theme & discussion topic guide 2016 - 2017

Go in

JOY!

Theme & Discussion Topic

Guide 2016 - 2017

| Go in Joy!

The Leadership team, plus both Programmes & Resources and Project & Topic Committees, have been thinking for a while now that there has been too much overlap between the Theme Guide and Discussion Topic booklet, and that the only difference has been, in fact, the ‘discussion’ element offered by the booklet.

Therefore, the booklet is being incorporated into the Theme Guide as an integral part - a ‘Discussion Section’ - and it is hoped that it will prove useful to members as part of ‘unpacking the theme’.

A note on the new format of this resource

Please feel free to photocopy at will!

Go in Joy! |

Start here. start now. share this pack!

Maybe you could think about:

• the Guild projects - great resources and speakers are available. Remember to use your Council’s Project Co-ordinator.

• aspects of the Church’s wider work - the various Councils of the church can provide speakers.

In the past, some groups have invited:

• speakers involved with organisations whose business is appropriate to the theme.

• the leadership team of their Presbyterial Council - a Resource Co-ordinator or Ecumenical Rep who may have news to share and the Council Convener and National Committee representative might welcome an invitation to visit.

• members of the Kirk session and other congregational groups.

• friends from other denominations in their area.

To increase awareness of the Guild, you could:

• launch your Guild year with a dedication service or a promotional slot during Sunday worship.

• publicise your meetings - posters are available and Guild Week is an ideal opportunity for outreach.

• invite people along - a personal invitation can mean a lot to someone and is very effective.

• include your Council’s events into your schedule and try to avoid a clash with your own Guild meeting.

• have some fun built into your programme - time for parties, visits, celebrations... quite apart from all the unscheduled laughter there will be!

• care for those who can no longer attend.

Look out for this lightbulb throughout this resource - each one will offer a top tip or helpful hint!

When you sit down as a group or committee to plan the Guild session, are you bursting with ideas or is preparing the syllabus a bit of a headache? Below are some suggestions to give you a head-start with a well-balanced programme.

Introduction 4

Unpacking the theme 5-7a. Exploration 5b. What the Bible 6-7 says about joy

Worship resources 8-20a. Suggested hymns 8-10 for worshipb. Readings 11-13c. Prayers 14-17d. Samples of worship 18-19e. Samples of 20 reflective worship

Programme resources 21-29a. A ‘do-it-yourself ’ 21 programmeb. Bible studies 22-23c. Some ideas for 24-26 your syllabusd. Dramas 27-29

Other resources 30

Discussion topic 31-42

CONTENTS

IntroductionWithout sounding flippant, as the song title says, “Here we are again, happy as can be!”

I’m sitting at the computer ready to write the introduction for the 2016/2017 Theme “Go in Joy”. The word happy also reflects joy. It is my pleasure to be writing this introduction although not necessarily my favourite task.

It has been said during the last year that the Guild is trying to be more forward in its thinking and we hope that this guide, prepared for you by like-minded Guildsfolk, will help prepare the way to be bold and strong and to go in joy. It is hoped that the Guild is seen as a happy organisation and not ladies who are stuck in their ways - “its aye been done this way”.

The Bible has a lot of joyous occasions and we would hope that during the session 2016/2017 they can be shared at meetings and, as I said last year, the power of prayer is very important not only for peace but for happy times as well. I know we shouldn’t always look back but I’m sure, like me, you remember the late Fiona Punton with joy for every opportunity to have perhaps spoken to her or been in her bubbly company.

Once again with hard work by the members of the Programme and Resources Committee we have produced a Theme Guide for session 2016/2017 and as the word suggests it is a “GUIDE”. It is hoped that members who have held office for a while will “dip in and out” and that for those new to office it will help them to plan programmes and devotions. There is further material to download on the Guild’s web pages - visit www.cos-guild.org.uk to see what’s available.

Can I say a big thank you to all who have responded to the questionnaire regarding the Theme Guide for 2014/2015, “A world to serve”? There was an increase in the number of replies received and your comments will be taken into consideration when we prepare future guides.

We hope this Theme Guide will help you to plan exciting and thought-provoking meetings and to find practical and innovative ways to “Be Bold, Be Strong” and “Go in Joy” in your own Guilds throughout the country (I was going to say Scotland but I know there is at least one Guild “south of the border”, though not quite “down Mexico way”).

So as the hymn says, “You shall go out with joy...” Let us do likewise with our theme for this session.

PATRICIA ROBERTSON | PROGRAMMES & RESOURCES COMMITTEE CONVENER

Patricia

WE HOPE THIS THEME GUIDE WILL HELP YOU TO FIND

PRACTICAL AND INNOVATIVE WAYS TO “BE BOLD,

BE STRONG” AND “GO IN JOY” IN YOUR OWN GUILDS

| Go in Joy!

Go in Joy! |

Exploring ‘Go in joy’The words ‘peace, joy, love’ can be found several times in the Bible and in hymns, but not always in the same order. Last year we based our thoughts on ‘peace’ taking the order from the blessing ‘May God’s blessing surround you each day’ (MP 460), and in this order there is a natural progression from peace to joy.

What is joy? Is it simply pleasure, happiness, feeling glad, contentment? The Bible says it is more than pleasure or pleasing ourselves but is being full of joy, joyful, with the joy which comes from inner peace. If we aren’t at peace with ourselves, with other people or with God, we can’t be joyful.

God is the source of our joy, ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace’ (Romans 15:13). The Holy Spirit fills us with joy ‘the harvest of the Spirit is love, joy...’ (Gal 5:22).

We can worship God even when life seems hard for he will give us strength and fill us with joy (Colossians 1:11-12). Time and again we hear of people who have found peace and joy through their suffering.

Paul wrote ‘In our sorrows we have always cause for joy’ (2 Corinthians 6:10).

Robinson Crusoe, in the well-known novel, says that when he was at a low point he read ‘be content with what you have; for God himself has said, ‘I will never leave you or desert you’ (Hebrews 13:5) and he

learned that it was possible to be more happy in his forsaken solitary condition than he might have been anywhere else.

Joni Eareckson Tada’s story may be known to you - how following a diving accident and a long period of recovery and rebuilding her life she found joy and peace. An evangelical christian, she has spread the Good News around the world, and founded ‘Joni and Friends’ an organisation ‘accelerating Christian ministry in the disabled community’.

God criticised those who did not offer glad, joyful service (Deuteronomy 28: 46-47).

Our joy must be expressed in our worship (Psalm 95:1, Psalm 96:1-3, Psalm 100), through music (Psalm 150), and with joyful shouts of ‘Alleluia’. There’s nothing better than a good sing!

Go in Joy!

JOY

esus first

thers next

ourself last

Unpacking the theme

| Go in Joy!

What the bible says about joy

In the Old TestamentPsalm 16:11 You will show me the path that leads to life, your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure for ever.

Psalm 30:5 His anger lasts only a moment, his goodness for a lifetime. Tears may flow in the night, but joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 43:4 I will go to your altar, O God; you are the source of my happiness; I will play my harp and sing praise to you, O God, my God.

Psalm 51:12 Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.

Psalm 126:5 Let those who wept as they sowed their seed, gather the harvest with joy.

Isaiah 9:3 You have given them great joy, LORD, you have made them happy. They rejoice in what you have done, as people rejoice when they harvest their corn, or when they divide captured wealth.

Isaiah 12: 3 As fresh water brings joy to the thirsty, so God’s people rejoice when he saves them.

Jeremiah 15:16 You spoke to me, and I listened to every word; I belong to you, Lord God Almighty, so your words filled my heart with joy and happiness.

Habakkuk 3:18 I will still be joyful and glad, because the Lord God is my saviour.

Unpacking the theme

Joy is very infectious. It is increased by spreading it to others. Joy is an inner confidence, knowing that God is there and there is nothing to fear for the future; when God gives you joy no one can take it from you. Joy is a feeling of great delight or pleasure, often seen as active.

The Scriptures declare: “The Joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Neh 8:10)

Make sure guests speakers, leaders and presenters each understand their roles and the format of the meeting.

Try not to let the business or notices break up the flow of the meeting.

If something goes awry, don’t worry! Don’t spend the rest of the meeting referring to it and apologising.

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In the New Testament

Matthew 1:21 Joy to the world, the Lord has come. This favourite carol reflects the true reason why we can have joy today.

Matthew 25:21-23 The faithful servant shares the joy of the Lord.

Luke 15: 10 Here Jesus speaks about the woman who lost one of her coins and finds it saying, “In the same way, I tell you the angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents.”

Luke 24: 41 Jesus appears to His disciples: they still could not believe; they were so full of joy and wonder so he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?”

John 15:11 Jesus the real vine: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Acts 20:24 Paul’s farewell speech to the elders of Ephesus: Paul reckons his life to be worth nothing to him. He said, “I only want to complete my mission and finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do, which is to declare the Good News about the grace of God.”

Romans 14:17 For God’s Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness peace and joy which the Holy Spirit gives, and when someone serves Christ in this way he pleases God and is approved by others.

Hebrews 12:2 Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from the beginning to the end. He did not give up because of the cross. On the contrary because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right-hand side of God’s throne.

1 Peter 4:13-14 Be glad that you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may be full of joy when his glory is revealed. Happy are you if you are insulted because you are Christ’s followers, this means that the glorious Spirit, Spirit of God, is resting on you.

Ephesians 5:19 Speak to one another with words of psalms, hymns and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts.

Colossians 3:16 Christ’s message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct each other with wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts.

James 5:13 Is anyone among you troubled? He should pray. Is anyone happy? He should sing praises.

