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Weekly text: Exodus 20:1–18
Faith focus: The Bible teaches us how to act toward God and others.
Other text: 1 John 3:23–24
Visuals: white (and/or blue) worship cloth, open Bible, peace symbols: heart, road sign
Call to worship: “Be with us, God” (Together, page 6)
Opening prayer: HWB 672
Song suggestions:
“Jesus Calls Us Here to Meet Him,” SJ 3
“Somos Pueblo Que Camina (We Are People on a Journey),” SJ 8
“My Soul Is Filled with Joy,” SJ 13
“Will You Let Me be Your Servant,” HWB 307
“O God, Who Gives Us Life,” HWB 483
“You Are Holy,” SS 34
“Here to the House of God We Come,” SS 53
“What Does the Lord Require,” HS 1098
Children’s time: As the children gather, greet them with "peace" from another language.
Review the worship theme and last week's symbol (a heart, showing love to everyone, especially our enemies). Find today's symbol on the worship table (a road sign). This symbol reminds us that God's commandments are rules of the road for peace. Talk about rules: of the road, at home, and school. Brainstorm rules children follow. Say, "Why do we have rules? (To protect us, keep us safe, help us live peacefully.) God gives us rules in the Bible called the Ten Commandments. They teach us how to act toward God and others. Do you know any commandments?" Listen to their ideas. Review the fourth commandment and its meaning: Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy.
Read The 11th Commandment: Wisdom from Our Children, by Children of America (Jewish Lights, 1996). Give children a piece of paper and crayons. If they were making an 11th commandment, what would it be? Invite them to draw or write their ideas when they return to their families.
Pray together: "Peace-loving God, help us be peacemakers by keeping your commandments. Thank you that you love us and want the best for us. Help us love you and others this week. Amen."
Scripture reading: Exodus 20:1-18
Sermon seeds: The first four commandments teach us how to be in relationship to God. The last six commandments show us how to live together in community. How do we heed God's commandments today? How does obeying the Ten Commandments lead to a life of peace with God and each other? Which commandments are hardest to keep in today's society? How can we encourage each other in our commandment-keeping?
Song of response: “I Long for Your Commandments,” HWB 543
Offering
Song: “May the Lord, Mighty God,” HWB 435
Benediction: May God’s peace flow through you. Obey God’s commandments and live at peace with God and each other. Go in love. Amen.
