Week of Prayer For Christian Unity
Worship
Special Days For Celebration
Worship Resources For Eighteen Occasions Throughout The Year
Comments on the Service
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is usually held in January, and seeks to unite various Christian communions in a common witness.
Scripture:
Mark 3:20-35
Ephesians 4:1-6
Suggested Service Hymns:
"In Christ There Is No East or West" - J. Oxenham
"True Hearted, Wholehearted" - F. Havergal
"Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak" - F. Havergal
"All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord" - C. Wesley
Order of Worship
Hymn
Opening Litany
Leader:
The psalmist calls us into fellowship and worship: "The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein."
People:
O Creator God, in this service we would be like an astronaut, seeing the whole earth in a single glance, unmindful of the divisions and walls that sometimes separate us. Here, in prayer and worship, we lift to you the whole world and pray for our brothers and sisters in all places.
Leader:
The psalmist asked, "Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? Who shall stand in God's holy place?"
People:
O Creator God, we ask for forgiveness for those times when our thoughts have been too narrow and our words too judging. We know, as we gather in this place, that your care for us and your acceptance of us is far greater than we can understand and far more forgiving than we deserve.
Leader:
The psalmist answered the question, and in the answer we find a spiritual unity that crosses all boundaries of denomination, all walls of religious separation. "Who shall stand in God's holy place?"
People:
"That one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up one's soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. That one will receive blessing from the Lord!" Amen
(From Psalm 24)
Scripture Readings
Hymn
The Children's Moment
The Sermon
Hymn
The Offering/Offertory
Prayer
During an extended time for prayer, representatives from various churches speak a "word of welcome" and offer a prayer for the community and for faithfulness in the work of Christian discipleship. It might be that such interdenominational exchanges of prayer can take place in many of the churches at the same time. Attempts should be made to assure representatives from a broad section of the religious community.
The Benediction
May the living Christ go with you. May Christ go behind you to encourage you, beside you to befriend you in obedient ministry, above you to watch over you, within you to give you power, and before you to show you the way. Amen
Hymn
Children's Message
Ahead of the service, prepare a large piece of poster board on which an enlarged portrait of Jesus has been pasted or drawn. Cut the poster board into several sections - jigsaw puzzle fashion. There should be one section for each church within the community. On the back side of each piece, write the name of a church within the community.
The children are invited to come forward into the chancel area and are given pieces of the puzzle. Call out the name of the church as each piece is given to a child. When all have gathered around, ask them to assemble the puzzle on the floor, with the pieces having the church names facing up. When the puzzle is completed, fasten the pieces together with tape. Next, have the children lift up the complete puzzle for the congregation to see - first showing the side with the church names and then showing the side with the complete picture of Christ.
The message should be evident, but just in case it isn't, say, "Only as we work together, as we fit together, can the full picture of Jesus Christ be seen within a community!"
Preaching Resources
1. Tell the story of one person from a different culture, political system, age, language who is, nevertheless, united with us in Christian Faith. Amid the many differences we are all "family." Example: An American pastor met by chance an East German United Methodist pastor who lives and serves within a communist country - and yet together they share the common witness of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Despite the many differences there is "oneness" in Christ.
2. Witness to ecumenical cooperation, such as a Council of Churches within the city. With specific examples show that the variety of denominations represented can be united in common projects of ministry that otherwise might not be done. Example: The Cleveland (Ohio) Interchurch Council involves 400 congregations in such diverse work as hunger center, intercity conflict resolution, teaching of reading skills ("Project Learn"), and interfaith worship and Bible Study.
3. Recount the Scripture reading of Jesus' family seeking him and his response that everyone doing the work of God is his "family." The retelling of the story from Mark's Gospel can emphasize the diversity of people who sought Jesus: tax collectors, children, fishermen and Pharisees, zealots eager for violence, the reflective, the ill and dying, the learned and ordained. That great diversity was drawn to Jesus and Jesus saw all of them, in their faithfulness to God, as "family."
