Year A, Special Effects for Online Worship – Video Edition, 2020
Saturday, April 4, 2020 • Duration 41:45
Hey everyone! We know that many of you are adapting your worship services to online formats and we have some tips for how to move Multiple Intelligence Theory online! We are working from the Zoom platform; you may be using something different with other tools. That’s okay. We’re pretty sure what we suggest in this video will translate to other applications.
Worship is a living experience, so don’t fret if you are having difficulties or receiving feedback that is mostly “Why do we have to do it THIS way?” or “I wish we could meet at the church.” We do not worship the way our ancient Hebrew ancestors worshipped, and we don’t worship the way the first Christians worshipped. We don’t even worship the way our grandparents worshipped for the most part. We are rapidly evolving into this new world where the Ancient foundation of God’s love shapes our new walls.
So this week’s episode is an adventure, because it is both audio and VIDEO! If you subscribe to our regular feed, you’ll get the audio from the video automatically, or you can download it here or in the usual places. But if you want the full treatment, you’ll want to click on the video on this page! You’ll get to see us at work with some general examples of special effects, plus you can see our swank MTH logo t-shirts!
Our first video episode! The sound quality is lousy, because we recorded through Zoom.
We truly hope this helps as you make your way in the new world. Please be in contact if you have any questions!
Year A, Lent 5, 2020 – New Life
Friday, March 27, 2020 • Duration 31:43
Hey everyone! We’ve been swamped this week. A lot of new ways of doing ministry has kept us away from producing a show. We are re-posting our episode from three years ago for these texts. You can see our show notes and download our worksheets at this link.
Our intention in the next week is to post a video with some suggestions for presenting illustrations and special effects for online worshipping. When we started this podcast five years ago, we never dreamed we would need to distance ourselves from hands on worship. This is a new world, and I suspect that online worship will truly go mainstream even after we can gather again safely.
We pray you all are well, and that this time, while unnerving, will provide you with new and creative ways to be the Body of Christ. Keep the faith, pray for everyone on the frontlines, pray for those suffering through the disease and grief of lost loved ones, and know you are mightily loved.
Grace and peace, Molly and David
Year A, Ordinary Time 2, 2020 – Emerging
Monday, January 13, 2020 • Duration 39:20
Hey, welcome back! I really like the picture above. I love tulips, but we cannot have any around our house, because foraging four-legged critters love them, too! *chomp* We can see what color these will be, but they are not yet fully emerged. The passages for today contain within them elements that are emerging. In the Isaiah passage, the servant that God has chosen is still discovering the mission God wants done through him. The Psalm as it is presented is a sort of “light lament,” but the verses that did not get included emerge as a full lament. Paul has some advice for the Corinthians, but first, he wants to establish the basis for their relationship before any of it emerges. And in John’s Gospel, the Lamb of God approaches, and two of John’s disciples decide to follow. Their conversation with Jesus points to an emerging discipleship.
Three years ago, we had a photo from space, questions about which verb tense to use to define our personal journey of faith, and Holy Ghost orchids! We also seem to have a bit of overlap with this year’s offerings, especially in music. That must be why we liked them so much! Take a look at the show notes and worksheets at this link: Year A, Ordinary 2, 2017.
David noticed that some words in the passage are defined by John three different times. That John does this throughout the Gospel reveals he was writing to people who were unfamiliar with the Jewish roots of the faith (or at least the Hebrew language. For WORD smart, ask people about their experiences of being in a setting where the language is unfamiliar; it may be a language that is not your native tongue, or it could be someone is using a lot of vernacular idioms or slang. Try using a translation that is different from usual, and be open to what new understanding emerges from that. For EYE smart, if you still have the balloon doves from last week, put them to use again, because this passage is John’s version of Jesus’ baptism. We offer an anthem with an intense video for MUSIC smart. Ask your congregation to consider what would happen if you suddenly started following a stranger pointed out to you for a PEOPLE smart exercise. And for SELF smart, remember a time when you just jumped into a situation without knowing the ending or even thinking through the beginning. We have some examples to illustrate this.
