The Celebration of Confirmation
Worship
Special Days For Celebration
Worship Resources For Eighteen Occasions Throughout The Year
Comments on the Service
Our confirmation service has traditionally been planned and led by the confirmands. As the catechumens and I near the end of our lessons from the textbook, we begin talking about the worship service. After we have completed the study lessons, we continue to meet until the worship service is well planned with all the confirmands taking part. We have a rehearsal with the confirmands and their parents the Saturday before Confirmation.
During the confirmation course, we talk about the what, why, and how of worship. Then as we near the end of the course, the preparation for the worship service becomes a "lab," in which we do what we have talked about.
We try to plan our course so that we can have the confirmation celebration on Pentecost Sunday. This directs our attention to the Holy Spirit, and its activity in our lives.
We begin planning the worship service by selecting the Scripture. The starting point for this is the lectionary. If, in the discussion, the class develops a theme from one of the Scriptures that the other two do not seem to support, then alternative Scriptures are selected to support them.
In this service, the theme has been developed around the Holy Spirit, based on Acts 2:1-21. After we discussed this Scripture, and how we would like to use it, the other Scriptures were selected. Then we discussed the order of worship, and how we would do what we wanted to do.
In most of our confirmation classes we have had some youth who were dedicated as infants instead of being baptized. For this reason sacrament of baptism was included in the order. Each class has wanted to celebrate the sacrament of holy communion, so this too is included in the order, with the confirmands serving the elements to the congregation, and taking part in the reading of the liturgy.
Once the order of worship is determined, including the hymns and aids to worship, the next step is to involve each confirmand in the service. The three who give the sermon (one point each) are selected first (preferably volunteers) and given the assurance they will have help. These are not long expositions, but should be from the heart. We ask them to use their own words rather than reading what the pastor has written for them to say. But the pastor should offer help and guidance so the confirmands do not feel burdened with a task which they may think they don't know how to handle.
The same help needs to be offered for whoever takes responsibility for the children's sermon. These four should have their scripts completed for the rehearsal so that they can hear themselves express their thoughts out loud before they do it on Sunday morning.
This particular service, "The Breath of Life," uses balloons as a visual aid. Part of the advance preparation is to have a variety of Scripture verses, selected by the confirmands, printed on paper. These verses should be texts that are helpful guidelines for living the Christian life. Fifteen to twenty different verses are enough. Reproduce these so you have enough to put a verse in each balloon. The class can cut these apart after they are printed, roll them, and put one in each balloon. These will later be removed by each worshiper. Prepare enough balloons so everyone who comes will be given a balloon with the bulletin as they enter the sanctuary.
The parents need to be at the rehearsal so they will be comfortable with how they participate in the service. They should be seated in whatever order makes it convenient for them to leave their pew to come into the chancel when their son or daughter is confirmed.
The class answers the membership vows together, but each youth is confirmed individually. You can use your own denomination's ritual with the parents laying their hands on the head of their son
or daughter along with the pastor(s).
The cross necklace is a gift the parents are asked to give their son or daughter at confirmation. This may be a family heirloom, or whatever cross they feel their child will wear. The parents need to rehearse working the clasp and reaching around the neck from behind and closing the clasp without the hair getting in the way. The first time is awkward, so walk through this at the rehearsal. While one parent (if both parents are present) is putting the necklace on their child, the other parent is giving the challenge printed in the bulletin to which the congregation responds, "Amen."
The confirmands and their parents may be involved in reading parts of the communion liturgy. This should also be practiced at the rehearsal.
When the service is over, the confirmands and their parents leave the sanctuary before the congregation so they can be in the narthex to be greeted by the congregation.
Order of Worship
(Service prepared for Pentecost Day)
(*The congregation stands)
Hymn Medleys
Greetings and Concerns of the Congregation
Organ Prelude
Choral Introit
* Processional Hymn "Come, Christians, Join to Sing"
* Call to Worship
* Collect
Gloria Patri
* Affirmatjon of Faith
Prayer of Thanksgiving
The Lord's Prayer
Children's Sermon
The Sharing of Our Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Sentence
Offertory
* Doxology
* Offertory Prayer and Intercession
Choir Anthem (if not a communion anthem)
First Lesson Acts 2:1-21
Second Lesson Romans 8:8-17
* Gospel John 4:19-26
Confirmation Sermon "The Breath of Life" by three confirmands
1. "Our Beginning"
When instructed, blow enough air into your balloon to give it form.
