Worship Tools
Worship Outline
Additional Scriptures
John 15:9-17; Acts 10:44-48; I John 5:1-6
Preparation
Use a variety of instruments and voices in this service. Simple shaker instruments could be created to be used during worship.
If possible for the Focus Moment, obtain When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner. Illustrated by David Catrow. ISBN-13: 9780593192757. Publisher: The Crown Publishing Group; 11/16/2019.
Prelude
If different instrumentalists are available, use a variety of instruments for the prelude—perhaps include one hymn with a different instrument playing each stanza.
We Gather
Gathering Hymn
Choose one or more of these hymns to sing in gathering. Consider singing fewer hymns during the Gathering if you are also singing the Message.
“I Will Sing, I Will Sing” CCS 112
“Joy to the World!” CCS 408
“Sing to the Lord No Threadbare Song” CCS 111
“Praise the Lord Together Singing” CCS 642
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Translations into Spanish and French for this hymn can be found at: Herald House
Welcome
Gathering Scripture Reading
BOTH: O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
Reader 1: His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory.
Reader 2: The Lord has made known his victory;
Reader 1: He has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
Reader 2: He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.
Reader 1: All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
BOTH: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the Earth;
Reader 1: Break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Reader 2: Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
Reader 1: With the lyre and the sound of melody.
Reader 2: With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
Reader 1: Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
Reader 2: The world and those who live in it.
Reader 1: Let the floods clap their hands;
Reader 2: Let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord, For he is coming to judge the Earth.
Reader 1: He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
BOTH: O sing to the Lord a new song!
—Based on Psalm 98, adapted
Sung Invocation
“Oh, Sing to the Lord/Cantad al Señor” CCS 88
Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.
OR “For the Beauty of the Earth” CCS 130
Response
Focus Moment
Read When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner. Illustrated by David Catrow. ISBN-13: 9780593192757. Publisher: The Crown Publishing Group; 11/16/2019. This book can be previewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=spwy5Ig4sPw.
From early on, children want to discover their place in the world and long to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly. When God Made You inspires children to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.
OR Discussion—Based on John 15:9-13
Scripture Reading: John 15:9-13
Choose from these discussion questions to discuss the scripture: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
- How do we recognize that we are loved?
- How do we recognize those that are following God’s commandment to love one another?
- Discuss how this love is shown in our world.
If your discussion includes children and youth, include these discussion ideas.
- When people wear certain clothing or hats or identification, we can easily recognize who they are. Use pictures of firefighters, doctors, nurses, police officers, athletes, etc. and ask the children to identify who they see. Maybe you have someone in your group who has a professional uniform or forms of identification they could share OR use dress-up clothes.
- How do we recognize those that are following God’s commandment to love one another? (Because they show love for one another.) Discuss how this love is shown in our world.
We Confess and Reflect
Prayer of Confession
O God, the One who has loved us and called us to peace.
Forgive us for not loving others as you have loved us.
Forgive us for being afraid to stand for justice or give our lives for the cause of peace.
Help us to remember that we are all your children.
Help us to become your healing wings in a broken world.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
—Prayers and Readings for Worship, Peter Judd, ed., Herald House, page 21.
Confessional Hymn
“Brothers and Sisters of Mine” stanzas 1 and 4 CCS 616
OR “God Weeps” CCS 212
Prayer for Peace
Light the peace candle
Musical Reflection: “He Came Singing Love” CCS 226
Consider one of these: sing as a solo, invite four soloists to sing a stanza from four corners of the worship space, have it sung by everyone, or have the words read while the music is played softly. Note: Some hymns are suggested in more than one element of the service but are not meant to be sung twice during the service.