4. A stained glass window in a large, urban church portrays a beautiful picture of Christ. His hands are outstretched over a city. The window's artist has included the images of the very city in which the church is located - buildings that can be identified as "our city." But on closer look, the city scene at the base of the window is really two scenes. One pictures beautiful streets and buildings, with trees in bloom. The other pictures the city devastated. The buildings are smoldering, the streets are broken, the trees barren. One part of the window shows growth and harmony. The other shows destruction. The reality of modern life is that both good and bad are part of community. The blessing of Christ is to sense that as "one family" in Christian work and faith, the influences that pull apart human life, that destroy community, can be overcome. In the place of those destructive influences is the word of Christ, "Whoever does the will of God is my brother, and sister and mother." (Mark 3:35)
5. A conclusion can be a question - perhaps also with an answer. Where in this community can the witness of Jesus Christ be more forcefully made because of many Christian communions being "one family" under God?
JAMES WEEKLEY
Evangelism Sunday
Comments on the Service
This particular approach to evangelism centers in on the question, "What really does the Gospel have to offer our late twentieth century generation?" Why not proceed with our Word-dispensing task from the perspective of a child? After all, children do symbolize the joyful, innocent, celebrative "us." Through their questions we often find not all the answers to our questions, but always the wisdom to see things from a hopeful angle. This service of celebration moves ahead with that in mind.
The "order rubrics" suggest a steady carousel flow. It begins ("Rubric A") with "Sounds of the Carnival" where we focus in on God as a caring and joyous presence. The Westminster Catechism was correct at least on the point of defining our life-purpose as "enjoying God forever." In the New Testament alone Jesus tilts his Gospel in favor of grace (80%), but with a dash of judgment (20%). So shouldn't we be celebrating with God at least four times more than we spend time making societal judgments on behalf of him? The biblical record indicates, then, that God is predominately a joyful - even playful - Presence. We cannot underscore that enough!
"Rubric B" moves us from intimate friendship overtures with God to his "eyeballing" of us. We admit our tasteless foolishness but just as quickly are healed by his "OK" acceptance. You may want to make this an informal moment where youth can share their experiences of failure and consequent growth through God's love.
"Rubric C" of the order takes us deeper in our God encounter to an absorption of his Word-as-joy. The "Message to our Little Creatures of Laughter" can function as a dynamic moment for children. The object lesson can bring both the children and the adult congregation into interplay. The church does include everyone and each of us can make unique contributions to the growth of the other. The "carnival word" or sermon can further heighten the intensity of God's passionate desire for our happiness. The final stage of the service challenges us to share this joyful new wine with "thirsting others." If others who have lost their way can enter into our joy, then the evangelistic function will have been served sunny side up.
Order of Worship
"God's Carnival"
(*congregation Stand)
A. The Sounds of the Carnival
Prelude and Lighting of the Candles
Choral Call to Worship "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord"
(from Godspell)
Invocation
O God of a billion galaxies, yet the Father of us all, we come to you as children of the playground; people who wish to fulfill their dreams and abilities. As Christians, we wish to remain young at heart. For it is only through the eyes of children that we can see heaven. It is only through the mind of children that we can understand the substance of your wisdom. It is only through the hands of children that we can touch the aloneness of a broken heart with an "I care" innocence. It is only through the feet of children that we can be led to the path of truth and salvation. Grant us the openness to listen to their questions, and your voice.
* Hymn of Celebration "When Morning Gilds the Skies"
The Concerns of the Carnival People
B. A Talk With the Carnival Maker
A Call to Confession Organ Meditation
Prayer of Confession
Lord, what if the world were a carnival and clowns were allowed to stop wars by giving out yellow balloons to children? What if giraffes could untangle racism? Then would you join in our celebration? Lord, our children and youth often see the world through the eyes of a carnival and wonder why we adults continue to play with our war toys and Wall Street monopoly games. Forgive us for failing them. Excuse us for offering them a planet torn by poverty and unemployment. Remind us that unless our humility becomes as that of a child, we strike out in authentic happiness.
