FATHER’S DAY

MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Michelle Riley Jones, Lectionary Team Liturgist

“..on this Father’s Day, I think back to the day I drove Michelle and a newborn Malia home from the hospital nearly 11 years ago—crawling along, miles under the speed limit, feeling the weight of my daughter’s future resting in my hands. I think about the pledge I made to her that day… I would be a good father… On this Father’s Day, I am recommitting myself to that work, to those duties that all parents share: to build a foundation for our children’s dreams, to give them the love and support they need to fulfill them, and to stick with them the whole way through, no matter what doubts we may feel or difficulties we may face. That is my prayer for all of us on this Father’s Day…”

“A faithful father prioritizes his physical presence, is engaged emotionally and leads spiritually by example. Being a faithful father is a journey that begins wherever you are, and continues with a commitment to grow in your role as a man, husband and father, to be better tomorrow than today.”

Worship Planning Notes

This year, we honor our fathers for their faithfulness—men willing to be faithful to their divine calling as fathers, to rear healthy, happy children who will be equipped to make positive contributions to society. Abraham is called the Father of the Faithful. The story in our Lection Scripture, Genesis 22:1-19, describes his willingness to do all that he could to be faithful to what he was told by God to do, even willing to sacrifice his son. Abraham knew that fathers who are faithful to God will be faithful to their children; it is not an either or proposition but a both and proposition.

Carey Casey, the CEO of National Center for Fathering, and an African American, leads a national movement, Championship Fathering. (See (h) below and #16.) This movement is characterized by men who will fulfill their commitment to Love their children, Coach their children, Model for their children, Encourage other children, and Enlist other dads to join the team. No matter what the father role, all fathers who are faithful to God’s call on their lives can be equipped, by God’s grace, to be the involved fathers, grandfathers, and father-figures their children need.

However, the church must recognize that not all fathers and father-figures are the same (just as all women who are mothers are not all the same). Fathers live out many different life situations that call for special approaches to fathering, including being adoptive dads, at-home dads, divorced dads, non-custodial dads, foster dads, single dads, step-dads, military dads, and widowed dads.

Every church congregation is full of men in these various life/fathering situations. Worship leaders and church leadership who want to appeal to all fathers must provide resources that appeal and minister to the diverse spectrum of fathering circumstances.

Ideas for your Father’s Day Service:

1. Have a musician or director compose a song especially for fathers for the church choir or congregation to sing.
   
   
2. Specify a group “accessory” for all fathers for this day. Some options might include bowties, neck sashes in African fabrics, a special pin, armband, etc.
   
   
3. Select colors for Father’s Day that reflect the robustness, royalty, and strength of fatherhood. See The African American Lectionary Liturgical Colors Calendar for recommendations.
   
   
4. Rather than focusing only on the usual categories for honoring fathers (i.e., newest father, oldest father, fathers who have the most children, etc.), come up with some other creative categories to honor Fathers. Some suggestions include:
• Honor any 3rd- or 4th-generation father groups—grandfather/father/grandson/great-grandson—in your congregation
• Give special recognition to adoptive and foster dads
• Honor the fathers who travelled the farthest to visit their own father since last Father’s Day
• Honor fathers who took their children on a non-church organized community service activity
• Honor fathers who are participating in formal mentoring programs


5. Discover stories about the fathers in your congregation who have contributed greatly to ministry in your community but who have done so with little fanfare or recognition. Document their lives. This makes a great oral history project. Consider sharing these stories in a written and video format. Allow young boys to participate in this project. This would be a real gift to your congregation.
   
   
6. Ask a few fathers if they’d be willing to speak about what it is that they enjoy about fatherhood. Leave it open for a few men of various ages to come up during the service and speak.
   
   
7. Have Guess Who? Moments in the service. Have several children of the men write on an index card something that describes their father. Read several aloud at various points in the service and let that father “Guess Who?” by standing up or stepping out, then have his child present him with a gift. You’ll have to do preparatory to make this one work.
   