2. "Christian Growth"
When instructed, fill your balloon with air without causing it to break.
3. "Celebrating the Joy of the Christian Life"
When instructed, release your balloon as a symbol of joy. Then pick up a balloon that lands near you, and remove the Scripture verse as your text for living the Christian life.
* Hymn "Breathe on Me, Breath of God"
The Sacrament of Believers Baptism
(Include if any of the confirmands have not yet been baptized. Use your denomination's ritual.)
The Confirmation Service
(Use your denomination's ritual. After each youth is confirmed, use the following:)
Parents: (Name), let this cross be a witness of your growing faith in Christ as your Lord and Savior.
People:
Amen.
Choir Anthem (if it is a communion anthem)
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
(Use your denomination's ritual, with the confirmands sharing in the liturgy.)
* Hymn "O Master, Let Me Walk with You"
* Benediction
Choral Amen
(Confirmands and parents leave first, to assemble in the nart hex so that the congregation can welcome the new members.)
* Postlude
Children's Message
Like the sermon, the children's sermon is also prepared by one of the confirmands, but with guidance and support from the pastor. This children's sermon will develop differently by different youth, but the suggestions here are enough to get them started.
The visual aids are a four inch candle firmly affixed to a plate by melted wax, or in a candle holder small enough for a jar to fit over it, and a quart jar. While talking to the children, light the candle explaining this represents our Christian life. When you put the jar over the burning candle, the children can see it is extinguished because of the lack of air.
The air is like God's presence, or his Spirit, that surrounds us. We can't see it. But if we ignore God, and what his Son, Jesus, has taught us about God, our "light" goes out, and we can't live the Christian life.
The glass jar is like the invisible shield that we create when we don't want Jesus to tell us how to live. By removing the "jar" we let Jesus teach us how wonderful God is, and are able to enjoy God's presence, or Spirit, which helps us to live a good and healthy Christian life.
Preaching Resources
"The Breath of Life"
The sermon, as well as the worship service, is the result of the class studying together what it is they want to communicate, in celebration of their confirmation, with the congregation. Our planned date for Confirmation Sunday has usually been the Day of Pentecost. So the first Scripture we look at is Acts 2:1-21. This Scripture has already been dealt with in class when we discussed the meaning of Pentecost. If the class feels comfortable with this, then we select two other readings, beginning with the lectionary for that Sunday. If these do not seem to fit what the class wants to say about Pentecost, then other Scriptures are chosen. For this service the class selected Romans 8:8-17, and John 4:19-26.
"The Breath of Life" is one theme suggested to the confirmands because of the visual aid balloons provide. Balloons seem to have a special appeal to all ages. When you suggest to the class they might want to blow up balloons, and let them fly all over the sanctuary, they think that sounds great! They are ready to discuss what Pentecost, Confirmation, and balloons have in common.
We have suggested the following outline which the youth have quickly picked up, with three of the confirmands volunteering to develop their own "one third" of the sermon.
I. "Our Beginning"
A balloon doesn't become a balloon until you blow your breath into it. As you blow a little air into it, it takes shape, and becomes a balloon. God breathes his breath (Spirit) into us, and that's really the only way we can become. Our beginning as a Christian is to say "Yes" to God breathing his Spirit into us so that we might take the "shape" he intends for us.
After the confirmand has talked about this, the congregation is instructed to take the balloon handed to them when they entered the sanctuary, and blow just enough air into it so that it begins to take the shape of a balloon and hold on to it.
II. "Christian Growth"
The next confirmand talks in terms of growing in Christ as God continues to blow his breath or Spirit into us. The more we let God share his Spirit with us, the more mature we become in Christian faith and life. The congregation is then instructed to blow more air into their balloon to fill it up without breaking it, illustrating Christian growth through God's Spirit.
