SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH - vts.edu

Invite youth to write on each sheet Common Prayer, p. 427. Based WEAVINGS
of newsprint the characteristics that on the discussion in the Engag-
improve the relationships indicated ing activity, ask the group to „ The sacraments are described as
by the heading. compose their own vows that “outward and visible signs of inward
include promises the youth feel and spiritual grace.” (BCP, p. 857)
When youth are finished writing, are important for a good mar- The outward signs, in addition to the
ask them to discuss the characteris- riage. marriage itself, include the exchange
tics in the lists and why they are „ Symbols: The exchange of of rings and other traditions. The
important in developing and keeping rings in the Celebration and inward grace is the willingness to
relationships. Encourage youth to Blessing of a Marriage includes love another person as God loves
relate stories to the group from their is a symbol of commitment and us.
personal experiences. This can turn the complete equality of the man
the discussion from the abstract to and woman. It is an optional „ The dictionary defines vow as an
the concrete. gesture and other appropriate “earnest promise or pledge” that
symbols may be exchanged. binds a person to behave in a cer-
Ask several youth to read aloud Ask the youth to design a tain way. This word is usually used
the prayers said at the marriage symbol that reflects their only in the context of important,
service (BCP, p. 429). Invite youth to relationship with a close friend. solemn occasions: marriages, ordi-
identify the characteristics in the nation, and so on. It is also used in
prayers that match the characteris- Games the Old Testament when important
tics on the newsprint. Which are „ Trust walk: Ask the youth to agreements were made between
common? Which are different? God and the Israelites.
Which parts of the relationships they help you set up an obstacle
have now do they think might help course in the room, using chairs, „ It's difficult to talk about marriage
couples in their marriages? tables, and other furniture. without confronting the reality of
Divide the group into pairs. divorce. Statistics show that half the
For further discussion: Ask Blindfold one person in each marriages in the United States end
youth to describe the kinds of com- pair. Ask the person who can in divorce. Although the Church
mitment required in the following see to lead his/her teammate holds marriage to be a permanent
relationships: friends, siblings, through the room without bump- state, we also recognize the reality
child/parent, spouses. Which type of ing into anything in the obstacle of the broken world we live in. God
relationship is most important to course. Trade blindfolds and expects the Church to temper its
them right now? Why? Which is the repeat. What did both people in teachings with compassion and
most difficult? each team have to do to get love.
through the obstacle course
Optional Activities successfully? What did you do RESOURCE POSTER
right? What did you do wrong?
The following activities offer „ Sacramental Symbols (No. 4)
groups a wide range of choices. Media
Consider the interests and strengths Today's youth live in a media-
of youth and leaders and select
those activity options that seem best rich culture that the Church cannot
suited to local time and talents. ignore. However, congregational
Remember no one can do every- norms about appropriate experi-
thing! ences vary and need to be re-
spected. When choosing media
Expressions activities consider local sentiments
„ In search of: Compose an ISO and prevailing laws covering public
performances of copyrighted mate-
(in search of) similar to those rial.
found in local newspapers and „ Video: Watch all or part of The
magazines ads. Describe the
qualities of the person you might Princess Bride, available at
like to marry someday. Read the video stores.
ads aloud and then “post” them „ Print: Bring the Personal ads
on a bulletin board or newsprint from a newspaper's classified ad
sheet entitled “In Search Of. . .”
„ Exchanging vows: Read the
vows printed in The Book of

Episcopal Curriculum for Youth—Sacraments of the Church: Session 8

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48

section. Ask the youth to find the Study Going Forth
most important qualities people are „ Television: Invite youth to think
seeking. Compare these to qualities Gather the group for a closing
from the Engaging activity. of television shows they like to blessing and dismissal. Turn to page
watch which feature a married 431 of The Book of Common Prayer
Music couple. How is marriage por- (Session Leaflet, p. 3) and read the
Music is important for today's trayed by the shows? Are these following blessing.
images of marriage realistic?
youth and can be an integral part of „ First-hand information: Invite Leader: Let us pray.
youth experience in the context of a couple from the church who God the Father, God the Son, God
Bible and Church activities. The have been married a long time the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and
music suggestions offered here to visit the group and talk about keep you; the Lord mercifully with
reflect a broad variety of possibilities the things that keep a marriage his favor look upon you, and fill you
from simple listening to hearty music growing in a positive and with all spiritual benediction and
making. Seek out musicians within healthy way. grace; that you may faithfully live to-
youth, church, and community gether in this life, and in the age to
groups to sing and play along. Voices come have life everlasting. Amen.
„ Learn “Covenant Hymn” in Gath- Read and discuss the following
The Blessing of the Marriage
er, 571 (GIA Publications, Inc.). quotations (Session Leaflet, p. 2).
„ Read or sing “O God, to those The Book of Common Prayer, p. 431

