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Overview
This latest addition to the popular Worship Feast series takes youth outdoors to worship amid God’s wonderful (and often unpredictable) creation. This resource includes devotions, meditations, and outdoor worship services for all seasons and times of day. Youth will become mindful of how God is at work in the natural world through experiencing sights, sounds, scents, and textures. These worship experiences will encourage youth to appreciate and acknowledge God’s providence, creativity, and greatness.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781426732713 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Abingdon Youth |
| Publication date: | 10/01/2010 |
| Series: | Worship Feast |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| File size: | 811 KB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
Worship Feast
25 Experiences of God's Great Earth
By Jenny Youngman
Abingdon Press
Copyright © 2011 Abingdon PressAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4267-3271-3
CHAPTER 1
Worship With Water
So many great Bible stories center around water; the crossing of the Red Sea. Noah and the flood, Jonah washing up onto the shore, Jesus calming the storm–just to name a few. This chapter of worship experiences is water-based and is perfect for summer trips, pool parties, and rainy days.
1 Sunrise on the Beach
"Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples didn't realize it was Jesus" (John 21:4).
Scripture: John 21:1-14
Theme: Seeing Jesus
Supplies: Pack a cooler with some breakfast food (such as ready-to-bake biscuits, breakfast meats, bagels and cream cheese, fruit, yogurt, and cereal with milk); picnic blankets or camping chairs; drinks (such as juice, milk, and coffee); plates, cups, and napkins. A guitar (and someone to play it) is recommended. If possible, take plates and pitchers so youth can serve one another.
Overview: What better way to experience the story of Jesus making breakfast for the disciples following his resurrection then to reenact the Scripture passage and join Jesus for breakfast on the beach. Ask your group to meet just before dawn at the beach or a riverbank or lakeshore. Lead a time of worship and then eat breakfast together right there on the shore. If possible, gather around a fire. If not, cook on a grill or provide breakfast foods that don't need to be cooked.
Opening Words: Say something like, "Soon after Jesus had shown himself to his disciples, Simon Peter, Thomas, and several other disciples went out to fish; it's what they knew how to do. To say the least, the events of the previous days had been a roller coaster. Jesus, their Lord, teacher, and friend had been betrayed and crucified. And just when they believed he was dead, that all hope was lost, Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to them. Experiencing exhilaration so soon after despair surely was emotionally exhausting. So these young men felt the need to get back to something familiar—fishing.
"Early in the morning, after a frustrating night during which they caught nothing, the disciples noticed a man on the shore whom they did not recognize. He told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. When they followed these simple instructions, the disciples caught more fish than they could handle. They soon realized that the man on the shore was Jesus. Peter was so excited that he jumped out of the boat into the water and swam to shore.
"When the rest of the disciples brought the boat to shore, Jesus greeted them with breakfast—bread and fish that he had cooked on a fire. This morning we're going to imagine that this shore is the beach where Jesus ate with his friends. In fact, we're going to consider ourselves as those friends and eat with Jesus right here. As we sit on the shore, watching and listening to the water and feeling the breeze on our faces (and possibly smelling smoke from the fire), let's turn our eyes to see Jesus among us this morning."
Sing Praise: Sing these songs that emphasize spending time with Jesus or the glory of God's creation (see note on page 6):
* "For the Glory of It All" (David Crowder)
* "Open the Eyes of My Heart" (Paul Baloche)
* "From the Rising of the Sun" (anonymous)
Scripture Reading: Ask for some volunteers to read aloud John 21:1-14. Activity: Looking for Jesus
Say something like: "The disciples didn't know the man on the shore was Jesus until they lifted the net from the right side of the boat and found it overflowing with fish. At that point they knew it was their Lord; they had eyes to see. Their despair and exhaustion from the events of the previous days, their uncertainty about what would happen next, and their frustration after a night of failed fishing had the disciples looking down. They didn't have eyes to look up and see what else God might do. We get like that sometimes, too. We become lost in our frustrations and miss seeing Jesus right in front of us. For the next few minutes I want you to take a prayer walk along the shore and pray for eyes to see how Jesus is with you, around you, and at work in your life. Look along the water's edge and collect items that might remind you to keep your eyes open to see Jesus. Once you have gathered a few items, find a place to sit and pray, continue walking along the beach, or find a quiet spot to stand and gaze at the water. Then imagine Peter jumping out of the boat and swimming to Jesus."
Before sending the youth out on their walks, say a prayer such as the following: "Lord, we want eyes to see you. We know you are all around us—behind, before, beside, within. Open our eyes and help us to see you always. Amen."
While the youth take their prayer walks, prepare your breakfast table or picnic. If possible, light a fire. As best you can, create a sense of hospitality. If possible, set out plates of food and pitchers of drinks so the youth can serve one another. Make the space inviting and comfortable with picnic blankets or camping chairs.
