer. Breathe in the word love. Breathe out the word light. Repeat three times.

Call to mind names of loved ones, communities, or countries you wish to pray for as we hold the light. You may name them aloud or hold them silently in your heart.

Pause to allow people to share names aloud as they desire.

Now imagine those whom you have named being surrounded by light as bright as the candle. Continue breathing and meditating on the names of those you hold in the light in our circle.

After three minutes of silent meditation and holding in the light, share the following:

Offer a moment of gratitude for your loved ones, your communities, and this experience of holding in the light. Next time you see the light of a sunset or sunrise, may it remind you to pause and prayerfully hold someone you love in the light. Amen.

Sharing Around the Table

Genesis: 37:1-4, 12–28 NRSVue

37 Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. ² These are the descendants of Jacob.

Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives, and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. ³ Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children because he was the son of his old age, and he made him an ornamented robe. ⁴ But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.

¹² Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. ¹³ And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” He answered, “Here I am.” ¹⁴ So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron.

He came to Shechem, ¹⁵ and a man found him wandering in the fields; the man asked him, “What are you seeking?” ¹⁶ “I am seeking my brothers,” he said; “tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.” ¹⁷ The man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan. ¹⁸ They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them they conspired to kill him. ¹⁹ They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. ²⁰ Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” ²¹ But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.”²² Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. ²³ So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the ornamented robe that he wore, ²⁴ and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.

²⁵ Then they sat down to eat, and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. ²⁶ Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood?²⁷ Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers agreed. ²⁸ When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.

—Genesis: 37:1-4, 12–28 NRSVue

Our text starts with “This is the story of the family of Jacob” and introduces Joseph as Jacob’s favorite son. Immediately, the text sets forth the disruption of the proper family order and status. Joseph is the son of Jacob and his favorite wife, Rachel. There is hatred and jealousy toward Joseph among the older brothers of Jacob’s other wives. These fractured relationships are not helped by Joseph’s behavior.

His brothers consider him a tattletale and braggart. They do not “speak peaceably” to Joseph. To make things worse, the gift of the long robe with sleeves plays a special role in the story by symbolizing the special relationship between Jacob and Joseph and conferring prestige or status to Joseph.

Joseph’s brothers plot to kill him but instead sell him to nomads. These very human emotions and actions give us a glimpse into how we all are susceptible to human frailty and often respond negatively in stressful situations. It is this human condition that reminds us of our need for God’s reconciling presence.

Questions

1. When have you been favored in a way that seemed unfair to others? How did you treat them?
2. When has your negative response to a person or event kept you from recognizing God’s presence amid the chaos?
3. What relationships in your life need God’s reconciling presence?

Sending

Generosity Statement

Note: If you are using Thoughts for Children, make time now for the children to share their mandalas and any thoughts they had while participating in the spiritual practice of making mandalas.

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 221, “Spirit of Christ, Remember Me”

Closing Prayer

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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: mandalas (various samples provided from Adobe Stock Photos), coloring utensils

Say: Spiritual practices are tools to help us be more aware of how God works in the world. Making mandalas has been a spiritual practice in many faith traditions for centuries. Some people make their mandalas with sand and blow their creation away when they are finished! Creating mandalas helps us be calm and focused, quieting our minds so we can hear God.

Each of you will get to pick a mandala you would like to color during our time together today. As you color your mandala try to focus on using this time as time with God. What is God wanting to tell you? What does God want you to know? 

Note: Make time during A Disciple’s Generous Response for the children to share their mandalas and any thoughts they had while participating in the spiritual practice.

Sermon Helps

Exploring the Scripture

The story of Joseph’s brothers plotting to kill him, but instead selling him to nomads on their way to Egypt sets the stage for Jacob’s family migrating to Egypt. The story connects a family of roughly 70 people to their progeny, the ancient Israelites, expecting oppression by Pharaoh and their eventual liberation in the exodus by Moses. These verses begin the final chapters of Genesis which is best known as the Joseph Narrative (chapters 37–50). This account’s theological message is that God works through human acts and in the ways of the world.