III. "Celebrating the Joy of the Christian Life"
The third confirmand talks about the joy of living the Christian life, feeling God's presence, guidance, and encouragement. Being a Christian is something to celebrate joyfully. We do not need to apologize for it, or try to keep it a secret. When finished, the confirmand will instruct the congregation to hold the full balloons in the air, and then let them go so they fly ecstatically through the air in celebration! When the balloons land, the worshipers are to pick a balloon that lands near them, remove the Scripture verse from inside, and use that as a text for living the Christian life.
ROGER PRESCOTT
In Honor of High School,
Trade School, College Graduates
Comments on the Service
* It is a fact that there are fewer baccalaureate services for graduates these days. Using this service at church can be a way of saying farewell and Godspeed to the students.
* The students have completed an important part of their lives. This is not the biggest day of their lives, but it is a nice milestone.
* Be sure and thank teachers today. Both in the community and in the church.
Thanks to teachers and staff - on behalf of the graduates.
Thanks to graduates - on behalf of teachers and staff.
* Thank the parents and families for their encouragement and support of the students.
* Some possible hymns:
"Teach Us What We May Yet Be"
"Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer"
"Jesus Calls Us; O'er the Tumult"
"Lead On, O King Eternal"
"I Know Not What the Future Hath"
"I Love to Tell the Story"
* Some quotes (for use in bulletin or newsletter):
The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
- Aristotle
Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe.
- H. G. Wells
The primary purpose of education is not to teach you to earn your bread, but to make every mouthful sweeter.
- James R. Angell
* Send a press release to your local newspaper, such as the following:
NEWS RELEASE
Saint Mark Covenant Church
1234 Church Street
Anytown, USA 12345
Rev. Roger Grace, Minister
300-9000
- For Immediate Release -
Six graduates will be honored at Saint Mark Covenant Church, 1234 Church Street, next Sunday, May 18th, at the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service.
According to Dr. Roger Grace, Minister of the church, a special service of recognition has been arranged.
The graduates to be honored are: John Smith, Mary Doe, Nancy Rude, David Prescott, Ruth Peterson, and Susan Hoaby.
A reception/luncheon will follow the service.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
This is the day which the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)
HYMN (Graduates process in)
PSALM 78:1-7 (Responsively)
THE GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
SPECIAL MUSIC
(Use graduates where possible)
THE LESSONS
(Use one, all, or a combination of these:)
Proverbs 16:9, 16
Psalm 107:1
Ephesians 5:20
Luke 2:41-52
RECOGNITION OF GRADUATES
Minister
* speaks of this special day.
* welcomes graduates and their families.
* names each graduate and has them come forward; tells of any special honors.
* asks each to share about their plans for the future. (Work, College, Military, Travel.)
A TIME FOR REMINISCING
The Minister says:
Today we are honoring our graduates. Turn now to someone next to you and talk about your own graduation or your days at school. (Allow about one or two minutes for this. Here are some questions to start you off:)
How many were in your class?
Describe your school building.
What was the name of your favorite teacher?
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE
SERMON
HYMN
APOSTLES' CREED
OFFERING
Prayer - We give thee but thine own, whatever the gift may be. All that we have is thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from thee.
PRAYER
O God, we are all growing up in an uncertain world. Give our young strength to hold their faith and to keep alive their joy.
Especially today we pray for (Names of graduates).
Thank you for teachers who give encouragement, insight, hope, and example. Give them your gentle strength and felt presence.
We give thanks for all your goodness and love. Help us to treasure in our hearts all you have done for us. And thanks for these young people who rekindle our spirits.
This we pray, and also as you taught us ...
THE LORD'S PRAYER
THE BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
HYMN
(Graduates process out with minister and greet people as they exit.)
POSTLUDE
Children's Message
Materials to have on hand:
* Several colorful books
* A Bible
Today in my sermon I'll be talking about giving thanks. I'll be giving thanks to our graduates for being with us and helping to make this day very special. Some of them are your friends - maybe even your brother or sister.
