21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources for the Eighth Sunday After Pentecost, Year B

Note: This Service Is designed with youth and young adult leadership in mind.

Opening Hymn: "Leaning on The Everlasting Arms," 133, United Methodist Hymnal

Gathering
Lift high those heads filled with fear!
Raise your eyes and see who's near.
Open your heart to receive great cheer!
Reach out those arms and embrace the broken!
Come,
Enter,
Celebrate,
Release.
Be engulfed by the love of God!

Choral Reading of Confession and Adoration
Based on Ephesians 3:14-21
For four youth or young adult readers and congregation
First Reader:
Great and Mighty God, ruler of all creation, we bow on knees bent from the weight of anger, poverty, frustration, and confusion. Our souls are screaming, seeking, longing, and ready for liberation.

Second Reader:
Release us from the pain of a world twisted by war, death, and grief. Heal us from the trauma of war and natural disaster.

Third Reader:
When we open our eyes, we are stunned by the sight of abused children; addicts strung out on everything but the love of God; generations of young people swimming in seas of immorality; lost worshipers consumed by evil, racism, promiscuity, and prosperity.

All:
Our actions reveal that we are a people who refuse to obey the will of God.

Fourth Reader:
But at our darkest moment, God, you always send an angel, a word, or a Scripture. You never let the light go completely out. We can always find faith; you forgive us so that we can begin again.

First and Second Readers:
You remind us to be rooted and grounded in your love. By your power, you strengthen and sustain us.

Third and Fourth Readers:
You feed us with your word and bless us with knowledge. You shine light in the darkness, You remind us that no matter what the world reports everyday, there are advances in cures for cancer, and people with HIV and AIDS may live for years with a good quality of life.

All:
We cannot forget that you are the bread of life. No matter how long or high or deep a situation is, you have the power to transform it into a successful milestone on the journey of this earthly life.

The Congregation:
God is the glory of the church and the world for generations to come forever. Amen.

Suggested Songs for Today's Service

• "O Magnify the Lord with Me"
• "Lead Me. Guide Me"
• "Stand" (as sung by Donnie McClurkin or John P. Kee)
• "O How I Love Jesus," 170, United Methodist Hymnal

Sending Forth
(Based on Psalm 14) Rise, shine, feast on the word of the Great Creator!
Stay in the company of God's people!
Go into the world with the Lord as your safe haven.
Tell the people of the universe to rejoice and be glad!
There is a God who loves us ALL!

Suggested Activity: Take the young people and youth workers out for pizza after the worship service.

About the Author: Carolyn W. Dandridge serves as the Communications Coordinator at the Discipleship Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee.