GATHERING AS THE BODY OF CHRIST
Welcome to Youth Sunday
Primary Class Student
*Call to Worship
(inspired by Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11)
Elementary Class Student and Middle School Class Student
Liturgist: The invitation is given to every person by Jesus Christ: "Come to me! Follow me! Be my disciples!"
People: We come to this place, to this time, at the invitation of Jesus Christ.
Liturgist: In the name of Christ,
People: we accept the invitation to discipleship.
Liturgist: In the name of Christ,
People: as his disciples, we worship and praise God.
Liturgist: In the midst of a world where cruelty abounds,
People: we proclaim the God of Compassion.
Liturgist: In the midst of despair that threatens to swallow up whole lives, whole peoples,
People: we proclaim the God of Hope.
Liturgist: In the midst of indifference and apathy,
People: we proclaim the God of Love.
Liturgist: Come, let us worship together and share our witness of God's living presence in the world.
(from the On Earth Peace website. http://www.onearthpeace.org/)
*Opening Prayer
Middle School Class Student
God, please help us tell others about Jesus. Everywhere we go, help us show people all over the world to know how much Jesus loves them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
What is an Apostle? What is a Disciple?
High School Class Student
(taken from What Every Teacher Needs to Know About Faith Language, UMC)
Introduction of 6 Disciples:
Peter, Andrew, James, John, Matthew, Thomas
Primary Class and Elementary Class Students
Opening Hymn
“Into My Heart”
TFWS #2160
Introduction of Remaining 6 Disciples:
Simon, Judas, Bartholomew, James, Philip, Thaddaeus
Primary Class and Elementary Class Students
Message in Music
“Shout to the North” Martin Smith
Youth Choir Trio with Youth Choir Band
(singing and playing from our homes)
Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Hong
Introduction of The Lord’s Prayer
Middle School Class Student
(from the Ritual of the Former Methodist Church, #895 in The United Methodist Hymnal.)
*The Lord’s Prayer
Middle School Class Student
“Disciples Recycles” Skit
Middle School Class and High School Class Students
(Adapted. Copyright 1997, 2020 - S. A. Keith
SundaySchoolNetwork.com / ChristianCrafters.Com -- All Rights Reserved.)
Message: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
High School Class Student
Invitation to Give
High School Class Student
*Offertory Prayer
High School Class Student
Gracious God, your hospitality has surrounded us and welcomed us, even when we only grudgingly extended hospitality to sisters and brothers who are also your children. May we grow each day in our willingness to be welcoming disciples, not just to those who look like us, talk like us, or think like us. May our offering this morning be received not just in gratitude for your hospitality, but as our way to extend comfort and welcome to those for whom your love is a mystery. We pray in Christ’s holy name. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:40
Middle School Class Student
Discipleship also Means Love and
Introduction of “Summer of Service” Local Mission Week
Linda Keefer
*Prayer Together
High School Class Student
Loving God, you invite us to “see all the people,” “hear all the people,” and “love all the people” that we are in relationship with. Guide our hands in mercy, our eyes for compassion, our feet toward welcoming, and our mouths for offering peace to those far and near. Amen.
Recognition of Sunday School Teachers
and Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Team
Courtney Till
Closing Hymn
“Pass It On”
UMH #572
The Blessing and Sending Forth
(based on John 3:16-17)
Pastor Hong
(taken from “O Merciful God: God of Wisdom: Prayers for the Fourth Sunday in Lent,” written by Rev. Kathryn Matthews Huey and the Rev. Susan A. Blain. Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website.)
Postlude
Youth Choir Band
Mark Beatty
Bill Kruger
Brian Ryder
Tod Salmonson
Video: Mark Beatty