– [11:38]
– [21:38]
– [28:41]
Year B, Lent 2, 2018 – Trust Issues
Wednesday, February 21, 2018 • Duration 33:06
Greetings!! In a past Year B cycle, I remember doing a series of sermons about covenant based on the Old Testament lessons for this year. I was struck by how the idea of the covenant continued to narrow through the weeks. Last week, God made a covenant with the entirety of creation and this week, the covenant is with one particular person, with the intention of spilling out into the whole world. The catch is that this one person had to trust that God would be faithful to the covenant in spite of 24 years of waiting. Trust is precious, and we have all had experiences that reveal not only how strong it is but how fragile it can be. If you trust someone, you are stuck to that person like glue, aren’t you? But if that trust is betrayed – you can almost hear the shattering. All three passages for this week focus on trust. Abram and Sarai – who become Abraham and Sarah – must continue to trust God will keep the promise of a son. Paul encourages the faithful in Rome (and us today) to follow Abraham’s example and live in hope based on trust. In Mark, Peter has just made a monumental confession and must learn to trust Jesus’ definition of what Messiah will be. Let’s go see how we can focus on trust using illustrations and special effects.
This week’s texts are:
Genesis 17:1-7; 15-16 [01:58]
This story in Genesis reminded David of launching a ship in EYE smart. The new names declare that the journey of becoming a people for God is coming closer to fruition, and I suppose if champagne were a thing back then, it would have flowed freely once Isaac was born! We have an article (link below) about some of the elements of christening a ship and a video of one happening. The illustration also carries in it some SELF smart undertones in regards to identity and destiny. For me, the story got me to thinking of a long hike, and since it is the final part of the Torah portion that translates as “go forth,“ I included it in BODY smart. It sparked a thought to use learning to walk as an illustration and special effect. Go to the worksheet and see the chart David constructed showing the MATH smart use of numbers and exponential multiplication. Exponential increases make an appearance in NATURE smart and connect to the later promise God makes to Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the night sky!
Smarts – Eye [03:33], Math [04:41], Body [06:43], Nature [08:49]
It’s been a while since I’ve written a song. As happens with Winnie-the-Pooh, I don’t really write songs so much as songs come to me, and this one just came along. Now, I should point out, when I say “write songs” what I mean is I come up with new lyrics to someone else’s music. That’s what this one is. I was thinking about Genesis 9 for this week’s episode, and the repetition in it clicked in my mind as fitting the song “Handlebars” by Flobots. While “Handlebars” has three or four verses and a couple bridges, this has one verse, no bridge, but it covers the text pretty much end to end.
My lovely wife, colleague, partner, and Valentine, Molly, took a stab at recording this rap for you. You should be glad about that, because otherwise it would have been me, and you wouldn’t want that. Any way, she said she was so worried about getting the words right that she wasn’t feeling it. That’s okay, she did a great job, and it is just a demo. This is so you can hear what it might sound like when you do it in worship.
Now, if rap isn’t your thing, you could do it as a poem or get someone else to do it. However you use it, we’d love to hear how it goes. Drop us a note or leave a comment below. If you have a recording, we’d love to hear it!
Hey everyone, welcome back to the site! It it is time to begin the journey to Jerusalem and on to Golgotha. I am writing this on Ash Wednesday – the day we are reminded that we are dust and to dust we will return. Do we really need that reminder, though? Much of our human angst derives from an almost cellular recognition that death is our life long companion, leading us to make some really questionable decisions, both personally and corporately, to install some distance from it. The historical context behind the passages from the New Testament and Gospel for this Sunday reveal small communities whose existence teetered on the edge. The people to whom Peter’s letter is addressed suffered for their trust in the Gospel. Mark’s community is attempting to make sense of who Jesus of Nazareth was, either a guy from Galilee or the Messiah. (Why not both?) The narrative from Genesis is the aftermath of a global flood sent by God to wipe the slate clean. Drowning in water or in circumstances, God gives us a symbol of hope and restoration. If we read the rainbows with eyes of faith, we see God standing right behind death and know that when we return to dust, God will be there to take us in. Let’s go explore how we can make this statement of faith visible and real using Multiple Intelligence Theory.