Prayer
Lord of All Space,
We thank you for knowing us. We thank you for family, friends, those who will be friends, the Earth and all its bounty. We confess that we are less than you created us to be and humbly ask forgiveness. We rejoice when one step is made toward peace between the nations but we know the journey is long and the steps are many. We lament the causes of injustice and seek enlightenment that we may better understand our part in peace for the world. We would not forget the need for peace in ourselves, our families, and our nations. Hear our concerns, we pray. This day we offer ourselves as instruments of peace in our world. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
—Prayers and Readings for Worship, Peter Judd, ed., Herald House, page 32.
We Hear and Respond
Disciples’ Generous Response
Share the Disciples’ Generous Response video Community of Christ: Everything That Is…Is Good at YouTube
Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes
Song of Thanksgiving
To be sung as the offering is received.
“We Lift Our Voices” CCS 618
OR “O Senhor é a minha força/In the Lord I’ll be Ever Thankful” Sing 3 or4 times CCS 129
Encourage people to sing in languages other than their own.
The Message
The message this morning can be found in a variety of hymn texts. These texts could be read with short testimonies between. Or a soloist or the participants might sing one stanza between each testimony. Use diverse readers and musicians. If used in this fashion, choose three to four hymns. Try to challenge participants with at least one unfamiliar hymn. Suggested texts include:
“When in Our Music God Is Glorified” CCS 1
“For the Music of Creation” CCS 97
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” CCS 99
“Earth and All Stars” CCS 102
“I Will Sing, I Will Sing” CCS 112
“All Creation Sings God’s Music” CCS 110
“For Remembered Music Sounding” CCS 133
“Learn from All the Songs of Earth” CCS 141
“My Life Flows On in Endless Song” CCS 263
“Let My Spirit Always Sing” CCS 269
“Sing of Colors/De colores” CCS 332
“We Are the Singers Who Celebrate Jesus” CCS 352
“Joy to the World!” CCS 408
OR Psalm Discussion
A psalm designates songs as a musical piece suitable for use in worship. Consider a large group discussion based on Psalm 98 for today’s message using some of these questions.
- What reasons are there for the church to sing?
- When have you learned a new song and then had it become one of your favorites?
- What current causes do we have for singing a new song?
- How can we use song to spread the gospel to the nation?
- How does the rest of creation sing praises to the Creator?
OR Morning Message
Based on Psalm 98
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Communion Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Communion Message
Hymn of Preparation
“Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song” CCS 50
OR “Come Away from Rush and Hurry” CCS 83
OR “As We Gather at Your Table” CCS 523
Blessing and Serving of the Bread and Wine
We Sing to the World
Hymn of Commission
“Let Us Sing a Worldwide Anthem” CCS 323
OR “We Need Each Other’s Voice to Sing” CCS 324
OR “Now Sing to Our God” CCS 108
Sending Forth Scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 161:1
Postlude
Sacred Space: Small-Group Worship Outline
Gathering
Welcome
Today is the sixth Sunday of the Easter season. The Easter season continues for 50 days and concludes with the Day of Pentecost.
Prayer for Peace
Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.
Light the peace candle.
Today, we come to pray for peace; however, we know to pray for peace without doing peace is hollow. Forgive us for such folly.
Help us be conscious of every act and ask, “Does this act harm or promote peace?”
We hear of fires and floods. Help us commit to the sometimes inconvenient but necessary actions which allow the earth, its flora and fauna, to heal and flourish.
We see violence and alienation. Help us put self to the side so that others can come into our vision and relationships can heal and flourish.
Help us follow your way and go where you are leading, both far and near. Wherever we are, grant us courage and selflessness to promote peace so all your creation can heal and flourish.
Help us be aware of the many opportunities for peace that are before us every day.
In the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.
—Elizabeth Else
Spiritual Practice
Dwelling in the Word
I will read a scripture aloud. As you hear the scripture allow words, images, or phrases to come to mind. Try not to focus on them. Let them rest with you.
After a moment of silence, I will read the scripture a send time. As you hear the scripture again listen for how God’s spirit is nudging you or catching your attention.
Read the scripture passage: John 15:9-17 NRSV
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.