Unpacking the theme

suggested Hymns

CH4 CH3 CMP CG

O come and let us to the Lord 59 19All people that on earth do dwell 63 1 20Jubilate, everybody 64Praise the Lord all ye servants of the Lord 91 1103Let all the world in every corner sing 122 361 404Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation 124 9 564Sing to God with gladness, all creation 150 112How great thou art 154 506 53Sing to the Lord a joyful song 184 366 929Come children, join and sing 185 383Singing, we gladly worship the Lord together 257O for a thousand tongues to sing 352 371 496Away with gloom, away with doubt 418Jesus is risen, alleluia 409Come and join the celebration 321Fairest Lord Jesus 463 375 823Spirit of truth and grace 608 119Blessed Assurance 561 59We have heard a joyful sound 249 475 730For the beauty of the earth 181 367 152Let’s sing unto the Lord 176Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness 201 40Joy to the world 320 393Hark the glad sound 277 160 210The day of resurrection 413 267What a friend we have in Jesus 547 746My life flows on in endless song 565 51

Opening Worship

Worship resources

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CH4 CH3 CMP CG

Praise to the Lord for the joys of the earth 165God, the Father of creation 113 41Ye servants of God 130 372 784May the grace of Christ our saviour 634Praise, I will praise you Lord 175Great is thy faithfulness 153 200 43Holy Spirit, ever living 615 334Glory be to God the Father 110 354 175Come, let us to the Lord our God 482 69Oh greatly blessed the people are 53 390Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go 529 159You shall go out with joy 804 796 149Lord, for the years 159 428 74Oh the life of the world 141 97Shine, Jesus, shine 448 445 110We are here to praise you Lord 802 717I will rejoice in you and be glad 312Love divine 519 437 449Be bold, be strong 49I know that my redeemer lives 423 278Come let us to the Lord our God 482 69Rejoice the Lord is King 449 296 575O day of joy and wonder 582 327How lovely on the mountains 249I will sing the wondrous story 381 315Lord of all hopefulness 166 92Praise and thanksgiving let everyone bring 170Who is on the Lord’s side? 479 769

Closing Worship

Worship resources

If there is a hymn which is completely new, teach it at the beginning rather than expecting people to just stand and sing it. If possible, use a piano, as it is easier to hear a melody than using an organ or guitar. Remember, the more there are hymns and items which people can take part in, the more involved they are and the better their impression of the meeting!

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| Go in Joy!

God, we praise you! God, we love you!We rejoice to say your name.You are Alpha and Omega,everlasting and the same.You are our Almighty Father;you have saved us through your Son;peace, joy, love come by your Spirit – ever three and ever one.

Singing praise to our Lord Jesus, Christ, we want to follow you,live in joy as your disciples,show your love in all we do.As we read the gospel storiesso we know your Father’s voice:tales of love and of redemptiontouch our hearts, and we rejoice.

Holy Spirit, come amongst uswith the peace that you afford;comforter and guide forever,living Spirit of the Lord.May your love take hold, and fill us,give us strength and give us voice;may our words and thoughts and actionstell of you, and all rejoice!

Tune: Ode to Joy or other 8787 D metre eg. Abbot’s Leigh, Austrian Hymn, Blaenwern, Courage Brother, Hyfrydol

We rejoice to praise our Saviour!We rejoice to praise our Lord – brought to us the heavenly gospel;Christ, the everlasting Word.Jesus came to save God’s people:Heaven’s light for dark earth’s joy: Heaven’s light for dark earth’s joy.

Jesus told us how to pray, andJesus taught us how to live;brought us closer to the Fatherwhose desire was to forgive.His dear Son was sent to save us – set us free to live in joy:set us free to live in joy.

Jesus’ strength has saved our weakness:by his courage on the crosswe have gained the life eternal:

God’s redemption of our loss.Jesus died to save his people:O! what joy! our God forgives!O! what joy! for God forgives!

In triumphant resurrectionChrist has shown God’s wondrous pow’r.Now we know the Holy Spiritdwells with us in ev’ry hour:go in joy and show the nationsGod’s eternal wondrous love:God’s eternal wondrous love!

Tune: Cwm Rhondda

We rejoice to call you Father, (Matthew 6: 9-13)God in heaven, of name so dear;we rejoice to know your kingdomgrows from seeds you’ve planted here.Lord, your will in joy we follow,knowing that it leads to heaven;and we pray that joy may alsoto our fellow man be giv’n.

Every way you clothe and feed usgives our bodies earthly health;and with joy you feed our spiritswith your everlasting wealth.Lord, forgive us when we doubt you,lead our lives in our own way;help us to forgive each otherthough the words are hard to say.

Lead us not into temptation – lead us, Lord, to follow you;save us from all powers of evil,keep us safe our whole lives through.For we know yours is the kingdomwhere our joys will never end;Yours the power and the gloryalways, ever, Lord. Amen!

Metre: 8787 8787 Tune: Converse (What a friend we have in Jesus), Abbot’s Leigh (Ye that know the Lord is gracious), Blaenwern (Lord, in love and perfect wisdom), Courage Brother, Hyfrydol (Love Divine, all loves excelling), Ode to Joy, St Andrew (Jesus calls us! O’er the tumult) - repeat tune in each verse, Servant Song (Brother, sister, let me serve you) - repeat tune in each verse, Stuttgart (In the cross of Christ I glory) - repeat tune in each verse.

Hymns written by Guild member, Lesley Donaldson of Hawick Teviot Guild

Worship resources

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Joy: emotion evoked by well-being, success or good fortune; characterised by gladness or delight.

Old Testament• 2 Chronicles 30:23-27

A joyful celebration

• Ezra 3:10-13, Ezra 6:16-18 Praise for laying of temple foundations and then its dedication

• Psalm 33:1-11, Psalm 47:1-9, Psalm 66:1-12, Psalm 96:1-13, Psalm 98:1-9, Psalm 100:1-5 Psalms of praise and joy

• Isaiah 65:17-25 Joy of a new heaven and a new earth

New Testament• Luke 1:46-55

Mary’s song of praise

• Luke 2: 8-15 Tidings of great joy to the shepherds

• John 20:19-23 Disciples overjoyed when they saw the Lord

• Acts 8:26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch

• Philippians 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord always

Worship resources

Bible readings

Choose Bible readings that best open up the theme for the meeting. Your readings may be a help as a basis for choosing hymns, which may in turn be a basis for the words used in prayers.

| Go in Joy!

Old TestamentPsalm16:1-11 (New Life Bible)Keep me, O God, for I am safe in You. I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord. All the good things I have come from you”. As for those in the land who belong to You, they are the great ones in whom is all my joy. Those who have traded for another god bring many troubles on themselves. I will not take part in their altar gifts of blood. And I will not take their names upon my lips. The Lord is all that I am to receive, and my cup. My future is in Your hands. The land given to me is good. Yes, my share is beautiful to me. I will give honour and thanks to the Lord, who has told me what to do. Yes, even at night my mind teaches me. I have placed the Lord in front of me. Because he at my right hand, I will not be removed. And so my heart is glad. My soul is full of joy. My body also will rest without fear. For You will not give me over to the grave. And You will not allow Your Holy One to return to dust. You will show me the way of life. Being with You is to be full of joy. In your right hand there is happiness forever.

Psalm 23:1-6 (New Life Bible)The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. He makes me strong again. He leads me in the way of living right with Himself which brings honour to His name. Yes, even if I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. You are making a table of food ready for me in front of those who hate me. You have poured oil on my head. I have everything I need. For sure, You will give me goodness and loving- kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.

Psalm 47:1- 9 (NIV Bible)Clap your hands , all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth! He subdued nations under us, people under our feet. He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loved. God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is King of all the earth: sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over all the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted.

Psalm 100:1- 5 (NIV Bible)Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures for ever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 126:1-6 (New Life Bible)It was like a dream when the Lord brought back to Zion those who had been held in another land. Then we laughed with our mouths, and we sang with our tongues. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us and we are glad. Bring back our people, O Lord, like the rivers of the south. Those who plant with tears will gather fruit with songs of joy. He who goes out crying as he carries his bag of seed will return with songs of joy as he brings much grain with him.

Isaiah 52:7-10 (NIV Bible)How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who bring salvation, who say to Zion, “ Your God reigns!” Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy..When the Lord returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. Jeremiah 33:3-11 (NIV Bible)Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says about the houses in this city and the royal palaces of Judah that have been torn down to be used against the siege ramps and the sword, in the fight with the Babylonians; “They will be filled with the dead bodies of the men I will slay in my anger and wrath. I will hide my face from this city because of all its wickedness. Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honour before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide

Why not try a different translation?BE BOLD!

Worship resources

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Worship resources

for it.” This is what the Lord says, “You say about this place, it is a desolate waste, without men or animals. Yet in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted, inhabited by neither men nor animals, there will be heard once more the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom , and the voices of those who bring thank-offerings to the house of the Lord, saying, “Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good; his love endures for ever.” For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before, says the Lord.

New Testament(There are many Parables in the Bible that would be suitable.)

Luke 6:20-26 (New Life Bible)He looked at His followers and said, “Those of you who are poor are happy, because the holy nation of God is yours. Those of who are hungry now are happy, because you will be filled. Those of you who have sorrow now are happy, because you will laugh. You are happy when men hate you and do not want you around and put shame on you because you trust in Me. Be glad in that day. Be full of joy for your reward is much in heaven. Their fathers did these things to the early preachers. It is bad for you who are rich. You are receiving all that you will get. It is bad for you who are full. You will be hungry. It is bad for you who laugh now. You will have sorrow and you will cry. It is bad for you when everyone speaks well of you. In the same way, their fathers spoke well of the false teachers.

