Additional Scriptures 

Psalm 23, Acts 2:42–47, 1 Peter 2:19–25

Preparation

As the participants enter the worship space, give each one a small piece of paper and pen. Ask each person to write their name on the paper and place it in a basket at the entrance to the worship space. Be sure to help young children and give an explanation to first-time attendees so all are included.

Prelude

Welcome

Read aloud this Community of Christ welcome statement:

To those seeking a spiritual home, Community of Christ is a welcoming, loving, worldwide faith community that values the worth of every person as a child of God, and provides a safe space for you to explore and deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ and each other. In Community of Christ, you will receive love and support as you discover renewed purpose for your life through compassionate, Christ-like service that ends suffering and fosters justice and peace.

Sharing of Joys and Concerns 

Gathering Song 

“God Is Here!” CCS 70

OR “Come Away from Rush and Hurry” CCS 83

Invocation

Response

Focus Moment: Called by Your Name 

Hand out the pieces of paper from the basket. Explain that everyone is welcome today in the name of Christ. Invite each person to read the name of the person written on their piece of paper with the following statement: “[Name], you are welcome; you are called.”

Hymn of Naming 

“I Have Called You by Your Name” CCS 636

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “You Satisfy the Hungry Heart” CCS 531

Scripture Reading

John 10:1–10

Moment of Confession 

Using the hymn “When the World Is Babbling Round Us,” CCS 217, invite the congregants to read the words and meditate on the times when they haven’t heard or listened to the voice of Jesus in their lives.

Prayer for Peace 

Light the peace candle

Prayer from Scripture

And now, may the peace of God rest on you, on your houses and lands, on your flocks and herds, and all that you own; …according to your faith and good works, from this time forth and forever. Amen.

–Alma 5:44, adapted

Testimonies

Before the service, invite two to four people to share their reflections on today’s scripture passage. Before and between each testimony sing a stanza or multiple stanzas depending on the number of people sharing of “The Lord’s My Shepherd” CCS 259 or “O Lord, My Shepherd” CCS 264.

Disciples’ Generous Response 

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 164:4c–5

Video: “Generosity and the Peace of the City” by John Glaser at YouTube.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Unison Scripture of Assurance

Psalm 23

Print or project the scripture passage. Ask the group to read it in unison.

Sending Forth Hymn 

“Standing on the Promises” CCS 257

Translations into Spanish and French for this hymn can be found at HeraldHouse.org

OR “Jesus Is Calling” CCS 578

Benediction

Response

Postlude

Gathering

Welcome

Today is the fourth Sunday of the Easter season. The Easter season continues for 50 days and concludes with the Day of Pentecost.

Prayer for Peace

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

God of wonder and grace,

We can’t begin to comprehend your love, a love that made you willing to come among us in flesh and bone to endure the hardship of humanity. To move among the persecuted and marginalized so we might learn new ways to be in relationship with you and one another.

Open our eyes and hearts to your message, to the opportunities you provide us each day to reach out to others and to live your love and compassion—to truly see our neighbor and extend your hands.

We pause, Lord, that we might listen. Listen to your promptings, guidance, and desires for our lives, so we can bring peace, so we might hear your voice and respond.

Pause for one to two minutes of silence.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Centering Prayer

Read the following to the group:

We continue with the season of Easter and the theme of resurrection. Today, as we prepare to practice centering prayer, ask yourself: How is God being resurrected in me? How has the divine presence been renewed within me?

During centering prayer we choose a focus word. We sit in silence, breathing the word in and out. For today’s prayer our word is renewal.

Centering prayer is a method of meditation used by Christians to sit in silence with God. This prayer helps us experience God’s presence within us.

Slowly read the following instructions:

Sit with posture relaxed and eyes closed. We will spend three minutes in centering prayer. We will breathe in a regular, natural rhythm. As you breathe in and out, you will say the word renewal in your mind. You will continue breathing in and out, focusing only on your prayer word.

At the end of the three minutes, I will ring a chime, and we will sit for two minutes in silence, eyes closed, listening to the silence.

Begin the practice together, modeling the centering prayer as instructed above.

Say: Become aware of your natural breathing in and out. (Breathe a few times in and out.)

