Worship Tools

Worship Outline

Additional Scriptures 

Psalm 133; Matthew 15:10–28; Romans 11:1–2a, 29–32 

Preparation 

Access a copy of The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, Philomel Books, if possible for the Focus Moment. 

Prelude 

Welcome 

Call to Worship: Psalm 133:1 

OR Use “Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song,” CCS 50, as a solo or as responsive reading with leader reading the verse and partcipants responding, “Come, Holy Spirit, come.” End with Psalm 133:1. 

Hymn 

“Jesu, Tawa Pano/Jesus, We Are Here” repeat several times CCS 71 

Encourage people to sing in languages other than their own. 

OR “We Are Children of Creation” CCS 340 

OR “O May Your Church Build Bridges” CCS 224 

Prayer of Praise 

Response 

Prayer for Peace and Reconciliation 

Light the peace candle 

Prayer 

Read “Spirit of Christ, Remember Me,” CCS 221, or “Gentle God, When We are Driven,” CCS 222, with silent pauses between the stanzas for meditation and reflection. 

Scripture Reading: Genesis 45:1–15 

Focus Moment 

Share The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, Philomel Books. 

Duncan is a boy who loves to color, but one day he sees that his crayons have quit. They each write him a note stating why they have decided to quit and why he can’t use them, meaning that Duncan must figure out a way to appease each of the crayons before he can again color with them. As he reads the letters, Duncan begins to dream up an idea that will help him pacify all the crayons and help him create a beautiful work of art. 

The Genesis passage states, “God sent me before you to preserve life…it was not you who sent me here, but God.” Duncan realizes that he must use his crayons in a way that will not only be thoughtful to each one but will create something beautiful for all. Similar to the crayons and Duncan, Joseph reconciles with his brothers. In the end, both the crayons and Joseph are used for the purpose of creation and reconciliation. 

OR Testimonies of Reconciliation 

Ask two or three people to share short examples of the power of reconciliation in their lives. 

Hymn of Reconciliation 

“Healing River of the Spirit” CCS 232 

OR “When, in Awe of God’s Creation” CCS 283 

Morning Message 

Based on Genesis 45:1–15 

Disciples’ Generous Response 

Scripture: Genesis 45:11 

Statement 

Joseph helped the Egyptians prepare for the future by spending responsibly in order to save wisely. Joseph shared his good fortune with his family, forgiving his brothers who had sold him into slavery, telling them: “I will provide for you…so that you and your household…will not come to poverty.”(Genesis 45:11) 

The principles of our Disciples’ Generous Response still apply today:  

Receive God’s Gifts 

Respond Faithfully 

Align Heart and Money 

Share Generously 

Save Wisely 

Spend Responsibly 

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes 

Hymn 

“We Are One in the Spirit” CCS 359 

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own. 

OR “Ososŏ” CCS 225 

Sing several times encouraging people to sing in languages other than their own. OR Sing along with the vocal recording found on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings available from Herald House. 

OR “Help Us Express Your Love” CCS 621 

Benediction 

Sending Forth Responsive Reading 

Leader: Blessed be the name of our God. …We see that God is mindful of people, wherever they are; God’s mercy is over all the earth. 

People: Now this is our joy, and our great thanksgiving. We will give thanks to our God forever. Amen. 

—Alma 14:126–128, adapted 

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.

Creator God, how many ways can we pray for peace? Each day we raise our voices here in this quiet space. We pray for a specific place or many places. We remember a particular group and all humankind, aware even as we pray, that everyone, everywhere, yearns for peace.

Each day our prayer is different yet always the same. We know the selfishness, greed, inequity, and abuse of power that work against peace are always present and always strong. Thus, our prayer each day rises to you with new passion and urgency, because the need for peace is an ever-present ache that daily reminds us of our need for your healing, peace-giving love.

We pray this day for a peace made possible by fair and just leaders, enlightened citizens, a sound economy, plentiful food, and effective health care. Indeed, we pray for all that you wish for your creation that is denied to so many by wicked injustice and cruel circumstance.

God of all the Earth, forgive our own actions and wishes that, in whatever way, contribute to strife, inequality, and wrong. Make us more compassionate and more mindful of our duties while strengthening our resolve to do what we can do to establish your peace throughout the Earth.

In the name of him who daily reminds us of your peace, even Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen.

—Wallace B. Smith

Spiritual Practice

Receiving with Gratitude

Today we are focusing on the Enduring Principle of Grace and Generosity.

