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Weekly text: Mark 12:28-34
Faith focus: Love God and your neighbor with your whole self.
Other text: Luke 10:25-37
Visuals: white (and/or blue) worship cloth; open Bible; symbols: heart, road sign, story figure
Song suggestions:
"Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," HWB 71
"We Would Extol Thee," HWB 74
"Je Louerai l'Eternel (Praise, I Will Praise You, Lord)," HWB 76
"Alleluia!," SS 17
"The Love of God," SJ 44
"Jesus, You Fill Our Hearts with Your Love," HS 1114
Children’s time: Ask the children, “Who is your neighbor?” Listen for their answers. Show them three maps: a map of the church neighborhood, a map of their country, a map of the world. Each time say, “These are our neighbors. Our neighbors are people close by and around the world. There are many different kinds of people in our world. We are to love God and each other with our whole self (heart, soul, mind, strength).” Find today’s symbol from the worship table (story figure). This story figure reminds us to love God and our neighbors with our whole self.
Read to the children, If the World Were a Village: A Book about the World's People, by David J. Smith (Kids Can Press, 2002), or Whoever You Are, by Mem Fox (Harcourt Brace, 1997).
Eat a snack such as bread or fruit from another part of the world. Be aware of any food allergies.
Sing “Shalom, My Friends” (Gather ’Round CD). The lyrics are in Together, page 2. Explain that shalom means “peace” in Hebrew.
Pray together: “Creator God, help us love you with our whole selves and love our neighbors who are part of our world family, your family. Amen.”
Scripture reading: Mark 12:28–34
Sermon seeds: In the New Testament, the call for peace is linked specifically with the call to love. A scribe approaches Jesus with a big question: which commandment is the most important? Jesus replies that loving God with one’s whole self, and loving one’s neighbor as oneself, are the greatest commandments. How do we love God with all of our being? What is the balance between self-care and care for others? Who is our neighbor? What might be our burnt offerings and sacrifices that get in the way of loving? How close are we to the kingdom of God?
Song of response: “The God of Abraham Praise,” HWB 162
Offering
Song suggestions:
“Ubi Caritas (Where True Love),” SJ 39
“Let Us Now Depart in Your Peace,” HS 1056
Benediction: May God’s love flow through you. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself. Go in peace. Amen.