Say: Now silently add your prayer word. (Model breathing in and quietly saying renewal. Breathe out and say renewal quietly. Continue the centering prayer in silence. Discontinue saying the prayer word out loud after you model it the first time.)

After three minutes, ring a chime.

Sit quietly for two minutes.

When time is up, share these closing instructions: Silently offer a brief word of thanks to God, take a deep breath, and open your eyes when ready.

When everyone’s eyes are open, share the following: I encourage you to use this spiritual practice at home during the week.

Sharing Around the Table

John 10:1–10 NRSVue

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 10:1-18 is often called the Good Shepherd speech. In today’s passage Jesus describes the role of the Good Shepherd, which is a metaphor used in Ezekiel 34 and is the primary image used in the Gospel of John: Jesus as shepherd. Jesus actively uses the familiar role of shepherd to teach which we see in John 21 when he tells Peter three times to take care of his sheep.

The Enduring Principle of Worth of All Persons resounds loud and clear in this image (especially in the parable of the Lost Sheep). The shepherd relationship also points to the principles of Responsible Choices, Grace and Generosity, All are Called, and Pursuit of Peace (Shalom). Shepherds value each sheep, celebrate their diversity, protect the flock (community), sacrifice for the flock, and continuously work for the growth of each sheep individually and for the whole flock. In this way, the shepherd image also touches on the Sacredness of Creation.

Importantly, shepherds rarely compel sheep. Rather, good shepherds call their flock and offer direction and possibilities that lead to more abundant sources of food, safety, and joy. The sheep know their shepherd’s voice and follow—reflecting a trust built on a relationship of care, understanding the shepherd wants the best for them. The shepherd is both the guide and the way (in this case, the gate).

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to similarly serve as shepherds to others and each other. Not to dominate and dictate as lords, but to guide and encourage as the Lord does: to point to creative possibilities and signs of new life. Not as bandits who seek vain glory and personal prosperity, but motivated by a deep and affecting love—having been deeply loved and transformed ourselves—to sincerely desire the best for each individual person and the whole community, to know them ‘by name’ (their innate worth and uniqueness). We cannot demand obedience. We can only love as best we are able and hope for choices that open more possibilities.

The season of Easter is one of new life—spiritually in the Resurrection and literally in the growth of Spring (in the Northern Hemisphere, that is). We seek to be led into new life, and we celebrate having been led thus far. We glory in the opportunities given to us by the choices of others who have gone before, and we wonder in awe and joy at the possibilities our choices might open for those to follow. We recognize stones having been rolled away, gates having been opened, and we listen with trust for the voice calling us to newness. We appreciate the gift of others’ leadership and response to the Spirit in their time. We recommit ourselves to discerning how we might open gates for others and call to them in ways that build trust, relationship, and care. In the church, we are both the sheep and those entrusted with their care.

Questions

1. In what ways have you been meaningfully led or given opportunity by others to experience life more abundantly?
2. How have you experienced the call of people who did not want the best for you or others? How did you respond? How does this inform the ways you reach out to people?
3. How are you feeling called to be a gate for others; what opportunities do you sense God inviting you to share so others can experience the love of Christ and community?

Sending

Generosity Statement

Note: If you are using “Thoughts for Children” today, make time for the children to show their coloring pages to the group during this time.

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 rejoicing, We share with joy-filled hearts in response to the presence of your Son. May the offerings we share bring joy, hope, love, and peace into the lives of others that they might experience your mercy and grace. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

CCS 259, “The Lord’s My Shepherd”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

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.

Communion Statement

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.

This Easter season let us experience the resurrected Christ. May we receive Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community. In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings 528, “Eat This Bread.” We will sing it through three times.

Blessing and serving bread and wine.

Thoughts for Children

Materials: shepherd coloring pages, crayons, or washable markers

Often Jesus is called a shepherd. What is a shepherd?

A shepherd is a person who takes care of a flock of sheep. What do you think a shepherd might do to care for sheep? If the children are unsure, ask them how to care for a pet.

Shepherds make sure the sheep have food and water. Shepherds find comfortable places for the sheep to sleep. They keep the sheep safe.

If Jesus is a shepherd, who are the sheep? We are!

That means Jesus cares for us. Jesus loves us and encourages us to love others. Jesus showed us how to do kind things and how to share what we have with others. Jesus offers us peace and gives us hope.

