Living the Season after Pentecost at Home
Ideas for nurturing faith and discipleship at home
Pentecost 2
The Season after Pentecost began May 31 and will continue through the month of November. That is half of the year, a full six, months spent reflecting on God’s activity in our world. In Pentecost 2 this year, we, with the community of the gospel of Mark, ponder what it means to live as followers of Jesus. What are the stumbling blocks? What are the blessings, and in what ways are we blessings within a web of interrelationship? How is power used and or abused? We are encouraged to take heart, and we hear the call to love, to give, to care, and to look toward and live toward the reign of God. On Reign of Christ Sunday, the last Sunday in the church year, we turn to the gospel of John where we are called to think about truth, about Jesus, who is identified as the Truth, and the response we are invited to make to the One who speaks truth to us.
Stories for this Pentecost 2
September 6
Mark 7:24–37
ReadMark 7:24–37 from an age appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story “Pleas for Help” on p xx of SeasonsFUSION (copies available from your church office).
Something to think about, talk about, or do
“But a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about Jesus, and she came and bowed down at his feet.”
A gentile woman comes to Jesus determined to seek healing for her daughter. Her ethnicity, religion, and gender set her apart from Jesus, a Jew. Yet she will not be deterred; her discussion with Jesus challenges him to walk outside the boundaries of convention and respond differently to her. Then, when Jesus encounters one who is deaf and his speech impeded, he responds immediately, “Be opened,” he says to the man, and heals him. In both these stories Mark remind us that God’s love has no limits. It breaks through barriers offering healing to all.
This week, think about places you encounter others. Is there a particular person who always seems to be left out in some way? What could you do to extend welcome to that person?
September 13
Mark 8:27–38
ReadMark 8:27–38 from an age appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story “Who Is Jesus” on p xx of SeasonsFUSION (copies available from your church office).
Something to think about, talk about, or do
“…on the way [Jesus] asked the disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”
Jesus has been in the public eye for a while and there has been much speculation about his identity. Today, Jesus challenges the disciples to come to their own conclusions about who he is. The disciples, believing Jesus to be the Messiah, had their own ideas of what was expected from Jesus. When Jesus tells them that he must live out God’s wisdom – ways of humble service and love – the disciples don’t want to hear. Jesus reminds Peter, and all the disciples, that they are to learn what it means to risk everything and follow God’s path of love.
- If you were to ask Jesus, “Who do you say that I am?” how would he answer?
- Now, if Jesus were to ask you, “Who do you say that I am?” How would you answer?
This week, mount pieces of paper to a vacant wall, low enough so everyone can reach. Print the headings “Jesus is…,” “Jesus does…,” “Jesus shows…”across the tops. Throughout the week, make a graffiti art display on the pieces of paper that expresses whom you know Jesus to be.
September 20
Mark 9:30–37
ReadMark 9:30–37 from an age appropriate Bible or story Bible. or the story “Jesus and the Child” on p xx of SeasonsFUSION (copies available from your church office).
Something to think about, talk about, or do
“…Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me…”
Once again, we join Jesus and the disciples on the road to Jerusalem. Jesus wants to spend some time sharing wisdom with his disciples and preparing them for what lies ahead. The disciples still want Jesus to triumph with physical power, but that is not God’s way. Jesus uses the example of servants and children, both vulnerable citizens of the time, to turn conventional wisdom upside down. God’s wisdom says that those who are willing to serve are considered great. God’s wisdom says that those who are considered to be of little value are welcomed and given a place of honour.
- Who are the vulnerable, defenseless, at risk in your community?
- Who might Jesus bring to the centre of the community and say, “Whoever welcomes this one, also welcomes me”?
This week, cut medallions out of card stock. Print the words “I am important to God” in the middle. Decorate as desired and tape ribbon to the back of the medallions. As you work, name one caring thing each member of the household has done this week that Jesus would say is great. Place medallions around each other’s necks saying, “(name), you are important in God’s eyes.”
September 27
Mark 9:38–50
ReadMark 38–50 from an age appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story “Sharing Ministry” on p. xx of SeasonsFUSION (copies available from your church office).
Something to think about, talk about, or do
Jesus said, “Whoever is not against us is for us.”
John reports to Jesus that the disciples noticed someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name, but because they didn’t know the person they stopped them. Jesus, however, challenged them to be more inclusive. In a rather unusual list of images, Jesus tells the disciples that they must clear away things – even prejudice – that keep them from proclaiming the gospel. If something gets in the way it should be tossed out.
