Youth Sunday
Worship
WORSHIP RESOURCES FOR SPECIAL SUNDAYS
Introduction
On Youth Sunday we are called to worship to praise and thank God for the blessings of youth as they lead the congregation in their service of worship.
As young people prepare to lead, how can we, pastors or worship leaders, help them to express their thoughts and feelings, needs and concerns, as relating to the biblical text?
1. Celebrate diversity.
Not all youth enjoy being in the public eye, whether they are shy or lacking in confidence. However, they willingly serve as ushers, greeters, or takers of the offering. Given their creativity, ask for volunteers to make posters and banners of Jesus' parables or things youth enjoy doing at church.
Some cannot gather for a rehearsal, yet young people feel more reverent if they are not nervous, and reading through the worship service together beforehand creates a more effective and spiritual atmosphere of worship for all.
In some churches conflicts may arise around Youth Sunday. In one church the youth began with a popular CD about the need for love to conquer hate. As the music played, they danced in the chancel, moving to the music and their feelings. An adult stood up and walked out. Then a senior girl explained the Youth Fellowship was not there to shock the congregation but to communicate. She talked passionately about the importance of being an individual. Another adult stood up and left the sanctuary. Then one of the boys came forward and told how he no longer believed in the God of his Sunday school. He found God when he walked in the woods. Someone else walked out (but not to the woods). Another boy talked about war and killing and our nation's involvement, and more people left. One youth with long hair stood up and prayed, "God, bless all the men here with long hair, and all those with short hair, and all those with no hair, and help them love one another for Christ's sake. Amen."
After Youth Sunday, the minister held open meetings every other Sunday evening so the different generations could gather and attempt to talk with one another. The minister later learned that one of the distinguished and reserved grandmothers, when asked when she had last actually experienced communion, replied, "Youth Sunday!"
2. Pray for the youth of your congregation of faith, for prayer, as scripture, God's Word, is the path where there is none.
3. Provide a possible service of worship.
The following is a suggested service you may wish to change to fit your own group. It is based on Mark 4:34 as the scripture: "He [Jesus] did not speak to them except in parables...."
Youth Sunday
Service Of Worship
Youth Sunday
Call to Worship
God calls us through God's Word and story. Come, let us worship the Great Storyteller.
Or, "Your word, O Lord, is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path" (Psalm 119:105). Come, let us worship the Lord. Amen.
Processional Hymn "Tell Me The Stories Of Jesus"
Prayer of Confession
Dear Lord, forgive our wandering thoughts, our wayward ways, our weary words as we predict and plan and proclaim rather than patiently awaiting your guidance and presence. We are people who want to choose and control rather than love and be loved by your grace and mercy, through Christ Jesus. Amen.
Prayer of Assurance
Jesus said, "I know that and I love you."
Or, "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made" (Psalm 145:8--9).
Or, "You are forgiven. In Christ's name you are a new creature. Amen."
Affirmation of Faith
I believe in God, the Poet of Creation,
Through Jesus the Word, who died a parabler of God and rose to be the Parable of God,
And the Holy Spirit who enables us to hear God's Word and do it. Amen.
Children's Time
(Bring a stuffed toy of Winnie the Pooh)
How many of you know my friend, Winnie the Pooh? He asked me to tell you a story about him, because Pooh likes stories. I hope you do, too.
One morning Winnie the Pooh dropped in at Rabbit's hole in hopes of finding a Little Something, and he did, and he ate every bit of honey, condensed milk, and bread that was in Rabbit's hole. When there was nothing more to eat, Pooh said, "I must be going."
"Must you?" asked Rabbit.
"Well, I could stay a little longer if ... if I ..." Pooh thought there might be something more to eat.
Rabbit said, "As a matter of fact, I was just going out myself."
"Oh, good--bye then." Pooh started to climb out of the hole. He put his nose out, then he pulled with his front paws and pushed with his back paws and his ears came out and his shoulders and ... "Help, I'm stuck!" Pooh could not move.