Here are some books. They help us learn new things and give us enjoyment by the hour. They are a big part of our schooling, and before you graduate you will have read many of them.
We give thanks for all the people everywhere who write books. Maybe some day some of you will become authors.
A book is a friend. It is always there when you want it, just waiting to be opened and read. Someone once said that the great thing about a book is that you never have to worry about its picture tube going out.
Do you have any favorite books? Do you like to be read to? (Allow time here for conversation.)
A book we all know and love is the Bible. We read from it every week in church - and at home at other times. In many places the Bible talks about giving thanks. Here is one such place (read from the Bible):
Know that the Lord is God!
It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him, bless his name.
Psalm 100:3-4
Thanks, Kids, for coming up. Now you may return.
Preaching Resources
"The Attitude of Gratitude"
Texts: Psalm 107:1; Ephesians 5:20
Graduation is a good time to remind ourselves that we have received so much that we almost take things for granted. As people of faith, we need to help each other develop an attitude of gratitude. Here are three ways:
1. Reduce Grumbling
A waitress was trying hard to win over a grouchy woman customer, but wasn't having much luck. Nothing was right. At the end of the meal the young server tried again. "Have a nice weekend," she said with a warm smile. But the woman was not to be warmed. "I'm afraid," she snapped, "I've already made other plans."
2. Increase Gratitude
A man came home from work one evening, all wrung out from a rough day at the office. When he entered the front door, his wife greeted him with a dour look on her face. "Don't give me any bad news, Mary," he sighed, "I've had too tough a day."
"All right, John," she began, "You know those five beautiful children we have? Well, today four of them didn't break a leg."
3. Rely on Grace
There is a glimmer of God's grace in parent's love and encouragement. God's grace and a parent's love are with us even if we grumble. But living with gratitude makes our lives so much better.
A young boy was being kept in on a rainy Saturday. He was bored, bored, bored. His mother suggested a game of darts. "I'll throw first," she said. "No, Mother. Let me throw the darts and you say, 'Wonderful!' "
- Attributed to Gerhard E. Frost
Our confirmation service has traditionally been planned and led by the confirmands. As the catechumens and I near the end of our lessons from the textbook, we begin talking about the worship service. After we have completed the study lessons, we continue to meet until the worship service is well planned with all the confirmands taking part. We have a rehearsal with the confirmands and their parents the Saturday before Confirmation.
During the confirmation course, we talk about the what, why, and how of worship. Then as we near the end of the course, the preparation for the worship service becomes a "lab," in which we do what we have talked about.
We try to plan our course so that we can have the confirmation celebration on Pentecost Sunday. This directs our attention to the Holy Spirit, and its activity in our lives.
We begin planning the worship service by selecting the Scripture. The starting point for this is the lectionary. If, in the discussion, the class develops a theme from one of the Scriptures that the other two do not seem to support, then alternative Scriptures are selected to support them.
In this service, the theme has been developed around the Holy Spirit, based on Acts 2:1-21. After we discussed this Scripture, and how we would like to use it, the other Scriptures were selected. Then we discussed the order of worship, and how we would do what we wanted to do.
In most of our confirmation classes we have had some youth who were dedicated as infants instead of being baptized. For this reason sacrament of baptism was included in the order. Each class has wanted to celebrate the sacrament of holy communion, so this too is included in the order, with the confirmands serving the elements to the congregation, and taking part in the reading of the liturgy.
Once the order of worship is determined, including the hymns and aids to worship, the next step is to involve each confirmand in the service. The three who give the sermon (one point each) are selected first (preferably volunteers) and given the assurance they will have help. These are not long expositions, but should be from the heart. We ask them to use their own words rather than reading what the pastor has written for them to say. But the pastor should offer help and guidance so the confirmands do not feel burdened with a task which they may think they don't know how to handle.
The same help needs to be offered for whoever takes responsibility for the children's sermon. These four should have their scripts completed for the rehearsal so that they can hear themselves express their thoughts out loud before they do it on Sunday morning.