This week, reflect on and perhaps talk about what are the things that can get in the way of your life that might keep you from living the teachings of Jesus each day.
Activities for this Season of Creation
Audiostories of the weekly focus passages retold in ways that are accessible and engaging for people of all ages are available in MP3 format for purchase and download at The MP3 versions of the stories are also included on the Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 CD, and in the web version of SeasonsFUSION materials, and available from your church office.
- DramaListen to the audio version of the story for each week. Then, work as a family or group to think of ways you might act out the story. Listen to the story again and practice the movements you have decided on. You may decide to use simple costumes or props to enhance your drama. Once you have actions or gestures to go with the whole story, invite some friends, neighbours, or another group to be an audience.
- Record your own audio storyof the week’s story from an age-appropriate Bible, or Bible stories provided each week in SeasonsFUSION. Decide how you would like to tell the story. What voices will you use? What sound effects will you include? Will you have music playing in the background to add to the atmosphere? Once you have practiced how you want to tell the story, record your own audio version. Phone or visit someone you love and play your version for them, or send your digital recording via e-mail to a friend or family member.
MusicThe printed music and recordings used in Season of Creation, Pentecost 2 2015 are available for purchase and download at Seasons MP3 Downloads,
During family or group prayers, sing the song “Friend to Friend” (Seasons Songbook, vol. 7, #28 on the Seasons Music CD, vol. 7, and available for purchase at Seasons MP3 Downloads, and pass the peace of Christ with one another.
ActivitiesIf your group or family is looking for some ideas for connecting with one another or with new friends this season, consider the following:
- The Creation story in Genesis 1 reminds us that, as God created the universe, God noticed that everything was good. Celebrate the goodness of other people. Invite everyone to take a piece of paper, and to write her or his name at the top. Each person then hands their paper around the group. When you get a piece of paper, think of something wonderful about that person, and write it on the bottom of the sheet. Then, fold it up so your information is covered, but there is still paper left, and pass it along to someone else. That person will write something wonderful about the person named on the paper at the bottom, and then fold it. This happens until the paper has gone around the circle, and everyone has written something on each one. Return the pieces to the people named on the papers, and invite them to unfold the pages and celebrate all the wonderful things others have said about them.
- In the context of Mountain Sunday, go out and find a mountain. This need not be a huge snow-covered peak, but can be any kind of hill. If there is absolutely no hill available, what else can you climb up on? Find somewhere that is higher than other places, and look around. What do you see? Especially, what can you see that you wouldn’t be able to see from down below? What kind of new perspective does this give you on the world? Say a word of thanks and praise to God before you climb down.
- On a computer with Internet access go to to see Terje Sorgjerd’s time lapse movie of El Teide, Spain’s highest mountain.
- We are called to listen to the heartbeat of Earth. Try to locate your heartbeat and listen to it. The easiest way to do this is with a stethoscope. However, they are often not readily available. Luckily, there are a few other ways that usually work – although you have to be kind of still and patient to listen. Place a hand over your heart – a few inches below your chin, and just to the left. Optionally, try placing two fingers on the inside of your wrist, or place two fingers along the side of your neck. As you quietly notice your heartbeat, imagine the heartbeat of the earth. How do you think you are connected? Jump up and down in place, or run a short distance and back. Try to hear your heartbeat and notice what has happened. What kinds of things might change the rhythm and heartbeat of Earth?
- Connect with the rhythm of Earth by doing some drumming. Any kinds of drums can work; if you don’t have any, find other surfaces that you can use: your legs, a book, a table, pots and pans from the kitchen, and so on. Use your imagination! Join with others to create rhythms, and imagine yourselves connected with Earth. If possible, do this outdoors, with your shoes off, and feel your connection to the Earth.
Other resources
Bible storybooksWhatever our age, hearing a Bible story told in a new way can bring fresh insights. Many of the Pentecost 2 passages are in the Lectionary Story Bible: Year B by Ralph Milton © 2008 Wood Lake Publishing Inc
The Other Way to Listenby Byrd Baylor and Peter Parnall (Aladdin). As we learn other ways to listen we begin to hear things like wildflower seeds bursting open and the mountains singing. As we slow down we can hear the rocks murmuring, and remember that God’s spirit is alive in all the world.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (Harper and Row). This story is a powerful parable for children and adults. It celebrates the gift of giving and invites acceptance of someone else’s capacity to love.