After about ten minutes, call the youth back from their walks and invite them to breakfast. As everyone gets their food and finds a seat, begin a conversation about the items they brought back as reminders of Jesus' presence. Ask for volunteers to tell about their items. Remind youth that Jesus and the disciples shared breakfast on the beach at sunrise, just as you all are gathered now. Talk about what it would be like if Jesus were sitting there with you eating, talking, and laughing together.
Then say something like: "The events surrounding Jesus' trial, death, and resurrection were traumatic, surprising, and exciting. Jesus' disciples had no idea what else might happen or what their future held. But they knew that their friend—their Lord—died and then came back to life. And there he was on the shore at sunrise hosting a meal for them. Jesus was present with his disciples when they needed him most, and he is present with us today. We simply need to pay attention to the ways we can see Christ among us."
Closing: After everyone has finished eating, gather in a circle. Sing together again "Open the Eyes of My Heart" (or another song from earlier). Then, invite volunteers to pray around the circle.
2 At a Well
"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks from the water that I will give will never be thirsty again. The water that I give will become in those who drink it a spring of water that bubbles up into eternal life" (John 4:13-14).
Scripture: John 4:1-15
Theme: Life-giving Water
Supplies: Collect some inexpensive, Nalgene-style water bottles, one for each student; pack a bag with colored permanent markers, glitter glue, and paint pens; and bring a few gallons of water, enough for youth to fill their bottles during the service.
Overview: The story of the Samaritan woman at the well paints a beautiful picture of Jesus' compassion and grace. If possible, gather your youth around a well and invite them into the story of a woman who finds identity, belonging, and new life as she talks to Jesus (someone her culture said she shouldn't have been talking to), and then runs to her village to spread the good news.
Opening Words: Say something like, "Most of the time, when we want a drink of water, we go to the cabinet, get out a cup or glass, and turn on the faucet or push the button on the fridge. We don't have to work very hard to quench our physical thirst. But during Jesus' time (and in lots of places around the world today), you had to hike to the village well, fill water buckets or jars, and then carry them back to your house. Our Bible story takes place at a well like this one.
"Jesus had been traveling from Judea to Galilee. He had been walking from town to town, so you can imagine his need to stop and rest a while and get a drink of water. Since he couldn't simply stop at a nearby water fountain, he found the next best thing—Jacob's well. As Jesus sat by the well resting, a woman came to draw water. This trip to the well would change her life forever."
Sing Praise: (see note on page 6)
* "Jesus Messiah" (Chris Tomlin)
* "Come and Listen" (David Crowder)
Scripture Reading: Ask for some volunteers to read aloud John 4:1-15.
Activity: Living Water
Say something like: "This Samaritan woman experiences a life-changing moment because of her trip to Jacob's well. She had been looking in all the wrong places to find the love for which her soul longed. At the well Jesus offered her an everlasting love that would fill up her soul and make her whole. Though Jesus named the sin in her life, the woman ended up bringing her entire village to meet Jesus: the one who knew everything she did, loved her anyway, and met her deepest longings. Think about the ways that Jesus gives you the longings of your heart: belonging, forgiveness, abundant life. Think about the things or places or people that you turn to when you feel alone or in need. Imagine Jesus offering you the kind of water that would give you life—real, bubbling, meaningful life. Have you taken Jesus up on that offer? Have you taken a drink of his life-giving water?"
Invite the group to decorate and write John 4:14 on their bottles: "Whoever drinks from the water that I will give will never be thirsty again." Encourage youth to be creative and express their personality as they decorate their water bottles.
Now ask youth to fill their bottles using the water you brought with you. After everyone has filled his or her bottle, explain that you will read aloud the Scripture again. Invite the youth, as you read, to take a long drink from their bottles and meditate on the soul- quenching water that Jesus offered the Samaritan woman and also offers us today. Read the Scripture three times, pausing briefly between each reading.
Closing: Gather in a circle around the well and pray together, asking God to quench your thirst with Jesus' life-giving water. Invite your youth to accept Jesus' offer to never be thirsty again.
3 At a Swimming Pool
"Wash me completely clean of my guilt; purify me from my sin!" (Psalm 51:2).
Scripture: Psalm 51:1-15
Theme: Forgiveness of Sins
Supplies: None needed
Overview: Psalm 51 is the prayer that David prayed after his affair with Bathsheba. You can hear the depth of his grief and his longing to be made clean. In his prayer David admits his wrongdoing, seeks forgiveness, demonstrates true repentance, and begs for a clean slate. We can all relate to guilt, shame, and the longing for a do-over. Invite your youth to be washed by the water and made clean by the Spirit—literally. Gather around a swimming pool to read the psalm, then jump in together and wash your sins away. (Lead this worship time near the shallow end so that nonswimmers can stand up and walk from side to side.)
Opening Words: Say something like, "As we spend the day at the pool, let's take a moment to talk about water. Water is life-giving, cleansing, and refreshing. Water is cool relief from a hot summer day. Today we're going to read a psalm that David wrote after he had committed adultery and plotted murder. He was laden with guilt and devastated with remorse. His psalm is a prayer to be washed clean and purified from his wrongdoings. This swimming pool will symbolize and mark for us a prayer journey of forgiveness from sin."