To understand and preach this set of verses, the preacher should remind the congregation of the outcome of this treacherous act of selling a brother to slavery. By the end of Genesis, the brothers reunite with the full restoration of healthy relations. Many scholars believe this part of Genesis was written in the 10th century BCE when the writers in the Solomonic period wanted to recognize the hidden acts of God in the Israelite nation. This literary section of Genesis shows how God engages in the struggles of a family about issues of power and favoritism and plans to do good despite the jealousy among the brothers. Fundamentally, the passage explores the good that God intends despite human shortfalls.

Our text starts with “This is the story of the family of Jacob” and introduces Joseph as Jacob’s favorite son. Immediately, the text sets forth the disruption of the proper family order and status. Joseph is the first son of Jacob and his favorite wife, Rachel. Hatred and jealousy among the older brothers of Jacob’s other wives immediately seep into the broken relationship when Jacob’s other sons note the favoritism. They do not “speak peaceably” to Joseph (v. 4). The gift of the long robe with sleeves plays a special role in the story by symbolizing the special relationship between Jacob and Joseph and conferring royal status to Joseph.

Although not in today’s text, Joseph’s dreams of leadership and power over his brothers in verses 5 through 11 aggravate the ill-will between the brothers. Ancient dreams such as these were thought of as divinely-given forecasts of the future. Note that later in the Joseph narrative, specifically, chapter 50, the dream is realized.

Although silent in the passage, God is the main actor of the story. Joseph’s brothers try to thwart divine providence by plotting to kill Joseph and throw his body into an underground cistern. They remark in verse 20, “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits…then, we shall see what will become of his dreams.” Here, the author shows the brothers were trying to thwart Joseph’s calling.

Thanks to Reuben and Judah, the brothers eventually decide to sell Joseph to nomads on their way to Egypt. This act sets the stage for the rest of the story in Genesis. Years later, the brothers travel to Egypt because of famine and meet Joseph. Joseph forgives them, and the brothers are reconciled. Their offspring, the ancient Israelites, end in bondage to Pharaoh waiting for liberation by God. Their story is told in the book of Exodus. Through even the brothers’ hostility, violence, anger, deceit, and jealousy, the authors of Genesis portray God as hidden, yet reliable, and at work regardless of human acts or attitudes.

Central Ideas

1. God acts in human history with divine purpose.
2. God is trustworthy. God’s ways are sure and reliable.
3. Even in times of power struggles, pain, jealousy, and hurt, God is present and engaged. Christian hope means the future is bright.

Questions for the Speaker

1. Where has God acted in the life of the congregation during seemingly difficult times?
2. Like Joseph, what dreams do we dream? What promises does God give us on our behalf? What is God’s divine purpose for us?
3. Like Joseph’s brothers, how have we denied God’s wishes and dreams in our lives? Have we tried to thwart God’s divine purpose in our lives, our church, our communities, and our world?

Lessons

Adult Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28

Lesson Focus

Many times God’s guiding hand is difficult to discern.

Objectives

The learners will…

• analyze the scripture text for inter-textual discrepancies.
• identify the source(s) of interpersonal conflict in the text.
• seek for underlying nuances in the Joseph saga.
• identify connections between the scripture and their own personal and congregational experiences.

Supplies

• Bibles or handouts of the scripture passage: Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28

Notes to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: Old Testament, pp. 101–102, available through Herald House.

Gather

Briefly discuss an incident you remember with a sibling or other family member where it seemed one of you was favored over the other. What were your feelings?

Engage

In today’s story, Jacob, who was now named Israel, had settled back in the land that his father, Isaac, had inhabited and fathered a large family there. The youngest son, Joseph, became Israel’s favorite, much to the frustration of Joseph’s older brothers.

The saga of the history of the Hebrews becoming God’s people continues in this narrative. There are points in the narrative that set Israel’s sons at odds with each other.

