Introduction to Worship for 10/9/2016

Luke 17:11-19

In biblical times, people with various skin diseases, often referred to as leprosy, were considered unclean and therefore separated from community. The only way they could overcome their isolation was to be certified by temple priests as healed. Samaritans with a skin disease were double outcasts because of long standing animosity between Samaritans and Jews. In today’s text, this double outcast embodies the radical nature of gratitude by turning toward the true source of wholeness and healing for all people. The life of gratitude knows no boundaries of religion, culture, race, gender, disability or any other basis used for denying our shared life in God.

Family activity (can be adapted to families of all ages)

1. Make a list of reasons to turn around and say, “Thank you,” to God.

2. Look at your list, choose a few of the reasons on your list and turn them into a prayer of thanksgiving. Share your prayer with someone .

3. Make a list of the people you say, “Thank you” to each day (for example, the shop assistant, a waitress or barista, your bus driver, or the security guard in your office building). If you don’t know them already, learn their names and say thank you to them by name.

Ask younger children to draw who and what they are thankful for.

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