Category: New Testament

My Advent Leaf

12/28/2022

My Advent Leaf

Lowly leaf, still, beside the bush track
so scarred, deformed, and common place –
Yet your hollows and hues
draw me to kneel and look at you.
Now lifted, I notice a deeper design in this delicate gum.

As Advent begins, I’m reminded of Mary and Joseph
labouring along the Galilee trail to Bethlehem. –
Two humble souls, though sidelined and shamed
remain resolute, faithful, and grateful.
God’s plan may seem so flawed to some
but this devoted pair soon delight to hold the perfect “Promised One”!

As I cradle my fragile “Advent Leaf”
I’m reminded I need to stop; to welcome and worship
the “Creator King” who has come and who has seen
my sin -stained life and still loves me…
truly, completely, forever.

(c) Don Stott Dec 3 2022

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Pentecost Hallelujah!

5/19/2022

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Pentecost Hallelujah!
‘Hallelujah’ - written by Leonard Cohen@Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Pentecost Hallelujah! words by Don Stott don@eliab.com May 1. 2022
Based on Acts 1&2

He’d suffered on a cross and died
But rose again all were surprised
Now Jesus is alive, his friends bore witness
For forty days Christ taught them all
Prepare yourselves ‘await God’s call
Get ready for the gift my father promised.’

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Will God’s kingdom be restored?
The crowd round Jesus now implored
“It’s not for you to know the times and seasons
But wait and see his authority
The powerful Spirit will set you free
And you will share God’s news to many nations.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

The day of Pentecost had come
In a crowded house, an expectant hum
The believers prayed and gave God all the glory
Suddenly a deafening sound
Wind and fire, tongues all around
Cries of praise and shouts of Hallelujah!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Pentecost pilgrims gathered nigh
Heard strange sounds and wondered why?
Confounding chatter, dazed and seeking reason
Peter stood and told them all
‘It’s not from wine, they’ve heard God’s call
God’s Holy Spirit gift has come to you!’

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Three thousand found their hearts were stirred
Baptised, rejoiced at what they’ve heard
Full on awe with many signs and wonders
Holy Spirit light life’s flame
Let love spread, now all proclaim
Praise and glory, worship hallelujah!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

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Christian Education Website- RE33.net

2/2/2021

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WEBSITES...
A few years ago I created a website as a resource for Christian Education teaching (children aged 8-12 years). I'm now a retired teacher but I have maintained the site for those who might find some of the pages or the activities helpful.
Check it out here - http://RE33.net
See also the Sunday School website I created during COVID lockdown in Melbourne Aust.
2020 which may be of interest for those who still can't meet as a Sunday School http://kidsvine.blogspot.com

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Colours for Easter

2/2/2021

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Colours for Easter
An All- Age Worship Activity
You need : Green, Red,Black, White and Yellow balloon bunches or streamers or flags.
Call forward any of the congregation or children’s group who are wearing a green top (t-shirt, jumper, sweater…). Give them the green props and ask them to stand in a group on the far left side of your stage or up-front area. Talk about how the colour green may remind us that Jesus came… and on the way he was welcomed into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Ask the green group to practice their phrase. Continue this process with the following colours and phrases.
“Jesus came- and suffered- and died- but came alive again- to bring new life…
GREEN —- RED —- BLACK — WHITE — YELLOW
Finally invite all those remaining in the congregation wearing other colours to add “for everyone” to finish the phrase. Those holding the balloons can form a rolling Mexican wave of colour as they circle the balloons in front of them as they say their phrase.