Christian Education Season Sunday
VISUAL ARTS (PARAMENTS, GENERAL DECORATIONS, SPECIFIC DECORATIONS)
Brim: Creative Overflow in Worship Design
Banner Designs for the Church Year
- Locate a copy of the song “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang to play as a gathering song for worship each Sunday of the CE Season. You may not want to play the entire song since it is about four minutes long and repeats.
- Ask your worship committee or a creative bunch of folks to decorate the worship area with items from each week of the CE Season. Cover the altar with brightly colored cloth to cover the whole table and flow down to the floor. Place a large stand-up sign in the middle of the altar that says “I am a Christian Disciple.” Then place some of the bigger and/or more unique items from each of the seven other weeks on the table to represent the culmination of the entire season. If you wish, you may add things like leaves, snow, flowers and sun to represent all of the four seasons. Have fun with it. Also make a nametag for each person attending church that says “I am a Christian Disciple!” You may want to get the children or youth involved in making these tags and handing them out to everyone as they come into the worship space. This is a time of celebration so streamers and party supplies are appropriate.
- Look through the Additional Activities at the end of this liturgy and decide which of these you will do. Make plans to do them and gather materials as needed. You will also need to publicize and recruit people to help you with them so leave plenty of time to do so.
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CALL TO WORSHIP
Psalm 119:33-40
Leader: Teach me, O Lord, your ways, and I will observe them to the end.
People: Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
Leader: Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
People: Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.
Leader: Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways.
People: Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you.
Leader: Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your rules are good.
People: See, I have longed for your teachings; in your righteousness give me life.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Ephesians 4: 5-15
Leader: There is one body and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Creator of all…
People: We give thanks for those who have nurtured us in the faith in this church.
Leader: It was God who gave gifts to people.
God gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists,
some pastors and teachers.
People: We give thanks for all these gifts.
We give special thanks to all who guide us in growing and learning;
we give thanks to all who themselves are challenged to grow and learn.
Leader: God in infinite wisdom and mercy did this.
People: God did this to prepare all of us, for the work of Christian service,
in order to build up the body of Christ.
Leader: And so we have all come together to that oneness of our faith
to worship and adore the God of all wisdom and love.
People: We are ready. Let us worship God.
—Paula Louder
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Leader: Come from the losses, frustrations, disappointments and failures of your life.
People: To this place where a word of hope is spoken for us,
Where we are claimed by God as Christian disciples.
Leader: Come from the successes and excitement of your life.
People: To this place, sharing our joy with one another.
All: Here in this place we are a people, God’s people,
Who laugh and cry together,
who expand our thinking, strengthen our souls, and engage God’s mission.
—adapted, Richard Cunningham, from The Gifts We Bring, v.2, Ecumenical Stewardship Center
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One: We celebrate you, Creator of all good things.
Many: God of wonder, we come together as a community of faith.
One: We worship you, Savior and Redeemer.
Many: God of love, we come together as a community of faith.
One: We feel your presence, Spirit of truth and knowledge.
Many: God of wisdom, we come together as a community of faith.
All: Bless our time together as we worship you in faith and thanksgiving.
—Nancy McSpadden
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God of wonder, love and wisdom, we recognize you as Creator, Savior, and Wisdom. As we come together to learn how to follow you as disciples, and to worship you, bless our time together. As people called by your name, we worship you in faith and thanksgiving. As a community of faith, let us know your presence in our words, our music and our prayers. Amen.
—Nancy McSpadden
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We gather now to worship God—the source of all knowledge, the source of all creativity, the source of all potential. Let us open our hearts and minds as we worship together.
—Sandra Shepherd
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Adapted from Psalm 71:1-6
Leader: Two hundred and three years ago, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was born out of the prayers of our forbears.
People: Be to us a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save us, for you are our rock and our fortress.
Leader: Since the birth of this, your Church, O God, we have looked to you to light our way.
People: For you, O Lord are our hope, our trust, O Lord, from our youth.
Leader: We are your people, O God, ready to share your Good News with all.
People: Our praise is continually of you. Meet us in this place, so we may worship you all of our days.