This week’s texts are:
Genesis 9:8-17 [01:58]
The Old Testament passages for Lent in Year B examine the ways God presents the covenant to the people through their history. We begin with the first covenant – the rainbow. In WORD smart, we were struck that in more than one passage for this cycle, God begins the presentation of covenant using the phrase “as for me.” It’s a verbal attention getter that reminded me of a former President who often used the word “Look” when beginning an explanation of policy. We have some ideas how you might draw attention to other words in the passage with special effects the congregation gets to do using their bodies! I don’t think it is possible to do anything in EYE smart without using rainbows, so break out the color wheels and have fun with it! In BODY smart, God is using a weapon of warfare and hunting to symbolize God’s promise of salvation (at least from global catastrophic flooding). I suspect bows were seen all around in those days, so the reminder would be ever present. The promise is made not just to Noah and his human family but to all flesh that was on the ark; every critter! We have a suggestion for a special effect. Finally, in MUSIC smart, I remembered the song “Flood” by Jars of Clay (link below) and David revised the lyrics of the song “Handlebars” by The Flobots.
1 Peter 3:18-22 [10:36]
Mark 1:9-15 [24:27]
Year B, Transfiguration, 2018 – Partly Cloudy
Thursday, February 8, 2018 • Duration 34:18
Hey all! Here in our part of the world, we are in the grip of weird winter weather. Yesterday was beautiful and sunny with no clouds in the sky (YAY!!!) and today is socked in with drizzle that is kinda icy [Yuck]. I grew up in Colorado, which geographically is part of the high plains; the altitude and dry conditions make for long, long stretches of sunny skies. I got used to being able to see from horizon to horizon growing up, so sometimes not being able to see more than a quarter mile down a road has been an adjustment. Plus, experiencing long, long stretches of gray skies has also been a challenge. It’s not just me, either. Humans like being able to see what’s coming down the road, both while on the road and metaphorically. When the future is uncertain or dimly seen, we get a bit stressed. The three passages for today all have references to vision being clouded – by misunderstanding (2 Corinthians), or sudden wind storms (2 Kings), or dazzling white garments and supernatural appearances and overshadowing clouds (Mark). While Elisha’s and the disciples’ experiences are unique, we all know what it’s like to misunderstand and be misunderstood, clouding comprehension and forward progress. Hopefully, using the suggested Smarts will help clear up preaching and worship plans! Let’s go find out how.
This week’s texts are:
2 Kings 2:1-14 [01:58]
Elijah is connected with some pretty impressive weather events; thunderstorms, earthquakes, firestorms, and whirlwinds. Also, chariots of fire! We offer links to images and videos of whirlwinds as illustrations in both EYE and NATURE smart. If you try the special effect for EYE smart, be certain to have towels or plastic sheeting on the floor, and if you have folks who sit up front (really?), you may want to alert them about flying fluids a laGallagher. PEOPLE and SELF smart illustrations are all about interpersonal attachments, and we suggest comparing the relationship Elisha and Elijah have to your own relationships. The entire passage is lyrical, so in MUSIC smart, we run through how we see phrases and themes in the text. We also suggest some instrumentation to punctuate them.
Smarts – Eye [03:44], Music [06:15], Nature [03:44], People [09:24], Self [10:33]
2 Corinthians 4:3-6 [11:34]
Mark 9:2-10 [21:53]
Year B, Ordinary 5 (Epiphany 5), 2018 – Strengths and Weaknesses
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 • Duration 35:00
Hey all! Welcome back to the show! Have you ever been asked to enumerate your strengths and weaknesses? I always find myself struggling a bit to find an appropriate response for that. Do I answer the way I think they want to hear? Do I jump in and answer honestly and hope for the best? Do I list every strength and risk sounding arrogant or admit to “areas of growth” and risk sounding like a liability? It’s a tough line to walk, sometimes. In the passages for this week, we see images of strength and weakness. We hear some soaring poetry from Isaiah about God’s strength on behalf of the weakened people of Israel. We hear some puzzling pronouncements from Paul to the Corinthians about his willingness to forego his own strengths and appear like everyone else, even those who are weak. In Mark, Jesus once again reveals the strength of his authority, yet also shows a need to get away and reconnect in order not to be weakened and overcome.
