January 18 – Second Sunday after Epiphany
Lectionary
Lectionary readings from Vanderbilt Divinity Library online (http://divinity.library.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/BEpiphany/index.htm)
1 Samuel 3:1–10, (11–20)
God calls Samuel.
Psalm 139:1–6, 13–18 (VU pg. 861)
God has searched and known me.
1 Corinthians 6:12–20
Your body is a temple of God’s Spirit.
John 1:43–51
Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael.
Spark
Have a skeleton or 3-D model of the human body near the entrance to the sanctuary, or display photos of every kind of body shape, age, colour, etc. Place a sign quoting 1 Corinthians 6:19: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?” or take photos of congregational members as they arrive and hang them beneath the quotation.
With Children
Picking up on the theme of uniqueness (as highlighted in the psalm), hold up some photocopies of various scenes, animals, letters, etc. Ask whether we are photocopies of each other. Why or why not? Does God use photocopies, or is each one of us handmade?
Sermon Starter
Some years ago a film was made in London, England, about the life of street people. In one clip an old man, who didn’t drink, is seen sitting alone, singing a religious song. The clip never made it into the film. The unused audiotapes were given to British composer Gavin Bryars. Bryars was so moved by this man’s faith and optimism given his circumstances that he composed a symphony around the man’s voice as a testament to the old man’s strength of spirit. “Jesus’ blood never failed me yet, never failed me yet. There’s one thing I know for God loves me so,” is sung over and over again to the sounds of the orchestra.
Or use the story of the stone cutter. It can be found in Speaking in Stories: Resources for Christian Storytellers by William R. White (Ausburg Publishing House 1982) pg. 78.
The Majesty of God’s Creation
Who can lean against the towering, redwood tree
or rest at the foot of a lofty, rocky mountain,
and not be humbled by the greatness of God’s creation?
Who can float upon the calm and deep blue sea
or pitch and toss upon the rolling,
white-capped waves,
and not be humbled by the power of God’s creation?
Who can hear the haunting call of a northern loon,
or watch the playful tumble of two bear cubs on flowery, alpine meadow,
and not be humbled by the beauty of God’s creation?
Who can watch a little child lovingly cuddle a tiny kitten,
or see the thankful smile of a cold and hungry person clutching a bowl of hot soup,
and not be humbled by the love in God’s creation?
Who can sit quietly in the sunlight streaming through a stained glass, sanctuary window,
or listen to the harmonious chant of a choir and congregation raising songs of praise,
and not be humbled by the spirit in God’s creation?
-James Traquair
Sermon Starter
There seem to be two distinct themes here. The 1 Samuel and John passages certainly highlight the issue of call. The psalm and the 1 Corinthians passage highlight the uniqueness of each person and the embodiment of God’s Spirit. Perhaps the two are more interwoven than appears at first glance. God’s calls are all unique and if we are not grounded in ourselves and in God’s Spirit, it is very difficult to accept them.
Hymns
Hebrew Scriptures
VU 505 “As a chalice cast of gold”
VU 509 “I, the Lord of sea and sky”
MV 161 “I have called you by your name”
MV 167 “Hush! Hush!”
Psalm
VU 644 “I was there to hear”
MV 27 “Creator God you give us life”
Epistle
VU 565 “Love, who made me in your likeness”
VU 695 “God is passionate life”
MV 47 “Born in human likeness” (possible Introit—an excellent “round”)
Gospel
VU 506 “Take my life and let it be”
VU 510 “We have this ministry”
VU 567 “Will you come and follow me”
VU 649 “Walk with me”
VU 701 “What does the Lord require of you”