Contributed by Sylvia Alloway
Granada Hills, CA

While some believers are outraged by these notices and demand that they be retracted, others look upon them as a good way to start a conversation about God. Since most of the Western world grants its citizens free speech, it is unlikely that the “Atheist Bus Campaign” will die down at any time soon.

Check out the ELCA ad campaign developed for sharing our mission and ministry.

Discussion Questions

• Do you think that city buses should run atheistic ads? Christian ads? Why or why not? Are there any kind of ads or messages that shouldn’t be given/sold public space?
• Under what circumstances could a Christian use the same “stop worrying” ad language to talk about his or her faith?
• Discuss the bus ads (both Christian and atheistic) in the context of free speech. Does free speech mean anything goes, for instance, ridicule or personal attacks on a person for their beliefs or racial/ethnic identity, or use of cruel, violent, or obscene language? Where do you draw the line? Who should make such decisions?
• Think about the message, “Stop worrying and enjoy your life.” Would atheism really eliminate worry and make life more enjoyable? Why or why not?
• Atheists say that there is no factual support for the message of salvation through Christ, or for God’s existence. What do you think? How would you respond to them? 

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, March 15, 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.)

• Exodus 20:1-17
• Psalm 19 (8)
• I Corinthians 1:18-25
• John 2:13-22

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

Gospel Reflection

God’s will and law in both our physical and moral world has not been a popular idea throughout history. Yet the Bible is full of stories and admonitions that have to do with the truth and necessity of God’s law in all areas of life. In today’s Old Testament lessons, we have the Ten Commandments and a rousing picture of God’s sovereignty over nature (“The heavens are telling…”) and humanity (“The decrees of God are sure…”). But the New Testament lessons warn us that these laws are not obvious to everyone. In fact some will consider them foolish, while others will simply disobey when it suits them—believers and nonbelievers, alike.

When Jesus mentions destroying the temple, the Jewish leaders think he is talking nonsense. Jesus simply leaves them in their ignorance, knowing that they want only to argue, not to learn. At this point, the gospel writer zooms ahead and reminds us that the disciples remember these words of Jesus, after he is resurrected, and then find that they make perfect sense. As believers and followers—imperfect as they are—the disciples have become more open and receptive to God’s truth and word, while others remain resistant or closed off in mind and heart to the truth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

How, then, can we be more Christ-like in the matter of God’s law? We need to study, know, and have faith in God’s word, and apply it boldly to every situation of our life. We must resist compromise or messing with the truth to break or bend the law for our own benefit. And we need the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us in our public witness with others and remind us of the great love and forgiveness that God wraps us in because we are imperfect and not always obedient.

The bottom line: We all need God’s mercy, even in our good works and obedience, because none of our actions are pure. (a paraphrase of Martin Luther)

Discussion Questions 

• What specific modern examples can you think of in which people think God’s law is foolish, unrealistic, or can be ignored? What examples can you describe of people who claim to know and trust God, but act or do something contrary or seemingly hypocritical? (e.g., a minister scamming a congregation, TV evangelist preaching one thing and living another, a friend in youth group posting lies about someone online, cheating on a test or stretching the truth on an application because it could mean getting into a highly respected Lutheran college, etc.) How does God’s love, grace, and forgiveness enter into all of this?
• In what way, or under what circumstances, might a bus ad influence a person to accept, reject, or want to know more about God?
• You never know when you are going to have an opportunity to speak up for Christ, or when you might unknowingly be a witness. In what ways can Christians prepare themselves for such opportunities? Think beyond just spoken words and consider creative writing, videos and photography, actions, Web pages, relationships, decision making, etc.
• A discussion for more mature students: Atheists claim that human beings can be truly good, caring, and generous without God’s law. What do you think? (Martin Luther talked about several different kinds or righteousness, one being a moral or “civil righteousness.” He described the possibility of people who are not Christian, in the context of obeying government and social laws and expectations, being good citizens who are caring, working for justice, good, and serving people in need. But he is clear in asserting that these works, no matter how good they are, do not earn us favor or salvation with God… that’s where the idea of “heavenly righteousness” or “righteousness of faith” comes in. We give ourselves over in faith that our forgiveness and redemption is God’s work and gift to us through Jesus Christ.)
• Discussion Extension: Act out a few responses to the news article discussion questions 2 and 5. 

