21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources for the Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost, Year B (Smith)

Instructions: This worship celebration is designed to intentionally include people of all ages in worship -- young and old alike.

Call to Worship
(Based on Mark 10: 46-52; Led by a middle adult)
One voice: Jesus is in our midst. Jesus our healer, deliverer, and friend, is here.

Many voices: We have heard so many good things about him, but we long to meet him, to encounter him ourselves.

One voice: Call out to him, and do not be silent. Like Blind Bartimaeus, shout to him and do not allow anyone to silence your voice. Cry out and tell Jesus what you need!

Many voices: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us! We need a touch from you! Touch me; touch us in our need, which we lift right now in our hearts!

One Voice: In this time of worship, celebrate God's goodness! In this celebration of worship, know that Jesus touched your place of need. Hallelujah! Amen!

Liturgical Dance Response to the Scripture reading of Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Liturgical Dance to the song, "Bounce Back" by Kevin Davidson and the Voices

Suggestion: Have the youth in the congregation choreograph and dance this piece.

Call to Prayer
(Based on Hebrews 7: 23-28)
(To be led by a child. The prayer may be followed by a time of prayer by congregants at the altar and a prayer by the pastor or other member of the congregation.)

Child: We are never alone. God is with us and has given us the gift of prayer. Jesus prays on our behalf all the time. Take time now to pray.

Altar Prayer

Prayer by Pastor or Church Member (Possibly a Seasoned Saint)

Congregational Response to Prayer: "Somebody Prayed For Me" from Dorothy Norwood, Live
Verses:
Somebody prayed for me
Jesus prayed for me

Welcome to Visitors
(Led by a Young adult)
There are no visitors in God's house, only family members we have not yet met. If this is your first time worshpping with us, welcome home. We are always glad to meet new members of God's family. If you are looking for a church home, please join us as we follow Jesus! Welcome! We love you and are so glad that you are here!

Dismissal with Blessing
You are never alone.
You may get knocked down in life,
but God always gives you the power to get back up.
Go forth in peace. Go forth in love.
Go forth in joy. Serve God with gladness.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit
be with you all. Amen.

About the Author: The Rev. Lillian C. Smith serves as the Executive Director of Congregational Transformation and the Director of Connectional Ministries for the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.