who here profess their vows of Love is an act of faith, and who- Leader: Let us go forth into the
life-long love” The Hymnal 1982, ever is of little faith is also of world, rejoicing in the power of the
352. Which verbs describe ways little love. Spirit.
God can help marriages?
„ Listen to “We've Only Just Begun” Erich Fromm People: Thanks be to God.
by The Carpenters.
“Do you think you will be able to Look For
Service give my daughter what she
„ Promises to keep: Make a pro- wants?” a man asked a suitor. Are youth able to describe the kind
“I certainly do, sir, She says that of commitment required of Christian
mise to help an organization or all she wants is me.” marriage? Can they describe the quali-
person that requires a long-term ties of healthy relationships? Are they
commitment. For example, bring Anthony deMello able to see similarities in the charac-
at least one food item a week for teristics of their relationships and of
the church's food pantry for six A good relationship has a pat- marriages?
months, or bake a casserole for tern like a dance and is built on
the homeless shelter once a some of the same rules.
month for six months.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Sharing
„ Helping others: Volunteer to There is no more lovely, friendly
and charming relationship, com-
provide child care or help out with munion or company than a good
household chores or yard work for marriage.
a married couple in the church or
community to allow them time Martin Luther
together to build their relationship.

Episcopal Curriculum for Youth—Sacraments of the Church: Session 8

Copyright © 2009 Virginia Theological Seminary

49

Ordination: God's Call

Sacraments of the Church

Objective perform the tasks assigned to their SESSION LEAFLET
offices. Each has several things in
This session will focus on the rite common. All bishops, priests and „ Art—Stole, Elizabeth Wolfe
of Ordination as God's call to serve deacons promise to be faithful in
in a particular way. Youth will be able prayer and in the study of the Holy „ Key Verse—The gifts he gave were
to identify ways in which we are all Scripture; to live a life that is an that some would be apostles, some
called to serve God through our own example of Christ's teachings by prophets, some evangelists, some
unique gifts from God. following the great commandment pastors and teachers, to equip the
to love God above all others and to saints for the work of ministry, for
Background for Leaders love our neighbors as ourselves; building up the body of Christ, . . .
and to serve others in the name of —Ephesians 4:11
The Commentary for this session God.
centers on the rite of Ordination. „ Youth Commentary and Prayer
While a call by God and the commu- Individuals who are called by
nity of faith to serve as a bishop, God and the Church to serve in „ Voices—Thomas More, Amy Car-
priest, or deacon is a particular these particular ministries are using michael, Winifred Holtby
ministry in the Church, the youth will the special gifts God has given
be able to state that we all have a them for ministry. God gives each „ Daily Reflections
call to serve God according to the one of us gifts and calls us to use
gifts God has given to us. those gifts in service to God, the „ Words to Remember
Church, and the world.
Commentary „ Prayer—For all Christians in their
According to the Catechism, The Discovering the gift God has vocation (BCP, p. 256)
given each of us is the first step in
Book of Common Prayer, p. 855, accepting our own call to ministry. A
“The ministers of the Church are lay gift is not defined by a particular
persons, bishops, priests, and dea- talent or skill, though many people
cons.” The ministry of a bishop is are blessed with those. A gift may
primarily to serve God as the chief be something we are particularly
pastor of a diocese. The ministry of a good at or enjoy doing, such as
priest is to administer the sacra- gardening or repairing automobiles.
ments and bless and declare pardon A gift may be a personal
in God's name in a particular con- characteristic like the ability to
gregation or to a particular group of make people smile, or being a
people. The ministry of a deacon is good listener. A gift may be an
to serve those in need and to assist experience that has affected our
a priest or bishop. lives and helps us connect with the
lives of others who have had simi-
The ministry of the lay person, lar experiences.
actually the first ministry given, “is to
represent Christ and his church; to
bear witness to him wherever they
may be; and according to the gifts
given them, to carry on Christ's work
of reconciliation in the world;. . .”