The first thing we do in this life is receive. Our first breath is a gift. It is a gift that is given freely. The spiritual practice for today is a breath prayer. During the prayer we will use words as we breathe in and words as we breathe out. Today we will breathe in the words receive life and breathe out the words thank you.

Slowly read the following instructions:

Sit with relaxed posture and close your eyes. We will spend three minutes in breath prayer.

Breathe in a regular, natural rhythm. As you breathe in, silently say “receive life.” As you exhale, silently respond with “thank you.”

Breathe in and out, focusing on what you are breathing in and what you are exhaling.

Watch the time. Urge participants to continue the breath prayer for the full three minutes.

When the time is up, ask these questions in a short group discussion: What is one thing you are grateful for in this moment? How do you feel about receiving?

After the discussion share the following prayer:

Thank you, God, for another day. Thank you for the opportunity to connect with others, to receive and to give to one another. Amen.

Sharing Around the Table

Genesis 45:1–15 NRSVue

45 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers.² And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. ³ Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.

⁴ Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.⁵ And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. ⁶ For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. ⁷ God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to keep alive for you many survivors. ⁸ So it was not you who sent me here but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. ⁹ Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me; do not delay. ¹⁰ You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. ¹¹ I will provide for you there, since there are five more years of famine to come, so that you and your household and all that you have will not come to poverty.’ ¹² And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you. ¹³ You must tell my father how greatly I am honored in Egypt and all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” ¹⁴ Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, while Benjamin wept upon his neck. ¹⁵ And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them, and after that his brothers talked with him.

—Genesis 45:1–15 NRSVue

Today’s text is the climax of the story of Joseph. Jealousy and hatred led Joseph’s brothers to kidnap him and sell him as a slave. He was taken to Egypt, and there he found favor with Pharaoh, who appointed him to a position of power, second only to Pharaoh himself.

A widespread famine covered the land. To survive, Joseph’s father told the brothers to travel to Egypt to buy food. Joseph was responsible for giving out food that was in the holdings of Pharaoh. When the brothers arrived Joseph recognized them, but they didn’t recognize him. Before disclosing his identity and expressing forgiveness, Joseph manipulated his brothers. He set the brothers up, making it appear they had stolen money and Joseph’s silver cup. He also included the possibility of Benjamin becoming a slave in Egypt. Joseph then disclosed his identity and extended grace and forgiveness to his brothers.

Forgiveness is not carried out through manipulation. Reconciliation does not take place through retribution or by causing another person to grovel. Those tactics create distrust in relationships and always will be a barrier to sincere forgiveness. God does not manipulate us or expect us to grovel to receive forgiveness. Instead, God generously extends forgiveness and grace to all.

This story confirms that even the most difficult of life’s circumstances can be transformed through the Holy Spirit. God did not cause the brothers to sin, nor did God impose the famine to bring about blessings. Rather, amid trying circumstances, we learn to recognize God’s presence. Even in the darkness of poor choices, broken relationships, or times of crisis, the Spirit plants seeds of renewed hope, healing, and restoration.

Questions

1. How have you found it difficult to forgive when you have been wronged?
2. When have you experienced God’s generous forgiveness and grace? How did you respond?
3. How might the sincere offer of forgiveness bring healing both to the one who was hurt and the one who caused the hurt?

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 this way 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 230, “Come to Me, O Weary Traveler”

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: feathers (enough for everyone to have one), rock (It might be helpful to have more than one, so multiple kids can hold the rock at one time.)

Say: When Joseph saw his brothers again, he had every right to be angry. They had done some terrible things to him. Instead, he chose to forgive them and repair the relationship he had with each of them.

Do you think that was easy or hard? Why? Affirm all answers.

Why do you think Joseph chose to forgive even though it was hard? Affirm all answers.

Hold a feather in one hand and a rock in the other.

Say: What do you know about these objects? Affirm all answers. Let them touch and hold the objects.

Say: What do you think will happen when I drop both objects at the same time. Allow responses before showing them what happens.

The rock dropped quickly, and the feather floated down. When we don’t forgive, we might feel heavy like the rock because we are holding onto hurt and anger. When we forgive, we are able to let go of the things that hurt us, and we are light like the feather. Forgiveness is not always easy. God can help us forgive just like he helped Joseph to forgive!

Ask the kids to help you pass out feathers to each person in attendance (adults and kids). Invite participants to use the feather as a tool for meditation as you pray. Offer a prayer for all present that they might be able to forgive those that have wronged them and that their hearts and minds might be relieved of the burden of holding onto grudges.

