(c) Kathryn M. Schreiber, 2019. Use anytime, especially Lent-Easter Year C.
CONTENTS
10 documents: 1-Directory of Contents, 7-Sunday Morning Services, 2-Special Services (Ash Wednesday, Good Friday)
Ash Wednesday “Holy Fools Turnaround”
Scripture: Joel 2:12-17 and 1 Corinthians 1:20-31. Fools: Prophet Joel & St. Paul and Us. Saved by God’s foolishness in a world enchanted by its own misguided wisdom, the Hebrew prophet Joel and St. Paul of Tarsus invite us to return to God. We begin the holy season of Lent on a foolish journey away from status quo down a fascinating trail with Holy Fools. Content includes “God’s Foolishness” a responsive reading based on 1 Corinthians 1:20-31 and a ritual for the imposition of ashes.
1st Sunday of Lent “Holy Fools Choose”
Scripture: Luke 4:1-13 and Psalm 91. Fools: Carpenter Jesus and Mother Jones. Repeatedly tempted, Jesus consistently chooses alignment with God. Mary Harris Jones, aka “Mother Jones” was an Irish born, American labor organizer of the 20th century: “The most dangerous woman in America.” She stood for the dignity of all workers, often “foolishly” challenging unfettered capitalism. Content includes “In God We Trust: A Laborer’s Version of Psalm 91″.
2nd Sunday of Lent “Holy Fools Believe”
Scripture: Luke 13-31-35 and Psalm 27. Fools: Jesus Christ and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prophetic fools are not immune to death threats. On January 27, 1956, as King was about to give in to threats of violence and leave Montgomery, God spoke to him, saying: “Martin Luther, stand up for righteousness. Stand up for justice. Stand up for truth. And, lo, I will be with you, even until the end of the world.” Content includes “In Your House: A Prophet’s Version of Psalm 27.”
3rd Sunday of Lent “Holy Fools Persevere”
Scripture: Luke 13:1-9 and Psalm 63:1-8. Fools: The Fig Gardener and Shakuntala David. Giving up isn’t an option when you’re doing God’s work. Jesus’ parable takes flesh in Northern India as a woman of faith “foolishly” finds new ways to live out her calling to liberate women from domestic violence in the name of Christ. Content includes “I Think of You: a Survivor of Domestic Violence’s Version of Psalm 63:1-8″.
4th Sunday of Lent “Holy Fools Get Better”
Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 and Psalm 32. Fools: Prodigal Son & Family and People in Recovery. When one person changes established patterns an entire system is impacted. Jesus “foolishly” teaches God’s wellbeing for everyone. This service supports persons in recovery and 12-step programs, as well as the role of local churches in community health. Content includes “Joyfully Released: A Recovery Version of Psalm 32/Serenity Prayer.”
5th Sunday of Lent “Holy Fools Pray”
Scripture: John 12:1-8 and Psalm 126. Fools: Mary of Bethany and Indigenous Female Leaders. The sacred way forward through any social challenge is rooted in prayer and spiritual practice. An ancient woman of faith and modern leaders of indigenous justice movements reveal the divine foolishness of holy priorities. Content includes “Harvesting Joy Dream: An Indigenous Solidarity Version of Psalm 126.”
6th Sunday of Lent (Passion Sunday) “Holy Fools Give”
Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11 and Isaiah 50:4-9. Fools: Jesus Christ and Us. This Passion Sunday service focuses upon Jesus’ “foolish” selfless sacrifice of his life for the wellbeing of others. It doesn’t make sense to us, but it does inspire us. What Holy Foolishness is God asking us to consider? Content includes “We Stand Together: Jesus’ Holy Fool’s Version of Isaiah 50:4-9.”
Good Friday: “Holy Fools Surrender”
Scripture: selections from John 18:1-19:42 and 1 Corinthians 1:20-31. Holy Fools: Jesus Christ, women at the cross, men at the tomb. The story of Christ’s Passion told as a series of surrenders – some are the work of Holy Fools, some are the acts of frightened fools. Like the Stations of the Cross, this service invites us to move through the Passion story stopping to pray and let go as we follow Jesus to his borrowed tomb. The service may be held in a traditional worship space or in multiple locations onsite.
Easter Sunday: “Holy Fools Rejoice”
Scripture: Luke 24:1-12. Fools: Disciples & Tomb Angels and Us. What wonderfully outrageous news – The Tomb is Empty! Such divine foolishness! The Risen Christ refuses to obey the law of death! Christ’s Resurrection sweeps us into God’s Redemptive Dream for all Beings! Let All Fools Sing Alleluia! Includes celebration of Holy Communion, as well as other suggestions for celebrating Easter.
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