LEADER’S GUIDE

HEARING AND DOING THE WORD: God’s Call to Love and Justice*

A Biblical Study Offered by the Love and Justice Team

Of the Tennessee Conference Kathleen Bynum Lalor, Writer and Revisionist

*This study includes a revision and major expansion of the earlier study: “BACK TO THE BIBLE: God’s Call to Partnership with the Poor,” also commissioned by this Task Force. Revised April 2002

A QUICK NOTE ABOUT THE STUDY LOGO: It was designed to represent our calling to love and justice if we choose to be followers of Christ. Notice that all paths on the logo cross are centered in Christ, that all paths are inter-connected, that all paths are crucial to the whole and open to each other. May we all follow the Way of the Cross, ever more faithfully and joyfully, Hearing and Doing the Word.

K.B.L.

Greetings from the Love & Justice Team Of the Tennessee Conference!

We celebrate as we offer our newly revised and expanded Bible study to each

local congregation in our conference. We hope that “HEARING AND DOING THE WORD: God’s Call to Love and Justice” will be a helpful tool and a valuable resource for ministry. Along with our writer and revisionist, Kathleen Bynum Lalor, we are excited about what it can mean to the life of our United Methodist Church and the communities we are all a part of.

We hope you will find it easy to use, challenging to take seriously, and full of the hope that is centered in the Good News of Jesus Christ! The new format includes additional scriptures, more Wesleyan materials, other voices from both scholars and everyday Saints, stories, prayers and possibilities for how to get moving and doing in some new ways, all in response to the Word of God for God’s people now.

We realize that you have other choices available to you for your study time,

but we encourage you to look at the months ahead and find a time to enter into this particular study. We believe that it could make a real difference in the life of your congregation and community—as well as in our conference as a whole—because we believe that the Word of God continues to speak to every age and in every situation when our spirits are open and listening. Thanks be to God!

Please let us hear from you as you journey through this study and offer

support if you need or want it. Grace and peace to all of our sisters and brothers in Christ!

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PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU LEAD… Spiritual Preparation

1. FOCUS your hearts on the words of 2 Timothy 4:1-2. “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching.” Or as Eugene Peterson translates it in The Message, “Keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.”

2. PRAY. Prayer is the most important preparation for this or any study. Pray that:

God will lead you, as you and your group learn and grow together in faith;

God will use even your fears and weaknesses as you seek to be open to the Spirit’s leading;

The group will be open to God’s Spirit speaking through the scriptures and through the insights of each person in the group;

God will use this Bible study to change lives, bring love and justice and healing to another corner of the world.

Getting Ready 1. READ over the session(s) and scriptures for yourself. 2. THINK about the quotes and stories for yourself; jot down

your own responses to the questions. 3. LOOK over the possible answers to questions found in this

Leader’s Guide. REMEMBER that they are possible answers only and are not meant to be read aloud to the group. They may be used however to get discussion going if the group gets stuck and needs a booster.

4. DECIDE on whether you will ask people to work on the questions as individuals, in small groups or as a whole group.

You may want to vary what you do in each session, depending on what works best in your particular study group.

5. INVOLVE other people to help lead each session. Your study will be richer if you do. Others may be asked to lead

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prayer or read scripture aloud for the group. They may be asked to take a role in a dialogue or tell a story to the whole group. Be creative and sensitive to folks who would like to be asked to help lead.

6. GATHER materials together. For every session you will probably need extra Bibles, pencils or pens, and enough copies of the study so that each person in the group has their own. You have permission to make as many copies as your particular group needs.

7. KEEP a blackboard, flip chart or dry erase board handy as your group explores possibilities, raises more questions, and makes new commitments. You may also want to post some of the quotes that are particularly meaningful to you and your group.

8. SPREAD THE NEWS! Make a point of inviting and encouraging people to participate. Let them know that they can join the study at any point although it is better to be a part of as many sessions as possible.

9. ASK participants who must miss a session to consider working through the session questions on their own so that they will still be a part of the study journey.

10. DECIDE whether you will do the entire study, one session after another over a period of 9-12 weeks, or break the study down into two separate time frames with a break in between to follow up on some of your new commitments to “Do” the Word.

What to Expect Some folks are going to feel threatened by the issues raised by

the scriptures in these sessions. New priorities and new levels of commitment may be born of the

Spirit working among you. New relationships and partnerships in your church and

community will be sought out. How people respond to the Word will be very different. Some

will be moved to personal acts of compassion or new partnership with existing programs. A few will struggle with how to add their voice to the prophetic voice that calls out for social justice, more effective systems and corporate accountability. Fewer still may be moved to address the political/government systems that need to be transformed in order for “shalom” to become a

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reality for all God’s people. Affirm the critical importance of all three responses, recognizing that all God’s children have different gifts and are in different places in their lives.

Tensions will arise. Help your group members to appreciate the truth and value in different viewpoints. Help each other to listen for understanding instead of making quick judgments. Share John Wesley’s words: “Though we may not think alike, may we not love alike?”

Folks will need to struggle with the benefits of maintaining the status quo. Most United Methodists, even if we’re “middle class,” are definitely among the powerful and privileged by the standards of the world.

Life may never be the same for those who open themselves to the same Spirit of God that anointed Jesus to bring Good News to the poor, to the outcast, to the oppressed, to the lonely, to the prisoner, to the hungry… Praise God and prepare for transformation!

PLEASE REMEMBER… That where two or three are gathered in the name of Christ, there will Christ be also. What you are doing matters and important seeds will be planted.

That the goal of this study is not just hearing the Word but doing it. Make sure you link your study with action. Make sure you leave time to get to the section on “What Are We Going To Do About It?”.

That you will need to be realistic about how much time your group will spend together each time you gather. You may even decide to spend two meeting times on one session rather than rushing through it.

That the Leader’s Guide is a guide, not something written in stone. Be flexible and sensitive to your group’s needs and time constraints. Just don’t skip the “hard parts”! God is with you on this journey.

That if you need help as you prepare to lead, or are in the midst of your study, feel free to call the Conference office (either at (615)329-1177 or toll free at (800) 404-5795) and ask for Carmen Lile-Henley, our Love & Justice Team Coordinator.

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QUICK LOOK AT THE STRUCTURE OF EACH SESSION SESSION # and TITLE Scriptures to be used

I. Preparing for the Word Includes a short introduction and group prayer, followed by a quote or quotes, most often from John Wesley’s writings, but often from others as well—some well known, some not.

II. Hearing the Word Includes “What’s Going on in the Scripture” for that session, giving some background and context for the passage. That is followed by suggestions on “Reading Our Scripture” and follow up questions, in “What Does the Scripture Say?” Also you will find “What Others Have Thought” which is a quote or quotes related to the passage. Next will be an important part of this study, “How Have Others Heard This Scripture?” This section allows you to hear from other communities of faith who have struggled to hear the Word of God in the same scripture you are studying. Last is another set of critical questions, “What’s It Got To Do With Us?” which brings the message into our daily lives.

III. Doing the Word Appropriately starts off with a true story or stories of “What Have Others Done?” It then moves into looking at some possibilities for action in a short list of “What Could We Do?” Closing questions are to the point in “What Are We Going to Do About It?” leaving individuals as well as the group with decisions to make.

IV. Feeding On the Word May simply offer a closing prayer for your use, a suggested hymn, or other worship materials to give your time a prayerful,

Christ-centered conclusion.

In the pages that follow are suggestions for leading each study session. May your study be blessed by the Giver of all good things!

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LEADER’S GUIDE

Session 1—“God’s Call to Partnership ” Scripture—Exodus 1:8-14, 2:23-25, 3:7-10

I. Preparing for the Word—Use this section to prepare the whole group to listen for “what new thing God is saying” to us through the scriptures and to remember with Wesley that coming together and sharing with each other give us all greater strength for the journey of faith.

II. Hearing the Word—Set the stage for understanding with “What’s Going On in the Exodus Passage’’ and then do the reading, followed by questions in “What Does the Scripture Say?” Below are some possible answers to these study questions. Please see READ BEFORE YOU LEAD, page 2, in “Getting Ready”.

What did those in power in Egypt do to the Israelites to put them down? How did they try to keep them “in their place”?

Imposed heavy taxes to keep them poor—impoverished them

Used their poverty to make them slaves-enslaved them Forced them to do heavy work with strict controls—

weakened them Used intimidation, humiliation, injustice—oppressed them

But God did not abandon the Israelites. How do we know that God is still involved by reading this scripture?

God hears their groaning. God knows their condition. God is aware of their struggle.

How will God bring about their freedom? Who had to hear God’s call in order for liberation to be possible?

God calls a partner, Moses. God does not do liberation alone. God calls the people (the Israelites) to join in the struggle. God calls the people to be instruments of their own

liberation. Remember that although the Israelites are a small,

insignificant people in a remote corner of the world, and Moses is an exiled murderer with a speech impediment, God calls and empowers them to throw off the yoke of oppression.

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Next do “What Others Have Thought,” two quotes to add more insight and depth to your study.

Then hear from others in “How Have Others Heard This Scripture?” In this session you have a dialogue based on a discussion among women in a battered women’s shelter. You will need to ask three people to read the parts of these women. Do it ahead of time if possible.

Conclude this section with another set of important questions to bring the scripture into our day in “What’s It Got To Do With Us?”

III. Doing the Word Listen to and reflect on “What Have Others Done?”, The story of Susan, a woman who left an abusive husband to begin a

new life for her children and herself in another state. Like the Israelites in Egypt, she too fled from oppression. Watch for other similarities. Next take a few minutes for group members to look over the possibility list in “What Could We Do?” Emphasize again that these are possibilities to consider, not the only possibilities. These are seed planters…

Then take the bold step of addressing the questions in “What Are We Going To Do About It?” You may particularly want to ask someone to write down responses for the whole group when you come to this section each week, because these responses are at the heart of action plans for your community of faith.

IV. Feeding On the Word Close with some kind of prayer, either the one offered in this section or a spontaneous one. If time allows, use one of the suggested hymns as well to send people out into the world with their spirits fed and their hearts on fire!

Then while it’s fresh on your mind, do a quick evaluation of how this session went for your group, how well did the time frame work and what might you want to do differently for the next session. Look ahead to the next session and think about persons you may want to involve in leadership. Keep praying. God is with you!

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LEADER’S GUIDE

Session 2—“God’s Open Invitation” Scripture—Luke 14:1. 12-14, 16-21

I. Preparing for the Word—Use this section to focus your spirits on the Good News that no one is excluded from God’s love. Build up your group with John and Susanna Wesley’s words on practicing active discipleship. You may want to put their words on two posters to keep them visible during the course of this study.

II. Hearing the Word—Set the stage for understanding with “What’s Going On in the Luke Passage” and then do the reading, followed by the questions in “What Does the Scripture Say?” Below are some possible answers to these study questions. Please see READ BEFORE YOU LEAD, page 2, in “Getting Ready”.

How did Jesus upset the accepted social order of his day? He gave them new instructions about who should be welcomed

in their homes and at their tables. He suggested that inviting only persons who can return the

invitation is not God’s way. He told them to show hospitality to the people who were on

the fringes of society, the poor, the sick, the outcasts, the forgotten ones.

He told the host to open up his doors and not be exclusive. What excuses did the guests give the host for not coming to

the banquet? Basically, I’m too busy, sorry. I’ve got more important, urgent things to do. I am newly married, and I need to spend time with my spouse.

How does the host respond to the situation? He is angry and decides to invite persons who will accept his

hospitality. He makes up a new invitation list and decides to have the party

anyway. He invites people who can’t return the favor.

In this parable, who is most likely to respond to God’s invitation to come to the feast? The poor, the outcast, the forgotten ones.

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Those who see the invitation as a gift, not as something they have earned or have a right to receive because of their status in the community.

Those who are hungry for righteousness. Those who are traditionally viewed as the powerless and

voiceless. Next do “What Others Have Thought” which includes both an ancient and a contemporary quote to ponder in light of the gospel. Then hear from others in “How Have Others Heard This Scripture?” In this session you get to hear “from the mouths of babes” what children from Inglewood UMC thought about this passage. Conclude this section with another set of questions, “What’s It Got to Do

With Us?” You may want to ask participants to do these questions in small groups rather than individually, and then have each group report back to the large group.

III. Doing the Word—Listen to and reflect on “What Have Others Done?”, a story of one congregation’s movement toward ministry with its changing community, through relationship ministries. Next take a few minutes for group members to look over the possibility list in “What Could We Do?” Always remember that this list is there to encourage creative thinking. In any session you may want to add to this list your group’s suggestions. Then move on to making some decisions by doing the questions in “What Are We Going To Do About It?” Write down responses to come back to as you plan for the future.

IV. Feeding on the Word—Close with the suggested prayer and one of the communion hymns if time permits. Feeding on the Word is a very important part of each session, but particularly this session.

Then while it’s fresh on your mind, do a quick evaluation of your time together. Look ahead to the next session and think about persons you may want to involve in leadership. Keep praying; God is with you!

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Leader’s Guide

Session 3—“Justice Like Rolling Waters” Scripture—Amos 5:10-24

I. Preparing for the Word—Use this section to lead your group into study and prepare them for the hard words of Amos. Together listen to a quote about John Wesley’s work with poor persons, as well as a quote from a lesser known “saint,” Biddy Mason.

II. Hearing the Word—Set the stage for your study with “What’s Going On In the Amos Passage” to get some background for this scripture. Then, do the reading, followed by questions in “What Does the Scripture Say?” Below are some possible answers to those study questions. Please see READ BEFORE YOU LEAD, p. 2, in this guide in “Getting Ready”.

What are the injustices that Amos accuses Israel of? Selling the righteous for silver, the needy for a pair of sandals Trampling the heads of the poor Pushing the sick, afflicted aside Profaning God’s holy name Laying themselves down beside every altar Crushing the powerless Making victims of the poor Exploiting the weak

How does Amos say God feels about such behavior? God hates and despises their festivals. God takes no delight in their solemn assemblies. God refuses their sacrifices. God will not listen—will not participate in evil.

What does Amos announce as God’s desire for all people, including Israel? Justice that rolls down like waters Righteousness that runs like an ever-flowing stream

With those images in mind what will righteousness be like?

Abundant Free-flowing Without boundaries Rushing Life-giving Unending

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Next do “What Others Have Thought” and hear reflections from both Elsa Tamez and C. Eric Lincoln. Go slowly through Lincoln’s powerful words, suggesting to your group that they take a few extra minutes to hear God’s voice in this contemporary prophet.

Do this open and honest prayer in “How Others Have Heard This Scripture” based on the faithful responses of homeless persons to Amos. Emphasize that these children of God, who struggle daily with poverty have much to teach us as they lead us in this prayer.

Conclude this section with the critical step in any study, “What’s It Got To Do With Us?”