Sermon Helps

Exploring the Scripture

Today’s text is the climax of the story of Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers. Remind the congregation of the background of today’s text. Hatred led Joseph’s brothers to kidnap him and sell him as a slave. He was taken to Egypt, and there he found favor with Pharaoh. Pharaoh appointed Joseph to a position of power, second only to Pharaoh himself.

A widespread famine had covered the land; to survive, Joseph’s father told the brothers to travel to Egypt to buy food. Joseph was responsible for giving out food which was in the holdings of Pharaoh. When the brothers arrived Joseph recognized them, but they didn’t recognize him. Before disclosing his identity and expressing his forgiveness, Joseph manipulated his brothers. He set the brothers up, making it appear they had stolen money and Joseph’s silver cup. He also included the possibility of Benjamin becoming a slave in Egypt. Joseph then discloses his identity and extends grace and forgiveness to his brothers.

Forgiveness is not carried out through manipulation or causing the other to fear retribution or to grovel. Those tactics will always be a barrier to sincere forgiveness which may create distrust in the relationship. God does not manipulate or expect us to grovel to receive forgiveness. Remind the congregation of the Enduring Principle Grace and Generosity and how God generously shares forgiveness and grace with all.

When Joseph forgave his brothers, it was not predicated on their request to be forgiven. The speaker might explore the idea of forgiveness occurring in the heart of the one who was hurt even if the one who created the hurt does not ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness can bring as much healing to one as the other. Waiting for the other to ask for forgiveness will prolong one’s pain. The congregation should be challenged to consider whether the act of forgiveness can only follow a request for forgiveness.

While Jesus hung on the cross those who were responsible for his execution were not asking for forgiveness. However, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

This story confirms that even the most difficult of life’s circumstances can be transformed through the Holy Spirit. The final shaping of the writing of Genesis took place during the Babylonian exile. Those in exile were discouraged and had lost hope. There were parallels between their story and the story of Joseph and his family. Hatred sent Joseph into exile. Later the possibility of starvation placed his family in exile.

In these circumstances, God was with them, and new life erupted amid tragedy and difficulty. It is important for the hearers to understand God did not cause the brothers to sin nor did God impose the famine to bring about blessings. Rather, amid pain, we must recognize the seed of God’s hope. New life and freedom can come forth. Challenge the congregants to consider what groups in their community may feel they are in exile, needing to hear words of hope and acceptance.

Central Ideas

1. Forgiveness is unconditional.
2. God does not cause sinful acts to bring about needed results, but through God’s love and grace new hope can spring forth in all circumstances.
3. We are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:16–20).

Questions for the Speaker

1. Why is it difficult to forgive another?
2. How can forgiveness occur if the offender does not ask to be forgiven?
3. How can your congregation experience corporate moments of reconciliation?
4. What are some ways people in your community may be living in exile

Lessons

Adult Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Genesis 45:1–15

Lesson Focus

God desires that all humankind be reconciled to each other and to divinity.

Objectives

The learners will…

• explore the Joseph saga.
• discuss key theological points.
• devise a strategy to foster reconciliation.
• make a commitment to become people of the Temple.

Resources

For background into Old Testament scripture the following resources may be helpful.

• International Bible Commentary, (Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1998)
• Any lectionary commentary series for Year A, 2019-2020

Supplies

• Bibles or handouts of the scripture passage: Genesis 45:1–15
• Pre-made bookmarks, one for each class member, with Doctrine and Covenants 161:2a printed on them.
• Small note cards, one for each class member
• Pencils or pens
• Bell or chime
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)

Notes to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Genesis 45:1–15 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: Old Testament, p. 103, available through Herald House.

Gather

Earlier in Genesis (Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28) we read about how and why Joseph ended up being forcibly removed from his family by his older brothers. As it turned out, he was transported to Egypt and eventually became a trusted official for the Egyptian king. His ability to dream and interpret the dreams, which landed him in so much trouble with his brothers earlier, was an asset that benefited the Egyptian people and led to their preparedness to thrive during years of famine.

Today we’ll explore the second act of this saga.

• Without looking at the scripture, what do you recall was the next part of the story?

Engage

The last part of the scripture story in Genesis contains a narrative about a lack of rainfall that had caused a famine in many of the lands of the Middle East. Joseph had been estranged from his family for several years, but during the famine his father heard that grain was available in Egypt and sent Joseph’s brothers there to seek help, not knowing that Joseph was there. They were led to the man serving as a king-appointed governor in charge of storehouses of food for people and animals. They did not recognize that he was their brother Joseph.