Finding the front door full, Rabbit went out the back door. "Oh, Pooh, are you stuck?"
"No, just resting and thinking."
But when Rabbit offered his paw to help, Pooh took it. Rabbit pulled and pulled, and Pooh said, "Your door is too small."
Rabbit said, "No, it's from eating too much. I will get Christopher Robin."
When Christopher Robin arrived, he said, "Silly old Bear," and pulled and pulled. "We will have to wait for you to get thin again."
"How long?" asked Pooh.
"About a week."
Pooh began to sigh and then found he couldn't because he was so tightly stuck, and a tear rolled down his cheek, as he said, "Then would you read a Sustaining Book, such as would help and comfort a Wedged Bear in Great Tightness?" Christopher promised that he would.1
Talk Together
Why did Pooh get stuck in Rabbit's hole? What helped Pooh? What is your favorite story? Do you know anyone who told "sus--taining stories"?
Prayer of Dismissal
"Dear God, thank you for the stories Jesus told that help us know your love. Amen."
Scripture Reading
Psalter Reading: Psalm 119:105
Old Testament: Jeremiah 1:4--10
Epistle: Romans 10:8--17
Gospel: Mark 4:30--34
Or, use a paraphrase of the text: "The kingdom of God is like a story, which when sown upon the soul, is the smallest of all the stories on earth, yet when it is warmed by wonder and watered with imagination, it grows up and becomes the meaning of Existence, and puts forth a World of Possibility so that the creatures of earth can make their homes in it."2
Sermon
Dialogue, drama, or discussion of the text are different forms of telling the parables of Jesus. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." He taught through his parable. He did not speak to them except in story.
[Assist the youth storyteller to tell one of Jesus' parables or a story that conveys the meaning of faith for the youth. Or use poetry.]
God, knowing our need for metaphor,
Enfleshed the Word so we could see.
As the sun penetrates the world with light,
May the Word with wisdom and wonder enter within,
For unto us a Word is born.
Hymn of Response "I Love To Tell The Story"
Litany of Praise and Thanksgiving
Leader: As people who love to tell the story, we thank you, God, for the stories of Abraham and Sarah, Moses and Miriam, David, Ruth, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Peter, Mary, and Jesus.
All: I love to tell the story.
Leader: We thank you, God, for the stories of Jesus; how he made the blind see, the deaf hear, and the dumb speak.
All: I love to tell the story.
Leader: We thank you for the stories Jesus told about the shepherd who lost one lamb.
All: I love to tell the story.
Leader: The story of the loving father who forgave his prodigal son and his prejudiced one.
All: I love to tell the story.
Leader: The story of the kingdom of God as small as a tiny seed and as large as a tree for nesting.
All: I love to tell the story.
Leader: We thank you, Lord, for our lives which are your stories.
All: Amen.
Offering
Youth may play a musical instrument; sing one of the songs from Jesus Christ Superstar or Godspell as a solo or with the choir; or express love and praise to God through movement to music.
Doxology
Hymn of Commitment "Thy Word Is A Lamp"
Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer
Most gracious loving God, open our ears so we may hear your word in the sound of the birds and the angels singing, our eyes to see the majesty of the stars and moon and feel the power of the psalmists' songs of praise, our noses to smell the odors of sanctity and of the sea and the rain--soaked rose. Fill us with your Spirit so we may share in the Good News of your gospel and send out your word to accomplish your will. Watch over the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart so they may be acceptable in your sight, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven ...
Benediction
Go now into the world in the name of God, the Word--Maker, through Jesus Christ, God's Word, and the Holy Spirit who enables us to hear and do that word. Amen.
Elaine M. Ward
____________
1. A. A. Milne, The House At Pooh Corner (New York: Puffin Books, 1992).
2. Elaine M. Ward, Love in a Lunchbox: Poems and Parables for Children's Worship (Nashville, Tennessee: Abingdon Press, 1996), p. 7. Used by permission.