III. Doing the Word—Listen to and reflect on the story of how WIC came to Tennessee, as told by Bill Barnes in “What Have Others Done?” Ask your group to pay close attention to the process that was neces- sary to bring about concrete change in a reluctant system. This story as Bill Barnes points out “is not unique,” but it speaks clearly of what it takes to move from delivering a service to changing a system so that “justice could flow”. Next, as in earlier sessions, ask group members to look over the “What Could We Do?” list, to stimulate ideas about your own church and community. Then do the hard, but exciting work of asking yourselves the questions in “What Are We Going To Do About It?”

IV. Feeding on the Word—If you have someone in your group who can learn SEND DOWN THE FIRE ahead of time, you could use this song by Marti Haugen in several ways. (Music follows on the next page) 1. A music leader could teach the song to the whole group. 2. A music leader could teach the chorus to the whole group, but have a

singer or small group of singers sing the verses. 3. The words of the song could be used as a spoken, rather than a sung

prayer. Then with the words of this song in your heart, reflect on your time together, and begin to get ready for the next session. Praise God, from whom all blessings and all strength and all hope flows!

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Leader’s Guide

Session 4—“Walking Orders” Scripture—Micah 6:8 and Mark 10:17-31

I. Preparing for the Word—Lead your group as you open your spirits to the One who so loved us all that he walked among us and showed us how to walk in God’s Way. Listen carefully to the words of John Wesley; they are as true today as they were in his day. Let Marva Collins point your group toward true riches.

II. Hearing the Word—Remember with your group the setting for both the passage in Micah and in Mark, through “What’s Going On in the Micah Passage?” and “What’s Going On in the Mark Passage?” After reading both passages, move to the questions in “What Do These Scriptures Say?” Keep in mind that the answers found in this Leader’s Guide are just possible answers, not the only ones. Please see READ BEFORE YOU LEAD, page 2, in “Getting Ready”.

In the Micah passage what has God shown and what does God require? God has shown the people what is good. God requires 3 things of us—that we do justice, love mercy and

walk humbly with God. (NOTE: Different translations will add depth as your group wrestles with this passage.)

In Mark, what does the questioning man call Jesus? What does he ask of Jesus? He calls him “Good Teacher”. He asks what he needs to do to inherit eternal life.

What puzzling things does Jesus say in response to being called “good”? “Why do you call me good?” “Only God is good.”

When Jesus asks the rich man if he has followed particular commandments, notice he adds one that is not found in the original TEN Commandments. What one is that? Do not defraud.

Although the man says with confidence that he has followed all the laws since his youth, what does Jesus say he lacks. He needs to go, sell all his possessions and give to the poor. He needs to share his material wealth with those who have little.

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He needs to recognize that he treasures material things more than spiritual treasures.

What did Jesus say about how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God? That it was harder for a rich man than for a camel to go through the

eye of a needle, but that the impossible was possible with God.

Next do “What Others Have Thought” and ponder what it means to be “wealthy” in God’s eyes.

Then hear from some of our Hispanic brothers and sisters as they share their rich insights into these passages of scripture.

Conclude this section with the self-examination called for in the questions of “What’s It Got To Do With Us?”

III. Doing the Word—Ask someone with a strong voice to read this story aloud in “What Have Others Done?” This story powerfully illustrates the need to transform systems that are not responsive to the basic needs of the world’s poorest people. Learning about others who have been moved to respond creatively to desperate situations encourages us to take risks as well. Inspired by Yunus, look at “What Could We Do?” with the courage of those who know that God is with them!

Move into “What Are We Going To Do About It?” with high expecta- tions and an affirmation of God’s presence.

IV. Feeding On the Word—Close with either singing again last week’s new song, “SEND DOWN THE FIRE,” or with the spiritual “Lord, I Want To Be A Christian,” followed by the suggested Closing Prayer or a spontaneous one, if the Spirit moves you in that direction.

Then while this session is fresh in your mind and on your heart, make some notes about the responses, commitments, and hopes of your group. Pray daily for your study group, your community, and your world.

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Leader’s Guide

Session 5—Anointed for Holy Purposes Scripture—Luke 4:16-30

I. Preparing for the Word—Set the stage for today’s study time by calling attention to the fact that it is “risky business” taking scripture seriously. Pray together for the outpouring of God’s Spirit on your study time. Lift up the quote from Roberta Bondi as inspiration for discipleship.

II. Hearing the Word—Begin to wrestle with the gospel account by recalling when and where it took place. Read “What’s Going On In the Luke Passage?” and then do “Reading the Scripture”. Follow up with the questions in “What Does the Scripture Say?” Use the possible answers below as discussion starters if needed. Please see READ BEFORE YOU LEAD, page 2, in “Getting Ready” for further help.

Jesus stood to read the scripture and sat down to teach. There was nothing unusual about that. The words of Isaiah 61 were so familiar that the congregation probably knew them by heart. What does Jesus say that he has been anointed to do? God has anointed me “to bring good news to the poor, release to the

captives, sight for the blind freedom for the oppressed, the year of the Lord’s favor for all”—today.

LEADER’S NOTE: “The year of the Lord’s favor for all” is also called the “Jubilee Year.” Jubilee Year is defined in Leviticus 25: 1-24 as a time when: 1. soil is to lie fallow 2. debts are to be cancelled

3. slaves are to be set free 4. money and property are to be redistributed

_________________________________________________ At first the congregation was impressed, but they changed their

minds. Why do you think? Because Jesus says that this scripture is fulfilled today, but not in

ways they might be expecting Because “Joseph’s son” is claiming to be fulfillment of scripture Because he seems to care more for the poor, the foreigner, and the

outcast than for the people of his hometown congregation Because he accuses them of wanting “minor miracles” rather than

earthshaking changes Because he suggests that God comes not to maintain the status quo,

but to turn thing upside down

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Given Jesus’ understanding of the Jubilee Year, what changes do you think he wants for the world? New ways for all God’s people to be together No poverty, oppression, or injustice A just sharing of wealth and power Radical social changes Leveling of social, political, and economic structures Inclusion of foreigners and outsiders

Next, listen to Robert McAfee Brown in “What Others Have Thought”. Ponder the truth of his observation. Then ask 5 persons to take a role in the dialogue found in “How Have Others Heard the Scripture?” Invite the group to hear the truth as under- stood by members of “Separate Prisons,” who shared the thoughts found in this dialogue. Conclude this section with a group discussion of the questions in “What’s It Got To Do With Us?” so that the scripture has a chance to speak to your situation.

III. Doing the Word—Catch sight of a vision becoming a reality in the Shalom Zone story shared in “What Others Have Done”. As in Session 3’s story of how WIC came to Tennessee, this story is about moving from awareness of need to faithful action to address that need in and through community. NOTE that there are phone numbers if you want to learn more about this effort. Next discuss the possibilities in “What Could We Do?” and work to adopt one or more for your group.

Take the time you need to address the questions in “What Are We Going To Do About It?” even if it means meeting longer or again to work through these important issues. These questions are at the heart of this study.

IV. Feeding On the Word—Use the closing prayer as a corporate prayer and if time permits sing “ALL WHO LOVE AND SERVE YOUR CITY” from our UMC Hymnal, page 433.

Then take stock of where your group is, whether you are of one heart, even if not of one mind. Pray for the Spirit’s leading and remember that God is surely with you.

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Leader’s Guide

Session 6—“God’s Faithfulness” Scripture—Psalm 146

I. Preparing for the Word—Celebrate as you begin this session that God is ever faithful. Pray your thanksgiving. Then reflect on John Wesley’s one fear for the people called “Methodists”.

II. Hearing the Word—Give the group an idea about the focus of this Psalm, using “What’s Going On In This Psalm?” Then do the reading, followed by the questions in “What Does the Scripture Say?” Below are those questions with possible answers. Please see READ BEFORE YOU LEAD, page 2 in “Getting Ready” for further help.

How long does the Psalmist intend to praise God? As long as he lives All his life long

What warning does the Psalmist give about whom we should trust? Don’t trust mortals; they will die. Don’t rely on the government. Don’t put your faith in things that will perish.

Who are the blessed or happy ones in life? People whose help is the God of Jacob Those whose hope is in God People who rely on their Creator

What does the God who is faithful forever do? Executes justice for the oppressed Gives food to the hungry Sets the prisoner free Opens the eyes of the blind Lifts up the bowed down Loves the righteous Watches over the stranger Upholds the orphan and widow Brings to ruin the way of the wicked

What is the response of the Psalmist to God’s faithfulness? Worship and praise!

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Next do “What Others Have Thought,” hearing a hopeful, faithful word from Ross and Gloria Kinsler. Then hear from New Bethel UMC in “How Have Others Heard This Scripture?” This very small membership church endured a destructive flood that heavily damaged their historic building. Conclude this section with another set of questions in “What’s It Got To Do With Us?” These questions get at the heart of why we take time to worship.

III. Doing the Word—Listen to the story of a faithful partnership between two small membership churches in “What Have Others Done?” Then explore together the possibilities in “What Could We Do?” as a way to keep seeking a strong vision for your ministries.

Continue to explore faithful living in and through the questions in “What Are We Going To Do About It?”

IV. Feeding On the Word—Draw strength for the journey with John Wesley’s words from “The Reward Of Righteousness”. Send each other out and into the world with the invitation of the poem “SEE ME”.

Then take a deep breath and ask for God’s gift of “Shalom” for your study group and the broader community. Think about the joy of being connected to brothers and sisters who also desire to do justice and love faithfully. Pray your joy!

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Leader’s Guide

Session 7—“Unto the Least of These” Scripture—Matthew 25:31-46

I. Preparing for the Word—Help your group get ready for a time of self- examination in light of the gospel. Pray together and then hear from John Wesley and Tissa Balasuriya on the practice of love and justice.

II. Hearing the Word—Go over the background information in “What’s Going On In the Matthew Scripture?” before you do the reading of that passage together. Follow up with the questions in “What Does the Scripture Say?” Below are some possible answers to those questions. Please see READ BEFORE YOU LEAD, page 2, in “Getting Ready”.

According to Jesus, what are the characteristics of the sheep, including their actions and their attitudes? They are the ones blessed. They are righteous. They will enter the kingdom of heaven. They responded to human need. They didn’t realize it was Jesus they were responding to. They will receive eternal life.

What are the characteristics of the goats, including their actions and their attitudes? They are the ones condemned. They are not righteous. They will not enter the kingdom of heaven. They didn’t respond to human need. They didn’t realize it was Jesus they were neglecting. They will go away into eternal punishment.

This passage suggests that the people’s actions have consequences. In the end, what counts is caring for those in need. What does such care include: Feeding the hungry Giving drink to the thirsty Welcoming the stranger Clothing the naked Visiting the sick Coming to the prisoner Serving without thought of reward

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Who are the hungry in need? Hungry, thirsty, sick, etc. Those who lack the basic necessities of life The poor The marginalized who have been pushed to the edges by society

and the structures of society

Next spend some time on the quotes in “What Others Have Thought,” before moving on to “How Have Others Heard This Scripture?”. Death row inmates lead us in a prayer based on their interaction with the same scripture we are studying in this session. Wrestle with some tough questions in “What’s It Got To Do With Us?”, seeking a clearer understanding of our corporate or collective responsibility for the “least of these” our brothers and sisters.

III. Doing the Word—Ask your group to read the brief, but very helpful story of one congregation’s attempt to respond to the gospel imperative to not forget to visit prisoners, found in “What Have Others Done?” Meditate on the possibilities in “What Could We Do?” Focus your group on the final questions of this session in “What Are We Going To Do About It?” realizing that you may need more time than a regular session to really address these adequately. You could assign these as homework or ask a smaller group to continue working on them for the larger group. Use your judgment!

IV. Feeding On the Word—Using “Ministry To, Ministry With” in closing reminds us all of what the call to love and justice requires. Praying the short, closing prayer gives your group a way to lift up unspoken thoughts and prayers before leaving the study time. Singing the powerful hymn ( or praying its lyrics if the tune is not known to your group) would also be a good way to close your time together.

Then before you meet again, take some time to reflect on this session and make notes about the most important issues or ideas that arose in your discussions. Pray for your group and for your broader community this week.

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Leader’s Guide

Session 8—“Love Protests Injustice” Scripture—Amos 6:1, 4-8

I. Preparing for the Word—Prepare your group for strong words from Amos. Pray together, remembering with the Wesley’s that God is with us in our struggle to not only believe the Word, but to do the Word.

II. Hearing the Word—Recall together who this prophet is and why he is hard to hear in “What’s Going On In Amos?” Read the scripture as written and then ask someone to read aloud the paraphrase, bringing Amos’ message into our own time. Do the questions in “What Does the Scripture Say?” Remember that the answers below are just possible answers. See page 2 in “Getting Ready” for more information on how to use these answers.

Who does Amos cry out against in the first verse? Those who are at ease, too comfortable Those who feel secure on Mount Samaria Those who are well known and convinced of their importance The notables The wealthy

What are the habits of these comfortable people? Lie around on beds of ivory Have more than enough rich food to eat Time on their hands for self-indulgence Anoint themselves with costly oils

What is the worst of their sins? They are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph. They do not feel the pain of others. They are too self-consumed to care. They are full of pride.

What does God say about these people? I abhor their pride. I hate their strongholds. I will deliver up their city and all that is in it.

Then focus on the wisdom of Barbara Brown Taylor in “What Have Others Thought?” Next be a “fly on the wall” and listen in on the conversation between Sunday School class members who also worked through this passage in “How Have Others Heard This Scripture?” Move from their discussion to your own self-examination with the questions in “What’s It Got To Do With Us?”

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III. Doing the Word—Celebrate and be inspired by “What Have Others Done?” which gives you a brief description of some active, relationship ministries alive in local congregations.

Stress that there are many other ministries that are not listed here, that this is just a sample out of many.

Next take a few minutes to make your own list of ministry possibilities for “What Could We Do?” Conclude this section with “What Are We Going To Do About It?” to make sure that action steps are in place.

IV. Feeding on the Word—Pray the marvelous prayer of celebration and consecration from our brothers and sisters of Reform Judaism. If time permits close with the suggested hymn, “HERE I AM LORD,” page 593 in our UMC Hymnal.

Then take a few minutes to talk with two or three of the group members about how they felt this session went. Listen to them carefully and ask them to join you in praying for the last session.

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Leader’s Guide

Session 9—“When the Spirit Says Move” Scriptures—Acts 2:38-47; 4:1-3.18-21

I. Preparing for the Word—Move into this final session, acknowledging the need for God’s Holy Spirit. Pray together, inviting the Spirit to move and shape and sustain you. Then hear a wonderful word from John Wesley as you seek to be open to God’s calling.

II. Hearing the Word—Begin your study with a glance at “What’s Going On In the Acts passage?” Do the reading of the scripture, taking turns verse by verse first, and then silently. Search the scriptures using the questions in “What Does the Scripture Say?” as a guide. Below are the questions and with possible answers. Please see READ BEFOR YOU LEAD, page 2 in “Getting Ready” for help in leading this section.

This group of early Christians was “of one heart and soul”. How did the ordering of their life together prove that? There was much testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. They loved each other and God. They pooled their resources. No one claimed private ownership of possessions. As a community they held all things in common. All property and resources were understood as a means of helping

others. No one in the community lacked anything. All received according to their needs. The surrender of one’s wealth to the community was not a

requirement, it was totally voluntary. Wow! How did it get to be that way?

