Return to Year B: 2008-2009 Resource Index
Scriptures: Acts 10:44–48; Psalm 98; I John 5:1–6; John 15:9–17; Alma 5:33; Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b–4c
Prelude
Use the song “Have Love” (by Lost and Found, 2005, Limb Records, CCLI registered) and create a PowerPoint presentation of congregational photos that celebrate “love,” timing it to the song. You may prefer to have photos posted on an easel or the wall that can be viewed by the congregation as the song is played on CD or sung as a solo/duet.
Welcome and Sharing
Hymns of Celebration and Praise
“Community of Joy, Proclaim the Living Christ!” R-16
“I Will Sing, I Will Sing” NS 19
Have a soloist sing the verses and the congregation the refrain. Youth could accompany with joyful instruments, such as sticks, tambourines, and maracas.
OR “I’m Gonna Shout and Sing” NS 20
Again have a soloist sing the verses and the congregation the first part of the song.
Call to Worship: John 15:9–17
Use two or three readers alternating verses. Or print copies of the scripture so the left/right sides of the congregation can alternate reading the verses. Encourage expressive reading of the scripture.
*Opening Congregational Prayer: “Popcorn Prayer”
The presider leads a series of statements where congregation members respond randomly with short sentences.
Suggested lead statements:
Lord, I praise you for……
Forgive me for…..
Help me to……
Thank you for….
*Response
Prayer for Peace see page 27
Focus Moment: “God’s Love” see following explanation
Ministry of Music: “Song of Love”
This song is on the Worship God CD by Rebecca St. James, Forefront Music.
OR “Jesus Loves Me”
A youth chorus could sing this.
OR Hymn: “Jesus Loves the Little Children” HS 223
Sermon
Based on I John 5:1–6
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: Psalm 98 OR Alma 5:33
Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes
Hymn: “Joy to the World! HS 258
Sing this hymn during the gathering of the tithes and offerings.
OR “The City Is Alive, O God” HS 375
*Hymn of Benediction: “How Gentle God’s Command” HS 130
OR “You Shall Go Out with Joy” SP 45
*Response: “Though Anxious and Disheartened” HS 380
Have a soloist sing this or have the words read.
Supplies
• Six or seven small (pint or smaller), clear, glass or plastic jars filled with water—each colored with a different food coloring. Label the jars with problems (ills) of the world, such as “war,” “pollution,” “prejudice,” “fear,” “disease,” “greed,” “poverty.” Have one matching jar filled with a water and bleach mixture, labeled “God’s Love.”
• One large, clear jar or a clear bowl
• One wooden spoon (stained and used looking, if possible)
• One adult to relate the lesson
• One youth participant, dressed in a lab coat, gloves, and safety goggles for added fun
It is recommended that you practice with the amounts of food coloring (to get effective colors) and amounts of bleach (that will clear up the mixture). The bleach mixture must be freshly made the same day of use.
Discussion Lesson
The large jar/bowl represents the world. Pour in one jar of colored liquid at a time, and have the youth mix the “ills.” Observe and comment on how ugly the color becomes, just like the ugliness of the meaning of the terms you chose for the jars. Read the scripture from Doctrine and Covenants 163:3c–4b.
Then add the contents of “God’s Love” jar (the bleach mixture). Mix thoroughly and watch as the ugly colors magically clear up the liquid, so you can see through it again. Discuss how “God’s Love” can win a victory over the ills of the world. Read the scriptures from Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b, 4c and I John 5:4–5.
Also (if it works) point out how the wooden stir spoon has lost its stains and is clean. It is much like the sharers and witnesses of God’s love who might also receive a cleansing victory.
Scriptures: Acts 10:44–48; Psalm 98; I John 5:1–6; John 15:9–17
Exploring the Scriptures
In I John the writer gives testimony of a true faith that is victorious and expresses the love of God toward humanity. The love shed forth by God through his son, Jesus Christ, gives us faith and helps us grow and live a victorious life in relationship with our God and in fellowship with the saints. This love helps us have a clear and defined conviction of where we are and in whom we have believed, and, because of that, we should keep the commandments and remain in his love. We are victorious because we have power to change our life, our attitude, the community, and the church and its future.
Believing in Christ increases our faith and we continue to persevere in him, succeeding in being better every day, seeking always a relationship with our God, and enjoying the happiness that he gives us through his love. In accordance with the story in Acts, Peter and Cornelius lived situations where one could see God’s authority manifested through the Holy Spirit. As children of God, and because we have a testimony of God’s transforming work in our lives, we have a mission to carry out here on earth. We are given the power to speak to others about his word, so they might live the victory he gave us by his love. When we do this, we are God’s children and are obedient to his voice.
Central Ideas
Questions for the Speaker