Contributed by Matthew R. Nelson
Walla Walla, WA

Warm-up Question: Read John 15:3. What does it mean (for you/for us) to be cleansed by the words of Christ?

Not everyone who is chosen in the annual NFL draft will secure a spot on the roster of the team that chose them. For some that were not picked, the prospects of eventually making an NFL team are minimal at best.

There are always some oddities in the 256 pick process called Draft Day. This year, the quarterback from Kent State was picked to be a potential receiver by the Patriots. The Cardinals used pick #131 to make Greg Toler the first student athlete ever chosen from St. Paul’s (VA), a Division II school. Also selected from Division II were Abilene Christian teammates Johnny Knox and Bernard Scott, who were taken at #140 by the Bears and #209 by the Bengals, respectively. The three players from Division II schools outnumbered draft picks from nine major collegiate institutions and equaled those from four others.

Other surprises included Demetrius Byrd, chosen by the San Diego Chargers with their last pick in the seventh round. He remains hospitalized with serious injuries resulting from a car accident; injuries that might even prevent him from playing again. The Broncos in the 2nd round picked North Carolina tight end Richard Quinn, even though he only had 12 catches in two years with the school. And one of the pre-draft favorites of some, Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter, was picked by the Colts in the sixth round, even though he lost his starting job temporarily in 2008.

As always, some players were picked higher in the draft than some expected, some were picked lower, and some players who were expecting to be drafted were not. The person making the pick in the draft decides the value of a player and his potential. In spite of very meticulous research and a clear set of needs that teams hope to fill with draft picks, some players will exceed expectations and many will never live up to them.

Discussion Questions

• The New Student Bible (NRSV) notes that the same Greek root for ‘cleansed’ refers also to pruning, (vs. 3). What types of things does God prune from you emotionally or behaviorally in order that you might abide in Christ?
• Read John 14:30-31. Why do you think Jesus moved from the privacy of speaking with his disciples to a more public forum? Walking or riding would surely attract more people, and the events that followed lead directly to the crucifixion.
• What questions would you have for Christ if you were in the disciple’s shoes on that day?
• Before (John 14:28) and after (John 16:5) the lesson today, Jesus speaks of departing or leaving the disciples to continue in ministry and mission. Do you think the disciples felt empowered or abandoned as Jesus spoke to them?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, May 10, 2009.

(Text links are to oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year B at Lectionary Readings.)

• Acts 8:26-40 
• Psalm 22:25-31 (27)
• 1 John 4:7-21
• John 15:1-8

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day

Gospel Reflection

Jesus had already foretold of his betrayal and of Peter’s denial. Now he is speaking of departing, of leaving them to continue in his mission. Questions must have been racing through their minds. Understanding this, Christ simply and calmly says, “You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3)

That’s it! The essence of Jesus’ message to his disciples and to us is that amidst all of our concern, amidst all of our doubt, and even amidst any shortcomings that we might have, we have been chosen and should begin our mission and calling immediately, fully cleansed and prepared. 

Christ’s example in life, and his the sacrifice on the cross have grafted us into the living vine, and the vine grower’s field. Now, with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, the advocate, each of us will experience the blessing of being a blessing as our gifts and talents are used to glorify God in this world.

The NFL draft is an interesting process full of hope and anticipation for hundreds of collegiate athletes who hope to continue their football careers. A football career would mean a lifestyle far from the ordinary. Even with a college degree to fall back on, life without football means a future uncertain, and a plunge into a different kind of competitive job market. Football is their skill, and football is their desire.

Being chosen in the draft, however, is not the end accomplishment of hard work. It is the beginning of a new relationship with a team that will take all of your past experiences and skills, and mold them to better their own mission, to win a Super Bowl. Through continued work and practice, players are stripped of poor habits and cleansed in their discipline to perform on the field. Coaches and trainers teach, and then lead gently and not so gently from the sidelines during each game.

Jesus chose his original disciples as he began his adult public ministry. He chose ordinary people, from fishermen to tax collectors. These ordinary people witnessed and experienced some extraordinary things as they walked with Jesus. They bonded with their teacher, and he bonded with them. Their sense of privilege in being chosen by Jesus and their sense of belonging must have been tremendous, right up until our lesson today.

Discussion Questions 

• What are the gifts or skills you believe that God has given you in order that you might glorify his name?
• Have you experienced the joy or rejection of being chosen or not chosen to participate in an activity or sport? Answers might range from school and neighborhood games to more serious auditions for music, plays, and team sports. Share something positive about that experience. Was it positive at the time, or do you look back at it more positively now? Why? 
• Being trained and then left to do something is a part of all work experiences. Describe a situation or time when you thought you weren’t ready for the task at hand? How did you feel? What did you do? How did you work through the situation? Did you pray about it and ask God for help? What did you ask for?
• Sometimes being a Christian singles you out for criticism, making us just a little different than many of our friends. Jesus tells his disciples in John 15:27 that in spite of the world and of persecution of any kind, that we are to testify on his behalf because we have been with him from the beginning. How do you feel about that? Why?