Mr. Carey’s Garden by Jane Cutler (Houghton Miffin Juvenile Books). A man’s neighbours all have insect- and slug-free gardens and they learn to appreciate the beauty and wonder of a garden full of holes and patterns left by insects. This is a wonderful tale of people who were very distanced from each other coming together as community.
After the Beginning by Carolyn Pogue (Northstone Publishing Inc). As the Divine Family celebrates the work of creation, Little Angel challenges them to go a step further and create a wonderful world filled with differences. Margaret Kyle’s illustrations help place the reader inside the story.
Living the Season after Pentecost at Home
Season after Pentecost
The Season after Pentecost began May 31 and will continue through the month of November. That is half of the year, a full six months spent reflecting on God’s activity in our world. In Pentecost 2 this year, we, with the community of the gospel of Mark, ponder what it means to live as followers of Jesus. What are the stumbling blocks? What are the blessings, and in what ways are we blessings within a web of interrelationship? How is power used and/ or abused? We are encouraged to take heart, and we hear the call to love, to give, to care, and to look toward and live toward the reign of God. On Reign of Christ Sunday, the last Sunday in the church year, we turn to the gospel of John where we are called to think about truth, about Jesus, who is identified as the Truth, and the response we are invited to make to the One who speaks truth to us.
Stories for this Season after Pentecost
October 4
Mark 10:2–16
ReadMark 10:2–16 from an ageappropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story “Jesus and the Children” on p. 86 of SeasonsFUSION (copies available from your church office).
Something to think about, talk about, or do
[Jesus said], “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”
Sometimes we get caught up with petty details, and we miss the larger picture of things. Some Pharisees question Jesus about divorce and cite ancient laws that were biased against women. Jesus makes the broader statement that we must not try to break apart what God has joined. However, he goes further when people bring children to him. Jesus challenges those who want to keep the children away. “The reign of God belongs to them,” Jesus says. In the midst of wondering about details we must not lose sight of compassion and caring for one another.
- How does your faith community respond to the presence of children?
This week, go to and read and talk about the UN convention on the rights of a child.
October 11
Mark 10:17–31
ReadMark 10:17–31 from an ageappropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story “A Tough Decision” on p. 100 of SeasonsFUSION (copies available from your church office).
Something to think about, talk about, or do
[Jesus said] “for God all things are possible.”
We can all be challenged by trying to live the deep realities of our faith commitment each day. Like the man who asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life, we too want to know how to be in God’s favour. Yet, like him, we can turn away when we are challenged to give away those things we value. The things we are asked to give up differ greatly from the days of the disciples, but God’s call is still the same: we need to be willing to let go of all that gets in the way, so that we can truly be followers of Jesus.
- How would you respond if Jesus told you to “divest yourself of overabundance”?
This week, spend time considering and acting upon ways you might “de-clutter.”
October 18
Mark 10:35–45
ReadMark 10:35–45 from an age- appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story “Close to Jesus” on p. 112 of SeasonsFUSION (copies available from your church office).
Something to think about, talk about, or do
[Jesus said], “for the Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.”
When a couple of the disciples ask Jesus for a special favour, Jesus reminds them that tough times lie ahead. “Rather than focusing on who gets to sit next to me,” Jesus seems to say, “be concerned about the difficulties of proclaiming God’s unconditional love.” Jesus goes on to remind them that he is trying to lead in a way that differs from the rest of the world, as a servant. And he calls the disciples to live the same way.
- Ponder a time when you have wanted to be served, and imagine yourself serving instead. What does that feel like?
This week, think of people in your church community who show greatness in the way they show God’s love in the world. Send an e-mail, card, or make a phone call thanking them for their service to others.
October 25
Mark 10:46–52
ReadMark 10:46–52 from an age- appropriate Bible or story Bible, or the story “I Can See!” on p. 124 of SeasonsFUSION (copies available from your church office).
Something to think about, talk about, or do
Jesus said, “Go, your faith has made you well.”
Bartimaeus, on the side of the road, cannot see, and desperately wants to regain his sight. When he hears Jesus is nearby he cries out for help, and is told by the crowd to be quiet. He cries all the louder, and Jesus calls for him. Now the crowd who shushed him tells him to hurry up. It is an interesting view of human behaviour, that often we will switch our allegiance or loyalty to try to satisfy others. Jesus, however, does nothing but show compassion, and tells Bartimaeus that his faith has made him well. Bartimaeus, as an act of thanksgiving, follows Jesus.