Activity Suggestion

• Creating bus ads: Use art materials to make one or more Christian bus ads that respond positively (even humorously) to the “Stop worrying” ad or one of the others mentioned in the story. (Remember, the point is not to rip apart or smear the other ads or organizations.)
• Work in your congregation or synod to use some of the media ads from the ELCA ad campaign. We have a message of good news, hope, and invitation to share with everyone.

Suggested songs

• “Great is the Lord” (contemporary)
• “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” Evangelical Lutheran Worship, #858
• “O, Sing to God Above” (“Cantemos al Señor”), Evangelical Lutheran Worship, #555
• “Earth and All Stars,” Evangelical Lutheran Worship, #731

Closing Prayer

Almighty God and sovereign Lord, we thank and praise you that your law and your saving grace rule every corner of creation. We need never worry or fear that you are absent or that you have stopped caring for us, your people, your creation. Keep us surrounded by and grounded in your love and will, God, and show us the true freedom that comes from obedience and trust in you. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Warm-up Question: Share a rule you have to follow at school, home, sports team, or perhaps even at church that you feel is not fair. Why do you obey?

An Ohio man acting as the drum major for a band in the presidential inaugural parade nodded and gestured to President Barack Obama and was suspended from the band for his actions. The leaders of the Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums stressed to the whole band that they were participating as a military procession and all decorum would be required. The band leaders stressed not to look at or gesture to the president. During the parade, the drum major made eye contact with the president who smiled then waved at the major, and the drum major gave a wave in return.

As a result of the suspension, the drum major has resigned his place in the band saying that the glow of being in the parade has worn off and that he no longer wished to be in the band. The band has received criticism for their decision but has not wavered despite critical e-mails and phone calls.

Discussion Questions

• Share whether you think the decision to suspend the drum major was fair. What can you say about both sides of the argument.
• If this was you and you knew you were not supposed to look at the president, but he was walking right by the platform, what do you think you would do?
• Why do you think the rule was there to begin with? What reasons might you give to hold to this rule rigorously?
• When do you think it is OK to break a rule?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, February 1, 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.)

• Deuteronomy 18:15-20
• Psalm 111 (10)
• 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
• Mark 1:21-28

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

Gospel Reflection

In the text in 1 Corinthians, the question is whether it is OK to eat food set aside for idols. What would happen is that an animal would be sacrificed to an idol. The animal would then be butchered for meat and sold. According to Jewish law, this food would not be kosher and therefore would not be food that a Jewish person could eat. But what happens when the rules change? What happens when following the law no longer defines you but something else all together? What happens when Jesus comes and changes everything?

Paul explains that the food has no intrinsic value, and is neither good nor bad — it is just food. They are free to eat whatever they wish and no law defines them. So you would think Paul is saying, “Go ahead and eat!” But this isn’t the case. He realizes that others who are hearing the good news and are Jewish may be put off by the apparent disobeying of a law by Christians that others may think of as very important. Just because they are free from this rule and it has no place in the new covenant in Jesus, he asks the church to follow the rule so that it does not become a stumbling block to others. In other words, the rule is silly and they don’t need to follow it, but they gotta so people won’t freak out and not listen to them anymore. It may seem silly that the drum major can’t make eye contact with the President of the United States, but for the whole group this was the rule and it needed to be followed by all.

As Christians, we know a freedom of living. We are free from the old rules and laws and trying to achieve perfection so that God will love us. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the divide between humanity and the Lord is torn down and we are fully loved. This means we are free. Luther would say we are “Lord of all, slave to none.”