This week’s texts are:
Isaiah 40:21-31 [01:58]
This entire passage is a MUSIC smart illustration and special effect! Twosongs using this imagery leapt out at me, and ironically, we are not using either in the podcast this week! Derp. We began instead with BODY smart thinking about how difficult the journey home to Israel from Babylon would be, especially for the elderly. We illustrate the encouragement in this poem with great coach pep talks! The quote by Melissa Bane Sevier on the worksheet may have some deep connection to people in your congregation who may be struggling with limited physical ability. In NATURE smart, we look at the two extremes of the canopy of heavens and grasshoppers crawling on the ground. Also, when the eagles “mount up,” are they riding thermals? I always thought that’s what that meant. We wonder if modern day experiences of exile would be a good way to connect this passage to your congregation in PEOPLE smart. Finally in SELF smart, is it possible that God’s strengthening comes through our own transformation?
Smarts – Body [03:02], Nature [05:02], People [06:58], Self [09:44]
1 Corinthians 9:16-23 [11:17]
Mark 1:29-39 [21:34]
Year B, Ordinary 4 (Epiphany 4), 2018 – Authority Issues
Thursday, January 25, 2018 • Duration 33:12
Hello! We’re glad you are back or joining us for the first time! Roughly eight years ago, the woman in David’s congregation who had been the director of Vacation Bible School for 20 years retired from that role. Uproar ensued. Well, not entirely, but there was a lot of concern about who would fill her shoes; she was energetic, imaginative, devoted, and began working on VBS around Christmas. As the time for VBS neared that year, we finally settled on calling three other people to fill her one position. No one person felt adequate to take the entire position, but three people felt they could manage a part of it. For them, it was a question not only of energy and time, but of authority. Our former director had become the person around whom VBS and children’s ministry in general rotated. None of them felt up to the challenge of assuming that mantle. After that first year of three people doing what one had done, we all shifted into a new groove and found different footing with new leaders. The ministry continued successfully but that first year was rocky. Who will lead? Who will speak for God? How will we recognize the leaders among us? And how will we know God is behind what we do? These questions are never far from the surface. The three passages for this week address these questions directly, and we are wise to study them thoroughly.
This week’s texts are:
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 [01:58]
In this passage from Deuteronomy, Moses is saying his farewell to the people since he is not allowed to enter the land with them. God tells the people through Moses that another prophet will be lifted up from among them to speak for God, since hearing God directly at Horeb was so terrifying. In WORD smart, we think using a mouthpiece for a musical instrument is a good illustration of how this works and as a special effect, put the mouthpiece in and play something! In MATH smart, we have another way to illustrate and demonstrate Moses’ role using conduits and tin-can telephones. David wrote a poem for MUSIC smart if you want more than the crossover from WORD smart. In NATURE smart, we know that a prophet has spoken God’s word when it bears fruit – but that takes time, so illustrate how we see those results using cultures grown in Petri dishes. For a special effect that demonstrates the peoples’ fear when they heard God speak, check out the video we include below.
Smarts – Word [03:48], Math [05:23], Music [08:15], Nature [08:59]
1 Corinthians 8:1-13 [10:42]
Mark 1:21-28 [22:36]
Year B, Ordinary 3 (Epiphany3), 2018 – Time’s Up!
Wednesday, January 17, 2018 • Duration 33:30
Greetings!! Welcome back to the show! Do you remember taking tests while in school and hearing the teacher call out, “Time’s up!” and what that felt like? Have you ever played a game where you are racing against the clock to complete a task? Have you ever felt that time was simply against you? Or, have you sensed time moving onward to a future that shows signs of being very different? Geoffery Chaucer gets the credit for the phrase time and tide wait for no man, but Jonah, Paul, and Jesus all pre-date him significantly with admonitions to pay attention. Jonah is sent by God to proclaim to Nineveh that time is running out for them, so repent. Paul instructs the Corinthians to live as though Jesus will return any moment, and Jesus himself tells us that “the time is fulfilled”. All three passages reveal how God controls reality and God’s intention for humanity to find its fulfillment in what God has created.