Luke 15:3-10 ( The Poverty and Justice Bible)Then Jesus told them this story: “If any of you has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, what will you do? Won’t you leave the ninety-nine in the field and go and look for the lost sheep until you find it? And when you find it, you will be so glad that you will put it on your shoulder, and carry it home. Then you will call in your friends and neighbours and say, ‘Let’s celebrate! I’ve found my lost sheep.’’Jesus said, “In the same way there is more happiness in heaven because of one sinner who turns to God than over ninety-nine good people who don’t need it.”Jesus told the people another story: “ What will a woman do if she has ten silver coins and loses one of them? Won’t she light a lamp, sweep the floor, and look carefully until she finds it? Then she will call in her friends and neighbours and say, ‘Let’s celebrate! I’ve found the coin I lost.’Jesus said, “In the same way God’s angels are happy when

even one person turns to him.”John 20:10-18 (NIV Bible)Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated, where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realise that it was Jesus. “Woman,” he said, “ why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned towards him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means teacher) Jesus said, ”Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, “I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

1 Thessalonians 20:12-28 (The Poverty and Justice Bible)My friends, we ask you to be thoughtful of your leaders who work hard and tell you how to live for the Lord. Show them great respect and love because of their work. Try to get along with each other. My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn’t living right. Encourage then anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone. Don’t be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else. Always be joyful, and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do. Don’t turn away God’s Spirit, or ignore prophecies. Put everything to the test. Accept what is good, and don’t have anything to do with evil.I pray that God, who gives peace, will make you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept healthy and faultless until the Lord Jesus Christ returns. The one who chose you can be trusted, and he will do this.Friends, please pray for us. Give the Lord’s followers a warm greeting. In the name of the Lord I beg you to read this letter to all his followers. I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you!

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Prayers

Some short Bible verses (or part of verse) that can be used as brief prayers or openers.

• Lord Jesus, keep me abiding in you so that your joy may be in me and that my joy may be full. (John15:11)

• Lord, cause my heart to rejoice, and my joy let no one take from me. (John 26:22)

• Lord, teach me to ask and receive, that my joy may be full. (John16:24)

• Lord, you are my strength and my son;: you also have become my salvation. Therefore with joy let me draw water from the wells of salvation. Your joy is my strength. You are my joy and my strength. Let me know you in this way. (Isaiah12. 2,3: Nehemiah 8:10)

• Father God, show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy, and at your right hand are pleasures for evermore. Let me experience everything in your presence and what is found at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)

• Lord, your word is to me the joy and the rejoicing of my heart. (Jeremiah15:16)

• Lord Jesus, you want your joy to be fulfilled in me! Show me how you can make it happen! Lead me into it. (John17:3)

• Lord, I ask you to fill me with all the joy and peace in believing, that I may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

• Holy Spirit, produce your fruit of love and joy in me. (Galatians 5:22)

• Lord, give me the joy to hear that my children walk

Loving Father,

In stillness we come into your presence with hearts full of joy because we know you are indeed God. You have given us all that we have and all that we need, and we are glad to say thank you.

We give thanks for the love of family and friends, for health and contentment, knowing that we matter to you. We give thanks that we can meet as a Guild, sharing worship and fellowship with friends, exchanging news and views, hearing about others, sharing our concerns and bringing our prayers to you.

Tonight, as we share fellowship, we bring to you our regrets for those things that have been said and done that would have been better unsaid or undone; and ask for your help each day to make us think more, to help us remember whose we are and whom we serve. Only with your help can we become better and more able to spread your message by word and example.

Father, all of us have worries and anxieties, and our problems sometimes seem so large and insurmountable to us; others are smaller and niggly but nevertheless annoying and worrying to us. Tonight we bring them all to you, leaving them at the foot of the cross on which Jesus died for us all, and we ask for relief from our cares, and for your guidance and understanding so that we may face tomorrow with confidence.

We bring these prayers in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Call to prayer

Opening

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Our loving heavenly Father, we thank you for the joy which comes from knowing Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

As Psalm 95 says: Come let us sing for joy to the Lord. We do thank you for the joy which family and friends bring to us as we share in special times with them. We thank you too for the joy we can share by being part of our church family and Guild family. We pray that you will help us to help others who are having a difficult time just now. May they know joy again in their lives, just as Job did at the end of his life after all the trials which he had been through. We thank you that joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Help us to show it in our lives today and always. Amen

Heavenly Father, creator of the universe and maker of life, we worship you and adore you, we thank you for the joy and privilege of serving in your Church and in our daily lives in our communities. Father, we thank you for your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who brought joy to the world. Help us to share the gift of joy you have given to us, to spread it to others; give us the strength to continue to plant seeds of faith in the world, especially in those who don’t know the joy of our Lord Jesus in their lives.

Father, we pray for our brothers and sisters in other countries who are persecuted for being Christians, for people who are still being imprisoned and victimised for loving our Lord and Saviour and for going to Church. We thank you, Lord, that we can go in joy and have the freedom to serve you.

Father we bring to you those who are suffering in the world, the refugees, homeless, displaced, who have nowhere to call home; the starving, the people who are ill-treated through no fault of their own. Lord, we ask you to help these people and to ease their suffering. We pray that the leaders of this world will bring justice to the people.

We ask your blessing on our family and friends, on the Church, and on the Guild’s National leaders, for Presbyterial Councils, and for all Guild Groups. Help them to go in joy spreading the Gospel in your Holy name. All this we ask in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose we are and whom we serve. Amen.

Dear Lord, help us to share the joy of knowing that Jesus is with all the Guilds throughout the country. We value your great wisdom and strength and we thank you for being with us when we go through difficult times or feel alone or discouraged. Father, we pray that your love will fill our hearts with your overflowing joy. Grant us the power of knowing that the joy of our Lord is our strength. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lord, we thank you for the joy of friends and family, and for the changing seasons that bring beauty to our countryside. We thank you for the joy of singing our praises to you, for the reading of your word, and the prayers we offer to you at our meetings. We thank you that the joy of the Lord is our strength flowing through us. Amen.

Jubilate – an opening prayer (linked to CH4 65 Jubilate, everybody and Psalm 100)

Lord, whose we are and whom we serve, we come into your presence with praise, daring to make a joyful noise as we come together in your name. For we know that we are in the presence of the most holy Lord God, maker of heaven and earth and all creatures, and so we might tremble as we enter your presence. But you, who have made each of us, claim us as your own; in thanksgiving and joy we acknowledge that you hold us in your hand and in your will, you feed our bodies and our souls, you watch over us constantly with love.

Lord, forgive us, for like sheep we stray from you, despite knowing that your only purpose is to love and care for us. We ask for your mercy, know-ing that your steadfast love endures forever; you are gracious beyond our imagining – grace shown through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, for us, and for all generations.

Lord of mercy everlasting, accept our praise, and help us to be faithful to you, as you are ever faithful to us. Be with us through this meeting and help each one of us to rejoice in you, to rejoice in Jesus’ love, not just here but every day; help us to serve you, in our singing, and in all our ways.

Lord God, we offer this prayer, and ourselves, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Remember to pray before planning anything! Keep in mind the focus of the meeting, whatever that may be.

General

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| Go in Joy!

Almighty Lord GodWe rejoice that you invite us to call you Father – Dad!We are filled with joy to know that you are God, in heaven, in control; and with joy in our hearts and on our lips we say your holy name.We pray that as we live out our joy in you we may reflect your love in our lives, show your kingdom in our world, and rejoice in living for you, knowing that we mirror heaven by doing your will.We thank you for the food we enjoy each day; we thank you that you provide, in love, for all our daily needs.Father, forgive us for our mean and joyless actions, words and thoughts, for our refusals to enjoy your blessings, for the ways we lessen the joy of life for others around us;and hear our prayers for the wisdom, strength and patience to truly forgive those who lessen our own joy in life.Heavenly Father, your will leads us away from hurting others and ourselves; we pray that we will trust you enough to follow where you lead, knowing you will guide and support us through darkness and trouble, and lead us into light and joy.Lord, we rejoice each time we see a sign of your kingdom of love in action, your power displayed in our daily lives; and we live in faith that we shall come to see your glory; and then we shall be truly overjoyed.Alleluia, Amen.

Dear Lord, we know that you love us, by the actions that you have done. We show our love for you in many different ways – in what we do, in our love to our families, our neighbours, and to all whom we meet in our daily lives. We hope to be more worthy of your love; help us to continue to show your love to others in our daily actions. Amen

Lord, You are our God, far beyond our understanding, unchanging and always

present in our lives.You are a God of truth and love and we delight in glorifying You.Lord, often we fail to trust You. We avoid issues and challenges which confront us. Yet You know us better than we know ourselves, and we find joy in Your forgiveness.Lord, You are a gracious God. You brought joy to Hannah on the birth of Samuel. You brought joy to Elizabeth on the birth of John. You brought joy to Mary on the birth of Jesus. (continued)We thank you for the joy we find with our families and friends, and the joy we find when we share fellowship with other Christians. Lord , in this sad world, we are your hands and feet, ready to serve You as best we can; May your love and example flow from us, so that we may be ever active in your service and joyful in praising You. We hold dear our joy in Jesus, and offer this prayer in His name. Amen.

Almighty God, Creator of all things – all-powerful, all-knowing – and yet so close to each one of us here – our loving Heavenly Father who knows our smallest thoughts and actions. Thank you, Father, for the amazing gift you have given to the world – for coming to live as one of us; for showing us, through Jesus, how to love one another.Thank you for your amazing gift of the Holy Spirit. Forgive us, Father, for the way we forget about your presence – for our failure to live with you foremost in our minds. Forgive us for sharing so little of your love to those we meet and live with each day.Father, we pray that the joy of knowing you will spread around this group of people, this church, and out into this community. Amen

Lord, You give us so much we begin to take it all for granted. We are glad to have this chance now to say our own ‘thank you’ for the blessings of this day.For all the love we share in families, with friends, in the Guild, we give thanks, acknowledging that love is Your gift to us.O God, giver of every good gift, we thank You for the joy of work and the pleasure of relaxation.We thank You for everything that has brought us nearer to You; for kindness, words of encouragement, for being needed, sharing of one another’s joy and one another’s sadness; for the blessing of work well done. May we ever be ready to work for You without seeking reward.