This particular service, "The Breath of Life," uses balloons as a visual aid. Part of the advance preparation is to have a variety of Scripture verses, selected by the confirmands, printed on paper. These verses should be texts that are helpful guidelines for living the Christian life. Fifteen to twenty different verses are enough. Reproduce these so you have enough to put a verse in each balloon. The class can cut these apart after they are printed, roll them, and put one in each balloon. These will later be removed by each worshiper. Prepare enough balloons so everyone who comes will be given a balloon with the bulletin as they enter the sanctuary.
The parents need to be at the rehearsal so they will be comfortable with how they participate in the service. They should be seated in whatever order makes it convenient for them to leave their pew to come into the chancel when their son or daughter is confirmed.
The class answers the membership vows together, but each youth is confirmed individually. You can use your own denomination's ritual with the parents laying their hands on the head of their son
or daughter along with the pastor(s).
The cross necklace is a gift the parents are asked to give their son or daughter at confirmation. This may be a family heirloom, or whatever cross they feel their child will wear. The parents need to rehearse working the clasp and reaching around the neck from behind and closing the clasp without the hair getting in the way. The first time is awkward, so walk through this at the rehearsal. While one parent (if both parents are present) is putting the necklace on their child, the other parent is giving the challenge printed in the bulletin to which the congregation responds, "Amen."
The confirmands and their parents may be involved in reading parts of the communion liturgy. This should also be practiced at the rehearsal.
When the service is over, the confirmands and their parents leave the sanctuary before the congregation so they can be in the narthex to be greeted by the congregation.
Order of Worship
(Service prepared for Pentecost Day)
(*The congregation stands)
Hymn Medleys
Greetings and Concerns of the Congregation
Organ Prelude
Choral Introit
* Processional Hymn "Come, Christians, Join to Sing"
* Call to Worship
* Collect
Gloria Patri
* Affirmatjon of Faith
Prayer of Thanksgiving
The Lord's Prayer
Children's Sermon
The Sharing of Our Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Sentence
Offertory
* Doxology
* Offertory Prayer and Intercession
Choir Anthem (if not a communion anthem)
First Lesson Acts 2:1-21
Second Lesson Romans 8:8-17
* Gospel John 4:19-26
Confirmation Sermon "The Breath of Life" by three confirmands
1. "Our Beginning"
When instructed, blow enough air into your balloon to give it form.
2. "Christian Growth"
When instructed, fill your balloon with air without causing it to break.
3. "Celebrating the Joy of the Christian Life"
When instructed, release your balloon as a symbol of joy. Then pick up a balloon that lands near you, and remove the Scripture verse as your text for living the Christian life.
* Hymn "Breathe on Me, Breath of God"
The Sacrament of Believers Baptism
(Include if any of the confirmands have not yet been baptized. Use your denomination's ritual.)
The Confirmation Service
(Use your denomination's ritual. After each youth is confirmed, use the following:)
Parents: (Name), let this cross be a witness of your growing faith in Christ as your Lord and Savior.
People:
Amen.
Choir Anthem (if it is a communion anthem)
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
(Use your denomination's ritual, with the confirmands sharing in the liturgy.)
* Hymn "O Master, Let Me Walk with You"
* Benediction
Choral Amen
(Confirmands and parents leave first, to assemble in the nart hex so that the congregation can welcome the new members.)
* Postlude
Children's Message
Like the sermon, the children's sermon is also prepared by one of the confirmands, but with guidance and support from the pastor. This children's sermon will develop differently by different youth, but the suggestions here are enough to get them started.
The visual aids are a four inch candle firmly affixed to a plate by melted wax, or in a candle holder small enough for a jar to fit over it, and a quart jar. While talking to the children, light the candle explaining this represents our Christian life. When you put the jar over the burning candle, the children can see it is extinguished because of the lack of air.
The air is like God's presence, or his Spirit, that surrounds us. We can't see it. But if we ignore God, and what his Son, Jesus, has taught us about God, our "light" goes out, and we can't live the Christian life.