Hand out the coloring pages and crayons.

Note: If you are using “Thoughts for Children” today, make time for the children to show their coloring pages to the group during the Generosity time.

Exploring the Scripture

John 10:1–18 is referred to as the Good Shepherd speech. In today’s passage (vv. 1–10), Jesus describes the role of the Good Shepherd as spoken of in Ezekiel 34. This passage stops one verse short of Jesus naming himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11; also see Doctrine and Covenants 50:8g and Alma 3:61–68). This passage is John’s primary reference to Jesus as shepherd and is followed in chapter 21 with the story of Jesus encouraging Peter three times to take care of his sheep if Peter loves Jesus.

The Hebrew Scriptures (Psalm 23) and Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke—the parable of the Lost Sheep) use the metaphor of shepherd and sheep often to describe our relation to God. This helps us understand God’s nature and how God cares for each one. Similar to this passage, God’s vision for each person and the community is upheld in Doctrine and Covenants 163:10a: “Collectively and individually, you are loved with an everlasting love that delights in each faithful step taken. God yearns to draw you close so that wounds may be healed, emptiness filled, and hope strengthened.”

Many of our Enduring Principles are represented in the relationship between shepherd and sheep—Grace and Generosity, Worth of All Persons, All Are Called, Responsible Choices, and Pursuit of Peace (Shalom). Shepherds know their sheep by name, value each one, celebrate their diversity, protect the flock (community), and sacrifice for the flock. Good shepherds are both leaders and servants for their sheep. Jesus implies that he knows us by name and calls us to follow him. He does not make us follow. We have a choice about whom we follow. Our relationship with Jesus grows as we make the choice to follow. He does not give up on us if we wander off, but continues to call us back.

However, as we become disciples of Christ, he sends us on mission to be shepherds for others. We develop relationships with others, which allow us to learn about them and share our story. As those relationships grow, we can witness about the Good Shepherd and invite others into relationship with Jesus and the community. Community of Christ Sings 636, “I Have Called You by Your Name,” explains the nature of being called, supported, and sent.

In today’s passage, when the listeners did not understand Jesus’ reference to himself as shepherd, Jesus referred to himself as the gate. In this shift of metaphor, Jesus moves from being the shepherd to the one providing the way for the shepherd. This idea is found later in John when Jesus refers to himself as “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus is the gate or way to fulfilled life—not fulfilled life as the world knows it, but fulfilled life in Christ. The nature of fulfilled life in Christ is expressed in our church’s statement on Jesus Christ: “We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God…fully human and fully divine. Through Jesus’ life and ministry, death and resurrection, God reconciles the world and breaks down walls that divide. Christ is our peace” (Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, p. 34). By entering the gate and following the Good Shepherd, we are brought closer to God and to one another. In God’s pasture under the Good Shepherd’s tending, we find wholeness and meaning experiencing the peace that passes all understanding, Christ’s peace.

Central Ideas

1. Jesus is both the Good Shepherd and the gate. Through Christ, we are reconciled with God, one another, and the world.
2. We are called and supported by the Good Shepherd but also sent to be a shepherd for others.
3. Life as a disciple is not easy or without pain, but it is a life of meaning, fulfillment, and peace.

Questions for the Speaker

1. God is calling you by name. What do you hear?
2. What do you need to give up or take on to more fully respond to the call of your name?
3. How do you foster loving, trust-filled relationships like the shepherd with the sheep?
4. How have you experienced fulfilled life in Christ?

Focus Scripture Passage

John 10:1–10

Lesson Focus

We are called and supported by the Good Shepherd but also sent to be a shepherd for others.

Objectives 

The learners will…

• prayerfully reflect on Psalm 23.
• discuss the significance of metaphors in John 10:1–10.
• explore the invitation for disciples to respond as shepherds for others.

Supplies 

• Bible 
• Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, Herald House, 2018
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)

Notes to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for John 10:1–10 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: New Testament (with focus on the Gospel according to Matthew), pp. 67–68, available through Herald House.

Gather

Activates background knowledge, prepares, and motivates for lesson (15% of total lesson time)

Read Psalm 23. As the passage is read, prayerfully consider the following:

• What words or phrases are most comforting to you?
• What do you hear in a new way this Easter?

