Description
In the reading from Exodus 3:1-15 we read about our compassionate God who has heard the cry of the Israelites in Egypt. God comes to Moses in the flame of fire out of a bush that did not burn up. God sends Moses to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. In Psalm 105:23-26 we read a very quick summary of how the people of Israel came to Egypt but were eventually hated by the Egyptians, then God sent Moses and Aaron. Psalm 105:1-6, 45b are repeated from the Psalm reading three weeks previously but with a different part in the middle to match the Old Testament reading of the day.
Just as God sends Moses to rescue his people, later he’ll send Jesus to rescue. In the gospel reading today, Matthew16:21-28, Jesus began to show the disciples that he will suffer, die and be raised.
The Romans reading shows how our compassionate, rescuing God invites us to live as his people.
I AM uses a dramatic reading and wondering questions to explore Exodus 3:1-15.
Everyone is invited to explore Romans 12:9-21 in Rules for Christian Living. The passage is read by two readers, each reading a different version and then afterwards the exploration of the passage continues with pairs making a poster to illustrate a verse from the passage.
Following on from these two readings Hold fast to what is good uses objects that can hold fast such as magnets, Velcro, Duplo or even your hands in the prayer of thanksgiving and confession.
Finally, Standing on Holy Ground is an opportunity for people to take of their shoes and take time to notice that we’re standing on holy ground and that God is present. It’s an opportunity to spend time in God’s presence as individuals and hear what God might be saying to us. There is an option for people to move to a few reflection places with different types of soil or sand. Alternatively, there is an option to stay in your seat and reflect with a guided reflection sheet.
