Seasonal Worship Ideas
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SUNDAY
When I began looking at the Moravian Desk Planning Calendar to double check on the date for celebrating Christian Education Sunday in our churches it suddenly dawned on me that Sunday September 9, 2010 which is the Christian Education Sunday is a Sunday when many of our pastors, educators, and leaders will be away for their congregations that Sunday at Synod. It made me realize that we must get material out to our churches and encourage you to celebrate Christian Education Sunday on a Sunday in August or September when you can give it the attention and importance that it deserves. Christian Education is at the very heart of the church. In the education process, the Spirit of God encounters people of all ages so that they are nurtured in faith, grow in knowledge and experience, and are inspir3ed and empowered to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. This call to discipleship compels us to share our faith and serve others in the home, the community and in God’s world. It is important that our churches pause to reflect on what Christian Education ministry means to everyone in the church, celebrate what you have done, and honor those who have committed themselves to this ministry for the coming year. Choose a Sunday in August or September perhaps when new Sunday School classes are beginning and children move up to new classes to use this important worship ritual in your service. Included in this commissioning is a prayer for teachers and leaders that I would like to leave with you:
God who led the Israelites through the wilderness, we thank you for leading us still
today. Teaching others about our Christian faith is a wonderful privilege. We learn
as much as we teach. Help us to lead in a way that is faithful to you. Give us new
eyes and ears so we may teach with freshness and sincerity. Grant us serenity that
we may prepare carefully and thoughtfully. Give us imagination to share truth with
others so it will be relevant. Grant us humility as we teach and help us to be sensitive
to our own limitations. May we lean on you for insight, wisdom, and courage. Amen.
Education Commissioning Service For Leaders and Learners
An important worship ritual for fall is a service of commissioning for leaders and learners. Click here for liturgies.
Blessings Of The Backpacks
Celebrant: Jesus said, Come unto me all who are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.
Bless, O Lord, these backpacks and the children who carry them. Equip these bags with the abiding presence and comfort of your Holy Spirit. Fill these bags with the support, love and prayers of this community.
May this year of learning and growth bring each child closer to you, and to a greater knowledge of your love for all children.
Each child comes forward and as many leaders as we can get bless each bag and child individually.
God bless you and this bag to carry God's grace and love into the world.
Book Bag Blessing
God of knowledge and wisdom, we pray to you for all schools that they may be lively centers for learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom. As these students begin a new school year, give them open minds and open hearts to learn and to experience more fully this wonderful world that you have created. May this year be full of promise for them and for their teachers as they experience new beginnings and fresh starts. Enable them to grow in knowledge and wisdom during this school year and all the day of their lives. Now, O God, bless these book bags and these students who come before you with them. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