They devoted themselves to the breaking of bread and prayers. They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship. God poured out the Holy Spirit on them. Barriers separating different cultures, nationalities, and ethnic

groups were broken down; and real, open, direct communication took place between Christians and Jews.

By the power of the resurrection By the gift of God’s great grace.

What did it mean that they were “of one heart and soul”? They were all devoted to Christ.

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They were motivated by a single purpose—to be Christ-like. Their community identity was defined by Christ’s special concern

for those in need. They placed the welfare of the poor and those in need at the center

of their activity. How is this picture of the early church related to God’s deep

longing for the reality of the Jubilee Year? (SEE Session 5, passages from Luke and Leviticus on the Jubilee Year.) It’s Good News for the poor. It offers release to the captives. Money and property are redistributed according to need.

Listen to the insights in “What Others Have Thought” reflect on them together. Then ask 5 people to take a role in the dialogue in “How Have Others Heard This Scripture?” Next explore together the questions in “What’s It Got to Do With Us?” See the questions and possible answers below.

How has the church continued in the tradition of the earliest Christian communities? Still preaches Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, and the Holy

Spirit Still has some sense of obligation to the poor and those in need Still pools its resources in some ways Still dependent upon the Holy Spirit Still love each other and try to be inclusive and welcoming to

strangers What, if anything, has been lost by today’s church?

The sense that everything we have is for the common good All do not receive according to their needs. Our close kinship in community with all people A unity of purpose, commitment to “the least of these” Commitment to a lifestyle that allows us to “live in the world but

not of it” The experience of open and direct communication across ethnic

and class lines Bold evangelism and outreach that endures in the face of opposition

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Where is God’s “great grace” active today, making Christian community a reality? In contemporary Christian communities like The Open Door,

Jubilee and Koinonia (both in Georgia); Sojourners (Washington D.C.); the Hutterites (Northeast and West); the Amish (Midwest and Pennsylvania); Red Bird Mission (Kentucky); the McCurdy School (New Mexico)…..

In Christian sharing projects like Good Samaritans of Cumberland County, Mountain T.O.P., Appalachian Service Project, Room In The Inn, the Nehemiah Project, Habitat for Humanity, Volunteers in Mission (VIM), etc….

In Christians doing socially responsible investing In Christians working for public policies which help the poor, like

fair taxation, living wages, and affordable, decent housing

III. Doing the Word—Hear and celebrate the story of TNT (Tying Nashville Together) in “What Have Others Done?” Prayerfully consider the possibilities for action in “What Could We Do?” before moving on to decide “What Are We Going To Do About It?”

IV. Feeding On the Word—Listen in on John Wesley’s reflection on Acts and the early Christian community. Close affirming together “God’s Vision of Abundant Living,” followed by a time of passing the peace of God among you.

Then take time to reflect on your study and your plans for doing God’s Word of love and justice. Celebrate your study journey! Continue to seek ways to put flesh on God’s dream of “Shalom” for your community and our world. The LOVE & JUSTICE TEAM would welcome your evaluation of and your responses to this study. Note the bibliography that follows these guide pages. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, now and in all the days to come!

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Select Bibliography FOR

“HEARING AND DOING THE WORD: God’s Call to Love and Justice”

Barnett, Richard J., The Global War Against the Poor. (Washington D.C.: Servant Leadership Press, 1994) *Blair, Edward P., ABINGDON BIBLE HANDBOOK. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1983) *Bondi, Roberta C., A Place to Pray. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998) *Brown, Robert McAfee, Spirituality and Liberation: Overcoming the Great Fallacy

(Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1988) and also Unexpected News: Reading the Bible With Third World Eyes.

(Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1984) Carder, Kenneth, A Bishop’s Reflections. (Franklin, TN: Providence House Publishers, 1996) Compolo, Tony, The Kingdom of God Is a Party. (Dallas: Word Publishing, 1990) Couture, Pamela D., Blessed Are the Poor?: Women’s Poverty, Family Policy, and Practical Theology. (Washington D.C.: The Churches’ Center for Theology and Public Policy) Crockett, Joseph, Teaching Scripture from an African-American Perspective. (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 1990) Dujon, Diane and Withern, Ann, ed., For Crying Out Loud: Women’s Poverty in the United States. (South End Press, 1996) Elliott, Clifford A.S., Speaking for Themselves: Hearing the Gospel from the Dispossessed, the Undervalued, and the Marginalized. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1990) Felder, Cain Hope, Troubling Biblical Waters: Race, Class and Family. (Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 1989) Gans, Herbert J., The War Against the Poor: The Underclass and Antipoverty Policy. (New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1995)

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Horton, Myles and Friere, Paulo, We Make the Road By Walking: Conversations on Education and Social Change. (Philadelphia: Temple University Press 1990) *Igus, Toyomi, ed. Book of Black Heroes, Volume Two: Great Women in the Struggle. (East Orange, N.J.: JUST US BOOKS, INC., 1991) Jordan, Clarence, The Substance of Faith: Cotton Patch Sermons. (New York: Association Press, 1972) King, Jr., Martin Luther, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? (New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1967) Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. Edited by James M. Washington. (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1986) *Kinsler, Ross and Gloria, The Biblical Jubilee and the Struggle for Life. (Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 1999) *Lincoln, C. Eric, Coming Through the Fire. (Durham and London: Duke University Press, 1996) McKnight, John, The Careless Society: Community and Its Counterfeits. (New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1995.) *Meeks, M. Douglas, ed., The Portion of the Poor: Good News to the Poor in the Western Tradition. (Nashville: Abingdon, 1995) *Pellowe, Susan, ed., A Wesley Book of Days. (Aurora, Illinois: River Street Press, 1996) Reiger, Joerg, Remember the Poor. (Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press International, 1998) Reiman, Jeffrey, The Rich Get Richer, The Poor Get Prison: Ideology, Crime, and Criminal Justice, 4th Edition. (New York: Allyn & Bacon, 1995) Rubin, Lillian B., Families On the Fault Line. (New York: Harper Collins, 1994)of Sample, Tex, Hard Living People and Mainstream Christians. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1993) Schlabach, Gerald W., And Who Is My Neighbor? Poverty, Privilege and the Gospel of Christ. (Scottsdale, PA: Herald Press, 1990)

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*Schut, Michael, ed., Simpler Living, Compassionate Life: A Christian Perspective. (Denver, CO: Living the Good News, a division of The Morehouse Group, 1999) Sider, Ronald J., One-Sided Christianity: Uniting the Church to Heal a Lost and Broken World. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1993) *Stern, Chaim, ed. The New Union Prayer Book: Gates of Prayer. (Central Conference of American Rabbis, 1979) *Tamez, Elsa, Bible of the Oppressed. (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1982) *Taylor, Barbara Brown, Gospel Medicine. (Boston: Cowley Publications, 1995) Wachtel, Paul L., The Poverty of Affluence: A Psychological Portrait of the American Way Of Life. (Philadelphia: New Society Publishers, 1989) *Ward, Hannah and Wild, Jennifer, compilers, The Doubleday Christian Quotation Collection. (New York: Doubleday, 1998) Yoder, John Howard, The Politics of Jesus, 2nd edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1994)

HELPFUL PERIODICALS CHRISTIAN SOCIAL ACTION, published monthly by the General Board of Church and Society

of The United Methodist Church. RESPONSE, published monthly by the Women’s Division, General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church. *WEAVINGS: A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life, published bi-monthly in Nashville by The Upper Room. (Tel. 615.340.7254) (Used “Hospitality” issue, Jan./Feb. 1994 in this study, from “A School for the Lord’s Service” by Elizabeth J. Canham). *Sources that were directly used in this study

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Extra Page For Notes…

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HEARING AND DOING THE WORD: God’s Call to Love and Justice

Study Guide

A Biblical Study* Commissioned by The Tennessee Conference Task Force

On Love and Justice Ministries

*This study includes a revision and major expansion of the earlier study: “BACK TO THE BIBLE: God’s Call to Partnership with the Poor,” also commissioned by this Task Force.

Revised April 2002

A QUICK NOTE ABOUT THE STUDY LOGO: It was designed to represent our calling to love and justice if we choose to be followers of Christ. Notice that all paths on the logo cross are centered in Christ, that all paths are inter-connected, that all paths are crucial to the whole and open to each other. May we all follow the Way of the Cross, ever more faithfully and joyfully, Hearing and Doing the Word.

K.B.L.

Session 1--“God’s Call to Partnership” Scripture—Exodus 1:8-14, 2:23-25, 3:7-10 I. Preparing for the Word Leader: It is a very good thing when people of God

come together and open their hearts and minds to what new thing God is saying. Let’s pray now for our study time. Everyone: Most gracious God, we thank you for your presence with us and ask you to move us closer and closer to your holy purposes for our lives. Keep us focused on your Word; help us leave behind any attitudes or actions that could hurt your people of faith. Give us the courage to respond to your Spirit’s leading. In the name of the saving, serving Christ, Amen. A word from our Wesleyan heritage…

(one person read aloud for the whole group) “Strengthen you one another. Talk together as often as you can. And pray earnestly with and for one another, that you may ‘endure to the end, and be saved ‘.”

John Wesley, A PLAIN ACCOUNT OF THE PEOPLE CALLED METHODISTS, 1749.

II. Hearing the Word

What’s going on in the Exodus passage? Remember that the whole family of Israel has left Canaan and settled in Egypt. For a while the land of Egypt had been a welcoming shelter, a home for Joseph’s people (the Israelites). After all, God had used Joseph to save Egypt from famine. But now, 400 years later, the king who takes the throne doesn’t think he owes Joseph or the Israelites a thing. He is very distrustful of these folks. In his view, they are a dangerous threat to his government, a threat that needs to be put down. Reading our scripture:

Ask one person who enjoys reading aloud to read the scripture for the whole group.

Then ask everyone to read the passages silently, taking a few minutes to think about what they’ve heard and read.

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WHAT DOES THE SCRIPTURE SAY? What did those who were in power in Egypt do to the Israelites to put

them down? How did they try to keep them “in their place”?

But God did not abandon the Israelites. How do we know that God is involved by reading this scripture?

How will God bring about their freedom? Who, besides Moses, had to hear God’s call in order for liberation to be possible?

WHAT OTHERS HAVE THOUGHT: “Wherever we look in the Hebrew Scriptures, we see that God stands passionately and powerfully on the side of the oppressed of the world. The weak, the exploited, the marginalized have a special place in the heart of God.”

C. Dale White, MAKING A JUST PEACE, 1998.

“When people made up their minds that they wanted to be free, and took action, then there was a change. But they couldn’t rest on just that change. It has to continue.”

Rosa Parks, BOOK OF BLACK HEROES: GREAT WOMEN IN THE STRUGGLE, 1991.

HOW HAVE OTHERS HEARD THIS SCRIPTURE? A group of women in the Battered Women’s Support Group at THE

SHELTER in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee studied the same Exodus passages that our group is studying. The dialogue below is based on their study, but the names are fictional. Ask three people to read the parts of Lily, Beth and Reba. Then talk about the wisdom in their insights. Talk about the ways that they were like the Israelites in Egypt.

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Women Speak Out About Oppression (A dialogue from a battered women’s shelter)

Lily: Oppression is perpetuated by people who grow up thinking they are better, they are superior. Boys grow up thinking they are better and they have the right to control women. Beth: When you are oppressed, you’re not even allowed to express your thoughts and opinions. Your batterer takes away all ability to speak your true feelings or ideas. Fear of being hurt silences you. Reba: You’re right. But you know what else hurts? A batterer cuts off your connection to other people… and your connection to God. Lily: You know, my self-image, my ideas and beliefs were pushed down so low… and you’re right, one of the reasons was because my batterer continually tried to separate me from my friends and family. Beth: Did you ever wonder where God was when you were hurting so bad? I wondered why I was being punished by God. But finally I realized that God had given me sense to get out of it and God would be there with me in the whole process of leaving. Reba: Looking back over my abuse…even before I was ready to leave, there were turning points—people and situations were put in my life to give me hope and support to make changes, people who offered new life…God led me to liberation. It was like a whole lot of little miracles. Lily: For so long…I believed God was angry at me. But now I see that God truly was there loving me and wanting the best for me all along. Beth: Amen, to that. God is love and love is not supposed to hurt. My whole notion of God has changed. I used to fear God, probably because I had so much fear of this husband who was supposed to love me. I believe that God is a source of this awe- some power that we can tap into…I believe that God…has found me and loves me and helps me make it even when I get afraid sometimes. I am so grateful.

How were these women like the Israelites in Egypt? When did liberation begin for them? Without THE SHELTER in place to offer them safe haven, how might their stories have been different? How might economics have kept them from starting a new life?

WHAT’S IT GOT TO DO WITH US?

Where do we see tension or conflict between people who seem to have little power and people who seem to have so much power today?

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Who are the people who struggle the most for justice and dignity in our community? Our world?

Do we believe as people of faith that God is still active in the struggle for freedom and justice? If so where do we see God at work?

III. Doing the Word What Have Others Done? ( story used by permission)

SUSAN’S STORY I moved half way across the country with my three children to get away from

a violent, abusive husband and his family. I believed that I was smart enough and determined enough to make it on my own, even if it meant working two jobs. For a while things went real well for us; I even started taking some classes at a community college, hoping to get better trained for a job that would pay better and have some health benefits for my family. But then, maybe because I was working so hard to pay the rent and put food on the table, plus studying, my older two children started getting into trouble when I wasn’t around. Housing became a huge issue after we were evicted from the second apartment due to my out-of-control girls who were making some very bad choices.

Some folks would have turned to the church, but I had never been comfortable in a church. Although my parents had been very religious, the God they preached to me was harsh and condemning rather than loving and forgiving. Surely, that God wouldn’t want anything to do with me and my messed up life. I knew my parents wouldn’t.

So, I just tried working harder, taking on some housecleaning jobs to try to make ends meet. I was surprised when two of the women I was working for seemed more interested in my life than they were with how spotless my cleaning was; they were both Christians. One of the women became a real friend as we worked together in her home. There were days when things were really bad for me, and instead of doing any housework, we sat and talked, both sharing our stories and struggles, supporting each other. I was touched by her firm belief that God cared

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deeply about me and hurt when I hurt. I remember thinking then, “I could love that God.” Through the years, my friend and I have gone through a lot together. I’ve been homeless for a time, but her family took me in until I could figure out housing again. We’ve celebrated milestones in both our families and cried together over setbacks. I’m on my own two feet now, with a decent job that has good hours for a single mom and health benefits for me and my youngest child. I have a lot to be thankful for in my life.

When I’ve tried to express gratitude to my friend for not giving up on me, she always says something like, “Thank you for letting me be a part of your life. I’m just trying to be the church with you.” I love her for that.

You’ve probably guessed that my ideas about God and the church have really changed since I came here. I’ve started praying again for one thing. I’ve also thought a lot about what the world would be like if more people tried to be the church with each other. That would be heaven on earth for me.

