Seventh Sunday of Easter

Year B: May 13, 2018

First Lesson: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont

(Written for ages 4-7)

Comment: In this text from Acts, the disciples are trying to discern who Jesus is calling to be one of his apostles. In their prayer, they express their trust that Jesus knows each person’s heart. Indeed, Jesus is aware of each person’s gifts and talents, and he calls people to ministries that utilize the talents that he has blessed us with. In this instance, Matthias was who was specifically called to become the next apostle. Told from the perspective of a little girl, I Like Myself tells the story of the unique qualities that one young girl possesses, and the ways she embraces who she is. Despite what others say or do, this young girl lives in her own skin and “likes myself because I’m me.” Written in whimsical rhyme, this book can aid congregants in exploring the unique qualities that God has gifted them with, and help them to embrace who God has created them to be.

Second Lesson: 1 John 5:9-13

The Berenstain Bears and the Truth by Stan Berenstain

(Written for ages 3-7)

Comment:  The writer of 1 John speaks to the importance of telling your truth in this text. Christ-followers speak truth when they share a testimony from their hearts of God’s love and care for the world, made manifest in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In The Berenstain Bears and the Truth, Brother and Sister Bear break a lamp, and tell Mama Bear an elaborate, yet dishonest, account of how the lamp was broken. When Papa Bear returns, they try to tell the same story again, but Mama Bear picks up on the young bears’ inconsistencies. When Brother and Sister Bear reveal the truth about what happened, the family begins to piece the lamp back together. Brother and Sister Bear learn about what happens when trust is broken, and how hard it is to put trust back together. What are some ways that you share God’s story with others? How are you speaking truth to the gospel, even when times are tough?

Gospel Lesson: John 17:6-19

Fred Korematsu Speaks Up by Laura Atkins and Stan Yogi

(Written for ages 8 – 12)

Comment: In this text from the Gospel of John, Jesus prays to God on behalf of his followers. Jesus prays for their protection as they live their lives out in the world, sanctified by the truth of the Word. Just as Jesus prayed on our behalf, we can follow in Christ’s footsteps by praying on behalf of and serving others. As Christ-followers, we often choose to act in ways that benefit others. Fred Korematsu’s story of working for the wellbeing of others is told in Laura Atkins and Stan Yogi’s book Fred Korematsu Speaks Up.  During World War II, the United States sent immigrants and citizens alike into internment camps. Fred, a second-generation Japanese American, resisted going to an internment camp and was jailed. This was the beginning of Fred’s fight against discrimination, a struggle for justice that lasted for the entirety. of his life. How is God leading your congregation to work for the wellbeing of others? How are you speaking up for others?

Thanks to final level Union Presbyterian Seminar student Rosy Robson for writing the Revised Common Lectionary Links this week.

Lectionary Links (RCL): May 13, 2018 by Storypath is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.