Engage

Invites exploration and interaction (35% of lesson time)

Today’s focus passage is referred to as the Good Shepherd speech. Read John 10:1–10 and discuss the following questions.

• How does this passage express the nature of God revealed in Jesus Christ?
• What Enduring Principles (see Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, pp. 27–32) are expressed through the relationship between shepherd and sheep?
• In what ways are shepherds both leaders and servants? What does this reveal about the ministry of disciples?

In this passage, the use of metaphor shifts from shepherd to gate. This is reinforced in John 14:6 when Jesus refers to himself as “the way, and the truth, and the life.”

• What is significant about this shift from shepherd to gate?
• How do you understand Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life?
• Discuss how this metaphor connects with Community of Christ’s mission statement: We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.

Respond

Takes the learners from hearing to doing (35% of lesson time)

We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God…fully human and fully divine. Through Jesus’s life and ministry, death and resurrection, God reconciles the world and breaks down walls that divide. Christ is our peace.

–Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, p. 34

By entering the gate and following the Good Shepherd, we are brought closer to God and to one another.

–Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: New Testament, p. 67

• How do these statements expand an understanding of following the Good Shepherd?
• How do these statements reinforce the importance of living as a disciple in community?

Form three small groups. Assign each group a verse from “We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky” CCS 301. Discuss how the verse supports Jesus as the Good Shepherd and gateway to abundant life. What is the invitation for disciples in this verse? Share insights with the larger group.

Send

Explores how the lesson might be lived (10% of lesson time)

As disciples of the Good Shepherd, we are called to be shepherds to others through invitation, hospitality, and witness of the peace of Jesus Christ. Prayerfully consider your response to the following statements of commitment. Make this part of your personal spiritual practice throughout the coming week(s).

I will respond as a shepherd to others by…

I will invite ___ to abundant life in Christ.

Bless

Time of prayer, praise, blessing, and hope (5% of lesson time)

Read or sing verse three of “We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky” CCS 301 as a shared commitment.

Focus Scripture Passage

John 10:1–10

Lesson Focus

Jesus calls us by our names. As disciples of Jesus, we listen for his voice and follow him.

Objectives 

The learners will…

• hear Jesus’s teaching about listening for his voice and following him.
• think about what distracts us from following Jesus’s voice.
• explore how Community of Christ Enduring Principles invite us to hear and follow Jesus.

Supplies 

• Bible
• Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, Herald House, 2018
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
• M&Ms or other small candies in a serving bowl, spoon
• Chart paper or board and markers
• Paper and pens or pencils
• Video projection capability and Internet (optional)

Note to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for John 10:1–10 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: New Testament (with focus on the Gospel according to Matthew), pp. 67–68, available through Herald House.

Gather

Activates background knowledge, prepares, and motivates for lesson (15% of total lesson time)

What’s in Your Name?

Pass a bowl of M&Ms or any small candies to the students, encouraging them to take as many as they want. Tell them, however, they can’t eat the candy yet. Once everyone has some candy, explain that for every piece of candy they took, they must volunteer one interesting fact about their name, nickname, or themselves. Note: Be aware of food allergies and substitute as needed.

Engage

Invites exploration and interaction (35% of lesson time)

Have a student read John 10:1–10. Instruct the class to listen for metaphors and images contained in the story.

• As a class, list the images the students identify on chart paper or a board. (sheep, gate, pasture, shepherd, etc.)
• Ask the class what they know about sheep, shepherds, and raising sheep.

If possible, watch the video, The Fascinating Life of a Modern Day Shepherd in the Middle East, on YouTube.

Today’s scripture text focuses on the relationship of the sheep, the shepherd, and the gate. The intimate relationship between the shepherd and the sheep is demonstrated by the flock’s ability to recognize the voice of their shepherd. The shepherd calls “his own sheep by name and leads them out.” This image Jesus offers of himself as the good shepherd has shaped the church, but in the moment of this story, those listening “did not understand what he was saying to them.” Jesus then offers another image saying, “I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.”

These two images of shepherd and gate focus our understanding that Jesus is the way to life (the gate), and he leads the way to life (the good shepherd). While these are closely related, they are not the same. Neither the gate nor the shepherd has any meaning without the presence of the sheep. The relationship among all three is crucial. The identity of the faith community is determined by the shepherd’s relationship to it and its relationship to the shepherd.