Sing Praise: (see note on page 6)
* "Grace Like Rain" (Todd Agnew)
* "Amazing Grace" (John Newton)
Scripture Reading: Read aloud, or ask for volunteers to read aloud, Psalm 51:1-15.
Now say something like: "David made some major mistakes. Out of arrogance and pride he rationalized committing both adultery and murder. This guy was chosen by God to be the king, and he still fell short of who God had called him to be. He was overcome with and submitted to temptation; then he went to extreme lengths to cover up his sin. That's how it can be with temptation and sin. Take lying, for example. You lie once and then you have to lie again to cover up the original lie. Pretty soon you have constructed a story that is actually just a string of lies—and sometimes you can't even remember how it all began.
"Maybe you've been where David was emotionally. Hopefully none of you have committed adultery or murder (and if you have, we should talk!); but each of us struggles with his or her burden of sin and temptation. Maybe it's anger, or greed, or doing anything to be popular—no matter the cost. Maybe it's drinking or pushing sexual boundaries too far or deceiving your parents to get your way or the things you want. Maybe it's apathy or laziness. Whatever your struggle, I want you to imagine David's heart as he wrote today's psalm. He had hit rock bottom. All he could do was surrender to God's mercy and pray for a do-over."
Activity: Wash Clean in the Water
Say something like: "Take a minute to think about your most difficult struggles and temptations. What brings you to God in search of forgiveness? As you think about your personal struggles, listen again to David's psalm. (Read Psalm 51:1-15 aloud again.) Now look at this big pool of water. Imagine that where we are standing now represents a place of guilt and that the space on the other side of the water represents freedom from that guilt and a new beginning. One at a time, as we swim or walk across to the other side of the water, we will be "washed clean" of our guilt and come out in a place of joy and freedom. Before you jump in, let's all say together verse 2: "Wash me completely clean of my guilt; purify me from my sin!"
Ask the youth to line up along the water's edge. When students reach the other side, they should get out and wait for the rest of the group to cross over, with you as the last one. Lead a closing prayer on the "side of joy and freedom."
Closing: When you reach the other side of the pool, ask the youth to join hands in a circle. Lead a popcorn prayer and invite youth to lift up their thoughts as they feel led to do so. Close your worship experience by reading aloud Psalm 51:8–10.
4 In a Spring Rain
"Let them shout, and shout, and shout!
Oh, oh, let them sing!" (Psalm 65:13, THE MESSAGE).
Scripture: Psalm 65:2-13
Theme: Praise God in Creation
Supplies: Ahead of time ask youth to bring umbrellas, rain coats, rain boots, and a change of clothes for when they go back inside. Also print the psalm on sheets of paper or note cards and laminate or place them inside plastic bags so that each student has a copy of the psalm.
Overview: Psalm 65 is a declaration that calls all of nature to praise God. A rainy day is the perfect time for youth to celebrate the God of creation. THE MESSAGE uses fun language to remind us that God calls the earth to dance with praise. The rains come to fill the rivers and cause nature to break out in beautiful colors. Stand with your group in the middle of the rain and join with all of nature to praise God's faithfulness and beauty.
Opening Words: Say something like, "Today we're going to join with all of nature in shouting out praises to God. We're going to feel the rain on our heads and imagine that beautiful spring growth is sprouting up in our lives. And we'll focus on God's perfect timing and God's faithfulness during each season.
"Think about the fact that the spring rains know exactly when to water the earth in preparation for May flowers. Think about the perfect way that the moon dances around the earth and the earth around the sun. Think about the buds that push through the ground and reach upward to their Maker as if to praise."
Sing Praise: (see note on page 6)
* "Lifesong" (Casting Crowns)
* "All Creatures of Our God and King" (David Crowder)
Activity: Just Praising in the Rain
Turn to Psalm 65:2-13, preferably in THE MESSAGE. Gather youth in a circle and allow each person to read aloud a verse at a time. Then read the psalm again, one verse at a time, but this time ask the youth to shout as loud as they can (while still being audible).
Now ask the youth to close their eyes and stand in silence as the rain falls on and around them. Invite them to reflect on these questions one at a time:
1. How does your life praise your Maker?
2. What season of life are you in right now? (a season of change, a season of growth, a season of complacency, a season of discernment, and so forth)
3. How could you join in the dance of creation, declaring worship and praise to the God who created it all?
Lead the youth to read aloud the psalm once more. Encourage them to see themselves as part of the beauty that God created and to worship the God who formed them so perfectly.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Worship Feast by Jenny Youngman. Copyright © 2011 Abingdon Press. Excerpted by permission of Abingdon Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction,Worship With Water,
Worship With Wonder,
Worship With Awareness,
Worship With the Seasons,
Worship Feast Resources,