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January 30-February 6, 2008

Writer’s strike could complicate
Oscars ceremony

Warm-up Question:

What was your favorite movie of 2007? Who is your favorite actor or actress?

 

The nominees for this year’s Academy Awards, or the Oscars, were announced last week as they are at this time every year. But nominees, which include actors, directors, producers, composers, artists, and writers, will face a dilemma this year if the striking Writer’s Guild of America writers cannot reach an agreement with the industry powers-that-be before the ceremony on February 24th.

As with most shows on television, writers provide the lines for the presenters and the host of the Oscars. And the writers from the Writers Guild (a union for writers) are on strike, trying to gain a higher percentage of DVD and internet sales of their shows and movies, among other benefits. Members of other unions, such as the Screen Actors Guild and the producers’ union, have been reluctant to cross the picket lines because they want to support their writer colleagues.

The actors’ and producers’ refusal to work without the writers forced last month’s Golden Globe Awards to turn its glamorous ceremony into a dull press conference, since the actors involved said they would not show up as long as the strike continued. Will the same thing happen with the Oscars? If so, millions of dollars in revenue will be lost for the local economy, since there will be no glamorous parties, no fancy clothes and jewelry, and no need for everything from limos to catered food and drink.

Many nominees such as Viggo Mortenson (best supporting actor) will be disappointed to miss their night in the limelight, but say as he did, “If there’s a strike, I’m not crossing the line.”

For a list of this year’s nominees, see http://www.oscar.com/nominees/.

 

Discussion Questions

  1. The writers’ strike has led to more television re-runs, more reality programming and game shows, and even some delays in movie-making. Describe the impact the strike has had on your life, if any. Some people have speculated that TV viewers have begun to watch less TV as a result.
  2. How do you think the public will react to the strike if television shows get cancelled and movies stop being made because of it?
  3. Do you think that the Oscar nominees are doing the right thing by not crossing the picket line? Why or why not?
  4. When you consider all the award shows, tabloids, and media coverage of celebrities, who do you think has not gotten enough recognition that you believe deserves more attention?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, February 3, 2008.
(Text links are to oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year A at Lectionary Readings.)

Exodus 24:12-18
Psalm 2 (7) or Psalm 99 (9)
2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 17:1-9

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection
Imagine that you got to meet the person in this world who you most respect or admire. Who would it be? Maybe your favorite movie star, who takes you to unfamiliar worlds in which you feel and experience what they do. Maybe a historical figure, like Sacagawea or Martin Luther King, Jr.

There weren’t any bigger “stars” of the Hebrew faith than Moses and Elijah. One led an enslaved people out of slavery and (almost) into the Promised Land (see Exodus). One had a showdown with 400 prophets of the false god Baal and proved God’s power to a faltering, misled nation (see 1 Kings).

Wow! These giants of the faith appeared to Jesus? And God called him “Son”? He must be a celebrity! It was almost like the apostles wanted to make a new holiday to commemorate this tremendous occasion. Everyone needs to know about this. Let’s create some hype! Roll out the red carpet. We’re all going to be famous. Let’s celebrate!

But can you even imagine Jesus as a celebrity? Dressed in a tux and accepting an award. Posing for pictures. Partying like celebrities do. It seems ludicrous, doesn’t it? Jesus isn’t about being famous, or popular, or bringing glory to himself. Everything he did and everything he was aimed to glorify God.

Jesus didn’t want to keep his ministry a secret forever. God had a plan for Jesus’ ministry. It was a plan that did not include fame and fortune or celebrity status; it involved servanthood, suffering, and sacrificial death. Those didn’t turn out to be popular concepts, but God’s plan was exactly what humankind needed.

God doesn’t need hype or a great PR campaign. News of Jesus’ transforming love and sacrificial gift has spread around the world the old fashioned way—by word of mouth and actions. Ask any PR expert. All the clever advertising in the world cannot beat excited people simply telling and showing their friends why they are so excited. When you’ve experienced life with Jesus, you can’t help but tell people about it.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think Jesus told the apostles with him not to tell anyone about the amazing event that had taken place?
  2. What would your reaction to this event have been?
  3. How much time do you spend thinking about your favorite celebrities? About Jesus?
  4. What could you tell other people about the effect Jesus has had on your life?

Activity Suggestions

  • If your worship services do not include any opportunities for members to tell about the impact Jesus has had on their life, find out if your group can plan a special service or an informal evening for sharing such stories of faith and change. Because in some environments, people are reluctant to share so personally, have your leaders identify ahead of time a few people with stories to tell, and ask them directly to participate. Make time for attendees to share as well. End with a prayer of thanksgiving to God for impacting our lives so powerfully.

OR...

  • Compile a booklet or video of testimonies, or people’s stories of how God has impacted their lives. Ask members of your church to write their faith stories down, and then compile them into booklet (or book) form. Or video tape interviews of them. Copies can be distributed throughout the church, posted online, or be put into the church’s archives and library.

  Closing Prayer
Lord God, thank you that you still reveal yourself to the world in amazing ways, whether it is in your love that redeems an unhappy life or a comforting presence during hard times. We pray that you would give us the courage to share your love with others so that they too will experience your life-changing presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen


Contributed by Jennifer Krausz
Bethlehem, PA

Permission to reproduce for local use. Copyright © 2008 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. ELCA Youth Ministry. 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2447. To offer your comments or responses to Faith Lens, e-mail:  rod.boriack@elca.org.

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