Pause
Read scripture a second time:
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.
Invite group members to share responses to these questions:
- As you listened to this scripture passage what words, phrases or images came to mind?
- What is God’s spirit revealing to you through the hearing of these words?
Sharing Around the Table
Psalm 98 NRSVue
O sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things.
His right hand and his holy arm
have gotten him victory.
2 The Lord has made known his victory;
he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the victory of our God.
4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody.
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
7 Let the sea roar and all that fills it,
the world and those who live in it.
8 Let the floods clap their hands;
let the hills sing together for joy
9 at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with equity.
—Psalm 98 NRSVue
The author of Psalm 98 is unknown, but it is a powerful hymn with three stanzas that focus on three basic themes. They are the praise of God and God’s character, how such praise should be done, and the idea that such praise should come from all parts of Creation.
The psalmist suggests that God’s great love and marvelous works are, indeed, for all creation, not just a select group of people—and not just humans. Even the sea and the creatures that live there, the floods, the hills, the whole “world and those who live in it” are encouraged to praise God.
This praise by all creation, the writer counsels, should be a “new song” because God constantly is doing marvelous works: “for he has done marvelous things;” “sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord;”
and “for he is coming.” The new song should use all means to praise God: joyous song, the lyre, trumpets, the horn, roaring sea, clapping floods, singing hills—all the Earth blending praise into a joyful noise.
The ending verses explore two facets worth considering. First, they suggest that God is not vengeful, waiting to treat people harshly for their mistakes and rejection of the Divine. Instead, they say God is a God of love who will judge “with righteousness…and equity.”
Making a joyful noise and singing a new song are ways of communicating God’s love and care for God’s creation.
Questions
- In what ways do you practice the Enduring Principle, Sacredness of Creation?
- Have you ever had a sense of creation “singing” praises to God? If so, can you describe that experience?
- How have you made a joyful noise in praise of the divine presence in your life?
Sending
Generosity Statement
Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.
—Doctrine and Covenants 163:9
The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response.
The offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:
God of Rejoicing, we share our gifts joyfully and with thanksgiving in response to the generous gifts you have given us. May the offerings we share bring joy, hope, love, and peace into the lives of others that they might experience your mercy and grace. Amen
Invitation to Next Meeting
Closing Hymn
CCS 112, “I Will Sing, I Will Sing?”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Choose one scripture to read from this selection: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Matthew 26:17–30; Mark 14:12–26; Luke 22:7–39.
Invitation to Communion
All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.
We share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community. In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings (select one):
515, “In These Moments We Remember”
516, “Coming Together for Wine and for Bread”
521, “Let Us Break Bread Together”
525, “Small Is the Table”
528, “Eat This Bread”
Blessing and serving the bread and wine.
Thoughts for Children
Make a Joyful Noise
Materials: plastic Easter eggs OR clear plastic cups, duct tape, beads, beans, OR rice.
Ask: Have you ever gotten so excited about something that you couldn’t help by clap or cheer? (Allow kids to share examples of when that happened to them.)
Say: The author of today’s scripture passage felt that same way when thinking about God. The author wanted to make a joyful noise because of all that God had done. Today, we are going to make something that will help us make a joyful noise to praise God.
Walk each participant through creating the noise maker (directions below).
Once everyone has finished making their noise maker allow them all to make a joyful noise together for 30 seconds. Then, encourage participants to use their noise maker when your group sings together.
Noisemaker Directions: If you decide to use Easter eggs: Fill the Easter egg with your chosen filler. Close the Easter egg and place duct tape around the middle.
If you decide to use cups: fill one cup with chosen filler. Place the second cup on top of the first with the openings of both cups touching. Duct tape where the two cups meet.
Note: if you chose to use clear plastic cups, beads are a good filler because they will look pretty inside.