   
8. Have a prayer and anointing service for all fathers following the sermon (see #13(g) below). Engage the fathers in your congregation to be a part of the national movement of the Center for Fathering to make the Championship Fathering Commitment (see #10(d) below) by calling fathers and father-figures to be the engaged and involved fathers their children need. Download the commitment card and wristbands. Conclude with a charge to the fathers (see #13(h) below) for faithfulness in their roles as fathers and father-figures.
   
   
9. For 30 days leading up to Father’s Day, or using Father’s Day as a kickoff for the succeeding 30 days, have all of the fathers participate in a church-wide Thirty Days of Praying the Names and Attributes of God. One resource can be found at: http://pastoralcareinc.com/Articles/30nameatt.php. Your church may also purchase the book Praying the Attributes of God: A Guide to Personal Worship through Prayer by Rosemary Jensen for all of your fathers. Read the daily description about God and the accompanying passage. Worship God, focusing on the qualities of God that men should emulate.

See #16 Other Recommendations for suggestions on community outreach activities.

1. Call to Worship, Litany
Sung Call to Worship
(a) We Welcome You (Holy Father). By Tommy Simms

Spoken Call to Worship
We Welcome You (Holy Father). By Tommy Simms

Holy Father God
We welcome You within this place
We come to worship You
With all our might
We exalt thee Oh God
The Lord Most High
And we magnify You
In the earth forever
O Lord You are our God.
Amen.

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) Faith of Our Fathers. By Frederick William Faber. Tune, (ST. CATHERINE), by Henri Frederick Henry

(b) Come and Go with Me (to My Father’s House). Congregational Praise song. Tune, (COME AND GO WITH ME).

(c) My Faith Looks Up to Thee. By Ray Palmer. Tune, (OLIVET), by Lowell Mason

(d) God of Our Fathers. By Daniel C. Roberts. Tune, (NATIONAL ANTHEM), by George W. Warren

(e) Lord, Bless Our Homes. By Frank von Christierson. Tune, (CHARTERHOUSE), by David Evans

(f) Children of the Heavenly Father. By Carolina Sandell Berg. Tune, (TRYGGARE KAN INGEN VARA), Swedish Folk Medley

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Father I Stretch My Hand to Thee/Amazing Grace. Traditional/By John Newton

(b) I Know the Lord’s Laid His Hand on Me. Spiritual. Arr. by Moses Hogan. SATB, a capella

(c) Here’s One. Spiritual

(d) My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord. Spiritual. Arr. by Moses Hogan

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) Faithful Is Our God. By Brandon Camphor

(b) You Are. By Terrell Hunt

(c) Blessings. By John P. Kee

(d) Worship Medley (Joy of the Lord/Oh the Glory). By Deitrick Haddon

(e) I Love to Praise His Name. Traditional

5. Liturgical Dance or Mime Ministry Music
(a) My Father Was/Is. By Noel Hall and Fred Hammond

(b) Father You. By Jayshawn Champion

(c) Ever-Loving Father. By Walter Hawkins

6. Anthems
(a) Who Shall Separate Us from the Love of Christ? By Gilbert Martin, for SATB choir

(b) My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord. Spiritual. Arr. by Glenn L. Jones

(c) I Must Tell Jesus. By Elisha A. Hoffman. Arr. by Mattie L. Robertson

7. Modern Songs
(a) In Christ Alone (Medley). By Shawn Craig, Keith Getty, Don Koch, and Stuart Townsend

(b) Faithfully. By Walter Hawkins

(c) Faithful. By David Holmes and Darlene Zschech

(d) He’s Been Faithful. By Carol Cymbala

8. Songs for Youth
(a) My Father’s House. By Deitrick Haddon

(b) Faithful. By Lee Jerkins and Stacey Swann

(c) Father’s Love. By Arthur Strong, Israel Houghton, and Daniel Johnson

9. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) For Who You Are. By Beverly Crawford

(b) Father. By Paul D. Allen

10. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
Music
(a) God Specializes. By Gloria Griffin

(b) We Worship You Today. By Rose Harper

Prayer
(c) Pastoral Prayer for Fathers. Author unknown

Pastoral Prayer for Fathers

Commitment

(d) Championship Fathering Commitment. This commitment pledge from this national program of the National Center for Fathering (www.fathers.com) can be included in the prayer moment.

