Celebration of Wisdom, Experience, and Life

Today we come in this holy place in celebration of God's gift of life.
Of all life — but especially the gift of a long life, fruitful life.
We honor our seniors — our elders — our sages —
who bring wisdom, experience, and love to our family.

Responsive Reading: Psalm 92:12-15

Leader: The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
People: They will grow like a cedar of Lebanon
Leader: planted in the house of the Lord.
People: They will flourish in the courts of our God.
Leader: They will still bear fruit in old age,
People: They will stay fresh and green,
All: Proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

Hymn: 92, "For the Beauty of the Earth," United Methodist Hymnal

Testimonials on Wisdom, Experience, and Life
(Have three members of the church come and give examples of how they have received wisdom from a senior member. These testimonial should be from people of a variety of ages — from youth to adult. You could also make a video of children in the church talking about what it means to be "wise" to show during this time.)

Prayer: Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

Anthem: 77, "How Great Thou Art," United Methodist Hymnal

Children's Sermon
(Have a senior adult give the children's sermon and share a story of his or her faith.)

Scripture:
Psalm 102:18-22
Parable of the Sower: Matthew 13:3-9

Sermon: "Growing in Wisdom"

Offertory Prayer

Father, we know all gifts come from you: The gift of life, of relationships, of our very being.
We are honored to give back a part of who we are and what you have given us.
Take it and use it to your Glory. Amen.

Benediction

Closing Hymn: 557, "Blest Be the Tie That Binds," United Methodist Hymnal