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Lent 2004 - Cycle C - Revised Common Lectionary
February 29 through April 4, 2004
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: Come let us adore him. (Antiphon for Lent, Book of Common Prayer, page 81) And what if, during this season of Lent, we sought a deeper understanding of this amazing gospel of grace. Will that image of grace energize us to do the spiritual housekeeping we need to be ready for the "new thing" God is doing in Easter?
Fifth Sunday in Lent
March 28, 2004
John 12: 1 - 8
A notation for this week's Gospel
The imported perfume -- worth a year's wages -- poured out on the feet of Jesus. Was it an obscene waste of valuable resources that could have been used to feed the poor -- or an orthodox preparation of a body for burial? How do we become responsible stewards knowing when to store up and when to pour out?
Lesson Plans for Older Children
Theme: The fragrance of generosity
Before Class. If you have a piggy bank, or a jar in which you save coins (and you are comfortable with the idea) bring it to class with you. If not, a mite box such as the United Thank Offering box, or other container with a handful of coins provides a "visual" for this session. You will also need something to "cast lots" - drinking straws, toothpicks, even wood matches -- enough so you have one for each child. If you have a pair of dice, bring them - or the spinner from a game. Also bring the container with the bags.
Beginning. Show the children the container of coins you have brought with you. Tell them to pretend that it contains your entire year's allowance. Tell them to keep this amount in mind (without sharing it with the rest of us) as we read the Scripture and discuss it today.
Opening Prayer. Dear God, help us to learn how to make good decisions. Amen.
The Scripture. John 12: 1 - 8. You will need a person to read the part of the narrator, Judas, and Jesus.
Some Questions.
What did Mary decide to do? (Wash Jesus' feet, a job usually done by slaves and she used very costly perfume.)
If we said: "Judas made a good point - but for the wrong reasons" how would you describe what he really wanted to do with the money? (verse 6)
What does Jesus say to Judas? (verse 7 -8)
Activity. To help the children notice how we make decisions, ask them to pretend we are going to spend the money in the box. Tell them to come up with two options: one that will clearly benefit the poor and one that might seem a bit extravagant, but would benefit our church. Once they have decided on two options, ask them to describe ways we could make the decision. (Example: the Teacher could say: "We are going to do this, because I said so!")
Invite the children to consider other options:
Vote - so the majority wins, the minority loses.
Draw straws (one straw shorter that the rest so the child that draws that straw wins.
Roll dice, having decided in advance what the "winning" number will be. (Or spin the spinner)
Can they think of any other way we could reach a decision? Describe the process of "consensus" which means that both sides will feel they have been heard, participated in the decision, and own the decision. It might mean that neither option is chosen, but something else instead. See if you and the children can reach "consensus" on your options.
Getting Closure. Bring out the container with the bags. Tell the children that this is the last Sunday we will use them. Offer pieces of paper and pencils, so they can add anything from today's session. Then provide tape for them to seal their bags -- and take them home with them.
Closing Prayer. Thank you, God, that you trust us to make decisions. Amen.
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