Susan’s story points to the hard realities faced by many families. What are those realities? What do they have to do with justice?

How does Susan’s story show that people are still hungry for the Good News?

How does a relationship like the one in the story enrich the lives of both persons?

What Could We Do? (a few possibilities for action) Wrestle with God’s Word in Scripture on a regular basis.

If you usually drive yourself to work, ride the bus to work for a month; make some new friends there.

Tutor in a children’s program, public school, or an adult literacy program.

Get in touch with FAMILIES FIRST, a program that offers caring support for persons coming off of welfare. Your local DHS (Department of Human Services) can share ways that you can be involved.

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Make a special effort to treat every person you meet with respect, particularly persons who are used to being treated with little regard for their dignity.

Organize a service project for children or youth in your church.

What Are We Going To Do About It? These questions may raise more questions than you can address during this study time. Encourage everyone to keep thinking and praying during the days ahead. Bring your thoughts back to the group so that they don’t get lost. Every voice is important.

How is God calling us to join in the struggle for justice and freedom from oppression in our own community? In our world? What signs of that call do you see?

How do we choose which struggles we are called to address?

What do you believe God is calling you to do personally? What do you believe God is calling us all to do as we commit ourselves to this study?

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IV. Feeding On the Word A CLOSING PRAYER:

God of the entire human family, you continue to call your people into love and service. You never forget the needs of any of your children. You never leave us alone in our struggles. You hear each sigh, each groan, each cry for mercy and justice. Teach us to listen and hear, too. Give us the courage to join hands with you and with our brothers and sisters who also struggle for wholeness. In the name of Jesus, who showed us the way of love, and the hope of peace with justice, Amen. SUGGESTED HYMNS: “When The Church of Jesus” (# 592) “Lord I Want to Be a Christian” (# 402) (both from our United Methodist Hymnal)

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Extra Page for Notes …

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SESSION 2—“God’s Open Invitation” Scripture—Luke 14:1, 12-14,16-21 I. Preparing for the Word Leader: Today as we walk through God’s Word in Luke, let’s keep in mind that God is with us and has Good News for us to proclaim to each other and to God’s world. No one is excluded from God’s love. Everyone: Dear God, give us ears to hear, eyes to see, hearts to care and hands to serve as you need us to. Bless our time of study, in the name of the Great Teacher and our Lord, Amen.

Sharing Words from our Wesleyan Heritage “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” John Wesley’s RULE

“Religion is not to be confined to the church or closet, nor exercised only in prayer and meditation, but every- where I am in God’s presence.” Susanna Wesley

II. Hearing the Word What’s going on in the Luke passage? Jesus is sitting at the table of a leading Pharisee, when he boldly speaks about a radically different social order. He suggests that living God’s way means being in compassionate relationships with persons often seen as powerless. This passage threatens anyone who seeks power by associating only with people or groups of people that are seen as the powerful, important and influential of society. This passage is also disturbing to any of us who put off responding to God’s call until a more convenient time.

Reading the Scripture: Choose one person to read the Scripture aloud. Then everyone read the passage silently one more time.

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What does the Scripture say? How did Jesus upset the social order of his day?

What excuses did the invited guests give the host for not coming to the banquet?

How does the host respond to the situation?

In this parable, who is most likely to say “Yes,” to God’s invitation to come to the party?

WHAT OTHERS HAVE THOUGHT “All who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me.’ Proper honor must be shown to all…Great care and concern are to be shown in receiving poor people and pilgrims, because in them more particularly is Christ received.”

St. Benedict, Abridged Edition of the Rule of St. Benedict.

“Hiding ourselves from our kin is not a city issue or a rural issue but a human issue, and living with the fact of it is like living with a sore that will not heal. Everywhere you turn, it hurts. In order to hide from your brothers and sisters, you have to avert your gaze a lot…Better yet, stay home altogether, or live somewhere with a guard at the gate. We can do that. That is one of our choices, but if we do, then we should not be surprised when we ring God and get no answer, or leave a message that is never returned, because we cannot hide ourselves from our kin without hiding ourselves from God. Isn’t that a kick in the pants?

Barbara Brown Taylor, GOSPEL MEDICINE, 1995.

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How Have Others Heard this Scripture? Elementary children of Inglewood United Methodist Church were asked what they thought about Luke’s parable of “The Big Party”. Listen to their candid, spontaneous responses.

I think there was a lot of food at the party—like chocolate ice cream, cake with candles, maybe potato chips.

…and a grill for cooking hamburgers and hot dogs… And they had balloons and hats and presents for everybody who came,

and those little horns that you blow. I think the kids giving the party felt really sad when nobody would come.

I would have come, even if my baby brother tore up my homework and I had to do it all over again.

…even if my dog had just had puppies… Or if friends were coming over to watch a movie… Yeah, it’s sad to waste all that good food. I bet those people who didn’t come to the party felt sorry for themselves

after they found out what a great party it was. They felt like they really messed up.

I think the strangers that got invited to the party were really surprised. I’d be going, “WOW! They don’t even know me! I’m a stranger!”

I’d be really happy and excited and thankful. It reminds me of when me and my aunt go to “Loaves and Fishes,” where

homeless people eat. When I go there, I feel like I’m giving them a special gift they couldn’t forget.

If nobody from school came to my party, I’d invite people from next door and from the store…

I’d invite people who had just moved to my neighbor- hood and were new. I’d invite hungry people, like the homeless… I’d invite my teacher…or maybe my preacher. I’d invite people who get left out, like somebody who wasn’t born in this

country. We’re getting some people at our church soon who don’t speak English. God wants all the chairs to have people in them, to fill up the big room at

the party. We had bread and juice in church last week…that’s like a party, too. Our Bible verse today is “For God so loved the world…” I’ve never been to church before. This is my first time.

How do these children understand the gospel truth better than many

adults?

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What’s It Got To Do With Us? Does Jesus continue to upset the accepted social and political order of our

day? If so, how?

How has our church responded to the call to invite poor and marginalized persons to join us at the table?

Where do you see God embracing poor persons in the life of our congregation? In the broader community? In the world?

Do you know persons who live the radical hospitality shown to us by Jesus? What difference do they make in people’s lives?

How can true hospitality change human communities?

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III. DOING THE WORD

What Have Others Done? (A story)

This is the story of one church, but it could be the story of many churches, maybe even yours. As cities and communities change over time, churches are also called to change. The church in this story felt overwhelmed and frightened by the changes in its physical surroundings. Once the community had been a tree-lined, middle-class neighborhood with easy access to a thriving downtown. “Leave It To Beaver” could have been filmed here. But as the downtown area declined, as commercial rezoning broke up the neighborhood, and as many families and individuals moved away to “safer” suburbs, this church experienced a great sense of loss and sometimes despair. A faithful remnant struggled with how to remain the church in that place, when their future seemed so uncertain. Rising crime rates, high levels of poverty, run-down properties, an aging congregation, and pressure to open their doors to the community greeted them each time they gathered. Some of the membership decided to shop for another church home; but others felt a clear call to continue to be the church of Jesus Christ right there on that troubled corner. A new minister worked with lay people to visit the homes of persons within about a mile radius of the church building, taking note of whether they had a church home, whether they had children who might want to be a part of a children’s program, and how they felt about their community. They were surprised at how open most people were to their visits and glad to hear that they shared common concerns. Early efforts to embrace and serve the larger community included an outreach program to older adults, many of whom rarely left their homes. A bus provided transportation to the church once a week for a meal, a program and worship. The group was multi-racial and of different faith backgrounds. Another effort involved bringing in a part-time staff person to build a ministry with the families and children of the community.

On paper and in discussions, that children’s program was very appealing to the congregation. The reality was a different and challenging matter. The children who started coming to the Saturday program and then to Sunday worship services could be “disruptive, destructive and irreverent” in the eyes of the broader congregation. Some members were particularly worried about whether the children would respect the beauty of their “sacred space”. Few of the membership actually took part in the children’s ministry at that point, relying on youth from other churches to come and be with the children on Saturdays. The children for the most part were still strangers to them. But God’s Spirit was at work to change that situation one relationship at a time. One woman was particularly opposed to this “risky” ministry…until one Saturday when she came to change the altar cloths and accidentally

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walked in on an “Arts Afternoon” for the children. Pulled into the finger-painting fray by a six-year old who needed her help, she began to see the hope and promise for new life in the congregation and in the community. As she and others in the congregation began to enter into caring relationships with the children, their families, and the older adults in the neighborhood, they were freed by God’s grace to once again affirm—and mean it with all their hearts—that all are invited and welcomed to God’s table. This congregation discovered the gospel truth that, through the barrier-breaking love of Christ, strangers can become brothers and sisters…and change can bring new life! Thanks be to God!

What Could We Do? Love God actively. Follow Jesus into the community and know your

neighbors. Volunteer to be a mentor for a child or youth. Look for opportunities to invite the community to work together on

projects that benefit everyone. Partner with other congregations in your community to offer programs

for children and youth who need a safe, loving place to be after-school. Consider how to make your worship services open and welcoming to

anyone who might come to worship. For great suggestions on doing this, study our Conference Plan for Inclusiveness. (Your District Superintendent can help with this.)

What Are We Going To Do About It?

Struggle with these questions, seeking God’s guidance. Write down responses to come back to as you plan the life of your congregation.

If we accept God’s invitation to be both God’s guests at the table and hosts to persons who are often forgotten or ignored, how will our lives look?

Are there programs already in place in the church or community that need our support and involvement? If so, how can we do that? Who will do that?

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Are there programs that we’ve only dreamed about, but never gotten started, that we need to commit energies to now? What would those look like? What first steps are we going to take?

What will we do to identify the “neighbors” in our community whose needs are being overlooked?

III. FEEDING ON THE WORD A CLOSING PRAYER:

Great God of love, you have spread your gospel feast out for us on the table of salvation. You invite each of us to take a place at that table, to eat and drink and be filled with your goodness. Sometimes we come eagerly; sometimes we come half-heartedly; sometimes we’re just too busy to come, and so fill our lives with stuff or things that don’t satisfy. When we don’t come to your table, we sure don’t bring others to your table of love and acceptance. Help us get the word out—your Word—that God’s table is open to all. The invitation is clear. All God’s children must be fed and cherished. Amen.

Suggested Hymns: “You Satisfy the Hungry Heart,” page 629 “Let Us Break Bread Together” page 618 (both from our United Methodist Hymnal)

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SESSION 3—“Justice Like Rolling Waters” Scripture—Amos 5:10-24 I. PREPARING FOR THE WORD

Leader: The prophets of God dare to speak even when God’s people would rather not listen. Today

we come to hear Amos and it will not be easy, because his words are cutting and harsh. Let us pray for courage to hear God’s voice in the words of Amos.

Everyone: God of justice and love, we want to hear your call and be your faithful people. We also confess that we wish it were easier to be faithful. Give us courage to hear, wisdom to walk in the paths of righteousness and the love of Jesus at our core. In the name of the Christ, we pray, Amen. Words to Ponder on John Wesley “Why did Wesley work with the poor? First and foremost because Jesus did so but also because Jesus told him to do so and would help him do so. Renewal in the image of God entails being drawn into God’s likeness as seen in Christ—having the mind of Christ and walking as he walked.” Richard P. Heizenrater, in an essay, THE PORTION OF THE POOR, edited by M. Douglas Meeks. Words to Ponder from Biddy Mason “If you hold your hand closed, nothing good can come in. The open hand is blessed, for it gives abundance even as it receives.” From BOOK OF BLACK HEROES: Great Women In the Struggle, 1991 NOTE: Biddy Mason was born into slavery, but when freed became the first black woman to own property in Los Angeles, after serving as a mid-wife to hundreds of women—rich and poor, black and white.

II. HEARING THE WORD What’s going on in the scripture from Amos? Amos is a peasant, a sheep-farmer from the small Judean village of Tekoa. He has traveled north from Judah to Israel, arriving in the big city of Bethel.

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Angered by the sins of Israel’s neighbors, Amos rails against them announcing God’s judgment against them. The people of Israel love his finger pointing—until Amos turns his outrage on them, too. He condemns them for the graft, corruption and exploitation he finds in Bethel itself. Now he’s meddling; his hard words hit too close to home. Reading the Scripture

Take turns reading a verse, until passage is completed. Then read it again silently, meditating on its message for today.

What does the scripture say?

What are the injustices that Amos accuses Israel of?

How does Amos say God feels about such behavior?

What does Amos announce as God’s desire for all people, including Israel?

With those images in mind, what would God’s justice and righteousness be like?

What Others Have Thought “In the majority of instances, the reason God takes the side of Israel is primarily because it is living under the rule of another and more powerful nation, in wretched conditions as compared with those of its conquerors. Correspondingly, when oppression gains the upper hand in Israel, when this nation itself becomes an oppressor, God abandons the oppressor class and rescues the lowly and the poor.”

Elsa Tamez, BIBLE OF THE OPPRESSED, 1982.

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“We have walked on the moon, but…we have not yet learned to walk peaceably with each other here on earth. We have unlocked the innermost secrets to genetic composition, but if we have learned anything about the sacredness of human life, it is not revealed in the statistics that illustrate our mania for its abuse and destruction…we reach for the stars across the fathomless expanses of space, but we do not reach for each other across the fictitious chasms of race. We can do better and must do better…”

C. Eric Lincoln, COMING THROUGH THE FIRE, 1996. How Have Others Heard this Scripture? The prayer below is based on the responses of homeless persons at Community Care Fellowship in Nashville who studied the same Amos passage. Let these children of God who struggle daily with poverty share their wisdom with you as they lead you in prayer. PRAYER OF CONFESSION Left Side: God, we’ve been treated wrong; we’ve been used without regard to our feelings. We’ve been lied to, stolen from, cheated,

and pushed aside. We have been treated like no one wants to be treated.

Right Side: But we confess, we are guilty, too. We, too, have forgotten the Golden Rule and treated our neighbors poorly.

Left Side: Remind us, God of all people, that you still desire justice and righteousness, that you still require us to turn away from evil and do good. Help us to treat folks better; help us examine our motives and actions.

Right Side: Help us understand what you mean by justice and righteousness. Teach us to will what you will. Show us how to live through Christ, living out the things that Christ taught us, doing what the Word of God tells us to do.

Together: Give us strength to confront injustice and seek righteousness, to remember Christ’s loving example and to follow his lead. Help us to remember we are “Easter people” and all things are made new by you. Let the waters of justice roll down and righteousness flow like a rushing stream! Amen.

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What’s it got to do with us? When have we (individually or collectively) been victims of injustice?

When have we been a part of injustice against our neighbor? Or when have we seen injustice and not dared to speak?

How can we become better educated about how to address injustice when we see it?

What situations weigh heaviest on our hearts when we look at our community?