When Joseph saw his brothers, whom he recognized, he treated them like strangers. Joseph accused them of being spies from Canaan and ordered them jailed. He ordered several other things to happen, some of which were cruel to his brothers, such as planting one of his possessions in the bags of grain he sold them and then accusing them of theft.

Joseph had a change of heart when his brother Judah made a plea that Benjamin, Joseph’s full brother by the same mother, be allowed to return home to their father Isaac who was still grieving Joseph’s disappearance and presumed death. This is where we begin today’s part of the saga.

Have volunteers read Genesis 45:1–15 allowing each person to read a verse.

• Which verses do you think carry the primary theological message? (vv. 4–8)
• What do you think is that message? (think of the great overarching story of God’s action in forming a people)
• Describe what you think led to Joseph and his brothers achieving reconciliation.
• What role does weeping play in reconciliation?

Respond

We have seen the hurt on both sides of Joseph’s relationship with his brothers. It led to decisions that damaged all of them; yet reconciliation occurred, and relationships were healed.

Think about situations you have experienced or observed when families or friends suffered broken relationships.

• Tell how you have experienced reconciliation.
• Explore the challenges congregations face when people hurt each other. What are concrete ways of offering the ministry of reconciliation?

Distribute small note cards and pencils or pens and ask class members to write one action idea that they could do to foster reconciliation within relationships in the congregation or with family.

Send

Distribute the bookmarks printed with Doctrine and Covenants 161:2a.

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.

Ask class members to reflect silently on the text printed on the bookmark for a minute, and at the sound of the chime or bell, be ready to share one phrase telling of their commitment to become that kind of person. (For example: I will try to see with new eyes, or I will try to be more forgiving.)

Bless

Sing or read together “O May Your Church Build Bridges” CCS 224.

Youth Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Genesis 45:1–15

Lesson Focus: Our ability to forgive and reconcile with others frees us to work for God.

Objectives

The learners will…

• identify God’s continuing work in humanity.
• recognize our ability to forgive others and ourselves, frees us to be better disciples.
• learn how a disciple can respond to God’s grace and generosity.

Supplies

• Bible
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
• Sharing in Community of Christ,4th Edition, Herald House, 2018
• www.YouTube.com or CD for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, “Brothers Come to Egypt/Grovel”
• Bread, tortilla, naan, pita, or gluten-free bread or corn tortillas for those with gluten allergies
• Paper, pens
• Poster board, chart paper, markers
• Computer or tablet
• CD player

Note to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for  Genesis 45:1–15in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: Old Testament, p. 103, available through Herald House.

Gather

Bread for the Hungry

Bring a piece of bread (tortilla, naan, pita, gluten-free bread if needed) for each learner to class. Ask learners to think about all the hungry people in the world. Have them tear the bread into pieces. As learners slowly chew each piece, ask them to pay attention to its taste, smell, and feel. Offer a prayer for the bread and the person who made it. Ask God to help each learner to find ways to help those who are hungry.

Sing stanzas one and three of “Let Us Break Bread Together” CCS 521. Continue by saying, “Today our story is about a people facing famine, what they did, and who helped them. It is also about God working through humanity to accomplish divine purpose.

Engage

A Lesson in Forgiveness

Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He was taken to Egypt. Many events happened during his time in Egypt. Copy these points on a poster to bring learners current on what has happened in Joseph’s life.

• Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh’s guard, bought Joseph when he arrived in Egypt and eventually made him manager over all his household and wealth.
• Joseph was falsely accused of a crime while working for Potiphar; he was put into prison.
• The head jailer liked Joseph and put him in charge of the other prisoners.
• Joseph developed a reputation as a dream interpreter among the prisoners.
• Pharaoh heard about Joseph’s gift of interpreting dreams and released him from jail to interpret dreams for him.
• Pharaoh believed Joseph’s interpretations and put Joseph in charge of the entire land of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.

Read Genesis 45:1–15.

If possible, listen to or watch “Brothers Come to Egypt/Grovel” from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (CD or YouTube www.youtube.com). For lyrics, go to www.stlyrics.com.

Why Forgive?

Some say Joseph was a model for forgiveness and reconciliation. Ask learners to define “forgiveness” and “reconciliation.” Suggest the following ideas: forgiveness does not involve resentment or revenge; it is not about forgetting because something wrong was done; people need to be held responsible; some kind of change in the person or relationship is expected.

• If you could invite Joseph to visit your class, what questions would you ask him about why he forgave and reconciled with his brothers?
• What do we still need to learn about forgiveness and reconciliation?