Some scholars have seen evidence of different writers in this text. In vv. 1–4 a conflict is told that stems from Israel showing his favor for Joseph through the gift of a coat with long sleeves (or sometimes translated as a variegated coat, which is how it morphed into a coat of many colors). The coat style indicated it was not something Joseph would have worn working in the fields. Rather, it was a garment worn by a person of privilege. But in vv. 12–28, there is reference to a different source of conflict where Joseph was viewed as a “dreamer,” which infuriated his brothers (vv. 5–11).

Ask for a volunteer to read Genesis 37:1–4. Listen for the family dynamics that occurred.

Briefly summarize these key points in vv. 5–11 to lay the groundwork for the next section in the text.

• Joseph had dreams he interpreted, elevating him above his brothers.
• Instead of just pondering them, he told them about what he dreamed and what he thought the dreams meant. This sparked jealousy among his brothers.

Tell why you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Only when it [a dream] is expressed, only when it is told, does the prophecy contained in the dream become potent” (Gerhard von Rad, Genesis, [Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1973], 353).

As you read vv. 12–28, listen again for the family dynamics. These verses might show natural and logical consequences of Joseph’s behavior. Ask class members to listen for clues to what happened next considering that concept. Also suggest they listen for anything that seems inconsistent in the narrative. Have class members read vv. 12–28, one verse each, round-robin style.

• In what way were ripples from the Jacob/Israel story still being felt?
• What seems inconsistent in these verses? (Was Joseph given or sold to the Ishmalites or the Gideonites?)
• What might account for this potential discrepancy? (different sources from the oral tradition)
• In this section what was the basis for Joseph’s older brothers’ animosity?
• The older brothers did something to deceive their father. In what way is that a continuation of the consequences of the unjust actions of Jacob?
• What generalities can you draw from human behavior in this narrative?
• Where was God in the larger story?

Respond

The Joseph saga is told in scripture in such a way that the story itself seems to dominate, not the underlying journey of a people who struggled in their understanding of the ways of God.

• Tell why you agree or disagree with the statement above.
• What do you see in your own journey as a people in Community of Christ that perhaps parallels Joseph and his brothers’ blindness concerning God’s direction?
• What could we do as individuals and as a faith community to open ourselves to discerning the Holy Spirit as it leads us?

Send

While it is true that God can use anything for good, as ultimately happened in the rest of the saga of Joseph, be alert for situations this week where a kind word, a compassionate response, or perhaps a gentle intervention might defuse a hurtful or hateful situation. Also be mindful of being intentional about engaging in a spiritual practice to open your heart and mind to what God is doing in your life.

Ask class members to share briefly one spiritual practice that they find most helpful.

Bless

Ask class members to repeat each phrase after you.

God is good.

God draws us closer if we allow it.

God helps us turn away anger.

God leads us into a hopeful future.

Youth Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28

Lesson Focus

We can trust God.

Objectives

The learners will…

• examine how God works in human history.
• recognize that God is reliable and trustworthy.
• understand that God is present and working even in bad times.

Supplies

• Bible
• Way to play a CD or YouTube recording of “Joseph’s Coat”’ from Joseph’s Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber (Search www.YouTube.com)
• Mission Initiatives found at CofChrist.org/about-us
• Doctrine and Covenants 164 and 165, available at CofChrist.org/doctrine-and-covenants
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
• Box with lid, full of colorful, rich textured fabric scraps
• Paper and pens
• Chart paper and markers

Note to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: Old Testament, pp. 101–102, available through Herald House.

Gather

A Special Gift

Set the box filled with colorful fabric scraps in the center of the group. Open the box and discuss what project might have provided the leftover scraps.

Today’s lesson is a story about Jacob’s family. Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son out of the 12 sons he had. He was such a favorite that Jacob gave him a special gift, a robe. Some Bible translations call it a robe of many colors; others call it a robe with long sleeves. Whatever the robe is called, it must have been very special, suggesting Joseph was more important than any of his brothers. A robe with long sleeves suggests that it was not a garment used for working. Long sleeves would hinder the work of a shepherd tending flocks. This robe suggested someone of royalty, a perfect gift for a very special son and a gift of envy and jealousy for the 11 brothers.

