April 29, 2007

Fourth Sunday of Easter - Youth Sunday

Preparation for Worship

I give you a new commandment,

that you love one another. 

Just as I have loved you, you also

Should love one other.

 John 13:34

Christianity means community

through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. 

We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ….

Christian {fellowship} is not an ideal which we must realize;

it is rather a reality created by God in Christ

 in which we may participate. 

 Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another.

I John 1:7

The Seniors of the WPC Youth Group have chosen this theme: “God’s love for the world forms a connection among all people.  It helps one appreciate people who seem different and is a source of comfort when one feels distanced from ones for whom they care.” 

     The hymns, anthems and prayers enhance today’s theme.  The first hymn, “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” was written by Charles Wesley, who penned over 6,000 hymns. The tune: Hyfrydol, composed by Rowland Prichard, is one of many Welsh tunes that have made their mark on hymnody.  Our Westminster Joyful Noise Singers (age 3-Grade 3) offer two songs: “This is My Commandment, That You Love One Another,” and “Love, Love, Love” (a round).  The Galilean Choir (Gr. 4-7) is singing.  The sermon hymn, “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love”, is a Ghanaian folk hymn translated into English in 1969. It has a scriptural basis in John 13:1-17 which describes the foot washing of the disciples by Jesus. The sending hymn, “Help Us Accept Each Other,” was written by Fred Kaan who was inspired by a Bible study.  It had been written by a woman who was a member of the Executive Committee of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. The hymn talks about accepting people as children of God. The benediction response is “Song of Hope,” by Alvin Schutmaat, a missionary in Colombia. The hymn first appeared in the 1984  Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study.

     All WPC youth, from age 3 through the graduating seniors, take very seriously the leading of the people of God in worship. They thank all those who helped them get prepared to lead. They ask that you “love one another, that your joy may be full!”