Going Deeper: Grace and Generosity

Look at each point listed for the Enduring Principle Grace and Generosity (below).

• 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, ministry, and sacraments according to our true capacity.

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

Where do you see grace and generosity in the scripture passage about Joseph? Where do you see grace and generosity in your community today? Considering that one’s true capacity changes according to age and circumstances over time, what can you do at this point in your life?

Respond

God Is at Work

Several times in today’s scripture passage Joseph pointed out how God was working though him in human events. Look for words and phrases that show God was at work. Write those words and phrases on a chart and discuss how God was working. How do you see God working through humans today?

Send

A Disciple’s Generous Response

Joseph’s position as the second in power to Pharaoh and his management skills placed him in a position to help surrounding nations, including his family, when famine came. Respond to each principle of A Disciple’s Generous Response with what you already do or how you can prepare to respond generously. (Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, pp. 40–42. Provide paper and pens for writing responses. When finished, ask if anyone would like to share.

1. God’s grace and love is extended to all persons and are expressed through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. I can reflect God’s generosity by_______________________.
2. A disciple is faithful in response to Christ’s ministry by serving others. I can serve others by _______________________.
3. A disciple’s financial response, while unique to individual circumstances, expresses love of God, neighbor, creation, and oneself. I can demonstrate that love by_______________________.
4. A disciple shares generously through tithing so others may experience God’s generosity. I can make tithing generously a spiritual practice by_______________________.
5. A disciple saves wisely to create a better tomorrow for self, family, the church’s message, and the world. I can prepare for the future by_______________________.
6. A disciple spends responsibly as a commitment to live in health and harmony with God and the world. I can find balance between needs and wants by_______________________.

Bless

Minute Prayer

For one minute, have learners pray for someone who has injured them in some way.

Sing together “Spirit of the Living God” CCS 567. Seek to forgive; seek to serve as a disciple.

Children’s Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Genesis 45:1–15

Lesson Focus

God wants us to forgive others.

Objectives

The learners will…

• hear the story of Joseph reuniting with his brothers.
• study Joseph’s story through playing a board game.
• explore the meaning of the Enduring Principle of Grace and Generosity.

Supplies

• Bible or Lectionary Story Bible, Year A, by Ralph Milton, illustrated by Margaret Kyle (Wood Lake Publishing, 2007, ISBN 9781551455471)
• Bible costumes (optional)
• Joseph’s Journey board game and cards (printable), small tokens to use as game pieces
• Paper and markers (optional) for Send section

Notes to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Genesis 45:1–15 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: Old Testament, p. 103, available through Herald House.

Gather

Play a quick game of “Hide and Seek.” One child hides while the others look for them. Tell children that in today’s scripture passage, Joseph is found by his brothers.

Engage

Provide the following summary to begin today’s lesson:

Joseph, son of Jacob, was sold into slavery by his brothers. He was taken to Egypt, where he became a helper for the pharaoh (king). Joseph was able to help save lives by warning the pharaoh about seven years of famine (times with no food) that were coming. Our story today starts where this story left off.

Read Genesis 45:1–15, or read “Joseph and His Brothers” from Lectionary Story Bible, Year A, on pages 182–183.

When Joseph finally saw his brothers again, he was happy to see them and happy to hear that his father was still alive. His brothers were afraid Joseph would be angry with them because of what they did to him. Joseph told them not to be afraid, because God wanted Joseph to be in Egypt so he could help the people. Joseph sent his brothers back to bring the entire family to Egypt so they would have enough food.

Invite children to act out the reunion between Joseph and his brothers. What do you think they said to each other? How would they react to seeing each other after so long? If Bible costumes are available, you can even let the children wear costumes. Emphasize how kind and forgiving Joseph was, even after his brothers had treated him so poorly in the past.

Respond

Play “Joseph’s Journey” board game (below). Place game pieces on the first square. A player draws a card and follows the directions on the card. If all the cards have been used, you may shuffle them and use them again. Celebrate as each player reaches the final square. If you have more children in class, you might need to make multiple copies and play in small groups. You might also choose to make several copies of the cards for the game. If you do not have access to a copier, you can use a pre-made board game or draw a simple game board on paper.

Send

Grace is God’s love and forgiveness. We believe God’s grace is generous and unconditional.

• How did Joseph show grace to his brothers?

Generosity is when we share all that we have with others. We believe God has shown us grace and has generously blessed us, and in return we can share generously with others.

• How did Joseph show generosity to his brothers?

Bless

Say a prayer of blessing. If time allows, play another game of “Hide and Seek.”