Lectionary Links: Sunday, June 21, 2015
Year B: June 21, 2015
First Reading: 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49
Little Humans by Brandon Stanton
(Written for ages 3-7)
Comment: The power in this text is the underlying message that even the scariest thing you can think of, like a giant, is no match for God. I like reading this text with children because it serves as a reminder that God can use anyone to do God’s work in the world. Often children are told all of the things they can’t do. In Little Humans, Photographer Brandon Stanton argues that children can do big things in the world. As you read the story with the children of your church, encourage them to think about all of the things God has gifted them to do in the world.
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Starring Me and You by Geneviève Côté
(Written for ages 3-7)
Comment: While this text might sound confusing to children, the theme of reconciliation is one which will connect with even the youngest worshipers in your congregation. Elisabeth Johnson suggests this is a vital part of our Christian life: “As an ambassador for Christ entrusted with this message of reconciliation, Paul is compelled to take the same risk with those who have wronged him. He urges them — and us — to join him in the ministry of reconciliation to which all are called in Christ, beginning with our own sisters and brothers in Christ.” (http://www.workingpreacher.
Gospel Reading: Mark 4:35-41
Boom! Big, Big Thunder & One Small Dog by Mary Lyn Ray
(Written for ages 5-9)
Comment: Storms at sea are scary, storms in our life are scary. They aren’t things we want to face alone. In her commentary on this text, Sharon Ringe emphasizes that the message for the communities hearing these words is one of hope. “Even when the seas threaten to engulf us… the Risen One is always in the boat with us. Christ’s words, ‘Peace! Be still!’ still promise to carry us safely through the night.” (http://www.workingpreacher.
The Lectionary Links this week are written by Union Presbyterian Seminary alumna Noell Rathbun-Cook.
Lectionary Links: Sunday, June 21, 2015 by Storypath is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.