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III. DOING THE WORD What Others Have Done (a story by William L. Barnes) “Direct Service and Collective Action”

Diane had served as a counselor in our summer program for children from a nearby public housing project. It was almost a year later when she came into my office cradling a newborn baby in her arms. She needed money. Her baby had been born with an intestinal problem and could not digest normal milk for babies. A special formula was required, one that would cost $75 per month, and that was more than half of the total monthly Aid to Families with Dependent Children grant Diane could receive. This amount would have accounted for nearly 100 percent of my monthly discretionary fund. I got information about who manufactured the special formula…and I phoned them. They said they used to provide formula in such circumstances, but this was no longer their practice.

“Don’t you have WIC?” they asked. WIC (Women, Infants and Children) was the only government program that would pay for special formulas. I discovered that our county deliberately had not implemented the WIC program, which also provides medical care for low-income, “problem” pregnancies and for the children up through age five (including food vouchers). I was frustrated and indignant to find that the negative decision was made…for fear that WIC would seriously cut into participation in another federal food program that supplied surplus commodities to low-income families. Thus began a three-year intensive effort to move our county into full participation in the WIC program so that Diane and thousands like her could receive available resources. That effort included meeting in several sometimes stormy sessions with the director (of Public Health); gathering data from other cities that indicated both WIC and the

Commodities program could thrive at the same time; soliciting active assistance from a longtime friend who was chairperson of the Metro Council Budget and Finance Committee; getting research help from the staff of Metro Social Services…; and receiving assistance from a pediatrician at our public hospital and from staff persons of MANNA, a county hunger organization. More than two years into the effort, the breakthrough came…The director of public health, under some pressure from most of the above-mentioned folks, agreed to try 500 WIC cases…Today Davidson County serves nearly 18,000 persons in the WIC Program. The details of Diane’s story are important in order to make several points. First, I met Diane through a direct service program. I knew her, and some trust developed out of our shared time and space in the summer children’s program. Second, an individual crisis involving someone I knew and cared for triggered not only compassion but also indignation, a fire in the belly that became long-term persistence. Third, other links, outside the congregation, had to be added to the chain…each was indispensable in moving an essentially political process. Fourth, there had to be a core group—meeting, reflecting, gathering data, strategizing. Fifth, I felt the support, and at some places in the process, the participation of folks from the congregation. Diane’s problem was clearly our problem… More importantly the process was and is related to the Jesus story…The Jesus story calls us to do good, and doing good involves both direct service and collective action. A problem develops when we separate the two… The story of Diane and WIC is not unique. There are other stories that began with direct service…There are even more stories that end in failure, but we have learned how to celebrate successes in the midst of failure…There will obviously be tears, resistance, and failures along the

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way. But we live and work with truth internalized and with thanks to God, who has already provided the victory of grace and power through our Lord Jesus Christ. ‘Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.’ (I Cor. 15:58) From an article that appeared in the CIRCUIT RIDER, 1996. Used by permission of The United Methodist Publishing House.

What Could We do? Focus on actively loving all God’s children, not just those in your own

neighborhood, schools or church. Start a Covenant Discipleship group in your congregation for mutual support,

sharing, and accountability around the spiritual disciplines of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion.

Get to know the janitor or custodian at your workplace, or at your church. Find out how much he or she makes compared with other church employees and compared with you. Is it a living wage? If not, what will you and others do about it?

If you are in a position to hire employees, consider hiring a refugee, a single parent, or a former prisoner at your place of business.

What Are We Going to Do About It? After hearing about others’ experiences in trying to bring justice, let’s take a look at what we need to do in our own community.

How does hearing about others’ experiences broaden and deepen our

desire for justice and righteousness?

God continues to call us to “let justice roll…and righteousness flow”. What are some of the barriers that need to be removed in our community so that those waters can flow for all God’s people?

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What situations of injustice stir compassion and indignation in you? What is God calling you to do? What do you believe God is calling our community to do?

Where might we start? As individuals? As a community?

How can we move from individual acts of compassion (charity) to “class actions” (justice)? Put another way, how can we do more than treat symptoms and work toward prevention of injustice?

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IV. FEEDING ON THE WORD A Closing Prayer: “Send down the fire of your justice, Send down the rains of your love; Come, send down the Spirit,

Breathe life in your people and we shall be people of God.” (Taken from Marti Haugen’s powerful song, SEND DOWN THE FIRE, used by permission of GIA Publishers. Lyrics are below and accompaniment is included in Leader’s Guide. Please respect the copyright and use for this study only unless additional permission is given by GIA Publishers.)

SEND DOWN THE FIRE By Marti Haugen Refrain: Send down the fire of your justice, Send down the rains of your love; Come, send down the Spirit, breathe life in your people And we shall be people of God. Verse 1. Verse 2. Call us to be your compassion, Call us to learn of your mercy, Teach us the song of your love; Teach us the way of your peace; Give us hearts that sing, Give us hearts that feel, Give us deeds that ring, Give us hands that heal, Make us ring with the song Make us walk in the way of your love. of your peace. Verse 3. Verse 4. Call us to answer oppression, Call us to witness your Kingdom, Teach us the fire of your truth, Give us the Presence of Christ; Give us righteous souls, ‘til your May your holy light keep us justice rolls, shining bright, ever shine Make us burn with the fire With the Presence of Christ. of your love.

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Extra Page for Notes …

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Extra Page for Notes …

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SESSION 4—“Walking Orders” Scripture—Micah 6:8 and Mark 10:17-31 I. PREPARING FOR THE WORD

Leader: During this time together we will focus on two passages of scripture: one, a short, well-known and loved one from Micah and two, a longer, well-known, but troubling one from Mark.

Everyone: Help us, God, to respond to your Word even when it is troubling. Help us know that you will be with us as we struggle to walk in the paths of your righteousness. In the name of the One who walked among us and loves us still, Amen.

Words to ponder from John Wesley

“A person of note, hearing a sermon preached upon this subject… between surprise and indignation broke out aloud, ‘Why does he talk about riches here? There is no rich man at Whitehaven, but Sir James L______.’ And it is true, there was none but he that had forty thousand pounds a year, and some millions in ready money. But a man may be rich that has not a hundred a year, nor even one thousand pounds in cash. Whosoever has food to eat, and raiment to put on, with something over, is rich. Whosever has the necessaries and conveniences of life for himself and his family, and a little to spare for them that have not, is properly a rich man.” “On the Danger of Increasing Riches,” VII: 355-356. Words from Marva N. Collins, educator “I don’t want to be wealthy. I don’t need that kind of power. Power is when I walk into this school and these little kids’ eyes hold wonder like a cup.” From the BOOK OF BLACK HEROES: GREAT WOMEN IN THE STRUGGLE.

II. HEARING THE WORD What’s going on in the Micah passage? God is frustrated and angry with the people because they have forgotten God’s saving acts. They have turned from God’s ways. Micah reminds them of what God requires of each of them and indeed requires of the whole community.

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What’s going on in the Mark passage? Jesus has set out on a journey, when, as often happened, he is stopped by a person with a question. This questioner asks an ancient question, one he perhaps thought he had the answer to already, but still he wants to hear how Jesus will respond. (By the way, he is the only person who is reported to have asked this question in any of the gospels.) Perhaps he came looking for assurance that his strict obedience to Hebrew law was all that God required of him, but Jesus—knowing him and “loving him”—requires something more… Reading the Scriptures

All read aloud the familiar scripture from Micah. One person read the Mark passage for the whole group.

Meditate on these scriptures in silence for a few minutes. What do these scriptures say?

In the Micah passage what has God shown and what does God require?

In Mark what does the man call Jesus and what does he ask of Jesus?

What puzzling thing does Jesus say in response to being called “good”?

When Jesus asks the rich man if he has followed particular commandments, notice he adds one that is not found in the original TEN Commandments. What one is that?

Although the man says with confidence that he has followed all the laws since his youth, what does Jesus say he lacks?

What did Jesus say about how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of

God?

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What Others Have Thought “Income, however, is only one aspect of poverty, even if it is the deciding factor. Alongside income…one has to take into account a number of other factors. These include work, education, housing, health and social relations, and also personal considerations such as emotional satisfaction, or loneliness, depression and anxiety. At issue is the uncertainty of being able to meet one’s basic human needs.” Ulrich Duchrow in Alternatives to Global Capitalism: Drawn from Biblical History, Designed for Political Action.

How Have Others Heard These Scriptures? An Hispanic group of persons in an ESL (English as a Second Language) Class at Hillcrest UMC was simply asked “What do you think this scripture means. Listen in on their faithful dialogue. Names are theirs, but no last names are used.

Jose Luis : Means help to everybody—don’t expect nothing back-- based on God’s way.

Pedro: It doesn’t matter how hard the obstacle—I always have to trust in God because he is beside me all the time. To be accepted by God, you have to give everything to him.

Ellas : I have to have faith in Jehova all the time—doesn’t matter what happens. We have to give away everything material and put first everything from the most high and follow Him, living in His Word.

Gustavo: The verse teach us about the hard times and enemies —doesn’t matter what happens, He is going to be with us when we need him. The second verse teach us nobody is good except God and that makes me think that everything we have on earth does not make us any better in God’s eyes.

Jessica: That tells me that if I believe in God that nothing is going to happen to me—He is going to protect me all the time. The second part tells us that if we have something we can share then God is going to give us more and if we don’t share we are bad persons and don’t have God’s blessings.

Alfredo: The first verse teaches us if we have faith everything will be O.K. The good is always over the evil and God is our light and he is going to guide us. When we believe and we are full of God’s words, he teaches us to follow for the good road and listen to God’s Word so we can reach eternal life.

Nabia: The first verse teaches us not to have enemies—if we see someone fall we help them to get up again. We need faith in God all the time or forever—it is the hope of the human

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being—with faith you can do everything and we have to help the poor and the needy and don’t look if they are rich or poor.

Luis : If someone believe in God nothing bad is going to happen, because Jehovah is our protector. If I have any problem, God is going to give us the understanding to follow Him. Teach us if we have something, we need to share with somebody that don’t have nothing, because God is going to give us much more in the eternal life and not in the material life.

Victor: It is more significant for us because we have to love God. It is very important for ourselves.

What’s it Got to Do With Us?

How can attachment to material possessions or to a particular lifestyle keep us from “doing justice”?

Does the conversation between Jesus and the rich man mean that wealth is evil? Explain your response.

How true does John Wesley’s observation ring today? “One great

reason why the rich in general have so little sympathy for the poor is because they seldom visit them.”

Can we be actively faithful to God’s commandments and yet avoid caring relationships with “poor and marginalized” persons?

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Does the gospel require of all of us what Jesus required of the rich man? Why or why not?

III. DOING THE WORD What Have Others Done? (A story) This is the story of a man named Muhammad Yunus, an educated man of

Bangladesh who came to Vanderbilt University to study elegant theories of economics, hoping to carry his knowledge back to his struggling country. Being in this country during our turbulent years of the civil rights movement and Vietnam, he came away not only with a doctorate, but also the conviction that one man could stand up, be heard and change a whole society. Returning to his country, “All my grand schemes melted away” during the terrible famine years. “The theories I was teaching felt completely hollow to me…I thought to myself, ‘It’s useless for one individual to try and change the world. I’m not even good at changing my own country.’ I thought I would be lucky if I could make myself useful to one individual, even for one day.”

The turning point came for Yunus one day as he walked in a village and watched desperately poor women labor long and hard, creating items that required considerable skill, but because they couldn’t afford to buy their own materials, barely make enough money to escape starvation.

Convicted with the belief that these women were not only bright and hard working—but trapped in dependency—Yunus approached a bank about making small loans of $27 to these women so they could buy their own materials. He was told simply that “the poor were not credit-worthy,” end of story. The rest of this remarkable story is that Yunus dared to differ with that opinion and established a new kind of bank, GRAMEEN, which means “rural,” and is now “one of the largest rural banking systems in the world…employing thousands of workers…who have lent some $1 billon to two million poor, mostly illiterate women…the average loan is less than $100,” but that amount

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can “enable the borrower to begin the climb out of poverty.” This bank also has an astonishing repayment rate of about 98%. “Compared to Grameen Bank…other banks look like charity outfits for the rich.” His passionate belief is that “tremendous potential is wasted by 1.3 billion people…suffering the misery of poverty—whole lifetimes wasted away.” His vision and hope is expressed in his words: “I see a world in which poverty is absolutely unnecessary and unacceptable even for a single person. Whoever created this human being has not created him to suffer in misery. Every human being is endowed with endless potential. We have not even scratched the surface.” (This story is taken from an article in VANDERBILT MAGAZINE, Vol. 79, Winter 1997, by Gaynelle Doll. All quotations come from that article, “Unconventional Wisdom”.)

What Could We Do? Take a look at your own stewardship of resources. Ask yourself, your state legislators, and your Congressional representative

why just about the only low-income housing the government has built in the last 15 years are prisons.

Volunteer to work on a Habitat for Humanity project, or offer to organize a group in your church to join that effort.

Pray for your community and for our world daily. Look at each person you meet and remember that each is a precious child of

God with gifts and needs.

What Are We Going To Do About It? What are we already doing to be in ministry with persons living in

poverty? How can we be even more faithful?

Does our church budget reflect our commitment to economic justice in our community? If not, what needs to change?

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Wealth and riches come in different forms (eg. wealth in education, job training, access to health services, adequate food and housing, etc…). What does Jesus require of us in regard to sharing the “wealth” in our community? In our world?

Remembering the ministry of Jesus, how can we create greater closeness and deeper relationships with poor and marginalized persons in our community?

You’ve heard Muhammed Yunus’ vision, what is your church’s vision for addressing poverty in your community? (Use extra paper if needed.)

IV. FEEDING ON THE WORD

A Closing Prayer: Loving Creator, create in us a brighter flame, a holy light burning for love of

your people. Create in us a deeper desire to do your justice and to walk in the paths of righteousness. Create in us a renewed vision of a world where every child is cherished and nourished and set free to cherish and nourish the next generation. Create in us a fresh vision of what you call your church to be and to do. Give us the courage to act on that vision. In the name of Jesus, the Christ, Amen.

Hymn Suggestion: “Send Down the Fire” from last week’s session or “Be Thou My Vision,” page 451 in The UMC Hymnal.

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SESSION 5—Anointed for Holy Purposes Scripture—Luke 4:16-30 1. Preparing for the Word

Leader: Just as Jesus took the scriptures in his hands in the synagogue, we take the scriptures in our hands

today and risk that God will speak to us. Everyone: God of each of us, and God of all of us, pour

out your Spirit on us and help us understand the holy purposes you call us to, in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Words from Roberta C. Bondi “Jesus never told women, or men either, much less poor or oppressed

people, to knuckle under and accept the status quo as God’s powerful ‘will ‘ for them…On the contrary, he teaches that the folk who will have the highest

place in a society of God’s ordering are not the rich and successful or even the good and the religious; they are the poor, the widows and orphans, the not-so- religious, and those who are social outcasts…Telling his listeners in the Gospels to abandon the idea that the world as they know it has a cosmic rightness to it, he challenges them, and us, to take the risks necessary to live in this oppression-

free, upside-down world right now.” From: A Place to Pray, 1998. II. Hearing the Word

What’s Going On In the Luke Passage? Following his baptism and the forty days of fasting and temptation in the wilderness, Jesus returns to Nazareth to begin his public ministry. On the Sabbath day, he goes to his hometown synagogue where he is invited to read and preach from the scroll of Isaiah. As his message becomes clear, Jesus’ popularity quickly fades. The congregation turns increasingly angry and hostile as his sermon sinks in.