General (continued)

JOY

Worship resources

Go in Joy! |

Our loving Father God, we thank you that you give us everything; you provide every material thing we need – food, shelter, clothing – and you give each of us gifts – of energy, wisdom, understanding, speaking; of cooking, sewing, baking, knitting. But Lord we remember another gift you give us: the gift of giving.Father, we know that you love a cheerful giver – a hilarious giver – you love us to give with a joyful heart.So, let us rejoice as we give.Let us rejoice that we can give.And if in giving we leave ourselves without something we want, without something we treasured, short of something we need, Lord, help us to rejoice in the reason why – that we have given it in your name;And help us to rejoice that you are with us in our want, just as you were with those in need, whom you allowed us to bless by giving.Lord, you bless us in allowing us to give in your name.Hallelujah. Amen

Our Joyful Song / Prayer to dedicate Offering (linked to CH4 184 Sing to the Lord a joyful song)

Lord, we sing our joyful song to you. In your divine grace you shower us with gifts; you give us food and strength for each day, you give us rest and watch over us by night. *And as you provide for all we need, in response we offer you these gifts to provide for your work in this world. May they be used * to do your will and show you to be the way, the truth and the life. We pray for those engaged in the work of the Guild Projects; Lord, uphold and cheer them as they serve you, help them to be bold and strong and exalt your name. And we pray for all those who will be helped by the work of the Projects in your name; may they see with joy your hand in their lives.Lord of heaven and earth, help us too to be bold and strong to exalt your name; may we praise you in all we sing and say, in all we pray and do, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

*Alternative if not used with offering:And as you provide all we have, in response we offer you our talents to carry out your work in this world. May we be used...

May the joy of knowing God the Father be like a deep pool of water within us;May the joy of following Jesus Christ the Son be like a river carrying us on our journey;May the joy of living in the Holy Spirit be like a spring bub-bling up within us, every day of our lives. Amen

As we go from this place, may the Lord bless us and keep us safe in his heart. May He fill us with peace, love and joy and give us strength to serve him always. Amen.

Further prayers can be found on www.cos-guild.org.uk

Offering

Closing

Never scorn a microphone! You may not enjoy the sound of your own voice, but other people do not enjoy missing bits. In particular, those on a loop system or those with hearing difficulties will benefit.

Worship resources

| Go in Joy!

samples of worshipReading: Psalm 126

Reflection:

Although we gather here to celebrate the joy that we find in God, it is easy to forget the road to joy. Many describe the feeling of joy to be much deeper or longer lasting than happiness, and although joy is easily akin to happiness, with the ‘good’, we must also recognise and appreciate the ‘bad’.

The reading, Psalm 126, conveys God restoring the lives of those less fortunate by taking them to a haven in Jerusalem; enabling them to gather and rebuild their community. The community longs to know the great works of God and to relish the full, life-giving power that will come with this relocation.

An image is conveyed of a withered seed being planted in the ground, drowned by the tears of sadness, to emerge as a life-giving and life-preserving crop – enabling the community to thrive and survive. In this case it was the crops enabling the community to prosper and grow. The fruits of their labour and sadness reversed their feelings, leading the way for joy to enter their lives and bring about change.

To quote ‘The Sound of Music’; “When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.” We need to help close the door on our sadness, and patiently find our window of joy.

“Laughter may hide sadness. When happiness is gone, sorrow is always there.” (Proverbs 14:3)

This reminds us that our God of restoration and reversal ensures that there is always light at the end of our darkest tunnels through life – God provides us with a cycle of joy and the opportunity is there for us to rejoice and be glad in it.

Hymns:

• CH4 470 Jesus shall reign• CH4 509 Jesus calls us o’er the tumult• Hymns of Faith 463 Bringing in the sheaves

Prayer:

Loving God,

As we gather in Your name we remember the more trying times in our lives. Through these times we have stood, not always firmly, against the trials of life and the testing of faith.

In such times we trust that you will guide us through. Though we may not always see it, your steadfast love continues to guide us to the joyous path of living in, and through, faith in your goodness and in thankfulness for the gifts that you have bestowed upon us.

We take time to consider those whom we, as an organisation, continue to work tirelessly for, to ensure that they are heard, and their causes remain at the very forefront of our hearts. Through your ever present love and guidance we are able to appreciate our differences, and value our similarities.

Throughout the generations you have sent the message of peace and reconciliation in the words of the prophets; in parable, in history and in nature. You have revealed a loving intent towards men and women. In due time, you sent your son into the world to demonstrate, in human terms, God’s way of living and loving.

In our times of trouble we are reminded that you are always there – our gift of perpetual joy.

Thank you. Amen.

Item submitted by Naomi Dornan, National Youth Assembly (Airdrie: New Monkland)

Sample 1

Worship resources

Go in Joy! |

Reading: Acts 2:25-28

Reflection:Bliss, delight and satisfaction are only three of the meanings for the word “joy” recorded in the Collins dictionary. Any one word can have a variety of meanings.

During the hostilities in Rwanda, many refugees gathered on the Ugandan border. These people had no status at all and were rejected by all communities. The late Bishop Feston Revenge campaigned for them at the United Nations. On one occasion when he visited the camp, he was shocked and appalled at the conditions there. Many refugees were Christians and they invited him to join with them in a service. They began to sing “Where God is there is joy” and then they clapped their hands as they continued singing “Where God is there is laughter.” Considering conditions in the camp, the Bishop found this rather strange and after the service, he asked a woman “How can you possibly praise God in your situation?” She smiled and replied, “Bishop, you visit our camp and then you go away again. Jesus never leaves us.”

Joy for these refugees on the Ugandan border was the presence of our Lord Jesus. He was always with them.

Prayer:Lord Jesus,You change lives.We thank you that in our darkest times, your presence can bring joy and laughter.We thank you for the love you showed us in your son, Jesus, a love which gives us hope.May your constant presence strengthen and encourage us in our daily lives.All this we ask in the precious name of Jesus.

Hymn: MP 748 What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought

Closing Prayer: Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hymn: MP 600 Sing to God new songs of worship

Introduction:When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion we are told in Psalm 126 ‘The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy’. Today the Lord is still sending joy to his people. We must be ‘Bold and Strong’ and pass his message on to those in our community who have never heard the gospels and know nothing of the love and joy that can be found in believing in the Lord Jesus. The message will always be ‘Go out and spread the Gospel’. Let us all try to spread the word through the secular world we live in.

Pray:Almighty God, we can turn to you, joyful because you have given us hope, a reason for living, peace in our hearts and a risen Saviour to follow.

We thank you for the joy and love we receive from family and friends. We pray for all those who are living in difficult circumstances as refugees or displaced persons, may you watch over them and lead them to a better life.

Thank you Lord for the joy we receive in singing to your praise and glory. Bless us with the peace that passes all understanding. Amen.

Reading: Psalm 126

Hymn: MP 575 Rejoice the Lord is King

Closing Prayer: Sing MP 460 May God’s blessing surround you each day. Amen.

Sample 2

Sample 3

Have something up your sleeve in case the speaker does not make it, e.g. an activity, a drama, a quiz, a meditation or story, teach a new hymn or two - enough to be at least a 10-minute main thing of the event plus ‘padding’ elsewhere if need be.

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samples of reflective worship

Based on CH4 692 Jesus puts this song into our hearts

Bible Reading: Psalm 4: 6-8, Psalm 16:11

Sing verse 1: Jesus puts this song into our hearts

Spoken: The warmth of the love of Jesus is music to our ears, brings Joy to our hearts

Sing verse 2: Jesus teaches how to live in harmony

Spoken: May we live together in the grace of God, Loving and sharing together God’s goodness peace and joy within us

Sing verse 3: Jesus teaches how to be a family

Spoken: We are the family of God, children of our heavenly father. Jesus taught us how to love and live with each other with love and joy in our hearts.

Sing verse 4: Jesus turns our sorrow into dancing

Spoken: There is no sadness, only joy, when we live in our father’s world. Sorrow and pain are a part of our father’s love that fills our daily lives with joy.

Based on MP 30 Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord

Read or sing the chorus, verse 2 and verse 3

Pray: Lord God we thank you for sending Jesus so that we may come to know you, we praise your name. May we joyfully spread the good news of your love to others.

Read or sing the chorus and verse 1

Pray: Lord, we thank you for the world you have created. May we do all we can to prevent harm to the environment; may we recycle goods, support Fairtrade and care for the lonely and oppressed.

Read or sing the chorus and verse 4

ALL say: Lord we would worship you joyfully, we praise your name, Alleluia.

Sing the whole hymn

Sample 1Based on CH4 482 Come, let us to the Lord our God

Read or sing verse 1

Pray:Lord, in these few minutes we come to talk to you. We confess that often our lives are so busy that we take little time to talk to you; we may be confused, upset, even angry, and yet we leave you out of our lives. Forgive us, Lord, and help us to make a new start.

Read or sing verse 2

Pray:We thank you, Lord for the world you have made. We pray for people who live in fear of their lives, for those seeking a better life, for those who think life is against them and those who think that you have deserted them. Help them to know your strong arms around them and your power within them.

Read or sing verses 3 - 6

Pray:Lord we remember the words of the psalmist, ‘tears come in the night but joy comes in the morning’. Often we are not receptive to a bird singing joyfully outside our window, nor to your presence waiting for us. Help us seek you and know renewal and refreshment, as rain to parched ground, and in the light of your presence rejoice with songs of joy.Amen.

Sample 2

Worship resources

Sample 3

Go in Joy! |

A Do-It-Yourself programme

IntroductionIn no other religion and in no other literature is joy so conspicuous as in Christianity and in the Bible. Physically and psychologically speaking, it is the criterion of health whereby all the powers and affections are enriched and harmonised. So in religion it denotes the satisfaction of the soul at attaining its desire, and Christianity stands firm so long as Christian men and women are infused with joy.

Welcome and intimations

Hymn CH4 519 Love Divine

Reading Luke 15:4-10

PrayerDear Lord, we thank you for allowing us to worship you in this place without fear of persecution. Be with those all over the world who have to worship you in secret. Lord we know that you are everywhere; open our eyes that we may enjoy your world. Help us to share your joy with those around us; let us see your joy in a child’s smile, and in a mother’s love. We praise you, Lord, for the sheer enjoyment of your world. Be with those members who can’t be with us tonight. Help us let others know you through the way we conduct our lives. All this we ask in your dear name, O Lord. Amen.

ActivityTwo or three weeks beforehand get the members to bring photographs of the joyful times in their lives. Pin them up around the Hall and give time to study them. After 10 minutes or so, invite the members who wish to do so to share their happy times with everyone. This can take some time and may have to be carried on to another meeting in the future.