In the rites of Ordination for bish-
op, priest, or deacon, persons called
to that ministry are asked to promise
in the name of God that they will

Episcopal Curriculum for Youth—Sacraments of the Church: Session 9

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50

LECTOR'S TEXT Personal Views Coming Together
If you have ever attended an
There is one body and one Spirit, (Time: 5-10 min)
just as you were called to the one ordination service, you will know Before youth arrive, write on strips of
hope of your calling, one Lord, one that they can be quite elaborate.
faith, one baptism, one God and The preparations involved often paper some gifts that you know the
Father of all, who is above all and compare to those of a wedding. young people in your group have as
through all and in all. But each of us The celebration recognizes the well as some others they might not
was given grace according to the unique gifts and calling of these think they have. Examples: the tradi-
measure of Christ's gift. . . . The gifts individuals in service to God and tional—sings, plays the piano, flute,
he gave were that some would be the Church. trumpet, or other instrument; paints,
apostles, some prophets, some sews, designs; is a good left guard,
evangelists, some pastors and While it is important and right to goalie, tennis player; good student,
teachers, to equip the saints for the recognize and respect the call of etc.; and the non-traditional—laughs
work of ministry, for building up the clergy, lay people must also recog- easily, friendly to older people, likes
body of Christ, until all of us come to nize the place of call in their own children, listens to others, helps friends
the unity of the faith and of the lives. Scripture tells us that God solve problems, cares for animals,
knowledge of the Son of God, to calls each and every one of us to enjoys nature.
maturity, to the measure of the full serve, not just as ushers and choir
stature of Christ. members in the church, but as Place the strips in a bowl or basket
people who live their lives in the on a table. As the youth arrive, invite
Ephesians 4:4-7; 11-13 world. Martin Luther King, Jr. once them to draw a strip from the pile.
said, it doesn't matter what work we Instructions: If the gift fits keep it, if not
TIPS ON THE TOPIC do, as long as we do it for the glory give it to someone else.
of God.
„ Youth may have had an opportu- Ask the youth to turn to Ephesians
nity to attend an ordination or the Youth are at a stage of their 4:4-7; 11-13 in their Bibles. Select a
installation of a new rector. You development where they are defin- lector and read the following prayer
may wish to draw upon these ing their identity, seeking who they together (Session Leaflet, p. 2).
experiences to reflect on the gifts are as individuals, connected to yet
for the ministry of clergy. separated from their families, and Lector: Let us pray.
in relationship to God. It is Dear God,you call priests to be
„ Young people often believe that important to their relationship to ordained in your name. Help us to
they do not have any particular God that the Church provide a safe discover how you call each and
gifts. It is part of the insecurity of place for questioning and every one of us. Give us a chance
adolescence and needs to be searching. As youth ask questions to hear that call and respond to it. In
respected. At the same time you such as, “Who am I?” or “What do I the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
can help young people to discover want to be?”, they need help Amen.
for themselves the gifts they do exploring the possibilities available
have. to them. The culture will emphasize Amanda, Grade 9
wealth and success. The Church
„ Discussion Starter: What do you will emphasize service, self- Lector: A reading from Paul's Letter
like to do the most? What do fulfillment and peace. to the Ephesians, chapter 4 verses 4
others compliment you about? through 7 and 11 through 13.
Almighty and everlasting God,
increase in us the gifts of faith, (Full text on p. 2)
hope, and charity; and, that we
may obtain what you promise, Lector: The Word of the Lord.
make us love what you com- People: Thanks be to God.
mand; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with Engaging (Time: 20-30 min)
you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen. On a chalk board or large sheet of
paper write “I would like to be . . .”
Proper 25 Underneath in a random manner write
the following words: animal, place, car,
The Book of Common Prayer, p. 235 flower, color. Ask the youth to use their
imagination and write down their
choices. (Example: I would like to be a

Episcopal Curriculum for Youth—Sacraments of the Church: Session 9

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51

tiger, Chicago, a sunflower, a Jeep, to every other person in the WEAVINGS
and red.) Discuss their answers as a group. When everyone has had
group or in pairs. Why did you make a chance to give a gift away, ask „ This session could be scheduled at
each selection? What do your each person to state how they the beginning or end of the year
choices say about gifts you may might use that gift in service to when youth are making choices
have? Write down those gifts. Think God. about courses for school.
about how you might use those gifts „ Mind maps: Divide the class
in service to God. into small groups or teams. For „ This session could be scheduled
For further discussion: each team, write the name of a prior to a ministries fair to help youth
„ What are some of the gifts of gift, such as “smiles a lot” in the find ways to serve in the church. Be
middle of a large piece of con- sure youth will be welcome to join
those who have been called to struction paper. Ask each mem- groups they may choose. If some
serve God in the Church as bish- ber of the group to draw a line activities are not open to youth,
ops, priests and deacons? from the gift and tell how that gift consider asking the rector or others
„ How do those gifts compare with can be used to the glory of God. in authority if policies might be
the gifts of other people you Give them a time limit, and ask changed.
know? them to come up with as many
„ How can you use your gifts to different ways as possible. „ All diocese have a process that
praise God? leads to ordination. Usually it begins
with a period of discernment: the
Optional Activities Media person must not only be called by
Today's youth live in a media- God, but also by the community.
The following activities offer Sometimes we don't apply the same
groups a wide range of choices. rich culture that the Church cannot process to decisions in our lives.
Consider the interests and strengths ignore. However, congregational The next time you are faced with a
of youth and leaders and select norms about appropriate experi- decision about a new ministry or job,
those activity options that seem best ences vary and need to be re- let God and people who are close to
suited to local time and talents. spected. When choosing media you have some input. We don't have
Remember no one can do every- activities consider local sentiments to face anything alone.
thing! and prevailing laws covering public
performances of copyrighted mate- RESOURCE POSTER
Expressions rial.
„ Scripture moods: Provide the „ Video: Watch all or part of The „ Sacramental Symbols (No. 4)

