(Ask parishioners to bring pictures of themselves and family members the week before the service to place in the narthex. Have a coffee hour or a mealtime to get together and share the importance of the photos.)

Opening Hymn: 57, "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing," United Methodist Hymnal

Opening Litany

Leader: We've come to celebrate all God's creation.

Congregation: To celebrate both those young and old.

Leather: For in all that you have created is goodness.

Congregation: We ask that you be with us help to honor and respect people of all ages.

Leader: God, we ask that you help us keep in our minds the covenant that you made with humanity.

Congregation: Help us to remember that we are all your people who are loved, both young and old. Keep us faithful to your word so that we may serve you.

Prayer

Gracious God, pour out your love onto everyone. Keep us faithful keepers of your covenant. Help us to remember that we are in ministry together, no matter what our age may be. Together, let us love and care for one another as Jesus' children. Amen.

Hymn: 191, "Jesus Loves Me," United Methodist Hymnal

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-12

Children of all ages message:
A children's book, such as The Shoemaker's Dream, may be used. It may be acted out as a short skit.

Scripture: John 15:12-17

Prayer

Message:
Love is Ageless! Have seniors share their faith and why they feel devoted to God. Encourage them to share something about their faith journey.

The Serenity Prayer: 459, United Methodist Hymnal

Prayer: Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

Hymn 378, "Amazing Grace," United Methodist Hymnal

Hymn 707, "Hymn of Promise," United Methodist Hymnal

This service was submitted by Sandra Leathery, Gaithersburg, MD.

Copyright © 2005 The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church, PO Box 340003, Nashville TN 37203-0003. Center on Aging Website: www.gbod.org/coa.
This worship service may be printed, copied, distributed, reprinted in church bulletins or newsletters, or otherwise used for nonprofit local church worship or education with the inclusion of the copyright citation and General Board of Discipleship Worship website as its source. It may not be used for profit or republication without prior permission. It may not be reproduced on another website, though other websites are welcome to link to it.

Posted 6-13-05


    Text Only Version