The African American Lectionary

Worship Resources

YOUTH DAY
(YOUTH AND CHARACTER)

MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Steven M. Allen, Guest Lectionary Liturgist
Composer and Musician

Worship Planning Notes

Youth Day should be an outgrowth of ongoing youth ministry and character development activities, and not simply a day of the year when we let the youth lead. Youth learn how to lead worship by worshipping – building a relationship with God – and esteeming his character above the images they see in our society. Worship must reveal the character of God, relate his work throughout our history and during the present moment, and reflect our relationship with God.

As you begin planning Youth Day with the youths, consider a simple exercise that will help them look at each element of the service in the context of how the “practice” can be applied in their daily lives. For example:

Invocation – Practice: inviting and acknowledging the presence of God.
Just as we begin service by inviting God’s presence, have the youths consider how they begin their day. When they wake up in the morning, do they talk to God to thank him and invite him to lead and guide them throughout their day? Do they read his Word? The practice of “invocation” reveals God as “ever present” and reinforces the need of starting every day by praising God, listening to his voice, and seeking to “go with God.” It strengthens their reliance on God.
Offering – Practice: acknowledging God as the giver of all things and returning to God what is already his.
In worship the “offering” is generally centered on monetary tithes and contributions. And, although we should teach youth to be monetary givers, there are other ways that we can teach youth to give back to God during their early years of life when their financial resources are small. In their day-to-day comings and goings, youth can offer their time, talents, and gifts to God; and they can offer their problems and their questions. This practice reveals God as “all sufficient” and able not only to sustain us, but makes clear that he is the “giver” of that which they have and that which they give. As they acknowledge God as the giver and sustainer, God is able to also then reveal divine will for them. This challenges youth to take on a deeper level of sacrifice and offer themselves fully to God.

Invitation – Practice: choosing God.
How can youth know when they are making good choices? How does society want them to choose? Is it in or out of harmony with God’s will? How can our youth remain open to hear God’s voice so that they can make the right decisions? In worship, we can teach youth that they have chosen God when they do the best thing, in the best way, at the best time, and for the best purpose.

Exploring worship in this context can help youth make a practical connection between these “practices” and the character of God and his intentions for them. It begins to connect the worship service to a lifestyle of worship.

1. Invocation or Litany

(a) Call to Worship – “God of All Ages.” By T. Arthur Daniel

One: O God of all ages and all generations, we come to worship you.

Many: Women, men, youth, and children bow before you, the only wise God.

One: Our fore parents led the way for spiritual awareness and growth.

Many: We try to follow in their footsteps recognizing you as God of all.

One: As we worship you, all your attributes of glory, mercy, and love show forth.

Many: We humble ourselves in your holy presence, because you are awesome.

ALL: Holy, holy, holy, holy is the name of the Lord.

(b) Choral Litany – “You Can Use Me – A Litany for Youth.” By Michelle Riley Jones
(Based on Jeremiah 1:4-10, 18-19 and the song “Use Me” by Dewit Jones and Kim Jones)

This litany requires two youth readers (male and female), selected additional youth readers, youth choir/youth praise team, and a Youth Pastor/Leader. The Youth Choir begins the service at the back of the church. The Youth Praise team is in front. Two youth readers (male and female) are on the floor in front of the Youth Praise Team facing the congregation. The Youth Pastor/Leader is positioned at the rostrum. The musicians begin to play “Use Me,” and the choir/praise team is directed to lead the congregation in singing. Musicians continue to play softly during the readings.

Youth Choir/Youth Praise Team and the Congregation sings:

If you can use anyone Lord, you can use me.
If you can use anyone Lord, you can use me.
Take my hands, Lord, and my feet;
touch my heart, Lord, and speak through me.
If you can use anyone Lord,
You can use me.

Youth Pastor/Leader: "Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations—that’s what I had in mind for you."

Youth Choir/Youth Praise Team and Congregation sings:

If you can use anyone Lord, you can use me.
If you can use anyone Lord, you can use me.
Take my hands, Lord, and my feet;
touch my heart, Lord, and speak through me.
If you can use anyone Lord,
You can use me.

Male/female look towards the Pastor/Leader and speak together
Youth 1 and 2:                         Hold it!
Youth 1 (male):                      Look at me.
Youth 2 (female):                    Yeah – look at me!
Youth 1 and 2 (together):        I don't know anyone. I'm only a boy/a girl!