On Youth Sunday we are called to worship to praise and thank God for the blessings of youth as they lead the congregation in their service of worship.
As young people prepare to lead, how can we, pastors or worship leaders, help them to express their thoughts and feelings, needs and concerns, as relating to the biblical text?
1. Celebrate diversity.
Not all youth enjoy being in the public eye, whether they are shy or lacking in confidence. However, they willingly serve as ushers, greeters, or takers of the offering. Given their creativity, ask for volunteers to make posters and banners of Jesus' parables or things youth enjoy doing at church.
Some cannot gather for a rehearsal, yet young people feel more reverent if they are not nervous, and reading through the worship service together beforehand creates a more effective and spiritual atmosphere of worship for all.
In some churches conflicts may arise around Youth Sunday. In one church the youth began with a popular CD about the need for love to conquer hate. As the music played, they danced in the chancel, moving to the music and their feelings. An adult stood up and walked out. Then a senior girl explained the Youth Fellowship was not there to shock the congregation but to communicate. She talked passionately about the importance of being an individual. Another adult stood up and left the sanctuary. Then one of the boys came forward and told how he no longer believed in the God of his Sunday school. He found God when he walked in the woods. Someone else walked out (but not to the woods). Another boy talked about war and killing and our nation's involvement, and more people left. One youth with long hair stood up and prayed, "God, bless all the men here with long hair, and all those with short hair, and all those with no hair, and help them love one another for Christ's sake. Amen."
After Youth Sunday, the minister held open meetings every other Sunday evening so the different generations could gather and attempt to talk with one another. The minister later learned that one of the distinguished and reserved grandmothers, when asked when she had last actually experienced communion, replied, "Youth Sunday!"
2. Pray for the youth of your congregation of faith, for prayer, as scripture, God's Word, is the path where there is none.
3. Provide a possible service of worship.
The following is a suggested service you may wish to change to fit your own group. It is based on Mark 4:34 as the scripture: "He [Jesus] did not speak to them except in parables...."
Youth Sunday
Service Of Worship
Youth Sunday
Call to Worship
God calls us through God's Word and story. Come, let us worship the Great Storyteller.
Or, "Your word, O Lord, is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path" (Psalm 119:105). Come, let us worship the Lord. Amen.
Processional Hymn "Tell Me The Stories Of Jesus"
Prayer of Confession
Dear Lord, forgive our wandering thoughts, our wayward ways, our weary words as we predict and plan and proclaim rather than patiently awaiting your guidance and presence. We are people who want to choose and control rather than love and be loved by your grace and mercy, through Christ Jesus. Amen.
Prayer of Assurance
Jesus said, "I know that and I love you."
Or, "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made" (Psalm 145:8--9).
Or, "You are forgiven. In Christ's name you are a new creature. Amen."
Affirmation of Faith
I believe in God, the Poet of Creation,
Through Jesus the Word, who died a parabler of God and rose to be the Parable of God,
And the Holy Spirit who enables us to hear God's Word and do it. Amen.
Children's Time
(Bring a stuffed toy of Winnie the Pooh)
How many of you know my friend, Winnie the Pooh? He asked me to tell you a story about him, because Pooh likes stories. I hope you do, too.
One morning Winnie the Pooh dropped in at Rabbit's hole in hopes of finding a Little Something, and he did, and he ate every bit of honey, condensed milk, and bread that was in Rabbit's hole. When there was nothing more to eat, Pooh said, "I must be going."
"Must you?" asked Rabbit.
"Well, I could stay a little longer if ... if I ..." Pooh thought there might be something more to eat.
Rabbit said, "As a matter of fact, I was just going out myself."
"Oh, good--bye then." Pooh started to climb out of the hole. He put his nose out, then he pulled with his front paws and pushed with his back paws and his ears came out and his shoulders and ... "Help, I'm stuck!" Pooh could not move.
