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Weekly text: 1 Samuel 25:1-35
Faith focus: Say you're sorry.
Other text: Matthew 6:9-15
Visuals: white (and/or blue) worship cloth; open Bible; symbols: heart, road sign, story figure, kazoo or party horn, footprint shape, feather, adhesive bandage
Call to worship: HWB 671
Opening prayer: “Saying I’m sorry” (Together, page 7)
Suggested songs:
“What Is This Place,” HWB 1
“For the Healing of the Nations,” HWB 367
“O Healing River,” HWB 372
“Healer of Our Every Ill,” HWB 377
Children’s time: Show the children a broken toy. Ask them if they have broken something or if someone has broken something that belongs to them. Say, “Sometimes we break things. Sometimes we hurt people with our words or actions. Sometimes our friends or families hurt us. We all make mistakes. When we make a mistake or hurt someone, God can help us apologize and say we’re sorry.” What are some ways we can show we are sorry? (Fix a broken toy, clean up a mess, offer help, feel another person’s pain.) God always forgives us when we are sorry and can help us forgive others when they hurt us. Then we can be friends again and live together in peace. Find today’s peace symbol on the worship table (adhesive bandage). It reminds us to use kind actions and say “I’m sorry” help to heal hurts. Give each child a bandage as a reminder to apologize with words and actions when they hurt someone.
Pray together: “Forgiving God, thank you for forgiving us when we make mistakes. Help us apologize and say we’re sorry when we hurt someone with our words or actions. Show us how to bring peace. Amen.”
Scripture reading: 1 Samuel 25:1–35
Sermon seeds: Abigail makes the difference in this story. She quickly gathers a huge feast and brings it to David, apologizing for her husband’s actions. Her brave and generous action, though, prevents bloodshed and ensures a peaceful outcome. Whether interpersonal conflict or national or global strife, there are times when a third party can help bring a peaceful solution. An apology is an important step toward making peace. What is involved in saying, “I’m sorry” when wrong has been done?
Song: “Go, My Children,” HWB 433
Benediction: May God’s forgiveness flow through you. May God’s grace help you mend broken relationships and be reconciled with others. Go in peace and love. Amen.
