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In touch: Voices for all people?
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What do we need to do to ensure the right voices are heard (John 12.20-33)?
Context
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Distinctive voices
Murray Walker was the voice of Formula One on television and radio for over five decades! He also must have been one of the most mimicked voices by professional comedians and school children alike. Why? Because his enthusiasm for his subject and the passion of his delivery was such that he got people excited about the motorsport they were watching. His excitement resounded through his commentary!
Have you ever wondered what Jesus’ voice sounded like? No? Well, I bet he didn’t sound like a reluctant rabbit-in-the-headlights reader at the church lectern on a Sunday morning, or like the proverbial F1 bore trying to explain the difference between last year’s very fast car and this year’s very fast car, which to any normal person look exactly the same! If you’ve never imagined what Jesus’ voice sounded like, you could do worse than begin by imagining Jesus speaking with the loud passionate staccato of Murray Walker: ‘Now… my… soul… is… troubled… What… should… I say…?’ (John 12.27). Murray Walker was a very human commentator, who was known sometimes to make mistakes, which became part of what he shared with the listeners – knowledgeable without being a bore; humorous and humble; a legendary voice who listened to the voices of his audience.
Angel voices
In all our many and varied forms of worship that have replaced our gathered congregations, surely we all miss raising our voices in song to praise and worship our God? Last Sunday, The Grammy’s music awards were also held in a very different format to usual, having been delayed from January, but it seems to have been all the better received for the all these covid-alterations. This year's Grammy Awards showcased a choice between records that engaged with the outside world and ones that retreated from real life. Among the winners both voices were heard – protest songs from the likes of Beyoncé and H.E.R, alongside songs of escapism from Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa.
Consider to what extent the diverse range of music produced over this past year has reflected the voices of all the people of the world? Some of those listening to Jesus (John 12.27-33) thought that the voice which came from heaven was the sound of thunder, while others heard the voice of an angel. Whatever your taste in music, the voice comes with a message. What song best represents how you feel now about this past year? How might your church community celebrate in song, once you are allowed to do so, and bring glory to God (John 12.28)?
Silenced voices
You might have had enough of hearing about Oprah’s interview with Meghan and Harry, but imagine the interview situation being a bit like those Greeks who approached Philip and Andrew (the disciples, not members of the UK royal family!), asking to meet with Jesus. The Greeks represent those who are Jesus’ wider audience, beyond the people of an institutionalised Israel. These new members of the family are a catalyst for the issues at the centre of Jesus' ministry to be raised with the wider world and serve as a reminder that Jesus came for all people.
The interview with Meghan and Harry will keep people talking for a long time to come but, even if you wisely manage not to pick sides in the ensuing debate, this is an opportunity to give a voice to the big issues of institutional racism, mental health and suicide. Voices of all victims need to be heard! What voices have missed being heard over the past year in your community?
Funny voices
‘Funny is power’ is the theme for Red Nose Day 2021. On Friday the voice of comedy celebrates the healing power of laughter – and we all need that healing power, now more than ever! Comic Relief 2021 aims to give a voice to important issues including homelessness, hunger, domestic abuse and mental health, all of which have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. These are voices that need to be heard, yet they are voices which might have become muted among the hubbub of the past year. (Incidentally, Tuesday 16th March marked one year since the beginning of the first lockdown in the UK in 2020. What do you remember from exactly one year ago?)
Each year on Red Nose Day we reflect on those who give up so much for others in the name of charity. One particular fundraiser who is deservedly drawing much attention this year is professional racing driver and double-leg amputee, Billy Monger, who takes on a gruelling triathlon-inspired challenge for the benefit of others. When that voice came from heaven (John 12.27-33), Jesus said that this was not for his benefit, but for those who were gathered to listen. How might we see this experience in the light of all those who do so much for good causes such as Comic Relief? How does God’s voice inspire you to live and give your life for others?
Questions for discussion
- 16th March marked one year since the beginning of the first UK lockdown in 2020. Looking back over this past year, what ways have people in your church been ensuring the voice of the Gospel has been heard and celebrated over this past year?
- In John 12.27-28 Jesus says: ‘it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father glorify your name.’ Whose are the voices of people which really must be heard in your local community right now? In what ways could your church ensure those voices are heard?
Tim Lowe is a minister of the United Reformed Church, serving with St Andrew’s Roundhay, in Leeds. Tim celebrated his children returning to school last week (don’t take that the wrong way!) as a step on the road to freedom for all people!
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people.
Yesterday a campaign was launched to ‘rebuild childhood’ after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel De Souza said: ‘children have in many ways made the biggest sacrifices for the least return’.
Jesus indicates the sacrifice he will make on the cross in John 12.20-33: ‘unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.’ In spring, we see this idea of death and new life, as seeds which have been planted ‘die’ in the soil, pushing out with new growth.
Have there been any sacrifices you have made in this time which have allowed you to grow in new ways? Are there also other things which have felt like the sacrifice Dame Rachel talks about: a great sacrifice but with very little return (or benefit)?
Dame Rachel plans to consult every child in England about how the pandemic changed their lives in a survey called ‘The Big Ask’. Do take part when it launches!
What is the most important thing you would want to share about your experience during the pandemic?
Dame Rachel hopes that the result of this consultation will be to ‘improve the chances of every single child, whatever their early standing in life and wherever they are’ – putting children and young people on an equal footing, despite the sacrifices they have made and the challenges they have faced during this time.
Jesus also speaks of this being a result of his sacrifice on the cross as he says, ‘I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself’ (John 12.32). The result of Jesus’ sacrifice is also this move towards equality for ‘all people’. Nobody will be held back from Jesus’ love because of their schooling, their background or their start in life. Perhaps, even from this really difficult situation – where sacrifices have been made – some good can come, where leaders are striving for equality and the best opportunities for all children and young people. What might you ask God to help you ‘rebuild’?
Written by Children & Youth Editor, Clare Williams
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