Reading the Scripture

This time read the scripture silently first, imaging the scene as Jesus spoke to those in the synagogue.

Ask one person to read the scripture aloud for the whole group.

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What Does the Scripture Say? Jesus stood to read the scripture and sat down to teach. There was nothing

unusual about that. The words of Isaiah 61 were so familiar that the congregation probably knew them by heart. What does Jesus say that he has been anointed to do?

At first the congregation was impressed, but they changed their minds. Why do you think they became angry?

“The year of the Lord’s favor for all” is also called the “Jubilee Year.” It is defined in Leviticus 25:1-24 as a time when: soil is to lie fallow, debts are to be cancelled, slaves are to be set free, and money and property are to be redistributed. Given Jesus’ understanding of the Jubilee Year, what changes do you believe he wants for the world?

What Others Have Thought

“The episode seems tame enough—an account of Sabbath worship in a small town synagogue. It’s hardly stuff of high drama. And yet the scene that starts in tranquility comes to its climax in an attempt to

lynch the guest speaker.” Robert McAfee Brown, Unexpected News.

How Have Others Heard the Scripture? Members of “Separate Prisons,” a prisoners’ family support group, participated in a Bible study on the same passage from Luke. Many of their responses are woven into the dialogue below. The names are fictional but

the words ring with truth. Ask 5 people in your study group to each take a part and then present the dialogue to the whole group as a panel discussion.

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Leader: How might folks react to Jesus’ reading if this happened today?

Jody: They would jump and shout… the poor ones would jump and shout with joy but the rich ones with anger and rage…

Lee: Especially the people who wear their Christianity like clothes, so they can take it off when it gets to feeling uncomfortable.

Shawn: I bet they would think he was preaching anarchy and communism. They would probably respond just like those townspeople!

Dale: Jesus was really giving them a choice: live this way or kill me. They made their choice and we have to choose too.

Leader: I think you’re right. So, how might we as God’s people accept and celebrate what God is doing in our midst, right here and right now?

Shawn: Maybe by realizing that even if you’re poor, you can still have something that money can’t buy.

Lee: Right! We can be more loving, like Jesus. That’s priceless. Leader: How does God’s special concern for the foreigner, the

outcast and the poor show us God’s love for all people? Dale: God is no respecter of persons, period. Jody: Like a parent with a bunch of kids—just because you

discipline one, that doesn’t mean you love that one any less than the others.

Lee: Absolutely. God keeps loving the sinner, but hates the sin… Shawn: Kind of like a national health care plan: some might need it

more than you do right now, but one of these days you might be the one in need.

Leader: So what does God want from us? Dale: To love everybody like God does—even the rich people and

the ones that ain’t rich. We’re all God’s children, right? What’s It Got To Do With Us?

How might our congregation react to Jesus’ claim today?

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If God has special concern for the outsider, what does that mean for us?

How is God’s special concern for the foreigner, the outcast and the poor, God’s way of loving all people?

III. Doing the Word

What Have Others Done? (Shalom Zone Story in Middle TN) In 1992 at our denomination’s General Conference, an important step was taken; the “Communities of Shalom” initiative began in the aftermath of the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. Since then Shalom organizers have been at work in over 160 urban and rural situations—mostly low-income neighborhoods -throughout the nation. Building on the strengths or assets of a community, as well

as targeting its needs and problems, United Methodists are pulling together teams of persons who want to make a difference in their communities. Each community is a well-defined site—some are small rural areas or towns, others might cover a few square blocks in an urban area.

Goals for these Shalom Zones are stated this way by our General Board of Global Ministries:

1. Develop congregations as effective witnesses for the gospel of Jesus Christ and as strategic bases for ministry in the community;

2. Develop communities economically, through job training and placement housing development, and business development;

3. Strengthen race, class, and cultural relationships and; 4. Improve community health care and coordination of services. In short, “the goal of Communities of Shalom is the empowerment of individual

lives and the transformation of churches and communities.” In particular, people of faith are “addressing internal, and external pressures of poverty, racism, lack of vision, limited resources and demise of spirit.” In our own Tennessee Conference, Shalom Zones have been added to the national effort. One is in a low-income community in Gallatin, a county-seat town northeast of Nashville. Leading the way is a healthy mix of large and small churches, black, white and multiracial churches, old and new congregations.

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Another Shalom Zone effort is ongoing through a partnership between Edgehill UMC and Belmont UMC, both in historic neighborhoods of Nashville. Struggling together to make the leap from “charity to justice,” from “relief work to release work,” all of these communities offer tangible signs of hope and faith in action. Other Shalom Zones are in the works. Ask members of any of these churches, including Rehoboth, Key-Stewart, Lambuth, or Gallatin First United Methodist Church, about their involvement with this program and you’ll be caught up in the possibilities for your own community. (You’ll also learn that the original bible study, “BACK TO THE BIBLE: God’s Call to Ministry With the Poor and Marginalized,” was used by these congregations as they looked for God’s guidance in being in ministry to their communities!) For names of persons who can talk with you about this transforming work, call the Conference office and Carmen Lile-Henley, our conference coordinator for the Love and Justice Team, will help you (615.329.1177).

What Could We Do? Talk with other churches in our community about concerns that we might better

address together. Organize and/or teach a Sunday School class on the United Methodist Social

Principles, focusing on section 67 on The Economic Community. Actively support the Bishop’s Initiative, “Hope for the Children of Africa,” which

seeks to rebuild churches, schools and caring structures devastated by war. (Advance # 101000-4)

Find out more about the national SHALOM initiative and training opportunities by contacting our own:

Conference Shalom Coordinator, Bill Barnes at this number: (615)297-3973. OR The General Board of Global Ministries

United Methodist Church 475 Riverside Drive New York, NY 10115 Phone: (212)870-3600

What Are We Going To Do? In 1994, our Tennessee Annual Conference agreed to evaluate our

ministries from the perspective of poor and marginalized persons. In 1999 the Annual Conference reaffirmed this priority. Did these decisions affect the programs in our own United Methodist Church? If so, how? If not, why not?

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What do we still need to do or change in our local church in order to be more faithful to this call to love and justice?

The Annual Conference of June 2000 brought together the concerns and visions of two task forces---The Task Force on Ministry with the Poor and Marginalized and The Episcopal Initiative on Children and Poverty. Together, they have become The Love and Justice Team, which is sponsoring this Bible Study. What will we do to educate our congregation about this combined focus?

How easy is it now for members of our congregation to be in active partnership with poor persons, many of whom are children? Are people aware of specific opportunities?

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What can we do and will we do to make sure that people are aware of opportunities to “make a difference,” personally and collectively?

What commitments do we need to make before we meet again for this study?

IV. FEEDING ON THE WORD A Closing Prayer:

Oh God, who loves every man, woman and child, you have anointed us, too. We are rich in your grace, strong in your love, and assured of your faithfulness to all generations. Let us not be afraid to take the scriptures in our hands and into our hearts. Move us from hearing to doing what you call us to do. And when we’re unsure of what to do, keep us struggling to hear your clear voice. We pray, as always, in the name of the One who became your compassionate Word for the sake of all God’s children, Amen.

Suggested Hymn: “All Who Love and Serve Your City” Page 433 in the United Methodist Hymnal.

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Session 6—“God’s Faithfulness” Scripture—Psalm 146 I. Preparing for the Word

Leader: Just as Jesus drew strength and vision from the Hebrew Scriptures, we, too, can seek and find support and guidance in those ancient texts. Everyone: With the Psalmist, O God, we offer you our praise. We celebrate your great faithfulness and your steadfast love. We acknowledge that the demands of discipleship are often intense and sometimes painful. Help us to draw wisdom, comfort and strength from your Word. Amen.

A word from our Wesleyan heritage: “I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist, either in Europe or America. But I am afraid, lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power.” John Wesley, “Thoughts Upon Methodism,” 1786.

II. Hearing the Word

What’s going on in this Psalm? This Psalm combines praise and thanksgiving for the God who is both the Creator and Sustainer of all good things, as well as the origin of true justice. In using this Psalm, we are called to celebrate our partnership with God and with each other. But at the same time, our study also calls us to keep in mind that “Christ has no hands or feet but ours.”

Reading our scripture: Read Psalm 146 aloud as a total group. Read the Psalm silently one more time and reflect on it.

What Does the Scripture Say?

How long does the Psalmist intend to praise God?

What warning does the Psalmist give about whom we should trust?

Who are the blessed or happy ones in life?

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What does the God who is faithful forever do to bring justice?

What is the response of the Psalmist to God’s faithfulness?

WHAT OTHERS HAVE THOUGHT: “The peoples of the world will no doubt be looking for signs of hope, liberation, justice and peace as we enter the new millennium…People of every faith will be expected to draw deeply from their spiritual wells in order to share fresh water of life for the refreshing of weary souls. As heirs of the Judeo-Christian tradition, we will be able to share our vision of…new possibility in which all have enough and none too much… in which all of us can return home to genuine humanity in community with all humankind.”

(From THE BIBLICAL JUBILEE AND THE STRUGGLE FOR LIFE by Ross and Gloria Kinsler, 1999.)

HOW HAVE OTHERS HEARD THIS SCRIPTURE? Members of a long-standing adult Sunday School class at rural New Bethel UMC studied the same Psalm used in this session. This very small, historic congregation had recently had to deal with the ravages of a flash flood that did extensive damage to their structure, including their lovely sanctuary. Their reflections on Psalm 146 have been woven into a corporate prayer which you are invited to share with them.

A Prayer of the People Oh Lord, we want to praise you everyday of our lives. We give you thanks that you are always with us even when the floods come…

even when sickness comes… even when we feel isolated and lonely… even when we lose hope and take little joy in our living… even when our worship is more a habit than a heart matter… even when we fear we won’t have the resources we need… even when we forget to praise you…

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Help us to remember to put our trust in you, Great Promise Keeper. Help us depend on your love and grace to see us through. Help us serve you faithfully all the days of our lives so that our living makes a difference for others. Help us to keep listening for your call to each of us. May our worship be pleasing in your sight and connect us to You and to each other. May we “count our blessings” daily and remember your goodness forever. Thank you for the many faithful hands that have reached out to us in the hard times for bringing us closer together and making us stronger… for helping us find a way to restore our church… for continuing to be our Rock and Redeemer. We worship you, God of all times and places. Amen

WHAT’S IT GOT TO DO WITH US?

How often do we stop and offer praise and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness? Why is that important?

Recall a time when you experienced the goodness and mercy of God as you were in ministry with those named in Psalm 146. What was that experience like?

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If we have lost the hope and joy of being in partnership with God, can we serve others faithfully? How easy is it for concerns about justice to take a back seat to taking care of ourselves? What difference does our worship make to our lives of service?

How does worship help us re-connect with the God who loves and sustains us? How does worship help us find renewed energy for doing justice and living love?

III. Doing The Word What Have Others Done? (A story from 2 small member- ship churches in White’s Creek, TN)

Joy Lawler, former pastor of Beech Grove UMC, tells the story of how one congregation linked up with another congregation in order to address a real need in the community. “We started this ministry by asking ourselves what was one thing we did best. The answer was ‘children.’ We joked with Connell UMC so they could help with finances, volunteers and a van.”

The partnership gave birth to a program known as COOL SCHOOL, which serves impoverished and learning disabled students who are considered “at risk” in their middle school. The program is housed at the Beech Grove Church, but it is Connell Memorial’s van that is used to pick up the children. The program runs from 2:45-7:00 pm on Mondays and has 2 staff persons as well as 18 volunteers from both communities of faith.

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Children work with tutor/mentors on learning skills and tasks…and everyone benefits. The partnership between the two churches has strengthened both churches; the relationships between the volunteers and the children have forged new bonds in the community; and hope is being restored in children who often fall between the cracks in our current educational system. The motto of this program could well be “Let the children come…” In partnership with God’s people from another congregation, these church families have discovered a new path for being in ministry with the broader community and know first hand that God is with them as they respond to this important call. They also have learned to “thank God for the children who are eager to learn and who have so much love to give.”

What Could We Do? (possibilities for action)

Take time to celebrate the ways that God’s Spirit is at work in your church and community.

Host a volunteer or missions fair on a Sunday afternoon or evening. Offer and publicize opportunities for persons to receive training as volunteers

for particular ministries. Pray for the power to see and to love your neighbor. Pray for the courage and persistence to change unjust systems

What Are We Going to Do About It?

Since we are called to be both “hearers and doers” of God’s Word, how can the church help us live out that calling?

Even Jesus withdrew from the crowds to pray and renew his strength. How can we follow that example, juggling our needs for retreat and renewal with the demands of active discipleship?

Take a look at Isaiah 58 for a clear look at what God requires of us in our worship and daily lives.

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Since you have been involved in this study, have you become aware of a need or situation to which you feel God is calling the church to respond? If so, please write down your thoughts or talk to others in your community about that call, so that it doesn’t get away from you. Sharing it may be the start of a new ministry. Take some time to sketch out your dream(s).

Have you included in your sketch the names of persons who might help you connect with the persons and places of need? Have you thought of ways to set up dialogue sessions with those persons, so that you can enter into a partnership ministry to address needs?

Keeping the Psalm in mind, continue to focus on moving from compassion for the individual to compassion plus a response to the group--so that change can occur for more than a few. Keep asking, “What kind of response does collective compassion call for in this situation?”

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III. Feeding On the Word Words from John Wesley: “To you who believe the Christian revelation, I may speak in a still stronger manner. You believe your blessed Master, ‘left you an example, that you might tread in his steps’ (1 Peter 2:21). Now you know how his whole life was a labour of love. You know how he ‘went about doing good’…Go and see the poor…Jesus went before you and will go with you.” From “THE REWARD OF REGHTEOUSNESS” A sermon from 1777 A Poem: SEE ME

See me; I am your neighbor. Touch me; I am also God’s child. Know me; I have stories to tell. Encourage me; God has a dream for each of us. Join hands with me; we will be stronger. Love me as yourself; God said so. Pray for me; I will pray for you. Act with me; we can change the world. See me; I see you and God has named us Family.

A Closing Prayer Based on Isaiah 58:6-9 May our fast, O God be acceptable to you. May we praise you with our lives each day.

Help us loosen the bonds of injustice. Help us undo and snap the straps of the yoke, so that the oppressed can go free. Help us to share your bread with the hungry, to take the homeless into your shelter and to clothe the naked. Help us not hide from your children, our brothers and sisters. Help us stop pointing fingers, repair breaches and restore trust and hope and kindness on our city streets. Help us observe a Sabbath rest to renew our bodies and spirits.

May we delight forever in you, Great God, bringer of light and healer of all who turn to You, Amen.