Sermon Helps
Exploring the Scripture
Details about Psalm 98 have been lost to history. The author is unknown. The date and setting of its writing also are unknown. It has one unique feature: It is the only psalm titled simply “A Psalm.” But it is a powerful hymn with three stanzas that focus on three basic themes. They are the praise of God and God’s character, how such praise should be done, and the idea that such praise should come from all parts of Creation.
The psalmist suggests that God’s great love and marvelous works are, indeed, for all creation, not just a select group of people—and not just humans. Even the sea and the creatures that live there, the floods, the hills, the whole “world and those who live in it” are encouraged to praise God.
This praise by all creation, the writer counsels, should be a “new song” because God constantly is doing marvelous works: “for he has done marvelous things”; “sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord”; and “for he is coming.” The new song should use all means to praise God: joyous song, the lyre, trumpets, the horn, roaring sea, clapping floods, singing hills—all the Earth blending praise into a joyful noise.
The ending verses explore two facets worth considering. First, they suggest that God is not vengeful, waiting to treat people harshly for their mistakes and rejection of the Divine. Instead, they say God is a God of love who will judge “with righteousness…and equity.”
Second, these verses talk of a coming Messiah, which New Testament writers connected to Jesus Christ. He is the one who “is coming” to judge with righteousness and equity. As John’s Gospel puts it, “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17).
Psalm 98 suggests something about witness and invitation, as well. Making a joyful noise and singing a new song are ways of communicating (witnessing of) God’s love and care for God’s creation. If all creation is to take part in this joyful new song, those who are aware of God’s marvelous works have a wonderful opportunity. They can invite others to experience that divine love and blend their voices with others to “sing to the Lord a new song.”
Central Ideas
- God is the God of all creation, not just a certain group of people.
- All creation is invited to recognize the marvelous works of God and “make a joyful noise,” praising God for everlasting blessings.
- God’s marvelous works have touched all creation in the past, are blessing it in the present, and will continue to bless it in the future.
Questions for the Speaker
- What blessing have you received personally or noticed in another’s life in the last month for which you could sing a “new song” of praise and thanksgiving?
- When you think about God’s marvelous works in your life, what do you think a suitable “new song” might sound like to praise God for those works? Try writing a new “psalm” or rewriting Psalm 98 to express your ideas.
- What have you experienced when you have sung a “new song” in response to one of God’s “marvelous works” in your life? In the life of your congregation?
- Have you ever had a sense of creation while “singing” praises to God? If so, can you describe that experience?
Lessons
Adult Lesson
Focus Scripture Passage
Psalm 98
Lesson Focus
Celebration and praise to God for all of creation
Objectives
The learners will…
- understand what it means to praise God as opposed to being thankful or grateful to God.
- experience hymns of rejoicing and praise.
- explore the Enduring Principles of Blessings of Community and Unity in Diversity.
- create a poem or prayer of praise.
Supplies
- Bible
- Paper and pens
- Green, red, and yellow streamers
- Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
Notes to Teacher
In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Psalm 98 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: Old Testament, pp. 75–76, available through Herald House.
Review the Enduring Principles of Blessings of Community and Unity in Diversity. Share these definitions of praise and gratitude:
- Gratitude: the state of being grateful; thankfulness
- Praise: the expression of approval, commendation, adoration; the adoration of a deity
Gather
Sing or read the first stanzas of each of the following hymns as the opening prayer:
- “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” CCS 87 (from the Rejoicing section)
- “For the Beauty of the Earth” CCS 130 (from the Thanksgiving section)
Engage
Read the definitions (above) of praise and gratitude.
- How do praise and gratitude differ from each other?
- Discuss how each of the hymns above reflect these definitions.
- Why are they placed in their different sections?
Read Psalm 98 together.
- Which definition does this psalm fit?
- Go through the psalm sentence by sentence and decide what each sentence is saying about God.
Read together another rejoicing or praise hymn beloved by the class.
- Is it a praise or gratitude hymn? Why?