The Lord's Prayer
C. The Carnival Speaks to Us
The Carnival Maker's Word 1 Corinthians 1:20-21; 25
A Message to our Little Creatures of Laughter (Children's Message)
The Dedication of our Gifts to the Maker
The Offertory "Morning Has Broken"
* Doxology
* Hymn of Joy "Amazing Grace"
The Carnival Word "How to be a Fool for Christ"
D. May the Force of the Carnival Be With Us!
* Hymn of Celebration "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands"
* Benediction
Leader:
The Carnival news has been monitored.
People:
Its power has given us a carousel joy.
Leader:
Our hope has ballooned. What a day to be alive!
People:
We return to a circus world with "smilie" faces, a rainbow heart, and caring hands.
* The Choral Response "Heavenly Sunlight" Buryl Red
* Postlude "Fanfare on Austrian Hymn" Gordon Young
Children's Message
"Having Fun is God's Idea" (Play)
Text: "Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice!"
(Philippians 4:4)
Objects: A baseball, a tennis racket, and other sports items
How many of you like to play baseball? (After each of the following questions, wait until the children raise their hands.) How many of you enjoy going camping with your family? How many of you like to play Scrabble or Monopoly on a rainy afternoon? Everybody loves to play, whether it is hopscotch for children, softball for parents, or croquet for grandparents. I think the real reason why all of us enjoy playing together is that we can play with each other. That makes it much more fun and exciting. Besides, who likes to play by themselves?
Whenever we play or do something together, that's what is called fellowship. The best kind of fellowship is when we work or play together to serve God. This is called Christian fellowship. What makes this kind of fellowship so wonderful is that it can make us happy. Although you may play a game of basketball and really enjoy it, that will not make you happy.
What this means is that there is a difference between having fun and being happy. People can have fun but that will not make them happy. Why? Because they don't really care about each other while they are playing together. How many of you have seen children arguing or using bad words over a strike called against them in a baseball game? Of course, children or grown-ups who play this way are bad sports. They are selfish. They are concerned only about themselves and no one else. They enjoy being unfair to others because they think it's cute. This is a sad thing because these people will lose many of their good friends. Then they will be by themselves. Is that having fun?
Jesus reminds us that by caring about each other when we play, we can make new friends. Sometimes when we are playing together, we are tempted to get mad. But if we really love God and we want to show others how much God loves them, we will try to set a good example. Sure, we will make a few mistakes once in a while. The thing is, when we do lose our temper, we should tell our friends how sorry we are. We should also tell them that we will try to play fair because God wants us to. And when they see how God's love makes us happy, they will want to play fair and be happy, too.
Preaching Resources
Suggested Introduction
A woman drove her car many years without wearing glasses. She complained, "I was driving just fine until I got my glasses. Now cars are coming from every direction."
Often we feel our youth are "coming from the wrong direction" when we read these headlines: YOUTH CRASH PARTY or JUNIOR HIGHS CONFESS TO SHOPLIFTING RING. Each of us knows that, overwhelmingly, our youth are caring and responsible citizens. How often do they make the front page with headlines like: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WINS SCHOLARSHIP or TEENS SPONSOR A BIKE-A-THON FOR HUNGER? The foolishness of the Gospel, as Paul puts it, ironically can bring purpose to the lives of our youth. How may we, then, help them to become "fools for Christ"?
1. Recognize them as emerging adults. All youth want to be involved in a worthwhile cause greater than themselves. Our encouragement can channel them in the right direction. Illustration: History has recognized the invaluable contribution of youth. Alexander the Great, at 26, conquered the known world. Galileo, at 18, discovered the principle of the pendulum by observing a swinging lamp in the Cathedral of Pisa. Lafayette, at 20, was a general in the French army.
2. Following mutual acceptance, we learn to communicate. Our productivity as Christians soars (a) when we know someone appreciates our efforts, and (b) when we know they will work and pray with us. Illustration: In his book The Hungering Dark, Fredrick Buechner makes the following point. "The life that I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt."
