Trinity Sunday

Year A:  June 11, 2017

First Reading: Genesis 1:1-2:4a

How This Book Was Made by Mac Barnett

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: In this text we see God’s creative process and read of God’s delight in all that God has made. In this story of creation, God’s work is only complete once people have been created to delight in creation’s goodness as God does. Barnett’s tale is also one of creation, describing the way a book comes to be made. Barnett’s book is only complete when the reader picks it up because “a book still isn’t a book, not really, until it has a reader.” As you read this text and story, invite your congregation to consider their place in the story of creation and share how they delight in the things God has made.

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

The Log Cabin Church by Ellen Howard

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: For Paul, life in the Church is a life of peace and relationship, with one another and with the triune God. Paul’s words might inspire us to sing with young children: “I am the Church, you are the Church, we are the church together, all of God’s people, all around the world, yes, we’re the church together.” Paul’s words might also inspire us to explore, as Elvirey does in Howard’s story, what the Church is all about. Elvirey discovers that church is not so much about a building as it is about participation in the beloved community of God. Wonder with the children of your congregation about the things that signify being church to them.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:16-20

Hug This Book by Barney Saltzberg

(Written for ages 4-8)

Comment: In the great commission, Jesus commands his disciples to GO and share the good news. Hug This Book commands readers to GO and share their book. Saltzberg’s commandments are sometimes predictable, and other times quite silly, but all highlight the many ways one can enjoy, share, and journey through life with a beloved book. After reading this story wonder together about the different ways we can live into Jesus’ command to share the good news of God’s love.

Thanks to Union Presbyterian Seminary alumna Noell Rathbun for writing the Revised Common Lectionary Links this week.

Lectionary Links (RCL): June 11, 2017 by Storypath is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.