This week’s texts are:
Jonah 3:1-5, 10 [01:59]
We pick up the story of Jonah just after the large fish has deposited him back on dry land. We are back at the beginning and once again, the word of the Lord comes to Jonah and reiterates the charge to go to Nineveh and preach repentance. Jonah apparently only needs to be swallowed by a great fish one time, because he finally goes where he’s told. Pull out the maps to show where Nineveh was for EYE smart special effect. Also, since this is the second time around for Jonah, we have a suggestion to demonstrate that with clapperboards and boxing ring signs. To illustrate the frustration of being a prophet, try using the TV show linked below (or the other ones we suggest in the show). Jonah’s sermon was basic and uninspired – but it was ridiculously effective! We have an EYE smart special effect that demonstrates how God can use even our weak efforts to further God’s purposes. For BODY smart, bring in some burlap. For NATURE smart, we have some ideas using withered, dry seeds. And for PEOPLE smart, we invite you to imagine how difficult Jonah’s task was by comparing it to some contemporary places that could stand in for Nineveh.
1 Corinthians 7:19-21 [12:05]
Mark 1:14-20 [23:08]
Paul’s letters to the Corinthians reveal ways a church can operate, both in an ideal and a real world. As he begins his letter, he uses language that will be the prism through which everything else will be seen. For WORD smart, think about a time when you received written communication that you knew would approach a difficult situation; what words were used to begin the conversation? We have a poem that reminds us the work of the church goes on, as well as an article about the passage from The Christian Century. We also have an idea for a choral reading of a poem written by John van de Laar. For EYE smart, find some balloons, a fan, and a weight. Use them to make a mini-hot air balloon to demonstrate the gifts of the Spirit and Jesus’ grounding in faith. For BODY smart, label some weights with words Paul uses to define life in Christ and then lift them! We recommend a couple “oldie but goodie” hymns for MUSIC smart. Some commentary by Bill Loader made us think about why we “train” as disciples, so invite your congregation to ponder the questions we have – and add your own! And for SELF smart, has anyone ever begun a tough conversation with you about your relationship by giving thanks to God for you? What emerged from that?
WORD smart – [13:01]
Pulpit Fiction, a podcast by Eric C. Fistler and Robb McCoy
Even though we skipped over WORD smart (check out the worksheet to see what we suggested), David has a story for EYE smart. It seems unusual to put it here, except for the visual imagery in the story, and the fact that the main character points out a savior – the way John does in the Gospel! For MATH smart, we wonder if you all can list the ways you are grateful to God – can you get to a million? It may take a while! For BODY smart, bring in items that help us keep our footing secure, and try some strengthening exercises right there in the pews! Finally, for NATURE smart, study up on bogs and why they can be hazardous. It may help explain why the psalmist is so grateful God helped him emerge from his. We have a WORD smart crossover calling to mind literary bogs.
David thinks this passage can be illuminated with the absolute value of numbers for MATH smart. I got there, eventually. Amy Oden’s commentary got me to thinking about the disorientation of the people being swept into captivity and now promised a return. The actual events emerged slowly but for BODY smart, illustrate the disorientation with a roller coaster ride! For PEOPLE smart, we got an idea from the commentary listed below to illustrate how being chosen is both an honor and a promise of a lot of work. Then, what do you do with it? To illustrate the idea, think about the nation of Wakanda in Black Panther and the decision of whether or not to emerge it faced in the movie. It sounds… familiar.
