June 14 - Second
after Pentecost
Lectionary
Lectionary readings from Vanderbilt Divinity Library online
(http://divinity.library.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/BPentecost/bProper6.htm)
David
is anointed as king.
Trust
not in horses or chariots, but in God.
2 Corinthians 5:6–10, (11–13), 14–17
Walk
by faith, not by sight.
Parables
of the growing seed and the mustard seed.
Spark
Create
announcement posters that read, “New King Anointed: David the Shepherd,” and
hang them around the church. The posters might highlight parts of David’s life,
e.g., as shepherd, musician, and slayer of giants.
With Children
(relating to Mark 4:26–34)
Share
some stories about seeds and the mystery of growth, connecting seeds with the
appropriate vegetables, fruit, and trees. Set out five or six seeds (e.g.,
carrot, apple, acorn, beet, corn, squash) and ask the children what they think
the seeds might produce. Finding the seeds in a pinecone would be interesting
for older children; include an account about seeds from fire climax pines that
are only released from their serotinous cones when exposed to the heat of a
forest fire. Relate the children’s discoveries to the parables of the seeds.
Sermon Starter
(focus on 1 Samuel 15:34–16:13)
What
are the challenges in choosing leadership in a time of empire? The Tribes of
Israel have moved from small clusters of wandering peoples to structured
alliances on lands threatened by violence. The story of the Exodus is the
beginning of a theocracy, the experience of governance for the Jewish
commonwealth, from Moses to the appointment of Saul as king. There is fear and
tension in the anointing of David. Does democracy as we practise it in North
America resolve the questions about justice and power? How can we speak with
leaders about ethical matters? Do we long for a return to the ceremony of
anointing leaders and an opportunity to reach consensus?
Hymns
VU 660 “How
firm a foundation”
VU
286 “If you will trust in God
to guide you”
MV 120 “My
soul cries out”
VU 405 “New
every morning”
VU
516 “Come, you thankful people,
come”
VU 703 “In
the bulb there is a flower”