But this same freedom is not something that we take lightly. It comes with a message and way of living that reflects what it means to be free. Yes, God will love us even when we make mistakes. God will love us even if we make poor choices. These actions will not change God. We are free from any laws or rules that are meant to move or force us into relationship with God. But, if we ignore all the rules, we may forget that the world is watching us and we are communicating something important by our actions, words, and lives. They are looking for God and we need to reflect the goodness of God. Even though we are free from the law, we are still called to obey the law for the sake of the world.

Here’s another way to look at it: Imagine your parents or guardians have promised you a new car and purchased it for you. They have said that no matter what, they will always buy you a car and will take care of it, no matter what. Does this mean you drive it recklessly? Would you purposely drive your car into a tree just because you know your parents will buy you a new one? Do you take a milkshake and pour it on the floor just because your parents will fix it and clean it? No, you still follow some rules. You care for your life and do what you can to show your parents that you are thankful for their gift. You take care of the car as your way of saying “Thanks for the car!” How you drive is an expression of how you feel about your parents. And in all of this, others are watching too. They will know how you feel about them by how you drive!

How much more should you take care of your life? How you live expresses how you feel about God and your thankfulness for what God has done. Yes, the rules will not change how much God loves you, but we follow them as our way of saying thank you and as a way of showing our love and respect for God.

Discussion Questions

• What rules does your church have about the building or grounds? (e.g., no drinks in the sanctuary, no running around the altar, pick up after yourself, etc.) What are the reasons for some of these rules?
• What are some rules you have for yourself? (e.g., be kind to friends, listen when one is talking, return things I borrow, etc.) What are the reasons for these rules?
• What are some rules you think God may have for you? (e.g., praying daily, caring for our bodies by not turning them over to worldly things, worshiping, etc.) What are the reasons for these rules? Why would God want these things from us, even if they don’t change God?

Activity Suggestion

Throwing it Away

Bring a bag of candies or a snack to church with you; something in wrappers like Hershey Kisses, Reese’s Cups, or snack chips. Before the class, set up with one student that when you give out the candies and promise them another if they ask, he or she will find ridiculous things to do with the candies like throw them away without unwrapping them, tossing them behind bookcases, stepping on them, or any other creative way to “waste” the snack. Before class, give each student some candy and promise them another piece if they ask. During the class and discussion, the student should be asking for more of the candy or snack and then obviously doing silly things with it. Be careful this does not go overboard to the point of distracting from the rest of class or causing chaos. Let it happen, then both student and leader should move on to the discussion.

• Discuss with the class how it felt to see the student waste the free gift of candy. Did it seem right? How should he have behaved?
• Since he or she received a free piece of candy no matter what, why would it matter what they did with the other pieces?
• What opinion do the other students conclude about the student wasting things?
• What does his or her behavior say about the person and how they feel about the teacher?
• Compare this to life and the decisions we make. If we are forgiven anyway, why do we need to respect, follow the rules, and live a life worthy and pleasing? What does our behavior say about how we feel about God?

Closing Prayer

God, there is nothing we could do to make you love us any more and there is nothing we could do to make you love us any less. With such a gift, how can we not praise and thank you! Give us courage to live lives pleasing to you, not to make you love us but because you already do. Help us to live everyday as a thank you for your gift of life. Amen.

Contributed by Jay Gamelin, pastor of Jacob’s Porch, the Lutheran Campus Mission to The Ohio State University, OH

There are several annual “Power 100” lists released at the end of the year: the 100 most powerful people in sports, business, politics, and others. But the film industry has its own list: the 100 most powerful women in entertainment, compiled by the respected trade paper The Hollywood Reporter. The list is made public and awards are given at the annual “Power 100” breakfast in December.

