21 August 2022
Bible readings for today |
CollectRedeeming God,
you draw us all to you through love rather than law; set us free from any bondage, so we and all your children stand upright in the dignity you give us, praising you and proclaiming your wonders; through Jesus Christ our Liberator, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen. |
Jesus heals a woman on the sabbath (Luke 13:10-17)
ActivityDiscussion Questions
I wonder questionsYou may like to ask some questions to help foster empathy and compassion with the woman in the story. Take care if you're acting it out, as this may be difficult to navigate, but you could ask a volunteer (adult or child) to stop over and think about
Some things to note:
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Healing and DisabilitiesAs with any healing story, we need to be careful not to position those living with disabilities as in some way deficient. For the woman in the text, the story moves her from isolation to freedom and to an upright stance and, in speaking to the leaders of the Synagogue, Jesus names her clearly as a Daughter of Abraham. This participation in, and identity with, the community of faith is an expression of healing. What physical, structural or attitudinal barriers might need to be removed for people living with disabilities to participate fully in the life of your community?
On another note, though this story is a story of good news and freedom for the woman in the text, the lack of healing that members of our community experience in their own lives may make this story difficult for some to hear. How can you preach and teach about this story with that pastoral reality in mind? Sabbath PosterThe Sabbath is a gift from God, for the purpose of rest and pleasure -- including the joy of prayer and praise.
This is a creative, fun A3 poster (download here) for the kids to decorate and put up at home. Get them to think about their favourite weekend activity, and use pens and paints to draw their special activity. Encourage them to stick it up at home as a reminder to the whole family that God's sabbath rest is for all of us. What's a sabbath? |