(If you have the CD or YouTube clip of “Joseph’s Coat” from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, play it now.)

Engage

Read Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28.

This story centers on Jacob’s family and his son, Joseph. This is a part of the sacred story of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with Joseph continuing the covenant with God. Although God is not specifically mentioned in this passage, one can see God’s working in human life all along even when humans work against God’s divine purpose. Doctrine and Covenants 164:2b says, “God’s grace, revealed in Jesus Christ, freely moves throughout creation, often beyond human perception, to achieve divine purposes in people’s lives.” Look for God working as students answer these questions.

• What was the reason given that Jacob loved Joseph more?
• Why did the brothers not like Joseph?
• Jacob sent Joseph on an errand. What was it, and what was the result?
• What did the brothers call Joseph when they saw him coming?
• What brothers slowed down the mob-like reaction of the brothers?
• What did each of them do?
• Do you see God working here? How or how not?
• Could you eat a meal after throwing your brother, sister, or a friend into a pit?
• How did money or profit change the action?
• Joseph is sold into slavery by his own brothers. Where is he going?
• What items was the caravan from Gilead carrying? How are these items used?
• What do you predict happening next? Write the learner’s ideas down to see if they are correct as the story progresses. (Keep these notes for next week.)

Going Deeper: This Dreamer

When Joseph’s brothers saw him coming, they referred to him as “this dreamer.” The lectionary scripture passage today omits verses 5–11. Read these verses from the Bible to find out what the brothers were referring to.

• How did this situation between Joseph, the other brothers, and Jacob’s favoritism impact the situation?
• What did Jacob tell Joseph to do about the dreams?

Dreams in ancient times were considered powerful predictors of the future. The word “dream” today frequently is associated with hopes for the future or goals to work toward. What are your dreams for your future?

Respond

Sibling Rivalry

• What problems do you see in Jacob’s family?
• Describe the characteristics of Reuben, Judah, and Joseph.
• Who are you more like: Reuben, Judah, or Joseph?
• If you were a family counselor, what advice would you give this family?
• What if Joseph had disobeyed his father and not gone to check on his brothers?
• How would you feel if you were treated like this?
• Did you discover a change you might make in your own family?

Send

End Suffering

Community of Christ Mission Initiative Abolish Poverty, End Suffering says:

We are poised to be Christ’s hands and feet, reaching out through compassionate ministries that serve the poor and hungry and stop conditions that diminish the worth of persons.

We fulfill God’s ultimate vision as we…

• Help Those Who Hurt
• Feed the Hungry
• Support Compassionate Ministries
• Respond in Times of Crisis

—CofChrist.org/about-us

At this point in Jacob‘s family story, poverty does not seem to be a problem, but there is suffering. The brothers are suffering from lack of attention from their father; Joseph suffers from too much, which causes intense jealousy. Where in your community do you see people suffering? Make a chart and complete it to see where you might serve as Christ’s hands and feet. Choose one project to do as a class or a congregation.

Undertake compassionate and just actions to abolish poverty and end needless suffering.

Pursue peace on and for the Earth.

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:1d

LOCATION
AGE GROUP
SIZE OF GROUP
POSSIBLE WAYS TO END SUFFERING
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
SERVICE PROJECT IDEAS

Bless

Balm in Gilead

The caravan from Gilead to Egypt was carrying gum, balm, and resin, items sometimes used in healing. Think about those suffering in the world in need of God’s healing presence. Surely, Joseph was suffering as he looked up, out of the pit. What was he thinking at that time? How was he feeling as he left in bondage to be sold as property in Egypt? Was he suffering then?

Sing “There Is a Balm in Gilead,” CCS 234. Think about those suffering in the world. Say a prayer for them each day this week.

Children’s Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28

Lesson Focus

Sometimes we feel abandoned by God, but God is always with us.

Objectives

The learners will…

• hear the story of Joseph being betrayed by his brothers.
• discuss times when we have felt alone, and how God is with us and has plans for us.
• consider how they can help meet the Mission Initiative of Abolish Poverty, End Suffering.