Tea Break

Hymn CH4 608 Spirit of truth and grace

PrayerFather thank you for being with us tonight, and letting us share our happy times together. Take us home safely from this place and be with us till we meet again.

PROgramme resources

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| Go in Joy!

Bible studies

In the Old Testament, read Ezra 6:3-4, 16, 22 in the NIV, GNB, or NRSV.

During the reign of Cyrus, the emperor of Babylonia commanded the temple in Jerusalem to be rebuilt. They finished the Temple on the third day of the month Adar in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the emperor and then the people of Israel – the priests, the Levites, and all the others who had returned from exile – joyfully dedicated the Temple. v 22 For seven days they joyfully celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread.

Questions1. How joyful is our worship?

When do you have special celebrations? How are they different from ‘ordinary’ worship? They were full of joy because the Lord had made the emperor of Assyria favourable to them, so that he supported them in their work of rebuilding the Temple of the God of Israel. This story tells us it is God’s plan that the Temple will stand the test of time.

2. Are we prepared to support joyfully the upkeep of our buildings; is it a chore, or do we leave it to others? Or should we reconsider the use of our buildings and find more economic solutions and be able to give more to Crossreach or other forms of Mission? As Christians we believe the Church will stand till the end of time.

3. What do you understand by ‘the Church’?

4. What do you think ‘the Church will stand till the end of time’ means?

5. Many of our buildings are being closed for worship, and sold for other uses. How much emphasis ought we to put on the building? Do you know of churches (congregations) who no longer worship in a ‘church’?

6. What would Jesus have thought of our devotion to our buildings?

Read Nehemiah 8:9-12 in the GNB or NIV.

The Laws were originally written in Hebrew. The Jews returning from exile spoke Aramaic and so Ezra, the priest and scholar of the Law, and the Levites explained the Law to all the people.

1. Why do you think the people wept? What emotions were they going through when they heard the Word of God read in their own land and new Temple?

2. What responses do you have to the Word of God read from the Bible and preached in Church? Do you expect to have a reaction?

3. Think about verse 10. Does it give a whole new meaning to the offerings we bring to God and how we spend his holy day?

4. How easy is it nowadays for Christians to celebrate a ‘holy day’?

OLD TESTAMENT STUDY: Go in Joy!If possible, use one of the Bible versions mentioned.

programme resources

Go in Joy! |

Some questions to choose from:

1. What had happened the day before this story starts?

2. It’s about 7 miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Why were the two “followers of Jesus” on that road – where were they going? And why? What do you think?

3. What were they talking about between themselves? How do you suppose they were feeling? (v14,17)

4. Did the stranger introduce himself to them? Why?

5. Cleopas and his companion on the road had known Jesus fairly well. Did they recognise him now? Why?

6. How did they describe Jesus to the stranger, when he asked them what had been happening in Jerusalem? (v19-20)

7. Whom did they blame for Jesus’ death? (v 20)

8. Look at what they said had happened that morning (v 22-24). How does that, and their emotion in verse 17, compare with their former hope as mentioned in verse 21?

9. Have you ever fallen into conversation with a stranger on a journey? What experience did you have?

10. What did this stranger in the story talk about? (v 25-27)

11. Where in the Bible did he start? Why?

12. What do you think would be the reaction of his two listeners?

13. Would you invite a stranger to spend the evening (and possibly also the night) in your home?

14. Why did the two travellers issue the invitation to a stranger? (v 28-29, and your own thoughts)

15. What do you think the stranger have would done if they hadn’t invited him?

16. It would normally be the male host who broke the bread at the start of a meal. Why do you think it was the stranger who broke the bread at the start of this meal?

17. What is the significance of the action of breaking bread in this story?

18. Why do you suppose they recognised Jesus by his performing this action?

19. Jesus immediately disappeared. This was unusual, given that he had always enjoyed sharing a meal with friends. Why do you suppose he vanished like that? Where and when was he next seen? (v 36)

20. How do you suppose the two were feeling at this point? (Suggest several different feelings! Also look at v 32-33.)

21. What did they do next? Why was this a surprising thing to do? Why did they do it?

22. How would you feel if you were walking along a familiar road and met Jesus?

23. Do you think perhaps you have met Jesus? Do you feel able to share your thoughts with the other Guild members today?

24. However or wherever we may have encountered him, what reactions does the story suggest we should have to Jesus?

New TESTAMENT STUDY: The Road to EmmausRead Luke 24:13-36

Guidance for study leaders

Please choose a selection of questions from those given below, rather than attempting them all! Alternatively, you could allocate certain questions to different groups to discuss, then come together to exchange main ideas at the end.

A document with background to this study, and pointers to help with the questions, together with suggested hymns and further resources, is available on the Guild website or on request from the Guild office.

programme resources

| Go in Joy!

ideas for planning meetings

Talking-points and puzzles1. Joy round the world

Prepare a list with the word for ‘joy’ in other languages. In groups of 2 or 3, members have to identify the languages. (You can download a printout sheet and answer sheet for this activity from the ‘Resources for meetings’ section of the Guild web-site.)

2. Joy through our senses Draw a spider diagram with ‘Joy through our senses’ written in the wee centre circle, then five legs leading to big circles headed sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell. Guild members to write which things bring them joy through these different senses. Could be a small group (3 or 4) or a whole Guild activity, but remember if it’s for the whole Guild, make the diagram BIG so everyone can read it, or project it on to a large screen. (Small group size available as a download from the web-site.)

3. Don’t be a kill-joy! As a group, make a list of the things people do that diminish our feelings of joy. Then resolve never to do them to others!

4. A joyful memories box Cover an empty tissue box, or something similar, in a cheerful paper. Give everyone a slip of paper and ask them to write down a recollection of an event which brought them joy - could be anything at all! They don’t need to be signed. Read a few out before your opening or closing prayers at each meeting.

5. How joyful? In small groups (2 or 3) make a list of words that express some aspect of joy (eg thrilled, pleased, contented, joyful, etc) then try to arrange them in order of intensity of feeling. Or, print out the sheet available on the Guild web-site onto card (one A4 card per small group), cut them up so each word is separate, and ask people to make a word ladder in order of intensity.

Using images1. From your computer

If you are not already a big fan of internet images, now’s the time to learn! The pictures that come up in a search engine for ‘joy’ are lovely. Use them for posters advertising your meetings, for invitations, for making Christmas cards for housebound members, for just about anything! At the top of the page of images, click on ‘quotes’, which brings up lots of quotes (some on beautiful background pictures) that will get you thinking.

2. Magic lantern? No, of course not! It’s not even called a slide show now! But if you have a very keen camera person in your community, or a local photography club, you could ask if they’d do a PowerPoint presentation with pictures illustrating eg ‘the joy of nature’, ‘the joy of local heritage’ or ‘the joy of travel’.

PROgramme resources

What are these ideas for? You could:

• use one as a little starter activity for a meeting;• prepare a few before the start of the year; keep them in your folder

for a ‘no-speaker’ emergency;• choose several different ideas as the basis for a do-it-yourself meeting;• use these to spark off ideas of your own!

Go in Joy! |

3. Wall display Something that could be added to throughout your Guild session - either huge cut-out letters J, O and Y, or a really big painted rainbow with ‘Joy!’ written underneath, then members bring joyful pictures from magazines, or joyful headlines from the newspapers (you’ll be surprised how many there are in local papers!) or photographs to fill in the letters/rainbow.

Go ( really, go! ) in joy1. Go walking

Celebrate the joy we find in God’s creation by getting out there and walking; could be just a stroll round your local park with a group of friends or you could encourage Guild members to join a local Health Walks or Ramblers group. If you live near the seaside - go paddling! Helpers are needed for many organisations assisting wheelchair users to get out and about - is this something your members might consider?

2. Go gardening Bring joy to others (and to yourselves) by getting involved in gardening. Smartening up your church grounds, tidying up and bringing some colour to that neglected corner of your community, planting spring bulbs along a verge, scattering wildflower seeds on a patch of waste ground – the possibilities are endless! A couple of hours

once a month can make a big difference. Be really bold – find out about guerrilla gardening!

3. Go visiting Here’s an idea from a Guild in a rural area: two Guild members arrange an afternoon

visit to a housebound member of the congregation, who invites a friend to come along at the same time. The Guild folk take with them a ‘basket tea’ for four - nice tablecloth, napkins and china, a few wee sandwiches and home-made cakes, milk and sugar. All that’s needed is a table, chairs and a kettle! What a treat! Some lovely contacts have been made between elderly residents and Guild members who are recent arrivals in the area.

4. Just go! Going anywhere together as a group helps to build fellowship and friendship. Many Guilds find an annual outing is too expensive nowadays, but several groups now have one or two mini-trips during the session or in the summer break, travelling by bus to have coffee at a garden centre, or going to a morning showing at the local cinema. It’s fun to go together, and friends will sometimes come along to these outings when they might be reluctant to start coming to Guild meetings.

The joy of music:1. Singing

Elsewhere in this guide there is a very full list of hymns linked to the ‘Go in joy’ theme. If your Guild has someone who can play the piano for hymn-singing, you are blessed indeed! But don’t make ‘no pianist’ an excuse for not singing - many of the hymns listed have simple, well-known tunes, and someone in your group will be able to start you off on the right note. And remember, you don’t have to stand up to sing - you will sing better if you’re standing, but in a very small group it can sometimes feel a bit daft if you are all on your feet. The main thing is to enjoy singing together.

2. Recorded music Even if you have a great pianist, and especially if you don’t, recorded music can add hugely to the whole atmosphere and meaning of your Guild meeting. You don’t need an expensive sound system - you can buy a reliable CD player for under £20, and it will repay the outlay many times over. Choose music suited to the main purpose of your meeting, and play it, not too loudly, in the five minutes before your meeting starts. Or choose a specific short piece for members to focus on as part of your worship.

(continued overleaf)

programme resources

I’ve got that joy, joy, joy,

joy, down in my heart !

| Go in Joy!

3. A few joyful suggestions Joyful doesn’t necessarily mean chirpy and cheerful, but it can include both. These are only a handful of suggestions; your Guild members will be able to think of many more.