Ask students to discuss the characteristics of Jesus as the gate and then Jesus as the good shepherd. Have them compare these images.

Respond

Takes the learners from hearing to doing (35% of lesson time)

In Community of Christ, we share Enduring Principles to help us hear and follow Jesus. Many of our Enduring Principles are represented in the relationship between shepherd and sheep—Grace and Generosity, Worth of All Persons, All Are Called, Responsible Choices, and Pursuit of Peace (Shalom).

Shepherds know their sheep by name, value each one, celebrate their diversity, protect the flock (community), and sacrifice for the flock. Likewise sheep know the voice of their shepherd and willingly follow.

Form the class into three groups. Ask each group to create a list of connections between one of the following Enduring Principles and the metaphor of sheep, shepherd, and gate. Have the groups share their understandings. (See Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition)

Grace and Generosity (p. 28)
Worth of All Persons (p. 29)
All Are Called (pp. 29–30)

Send

Explores how the lesson might be lived (10% of lesson time)

Like the first hearers of this story, we sometimes miss the point, especially when we don’t know much about raising sheep. Have the students act out the story as one person narrates John 10:1–10 as written in the paraphrased Bible, The Message, below.

Characters:

• Narrator
• Jesus
• Sheep
• Shepherd
• Sheep rustler (stranger, thief)
• Gate

He Calls His Sheep by Name 

John 10:1–5: “Let me set this before you as plainly as I can. If a person climbs over or through the fence of a sheep pen instead of going through the gate, you know he’s up to no good—a sheep rustler! The shepherd walks right up to the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. They won’t follow a stranger’s voice but will scatter because they aren’t used to the sound of it.”

Verses 6–10: Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. “I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”

Bless

Time of prayer, praise, blessing, and hope (5% of lesson time)

Sing “Sizohamba Naye/We Will Walk with God” CCS 377 or play the audio recording. After singing once, insert a student’s name in place of “We.” Sing until each student has been named.

Offer a simple prayer naming each person in the class: “Jesus, help [name] hear your voice and follow you.”

Focus Scripture Passage

John 10:1–10

Lesson Focus

Jesus calls us by our name. As disciples of Jesus, we listen for his voice and follow him. 

Objectives 

The learners will…

• hear Jesus’s teaching about listening for his voice and following him.
• think about what distracts us from following Jesus’s voice.
• explore how Community of Christ Enduring Principles All Are Called and Responsible Choices invite us to hear and follow Jesus.

Supplies 

• Bible 
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS) or audio recording (available through Herald House)
• Optional: Baby name book or research online for the meaning of each child’s name
• Rhythm instruments or items that make noise (Example: pan and spoon) for each child
• Sheet of paper for each child
• Crayons, markers, or pencils
• Dictionary (at least one or one for each child, if available)
• Object to use as a “talking stick” (for example, rain stick, smooth stone, soft ball)

Notes to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for  John 10:1–10 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: New Testament, pp. 67–68, available through Herald House.

Gather

Activates background knowledge, prepares, and motivates for lesson (15% of total lesson time)

Sing first verse of “I Have Called You by Your Name” CCS 636. If children are unfamiliar with the hymn, teach as a call and response.

Say: Each of us has a name.

• What is your name?
• Who gave you your name?
• Do you know why you were given the name you have? (Give children time to share stories, e.g., “I am named after my grandfather.”)
• Optional: Do you know what your name means? If available, use a baby name book or research online to find the most common meaning of each child’s name.

Engage

Invites exploration and interaction (35% of lesson time)

Give each child a rhythm instrument or something to make noise. Tell them you are going to read today’s scripture passage and ask them to make noise while you are reading.

Adapted from John 10:1–6:

Jesus said, “If someone comes into the sheep’s pen by climbing over the fence instead of coming in the gate, he is probably a thief. The shepherd, who takes care of the sheep, comes in through the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd, and the sheep hear his voice. The shepherd calls each of his sheep by their names and he leads them out of the pen to the fields. 

When he has brought all the sheep out of the pen, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger. They will run away because they don’t know the voices of strangers.”

When finished reading, ask children to put down the instruments or noisemakers.

