LSS God s work. Our Hands Worship Guide

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1 LSS God s work. Our Hands Worship Guide *Resources used courtesy of the ELCA. God s work. Our hands. Sunday on September 10, 2017 offers an opportunity to serve our neighbors in new ways and with new partners. It is a chance to gain new insights, to be renewed in faith and to gain fresh strength for serving in all our daily callings. This resource provides suggestions for group discussion and individual reflection that explores the relationships we have when we are baptized into Christ s life. Loving, liberated service to others is more than a one-time or even ongoing activity. Being baptized into Christ s life creates a whole new world of relationships with God, with others and even with ourselves that is characterized by loving, liberated service. The goal of these suggestions for study and discussion is to explore the relationships that we have in Christ as loving, liberated servants. Listed below are some suggestions for thinking and talking with others. Each grouping includes a variety of suggestions to fit your personal interest or local needs.* A quick dip suggests a few questions or prompts for a brief exploration of this activity You can do one while you travel to a work location or at the beginning of your activity. Wading in suggests some possibilities for minutes of conversation before or after the service activity on the same day. If Wading In is used before the project, use Closing Reflections to conclude. If A Quick Dip is used before the project, use either Wading In or Closing Reflections to conclude. 1

2 A Quick Dip (5-10 minutes) Designed to be used in a group setting immediately before the service project begins. Conversation Starters Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10) Quickly identify some of the people who will benefit from the service you do today. Do you know them already, will you meet them for the first time today, or will you not meet them at all? Is there something you will learn or receive from them today? Offer a brief prayer of thanks and care for the people connected to you in today s service. Discuss a time when you have been of service to others. How is this the same as the service you will do today? Are there any differences? Why is it important to serve others? What gifts do you possess that will be shared with others during your time in service? What excites you most about doing the work of the Lord? How will you continue His work after today concludes? Offer a chance for questions or comments. Sending Prayer To be used before sending participants off to do the Lord s work. Can be modified according to each service project, location, or congregation. Direct us, Lord God, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and extend us your continuous help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name; and finally, by your mercy, bring us to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen (Prayer courtesy of the ELW). 2

3 Wading In (15-30 minutes) Conversation Starters Below are Bible verses and discussion questions specific to each service project. This is designed to be used as a time for reflection in a group setting immediately before or after completing the service project. Youth Services People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.... And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. (Mark 10: 13 14, 16) How might this verse help you reflect on your own welcome to young people? How about young people that may present challenges or barriers to your welcome? Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:12) How do we create spaces where youthful energy and experience is welcome? How do we turn away from the energy, passion and development of youth experience? How can we be an advocate for encouraging and channeling the gifts of young people in to community? 3

4 Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, It is more blessed to give than receive. (Acts 20:35) How does the gift of serving become a truly reciprocal experience? How do we give to others without capitalizing on their experiences or struggles? How might one give in a way that makes receiving comfortable, equitable and inclusive? When does giving become a barrier to true social change or community engagement? How might the gift of giving best be received in communities that might not be of your experience or knowledge? How can you do God s work with a mind for true inclusion and mutual respect for each other s realities? A Prayer for Youth Generous Giver, you provide each of us with gifts to offer back to you and in service to others. Bless these backpacks and those receiving them. Give these youth grace and wisdom as they face the challenges of life, and keep them humble in heart and teachable in spirit. Open our hands to serve and turn our hearts to all in need, trusting in your everpresent abundance for us and for all the world, through Christ our Lord. Amen (Prayer courtesy of the ELCA). 4

5 Refugee Services Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:1-2) What does it mean to show hospitality to strangers? How does God call on us to love others? Why is it important to love and show hospitality to people when you may not receive recognition or praise for the work you have done? Why is it important to do this? Offer a chance for questions or comments. A Prayer for Refugees Dear God, Inspire our churches and community to care, assist and advocate for the refugee families. Shine your grace upon them, that they might be sustained by your love and move quickly from persecution to safety, hope, and a dignified life in the care of loving family and friends. Bless these kits and those receiving them, and raise up our voices now to speak on behalf of those most vulnerable in our own community. Amen (Prayer adapted from LIRS). 5

6 Senior Nutrition Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent. (Psalm 71:9) How do we cast off people of old age? How can we work to include those of old age in all that we do? Aside from the project being completed today, what are some other ways to serve seniors living in your area? Why is it important to provide for individuals of all ages? Is there an age group that is more important to serve than others? Why or why not? Offer a chance for questions or comments. A Prayer for Older Adults Abundant giver, in response to our hunger you provide our daily bread. Bless these gifts of nourishing food and financial resources, which we have now gathered. May they nourish the lives of older adults who need your extra care and love. Give life and strength to those who are hungry, and fill us all with a hunger for justice, through Christ our Lord. Amen (Prayer courtesy of the ELCA). 6

7 Closing Reflections Below are questions to be used after concluding the day of service. Questions may be asked and answered in discussion format or used as a time for self-reflection. This section may be used in place of Wading In after the project is complete. Conversation Starters Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10) Reflect on the verse above. How does this apply to the work you have completed? What thoughts or feelings do you have after today s service work? Think of other needs that may be present in your community. What are some ways these needs can be confronted? Is there something your group can do to continue the Lord s work and serve those in need? Give participants the chance to ask questions or offer closing remarks. Closing Prayer To be used after the service project has been completed. Can be modified according to each service project, location, or congregation. God of abundance, you have poured out a large measure of earthly blessings: our table is richly furnished, our cup overflows, and we live in safety and security. Teach us to set our hearts on you and not these material blessings. Keep us from becoming captivated by prosperity, and grant us in wisdom to use your blessings to your glory and to the service of humankind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Prayer courtesy of the ELW). We thank you for the time and commitment you have given to serve those around you and your partnership with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. Thank you for participating in God s Work. Our Hands. Sunday and offering your time and talents to do the Lord s work. We look forward to continued partnerships with your congregation in the future! >>Find additional project resources online at 7