(adapted from Psalm 71:1-6)
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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INVOCATION
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MUSIC (HYMNS, SONGS, ANTHEMS)
- Called as Partners in Christ’s Service
- Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples
- Open My Eyes That I May See
- Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ
- Bless Be the Tie That Binds
—Nancy McSpadden
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CALL TO CONFESSION
God gives us the way to be in relationship with the Trinity and yet we turn our back on God, doing what we want. We have been taught since we were little what is right and yet we still long to have control. Now is our chance to remember the lessons of our childhood and turn ourselves back to God.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that we all make mistakes. Sometimes we do things that we shouldn’t; other times the things we should do we neglect to do. These actions separate us from God and from one another. Let us now confess our sin trusting in the love and mercy of a forgiving God to restore these relationships.
—Paula Louder
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Leader: “Whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciples.”
People: Lord, there must be an easier way. I promise to be reasonably good,
to come to church even when it rains, to make a pie for the bake sale.
Leader: “Whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciples.”
People: Lord, following you is costly.
I pledge to write a letter to my congressional representative,
to read a chapter of the Bible every day.
Leader: “Whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciples.”
People: Lord, your way is hard. What do you want from me?
Everything I’ve got? My whole life?
Leader: “Those who would save their lives will lost them;
Those who lose their lives for my sake will find them.
People: To this place, sharing our joy with one another.
—Ken Gibble, from The Gifts We Bring, v.2, Ecumenical Stewardship Center
Let us confess our sins to God.
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As people of faith, we believe that God hears our prayers. When we humbly approach God with our prayers of confession, our brokenness is mended, our wounds are healed, our lives are made whole. We offer our prayers, believing that God hears our cries for help. The Holy Spirit is calling to us: “Come, my children. Lay your burdens down.”
—Nancy McSpadden
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Throughout our lives, we continue to learn what it means to be disciples of Christ Jesus. Yet, throughout our lives, we continue to make choices that do not reflect our desire to follow him. Let us trust that God, who loves us as we are yet wants us to grow into the life to which we are called, will hear our confession and be faithful to forgive.
—Sandra Shepherd
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God calls us always to share faith, hope and love, but as sinners we often put our own needs first. In mercy, God asks that we confess our sins, turn from them and receive God’s forgiveness. As the people of God, let us confess our sins.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, we admit that we have done what is in our best interest. We assume that no matter what we do, no matter what we have been taught, that we may do as we please and you will still be there. We also know that like a little child, when we are in trouble, we come running back, longing for our relationship with you to be restored. Loving God, forgive us for letting our control issues get in the way of our relationship with you. Forgive us for not remembering that your Word calls us to be an example to others. Forgive us for the things we have done that we should not have and for the things we have not do that we should have. O God, continue to teach us your ways so we may walk the path you have laid out for us. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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God of wisdom, God of love we stand before you today confessing that we have not lived the lives that you have called us to live. You have given us your word, your Holy Spirit and the earthly life of your son, Jesus to show and teach us the way that you would have us to live, but too often we ignore your teachings. Forgive us we pray. As your own son increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with you and all humankind, may we follow that perfect example giving attention to the life that is recorded in your holy word. Hear now the cries of our hearts….
(time for silent prayers) Amen.
—Paula Louder
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O God, we call ourselves Christian disciples, but sometimes we are not a very good example for others. We cut people off in traffic. We listen a little too gleefully to the gossip in the break room at work. We turn the other way when there is a street person at the corner where we are stopped. We don’t take time to talk to you in prayer unless we are sitting in church, and then sometimes we are just going through the motions. Give us a passion to have a closer walk with you. Revive our hearts to want to serve others as Jesus taught us. Guide us in our meditation on the scriptures so they speak to us more fervently than ever before. Forgive us of our sins and give us the courage to forgive others who sin against us. Make us want to be better followers of Christ Jesus every day. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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The world around us is a confusing and chaotic place.
Our time is claimed by the everyday hustle that distracts our focus.
The noise and the constant activity often keep us from hearing you call us
to follow you, to learn about you, to live in your ways.