• Ode to joy, Beethoven (also found in CH4 at Hymn No 120: God, we praise you)• Finale to organ symphony (Symphony No. 3), Saint-Saëns (also the theme from the joyous film ‘Babe’, about the pig)• Water Music, Handel• Royal Fireworks, Handel• In the mood, Glenn Miller• In dulci jubilo, Mike Oldfield version• The Happy Wanderer, Max Bygraves version• Just about anything sung by the African Children’s Choir (use a video, if you can!)• Quick tempo Scottish country dance music eg. Kate Dalrymple, Glasgow Highlanders

Silly, but joyful1. Pass a smile round your group!

2. Have ‘musical chairs’ at your Guild party - and no cheating!

3. Quick bunting. For a Christmas party or event, get everyone to bring those few left-over Christmas paper napkins lurking in the sideboard - we all have them! As people come in at the start, fold the napkins (just as they come out of the packet) once, diagonally, to make a triangle, then hang them over a string and secure in place with a coloured paper-clip. Leave a wee space between each napkin, and have a cheap packet of red ones to supplement the numbers, if necessary! If you have one end of the string tied up high at the beginning, you only need to tie up the other end, and, hey, presto! – instant joy!

Recruit any new office-bearers in advance of an AGM, rather than ask for volunteers during the meeting.

The joy of music (Continued):

GOT a Joyful idea for a programme? Share it!Please don’t keep your good idea to yourself - share it with the Guild office so we can pass it on to others! Let us know by emailing [email protected] or calling 0131 240 2217. Alternatively, feel free to post the idea to the Guild Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cofsguild).

PROgramme resources

Go in Joy! |

dramaWelcome home partyA meeting and conversation between two neighbours

PROgramme resources

Neighbour 1 I just couldn’t believe it. Neighbour 2 Nor could I. Neighbour 1 You could have knocked me down with a feather when I heard. Neighbour 2 It’s the talk of the neighbourhood.Neighbour 1 I suppose you can understand their surprise. Neighbour 2 It seems she just turned up on the doorstep. Neighbour 1 That’s right, and without any warning. Neighbour 2 Imagine arriving home just like that after all this time.Neighbour 1 What a shock it must have been for her family. Neighbour 2 Especially her father; it was him who opened the door to her. Neighbour 1 To say he was surprised to see her standing there on the doorstep was an understatement.Neighbour 2 Poor soul, he could have had a heart attack.Neighbour 1 I remember the day she left.Neighbour 2 She had been at her Dad for ages to let her go to work in London. Neighbour 1 He resisted as long as he could; he really didn’t want her to leave home.Neighbour 2 She wanted to spread her wings and have a bit of excitement.Neighbour 1 Eventually her dad gave in – he could never refuse her anything.Neighbour 2 Little did he know that day when she left it would be almost five years before he would see her

again.Neighbour 1 I hear all went well at first; she secured a good job, made lots of friends and partied every night,

but then she was made redundant, could not find another job and finished up begging and sleeping rough.

Neighbour 2 It was at a soup kitchen that one of the helpers gave her money and persuaded her to go home. Neighbour 1 To think she left home full of optimism. Neighbour 2 And returned having hit rock bottom.Neighbour 1 Many fathers would have turned her away saying she had made her bed and now she would

have to lie on it. Neighbour 2 I don’t know how I would have reacted had she been my daughter. I suppose I would have

been angry and vocal. What about you?Neighbour 1 I don’t know what I would have done but I certainly would not have thrown her a party.Neighbour 2 It seems she was full of guilt and remorse and begged her dad to forgive her. Neighbour 1 He just took her in his arms and held her tight.Neighbour 2 He had been so sad thinking he had lost her forever, but now his heart was full of joy. She had

left her home but now she was back where she belonged.Neighbour 1 Look at the time! I need to go home and change. Neighbour 2 Goodbye, see you at the party tonight.

| Go in Joy!

Jan Hello Beryl, are you going to the Guild?Beryl Oh hello Jan. Yes, it’s the Guild for me. Where else would anyone choose to go on a Wednesday

afternoon? [alter day and time to your own group’s meetings]Jan But I thought you always walked? The church hall’s only half a mile from your place if you take the shortcut

through the park.Beryl Yes, that’s right, I did always walk, and I particularly enjoyed the bit through the park; I so enjoy the plants

and trees – especially the trees. Have you ever noticed how different the bark of each type of tree is?Jan I can’t really say I have.

Beryl Oh yes, some of them say “woof” and some of them go “bow-wow”.Jan You can’t resist a pun, can you?

Beryl “I can resist everything except temptation.” Oh, and I can’t resist tree-hugging, either.Jan [looks quizzical]

Beryl I really enjoy putting my hand on the trunk of a tree and thinking of it growing there for years – centuries, some of them. I think of my grandma seeing the same tree when she pushed my mum in her pram, and perhaps her mum before her. I feel part of history, part of God’s plan for the world.

Jan Hmmmm... that’s a different way of looking at trees.Beryl And I enjoyed the sound of running water when I walked alongside the burn and the waterfall, too.

Jan Yes, I know what you mean about that. It’s such a calming sound, isn’t it? Just makes you feel at peace.Beryl And sometimes it makes me think of the water of life that Jesus offers us.

Jan Wow, yes. You get such a lot out of walking through the park, Beryl! [thinks about this for a moment] So, why aren’t you walking today?

Beryl Och, I’ve got this stupid pain in my leg.Jan Oh dear, poor you. Have you had it long?

Beryl All my life.Jan No. The pain, not the leg.

Beryl A month or so. But what a blessing the new health centre is; I went to see my GP and she got me in for physiotherapy. It’s doing me a power of good, and the physio is a lovely woman, it’s just a joy to do the ex-ercises with her. And I quite enjoy doing them every day at home; even though it’s a wee bit uncomfortable sometimes, I think about how they’re going to get me out and about again, sooner than if I didn’t do them.

Jan Well I’m glad you’re getting some relief from it. [looks to the front of the bus] That seems to be everyone on the bus now. [They both hold tight to their handbags/walking sticks/the back of the seat in front, and lurch backwards slightly as if the bus is starting off. Both look out of the bus window for a moment.]

Beryl It makes an enjoyable change for me to see these shops, I don’t normally come this way when I walk.Jan Yes, I enjoy looking at the street from up here, you get a much better view than from street level.

Beryl Look at that new baby shop, it’s got such a sweet window display. Oh, that reminds me, how’s your Chris-tine getting on? Remind me when her baby’s due?

Jan Oh, she’s having a bit of a time of it. At least she’s stopped being sick now, and the hospital is keeping a close eye on her. But she’s only got 6 weeks to go, and they seem quite certain that Christine and the baby will both be fine. It’ll be a relief when it’s finally born. I hope she doesn’t have too hard a time of it at the end. But it’ll really be a great joy for her and Mark – they’ve prayed and waited so long for a baby, they’re just delighted about it.

Beryl Well, I’ll be praying for it all to go well. Give her my love. Isn’t it funny how we have to go to all that bother just to produce more human beings? It makes you wonder about the notion of being “reborn” as Christians.

Enjoyin’ the BusTwo Guild members are taking the bus to a Guild meeting. The actors should sit side by side, as on a bus.

One prop: Beryl has a paper tissue in her bag or pocket or up her sleeve. You may wish to change the names to the actors’ own names. The Convener should introduce the item as “Guild members enjoyin’ a bus journey.”

Beryl is already seated; Jan gets on the bus and comes to sit beside her.

PROgramme resources

Go in Joy! |

Jan Yes... I’ve a feeling it would be a man who came up with that one! [they exchange knowing looks]Beryl [pointing out the bus window] Look at that lovely wedding dress in the bridal shop window.

Jan Oh yes, that’s beautiful. It reminds me a bit of the dress your Karen wore.Beryl It is like it, isn’t it. What a happy day that was!

Jan Yes, so happy that you cried your eyes out!Beryl They were tears of joy. Really.

Jan That’s another funny thing, crying because you feel happy.Beryl It’s almost as if you’re so happy you don’t know what to do about it. So you just burst into tears.

Jan And can’t stop!Beryl I’d stopped by the time we got to the cake.

Jan True. But you started again at their first dance. And again when they went away. And when you got the photo album.

Beryl Och, well...Jan Oh, there’s the undertaker bringing his limo back from the car wash. That reminds me, did you know

Doris Kyle passed away yesterday evening? Her funeral’s on Saturday morning at the church.Beryl Och, I’m sorry to hear that. She was a delightful woman. And we’ll miss her at the Guild. What age was she?

Jan Ninety-one. She was ready to go, you know. Her daughter told me she and her 3 sisters were with their mum all of yesterday, and in the evening she asked them to sing as she went.

Beryl [looks a little surprised] That’s unusual. What did they sing?Jan “I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart.” That was the song she asked for.

Beryl Oh yes, I know it. It’s got that lovely chorus – “I will rejoice for He has made me glad”.[they both sing or hum MP 307 or its chorus only, as the actors feel comfortable with]

Jan [doubtfully] I suppose we should be joyful to know that she’s gone to heaven.Beryl Yes, you’re right; there’s no better place to be; and Doris will certainly feel at home there.

Jan It’s just that I’ll really miss her. It’s hard to feel joyful about that.Beryl I know exactly how you feel. But then, if she hadn’t been such a joy to be with, we wouldn’t miss her so

much. [takes a paper tissue from her pocket / sleeve and surreptitiously dabs her eyes]Jan Well, yes, you’ve put your finger on it. [looks at Beryl] What’s this? More tears of joy?

Beryl [wiping her eyes again] No, I can’t say that, Jan. [wipes her nose and wiggles the tissue] It would be a tissue of lies.

Jan [gives her a playful push on the arm] See you!Beryl I tell you what I see; I see a lovely display in the greengrocer’s window. All those different fruits. They look

absolutely luscious.Jan Ooh, yes. I wonder how they get them so shiny.

Beryl Maybe Jesus bids them shine.Jan [raises her eyes heavenwards at the pun] I hope he bids them to stay put as well; those pyramids of apples

look a bit precarious. They’ll all get bruised if they fall down.Beryl [musingly] Now, that’s something that doesn’t happen with the fruit of the spirit. We may fall down, but the

fruit stays shiny.Jan What? What are you on about now?

Beryl You know – the fruit of the spirit – in Galatians.Jan Oh yes: love, joy, peace... [looks out of window and wrinkles her forehead as she tries to remember the

others]Beryl [interrupts after Jan says “peace”] And that brings us to the Guild!

Jan It certainly does! Look, this is the bus stop for the church. [they both gather up their handbags/walking sticks/etc., move sideways out of the seats and walk toward the front of the bus, murmuring “excuse me” as they squeeze past invisible passengers, then go to their normal places amongst the other Guild members, as if they were arriving at the meeting]

programme resources

| Go in Joy!

Guild website: www.cos-guild.org.ukDifferent Voices: www.churchofscotland.org.uk/blogs/different-voicesResourcing Mission: www.resourcingmission.com

other resources

Book name Author nameISBN number

(use this to order in book shops)

Iona Abbey Worship Book 978-1-901557-50-3

Each New Day (365 Reflections to Strengthen your Faith) Corrie ten Boom 978-0-8007-2252-4

Streams in the Desert LB Cowman 10-0310-23011-X (soft cover)

Prayers of Life Michel Quoist 7171 0158-4 (paper edition)

Prayers for Good Times and Grim Martin Manser 978-1-85424-861

God’s Promises from A to Z: Helen Stewart Rice Virginia J Ruehlmann 978-0-8007-1955-5

A Book of Prayer Stormie Omartian 0-7369-1722-5

The Poverty and Justice Bible 978-0-564-09453-0

No Empty Phrases Donald Hilton 0-7197-0947-4

The Hospital by the River: A Story of Hope Dr Catherine Hamlin with John Little 978-1-85424-673-8

Daily Inspirations of Joy Carolyn Larson 978-1432110215

God’s Little Book of Joy Richard Daly 978-0-00-752836

Heaven is for Real Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent 978-1-4041-7542-6-TBN

Daily Guidance from Your Angels Doreen Virtue 978-1-4019-1716-6

Advent Joy Elizabeth Rundle 1-85345-356-0

Choose Joy because Happiness is not Enough Kay Warren 978-8007-2172-5

Surprised by Joy CS Lewis 978-0-15-687011-5

A Call to Joy Matthew Kelly 929266-00-6

Choosing Gratitude:Your Journey to Joy Nancy Leigh Demoss 978-0-8024-3252-0

Pilgrims and Peacemakers Garth Hewitt 978-0745932521

Other resourcesBooks

Websites

‘LET’S TALK ABOUT........WORKING TOWARDS FULFILMENT’ DISCUSSION TOPIC MATERIAL

If you have any ideas to share with other Guild members, whether it’s an idea for a programme, activity, hymn, or anything else then we can’t wait to hear from you! Please email [email protected] or call 0131 240 2217. Alternatively, feel free to post your ideas on the Guild’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cofsguild).

Go in Joy! |

‘LET’S TALK ABOUT........WORKING TOWARDS FULFILMENT’ DISCUSSION TOPIC MATERIALDiscussion Topic

2016-2017

Let’s talk about working towards

fulfilment

Discussion Topic

IntroductionThe theme for the year 2016-2017 is ‘Go in JOY’. Many things can bring us joy: families and friends, human relationships, the beauty of the natural world, music and other art forms, our church and Guild families, our faith in Jesus, whose birth brought ‘tidings of great joy’.

All these are gifts which we receive from God, and we are grateful. And as we experi-ence this joy, we are fulfilled in our Christian journey.

BUT, we have to acknowledge that joy is often lacking or absent – where there is sad-ness, grief, pain, illness, loss, broken relationships and family breakdown.

So... how do we, as Christians, experience joy in times of struggle? (James, chapter 1) This is the question we are trying to come to terms with.

The Projects and Topics Committee has included some guidelines on how to conduct a discussion and we trust these will be helpful. The materials provided can be dipped into as and when, so please use the suggestions to help your members share their thoughts and insights.

MARIAN MACINTYRE | PROJECTS AND TOPICS COMMITTEE CONVENER

Marian

AS WE EXPERIENCE THIS JOY,

WE ARE FULFILLED IN OUR

CHRISTIAN JOURNEY.

Discussion Topic

Encouraging discussion 33Discussion starters 34-36Quotations 37

Prayers 38-39Other activities 40-41Suggested reading 42

Contents

| Go in Joy!

Discussion Topic

Go in Joy! |

What is it about the term “discussion” that makes people fearful and reluctant to engage with this way of communicating? These might be some of the reasons for people’s reticence:

So, what can be done to make the discussion experience as unthreatening and as comfortable as possible? After all, we are only asking them to have a conversation! Here are some suggestions:

1. Decide who will be leading your discussion. It may be the minister, session clerk, an elder, or a member of the Guild. Whoever it is must be very well prepared before the event and be familiar with the material being used. He/she should think ahead to consider what kind of responses may come out. This is not to say he/she should set the agenda for the way in which the discussion should go, but it helps to have some ideas about how he/she might want to respond as he/she leads people through.

2. Firstly, any heat needs to be taken out of the situation. In the Theme Guide there are examples of ice-breakers and preliminary exercises which will help to get people practising their conversation! Note, though, that even an ice-breaker should be able to be seen as relevant to the main exercise. It may help if the person leading puts him/herself on the line in some small way – by giving an example of how he/she feels about having a conversation about the topic, briefly remark on a relevant experience, even acknowledge that the subject is new to him/her…

3. Make groups smaller. If it fits, he/she could try to organise a brief time for conversation in twos or threes to begin with, then break off and form larger groups.

4. The importance of active listening cannot be over-emphasised. If people are willing to put their thoughts on the line they should be heard. This does not mean to agree with them all the way, but someone may have screwed up the courage to say something and this should be respected. Active listening also means helpful summaries can be made from time to time, or can help someone to rephrase a point for clarification. The leader should try to keep questions “open” – do not encourage “yes” or “no” answers! Such questions as these can be helpful: How do you feel when…? What else can you tell me about that experience? What do we think about…?

5. Summarise. At the close of any discussion it is really useful to get the group to help summarise the main points which have arisen and then to ask a question such as - “So what might this mean for us as a Guild?”, or “How can we take this forward?” This can turn an interesting conversation into part of an action plan for future activity or investigation, and helps people to see the point of spending time together to talk things over.

encouraging discussion

Afraid of appearing “stupid” and being put on the spot

Reluctance to put forward an opinion

which may be unpopularBeing uninterested

in the subject matter

Wary of putting head

above parapet!

Preferring to be “told the answer”

Discussion Topic

| Go in Joy!

discussion starters

The following quote by Prof. William Barclay might be used for discussion:

“The Christian is a [person] of joy... A gloomy Christian is a contradiction of terms, and nothing in all religious history has done Christianity more harm than its connection with black clothes and long faces.”

Do you agree with this statement?

In his poem ‘To a Louse’, Robert Burns says, “to see ourselves as others see us.” Does William Barclay have a point, is this how others outside the church see us?

How can we in The Guild portray ourselves as being full of joy and fulfilment to those who might think differently?

Joyful christians?

Joy vs. HappinessDepending on the translation, the Bible uses the words ‘happy’ and ‘happiness’ about 30 times, while ‘joy’ and ‘rejoice’ appear over 300 times.

How do you see ‘happiness’ and ‘joy’ as being different?

Angels bringing joyWe hear each Christmas that the angels brought ‘good tidings of great joy for all people’.

Do we really know this great joy, and how do we share it with others?

joy through trialsDiscuss these words in James chapter 1:

‘Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.’ (James 1:2-4)

Is it possible to find Joy in the middle of trouble and difficulties? What do you think Christians mean by Joy? How do we find fulfilment in it?

Can we find help and inspiration in the Psalms? Look at 13, 31, 121 and 142 in particular.

JOY: JESUS first, OTHERS second, YOURSELF last.

Is this the way we live our lives? What difference would it make to ourselves and others if we did? Charles Spurgeon, instructing a group of seminary students in sermon delivery, said

‘When you speak of heaven, let your face light up with a heavenly gleam. Let your eyes shine with reflected glory. And when you speak of hell - well, then your usual face will do!’

Does this mean we should go about smiling all the time.... or is it to do with attitude and how we appear to others?

Looking joyful?

Discussion Topic Discussion Topic

Go in Joy! |

Another approach to ‘fulfilment’

Fulfil / f l’fil /verb1. bring to consummation, carry out - a prophesy or promise. 2. satisfy - a desire or prayer, execute/obey- a desire or prayer,

comply with – conditions, answer a purpose, bring to an end/ finish/complete - a period or a piece of work.

See also: Fulfil oneself – develop one’s gifts/character to the full

Ω

Activities

Fulfilment is not about standing still! It is about growing and stretching ourselves to do God’s will and to “be the best that we can be”.

We need to know ourselves to be able to measure not only our starting point but also our progress!

We are traditionally resistant to talking about what might be called our potential strengths. In this exercise, give yourself permission to identify those strong points which will enable you to grow in God’s service, not to blow them up as attrib-utes which you have developed , but to celebrate them as tools which God has given to you to carry out the work He has ordained that you should do for Him in this world.

1. Write a list of your “strong points”, and try to match each one with an example of how you have used them to God’s glory..

2. If appropriate, you could compare your list with that of a friend. Sometimes other people see your strengths more clearly than you see your own!

3. In a personal prayer, thank God for the opportunity to use the gifts He has given you, and ask for His continued guidance for the future.

NOTE: This could be used as a reflective exercise on where the Guild is now, and could be heading in the future.

Reflective Personal Exercise

Find people in the Bible who have achieved fulfilment. How did they thank God? For example:

• Noah after the flood (Genesis 9:18-20) • Hannah has a son (1 Samuel 1:25-28)• Psalms of David: The shepherd’s psalm (Psalm 23)• The shepherds after visiting Baby Jesus: (Luke 1:20)• Jesus heals ten men (Luke 18:16)• Jesus heals a blind beggar (Luke 19:43)

Discussion Topic

| Go in Joy!

