Elder Blessings

Many churches worry because the ratio of younger to older people is small. But if the church is about “equipping people for ministry” (Eph 4), then might focus on preparing elders to offer the powerful gift of blessing and affirmation where it is most needed. In this season of Advent, the story of Elizabeth and Mary may provide insight and opportunity for sharing our stories someone who has been an Elizabeth your life—and raise awareness of where that is needed.

Enter the Story

Move into small groups (of 3-4 people) before you listen to the story. Take one minute each:

1. Give your name and one thing you’ve created” (e.g. food, clothing, garden, craft project)

Then, read the story (Luke 1:39-45) aloud.

In the story of Elizabeth and Mary, Elizabeth offers refuge for Mary just as the younger woman has learned about her untimely pregnancy. We know that Joseph considered dismissing her quietly Mt. 1:19). In Luke, Mary went “with haste” to the hill country, where her aging cousin lived—apparently to get out of town quickly and to see whether the angel was right about Elizabeth being pregnant.

Reflect on the characters.

The story tells us that Mary came alone, without the protection of Joseph a parent. She must have been anxious and fearful to have made the journey on foot without protection. Think back on your life, especially to the period when you were a teenager or young adult. Have you ever been in Mary’s situation? Ever heard news about your future that was terrifying? Or potentially dangerous? As you listen to the story, ask yourself...

2. When did someone offer me safety or refuge in a time of need? Who was it? What did they do?

Take about 20 minutes to share your answer to this question before continuing with the next part of the story.

Connect with your own story.

The text says that “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” and she was prompted to speak her blessing for Mary. Can you recall a time when somebody left you? Or called you to a new understanding of yourself? It must have come as a welcome relief for Mary—to hear Elizabeth’s confirmation. And to learn that the two women would be able to share this time of waiting.

 3. Who has been your Elizabeth?

Guidance

Consider the image of Elizabeth’s pregnancy in her old age. Elizabeth’s story is a reminder that we “give birth” in many different ways. At one time, I was a professional potter and gave birth to many little pots which I sent into the world. Then, when I came to Faith At Work in 1985, there had been no magazine for five years—and I felt called to “birth” F@W magazine again. I could not have done it alone and I feel sure it was the work of the Holy Spirit. Now, as I come to another turning point, I can watch and wait with Elizabeth and Mary during this Advent season. Ask yourself if there is something which you are being called to give birth to?

4. Is there something which God seems to be asking you to bear into the world? To give birth to at this stage of your life?

Feel free to duplicate this relational Bible study for use with a small group. If the session is to be 50 minutes, use only the first, third and fourth sharing questions. If the session is longer, use all four questions.

Marjory Bankson is editor of Faith@Work magazine, artist, relational teacher and author of Call to the Soul and a brand new version of Seasons of Friendship, and is a Steward of The Seekers Church, a faith community of Church of the Saviour in Washington DC.