As your church, we offer our hurts and wounds, our short-comings and fears, to you.
As people of faith we ask for wisdom to learn and grow.
Open our hearts and minds to your redeeming love.
We believe in your promises, God of wonder, love and wisdom. Hear our prayers.
(Silent Prayer)
—Nancy McSpadden
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One: Holy Parent, you have given us models of discipleship at home, at church, and around the world.
Many: Sometimes we are too critical or judgmental of them. Sometimes we simply choose to ignore their example. Forgive us, we pray.
One: Holy Teacher, you have given us teachers and leaders who are dedicated to helping us grow in our faith.
Many: Sometimes we take them for granted, failing to appreciate their commitment of time, talents, and energy. Forgive us, we pray.
One: Holy Communicator, you have given us both scripture and the writings of many who have studied scripture faithfully so that we might benefit from your messages to us in this day and time.
Many: Sometimes we would rather focus only on the scriptures that comfort us or those that tell us what we want to hear. Sometimes we want to study only curriculum with messages that do not challenge us, convict us, or require anything of us. Forgive us, we pray.
One: Holy Creator, you have given us minds and hearts so that we may learn to follow you.
Many: Sometimes we excuse ourselves from opportunities to learn and grow. Forgive us, we pray.
All: Deepen our desire and commitment to grow in relationship with you. AMEN.
—Sandra Shepherd
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O God of our lives, we ask for your mercy today. On this day when we celebrate the birth of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, we are aware of our short comings, both as a community and as individuals. We know that many times we speak without love and our words are simply noise to your ears. We proclaim our faith in you and yet have denied our love of one another. We boast of what we give away, but hoard the best of ourselves, living lives of selfishness and greed. And most of all, we have not been patient and kind, but rather arrogant and rude, irritable and resentful. For all these transgressions, we humbly ask your forgiveness. Give us the love and passion of Ewing, McAdow, King and Woosley, to love you and love others so much that we would sacrifice ourselves to share your love, grace and mercy with those around us. Open our eyes and ears to the blessings you give, so we might live each day with grateful hearts. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Hear the good news! God doesn’t leave us stranded in the tangle of our sins. God picks us up, straightens us out and takes our hand so that we may walk the journey together. Friends, believe this. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven our sins. Thanks be to God!
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Hear the good news! In Jesus Christ, we are made new and offered restoration.
Believe the good news! We are forgiven. Amen.
—Paula Louder
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God is amazing! We were once sinners, but God doesn’t hold that against us. We have confessed our sin and God, in mercy, love, and kindness has said that they are no more. Friends, hear and believe the good news. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God!
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Believing that God, through Jesus, hears us when we call, we are now restored to health and wholeness. Listen closely. The Holy Spirit is calling to us: “My children, you are restored and forgiven. Go and live as my disciples in faith and peace.”
—Nancy McSpadden
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1 John 1:9 (NRSV)
Friends, hear the good news: If we confess our sins, [God] who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Thanks be to God!
—Sandra Shepherd
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Friends, believe this. God has heard our confession, our cry for freedom from our wrongs and graciously forgives our sins. In Christ Jesus, our sins are forgiven and we have been set free. Thanks be to God!
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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CHILDREN’S SERMON
Read the book The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown. If you do not own this book, this is a great opportunity to buy it for yourself or for your church’s nursery or library. After reading it, you may want to make the following points:
- Today we are talking about being Christian disciples or followers of Christ. Christian disciples are people who know that God is always with them and will be with them no matter what. Because we know this, we live a life that is faithful, doing God’s work in the world.
- You probably have already read this book, but it is a perfect picture of God. The little bunny says that he is going to run away from the mother bunny. He imagines that he is going to turn into all sorts of things in order to get away from his mother: a fish, a rock, a crocus (which is a flower), a bird, a sailboat, a flying trapeze performer, and a little boy.
- But his mother says each time, that she will change into things that will bring him back to her; she would change into a fisherman and fish for him, a mountain climber and climb to him, a gardener and find him, a tree to come home to, the wind to blow him home, a tightrope walker and walk across the air to him, a mother to catch him in her arms. And she says this right at first: “I will run after you. For you are my little bunny.”