youth with colored pens and Cutting Edge about call. Did „ The Rabbi's Gift, Panel 3, (No. 6)
paper. Read aloud Ephesians 4: Douglas know what his call
4-7; 11-12. Invite the group to ex- might be when he was playing
press in any way they wish—pic- hockey? Did that change after
tures, words, abstract forms— his accident? How did he feel
what they sense the apostle Paul when he told his brother about
is saying. his decision to try figure skat-
„ Collage: Using pictures, words, ing?
and phrases from magazines, cre- „ Print: Read The Rabbi's Gift by
ate a collage that represents all Fancis Dorff (from “New Catho-
the gifts of the members of the lic World” 222 [March-April
class. 1979]: 53.) Discuss the gift
given to the community. How
Games can our gifts make a difference
„ Gift giving: Using the gifts written in the lives of others?

on the strips of paper for the Music
Coming Together activity, ask the Music is important for today's
youth to read the gifts they chose youth and can be an integral
or were given. Have available part of youth experience in the
additional blank strips of paper. context of Bible and Church
Invite the youth to give a gift, ei- activities. The music sugges-
ther one they have or a new one tions offered here reflect a

Episcopal Curriculum for Youth—Sacraments of the Church: Session 9

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52

broad variety of possibilities from „ Personality Type: Explore Going Forth
simple listening to hearty music using some of the instruments
making. Seek out musicians within for determining personality Gather the group for a closing
youth, church, and community types, such as Meyers-Briggs or prayer and dismissal. Turn to page 256
groups to sing and play along. Kiersey-Bates. Be sure the of The Book of Common Prayer (Ses-
„ Read or sing together “'Tis the gift youth understand that these are sion Leaflet, p. 3) and read the prayer
not definitive and are not de- together.
to be simple” (The Hymnal 1982, signed to put people in boxes or
554). categories. They can, however, Leader: Let us pray.
„ Sing “Jacob's Ladder Sequel” in be useful in identifying individual Almighty and everlasting God, by
Listening Hearts Songbook, p. 3. gifts. whose Spirit the whole body of your
„ Sing “Kum by Ya” putting in the faithful people is governed and
gifts of the youth in the “Some- Voices sanctified: Receive our supplications
one's __________, Lord” verse. Read and discuss the following and prayers, which we offer before
you for all members of your holy
Service quotations (Session Leaflet, p. 2). Church, that in their vocation and
„ Serving all persons: The need ministry they may truly and devoutly
The things, good Lord, that we serve you; through our Lord and
for volunteers in communities is pray for, Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and
very great. Encourage youth to Give us grace to work for, reigns with you, in the unity of the
volunteer their time in a communi- through Jesus Christ our Lord. Holy Spirit, one God, now and for
ty project that would help others. ever. Amen.
They may be more comfortable Thomas More
doing so in groups rather than For all Christians in their vocation
alone. Holy Spirit
think through me The Book of Common Prayer, p. 256
Sharing till your ideas
„ Telling others: Invite the youth to are my ideas. Leader: Let us go forth into the
world, rejoicing in the power of the
share their collage of gifts with the Amy Carmichael Spirit.
parish. Or, have the youth write (Anglican missionary)
gifts on slips of paper and give People: Thanks be to God.
them to members of the parish God give me work
saying we appreciate your gift to Till my life shall end, Look For
God. And life
Till my work is done. Were the youth able to claim gifts for
Study themselves? Were they able to identify
„ Ordination: Invite the youth to Winifred Holtby gifts in others? Could they see how
their gifts might be used in service to
study the ordination services for God?
bishop, priest, and deacon. Com-
pare the three versions. Plan a
service for one of the three, what
would be meaningful for youth in
such a service?

Episcopal Curriculum for Youth—Sacraments of the Church: Session 9

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53