Theme Discussion
In today’s reading from the book of John, Jesus explains his relationship to God and to us by comparing this idea with a vineyard, a place where grapes are grown. He says that God is like the vineyard keeper, or gardener, who creates the vision of what the vineyard could be - will look like and what it will produce. God cares for creation the way a gardener cares for the plants, making sure the soil has the right nutrients, that the vines have a strong support system and access to the sunlight and rain they need to grow. Jesus is like the strong vine that has its roots deep in that garden that God created. The vine can provide those nutrients to the branches that grow out of it, just like Jesus gives us the good lessons we need to grow strong and loving. We are like the branches who grow strong and healthy by using the nutrients or lessons that Jesus provides. The fruits we bear are the ways we work to make the world a better place and help it grow with justice, kindness, and love.
You can’t grow good grapes by simply sticking a branch into the soil, just as you can’t grow a tree by planting a piece of wood. They need to be attached to roots in order to get what they need to grow.
What are the “roots” that help you grow?
Who are the people in your life that are the “gardeners” that God hopes will help you grow strong and healthy?
What “nutrients” do you think it takes to grow a good person or a good follower of Jesus?
What “fruits” or gifts can you give to make the world a better place?
Response Activity Ideas
My Vine
Version 1 (younger):
Materials: construction paper, scissors, pencil, glue
Trace your forearm and hand onto brown, green, or black paper and cut it out. This is your vine or tree and branches. Stick this onto a brown or black paper that represents the soil and think about the people who make you feel safe and secure. Cut out some leaf shapes out of construction paper to stick onto your branches. As you put each one on, think about the people teach you and give you what you need to be strong and healthy. Finally, draw and cut out some of your favourite fruit to stick on the vine. As you do, think of ways you can make the world a better place.
Version 2 (older):
Create your own vine and garden outline using words! To make the branches, roots, fruit, and gardening tools, write the experiences or names of those who support you in growing your ‘vine’ following the questions in the Theme Discussion. To make longer lines you could use phrases, sentences, or repeat names. Draw in any extra details to complete your picture.
Planting scraps
Have you ever tried planting fruits or veggies from the food scraps? Sometimes you don’t need to buy seeds to start a fresh new plant. Give it a try! Click here for ideas using kitchen scraps to regrow produce.
As you plant or prepare your old fruits or veggies, think about how the new shoots are dependent on the strong foundation and past growth of the old plant, nutrients of the soil all around, and your careful attention… just like we ourselves are growing out of the experience, nurture, and love of our biological, church, and community families. Can you make other connections between your planting project and this week’s bible passage and image of Jesus as the ‘vine’?
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