- God is like this. God is always with us no matter what. It may sometimes feel like God is not close by, but God is. God is a safe place where we can come. Christ said that he was sending the Holy Spirit to us, a part of God, to help us, to make us feel better, to guide us, and sometimes to make us feel like we want to be the best person we can be. We can thank God that God is always with us.
- Then pray something like this: God, thank you for always being with us. We know as your disciples that no matter what we, are never alone. You are with us, helping us. Thank you for the people you have given us in our lives who show us your love. Help us to show that love to others. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Psalm 119:105, 112
O Lord, your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Incline my heart to hear your teachings so I may enact them in my daily life forever. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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God of wisdom and all understanding, you are the Great Teacher of all. Open our minds, our hearts, and our spirits to the words that you have prepared for each one of us this day. May we be receptive to the challenge that is presented and may we be willing to not only hear but also carry through with its message. In your holy name. Amen.
—Paula Louder
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Lord, open our eyes to see your word. Open our ears to hear your good news. Open our mouths to sing your praise and tell your stories. Open our hearts to reach out to others and share your love, joy, and peace with them. We pray in Jesus name, Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Holy Spirit, open our ears, our minds, and our hearts so that we may learn from the scripture. Guide us in a new understanding. Help us to hear a holy message today. AMEN.
—Sandra Shepherd
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O God, as the founders of our Church prayed to discern your path, we ask that you open our eyes and light our path so we may see your truth and understand your word for us today. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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SCRIPTURE TEXTS/SERMON IDEAS
- 1 Timothy 4:11-16
It is our tasks as Christians whether we are young or old to keep learning and keep teaching. Through these things, people will experience salvation.
- Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus’ last instruction to his disciples in Matthew was to go into the world to train others, to baptize them and then teach them all that you have learned from Jesus. We are to do this to the end of our lives.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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- Ephesians 4: 1-16 “He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelist, and some pastors and teachers. His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ.”
- 1 Kings 3: 3-14; Psalm 111:10, Ephesians 5: 15-20 Wisdom is the Key
- Acts 11: 19-30 The church at Antioch is an example of the importance of Christian education in the Church.
- Isaiah 66: 19-20 The Mission of Christian education and the Church¾We proclaim God’s glory¾the glory of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is what we do.
—Paula Louder
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- 2 Timothy 4:1-8—Paul says to teach the message/truth before people decide not to listen anymore; run the race.
This scripture provides an opportunity for the pastor to talk about the fact that Christian discipleship is teaching and sharing the message with all people, helping them to discover the truths of God; be the good teacher to everyone.
This day is a time for all of the church to celebrate themselves as Christian disciples whether they are young or old, very involved or not so much, good at being a disciple or struggle to follow God’s path. Today is the last Sunday of the CE Season, so it is a good time to tie all of the last two month’s celebration together. Be sure to take advantage of this time.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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- Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NRSV)
- Psalm 78:1-8 (NRSV)
- Matthew 7:24-29 (NRSV)
- Luke 11:1 (NRSV)
—Sandra Shepherd
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- Jeremiah 1:4-10—Parallel the call of Jeremiah to the call of the Cumberland Presbyterian forebears
- Luke 4:21-30—Parallel the struggle of Jesus to be a prophet in his hometown with the struggle of the CPC forebears in the early days of the Church
- Isaiah 51:1-6—Parallel the early CPC on the frontier with today’s CPC being hewn from the rock of the pioneer spirit
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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SOCIAL MEDIA HELPS (VIDEOS, TAPED SONGS)
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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Holy God, we are your people, your church, your family. Today we pray especially for those whom you have called and gifted as teachers and examples of your truth. We recognize that we all have responsibilities. Help us learn together. Help us worship together. Help us pray together. Help us share together. Yes, even play together. Bless us as we come together to reach out to everyone with your love as one body.
We thank you for giving us teachers who reach out and help us to grow in so many different ways. Thank you for the freedom to learn and for placing the desire within us to both teach and learn. May we come to realize that we have all been called to take the light of your love into this world and it is your presence in our lives that takes the ordinary and makes it shine.