Only a handful of this year’s honorees work in front of the camera. Most notable (and least surprising) is Oprah Winfrey, winner of the number one spot. One other performer, actress Angelina Jolie, made the top twenty-five. Former model Tyra Banks and comedy writer/actress Tina Fey were included in the top 51, while Food Network star Rachel Ray appeared at number 65. At the 100th spot was teen star Miley Cyrus.

This was the 17th year of the event. During that time women have made great strides in gaining positions of power in Hollywood. Numerous recipients were CEOs, presidents, and vice presidents of major film companies and television networks, or their own companies.

Discussion Questions

1. The film industry is over 100 years old. Why has it taken so long for women to gain executive positions in the entertainment industry?
2. Do you think that women should continue to be honored separately from men, even though they are gaining more respect and better positions every year? Why or why not?
3. How will we know when women have attained full equality? What will happen then? What will it look like?
4. What purpose does recognizing the accomplishments of women in entertainment (or any realm of life) serve?

Women of the ELCA have a wealth of resources and ministries to explore…for all ages!

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, December 21, 2008.
(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.)

1. 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
2. Luke 1:46b-55 (52) or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 (1)
3. Romans 16:25-27
4. Luke 1:26-38

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

Gospel Reflection

Whether she is honored as a saint, admired for her courage and faithfulness, or held up as an example of total submission to God’s will, Mary is certainly the most important and memorable woman in the Bible for Christians. She was poor, humble, and most likely illiterate. She hailed from Nazareth, a despised little hick town. Yet, none other than the angel Gabriel tells her that she is “highly favored” by God.

What does this “favor” involve? She becomes the subject of gossip and ridicule when she is found to be pregnant without a husband. Her betrothed, Joseph, almost leaves her. She must watch her son, Jesus, suffer and die. This is favor?

In our world, “favored” means rewarded with position, honor, wealth, and preferential treatment. It is a breakfast where our work is recognized and celebrated. It is winning, gaining, or accomplishing. What did this poor girl, probably no older than a teenager, do to be called favored by God?

Mary was obedient. She declared herself “the handmaiden of the Lord.” She trusted God with her life and her son’s life. She sang for joy in all this, even in the midst of any uncertainty or self-consciousness she may have felt.

Well, that’s fine, but things are different now, aren’t they? Women are powerful, significant. They have rights. They buy and sell and do business around the world. There’s nothing wrong with that. The ideal woman described in Proverbs is a businesswoman (Proverbs 31:16, 18, 24). She receives praise and reward for her work.

In the end though, it is Mary who shows us the ultimate and faithful virtues in the eyes of God: obedience, faith, submission, and joy in the Lord. These are required of anyone — male or female — whom God calls to service, from Abraham to Moses and the prophets, from Ruth to Paul, to Jesus. As Christians, we, too, are called to service and faith even though it will most likely not make us famous, rich, or remembered like Mary.

Discussion Questions

1. What do submission and obedience to God mean in everyday life? How can ordinary people like you and me practice them?
2. Submission does not mean being a “doormat” or letting others take advantage of you. How can we show humility like Christ and still stand up for ourselves and others?
3. What about joy in the Lord, such as Mary expressed in her song, the Magnificat? Where do we get it — joy? What do you think God is promising, and not promising, to us when it comes to joy? How do we sustain it, especially in difficult times? How do you personally measure or describe joy?
4. Does obedience to God mean that we should not accept praise or rewards for doing God’s work? Why or why not? What is a faithful and humble attitude towards any praise we may receive?

Activity Suggestions

In groups or as a class, make your own top 5 lists (or more or fewer). Start with Biblical characters from both the Old and New Testaments. Who were the most powerful and influential people in the Bible? The best servants? The bravest? Have students make up others.

Activity extension: Do the same with Christians throughout history, people of faith from the past or present, including people from your own congregation.