Paul is encouraging the faithful in Rome to trust God by not clinging so tightly to the ways of the past – let go! This made David think of catapults, so he went and found some examples to use as demonstrations for MATH smart. (You can take the guy out of engineering, but you can’t take the engineering out of the guy. <3) I happened on a quote by Paul Tillich that referred to seeds of hope, which is a wonderful illustration for NATURE smart! We expanded the idea into a special effect, too. It also reminded David of a song by Natalie Sleeth, so MUSIC smart jumped in during the recording! We love it when the smarts do that! In PEOPLE smart, we wondered if Paul was taking the canon – or written story about Abraham as it was known then – and adding details to it that had sparked his imagination. This is called “fanon,” and we have a link to it below. [This should not be confused with “fan fiction!” We think Paul’s development is right.] We also have a meme that might illustrate Abraham’s buy-in in verse 21! And in SELF smart, we blend another quote by Tillich with some thoughts about the experiment with the catapult for some special effect questions you can ponder yourself or give to your congregation for their own cogitation.
Smarts – Math [12:33], Nature [15:08], Music [17:07], People [17:15], Self [20:11]
According to TVTropes, entire characters or backstory have been created by fans who have taken a detail from a completed work and created an entire universe around it.
SEE ALSO: Year A Lent 2 2017 for other illustrations and special effects for this passage
Jesus is being open and honest in verse 32, which bothers not only Mark Twain, but Peter. It’s possible that Peter is taking Jesus aside to say, “But you just told me not to tell anyone you are the Messiah, I’m so confused…..”. He may also have been worried for everyone’s safety or priority of possession, but Jesus is not having any of it, because he turns and rebukes Peter right back. We explore all of this in WORD smart and wonder if Jesus’ revelation of what will happen to the Son of Man is a literary use of foreshadowing. In BODY smart, we use a literary work by Solzhenitsyn to explore Jesus’ acknowledged coming experience of death. To demonstrate this acceptance, we have an idea for a special effect. Considering all the death present in our society, this could be very powerful. Use with caution and all pastoral concern. If you use this special effect, you could sing the hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” while you do it – or just use the hymn as a MUSIC smart illustration. We have some illustrations about how Jesus connects his suffering and death with the pain of the world in PEOPLE smart.
Smarts – Word [22:58], Body [26:24], Music [28:42], People [29:03]
Here is a Karaoke version if you should wish to try performing it!
The flood in Genesis and Jesus baptism into death are connected in this letter. Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection open the door to God regardless of where we find ourselves in life. We often feel we must do something to deserve this grace and the question of what we deserve in life (and death) can be illustrated by a clip from the movie Unforgiven. If you don’t like Westerns, then try the other clip we offer from X-Men 2! If you don’t like either of those, then simply open a door. For MATH smart, we try to suss out the theology of this passage using analogies, some of which work better than others. In PEOPLE smart, we think that Jesus acts like a friend or a host who brings you to meet others, especially God. We also have an idea for adapting a skit – check out the show notes and the link below. And in SELF smart, the author mentions a good conscience, so illustrate how we tend to think of that still, small voice as a cartoon character when it’s really more an existential well of being.
Smarts – Eye [12:09], Math [15:17],People [19:15], Self [22:45]
This passage… sounds familiar; didn’t we just do this? Part of it, anyway! This passage is already arranged for a three point sermon, as we discuss in WORD smart. Also, Jesus is far from home when he comes to the Jordan, so God’s words blessing him as the Beloved may have been very welcome. Use this phrase to greet one another in worship, and see how calling one another God’s beloved makes a difference in lives. For BODY smart, the phrase that the time is fulfilled called to mind Mary’s deliverance in Luke 2. Compare how her pregnancy tracks with Jesus’ ministry; the Spirit resting on them, a journey, allies who help them, the kingdom’s arrival embodied by Jesus both as an infant and as Messiah. Jesus spends 40 days in the wilderness in the company of wild animals, so in NATURE smart, we have a link to an article that compares this time with the Messianic expectation of the Peaceable Kingdom, and we also list some of the animals that might have been there. And in PEOPLE smart, we compare Jesus being driven out to the wilderness by the Spirit to experiences some have had at the hands of friends. Or at least, we thought they were friends!
Smarts – Word [26:00], Body [28:20], Nature [29:28], People [32:08]
Is Elisha’s attachment to Elijah like baby who is going through separation anxiety?