Fill us with your Spirit, empower us and give us the courage to continue our life-long faith journey as we grow in knowledge and grace. Amen.
—Paula Louder
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God, awaken in us the desire to be your faithful followers.
Forgive our glib confessions of faith, our easy mouthing of pious words, without understanding or caring enough what faith requires of us.
Increase our confidence in your trustworthiness and in the goodness of your plan for us and for all people.
Strengthen our desire above all else to be in harmony with your plan, and to embody your Spirit in our own time and place, as Jesus did in his.
We remember the witness of brothers and sisters in Christ over the centuries who knew the cost of obedience to you and who willingly suffered ridicule and rejection, torture and imprisonment, and even death for your sake and the gospel’s.
We celebrate the faithfulness of sisters and brothers in our own time who are freely spending their lives in the struggle against inhumanity and injustice as your living presence among the poor and oppressed.
We pray for courage to ask where the path of true discipleship may lead us, and to live out the answer with joy, accepting whatever risk that may bring to us.
Help us make strong the bonds of caring support within our church family. Transform our weakness and fear into strength as we minister to one another in the name of Christ. Amen.
—Fran Clemens Nyce, from The Gifts We Bring, v.2, Ecumenical Stewardship Center
Introduce the Christian Education Season offering and tell the congregation that you are giving this offering to the Discipleship Ministry Team of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in order to participate as a partner with other Cumberland Presbyterian churches in the work of Christian discipleship all over the world. Invite them to go to cpc.app-staging.com to become familiar with all the work they are doing through this partnership.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Loving God, we recognize you as the source of all knowledge and wisdom. You created us and knew us before we were born. You surely know us better than we know ourselves. You know our needs; you know our longings; you know our joys; you know our pains. Grant us confidence that you know our sadness, our confusion, our anger, and our fear. Help us remember that you love us with an unmeasurable love and that you are faithful in your promise that we are never alone.
We ask, too, that you equip us to show your love, your comfort, your gentleness, your strength, and your peace to others. We thank you for the honor of being the Body of Christ in this time and place. Help us live your love in all situations so that we may reflect your character.
We pray for all who teach. Give them wisdom, energy, creativity, and courage.
We pray for all who learn. Give them open hearts, curious minds, and a strong desire to know you.
We pray for all who support teachers and learners. Give them words and acts of encouragement and gratitude to share.
We are grateful for all who have shown us an example of lifelong growth in discipleship. We are grateful for all who share in the planning of our education ministry. We are grateful for the opportunities to continue to grow. Thank you, Lord! AMEN.
—Sandra Shepherd
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Blessing/Commissioning of Teachers/Leaders (and Students/Learners)
Gracious and loving God, you have called us—each of us—to be yours. You have called us—each of us—to grow in relationship with you and with each other. You have called us—each of us—to share the love with which you have equipped us.
At this time we ask that you bless these leaders, teachers, and shepherds that you have called. Help them to challenge us, to teach us, and to guide us in your ways. Give them wisdom, knowledge, energy, creativity, sensitivity, insight, stamina, inspiration, and grace to fulfill this special calling. Help them to be a living reflection of you.
Likewise, we ask that you help each of us remember our responsibilities as learners in this relationship. Grant us the curiosity to ask questions, the patience to continue to struggle when we don’t find ready answers, and the respect and appreciation for these who teach and lead. Help us to see in them a reflection of you.
In the name of the great teacher, the good and gentle shepherd, we pray. AMEN.
—Sandra Shepherd
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God of the Past, we praise your Holy Name for you have been the God of Abraham and Sarah, the God of Ewing and McAdow, the God of Woosley and King, the God of Pepper and Davis, the God of Gonzalez and Roa, the God of Quah and Stott, the God of all who have served before today in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. We thank you for the example of all the saints who have gone before us and know, through them, your kingdom has come closer here on earth.
