THE WORLD AS IT SHOULD BE

Leader Guide

Jesus talked about the “Kingdom of God” more than any other subject. It was his big idea: a vision of the world as it should be. How well do we understand this “already begun” kingdom we're helping build—on earth as it is in heaven? And how does it change how we live?

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By Week

• Introduction (Public page)
• Week 1: 15th Sunday in OT: Me First (Leader page | Public page)
• Week 2: 16th Sunday in OT: Upside-Down Kingdom (Leader page | Public page)
• Week 3: 17th Sunday in OT: Big Investment, Big Payoff (Leader page | Public page)
• Week 4: 18th Sunday in OT: A New Way of Seeing (Leader page | Public page)

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Resources

Note: we do not necessarily endorse all views in the following books or articles, but each has helped us in our own reflections.

ReSOURCES FROM THE PASTORAL CENTER

The World as It Should Be:
Living Authentically in the Here-and-Now Kingdom of God

• Connects the concept of the Kingdom to daily life
  
• 30 short, engaging essays on the Kingdom
  
• Questions at the end of each essay
  
• A great resource for preachers and catechists
  

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The Kingdom on the Run
Flyers for Busy Parents

• One flyer for each Gospel reading from July 13-August 3
  
• Help parents teach their children about the Kingdom
  
• Email or print this eResource
  

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Kingdom of God Worksheet/Session
From the Faith Life & Creed eResource

• Built for group sessions, but also great for homily/catechist prep
  
• Comprehensive teaching in easy bullet-point format
  
• 18-page eResource includes outline, prayer, reflection exercises, and handout
  
• Teaching method that leads to true conversion of the heart
  

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Reign of God Session Outlines & Handouts
Whole Family & Parent Formation

• Everything you need to lead a one-hour formation session on the Kingdom
  
• Coach parents to form their own kids
  
• Easy and affordable eResource
  
• Whole Family Catechesis: Form an intergenerational group of children, parents, other adults, youth)
  
• Parent Learning Center: Coach parents while their children are in class
  

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Other Books

The Upside-Down Kingdom

by Donald B. Kraybill

• In-depth, best-selling classic.
  

The Kingdom of God is a Party

by Tony Campolo

• Down-to-earth and thought-provoking
  
• The Kingdom from a Protestant evangelical perspective

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Liturgy Resources

Common Prayer

Oh Lord,
   open our eyes to a new way of seeing.

Help us to dream your dream 
   for our lives and our world,
   and use us to bring about 
   the world as it should be, 
      where the poor and forgotten come first,
      where slaves and prisoners are set free,
      where there is joy and laughter,
      and where justice and peace reign.

We pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

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Was our series helpful to you and/or your faith community? It's our gift to you, but you can give us a donation to support work on future series if you'd like! This work is financially supported largely by St. Augustine Church in Oakland, CA, so also offer them your prayers and gratitude!