In these ways, we, the paradoxical "fools for Christ" build a better world. Barriers are overcome when each of us takes time to become acquainted as friends. The Master Friend wants our love to be that specific.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is usually held in January, and seeks to unite various Christian communions in a common witness.
Scripture:
Mark 3:20-35
Ephesians 4:1-6
Suggested Service Hymns:
"In Christ There Is No East or West" - J. Oxenham
"True Hearted, Wholehearted" - F. Havergal
"Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak" - F. Havergal
"All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord" - C. Wesley
Order of Worship
Hymn
Opening Litany
Leader:
The psalmist calls us into fellowship and worship: "The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein."
People:
O Creator God, in this service we would be like an astronaut, seeing the whole earth in a single glance, unmindful of the divisions and walls that sometimes separate us. Here, in prayer and worship, we lift to you the whole world and pray for our brothers and sisters in all places.
Leader:
The psalmist asked, "Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? Who shall stand in God's holy place?"
People:
O Creator God, we ask for forgiveness for those times when our thoughts have been too narrow and our words too judging. We know, as we gather in this place, that your care for us and your acceptance of us is far greater than we can understand and far more forgiving than we deserve.
Leader:
The psalmist answered the question, and in the answer we find a spiritual unity that crosses all boundaries of denomination, all walls of religious separation. "Who shall stand in God's holy place?"
People:
"That one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up one's soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. That one will receive blessing from the Lord!" Amen
(From Psalm 24)
Scripture Readings
Hymn
The Children's Moment
The Sermon
Hymn
The Offering/Offertory
Prayer
During an extended time for prayer, representatives from various churches speak a "word of welcome" and offer a prayer for the community and for faithfulness in the work of Christian discipleship. It might be that such interdenominational exchanges of prayer can take place in many of the churches at the same time. Attempts should be made to assure representatives from a broad section of the religious community.
The Benediction
May the living Christ go with you. May Christ go behind you to encourage you, beside you to befriend you in obedient ministry, above you to watch over you, within you to give you power, and before you to show you the way. Amen
Hymn
Children's Message
Ahead of the service, prepare a large piece of poster board on which an enlarged portrait of Jesus has been pasted or drawn. Cut the poster board into several sections - jigsaw puzzle fashion. There should be one section for each church within the community. On the back side of each piece, write the name of a church within the community.
The children are invited to come forward into the chancel area and are given pieces of the puzzle. Call out the name of the church as each piece is given to a child. When all have gathered around, ask them to assemble the puzzle on the floor, with the pieces having the church names facing up. When the puzzle is completed, fasten the pieces together with tape. Next, have the children lift up the complete puzzle for the congregation to see - first showing the side with the church names and then showing the side with the complete picture of Christ.
The message should be evident, but just in case it isn't, say, "Only as we work together, as we fit together, can the full picture of Jesus Christ be seen within a community!"
Preaching Resources
1. Tell the story of one person from a different culture, political system, age, language who is, nevertheless, united with us in Christian Faith. Amid the many differences we are all "family." Example: An American pastor met by chance an East German United Methodist pastor who lives and serves within a communist country - and yet together they share the common witness of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Despite the many differences there is "oneness" in Christ.
2. Witness to ecumenical cooperation, such as a Council of Churches within the city. With specific examples show that the variety of denominations represented can be united in common projects of ministry that otherwise might not be done. Example: The Cleveland (Ohio) Interchurch Council involves 400 congregations in such diverse work as hunger center, intercity conflict resolution, teaching of reading skills ("Project Learn"), and interfaith worship and Bible Study.
3. Recount the Scripture reading of Jesus' family seeking him and his response that everyone doing the work of God is his "family." The retelling of the story from Mark's Gospel can emphasize the diversity of people who sought Jesus: tax collectors, children, fishermen and Pharisees, zealots eager for violence, the reflective, the ill and dying, the learned and ordained. That great diversity was drawn to Jesus and Jesus saw all of them, in their faithfulness to God, as "family."