Finding the front door full, Rabbit went out the back door. "Oh, Pooh, are you stuck?"
"No, just resting and thinking."
But when Rabbit offered his paw to help, Pooh took it. Rabbit pulled and pulled, and Pooh said, "Your door is too small."
Rabbit said, "No, it's from eating too much. I will get Christopher Robin."
When Christopher Robin arrived, he said, "Silly old Bear," and pulled and pulled. "We will have to wait for you to get thin again."
"How long?" asked Pooh.
"About a week."
Pooh began to sigh and then found he couldn't because he was so tightly stuck, and a tear rolled down his cheek, as he said, "Then would you read a Sustaining Book, such as would help and comfort a Wedged Bear in Great Tightness?" Christopher promised that he would.1
Talk Together
Why did Pooh get stuck in Rabbit's hole? What helped Pooh? What is your favorite story? Do you know anyone who told "sus--taining stories"?
Prayer of Dismissal
"Dear God, thank you for the stories Jesus told that help us know your love. Amen."
Scripture Reading
Psalter Reading: Psalm 119:105
Old Testament: Jeremiah 1:4--10
Epistle: Romans 10:8--17
Gospel: Mark 4:30--34
Or, use a paraphrase of the text: "The kingdom of God is like a story, which when sown upon the soul, is the smallest of all the stories on earth, yet when it is warmed by wonder and watered with imagination, it grows up and becomes the meaning of Existence, and puts forth a World of Possibility so that the creatures of earth can make their homes in it."2
Sermon
Dialogue, drama, or discussion of the text are different forms of telling the parables of Jesus. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." He taught through his parable. He did not speak to them except in story.
[Assist the youth storyteller to tell one of Jesus' parables or a story that conveys the meaning of faith for the youth. Or use poetry.]
God, knowing our need for metaphor,
Enfleshed the Word so we could see.
As the sun penetrates the world with light,
May the Word with wisdom and wonder enter within,
For unto us a Word is born.
Hymn of Response "I Love To Tell The Story"
Litany of Praise and Thanksgiving
Leader: As people who love to tell the story, we thank you, God, for the stories of Abraham and Sarah, Moses and Miriam, David, Ruth, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Peter, Mary, and Jesus.
All: I love to tell the story.
Leader: We thank you, God, for the stories of Jesus; how he made the blind see, the deaf hear, and the dumb speak.
All: I love to tell the story.
Leader: We thank you for the stories Jesus told about the shepherd who lost one lamb.
All: I love to tell the story.
Leader: The story of the loving father who forgave his prodigal son and his prejudiced one.
All: I love to tell the story.
Leader: The story of the kingdom of God as small as a tiny seed and as large as a tree for nesting.
All: I love to tell the story.
Leader: We thank you, Lord, for our lives which are your stories.
All: Amen.
Offering
Youth may play a musical instrument; sing one of the songs from Jesus Christ Superstar or Godspell as a solo or with the choir; or express love and praise to God through movement to music.
Doxology
Hymn of Commitment "Thy Word Is A Lamp"
Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer
Most gracious loving God, open our ears so we may hear your word in the sound of the birds and the angels singing, our eyes to see the majesty of the stars and moon and feel the power of the psalmists' songs of praise, our noses to smell the odors of sanctity and of the sea and the rain--soaked rose. Fill us with your Spirit so we may share in the Good News of your gospel and send out your word to accomplish your will. Watch over the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart so they may be acceptable in your sight, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven ...
Benediction
Go now into the world in the name of God, the Word--Maker, through Jesus Christ, God's Word, and the Holy Spirit who enables us to hear and do that word. Amen.
Elaine M. Ward
____________
1. A. A. Milne, The House At Pooh Corner (New York: Puffin Books, 1992).
2. Elaine M. Ward, Love in a Lunchbox: Poems and Parables for Children's Worship (Nashville, Tennessee: Abingdon Press, 1996), p. 7. Used by permission.