The glass jar is like the invisible shield that we create when we don't want Jesus to tell us how to live. By removing the "jar" we let Jesus teach us how wonderful God is, and are able to enjoy God's presence, or Spirit, which helps us to live a good and healthy Christian life.
Preaching Resources
"The Breath of Life"
The sermon, as well as the worship service, is the result of the class studying together what it is they want to communicate, in celebration of their confirmation, with the congregation. Our planned date for Confirmation Sunday has usually been the Day of Pentecost. So the first Scripture we look at is Acts 2:1-21. This Scripture has already been dealt with in class when we discussed the meaning of Pentecost. If the class feels comfortable with this, then we select two other readings, beginning with the lectionary for that Sunday. If these do not seem to fit what the class wants to say about Pentecost, then other Scriptures are chosen. For this service the class selected Romans 8:8-17, and John 4:19-26.
"The Breath of Life" is one theme suggested to the confirmands because of the visual aid balloons provide. Balloons seem to have a special appeal to all ages. When you suggest to the class they might want to blow up balloons, and let them fly all over the sanctuary, they think that sounds great! They are ready to discuss what Pentecost, Confirmation, and balloons have in common.
We have suggested the following outline which the youth have quickly picked up, with three of the confirmands volunteering to develop their own "one third" of the sermon.
I. "Our Beginning"
A balloon doesn't become a balloon until you blow your breath into it. As you blow a little air into it, it takes shape, and becomes a balloon. God breathes his breath (Spirit) into us, and that's really the only way we can become. Our beginning as a Christian is to say "Yes" to God breathing his Spirit into us so that we might take the "shape" he intends for us.
After the confirmand has talked about this, the congregation is instructed to take the balloon handed to them when they entered the sanctuary, and blow just enough air into it so that it begins to take the shape of a balloon and hold on to it.
II. "Christian Growth"
The next confirmand talks in terms of growing in Christ as God continues to blow his breath or Spirit into us. The more we let God share his Spirit with us, the more mature we become in Christian faith and life. The congregation is then instructed to blow more air into their balloon to fill it up without breaking it, illustrating Christian growth through God's Spirit.
III. "Celebrating the Joy of the Christian Life"
The third confirmand talks about the joy of living the Christian life, feeling God's presence, guidance, and encouragement. Being a Christian is something to celebrate joyfully. We do not need to apologize for it, or try to keep it a secret. When finished, the confirmand will instruct the congregation to hold the full balloons in the air, and then let them go so they fly ecstatically through the air in celebration! When the balloons land, the worshipers are to pick a balloon that lands near them, remove the Scripture verse from inside, and use that as a text for living the Christian life.
ROGER PRESCOTT
In Honor of High School,
Trade School, College Graduates
Comments on the Service
* It is a fact that there are fewer baccalaureate services for graduates these days. Using this service at church can be a way of saying farewell and Godspeed to the students.
* The students have completed an important part of their lives. This is not the biggest day of their lives, but it is a nice milestone.
* Be sure and thank teachers today. Both in the community and in the church.
Thanks to teachers and staff - on behalf of the graduates.
Thanks to graduates - on behalf of teachers and staff.
* Thank the parents and families for their encouragement and support of the students.
* Some possible hymns:
"Teach Us What We May Yet Be"
"Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer"
"Jesus Calls Us; O'er the Tumult"
"Lead On, O King Eternal"
"I Know Not What the Future Hath"
"I Love to Tell the Story"
* Some quotes (for use in bulletin or newsletter):
The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
- Aristotle
Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe.
- H. G. Wells
The primary purpose of education is not to teach you to earn your bread, but to make every mouthful sweeter.
- James R. Angell
* Send a press release to your local newspaper, such as the following:
NEWS RELEASE
Saint Mark Covenant Church
1234 Church Street
Anytown, USA 12345
Rev. Roger Grace, Minister
300-9000
- For Immediate Release -
Six graduates will be honored at Saint Mark Covenant Church, 1234 Church Street, next Sunday, May 18th, at the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service.
According to Dr. Roger Grace, Minister of the church, a special service of recognition has been arranged.
