17 August 2025
Bible readings for today |
CollectGod of fire and water,
your searing justice has set alight the earth; may we share Christ’s baptism, even when it leads to pain and division; through Jesus Christ our Liberator, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. |
Interpreting the Time (Luke 12:49-56)
In today's scripture story, Jesus is telling his disciples that people are going to argue against him and what he's teaching. That people will disagree about whether God's better way to live is actually the better way to live.
Input for leadersGospel Conversations 2025: Another tricky gospel passage! We know Jesus is the prince of peace, and that Jesus came to reconcile the world to God. It jars, then, to read that his message will turn father against son and mother against daughter. It seems all wrong! This week's discussion works its way through this hard teaching to find plenty of challenges, but good news as well!
Gospel Conversations 2022: One of the strengths and difficulties of working with a lectionary is that we don't get to choose the readings we preach on. This week we are tackling one of these difficult ones - and there is plenty of food for thought.
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Visio Lectio
Thanks to Rev. Sarah West from Visio Lectio, part of the Auckland Diocese. Shared with permission (PNG Download, Terms of Use) 
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Heroes of Faith (Hebrews 11:29-12:2)
Today's Epistle reading talks about the importance of persevering in faith, even in the face of difficulty and suffering, drawing examples from the Exodus story and the life of Jesus. It has some of the most powerful and encouraging words, ones that we'd love each child to have written on their heart.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (NIV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (NIV)
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Input for leadersIn many ways it's a little strange that the lectionary starts at verse 29 this week. This section really starts at verse 1 with a definition of faith and a long list of faith heroes. You may like to include some of these earlier verses and 'heroes' in your exploration this week.
We can be heroes (of faith) by Rachel Noyce (Raise Up Faith)
What might happen if, when teaching our kids about Bible heroes, we talked first about their faith? What difference could it make to our kids' own faith journeys? |
Intergenerational Worship
Ordinary Time Year C 2025 Intergenerational Worship Series
(Angela Blundell, Auckland Dio Intergenerational Ministry) This resource has 8 weeks of worship ideas to help your community connect to God and each other through worship, sharing and creativity. 
A collection of resources and ideas (Intergen Australia)
Written and compiled by Beck Finger, Chris Barnett, Elizabeth Waldron Anstice. Bible references: Hebrews, Isaiah. Kids TalksRun the race (Sermons 4 Kids) - A beautiful talk about running the race and how we might struggle but we have a loving Father who helps us. You might like to use this video alongside it.
What is faith? (Ministry to Children) What does it mean to trust and obey? (Ministry to Children) On Faith - Full lesson plan Hall of Faith (Sunday School Works) A cloud of witnesses (Sermon Writer) Consider having someone you know come and share their 'faith' story with the kids. Quick questions
Preschool Play Tell the Story
Invisible Faith - Gather a bunch of things that use air - pinwheels, paper planes, feathers, maybe a fan with some ribbons tied to it. Play and experiment with the items. Talk about: what makes the pinwheel spin (the plane fly etc). Air? How do you know? Can you see it? Can you feel it? How do you know the air is there? How do you know God is there? Race track - Make some Toilet Roll Race Cars (Kiwi Families) or get out your matchbox cars and make a race track for them. Make your own track with chalk or tape. Talk about: do you like to race? Why? Why not? What kind of race is our story today talking about? Is it more important to finish the race or to come first? Why? Which do you think God cares about more? Active - why not have some simple races? Try hopping races, crawling races, races in teams etc. |
Heroes of the Faith cardsHead to Mark Barry's website to see his Heroes of Faith cards.
Print, cut out and stick them back to back -- the kids will have a collection of all 11 cards in total. You could set up activity stations around the room with information about each Bible character, and they collect their cards as they go along. Copyright Mark Barry 2014 | visualunit.me 
Activities
Pray it!Grab a crown or medal or trophy. Pass it around the circle. As each person holds the item they can pray quietly or out loud. Suggest they thank God for a faith hero who inspires them, or ask God with help for something specific in 'running the race' this week.
Household ConnectionCarry on the conversations this week with this great resource for families. Shared with permission from Lisa Carlton at the Parish of Johnsonville.
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Media
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You can also download this Hebrews 11 video (Max 7)
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