• Can anyone tell me about what I was reading? Why not?

Read the scripture passage again, this time inviting children to listen. 

Ask:

• Can anyone tell me about what I was reading this time? What was different?
• When your parents call you, do you always respond right away, or do you sometimes not “hear” them (or pretend you don’t hear them)?
• What might distract you or keep you from hearing?

It can be the same with Jesus. We may hear Jesus “calling us” or know what choice we should make, but we might decide to make a different choice.

• What are other voices that might distract you from hearing Jesus or making a responsible choice? (friends, media, people in our neighborhood or school)

Respond

Say: In Community of Christ, we share Enduring Principles to help us hear and follow Jesus. We believe All Are Called by God and have gifts to share. We believe all are called to make Responsible Choices. Let’s think about how we can use our gifts and make responsible choices to hear and follow Jesus.

Acrostic Name Reflection on Scripture Passage

Say: Jesus has called you by your name. How can you hear and follow Jesus?

Help children write their names down the left side of a sheet of paper. Ask children to think of something they can do to use their gifts to hear or follow Jesus and make responsible choices that begin with each letter in their name. Have at least one dictionary available if children want to look up words that begin with letters in their name. Teachers can also help children think of ideas and children can help each other. If children want, they can color or draw pictures around their names.

Example:

P—Pray
E—Empathy
T—Try
E—Engage
R—Respond

Hearing Game 

Ask: Can we recognize each other’s voice?

Position one chair facing away from the other children. Ask a child to sit in the chair and close their eyes. Point to another child and ask them to say the name of the child in the chair. Let the child in the chair guess who is calling their name.

Alternative Game

Have various common objects that make sounds. Ask children to close their eyes and try to identify sounds. (examples: clicking a pen, shuffling papers, closing a book)

Going Deeper 

Explore one or two sentences from the Enduring Principles All Are Called and Responsible Choices. Help children think about what it means to be called by God and to make responsible choices to follow God. Ask open-ended reflection questions:

• What gift do you think you have—something you are good at and like to do, something that can help other people?
• How can you use your gift to follow Jesus?
• Can you think of an example of a good choice or a disrespectful choice?
• How can our choices help us follow Jesus or stop us from following Jesus?

All Are Called 

• • God graciously gives people gifts and opportunities to do good and to share in God’s purposes.
  • Jesus Christ invites people to follow him by becoming disciples who share his life and ministry.
  • Some disciples are called and ordained to particular priesthood responsibilities and ministries for the sake of the community, the congregation, and the world.
  • We respond faithfully, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to our best understanding of God’s call.

Responsible Choices 

• • God gives humans the ability to make choices about whom or what they will serve. Some people experience conditions that diminish their ability to make choices.
  • Human choices contribute to good or evil in our lives and in the world.
  • Many aspects of creation need redemption because of irresponsible and sinful human choices.
  • We are called to make responsible choices within the circumstances of our lives that contribute to the purposes of God.

–Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, pp. 29–30

Send

Say: Let’s practice listening to each other and for Jesus’s voice by thinking about responsible choices we can make. 

Use an object as a “talking stick.” Pass the object to each child to offer opportunity to answer a question. If they prefer not to answer, they can pass the object to the next child. To practice listening and hearing, remind the children that only the child with the talking stick can answer, but everyone will have a turn.

Question suggestions:

• What is something you like to do? (Children may respond: watch TV, read a book, play outside) How does this help you listen or distract you from listening for Jesus?
• Imagine you are doing the activity you like to do, and a parent or adult calls you by name and asks you to come clean up the dinner dishes. (Illustrate using a child in the class: [Child’s name], it’s your turn to do the dishes.) What choices could you make? (Encourage children to list all choices as the talking stick is passed, including those that don’t include listening.)
• Can you think of a situation where you would need to listen for Jesus’s voice? (examples: bullying at school, argument with a sibling or friend) What choices could you make in that situation? Which choices would show that you hear Jesus’s voice and want to follow him?

Bless

Sing “Sizohamba Naye (We Will Walk with God)” CCS 377 or play audio recording. Use instruments or noisemakers. After singing once, insert a child’s name in place of “we.” Sing until each child has been named.

Offer a simple prayer naming each child: Jesus, help [child’s name] hear your voice and follow you.