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Session 7—“Unto the Least of These” Scripture—Matthew 25:31-46 I. Preparing for the Word Leader: After celebrating God’s constant faithfulness

in last week’s session, we take on the hard task of evaluating our life in community today. Everyone: O Lord, help us to hold up a mirror to our lives and

see ourselves as you see us. Help us take off the blinders that keep us from noticing the hurt and the need around us. Show us the way of love and justice and peace, and help us walk that way with joy and persistence. In the name of the One who walked this holy way before us, Amen.

A word from our Wesleyan heritage… “Many of your brethren, beloved of God, have not food to eat; they have

not raiment to put on; they have not a place where to lay their head. And why are they thus distressed? Because you impiously, unjustly, and cruelly detain from them what your Master and theirs lodges in your hands on purpose to supply their wants.”

From “The Causes of the Inefficacy of Christianity,” VII:286.

A word from a Sri Lankan theologian… Love cannot be practiced without justice. Love cannot be built on

injustice, for injustice is lovelessness. Love is not an alternative to justice…Justice is the beginning of love.

Tissa Balasuriya in The Doubleday Christian Quotation Collection, 1998.

II. Hearing the Word What’s Going On in the Matthew Scripture? Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem and the anticipated showdown has developed with the religious and political authorities that want to be rid of Jesus. Jesus makes no more friends as he shares his understanding of the Final Judgment. He describes those who will and those who will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The language of sheep and goats is clear to the listeners. Reading Our Scripture:

Have one person read it aloud for the whole group. Then everyone read it a second time for themselves.

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What Does the Scripture Say? According to Jesus, what are the characteristics of the sheep, including

their actions and their attitudes?

What are the characteristics of the goats, including their actions and their attitudes?

This passage suggests that our actions have consequences. In the end what counts is caring for those in need. What does such care include?

Who are the persons in need?

WHAT HAVE OTHERS THOUGHT? “Jesus is explaining what it will be like when the son of Man returns. The issue is not ‘whether’ or ‘when’ it will be, but ‘what’ it will be like. When all the nations are gathered before him, they will be separated like a shepherd separates his sheep from his goats when they are brought in from the field. Make no mistake about it—Jesus is saying there are big and important differences between these groups.”

Robert McAfee Brown, UNEXPECTED NEWS, paraphrased.

“Truly at the day of judgment we shall not be examined on what we have read, but what we have done; not how well we have spoken, but how religiously we have lived.”

Thomas `a Kempis, 15th century German spiritual writer.

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“As the Discipline states, ‘For Wesley there is no religion but social religion, no holiness but social holiness’. John Wesley was clear on the unity of personal religion and social witness. He said that Christianity is essentially a social religion… and personal salvation expresses itself in efforts to reform society into a realm in which God reigns supreme…”

Kenneth Carder in Doctrinal Standards and Our Theological Task, an official resource for The United Methodist Church prepared by the General Board of Discipleship, 1989.

HOW HAVE OTHERS HEARD THIS SCRIPTURE? Persons living on death row at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville struggled for understanding of the same scripture we are studying in this session. Let them minister to you as you pray together this prayer drawn from their powerful insights and desire to follow Christ’s lead. Good Shepherd, we want to be your sheep. Sheep are blessed and live righteously; they are humble and don’t do good just to gain power or recognition. Sheep are going to inherit God’s kingdom and have eternal life. You promise. Sheep serve Jesus when they minister to the needs of others. But goats are blind and indifferent to the needs around them. Lord, we don’t want to be goats. They can’t see Jesus. Their hearts are corrupt and You are going to judge the goats harshly.

Lord we want to be your sheep, see needs and do something. We want to see, but also look beyond the physical.

We want to care enough to tell the Good News and to pray with those who hurt.

Sheep understand what Jesus meant about “just as you have done (or not done) unto the least of these” who are members of my family, you have done unto me. Lord help us when we don’t get it or forget it. We want to be sheep that understand that Jesus is still speaking the same gospel today to everyone—all nations, churches, and communities, to individuals and to institutions, even in prison. Sheep know that Jesus isn’t just talking about serving during a crisis or at a holiday time, but everyday.

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We confess that some days we act like sheep; some days we act like goats. Don’t let us forget that you love those goats, too. We need to keep loving goats, too, don’t we Lord? Help us be your sheep everyday. Help whole communities and government agencies, and corporations to develop a “sheep awareness and conscience”! We trust, O God, that you will bless the sheep and we ask that you transform the goats with your love and healing grace so that not one of your children is lost. Please help us all to follow you, wherever you lead us. In the name of the Good Shepherd, AMEN. WHAT’S IT GOT TO DO WITH US? (You may need extra paper!)

Reflect on Robert McAfee’s words: “Many individual Christians try to make things different…Such lives demonstrate individual response to the needs of the sick, the hungry, the naked. On the basis of the text…individual attention to massive social ills, admirable as it is, is not sufficient.” What do you think?

Referring back to verses 31 and 32, notice that it is nations, not just individuals who are gathered at the Judgment. While this scripture calls for individual acts of mercy, its emphasis is on group accountability. With that in mind, to whom is Jesus speaking today?

Consider these words of Sabelo Ntwasa, South African black theologian. “The Church…cannot be seen simply as the company of believers who have had spiritual experiences. It is the company of those whose lives are perceived to have the quality of Christ-in-his-struggle-against-human-bondage. It is thus the company of liberators, or it is not the Church.”

How does your church live out this understanding of its responsibility?

Does our nation understand its responsibility in and for the world? How so and how not?

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III. Doing the Word What Have Others Done? (A story ) Convinced that Jesus meant what he said about visiting those in prison, members of Chapel Hill UMC, a small membership church in Marshall County, looked into possibilities. After talking with the county sheriff and then the jail administrator, a few men from the congregation started visiting once a month, but after only a few months they were persuaded by their new friends to come more often, because of comments from the men like “We like the way you do things. Some of the other groups (who also visit) try to preach to us and put us down. You simply talk to us about the Word.” The number of men who joined in the fellowship doubled and then tripled when the visits increased to twice a month. Over time the jail administrator shared with the visitors that one of the most

glaring needs was for persons to come and be in ministry with the women prisoners. In order to meet that need, however, there had to be at least one female co-worker with each male visitor. That proved a tougher task than getting men to go into the prison. But after almost a year, one woman decided to go and then more women followed her lead.

Prisoners are not required to participate, but instead are invited to be a part of this ministry. Many are hungry for someone to listen to their stories. Whether men or women, the visitors found out that it takes time to establish trust and that being consistently there is very important, even when you aren’t certain that what you’re doing really matters. Prison ministry for these visitors is about planting seeds and trusting God to use this relationship ministry to strengthen the whole community.

This ministry addresses some of the relationship and spiritual needs

of prisoners, but what are some of the system issues that need to be addressed in regard to our present criminal justice system?

What Could We Do?

Start a prison ministry in your own congregation if there is not one in place already.

Organize a study on capital punishment in the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ask for help on getting materials together from the conference office. (615.329.1177)

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Participate in efforts to support families, particularly children, of prisoners. RECONCILIATION, a ministry with families who have loved ones in prison in the state of Tennessee can be reached for more information at (615)292-6871.

Be alert to opportunities to be in partnership with other communities that are struggling for shalom.

Hold government, corporations, nations and individuals accountable for bringing about justice and equal opportunity for all peoples.

As always, pray.

What Are We Going To Do About It? What groups and institutions are we a part of now? How do we

understand God’s judgment—not only for our own lives, but also for our collective lives in institutions and organizations?

How is God calling us to shared responsibility and accountability in our own community? What shall we do to respond more faithfully to that call individually and collectively?

Realizing from Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats, that it is in serving “the least” that we encounter Jesus, what difference does that make as we plan for future ministries? As we budget for programs?

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How do we hold each other accountable for living out “The General Rule of Discipleship” of our church, which is… To witness to Jesus Christ in the world and to follow his teachings, through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”

IV. Feeding on the Word

Meditate on these words written by Bob Case for the Tennessee Conference Task Force on Ministry with the Poor and Marginalized, as they appeared in the 1994 Journal of the Tennessee Annual Conference.

“MINISTRY TO, MINISTRY WITH”

Ministry to means welfare. Ministry with means providing meaningful employment.

Ministry to means shame.

Ministry with means self-worth.

Ministry to means benevolence. Ministry with means friendship.

Ministry to means dependence.

Ministry with means independence*.

Ministry to means charity. Ministry with means love.

Ministry to means existence. Ministry with means hope.

Ministry to means delivering social services.

Ministry with means sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. (* or “interdependence”)

A Closing Prayer: Good Shepherd, hear the unspoken, unformed prayers of every heart. Lead us into lives of righteousness and relationships of love, for the sake of your world. We love you, Amen.

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Extra Page for Notes …

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Session 8—Love Protests Injustice Scripture—Amos 6:1,4-8 I. Preparing for the Word Leader: We want to brace ourselves when the prophets speak. Amos is sure to make us squirm, even as Jesus did with his talk of sheep and goats.

Everyone: Through our squirming and in spite of our discomfort, help us trust that you, O God, will give us courage to hear love’s protests and join in the outcry! Prepare our hearts and remind us of your great love for all of creation and all of humanity. Amen.

Words from our Wesleyan heritage: “The best of all is this—God is with us!” John Wesley “There are two things to do about the Gospel—believe it and behave it.” Susanna Wesley

II. Hearing the Word What’s Going On In Amos? Understand that Amos was not a professional,

paid prophet with court or temple connections. And yet his words, probably dictated to a scribe, cut straight to the heart of every generation. In no uncertain terms, Amos blasts the wealthy who exploit the poor; he says that God is on the side of those who do justice and live righteously; and he pronounces that the “day of the Lord” will bring harsh judgment on those who do not repent and turn away from their evil ways. John the Baptist probably took some cues from Brother Amos!

Reading the Scripture: Read Amos 6:1,4-8 silently first. Then have someone in the group deliver the paraphrased version of

this scripture for the whole group (below).

Alas for all who are leading the easy, comfortable life in _____________________ (substitute your city or town). Too bad for those who feel secure on their mountain- top, depending on powerful, influential people rather than on God. How shameful are those who lie around, enjoying being waited on, eating their fill without a thought for those who go hungry. They have time on their hands and a ravenous hunger for entertainment and pampering. Worst of all, they

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do not feel the pain of those who are hurting. Therefore, these self-indulgent ones will be the first to be sent into exile; their reason for partying will disappear! God has sworn, ‘I detest their pride and hate their false security; I will abandon their city and all that is in it.’ God has spoken.

What Does the Scripture Say?

Who does Amos cry out against in the first verse?

What are the habits of these comfortable people?

What is the worst of their sins in God’s eyes?

What does God say about these people according to Amos? What Have Others Thought?

“One thing you can say for sure about judgment is that it will have far less to do with who we are than with who God is. And if we can face the prospect of it with our eyes wide open, it is not because we are confident in our own goodness but because we are confident in God’s goodness, and confident above all in the fiery, transforming power of God to create sons and daughters of Abraham out of stones, or out of any one of us, for that matter. God does not need much in the way of raw materials—not a chest full of merit badges or an unsullied reputation or even a clean conscience. All God needs to create a human being is a handful of dust willing to be transformed, willing to be caught on fire for heaven’s sake.”

Barbara Brown Taylor, GOSPEL MEDICINE, 1995.

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How Have Others Heard This Scripture? An adult Sunday School Class--Christians Under Construction-- at West End UMC in Nashville wrestled with this scripture from Amos. The discussion

below is drawn from class members’ comments. The tensions in this dialogue are evidence of how difficult and challenging it is to hear the prophetic word.

1st Person: Amos could have been talking to people of any time. There have always been people who were wealthy and those who were barely able to survive. 2nd Person: Certainly, and there are still people who go to bed hungry and hopeless, while others can’t even imagine that experience. 3rd Person: It’s an excuse, but it is so easy to focus on only your own family’s immediate needs and desires…and avoid or ignore what’s going on with other people. Many of us don’t even know our neighbors. What does that say? 4th Person: Actually, I think that Americans—individually and collectively—are more compassionate than what Amos is describing. Besides it is no sin to seek comfort and want prosperity; that’s human nature. Ignoring the needs of others is the sin. 1st Person: You make a good point, but we’re still a very self-centered society; you can’t get around that. It’s far too easy to put up a wall to keep the rest of the world out. 5th Person: Not if you’re a part of the church. We made promises to uphold the church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service. The word is “and” not “or”. It’s not multiple choice—take your pick. 6th Person: I don’t believe we can be Christian from a “safe distance,” at least not all the time. We have to be willing to risk sometimes or we’re not really living, much less following Christ. 3rd Person: When I read Amos, I feel called to be much more active in outreach ministries, in the church and community. 4th Person: That’s fine if that’s your calling but not everyone has the same calling. People give in different ways. Don’t judge other people’s decisions. 2nd Person: I don’t think Amos is about judging other people; I think it’s about hearing God’s word of judgment for all of us who claim to be God’s people—but don’t live it. It’s more about judging a whole society that puts lifestyle

above life. 4th Person: Come on now. I think we really do a pretty good job around here… Look at all the mission projects we participate in or support financially. I think we try really hard to be a caring, responsive community of faith. 6th Person: Sorry, we’re out of time but let’s close with our class prayer… Everyone: “…God save us from isolation…”

What comment would you have wanted to make if you had been with these persons struggling with their discipleship? Which person do you agree with most?

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What’s It Got To Do With Us? How is our contemporary American culture like the one Amos

describes and protests?

Are we, any less than those persons of privilege, caught up in making ourselves comfortable and prosperous?

When we promise to uphold the church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service, what does that mean in terms of responsibility for being in ministry with persons whose basic needs are not being met?

Can we be Christian “from a safe distance”? Explain.

For those of us who have children in our homes or who work with children or youth, what can we do to encourage them to be in friendships with persons whose life experiences may be very different from their own? How can we nurture a generation that can see and value the humanity of every person?

How can mass media be a positive tool for raising awareness of the world’s hurting people, without numbing viewers or listeners?

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How in a consumer driven society do we reclaim a biblical understanding of stewardship? How might the disparity between rich and poor persons be changed? Between rich and poor communities? Between rich and poor nations? What is the role of the church in closing these gaps between those who have abundance and those who don’t have enough?

How do apathy and lack of empathy separate us from God, as well as the rest of the human family?

What does it mean to say that we are called to help build the “City of God”?

Consider this statement by the National Council of the Churches of

Christ in the United States on human rights. How well does it express what you believe? “Christians believe that human beings are made in the image of God, that every person is of intrinsic worth before God, and that every individual has a right to the fullest possible opportunities for the development of life abundant and eternal. Denial of rights and freedoms that inhere in an individual’s worth before God are not simply a crime against humanity; they are a sin against God.”

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III. Doing the Word What Have Others Done?

