Description
These resources focus on the interaction of an Ethiopian slave with Philip in Acts 8:26-40 and the encouragement of Jesus to his disciples in John 15:1-8 to remain connected.
The first resource is an intergenerational bible reading engagement idea for Acts 8:26-40. It uses a very plain and simple reading designed to animate the text and convey the sense of the movement of the Spirit in the lives of Philip and the Ethiopian through footsteps and horses’ hooves.
The second resource is a creative music engagement based on “Let the weak say I am strong” by Reuben Morgan. The Acts 8:26-40 reading tells the story of an Ethiopian eunuch – a slave who would never be able to be married or have a family. Whilst reading from the Hebrew scriptures, this slave is joined by Philip (one of Jesus’ followers), finds out more about Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection from Philip, and ends up being baptised in the river as a sign of his new life in God!
The third resource, based on John 15:1-8, explores the idea of Connection and Community. Taking its cue from the image of the grapevine in Jesus’ teaching, the way the passage is read encourages reflection on how we are connected as God’s people – of all ages – growing and being fruitful together.
The fourth resource takes up the theme of Remaining and Growing Together. Using an intergenerational storytelling process based on John 15:1-8, participants in your gathering will have the opportunity to piece together a ‘vine’ from branches, leaves and fruit inscribed with the text of John 15, reading the text twice along the way.
The fifth and final resource this week is the classic “Hang On” Storycine (again, based on John 15:1-8). Like all Bible stories, this is an all-age story. A story to listen to together, as a whole community. An opportunity for all your best story telling gestures, working the whole space, and remembering that timing, suspense, pause and dynamics are essential in shaping communication that serves the listener well.