God of the Present, we know that you are still calling people into your service every day. We pray for our Moderator Robert Rush, our Stated Clerk Mike Sharpe, our Director of Ministry Edith Old, all the executives of our institutions, and staff who work in denominational roles, and the pastors, staff and laity whose ministries in local communities are sure signs of your ever-present grace.
God of the Future, we ask that you bless those who will come after us to work in your name. Bless those who are now being educated for ministry both professionally and as volunteers for the Church. Bless the young people and children of our churches that they may be nurtured by their congregations and families to be the future leaders of the church. Bless future ministries. Give us insight to see the paths to which you are calling us to and the courage to choose them when the time comes.
In our past, in our present, in our future, we know you are with us. Keep us in the sunlight of your love always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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LITANY
All Voices: Hear this, you who are called to teach—You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
Reader 1: I am a child. I am a child of God. See how I jump and run and explore. The world is so full of a number of things—painting, skipping, playing, running, laughing. I feel wonder and excitement as I live in God’s world. I ask all kinds of questions. I am enthusiastic, curious, and persistent. You, who are called to teach—Help me to worship God, help me to grow in faith, help me to explore my world and find answers to my questions.
All Voices: Hear this, you who are called to teach—Let the little children come to me. Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. Let the little children come. Let them come.
Reader 2: I am a youth. I am a child of God. I search and seek, asking countless questions about life. I wonder who I am and why I am here. Why do I live at this particular time? I am full of energy and life. Help me to discover my identity. Help me to know my worth. I question what you say. Are you telling me the truth? You, who are called to teach—Help me to know the truth.
All Voices: Hear this, you who are called to teach—Remember now your creator in the days of your youth. Remember your creator. How shall they hear without a teacher?
Reader 3: I am a young adult. I am a child of God. I am caught somewhere in between the youth group and adulthood. At this time in my life I wonder what I will be doing in 5 years. What is God calling me to do and who is God calling me to be? I am excited yet confused about the world ahead of me. You who are called to teach – Help me to find comfort through the confusion. Help me to seek answers and direction in the midst of the chaos.
All Voices: Hear this, you who are called to teach—When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I put away childish things. Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then we shall see face to face.
Reader 4: I am a young parent. I am a child of God. I am a person living in a perplexing world, delighting in my children and worrying about their future. My family gives me joy. I want the best for them, but my children are sensitive, vulnerable and innocent. I have to teach them integrity, responsibility, and faith in God. I have to help them grow. You, who are called to teach—Help me to lead them. Show me how to teach my children.
All Voices: Hear this, you who are called to teach—When your child asks, you shall say—we were slaves in Egypt and the Lord saved us. When your child asks, you shall say—Jesus Christ is the truth and the life.
Reader 5: I am an adult. I am a child of God. The days of my life pass very quickly and are full of many commitments and responsibilities. I search for answers as I live in an ever-changing world. You who are called to teach – Speak to me about the meaning of life. What is faith? Does God exist? Help me with my doubts and help me to pray.
All Voices: Hear this, you who are called to teach—Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you about the hope that is in you. Christ died for sins once and for all, that he might bring us to God. Our hope is in Jesus Christ.
Reader 6: I am a senior adult. I am a child of God. I often think of my childhood days and my childhood friends. I still feel young in my mind—but often my body betrays my will. Sometimes it seems like no one needs me. Some days are long and I am lonely. I have time to think. I wonder what it is like to die. You who are called to teach—Show me your friendship and lend me your strength.
All Voices: Hear this, you who are called to teach.
Reader 1: These words which I command you shall be upon your heart.
Reader 2: You shall teach them to your children.
Reader 3: You shall talk of them in your home.
Reader 4: You shall remember the Lord your God.
Reader 5: You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.
Reader 6: Hear this, you who are called to teach.
All Voices: Hear this, you who are called to teach. Amen.
—Brenthaven CPC
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One: And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 18-20, NRSV)
As disciples of Jesus Christ and as Christian educators, we commit ourselves to model discipleship.
Many: We affirm our belief that teaching and learning enhances our journey of faith and our walk with Christ.
One: We believe that teaching and learning is based on the work of God revealed through scripture and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Many: We affirm our belief that disciples are made and strengthened by making the scriptures prominent in our preparation and sharing with others.