(“Nutshell Sketches” of just a few ministries in our Conference)

Slater’s Chapel UMC is tutoring children in reading, computer and library skills. New relationships and friendships are forming. Caney Springs UMC adopted a class at an elementary school and developed an ongoing, supportive relationship with a family in need. Berlin UMC is offering long-term support to a family experiencing domestic violence. The family is now an active part of the congregation. Hohenwald UMC opened its Wednesday night program to the community and now several children are a new part of the congregation’s life. First UMC Lewisburg is involved on Thursdays with persons looking for employment, housing, education and occasionally helps with bills. Epworth UMC is involved in providing foster care for children through two families in the congregation. They also offer daycare scholarships in cooperation with DHS and DCS. Chapel Hill UMC provides space for the County Adult Education Program, which helps address an underlying cause of poverty. Westview UMC plans to expand its pre-school program to help meet the need for affordable child-care and also plans an after-school program. Elmwood UMC keeps a special “box” for members to drop their spare change in. Members know that the “box” fund is available when they see or learn of a need out in the community. They can respond quickly. Gainesboro First UMC hosts the Families First post-employment program and offers activities for participants’ children at the same time.

Hobson UMC hosts a YESSS program (Youth Empowered for Service, Survival, and Self-Esteem), a free program that offers mentoring, academic support, recreation, creative arts and conflict management skills to school-age children and youth. Lynchburg First UMC provides a food pantry in cooperation with the Moore County hunger fund. First UMC Shelbyville helps the Good Samaritan program provide Sunday School classes and worship at the Bedford County jail. Winchester First UMC began “The Christian Café” which is now an ecumenical ministry which feeds 700-800 persons during the summer. Homeless persons partner with non-homeless persons to deliver meals. Nancy Webb Kelley UMC expanded their 3 days per week feeding program to include Sunday meals after partnering with City Road UMC and Christ UMC. Bellevue UMC also joined this partnership.

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Cook’s UMC worked with its parish nurse and local health department to provide space for immunizations for children in the community. Sixty First Avenue UMC developed a program for teens at risk for dropping out of school, exposing them to a variety of jobs and trades. Belmont UMC and Hillcrest UMC both have extensive ESL (English As a Second Language) classes for refugees and immigrants. Gordon UMC helps feed hungry persons and families and encourages friend- ships between homeless persons and the congregation. Pisgah UMC has a special ministry of hospitality to residents of a nearby trailer park, in which they offer a cookout and live music. Church members and residents now know each other as neighbors. Edgehill-Belmont is a two-church partnership to address systemic issues in the community through ONE (Organized Neighbors of Edgehill). McKendree UMC membership includes persons from the ROOM IN THE INN program, from the Nashville Union Mission, and from the James Robertson Apartments, which house persons with disabilities or special needs. Calvary UMC shares their gym with Community Care Fellowship each week. They also keep a space open in their preschool for Community Care children, so that parents can be free to seek employment.

Pegram UMC has involved 3 families in the life of the congregation who were identified through the local school lunch program.

West End UMC adopted a three-generation Kosovar, refugee family, securing housing, transportation, and English language tutoring for children and adults as they get adjusted to living in the U.S. Although they are Muslim, the families have been a part of many congregational activities.

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What Could We Do? (This time make your own list of possibilities, using everyone’s ideas.) 1. 6. 2. 7. 3. 8. 4. 9.

5. 10. What Are We Going To Do About It? (do as a group)

Of the concerns we’ve raised and identified in our own church and community during this session and earlier ones, which are the most pressing? What ones are we most ready to tackle?

As members of Christ’s Church in this time and place, what new commitments are we ready to make?

Do we have the resources we need in our congregation to get started addressing those needs? What are those resources? Are there other groups or churches we might partner with or learn from?

Are we focused on not only direct services (relief work), but also on collective solutions (release work), changing systems? Do we need to put together

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IV. Feeding on the Word Consider together these words from II Corinthians 5, as translated in THE MESSAGE by Eugene H. Peterson (used by permission of NavPress Publishing, 1995).

“Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat…Because of this decision, we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look…Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new…All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and God, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other…God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing…God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you! ‘How?’ you say. In Christ.”

Then In GATES OF PRAYER, The New Union Prayerbook of Reform Judaism, there is this beautiful prayer for you to share in closing:

“Heaven and earth, O Lord, are the works of Your hands. The universe is one vast wonder, proclaiming Your wisdom and singing your greatness. O God of life, the whole universe is Your dwelling place, all being a hymn to your glory…

Above the storms of passion and hate that shake our world, we hear Your voice proclaim the law of justice & love. May we find the will to consecrate ourselves anew to the task of all the generations: To speed the dawn of the new day when all will be united in friendship and peace And with one accord, acclaim You their Eternal God.”

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Session 9—“When the Spirit Says Move…” Scriptures—Acts 2:38-47, 4:1-3,18-21 I. Preparing for the Word Leader: Just when we might feel overwhelmed by the needs around us, just when we begin to question what God is calling us to do, we are plunged into the mighty story of Pentecost. Everyone: Come, Holy Spirit, burn brightly in every heart. Come, Holy Spirit, show us your Way. Restore and unite us in your deep love and unlimited grace. Then move us, ever closer to “shalom” for all of creation. In the name of our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, Amen.

A word from our Wesleyan heritage… “Fire is the symbol of love; and the love of God is the principle and the end of all our good works…to be done in a spirit of deep gratitude…as rivers seem willing to empty themselves with all their waters into the sea.” John Wesley, ANTHOLOGY of CHRISTIAN DEVOTION. II. Hearing the Word What’s going on in the Acts passage? Jesus’ followers, including about 120 men and women, are staying together in Jerusalem and awaiting God’s promised Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, the mighty wind of the Holy Spirit comes among them, and they speak in different languages, so that Jews and foreigners alike hear the believers testifying in each of their own languages. Peter and John began to preach to the people about Jesus’ death and resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The hearers are cut to the heart and ask, “What should we do?”

Reading Our Scripture: Take turns reading a verse, until all the verses have been read aloud. Then read silently, thinking about how our community is like the early

Christian community in Acts.

What Does the Scripture Say? This group of early Christians was “of one heart and soul”. How did the

way they ordered their life together prove that?

Wow! How did it get to be that way?

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What did it mean that they were “of one heart and soul”?

How is this picture of the early church related to God’s deep longing for the reality of the “Jubilee Year”? (Look back at Leviticus 25:1-24 for a full description!)

What Others Have Thought “Before Christ sent the church into the world he sent the Spirit into the church. The same order must be observed today.”

John Stott, British theologian.

“The church’s renewal of renewals came at Pentecost. Fire and tongues promised to bond many peoples into a new people. Old prejudices, vexing suspicions, gaping distance—God was undoing them all. Those whom the Holy Spirit touched began living a unified, whole gospel—a gospel of proclamation, communion, and service. Such wholeness, such complete turning, had to include those who were poor. Sure enough, those it touched began selling their possessions and goods, (giving) to all as they had need. Throughout the ages, a new relationship with poor people has been part of the renewal of the people of God.”

Gerald Schlabach, And Who Is My Neighbor? Poverty, Privilege and the Gospel of Christ

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How Have Others Heard This Scripture? A women’s support group from East Nashville studied the same scripture and

questions that we are in this session. The dialogue below is based on their time together. Ask 5 people to take a role and present their discussion for the whole group. (Names are fictional.)

Nora: How has the church kept the traditions of the earliest Christians? Joan: Clearly when we break bread and give our gifts and offerings. Dana: We still rely on the Holy Spirit and try to take care of each other. Susan: I thought about our potluck suppers; we share what we have then. Lynn: What about missions, our apportionments, outreach projects? Although we still need to depend more on God’s Spirit than on institutional

power … Nora: What have we lost that they seem to have had? Dana: True oneness, in the community, and not just when we “come to church”. Today we meet and then go home to our cocoons. Lynn: Exactly. It’s not just that we’ve lost community in the church; it’s a loss in the society as a whole. Joan: I particularly worry about the way we exclude people who aren’t “my kind of Christian” even in our churches. Susan: We also don’t do very well sharing our resources like they did. Nora: What just might happen if the church reclaimed its unity in Christ? Joan: Everyone would be welcome. Lynn: There would be no more homelessness. Susan: Maybe we wouldn’t be divided into so many sects and denominations, but even the early church had that problem, didn’t it? Dana: Our worship would be welcoming and reflect a diverse community; our people would be actively serving the community and our building would be full of services and programs that address real needs. Nora: Think for a minute. Where do you already see God’s “great grace” actively supporting Christian community? Dana: Definitely in Habitat for Humanity and Room In the Inn, both of which are relationship based ministries. Lynn: Loaves and Fishes at the Holy Name Catholic Church and Project Reflect, helping housing project kids catch up academically… Susan: I see it at Edgehill Church, a very diverse community where people relate to each other as individuals, all children of God. Joan: Absolutely anywhere Christians relate to others as persons of dignity and worth. People touched by God’s grace try to pass it on… Nora: What do we feel moved to do after this discussion? Dana: We must tune in to what people really need and work to share what God has given to us all. With God’s Spirit so much is possible, if only we keep listening.

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What’s It Got To Do With Us? How has the church continued in the tradition of the earliest Christian

communities?

What, if anything, has been lost by today’s church, as you know and love it?

What would happen if the church were to fully reclaim its spirit of Christian unity, responsibility and trust?

Where do you see God’s “great grace” active today, making Christian community a reality?

How can we actively live our belief that in Jesus Christ we are all one people?

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III. Doing the Word What Have Others Done? (a story) “Tying Nashville Together”

In 1989, one man heard of the birth of a strong interfaith, multi-racial organization that was alive and well in the city of Memphis. Religious leaders in that city had formed an alliance with the help of a national organization experienced in “linking solid, mainstream church members across racial and denominational lines” to address their city’s serious problems. That one man, Rev. Forrest Harris, was so inspired by their work that he contacted the national organization, Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) and began discussions with other clergy persons about the possibility of such an organization in Nashville.

In 1993, born of the hope that grew out of those early discussions, a new organization was birthed whose motto was and is “Leave No One Behind”—especially not those who have historically been left out of decision- making. From the early days when its members could comfortably fit in a living room, TNT (Tying Nashville Together) has grown into a strong and vocal grassroots organization with members from about seventy different faith or community-based organizations. These members represent some 20-30 thousand additional people.

TNT was created out of a desire to do something more and other than provide hand-outs or services in emergency situations. TNT is not in the business of short-term care or assistance. Other agencies and programs are in place for those kinds of immediate needs. Neither does TNT assist groups in recruiting volunteers for programs or projects, no matter how wonderful their purposes.

What TNT does do is work to change systems that are unjust or unresponsive to the needs of the people they are supposed to serve. In their words, “TNT…is a broad-based citizens coalition through which people of various religions and organizations come together to organize for power to improve our community…Our aim is to speak in the voice of those not yet at the table, to get poor and marginalized people to the table, to identify issues of importance to the broader community, and to join the self-interest of the community in an organization that can bring about change.”

United Methodist congregations—large and small, urban and suburban—are clearly a strong part of TNT’s efforts. Taking seriously both the gospel mandate to hear and do the Word, and Wesley’s clear example in word and deed, United Methodist Christians have eagerly joined hands across the city of Nashville to “achieve justice”.

To date, these concerns have received the most focus and energy:

1. Nursing Home Care—raising salaries of aides to avoid turnover and poor quality of care, plus providing meaningful employment opportunities.

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2. Neighborhood Justice Center—establishing a center that provides mediation services for resolving conflicts, saving government and individuals the high costs associated with court and jail time.

3. Neighborhood Audits—to discover and report situations that need attention by various Metro departments. After items were brought to the attention of 9 Metro department heads, 1000 of those were addressed (such as demolition of abandoned, condemned properties).

4. Neighborhood Aftercare—establishing neighborhood-based, academically- enriching, free after school programs in seven targeted schools, funded by the Metro budget. More programs are in the works.

5. Metro General Elections—putting the TNT Platform in the hands of candidates and asking them to adopt that platform, as the current mayor has. (TNT is completely non-partisan!)

6. Adequate Funding For Critical Community Support Services—such as 24 hour-a-day public transportation, quality public housing, etc…

To learn more about this faith-based organization you may call a staff person in Nashville at (615)327-2625.

What Could We Do? (Possibilities for action)

Embrace and celebrate the diversity in your community. Pray for unity. Work for justice for all.

Join or start a ministry that seeks reconciliation where there is division or discord in your community.

Talk about your experiences of grace with others; God can use your words and experiences to give hope to others.

Examine your church budget in light of the Acts passage. Link with other faith-based communities to address common concerns. Commit to living more simply. Educate others on ways to live more simply. Clean out your closets and cabinets, giving from your abundance those items

that are in good usable condition to groups or agencies that will make them available to persons in need.

Always seek the guidance of God’s Spirit.

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What Are We Going To Do About It? Will we examine closely those institutions and programs that are

committed to the welfare of poor and marginalized persons? (Make a list to get started on.) Will we be willing to withdraw support from those that are not responsive to the needs of those they are supposed to serve? What would withdrawing support look like?

How could living more simply be a starting place for a fuller life in Christ and a more whole life in community?

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Are we willing to commit to a lifestyle that lets go of resources beyond what are “necessary for life and holiness”? What would that look like in daily life?

What do you believe God’s Spirit is saying to your spirit, and to your community as you prepare to leave this final study session? What are you going to do about what you have heard? What is your prayer for your community?

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IV. Feeding on the Word Prayerfully consider John Wesley’s response to the early Christian community: “But here a question will naturally occur: ‘How came they to act thus, to have all things in common, seeing we do not read of any positive command to do this?’ I answer, there needed no outward com- mand: The command was written upon their hearts. It naturally and neces- sarily resulted from the degree of love which they enjoyed. Observe! ‘They were of one heart, and of one soul:’ And not so much as one (so the words run) said, (they could not, while their hearts so overflowed with love,) ‘that any of the things which he possessed was his own.’ And wheresover the same cause shall prevail, the same effect will naturally follow.” From “The Mystery of Iniquity,” VI 255-56.

Affirm together “God’s Vision of Abundant Living” as adopted by our United Methodist Church in THE BOOK OF RESOLUTIONS 1996.

“We are people called to live toward God’s vision of reconciliation through Christ Jesus. This reconciled world, or “new heaven and earth,” includes…a creation where diversity is celebrated as a gift, rather than resisted and destroyed; where loving relationships are supremely valued and the resources of the world are shared equitably and justly; where all persons know their worth and value as children of God and who seek the well-being of God’s creation above their own greed. It is a world where we live out of a theology of “enough”…a theology that allows us to move away from worshiping the gods of consumption and material need. In living out a theology of enough we will no longer expend our physical resources in consumption and emotional resources in worrying over status. Our security and sense of well-being will be defined in relationship to God, not by our possessions… While Christ does not seek for any of us to be without basic necessities, a simplified life will move us away from the expectations and injustices of affluent living. Abundant living is a life of greater simplicity, of more responsible use of resources and of a deeper faith.”

(As quoted in SIMPLER LIVING, COMPASSIONATE LIFE, compiled byMichael Schut. Excerpted from THE BOOK OF RESOLUTIONS OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1996, The United Methodist Publishing House, Nashville.)

Leave by exchanging signs of peace with each other.

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