We think the choice The Lectionary Committee made by selecting this passage to go with 2 Kings and Mark is pretty obvious, what with the references to obscured vision, glory, and unexpected arrivals and departures. For EYE smart, we suggest illustrating the passage with veils and veiled things (see also MUSIC smart), and using iconography and lamps for a special effect of illumination. The Greek word for “mind” in verse four is noema, which indicates reasoning or coming to a conclusion. Paul seems to be saying that unbelievers are unbelievers because they do not have all the information they need to make a decision about Jesus. Our MATH smart illustrations of computing, coding, or simple arithmetic show how making a decision about Jesus requires more than crunching numbers. For BODY smart illustrations and special effects, we look at physical reasons for limited vision. There may also be reasons in NATURE that prevent clear vision, as well.
Smarts – Eye [12:43], Math [14:59], Body [17:50], Music [20:22], Nature [20:30]
Richard Strauss, Dance of the Seven Veils. Play the music in the background while you talk about what is being hidden or revealed.
NATURE smart –
“Dark matter” makes up about 27% of the universe and shapes galaxies, but we have no idea what it is. What’s behind the veil?
For obscuring effects, you could make a ninja smoke bomb like this.
Or think about getting a fog machine and make your own cloud! Your insurance provider would probably insist on this option.
Year B is Mark’s opportunity to tell the story of Jesus’ transfiguration. All the Synoptics record Peter’s blurted response to seeing Elijah and Moses with a dazzling Jesus, and they all record the three disciples being terrified. In MATH smart, we have links exploring how the brain processes information. Is this how Peter jumped to the conclusion to build shelters? The voice from the baptism shows up again and tells the disciples to listen to Jesus, so in MUSIC smart we offer an quote, and illustration, and a special effect showing the importance of learning to listen while playing music. For PEOPLE smart, illustrate that you can learn something about a person by the people who surround them. And in SELF smart, we think the bright light is key to seeing clearly and understanding not only who Jesus is, but who we are in relationship to him.
Smarts – Math [23:33], Music [26:58],People [28:18], Self [29:55]
Paul continues to reorient the Corinthians to their call as disciples. He uses his own life as an illustration of what that looks like. The passage begins with him saying he has no ground for boasting, which you could illustrate in the negative by using Yosemite Sam’s self descriptions in WORD smart (sort of PEOPLE, too). For a special effect, we have a link to a book that stresses the importance of presence in violent places (also sort of PEOPLE). Paul’s list of people can be illustrated with a Venn Diagram in MATH smart. Paul is not looking to grab power, but to lay it down, which made me think of chemical reactions. We have a correction as to which one in the links below. Whoops. For BODY smart, you could illustrate the contrast of strength and weakness using old Charles Atlas advertisements. Paul certainly seems to be acting like a chameleon so we recommend the link in NATURE smart to compare. In PEOPLE smart, we have a link to an interview with a traveling sales representative who knows a thing or two about meeting customer’s needs. Also, try using Invasion of the Body Snatchers as an illustration, as well.
Smarts – Word [12:55], Math [14:30], Body [16:19], Nature [17:55], People [18:57]
After exorcising an unclean spirit in last week’s passage, Jesus is swamped with requests to do it again this week. This prompts him to withdraw to a “deserted place.” So we have some ideas to illustrate what this might look like in EYE smart. We also have some links to photography you could use as a special effect. Simon’s mother-in-law is ill with a fever, and we have a couple ways to illustrate this; one to show Jesus’ fearlessness in the face of illness and another to connect people with the experience of being really, desperately sick. For a special effect, break out the bunny slippers and tissues! In MUSIC smart, we have a link for a blessing for healing and wholeness. It’s is superb; I am planning to use it myself this week. And in SELF smart, illustrate the massive crowd gathering outside the door with some of the examples listed on the worksheet. Can you think of any others? For a special effect, use the commercial linked below to demonstrate how someone lives out his purpose in spite of obstacles and naysaying. I’m not crying, you are! We also have some questions that you can ponder regarding your own need to withdraw to a deserted place.