Supplies

• Bible or Lectionary Story Bible, Year A, by Ralph Milton, illustrated by Margaret Kyle (Wood Lake Publishing, 2007, ISBN 9781551455471) (optional)
• Crepe paper streamers in several colors
• Copies of Joseph’s Coat paper (end of lesson)
• Pipe cleaners, sequins, stickers, tissue paper, Washi® tape, markers, small candies, or other items for decorating Joseph’s coat
• Glue
• Paper and markers or crayons

Notes to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: Old Testament, pp. 101–102, available through Herald House.

Gather

Form children into small groups. Tell them today’s scripture passage is about Joseph and his colorful coat. Before we hear the story, we are going to create some colorful coats. Choose one child from each group to wear the “coat.” The other children in the group will have three minutes to create a “coat” for that child using colorful crepe paper streamers. If your class is very small, you could have children work in pairs, or you could have the whole class work together to create one “coat” on a child.

Engage

Today’s scripture passage is about Jacob’s son, Joseph. Tell the story of Joseph, adapted from Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28. Or read the story “Joseph’s Beautiful Coat” from Lectionary Story Bible, Year A, on pages 174–176.

Joseph was his father Jacob’s favorite child. Israel had even made Joseph a long robe with sleeves, which is famously known as “Joseph’s coat of many colors.” Joseph’s brothers hated him for this. The brothers went far away to find grass for their animals. They were gone for a long time. Jacob began to worry about them, so he sent Joseph out to find them. After a long walk, Joseph found his brothers. They saw him coming and were angry with him for being their father’s favorite. The brothers grabbed Joseph and tore off his fancy coat, then threw him in a pit. Some of the brothers wanted to kill Joseph. Just then, some traders came along. These traders bought and sold things and they even bought and sold slaves. A slave is a person who belongs to someone else. The brothers sold Joseph to the traders for some money. The traders took Joseph to Egypt. The brothers told Jacob that Joseph had died.

Ask: “How do you think Joseph was feeling at this point in the story?” (afraid, alone, angry, worried)

The Lectionary scripture passage for today ends here, but you can assure children there is a happy ending! Once Joseph arrived in Egypt, the pharaoh of Egypt (a pharaoh is like a king) learned that Joseph could interpret dreams, and that he could use the dreams to understand about what was going to happen in the future. Joseph warned the pharaoh that there would be seven years of good harvests with plenty to eat, followed by seven years when there would be no rain and hardly any food. Joseph helped the people save up enough food so they would not starve. The pharaoh was so happy, he made Joseph his helper. Joseph became one of the most important people in Egypt and he was able to save many lives. God had a plan for Joseph all along.

Respond

Give each child a copy of the Joseph’s Coat worksheet. Give them a choice of items with which to decorate the coat. Ideas include pipe cleaners, sequins, stickers, tissue paper, Washi® tape, markers, or even small candies. As they work, talk about the meaning of the story. What can this story teach us about our lives? Does it sometimes seem like God has abandoned us? It is sometimes hard to see what good will come out of difficult times, but God is always with us and always has a plan for us.

Send

When Joseph was in Egypt, he ended up being able to warn the pharaoh about a famine (time with no food) that was coming. He was able to help the pharaoh prepare the people, which saved many lives. Without Joseph’s help, many people and animals would have died of hunger.

One of the Mission Initiatives for Community of Christ is Abolish Poverty, End Suffering. This is Christ’s mission of compassion. The Mission Initiative states, “We are poised to be Christ’s hands and feet, reaching out through compassionate ministries that serve the poor and hungry and stop conditions that diminish the worth of persons” (Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, p. 23).

All those years ago, Joseph was finding ways to abolish poverty and end suffering in Egypt. Invite kids to collect canned goods to donate to a local food pantry. Today, they can create signs or flyers and hang the signs around the church building. Next week, they can collect the donations for delivery to the food pantry. If you prefer, children can create signs for a different charity or event that helps abolish poverty or end suffering in your community.

Bless

Say a prayer of blessing for the food that will be collected. Thank God for being with us and having a plan for us, even in our most challenging times.