Suggested Songs

• “Away in a Manger,” Evangelical Lutheran Worship, #277
• “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” Lutheran Book of Worship, #42
• You can also read or sing the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) or “My Soul Does Magnify the Lord,” Evangelical Lutheran Worship, #882

Closing Prayer

God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we praise you for the example of the one who was highly favored — Mary, our model of faithfulness, obedience, and joy. Like Mary, may we be always humble, always submissive to you will, and always useful to you in service to others. Let us not be absorbed in earthly rewards, but take joy in the gifts you give us both now and for eternity. In the name of your blessed son, Jesus Christ, whose birth we anticipate and celebrate. Amen.

Contributed by Sylvia Alloway
Granada Hills, CA

At the beginning of the school year, the Edmonds, Washington school district had implemented a new policy: students who owed more than $10.00 in the cafeteria would have their hot lunches confiscated and replaced with a cheese sandwich and no drink. Because of food safety rules, the confiscated lunches had to be thrown away. Previously, students who didn’t have lunch money had been allowed to charge their lunches.

District officials acknowledged that implementing the policy was difficult, and that they were seeking to balance the district’s need to be financially responsible with making sure that the kids were fed. At the end of the last school year, the district was owed $207,763 in unpaid lunch fees, and officials realized that the district could not long afford to continue the pattern of allowing students with delinquent lunch accounts to continue charging.

Many of the students who owed money would qualify for the government sponsored free lunch or reduced price lunch program for low-income families, but had not filled out the paperwork. Others came from families who could pay, and who did settle their debts as soon as their kids had their hot lunches confiscated. Within five days, 35% of those who owed money had paid their debt. Some parents had been unaware that their children had been charging cafeteria lunches instead of eating the lunches they had packed from home; other parents had simply neglected to keep their children’s cafeteria lunch accounts current.

The policy quickly proved to be controversial. Some cafeteria workers refused to cooperate with the new school policy, and refused to take milk and fruit away from young kids. Some workers had begun donating money to buy lunches for kids who would otherwise be served a sandwich. “They’re children and it’s not their fault,” said one cashier. “For some of these kids, it’s the only decent meal they get in a day. Could you do it? Could you look into a kindergartner’s eyes and take away their lunch and give them a cold cheese sandwich and nothing else? I just can’t. If I lose my job over it, OK.”

Public reaction to the policy was primarily negative, although some had applauded the school district for its “tough love” efforts, noting that someone would not expect to eat at a restaurant without paying, and that it is the parents, not the taxpayers, who are responsible for feeding the children. Many others criticized the district for wasting food by throwing it away and for unfairly punishing the students because of their parents’ failure to pay.

In response to the criticisms, the Edmonds School District quickly revised the policy to allow students to keep their milk, and, a few days later, announced that it was temporarily suspending the policy. The school district also announced that it would develop a new policy regarding students with delinquent cafeteria lunch accounts.

Discussion Questions

• What motivated the school district officials to put the policy in place? Why was the policy controversial? Why do you think the district officials changed their minds?
• Imagine that you are a parent of a student whose lunch had been confiscated. How would you feel about what happened?
• What would you do? Imagine that you are a student whose lunch was confiscated. How would you feel? What would tell your parents when you got home?
• Imagine that you are a cafeteria worker. Would you be willing to risk your job by resisting the policy? Would you treat younger students differently than older students? Why or why not?
• Do you think this policy was fair or unfair? Why? Do you think that the school district made the right decision to change the policy in response to the criticisms they had received? Why or why not?
• When it comes to holding others accountable, do you lean more toward practicing “tough love” or toward being lenient and forgiving?
• What factors would lead you to change your mind about a decision you had made?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, September 28, 2008.
(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 A at Lectionary Readings.)

• Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
• Psalm 25:1-9 (6)
• Philippians 2:1-13
• Matthew 21:23-32

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

Gospel Reflection

Jesus was a controversial figure. The religious leaders had been critical of his teachings and his actions and questioned his authority. So Jesus poses a question to them: by what authority did John the Baptist baptize? Was it from heaven (God) or from humans? The religious leaders struggle with the question, because they realize that no matter how they answer, they open themselves to criticism. If they say “from heaven,” they would face the question, “then why didn’t you believe him?” If they say, “from humans,” the crowds would be angry with them for denying John’s status as a prophet. So the leaders dodge the question by saying “we don’t know.” Since they refuse to answer Jesus’ question about John’s authority, he won’t answer their question, either (Matthew 21:23-27).

Then Jesus tells a parable, giving them a “story problem” to solve. Which of the following sons did the will of his father? The one who first refused his father’s request to go to work, then changed his mind and went, or the one who said he would go, but didn’t? (Matthew 21:28-31).

Unlike the previous question about authority, this is a question they will answer, perhaps because it is an easier question, or perhaps because it is purely hypothetical. “The first one,” they reply. However, this question, which seems to be only about a “what if” situation, has a basis in reality. This question is a thinly veiled comparison between the religious leaders (who promise to do God’s will, but don’t), and the sinners (who initially reject God’s will, but repent) (verse 32).

By answering correctly, the religious leaders have exposed the truth of their situation, and have essentially passed judgment on themselves. In their refusal to accept Jesus, they have failed to do God’s will, and they have failed to repent.

In the Gospel, the conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities quickly escalates, setting in motion the chain of events that leads to his crucifixion. Jesus had a clear sense of direction and purpose that was not shaken by conflict and controversy. He did not choose his path based on what would make him popular or prevent criticism. He did not back down when he was challenged; instead, he zeroed in on what was central: obedience to the will of God, shown not by intention, but action.

Which of the two sons in the parable did the will of the father? Although the religious leaders offered the “correct answer,” one could also say that neither of those sons completely fulfilled the will of the father. In the Gospel, the son who fulfills the father’s will is the one who is obedient from start to finish, the one who is acclaimed as Son of God at his baptism (Matthew 3:17) and at the cross (Matthew 27:54). By his death and resurrection, this Son is given all authority in heaven and earth, and commissions his followers to join in carrying out God’s will (see Matthew 28:18-20).

Discussion Questions

• Why were the religious leaders challenging Jesus? Why did Jesus challenge the religious leaders? Do you think Jesus is practicing “tough love” with them? Why or why not?
• Imagine that you are the first son in the parable that Jesus told. Why might he have said “no” to his father’s request that he work in the field? What might have led him to change his mind?
• Imagine that you are the second son in the parable that Jesus told. Why might he have said “yes” to his father’s request? Why might he have changed his mind and not gone to work after all?
• In what ways did each of the sons in the parable fail to do their father’s will? What role does repentance play in this story?
• Why do you think Jesus is telling this parable? What point is he trying to get across to the religious leaders? What message does this parable have for you?

Activity Suggestions

Elevator witness
Ask each person to create and write a 1- to 2-minute “elevator speech” (as some business people call it) that expresses to another person who Jesus is. The idea of an elevator speech is that a business person would have a 1-minute presentation memorized so that if they were in an elevator with someone and needed to tell them what they do and who they are, they’d be prepared. The exercise requires each person to focus carefully on what is important about Jesus and their faith, and to put their beliefs into clear, understandable language.

• Practice the elevator witnesses with each other and get feedback on how the person listening felt and was able to understand what you were saying about your faith.
• Encourage each other to be ready to use their brief statement of witness as a way of inviting another person to be more curious or to enter into a longer conversation with you about faith.
• Use the elevator witness statements in a worship liturgy as the confession of faith or creed.

Closing Prayer

Gracious God, you have loved us when we have disappointed you. You have stood by us when we have tried to skip out or hide from you. We give thanks for your great love and forgiveness that we never deserve but still receive as a gift from you each day. Please help us to be loving, forgiving, fair, wise, and generous in the ways that your son, Jesus Christ, has shown us. In his name we pray. Amen


Contributed by Pastor Julie A. Kanarr
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Port Angeles, WA