Activity Suggestions

• Sing “His Banner Over Me is Love.” One version with chords is available at http://www.higherpraise.com/lyrics/fabulous/710.htm.Now take a note pad to worship. Without writing names, look at other members of the congregation and write down what you think their gifts and talents are. Post the list in the Narthex or in the church bulletin or newsletter. Title it “Gifts we have that glorify God.”  
• Sometimes we overlook or undervalue our own gifts, (question #1 above). Write each group member’s name on a piece of paper. By their name, write one gift or talent you think they have. Give them to your group leader, who can write the gifts and talents on the chalkboard or dry erase board, without names. This gives everyone the opportunity to say something positive about others, but doesn’t single anyone out. You can lead the activity verbally if you feel comfortable doing so.

Closing Prayer

Lord we praise your name and thank you for first choosing us. Send now the Holy Spirit, the advocate, that we might know your continued presence and work to glorify your name. Amen.

In New York City, the first-ever Times Square celebration on New Year’s Eve occurred in 1904. Originally named Longacre Square, the name was changed after the New York Times opened their new headquarters in that district. The Times Tower was the second-tallest building in Manhattan at the time, anchoring the intersection of Broadway, 7th Avenue and 42nd Street.

The owner of the Times newspaper spared no expense in preparing a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration. After a full-day street festival, fireworks were set off and at midnight over 200,000 people cheered with noisemakers of all kinds. The celebration could be heard nearly thirty miles north on the shores of the Hudson River. The entire building remained lit up for the evening and the area quickly replaced former gathering places while capturing the attention of the nation and the world.

While the original building has been stripped down and transformed into another company’s headquarters, the celebration of New Year’s Eve in Times Square has continued to draw international attention. With modern technology, it is estimated that over one billion people watch the ceremony every year. The lowering of the ball has become an international tradition as people welcome the new year.

Discussion Questions

• Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Why or why not? If you do, what is the most successful resolution you have made and why? What was the least successful and why?
• New Year’s marks a time of hope and change for many people. What other events promote hope or change for people? Why do we need or not need these events?
• If you could only celebrate one event a year, what would it be and why?
• What are the names of the seasons on our liturgical calendar? What does each season celebrate or mark? Why is each season or time period on the church calendar important? Refer to Evangelical Lutheran Worship or the ELCA Worship Web site for planning, if needed.

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, January 11, 2009.
(Text links are to oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year B at Lectionary Readings.)

• Genesis 1:1-5
• Psalm 29 (3)
• Acts 19:1-7
• Mark 1:4-11

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

New Year’s Eve marks a time of transition for many people around the world. For some it is a time of hope, for others a time of celebration, and for many it is a time to make new promises and set new goals. We call them resolutions, and they are often set to improve on goals already accomplished or on goals we hope to achieve. Either way, these goals and promises mark a new beginning for us.

John the Baptist’s ministry was different than prophets and teachers of the past. It was different because he was “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mark 1:4) Many came, many were baptized, and many confessed their sins. This confession, however sincere, still lacked one thing. It lacked the element of mission. (Even whole-hearted repentance can still be self-centered.)

God’s relationship to humanity has many transitions, new beginnings, and promises. Think of God’s actions for Abraham, Noah, Moses, Ruth, Elizabeth, and Mary to name a few.
When Jesus walked up to John to be baptized, there was more than a new beginning or a ritual. Jesus’ baptism marked a transition in the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to all humankind through the Christ child. “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (vs. 8)

It is in Christ’s word, deeds, and actions from that point forward through which we understand the gift of mission we receive with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. All the way to the cross, and through Christ’s death and resurrection, our own baptisms bring us renewal and transition every day. As members of the body of Christ, we live out our baptism every day so that the world might know the transforming love of God.

Discussion Questions

• What is the largest crowd you have ever been in? What was the experience like? Why were you there?
• Read Mark 1:8 again. What does it mean to be baptized in the Holy Spirit? Is this a proclamation of our mission as the body of Christ? As individuals? If so, what does this mean for us?
• How does our congregation celebrate baptisms? What are the responsibilities of the parents, sponsors, and congregational members described during the baptismal celebration and liturgy?
• Do you mark your baptismal anniversary with any kind of celebration or ritual? Why or why not?

Learn more about the sacrament of Baptism at the ELCA Worship Web site for Frequently Asked Questions.

Activity Suggestions

• Participate in the “Affirmation of Baptism” found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship, page 234.
• Ask your pastor or congregation’s leaders to see the congregation’s baptismal records for the last year (or two). Send a thank you, birthday card, or letter of encouragement to parents and/or sponsors to commemorate the baptisms in the congregation. If this is not possible, try surveying as many members of the congregation as possible to see how many can remember the date of their baptism. Start a bulletin board with postcards or notices that members can fill in. The postcards could read: “I’m__________ and I was baptized in ________ (city) on __________ (date).”
• Take turns completing this sentence: “Being baptized means that I…”, or “I live out my baptism each day by…”
• Choose a hymn to sing from the Baptism of our Lord (page 1178) or Holy Baptism (page 1183) topical sections of Evangelical Lutheran Worship.