- Go through the stanzas one by one. What is this hymn saying about God?
- Sing the hymn together. Does that change the meaning of the hymn for you? How? Why?
Respond
Read the Enduring Principles of Blessings of Community and Unity in Diversity (below).
Blessings of Community
- The gospel of Jesus Christ is expressed best in community life where people become vulnerable to God’s grace and each other.
- True community includes compassion for and solidarity with the poor, marginalized, and oppressed.
- True community upholds the worth of persons while providing a healthy alternative to self-centeredness, isolation, and conformity.
- Sacred community provides nurture and growth opportunities for all people, especially those who cannot fully care for themselves.
- We value our connections and share a strong sense of trust in and belonging with one another—even if we never have met.
- Some disciples are called and ordained to particular priesthood responsibilities and ministries for the sake of the community, the congregation, and the world.
- We are called to create communities of Christ’s peace in our families and congregations and across villages, tribes, nations, and throughout creation.
—Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, pp.31–32
Unity in Diversity
- Community of Christ is a diverse, international family of disciples, seekers, and congregations.
- Local and worldwide ministries are interdependent and important to the church’s mission.
- The church embraces diversity and unity through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- We seek agreement or common consent in important matters. If we cannot achieve agreement, we commit to ongoing dialogue and lovingly uphold our common faith in Jesus Christ and the mission of the church.
- We confess that our lack of agreement on certain matters is hurtful to some of God’s beloved children and creation.
—Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, pp. 31
Many of the psalms are attributed to David as author. David expressed himself in very physical ways, sometimes even dancing before the Lord as he sang (2 Samuel 6:5).
Sing together “I Will Sing, I Will Sing” CCS 112 or another peppy praise tune the class might know without looking at the words.
Have them stand up, pick up their streamers, and sing the hymn again while waving their streamers over their heads.
- How did the hymn feel while they were sitting down, just singing?
- How did the hymn feel the second time while standing and waving the streamers?
- Was anyone uncomfortable with the streamers? Why or why not?
- Did anyone love this exercise? What does that say about worship in our congregations?
Have each person write a short prayer or poem of praise to God.
- Share the prayers or poems with the class or a neighbor.
- Decide together if the prayer or poem reflects praise or gratitude.
- Was it more difficult to write a prayer or poem of praise? Why or why not?
Have a show of hands in response to these questions:
- Who liked the first exercise better?
- Who preferred the second exercise?
- Based on this information, what does that say about the inclusiveness of your congregation’s worship style?
Send
Discuss together how praise fosters community. How can we use our worship gatherings to promote community and inclusiveness in our congregation?
Bless
The church has many hymns that symbolize community when we sing them together. From the “Rejoicing” section of Community of Christ Sings, select one of these hymns that suggest community to your congregation and sing it together.
End the class by reading Psalm 98:4–6 as a closing prayer.
Youth Lesson
Focus Scripture Passage
Psalm 98
Lesson Focus
Celebration and praise is for all of creation to participate in and can be part of our everyday life.
Objectives
The learners will…
- identify ways to offer worship and praise.
- discover that God is good and does marvelous things
- identify how to praise God through using their talents.
- understand praising God should be part of all aspects of life, from all of creation.
- explore the Basic Belief of Peace.
- explore the Enduring Principles to create their own praise song or psalm.
Supplies
- Paper
- Pens or pencils
- Bible
- Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
- Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, Herald House, 2018
Note to Teacher
In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Psalm 98 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: Old Testament, pp. 75–76, available through Herald House.
Gather
On a poster board or whiteboard, draw a T-chart. On the left side of the chart write “Traditional Worship & Praise.” On the right side write “Other forms of Worship & Praise.” Allow the class to reflect on both traditional worship elements along with other ways we can praise God.
