Woship Resources 2008-2009 — Year B: Be a Sanctuary of Christ's Peace
Love One Another
A Service for the Blessing of a Child
Praise Songs
“Awesome God” NS 4
“Now Sing to Our God” NS 40
Welcome
Call to Worship
Matthew 22:36–40; 36–39 IV and/or III Nephi 8:22–26
*Hymn: “Teach Me, God, to Wonder” HS 176
OR “When God Created Human Life” HS 434
*Invocation
Lord, we gather here to help you celebrate your joy. A child is (these
children are) brought before your people to be lifted up for your blessing.
Help us to clean our hearts and direct our thoughts to your happiness.
Accept this moment of our worship, and enter our gathering that our joy may
be full. This we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
*Response
Disciples’ Generous Response
Each Sunday, as part of the Disciples’ Generous Response, we ask you to
integrate the message of “share equally” between Local and World Ministries
Mission Tithes. Generosity stories are provided to keep the church in touch
with how contributions to Mission Tithes spread the peace of Jesus Christ.
Please use the stories, testimonies, and up-to-date contribution information
as part of your offertory ministry. Visit
www.CofChrist.org/generositystories to print a copy, or contact your
pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.
Scripture Reading: Mosiah 2:29–32
Blessing and Offering of Mission Tithes
Help us, Lord, to understand clearly our stewardship of the earth and
the wealth around us. Please bless this offering, and fill us with your
generosity. Let us be a blessing to your world as long as we have
breath. Amen.
Children’s Focus Moment
Read Stone Soup by Marcia Brown (New York: Simon & Shuster, 1997).
ISBN 0689711034
After reading the story, ask for input from the congregation to compare
how this story is similar to a church community’s commitment to a child at
his or her blessing. The following questions could be asked:
1. How does the commandment of loving your neighbor as yourself relate to
the responsibilities the church has with its children?
2. Why do we bless children and not baptize them?
3. The sacraments are the best missionary tool the church offers. How
might this sacrament bless the child’s family (families)? How might it bless
the church?
4. Meditate on the tears of Christ found in III Nephi. In your mind,
picture Jesus blessing and praying for the children, weeping afterwards,
then telling the parents to look at their children. Imagine Jesus’ feelings.
Ministry of Music: “Song of the Planter”
Have this sung as a solo.
This song is by Linda Mountenay, © 2008. Words and music follow this
service outline.
Blessing Message
Based on Matthew 22:36–40, III Nephi 8:22–26, and/or Moroni 8:5–25
Hymn of Preparation: “Lord, Let Thy Holy Spirit Come” HS 346
OR “We Bring Our Children, Lord, to Thee” HS 348
Sacrament of the Blessing of Children
Congratulations to the Parents and Families
*Closing Hymn: “For All the Saints” HS 480
OR “We Are Your People” SP 34
*Benediction
*Response: “Of All the Spirit’s Gifts to Me” verse 4 SP 12
*Postlude
Return to Year B: 2008-2009
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