ST JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH
AMESBURY, MASSACHUSETTS
November 20, 2020
Lord, When Did We See You?
for the week of November 22, 2020
Last Sunday After Pentecost (final green days!)
What you need: a watch, clock, or timer; a quiet creative activity; a candle (if it's okay, or an intentional object like a cross); a Bible, if you'd like; paper; something to write with; a snack. Have your class with a sibling or other family members, or enjoy this time by yourself.
1) Begin with a transition time - Peace & Quiet: enjoy a creative activity for about 10 minutes (journaling, clay, Legos, drawing, etc.) - a time to change gears
2) Next, clear that space, or move to another space, and light a candle (or place your intentional object). Settle in, and say a prayer, like: Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105). Offer more prayers, silently, or out loud, if you want.
Our focus for this class = Matthew 25:34-41
Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”
Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?”
And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
When you were baptized, you (or, if you were a baby, someone who spoke for you) pledged this: Celebrant: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? People: I will, with God's help. Celebrant: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? People: I will, with God's help.
Hungry, thirsty, unclothed, sick, imprisoned. . . how do you plan to help?
Lonely, desperate, afraid, unwelcomed, ignorant. . . how do you plan to help?
Persecuted, cheated, targeted, abused, impoverished. . . how do you plan to help?
Suggestions (individual actions and/or group actions):
petitions
marches/vigils
texts/letters/phone calls
videos/graphic art/fine art
written/spoken/sung words
educating self
teaching others
spontaneous acts of kindness
planned acts of kindness
organized programs
volunteering time and talent
donating money and supplies
fundraisers
what else?
What can you fit into your schedule? What can you make time for?
Did you know: loving your neighbor as yourself
That's (half of) what being a Christian is. (The other half: love God with all your might!)
How can you be the hands and feet (heart and soul) of Jesus in this world?
How can our church help you to make that happen?
Talk to Fr John or me (Linda) - your parents have our phone #s.
4) Think about what you read, chat about it if you have company, look it up online (if allowed) and see if there's commentary about it – do you agree? Do you feel called to do something?
5) Brainstorm & make a poster: Top 10 Things I Really Care About. Take a pic; email me!
6) Snack time! Prayers first: talk to God! "I'm grateful for, I'm worried about, I ask for" etc. And/or take 5 or more minutes for centering prayer: relaxing into peace & letting thoughts go. Breathe! Enjoy your snack.
7) Finally, clean up your space(s), and say a closing prayer, like: Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. - Plato. Blow out the candle, or put away the intentional object (or leave it there if you'd like to create a little sacred area) and say out loud:
Go now in peace, to love and serve the Lord! Thanks be to God! ALLELUIA!