Closing Prayer

Prayer for Daily Renewal, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, page 86:

Almighty God, by our baptism into the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you turn us from the old life of sin. Grant that we who are reborn to new life in him may live in righteousness and holiness all our days, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or…

Almighty God, you renew us and restore us through baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus. Guide us to holiness and righteousness as we live out your word. Amen.

Contributed by Matthew R. Nelson
Walla Walla, WA

As we begin a new year, in especially trying times, many Americans are looking for a sign of the things to come. Will it get better, or worse? Can we know before it happens?

We wonder if we’ve seen the worst of the economic crisis, or if the worst is still to come. Will more people find jobs than lose them? Will gas prices keep going down of zoom back up? Will consumers once again be able to get loans to buy homes and cars and pay for college?

Our president-elect has promised change, but will it really be the change we need? Will our elected officials find ways to stop fighting and work together on our behalf? Will the election of an African American signal an improved era of race relations in the country? Will we find a way to improve the lives of the poor, neglected, and most vulnerable in our society?

Do the recent attacks in Gaza and the Middle East suggest a year of greater violence, or is there still hope for peace? Will people with affordable medicines reach the sick that so desperately need them? Can we slow or reverse the damage we’ve done to our planet?

Some of our questions are more personal. Will I graduate? Will I find love? Will I find meaning in my life? What will happen to my family and friends?

It seems that only time will show us the answers to these and many other pressing questions.

Discussion Questions

• What questions are you hoping 2009 will answer?
• What signs may give you an early hint of the outcomes?
• Can you, or anyone, reliably predict the outcomes? Can you affect these outcomes? Why or why not?
• What does your faith lead you to expect in 2009?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, January 4, 2009.

(Text links are to oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year B at Lectionary Readings.)

Jeremiah 31:7-14 or Sirach 24:1-12
Psalm 147:12-20 (12) or Wisdom 10:51-21 (20)
Ephesians 1:3-14
John 1:[1-9] 10-18

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

The first thirteen verses of John’s Gospel form a sort of executive summary of the Christian story. Jesus — the Word, the Light — was of God, not a recent creation, but present at creation. He came to earth born as a human as a witness to God, but he was rejected by many. For us, the good news is that some did believe, and those that do have new life and hope as children of God.

Then John begins his story of Jesus’ life and ministry with the witness of John the Baptist. The oppressed people of Israel had hoped for the promised Messiah, and were watching for a sign that he had come. They also had many questions. John’s witness was foretold in Isaiah 40:3, one of many signs that would confirm for believers that Jesus was the promised one. God had said, through Isaiah, that this is how Jesus’ ministry would begin.

In John’s message, we also have the first sign from God of the revolutionary new covenant with all humankind that was Jesus Christ. He is not, like Moses, an instrument for God to declare his law. Instead, through Jesus, God fulfills and demonstrates his truth and grace. As John says in verse 18, no one could see God, but through Jesus, we can know and develop a closer relationship with God.

Discussion Questions

• Why was it necessary for John to “prepare” people for the coming of Christ?
• Imagine yourself in first century Judea. What might influence you to believe or disbelieve John?
• Few, if any, could imagine the events of the next three years of Jesus’ life. Based on the sign from John, what do you suppose most people expected of Jesus?
• In what way are contemporary Christians like the Jews of Jesus’ time?
• If God’s message through John is as valid today as it was in the time of Christ, what should we expect in 2009 and the years to come?
• Based on these expectations, how should we behave and prepare ourselves as people who profess and follow Jesus as the Son of God — the promised Messiah and Savior?

Activity Suggestions

• On a piece of paper, write down 2-3 questions that you hope will be answered, or problems you hope will be resolved, in 2009.
• For each item, list the signs that will let you know in advance how they are likely to turn out. (For example, if you’re applying to colleges this year, your grades in school, SAT scores, information from colleges, or scholarships might be early signs that your hope will become a reality.)
• Then, list the things you can do to affect and influence the outcomes, and the role of faith in each. What is beyond your control?
• Share your list with the group.

** You can take this exercise one step further by putting it someplace safe (like the box you store your Christmas ornaments in) for a year. Next year at this time, review the list. How predictive were the signs you identified? How effective were your actions in securing the desired outcomes? And, most important, where do you see God’s hand in shaping the year you had?

Closing Prayer

Almighty God, we recognize in Jesus a sign of your great love for us. Help us every day to see the many signs of your loving presence in our world and bless us to be signs of your love for those who need your light and hope. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.


Contributed by Jocelyn Breeland
Fairfax, VA