Note to teacher: Some examples to get the class thinking include: Traditional: prayer, sermons, hymns, worship band, prayer for peace, children’s moment. Other forms: hiking while appreciating the beauty around you; playing your musical instrument from the heart and thanking God with every note; eating at the table together; smiling at the person next to you in line, and so on.
Engage
Today’s scripture passage comes from the Old Testament book of Psalms. Psalm 98 has an unknown author, date, and setting. Despite not having context elements, it does not discredit the various themes layered in our text for today. These themes are of praising God, righteousness, justice, and our God is a God of all creation.
Read Psalm 98:1–3.
Begin by inviting the class to reflect on spectacular events or memories each student has. Pass out paper and a writing utensil. Ask each student to write about the event or memory.
- What memory did you choose for your reflection?
- What is your favorite part of this memory?
- Who was involved in this memory?
- How do you think God was involved in this experience? Was God involved in the joy you felt? Did you experience God in the other people who were involved?
The original hearers of this psalm were challenged to sing a new song in response to the good deeds that God had done. To these ancient people, some of these good deeds included liberation from Egypt, safely crossing the Red Sea, arriving in the Promised Land, being guided by wise judges and leaders, and times of prosperity. But, like our own lives, there were times of struggle for these people such as poverty, power-hungry rulers, and exile. Even during these challenges Israel was called to “sing a new song,” for even in their exile was God calling God’s people to change their oppressive ways and remember God’s “steadfast love and faithfulness.”
Read Psalm 98:4–8.
Verses 4-6 has imagery of using great instruments to praise God. Verses 7 and 8 use imagery of the Earth itself celebrating God.
- What is a hobby, skill, or talent that you excel at (robotics, choir, track, playing an instrument, public speaking, fishing, etc.)?
- How can you use that talent as part of worshiping God? (Feel free to give a personal example such as how you “praise” God at your workplace, out in nature, or while driving in the car.)
Read Psalm 98:9.
This verse explains that God will come to judge the Earth with righteousness and judge people equally. In our 21st-century world the concept of “judgment” often is linked with negative elements: Being judged for what you like, what you believe or what you wear. Being judged has negative connotations. Even in some religious misconceptions God’s judgment equals God’s wrath. However, in the context of today’s passage, God’s judgment is something worth celebrating. It is not something to fear but instead leads to a path of radical change where justice and righteousness prevail. It is a reality where the oppressed are freed, the hungry fed, and lost found. In God’s judgment we are given a world where humankind and creation can live in harmony treating one another with respect, dignity, love, and peace.
Peace is one of the church’s Basic Beliefs as explained in Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, p. 38:
Peace is God’s shalom: justice, righteousness, wholeness, and the well-being of the entire creation. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to preach the kingdom and to be our peace through the cross. The Holy Spirit empowers us for the costly pursuit of peace and justice for all people.
- What would the world look like if we truly respected and loved one another?
- Who is someone in my life I need to work towards loving more?
When looking at Psalm 98, we can see that we are called to sing a new song amid God’s marvelous work. In that work we are challenged to worship God with everything we have. If the seas and hills can celebrate God’s goodness, why can’t we? God calls us to live in love, peace, integrity and in right relationships with humankind and creation. How can we not sing a new song?
Respond
Psalm 98 invites humankind and all of creation to “sing to the Lord a new song.” Today, the class will write your own Psalm, or song, in response to God’s marvelous works. Have students brainstorm ideas that they would like to see in their song.
Activity: The class will now create their own unique song. Below are some recommended guidelines and challenges as they create their praise song:
- Include reference of two Enduring Principles. (See Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, pp. 28–32.
- Include a verse or phrase from today’s scripture text.
- Include a chorus and at least three verses.
- Use their own life experiences or a story to tell a narrative.
- Have the song be a challenge to its listeners.
Note to teacher: There are several different ways you can approach this activity depending on the class size. If your class size is larger, have the class create songs in smaller groups. You may even do the activity with each youth writing their own song instead of as a group. Allow time for each group or individual to share their song with the class.