4. A stained glass window in a large, urban church portrays a beautiful picture of Christ. His hands are outstretched over a city. The window's artist has included the images of the very city in which the church is located - buildings that can be identified as "our city." But on closer look, the city scene at the base of the window is really two scenes. One pictures beautiful streets and buildings, with trees in bloom. The other pictures the city devastated. The buildings are smoldering, the streets are broken, the trees barren. One part of the window shows growth and harmony. The other shows destruction. The reality of modern life is that both good and bad are part of community. The blessing of Christ is to sense that as "one family" in Christian work and faith, the influences that pull apart human life, that destroy community, can be overcome. In the place of those destructive influences is the word of Christ, "Whoever does the will of God is my brother, and sister and mother." (Mark 3:35)
5. A conclusion can be a question - perhaps also with an answer. Where in this community can the witness of Jesus Christ be more forcefully made because of many Christian communions being "one family" under God?
JAMES WEEKLEY
Evangelism Sunday
Comments on the Service
This particular approach to evangelism centers in on the question, "What really does the Gospel have to offer our late twentieth century generation?" Why not proceed with our Word-dispensing task from the perspective of a child? After all, children do symbolize the joyful, innocent, celebrative "us." Through their questions we often find not all the answers to our questions, but always the wisdom to see things from a hopeful angle. This service of celebration moves ahead with that in mind.
The "order rubrics" suggest a steady carousel flow. It begins ("Rubric A") with "Sounds of the Carnival" where we focus in on God as a caring and joyous presence. The Westminster Catechism was correct at least on the point of defining our life-purpose as "enjoying God forever." In the New Testament alone Jesus tilts his Gospel in favor of grace (80%), but with a dash of judgment (20%). So shouldn't we be celebrating with God at least four times more than we spend time making societal judgments on behalf of him? The biblical record indicates, then, that God is predominately a joyful - even playful - Presence. We cannot underscore that enough!
"Rubric B" moves us from intimate friendship overtures with God to his "eyeballing" of us. We admit our tasteless foolishness but just as quickly are healed by his "OK" acceptance. You may want to make this an informal moment where youth can share their experiences of failure and consequent growth through God's love.
"Rubric C" of the order takes us deeper in our God encounter to an absorption of his Word-as-joy. The "Message to our Little Creatures of Laughter" can function as a dynamic moment for children. The object lesson can bring both the children and the adult congregation into interplay. The church does include everyone and each of us can make unique contributions to the growth of the other. The "carnival word" or sermon can further heighten the intensity of God's passionate desire for our happiness. The final stage of the service challenges us to share this joyful new wine with "thirsting others." If others who have lost their way can enter into our joy, then the evangelistic function will have been served sunny side up.
Order of Worship
"God's Carnival"
(*congregation Stand)
A. The Sounds of the Carnival
Prelude and Lighting of the Candles
Choral Call to Worship "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord"
(from Godspell)
Invocation
O God of a billion galaxies, yet the Father of us all, we come to you as children of the playground; people who wish to fulfill their dreams and abilities. As Christians, we wish to remain young at heart. For it is only through the eyes of children that we can see heaven. It is only through the mind of children that we can understand the substance of your wisdom. It is only through the hands of children that we can touch the aloneness of a broken heart with an "I care" innocence. It is only through the feet of children that we can be led to the path of truth and salvation. Grant us the openness to listen to their questions, and your voice.
* Hymn of Celebration "When Morning Gilds the Skies"
The Concerns of the Carnival People
B. A Talk With the Carnival Maker
A Call to Confession Organ Meditation
Prayer of Confession
Lord, what if the world were a carnival and clowns were allowed to stop wars by giving out yellow balloons to children? What if giraffes could untangle racism? Then would you join in our celebration? Lord, our children and youth often see the world through the eyes of a carnival and wonder why we adults continue to play with our war toys and Wall Street monopoly games. Forgive us for failing them. Excuse us for offering them a planet torn by poverty and unemployment. Remind us that unless our humility becomes as that of a child, we strike out in authentic happiness.
The Lord's Prayer
C. The Carnival Speaks to Us
The Carnival Maker's Word 1 Corinthians 1:20-21; 25
A Message to our Little Creatures of Laughter (Children's Message)
The Dedication of our Gifts to the Maker
The Offertory "Morning Has Broken"
* Doxology
* Hymn of Joy "Amazing Grace"
The Carnival Word "How to be a Fool for Christ"
D. May the Force of the Carnival Be With Us!
* Hymn of Celebration "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands"
* Benediction
Leader:
The Carnival news has been monitored.
People:
Its power has given us a carousel joy.
Leader:
Our hope has ballooned. What a day to be alive!
People:
We return to a circus world with "smilie" faces, a rainbow heart, and caring hands.
* The Choral Response "Heavenly Sunlight" Buryl Red
* Postlude "Fanfare on Austrian Hymn" Gordon Young
Children's Message
"Having Fun is God's Idea" (Play)
Text: "Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice!"
(Philippians 4:4)
Objects: A baseball, a tennis racket, and other sports items
How many of you like to play baseball? (After each of the following questions, wait until the children raise their hands.) How many of you enjoy going camping with your family? How many of you like to play Scrabble or Monopoly on a rainy afternoon? Everybody loves to play, whether it is hopscotch for children, softball for parents, or croquet for grandparents. I think the real reason why all of us enjoy playing together is that we can play with each other. That makes it much more fun and exciting. Besides, who likes to play by themselves?
Whenever we play or do something together, that's what is called fellowship. The best kind of fellowship is when we work or play together to serve God. This is called Christian fellowship. What makes this kind of fellowship so wonderful is that it can make us happy. Although you may play a game of basketball and really enjoy it, that will not make you happy.
What this means is that there is a difference between having fun and being happy. People can have fun but that will not make them happy. Why? Because they don't really care about each other while they are playing together. How many of you have seen children arguing or using bad words over a strike called against them in a baseball game? Of course, children or grown-ups who play this way are bad sports. They are selfish. They are concerned only about themselves and no one else. They enjoy being unfair to others because they think it's cute. This is a sad thing because these people will lose many of their good friends. Then they will be by themselves. Is that having fun?
Jesus reminds us that by caring about each other when we play, we can make new friends. Sometimes when we are playing together, we are tempted to get mad. But if we really love God and we want to show others how much God loves them, we will try to set a good example. Sure, we will make a few mistakes once in a while. The thing is, when we do lose our temper, we should tell our friends how sorry we are. We should also tell them that we will try to play fair because God wants us to. And when they see how God's love makes us happy, they will want to play fair and be happy, too.
Preaching Resources
Suggested Introduction
A woman drove her car many years without wearing glasses. She complained, "I was driving just fine until I got my glasses. Now cars are coming from every direction."
Often we feel our youth are "coming from the wrong direction" when we read these headlines: YOUTH CRASH PARTY or JUNIOR HIGHS CONFESS TO SHOPLIFTING RING. Each of us knows that, overwhelmingly, our youth are caring and responsible citizens. How often do they make the front page with headlines like: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WINS SCHOLARSHIP or TEENS SPONSOR A BIKE-A-THON FOR HUNGER? The foolishness of the Gospel, as Paul puts it, ironically can bring purpose to the lives of our youth. How may we, then, help them to become "fools for Christ"?
1. Recognize them as emerging adults. All youth want to be involved in a worthwhile cause greater than themselves. Our encouragement can channel them in the right direction. Illustration: History has recognized the invaluable contribution of youth. Alexander the Great, at 26, conquered the known world. Galileo, at 18, discovered the principle of the pendulum by observing a swinging lamp in the Cathedral of Pisa. Lafayette, at 20, was a general in the French army.
2. Following mutual acceptance, we learn to communicate. Our productivity as Christians soars (a) when we know someone appreciates our efforts, and (b) when we know they will work and pray with us. Illustration: In his book The Hungering Dark, Fredrick Buechner makes the following point. "The life that I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt."
In these ways, we, the paradoxical "fools for Christ" build a better world. Barriers are overcome when each of us takes time to become acquainted as friends. The Master Friend wants our love to be that specific.