Smarts – Eye [23:22], Body [26:48], Music [29:42], Self [30:16]
In most of his letters, Paul argues that because the Risen Christ has been given all authority, we live our lives with liberty under his freedom. We no longer get bound up in fulfilling the impossible. Yet, Paul has some words of caution; even though we are free to live indifferently about indifferent things, we must be careful not to chain our brothers and sisters who may interpret our living as lawlessness. We must strive to know one another through love and take care for the weaknesses that may still grip others in the family of faith. To demonstrate how we live out unity among our diversity, check out the special effect we suggest for EYE smart. Paul marks a clear division between knowledge that puffs and love that builds, so use the special effect in BODY smart to show the difference. I read a commentary that stated the meat controversy Paul presents is entirely foreign to our experience, which made me laugh out loud – ever tried to accommodate vegetarians or vegans and meat eaters at Thanksgiving? This could be an energetic illustration for NATURE smart! David found some links to our natural drives that illustrate this tension, as well (links below). Give your congregation some hands-on tools to express their connection in PEOPLE smart, and N.T. Wright’s quote on the worksheet works both as an illustration and as a devotion in SELF smart.
Smarts – Eye [12:20], Body [14:17], Nature [15:42], People [19:16], Self [20:35]
Mark frequently uses a “sandwich” technique in his Gospel; we have ideas to illustrate that in EYE and WORD that do not make it into the podcast but can be found on the worksheet below. We start with MATH smart using a simple architectural structure as an illustration. The meat of Mark’s sandwich in this passage is Jesus’ authority – not only to teach in a way that is different from the usual, but to command unclean spirits. Jesus embodies God’s authority, and we have a fun BODY smart illustration for you! More than one commentator noted that it was the unclean spirit who saw Jesus clearly and reacts with hostility to him. We have a link in NATURE smart that may help illustrate this territorial confrontation. Since Jesus’ authority comes from God, he goes where we are loathe to venture. We suggest using the commentary by Ismael Ruiz-Millan below as a PEOPLE smart illustration, as well as episodes from Netflix’s series The Crown and the 1960’s Batman series. We have varied tastes!
Smarts – Math [24:07], Body [26:46], Nature [27:52], People [29:27]
“Marionettes”, an episode from The Crown where Lord Altrincham suggested some ways to modernize the monarchy. His experience with The Crown is an unexpected encounter with authority.
David thought Batman would assert his authority using Batgas.
In order to communicate just how important Jesus’ resurrection is to our reality, Paul writes these short verses to the Corinthians. He uses simile to convince them that their lives are no longer the same and to live accordingly. Those of us who speak English have sometimes misinterpreted his directions because we do not understand what he means by “the time has grown short”. In Greek, the word is kairos which has a much different quality than chronos – which is what we hear when we see that word. We think of the clock – tick tock tick tock – and not the larger essence of time on a universal scale. In WORD smart, we have a link to a book that might help you illustrate the difference between the two Greek words. For MATH and MUSIC smart, we found some mathematic formulas and lyrics that might help illustrate the difference, as well. In SELF smart, we have some questions about the energy devoted to different obligations and how realigning our understanding of time may allow us to re-channel some of it.
Smarts – Word [13:17],Math [15:47], Music [19:17], Self [22:02]
In the musical Les Miserables, there is a scene where the young men are planning their revolt, and Marius comes in all twitterpated.
As this passage begins, Jesus has adopted the message of his cousin John. We were struck by how much his sermon sounds like Jonah’s. Of course, Jesus is much more impassioned and truly cares about the people to whom he is preaching. We have a suggestion for a WORD smart special effect to demonstrate how direct this speech is. Jesus calls four fishermen to become his disciples. In EYE smart, we have some illustrations that call to mind the change in their lives using a railroad switch and an artist’s work using fishing nets. For a special effect, demonstrate the word “fulfilled” using water glasses and solar eclipses. For NATURE smart, consider how Jesus baited the hook to catch Simon, Andrew, James, and John. Also, we have a link to a story about learning to trust the power of water currents. Going back to the topic of bait, we wonder how Jesus would bait hooks for the members of your congregation in PEOPLE smart. We also have a story about leadership that follows Jesus. And in SELF smart, relive your own call – how did Jesus lure you?
Smarts – Word [24:07], Eye [25:12], Nature [27:53], People [29:24], Self [31:04]
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