Send
Ask the pastor or presider to allow time in today’s (or a future) worship for the class to share their song. Even if there is not a youth or leader who is able to sing the song, invite a member of the class to read the song to the congregation. If applicable have the class or someone from class sing the song as part of the ministry of music.
Bless
Psalm 98 inspired the British hymn writer Isaac Watts from the 18th-century, leading him to create one of the most sung Christmas hymns: “Joy to the World.” While this song is frequently sung during Christmas time as a hymn of celebration to the newborn King, the verses can resonate with us any time of year.
For the closing activity encourage your class to sing “Joy to the World!” CCS 408 with great jubilee!
Children’s Lesson
Focus Scripture Passage
Psalm 98
Lesson Focus
Celebration and praise to God for all creation
Objectives
The learners will…
- define a psalm as a song of praise.
- identify ways nature praises God.
- identify ways individuals can praise God.
- practice praising God through song.
- connect Psalm 98 with the Enduring Principle Sacredness of Creation.
Supplies
- Bible
- Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
- Musical and rhythmic instruments, if available
- Background music with a rhythmic tempo
- Optional: craft supplies to create wrist bells. You need the following supplies for each child:
- 9 in / 23 cm of wide, colorful ribbon
- 1.5 in / 4 cm of Velcro®
- Glue
- 4 medium-sized jingle bells
- Needle and thread
Note to Teacher
In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Psalm 98 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: Old Testament, pp. 75–76, available through Herald House.
Gather
Provide background music and instruct the students to choose a musical or rhythmic instrument to quietly play along with the music.
Alternatively, have the children create wrist bells using the supplies listed above. Glue the Velcro® pieces to each end and on opposite sides of the ribbon, so it will close when worn around the wrist. Sew the four bells to the ribbon. Wear the wrist bell like a bracelet.
Engage
Explain that a psalm is a sacred song or poem used in worship. Before you begin reading the scripture passage, let the students know they will hear how the psalmist David describes how to praise God for God’s victory over death through a variety of ways. An explanation of Christ as the right hand of God and Christ’s promise of salvation will help students better understand the deeper meaning of the passage beyond singing praises to God.
Read Psalm 98.
Discuss the following to deepen understanding of the scripture:
- In what ways can you praise God?
- How can we offer praise to God through prayer and song?
Sing or read the words of “Learn from All the Songs of Earth” CCS 141.
Respond
Reread vv. 4–9; have students use the instruments or their voices to respond to the scriptures that describe how nature offers praise to God. If the weather permits, move the class outdoors to listen to the sounds of nature in the church neighborhood.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
- Have students shout “amen,” “praise the Lord,” “praise God” or whatever they choose.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.
- Act as if they are playing a harp, piano, or violin.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
- Play all instruments at once.
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it.
- Shout praise phrases once again.
Let the floods clap their hands;
- Clap hands or use rhythmic instruments.
Let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord…
- Make a joyful noise through instruments and song.
Begin a discussion about the Enduring Principle Sacredness of Creation.
Sacredness of Creation
- In the beginning, God created and called it all good.
- Spirit and material, seen and unseen, are related.
- Creation’s power to create or destroy reminds us of our vulnerability in this life.
- God is still creating to fulfill divine purpose.
- We join with God as stewards of care and hope for all creation.
—Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, pp. 28–29
Discuss ways in which nature offers praise to God, such as:
- wind through the trees
- waves crashing into the shore
- birds singing
- other ways
Have students imitate each of the sounds they describe as they continue to praise the Lord.
Ask: How can we help preserve the sacredness of the Earth God has provided for us by being conscientious stewards of the environment?
Send
Sing “The Trees of the Field” CCS 645, adding students’ instrumental accompaniment.
Bless
Alternate noisy praise with quiet prayer, allowing the children to praise God through both activities.
End by reciting Psalm 98:1 as a chant, accompanied by instruments.
O sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things.
