AGE:
Primary |
THEME:
The Bible Telegraph: Psalm 67 |
PREPARATION: |
Have the words of Psalm 67 on a flipchart, OHP or screen:
'Send us around the world with news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind.
How everyone throughout the earth will praise the Lord.
How glad the nations will be, singing for joy because you are their King
And will give true justice to the people.
Praise God, O World!'
Where possible:
- Have a live email connection projected on screen.
- Prepare beforehand a small group of people who have been pre-alerted that you will be sending them the above Psalm by email. Have their addresses listed as a 'group' so that you can send 6/7 or more emails with the touch of one button.
- 'Acquire' 3-4 mobile phones (on loan for the duration of worship) which can be used to send a text.
- Put the mobile phone numbers of the above on separate pieces of card to give to the helpers.
- Display a variety of 'message' writing or sending items, e.g. a notepad, a letter, a copy of a telegram if possible.
- Place a cross and candle on a table centrally in view.
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INTRODUCTION: |
- Talk about modern methods of communication: what are they? How reliable are they? Speedy? Accurate and informative? Problem-free?
- Compare these with 100 years, 500, 1000 years ago.
- Discuss the benefits of modern technology e.g. important news travels fast, emergencies can be dealt with quickly, everyone feels 'in touch' despite being apart, people feel they can be near loved ones even if far away.
- Ask if there are any downsides to this technology and way of life: never able to 'get away or switch off' for quiet moments, difficult to distance oneself 'I'll just phone...' syndrome, misleading or confusing messages, the pace of life is too fast?
- Early Christians spread their faith and beliefs throughout the world over hundreds of years. They had to travel wide and far and could only rely on word of mouth and written sources, a lengthy process most of the time.
- Imagine how quick and easy it might have been with modern technology.
- Type in Psalm 67 as an email message and explain that you have set up a 'group' address which allows you to send the email to several people at one time... just with the touch of ONE button.
And/or
- Give the mobile phones to willing helpers with a number to another of the phones being used (so that they can send to each other).
- Ask them to text 'God is Great' (or some other suitable and appropriate message to the worship, ensuring the helper is comfortable doing so. It is useful to have gathered your group of helpers before the collective worship and to have had a practice run). They should do it as quickly as they can.
The psalmist in the Old Testament is urging people to share the joyful news 'of the saving power of God and the eternal plan for mankind'. What an amazing message for believers - they would certainly want to share it with as many people as possible and as fast and far as they are able!
But we must also remember that speed isn't everything. Personal conviction and belief in the message is very important. The psalmist maybe would think that the 'Bible telegraph' isn't quite enough because the believers are requested to 'sing for joy and praise the Lord throughout the world'. So despite very clever text speak sometimes great news and real human emotions can only be passed on in person.
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REFLECTION: |
Place the mobile phones around the foot of the cross: think about the value of modern technology 'keeping us in touch'.
Light the candle: remember the importance of human warmth and contact which brings joy in communication.
Think about sending an important message to someone you care about: what would you say... would you tell them next time you see them? Is it easier in person? More difficult? Why?
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PRAYER: |
Dear Lord,
Christians around the world celebrate your greatness and love for the entire human race.
You provide for all, care for all and treat all with justice and truth.
Help the message of your eternal plan be spread around the whole earth.
Amen.
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HYMN / SONG: |
| 'You shall go out with joy!' Come and Praise, BBC. |
FOLLOW-UP WORK: |
- Find out about the spread of Christianity by the first Christians.
- Read some of the letters recorded at the end of the New Testament by the Apostles and early Christians.
- Find out about Christian organisations on appropriate websites e.g. Scripture Union, The Bible Society... how do they promote Christianity in the 21st century and through modern technology?
- Design a poster which shows why Christians believe God is great!
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