The graduates to be honored are: John Smith, Mary Doe, Nancy Rude, David Prescott, Ruth Peterson, and Susan Hoaby.
A reception/luncheon will follow the service.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
This is the day which the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)
HYMN (Graduates process in)
PSALM 78:1-7 (Responsively)
THE GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
SPECIAL MUSIC
(Use graduates where possible)
THE LESSONS
(Use one, all, or a combination of these:)
Proverbs 16:9, 16
Psalm 107:1
Ephesians 5:20
Luke 2:41-52
RECOGNITION OF GRADUATES
Minister
* speaks of this special day.
* welcomes graduates and their families.
* names each graduate and has them come forward; tells of any special honors.
* asks each to share about their plans for the future. (Work, College, Military, Travel.)
A TIME FOR REMINISCING
The Minister says:
Today we are honoring our graduates. Turn now to someone next to you and talk about your own graduation or your days at school. (Allow about one or two minutes for this. Here are some questions to start you off:)
How many were in your class?
Describe your school building.
What was the name of your favorite teacher?
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE
SERMON
HYMN
APOSTLES' CREED
OFFERING
Prayer - We give thee but thine own, whatever the gift may be. All that we have is thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from thee.
PRAYER
O God, we are all growing up in an uncertain world. Give our young strength to hold their faith and to keep alive their joy.
Especially today we pray for (Names of graduates).
Thank you for teachers who give encouragement, insight, hope, and example. Give them your gentle strength and felt presence.
We give thanks for all your goodness and love. Help us to treasure in our hearts all you have done for us. And thanks for these young people who rekindle our spirits.
This we pray, and also as you taught us ...
THE LORD'S PRAYER
THE BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
HYMN
(Graduates process out with minister and greet people as they exit.)
POSTLUDE
Children's Message
Materials to have on hand:
* Several colorful books
* A Bible
Today in my sermon I'll be talking about giving thanks. I'll be giving thanks to our graduates for being with us and helping to make this day very special. Some of them are your friends - maybe even your brother or sister.
Here are some books. They help us learn new things and give us enjoyment by the hour. They are a big part of our schooling, and before you graduate you will have read many of them.
We give thanks for all the people everywhere who write books. Maybe some day some of you will become authors.
A book is a friend. It is always there when you want it, just waiting to be opened and read. Someone once said that the great thing about a book is that you never have to worry about its picture tube going out.
Do you have any favorite books? Do you like to be read to? (Allow time here for conversation.)
A book we all know and love is the Bible. We read from it every week in church - and at home at other times. In many places the Bible talks about giving thanks. Here is one such place (read from the Bible):
Know that the Lord is God!
It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him, bless his name.
Psalm 100:3-4
Thanks, Kids, for coming up. Now you may return.
Preaching Resources
"The Attitude of Gratitude"
Texts: Psalm 107:1; Ephesians 5:20
Graduation is a good time to remind ourselves that we have received so much that we almost take things for granted. As people of faith, we need to help each other develop an attitude of gratitude. Here are three ways:
1. Reduce Grumbling
A waitress was trying hard to win over a grouchy woman customer, but wasn't having much luck. Nothing was right. At the end of the meal the young server tried again. "Have a nice weekend," she said with a warm smile. But the woman was not to be warmed. "I'm afraid," she snapped, "I've already made other plans."
2. Increase Gratitude
A man came home from work one evening, all wrung out from a rough day at the office. When he entered the front door, his wife greeted him with a dour look on her face. "Don't give me any bad news, Mary," he sighed, "I've had too tough a day."
"All right, John," she began, "You know those five beautiful children we have? Well, today four of them didn't break a leg."
3. Rely on Grace
There is a glimmer of God's grace in parent's love and encouragement. God's grace and a parent's love are with us even if we grumble. But living with gratitude makes our lives so much better.
A young boy was being kept in on a rainy Saturday. He was bored, bored, bored. His mother suggested a game of darts. "I'll throw first," she said. "No, Mother. Let me throw the darts and you say, 'Wonderful!' "
- Attributed to Gerhard E. Frost