Yes, I commit myself to become a
Championship Father for my children!
I will love my children.
I will coach my children.
I will model for my children.
I will encourage other children.
I will enlist other dads as Championship Fathers.

11. Sermonic Selection
(a) My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me. By W. C. Martin. Tune, (WATCHES OVER ME), by Charles H. Gabriel

(b) Dear God. By Smokie Norful

(c) Faithful. By Craig Aiven

(d) My Father Was/Is. By Noel Hall and Fred Hammond

(e) Father I Worship You. By Charles Williams

(f) Lord You Are My Everything. By Marvin L. Winans, Jr.

12. Instrumental or Song for Invitation
(a) Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Instrumental for piano

(b) It’s Not in Vain. By John Stoddart

13. Anointing Service for Fathers
Music
(a) Spirit of the Living God. Text and Tune, (LIVING GOD), by Daniel Iverson

(b) Daily I Shall Worship Thee. By Curtiss Glenn. This selection is a prayer in song.

(c) We Fall Down. By Kyle Matthews

(d) Love. By John Stoddart. Instrumental for piano

(e) Trust Me. By Richard Smallwood

(f) God Specializes. Traditional

Anointing Service
(g) The Pastor may choose to append a Prayer and Anointing service for fathers to the end of the Worship Service. It is noteworthy that anointing in Scripture is performed when someone is set apart for special service (also for healing, for the dying, etc.). Regarding the use of oil, one should understand that the oil is not sacramental or the “vehicle of divine power.” In this case the oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Therefore the application of oil to fathers is a symbolic act whereby fathers can be set apart to be ministered to by the Holy Spirit, and for reconsecration for the role of fatherhood. While fathers ought not to hesitate to have the elders to intercede for them, the desire to be anointed should be motivated by the Holy Spirit. Such an experience touches on the most intimate relationship of an individual with God. Here is a basic outline:

Anointing Service for Fathers
Introduction of the Anointing Service to the Congregation
Calling Fathers forward
Charge to Fathers
Anointing, Laying on of Hands and Prayer for each Father
Congregational Song
Prayer

• Introduction of the Anointing Service to the Congregation
  Following the sermon, have the musicians play meditative music. Have Elders line up across the front of the church. Deaconesses or other designees may line up behind each Elder with small bowl or vial of oil. The Pastor can introduce the anointing service, as follows:

• Calling Fathers forward
  Pastor should invite all fathers who wish to be anointed to come forward, directing them to line up in the center aisle (or multiple aisles depending on the size of your church) facing the front.

• Charge to Fathers
  As the fathers are coming forward, the Pastor can proceed:

• Laying on of Hands and Prayer
  As the Pastor completes the charge to fathers, each Elder should invite a father forward. The Elder should ask the father if he has a special prayer request, and then the Elder should proceed with anointing, laying on of hands, and prayer. This cycle of invitation should continue until each father who has come forward is served.
  
  During this period, the musicians should be playing meditative music. Your choir and/or praise team may also softly lead the congregation in meditative song (see 13 (a–f)).

• Congregational Song
  Following the anointing, the congregation may sing a song (see 14 (b–d)).
  

• Prayer
  Following the song, the Pastor can offer a general prayer or benediction (see 14 (a)).

(h) The Anointing of Fathers – A Charge. By Michelle Riley Jones

The Anointing of Fathers – A Charge

Fathers,
as God has been faithful to you thus far,
He will not withhold from you His desires.
You are the emissary of God’s truth and love for your children and family.
You are commanded to bring your children up in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord.
As you are faithful, He will bless you;
your family will be blessed through you;
and they will be a blessing to others.
As your head was anointed with oil today, so will your cup will run over
with His goodness, His providence, and His mercy.

He has given you everything you need as fathers.
In His strength, you can be strong.
He’s got a fail-proof plan and support for you,
no matter your father-role, or any obstacles to fathering that you may be up against.