Give everyone a piece of paper.

1. Everyone writes 5 things in which they find fulfilment/joy. No names!2. Fold the paper. Collect them all in.3. Choose one and read it out. The group can guess who wrote it. 4. Read others. Discussion inevitable! 5. Could be used as the basis of the closing prayer of thanks.

Complete the Fulfilment Chart – by yourself or with a friend. What would give you the most satisfaction?

A You are chosen to appear on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’

B Doctors announce a cure for malaria

C All wars will stop from midnight

DYour family has won a Christmas celebration of their choice

E Your Guild has 6 new members

F Scientists discover how to stop Climate Change

G You are asked to become your Guild Convener

H You have won a million pounds

I Children are to be given 4 weeks extra holiday each year

Which one would give your group the most fulfilment? Why is there so much dissatisfaction reported in TV and newspapers?

FoodDrink

RelationshipsFamilies

Volunteering

WealthHealth

IndependenceFaith

Church Life

MusicHolidays

ExercisingHobbies

TV

PartiesPrayer

End of Life Issues*

DISCUSSION: What brings fulfilment?‘I have come in order that you might have life – life in all its fullness.’ (John 10 v10)

What brings your members joy, fulfilment, temporary satisfaction - even grief and pain? - ‘Life in all its fullness’ This could lead to a quick discussion in small groups, with topics below written on piece of paper or card. The cards could be passed on every few minutes to next group.

*this may be omitted or lead to a more full

discussion at a later stage

Check out the book ‘Alternativity – Just God, Simply Christmas’ for ideas in bringing fulfilment at Christmas (visit website www.alternativity.org.uk).

You have £5000 to spend on a Christmas celebration for a young family. How would you spend it? Try this for £500 or £100. Divide into 3 groups and discuss your Christmas plans. How do we judge fulfilment?

DISCUSSION: fulfilment at christmas


Go in Joy! |

Quotations (which may also stimulate discussion)

“People who live the most

fulfilling lives are the ones

who are always rejoicing at

what they have.”

- Richard Carlson

“Strive to become the best version of your original self.

That’s where your true fulfilment in life lies.”

- Edmond Mbiaka

“It isn’t the problems that determine

our destiny, it’s how we respond.”

- Anon.

“Joy is Peace dancing, Peace is Joy resting.”

- Jim Graham (Taken from

Fiona Castle’s book, ‘Rainbows Through

the Rain’)

“Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow.

Live one day at a time.”

- Matthew 6.34

“I believe in the sun even when it is not shining.

I believe in Love even when I feel it not.

I believe in God even when he is silent.”

- found written on a cellar wall in Cologne after

WW2

“Unshared Joy is an unlighted candle.”

- Spanish Proverb

“Joy is not the absence of suffering. It is the presence of God.”

- Robert Schuller

“Remember to light the candle of joy daily and all the gloom will disappear from life.”- Djwhal Khul

“Joy is not in things, it is in us.”

- Richard Wagner

“Joy is the infallible sign of the Presence of God.”

- Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

“We need joy as we need air.

We need love as we need water.

We need one another as we

need the earth we share.”

Discussion Topic

| Go in Joy!

PrayersOpening prayer

Heavenly Father God, we are here today to praise your name, because you are worthy. May our praise and our worship be full of joy and give you joy, because we want you to see that our worship is full of gladness and we want the whole world to know that we are glad to be here. “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, Worship the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful songs.” Thank you for the gift of family and friends, and the many people we will meet this week. Thank you for the joy of being with other people and sharing their love and kindness. Thank you for the beauty that we see in the world around us, remembering that it all comes from you. All good gifts around us are sent from you. Help us to be joyful in our worship and in our praise as we lift your name on high and thank you for the blessings you have showered us with. In the name of Jesus, accept our thanks and praise. Amen.

Prayer of gratitudeMost gracious and loving Heavenly Father, you gave us life and placed us in your creation. You have made us not just with the physical attributes which allow us to move, work, travel, make, and harvest, but with a heart, a mind, and a soul which can equip us to grow, change and develop, aspiring to a fulfilment of self totally based on our relationship with you. It is only by recognising this that our joy in our fulfilment will be complete.

When we think of all you have given us, in terms of talents, opportunities, and innumerable chances to get things right, our hearts are full of gratitude for your love for us, and we take joy in praising you and thanking you that we know we will achieve fulfilment if we remain close to you, and allow you to form our thinking and our doing.

Most of all, we are so grateful for the precious gift of your son, who died that we might have the chance of life, of hope, and of salvation. We offer these prayers in the name of Jesus, our strength and our Redeemer. Amen.

Joy in adversity

Heavenly Father, we know we live in a broken world. We know also that we will experience in our lives periods of darkness and trouble. Some of this may be of our own making, but also we may look at what has happened to us and cannot see where things went wrong, or what we could have done differently. Help us Lord, we pray, not to dwell on the wrongs done to us, or the bad circumstances in which we find ourselves. Help us to focus our eyes on you and you alone, in the certain knowledge that we may feel your strength and comfort through the Holy Spirit and, in time, we will be able to see the light of your joy ahead of us.

Through all the changing scenes of life, Father, be by us, around us, and in us, as we fix our eyes on the ultimate joy of your eternal salvation. In Jesus name we ask this. Amen.

Fulfilment

Loving Heavenly Father, we thank you for the fulfilment of our lives; for our families, our friends, our careers and the fulfilment in the beauty surrounding us. We know that the true fulfilment of our lives is based on the love you have for us and the love we show to one another, in our communities and in the world. Make us aware of the perfect love you gave us in your son Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray these things. Amen.


Go in Joy! |

O Christ our God, who are yourself the fulfilment of the law and the prophets, and did fulfil all the ordered purpose of the Father, always fill our hearts with joy and gladness, now and forever, world without end. Amen.(From Liturgy of St Chrysostom 347-407)

Harvesters of joy

Great God of laughter and joy, kindle new life in our Church, our Guild, and in all the many communities in the world which you have called to proclaim your truth and justice.

Our faith falters, our witness grows stale, our love fro our neighbour lapses, we become defensive, holding on to what we have, in self-justifying cliques.

Restore us, renew our conviction, enliven our proclamation of the Good News, so that people will see the great things you have done for us, to be encouraged and enlivened with the laughter and joy you inspire in us.

Send us out into the suffering world to share peoples’ pain, and bring them home, shouting for joy. Amen.

Closing prayer / meditation : Brighten the corner where you are

We cannot all be famous, or listed in ‘Who’s Who’,but every person, great or small, has important work to do.For seldom do we realise the importance of small deeds,or to what degree of greatness unnoticed kindness leads.So do not sit and idly wish for wider new dimensionswhere you can put in practice your many good intentions.But at the spot God placed you, begin at once to dolittle things to brighten up the lives surrounding you.For if everybody brightened up the spot on which they’re standing,by being a little more considerate and a little less demanding,this dark old world would very soon eclipse the evening star,if everybody brightened up the corner where they are.

A blessing

I always pray with joy. Philippians 1:4

Discussion Topic

| Go in Joy!

Other activitiesThe Hymn Game

Finding verses

An icebreaker for teams of 4/5You will need: pens, paper and a timer

Which team can come up with the most hymns containing the word “joy” or any other word containing ‘joy’? Write them down.

Allow 3 or more minutes, depending on your group of people. Share the answers

The team with the most hymns wins.

An activity for teams of 4/5You will need: pens, paper, enough versions of the same Bible for each team

Finding Verses in the Psalms or New Testament.

Divide into groups of 4/5. With everyone using the same version of the Bible, find verses in Psalms or the New Testa-ment. Each group is looking for 20 bible verses containing the word “joy.”

Write the chapter and verse. Everyone else help to check the answers of the first group to finish.

Name that hymn

An activity for individuals, pairs or groupsYou will need: pens and paper, or someone to read out the questions and give answers

The following lines from hymns which have Joy in the first line. Can you name the first line? One set from Mission Praise and one from CH4.

Line Answers (Mission Praise)

In the presence of the Lord 63

He who framed the starry heavens 147

From the best bliss the earth imparts 383

Let every heart prepare Him room 393

This praise I’ll bring to you my King 534

Bear the news to every land 730

His heart is made of tenderness 774

And be led forth with peace 796

For the best and worst of times 829


Go in Joy! |

These can be used to sing, or as prayers or meditations

• My Life Goes on in Endless Song (How can I keep from singing)

• Just As I am, Thine Own to Be (To be the best that I can be)

• For The Beauty of the Earth (For each perfect gift of Thine.)

• Forth in Thy Name O Lord I Go (And run my course with even joy, and closely walk with Thee to heaven)

Line Answers (CH4)

peace and plenty crown your days 103

forgiven, loved and free 656

and long to feast upon thee still 662

and the trees of the field shall clap their hands 804

the stars and the bright restless sea 141

God is where love is, for love is of God 115

and heaven and nature sing 320

be there at our waking 166

heaven starts here! The kingdom beckons now! 676

Sing it softly through the gloom 249

Fulfilment and joy hymns

Discussion Topic

| Go in Joy!

Romans 13 v8-10

Galatians 5 v14

Revelation 17 v17

Acts 13 v32-33

Matthew 15 v9

All of Philippians

‘Breaking Through’ by Eddie Askew (pages 51/105)

‘Disguises of Love’ by Eddie Askew (page 66) ISBN 0-902731-22-X

‘Women of Faith’ (St. Andrew Press) ISBN 0-86153-170-1

‘Jesus and Peter Off-the–record Conversations’ (Wild Goose publication)

ISBN 1-901557-17-9

‘Facing the Storm’ by Eddie Askew ISBN 0-902731-30-0

See also Church of Scotland website ‘Starters for Sunday’

Living Stones

‘CHRISTMAS SHOPPING’ poem/ sketch by Andy Riordan

‘Christmas Wrapped Up’ page 25 (Scripture Union publication)

suggested reading

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theme & discussion topic guide 2016 - 2017

Documents