Adult & All Age
Ideas for a focal point with adults and all ages
Decorate the worship space with bunting, and prominently display a sign that says: ‘Welcome to the party’. As people arrive, give them a party hat and a party popper.
Loving God, you gather us together tenderly
Loving God, you gather us together tenderly
as a shepherd gathers their sheep;
you bring us together to feed us
and to strengthen us with your living water.
In you we find peace.
Help us to accept the invitation to come to you;
make us willing to respond to your call,
and ready to receive you now.
Amen.
Are you willing to change – your clothes, or your attitude, for God?
Create party invitations in a variety of forms – elaborate with ribbons, a text message (sent or printed out), a scrap of paper. Whatever the form, the invitation should make it clear that those invited need to be wearing something special to be allowed in. Give very child an invitation to dress up for a party that’s happening right now, and provide a selection of party clothes and fancy dress.
When they are ready, ask if you can come too – even though you are wearing your ordinary clothes. Encourage them to see that the problem is not the clothes, but that you haven’t made any effort. You haven’t respected the request, or got in the spirit of it.
How did they feel about the way they were invited? Is an invitation by text or on social media just as good as one on a nicely printed card with ribbons? Does it suggest how much the invitee is bothered if you turn up?
If all your friends are invited to a party but you can’t be bothered to go, how do you feel when they tell you what a fantastic party it was? Who is to blame for you missing it?
Jesus talked about people being willing to make an effort, to change, to be ready. Are you willing to change – your clothes, or your attitude, for God?
Active worship and prayers
You could use Save the date. A gathering prayer and A prayer for all ages together could also be used.
Bible notes
Children & Young People
Wow! Let’s all go to a party
Wow! Let’s all go to a party,
for God’s invited us all:
the rich, the poor, the young, the old,
the short, the thin and the tall.
It’s going to be amazing!
Jesus himself will be there.
So come on now, let’s get ready,
and think about what we will wear.