One: We believe that as participants in the educational ministry of the church we are responsible for creating an atmosphere of healing and wholeness, nurture and support for each individual.
Many: We also believe that we are not on this journey alone. With the Holy Spirit’s help we will commit to helping create an atmosphere in which faith journeys are freely shared and inquiry is freely encouraged.
One: We believe that through prayer in its many forms we give evidence that each person is known and heard by God. We pray for ourselves, each other, our church and our world.
Many: We commit to model discipleship through an active prayer life, affirming that the church is a house of prayer.
One: We believe that all members are a vital part of the life of this church. Participation in its ministries beyond the classroom not only model discipleship through example but is also important for our growth through the community of faith.
Many: We covenant to support each other, to pray for each other, and to stand together as a community of faith.
(May be shared in unison)
O God of wisdom, you have called us in Christ’s name to a ministry of teaching and learning. May we be faithful to that call. Pour out your Holy Spirit on all who seek to follow you and serve you. Empower us all to be willing disciples and enable us to build your kingdom. We pray in the name of the calling Christ. Amen.
—Nancy McSpadden
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INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Just as teaching and learning are special gifts from God for our ministry here on earth, so our gifts of tithes and offerings are also. For through them, we are able to share, create, support, encourage, heal, care, feed and do many other ministries together that we would not be able to do by ourselves. Let us minister through the giving of our gifts now.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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All that we have is a gift from God. We give not only of our time and talents but of our substance as well. In thankfulness and praise for all that we have received, let us give generously in return.
—Paula Louder
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If one takes a gallon jar to the well, one can return with a gallon of water. If one takes a pint bottle to the well, one can leave with only a pint of water. You see, the measure we use in giving ourselves and our resources to God’s work on earth is the same measure of satisfaction we receive. The greater the measure we give, the greater the satisfaction; the smaller the measure, the less satisfaction we feel. Surely this is what the Apostle Paul has in mind when he says, “The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
—Tom Shifflet, from The Gifts We Bring, v.3, Ecumenical Stewardship Center
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All that we have, all that we are, and all that we can become—these are gifts from God. Now we have a joyful opportunity to give to God! What can we give the creator of all? Our hearts, our talents, and our treasures! Let us worship God through all we give.
—Sandra Shepherd
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As Cumberland Presbyterians, we believe that we are all called by God—all called to serve, all called to minister, all called to give. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, both locally and globally, is able to fulfill the Great Commission in the world preaching the gospel, teaching and baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit only because we as individuals recognize our great opportunity to give. Let us give of ourselves through our tithes and offerings.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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OFFERTORY PRAYER
You, O God, have given us the gift of understanding—understanding that there are those in need who need our help. Bless these gifts that we have brought that are a portion of what you have given to us and use them to bless others. Through Christ’s name, Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Merciful God, giver of all gifts, we pray that you would accept our offerings. It is in gratitude for your abundant love and mercy that we desire to share your gifts with others that the message of your love would be proclaimed and those in need be attended to. We thank you for the privilege of sharing your grace with others in our church, in our community and in our world. Amen.
—Paula Louder
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Take these gifts that we have brought O God. Consecrate the, we pray, to the mission entrusted to us: the strengthening of this congregation and the larger church, ministering to the human need here and around the world, sustaining the search for truth in college and seminary, making known the gospel of life and hope wherever human hearts long for forgiving grace.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—Ronald E. Osborn, from The Gifts We Bring, v.3, Ecumenical Stewardship Center
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Gracious God, we know that giving began with you. Thank you for sharing with us the joy of giving. Please accept now our gifts, whatever they are, as gifts from our hearts. We give them out of love. AMEN.
—Sandra Shepherd
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God, just as you gave to the saints of the Church before us, you have given to us. Through these gifts, we are saying that we recognize these blessings and return a portion of them to your work here and abroad. Take our gifts, consecrate them and use them to do your work. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
Now go into the world knowing that God the Creator has created you with a yearning to learn and use that gift this week. Go knowing that God the Son has gifted you with his teachings as he did his own followers and use those teachings to teach others. And go knowing that the Holy Spirit puts opportunities for us to teach and learn every day and that it is up to us all to use those opportunities to further God’s kingdom here on earth. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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You are challenged to remember your role as a lifetime learner and seeker of faith.