I charge you to gird yourself therefore:
with Truth—
let your life be a living testament of the Gospel to your children;
with Righteousness—
live so that your life example will lead your children to seek after God;
with Peace—
rest and abide in the knowledge that, no matter what the circumstances,
He knows all and is with you and your children;
with Faith—
trust and believe in God; as His word is true, so His promises are sure;
and with Salvation—
for there is only one way for fathers and their family—to be found in Christ Jesus.

Fathers, there is no substitute for the Word of God.
Study it faithfully and let it be your guide.
And let a lifestyle of fervent prayer and Godly love
bind you and your family together.
God has chosen you, so that you will direct your children
and your household after you to keep the way of the Lord.
Lead them as God leads you.
God will bring about for you what He has promised you.

14. Benediction Song or Instrumental
Prayer
(a) A Prayer of Benediction for Fathers. Taken from John 17:4, 9-10a, 26. By Michelle Riley Jones

A Prayer of Benediction for Fathers

Heavenly Father,
We have glorified thee on the earth:
and are wholly committed to that
which thou hast given us to do—the role of fatherhood.
We pray, not for the world, but for the family, the children,
which thou hast given us; for they are thine. And all ours are thine, and thine are ours.
And we have declared thy name unto our family and our children,
and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved us
we show through our expressions of love to them.
Father we stretch our hand to thee, for we know of no other help.
We go forth, humbled by your presence,
yet empowered by Your Spirit to father our children
as you so lovingly and faithfully father us.
Amen.

Music
(b) Falling in Love with Jesus. By Jonathan Butler

(c) Gospel Medley: I’ve Got a Feeling/Power Lord/Glory Glory/Up above My Head

(d) Go Ye Now in Peace. By Joyce Eller

15. Audio Visual Suggestions
A few weeks before Father’s Day, have your church photographer take photos of the fathers. Use them in slide presentation that can be shown throughout the service. Use images of fathers from all age ranges. Suggestions for videos and background music include:

(a) My Father Was/Is. By Noel Hall and Fred Hammond

(b) That’s Just the Way the Father Is. By Kurt Carr

16. Other Recommendations
Consider these ideas for community outreach for Father’s Day:

1. Have the fathers host a Car Show. This can be held in connection with a church parking lot party or picnic at an offsite park location. It can even be part of a fundraiser. Have the children make key chains for all of the fathers as a memento. As a main attraction, invite members of your local antique car clubs to participate in the show. If part of a fundraiser, the proceeds from the fees can be donated to a community group that provides services to fathers in your local area.
   
   
2. Have a “Father’s Day Family Breakfast” prior to the beginning of the worship service or in between services. Invite families or individuals in your congregation to host a “breakfast table” and invite another family (unchurched) in an effort to help your church evangelize by hosting another invited family at their table. Be sure to serve ONLY healthy, low-fat food.
   
   
3. Have fathers host a luncheon for the homeless.
   
   
4. Contact a local prison to hold a worship service for incarcerated fathers and their families at the prison. Refer to the Lectionary Commentary, Worship, and Cultural Resources for 2008 and 2010 for preaching and worship service ideas for ministering to those who are incarcerated.
   
   
5. The evening before Father’s Day, host a Movie Night in your church fellowship hall, or rent a facility. Invite the community. To invite the men/families in your church community, design and print “movie tickets,” and purchase pounds of shelled peanuts and put them in small brown paper bags. Organize men and children in teams to deliver the bag of peanuts and enough “movie tickets” per household. You can also include invitations to member friends and neighbors who don’t go to church. Rent two movies for the night.
   
   Resources for Programming Ideas
   
   
6. National Center for Fathering/Championship Fathering. This national organization provides practical, research-based training and resources that equip men in virtually every fathering situation to be the involved fathers their children need. www.fathers.com
   
   
7. Men’s Ministry Remodeled™. Developed by National Fatherhood Initiative, this one-year ministry plan provides a model that churches and ministries can use to establish a sustainable men’s ministry that prioritizes fathers. This program provides the tools needed to create an intentional men’s ministry where fathers feel welcomed and encouraged. www.fatherhood.org

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed

• 2008: http://www.theafricanamericanlectionary.org/calender2008.asp
• 2010: http://www.theafricanamericanlectionary.org/calender2010.asp