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Woship Resources 2007-2008 — Year A: Passionate for Peace
Return to Year A: 2007-2008
Resource Index
Church Picnic—Worship with Nature
Choose a private area. Ask the congregation to bring lawn chairs or blankets
to sit on and food for a potluck picnic.
Jesus, the Master Storyteller
Using large print, write or type the titles of six parables (see below) on
separate sheets of paper to be posted at six different stations in your picnic
area. Write the title of the parable at the top of each sheet. For each station
fill a plastic bag with enough “symbols” for each member. Make signs for each
station. Make large arrows to point to each station. Use streamers or balloons
to show the way from station to station.
Type a sheet of instructions (see below under Station Visiting) and make
copies for each participant. Provide small bags and pens or pencils for each
member.
Be at the picnic area before the members arrive to post the signs and
parables and hang the plastic bags of symbols beside the appropriate parable.
Bring enough empty bags for each person to use.
Parables and Symbols:
1. The lost sheep: pieces of wool
Matthew 18:12–13 or Luke 15:4–5
2. Candle under a bushel: birthday candles
Matthew 5:15–16, Mark 4:21–22, or Luke 8:16
3. The sower: seeds
Matthew 13:3–8, Mark 4:3–8, or Luke 8:5–8
4. New cloth on an old garment: small squares of cloth
Matthew 9:16, Mark 2:21, or Luke 5:36
5. Pearls of great price: beads
Matthew 13:45–46
6. House on a rock: small rocks
Matthew 7:24–25 or Luke 6:47–48
Gather to Worship
People sit together on chairs or blankets. Pass out song sheets and
instructions.
Opening Prayer
Song of Choice: See suggestions below.
Station Visiting: Jesus, the Master Storyteller
Instructions
During the short three years of his ministry, Jesus told the people many
stories to illustrate his teachings. These stories were called parables. Six
of these parables with symbols are posted at different stations around the
picnic area. Choose a partner and follow the signs to each station. Take
turns reading the parables aloud. Then put a symbol in your bag. Write the
title of each parable beside the appropriate station number on your station
sheet, then follow the signs to the next station.
Station Sheet
Station 1 _________________________________________________________
Station 2 _________________________________________________________
Station 3 _________________________________________________________
Station 4 _________________________________________________________
Station 5 _________________________________________________________
Station 6 _________________________________________________________
My favorite parable is ______________________________________________
Quiz: Parables 1 and 2
Read each parable before asking the question. Give a small prize to the
first one to answer the question.
In the parable of the prodigal son, what kind of job did the youngest son
get after he spent all his money? Answer: He fed pigs or swine
(Luke 15:15).
In the parable of the ten virgins, what did the five foolish virgins
forget to take with them? Answer: Extra lamp oil (Matthew 25:3).
Song of Choice
Quiz: Parables 3 and 4
In the parable of the talents, one man hid his talent in the ground. When
he returned that talent to his Lord, what happened to it? Answer: It was
given to the man who had ten talents (Matthew 25:28).
In the parable of the foolish rich man, a man decided to build a bigger
barn and then take it easy, eat, drink, and be merry. What did God tell him?
Answer: That his life would be required of him that night (Luke 12:20).
Song of Choice
Quiz: Parable 5
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, where had the man been and where
was he going when he was robbed and beaten? Answer: From Jerusalem to
Jericho (Luke 10:30).
Disciples’ Generous Response
Focus Moment: All Things Bright and Beautiful
Several days or weeks before the picnic, contact a company that sells
live butterflies or cocoons. Follow the directions to create a surprise
display. Keep it covered or hidden until time for the focus moment. Instead
of butterflies, you could use other helpful insects like ladybugs or local
birds like doves. When it is time for the focus point, move the display to a
place where everyone can see it.
Have someone play “All Things Bright and Beautiful” on an instrument, or
have the congregation or a soloist sing it (HS 18).
Uncover your surprise display and release the butterflies.
Closing Prayer and Blessing on the Food
Gather in a circle holding hands.
Picnic and Fellowship
Songs for Worship
Make copies of the words of hymns or other songs to be used during your
service. You may choose a song for everyone to sing or designate different
groups: women, men, children, front row, etc. Be creative and ask people who
have never sung together to sing a duet, trio, or quartet. You may choose to
read the words instead of singing.
Suggested Hymns
HS 18 All Things Bright and Beautiful
HS 473 I Love to Tell the Story
HS 371 Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult
HS 485 Blest Be the Tie that Binds
HS 391 Jesus Is Calling
HS 462 O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee
HS 407 Yesu, Yesu, Fill Us with Your Love
HS 52 This Is My Father’s World
Return to Year A: 2007-2008
Resource Index
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