However, you have also been commanded to share your story
with whatever gift the Lord has given you.
In our lives we proclaim God’s glory¾it’s what we do.
Go in the power and the knowledge of the Almighty God who enables you to do all things.
—Paula Louder
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In the book Doorways to the Soul, there is a story of a traveling rabbi who stopped by a monastery that was not doing well, which had led to the monks fighting among themselves. The abbot asked advice from the rabbi but all he said was “The Messiah dwells among you here at the monastery.” Because of this—because the monks did not know who among them was the Messiah—they began treating each other as if the other were the Messiah. People began to come back to the monastery and it began to thrive.
As you go about your week, treat everyone you meet as if he or she is the Messiah. For as Christian disciples, we believe that all are created in the image of God, and we are all Christ’s brothers and sisters. Go and live like it and celebrate! Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Go from this place, believing that the love of Christ restores and redeems you.
Go from this place, trusting that the wisdom and comfort of the Holy Spirit goes with you
now and always.
Go in peace. Amen.
—Nancy McSpadden
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Go now to continue to live your faith in full view of all, not so that you will be noticed, but so that God will be evident in you! Live as a Christian disciple. Teach by example with your attitude, your choices, and your actions.
May you be so filled with the love of God that it spills out on everyone you meet, and may your faith be contagious! AMEN!
—Sandra Shepherd
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God is calling us as surely as God called Cumberland Presbyterians in the past. God is asking us to respond in love to a world that is hurting. Go now and do and be that to which God is calling you.
And as you go, may the God who brought us into being, the Son who saved us from sin and the Holy Spirit who guides us through our lives, be with us all. Now and forever. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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OTHER HELPS (COMMISSION, COMMUNION, BLESSINGS)
I Am a Christian Disciple Flag—Cut pieces of cloth (muslin or canvas works well and is inexpensive) about10”x12”. You can put a casing on one edge if you are going to string them together or hang them from a dowel. Then provide craft supplies and tools for people to decorate their flags: markers, fabric paints, glue, glue gun, buttons, pins, rick-rack and other trim, ribbons, etc. Have participants write “I Am a Christian Disciple” on them. Then they can draw, paint, glue or whatever to create an image that represents them as a Christian disciple. If the completed flags are to hang at the church, thread them through some twine and use them to decorate your fellowship hall or Sunday school area. If participants will take them home, use wooden kebob or a wooden chopstick as a dowel from which they can be hung. If you cannot sew casings for the flags, simply cut a slit about an inch down from the top, leaving an inch or two on either side of the flag. Then hold the slit over the twine and thread the bottom of the flag through the slit. Be sure to let the flags dry before doing this. This makes the flag loop over the thread and hold.
Christian Education Fair—Set up tables around your fellowship hall where people can gather. Ask certain people to make displays for various Christian education opportunities. These can be local church activities like Sunday school classes or serving on the Christian Discipleship Committee, and presbyterial activities such as summer camps, retreats and Fifth Sunday rallies, and denominational activities like the Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference, Children’s Fest, Presbyterian Youth Triennium, etc. Have someone at each table who has experienced the event (if possible) to answer any questions people might have. Include pictures, videos, name badges, etc. that can inspire and excite those seeing them to want to participate. You may even want to have a “passport” that people can get at the beginning of the event and stamp their passport as they visit each table. Little giveaways at the tables that represent their work would also be a good idea.
Apply to Serve—Consider applying at the presbyterial or denominational level to work for Christian Discipleship. You can go online at http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e4hwtlejgqtm9ib2/a01s5inj4xqpc/questions to apply for service on the denominational Discipleship Ministry Team and specify that that is the team on which you would like to serve. Note that there are not always slots open each year and that the DMT does pay attention to having a balance of male/female, lay/clergy to serve. You form will be on file until a position is open.
—Elinor Swindle Brown