Pastor/Leader: Do not say, ‘I’m only a boy. I am only a girl.’ I’ll tell you where to go. I’ll tell you what to say. Do not be afraid of a soul. I’ll be right there, looking after you.

Youth Choir/Youth Praise Team and Congregation sings:

If you can use anyone Lord, you can use me.
If you can use anyone Lord, you can use me.
Take my hands, Lord, and my feet;
touch my heart, Lord, and speak through me.
If you can use anyone Lord,
You can use me.

Pastor/Leader: (addressing the congregation) Let no one despise our youth.
(addressing the two youth readers) Come.

Two youth readers walk to podium and stand on either side of the Pastor/Leader facing the congregation.

The Pastor/Leader facing them, reaches out as if to touch their mouths but, without doing so, says:

Look! God will put his words in your mouth—hand-delivered!

Youth 1: (exuberantly) I can do ALL things through Christ!
Youth 2: (with confidence) No weapon formed against me shall prosper!

Several youth from the choir/praise team then speak with boldness.

Youth 3: Speak, Lord, for we hear You!
Youth 4: We will hide your Word in our hearts!
Youth 5: Where You lead, we will follow!
Youth 6: We will be steadfast and unmovable!

Youth Choir/Youth Praise Team and Congregation sings:

If you can use anyone Lord, you can use me.
If you can use anyone Lord, you can use me.
Take my hands, Lord, and my feet;
touch my heart, Lord, and speak through me.
If you can use anyone Lord,

You can use me.

Pastor/Leader: See what God has done. You have been given a job to do among nations and governments! Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant. Stand at attention while God prepares you for your work.

Youth 1 and 2: We will not be afraid because we are young. We will set an example in speech, in life, in faith, and in purity.

ALL YOUTH: We thank God. All power is given to us, in his name!

The choir begins to process to the choir loft.

Youth Choir/Youth Praise Team and Congregation sings:

If you can use anyone Lord, you can use me.
If you can use anyone Lord, you can use me.
Take my hands, Lord, and my feet;
touch my heart, Lord, and speak through me.
If you can use anyone Lord,
You can use me.

Invite congregation to stand as all continue singing.

If you can use anyone Lord, you can use me.
If you can use anyone Lord, you can use me.
Take my hands, Lord, and my feet;
touch my heart, Lord, and speak through me.

If you can use anyone Lord,
You can use me.

If you can use anyone Lord,
You can use me.

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) We’re Growing. By Evelyn Reynolds

(b) When He Cometh. By William Cushing. Tune by George F. Root

(c) From Age to Age They Gather. By Frederick L. Hosmer. Tune, (BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC), by William Steffe

(d) Children of the Heavenly Father. By Lina Sandell

(e) Dare to Be a Daniel. By Philip P. Blis

(f) Greater Is He That Is in Me. By Lanny Wolfe

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Shut ‘De Do. By Randy Stonehill. Arr. by Mark Hayes. This spirited arrangement incorporates percussion and Conga drums.

Shut ‘de do, keep out de devil
Shut ‘de do, keep de devil in de night
Shut ‘de do, keep out de devil
Light the candle, every ting is alright
Light the candle, every ting is alright

(b) I Know the Lord’s Laid His Hands on Me.

(c) Hush, Hush, Somebody’s Callin’ Mah Name. Tune, (SOMEBODY’S CALLIN’).

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) God Gave Me a Song. By Edwin Hawkins

(b) Can’t Nobody. By Niyoki and Floyd Thomas

(d) I’m Walking (in Authority). By Donnie McClurkin

(e) Appointed Time. By Michael A. Brooks

5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Identity. By Neville Diedericks and Israel Houghton

(b) Stand Out. By George McCurdy III and Tye Tribbett

(d) I Like Me. By Kirk Franklin and Emmanuel Lambert

6. Anthems
(a) I Am a Promise. By Gloria and William Gaither. Tune by William Gaither

(b) I Opened My Mouth to the Lord. Arr. by Raymond Wise

7. Modern Songs
(a) In Your Favor. By J. J. Hairston

(b) Anyone Is Possible. By Keith Crouch, Sherree Ford-Payne, and John H. Smith

8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Watch Me Praise Him. By Damita Haddon, Deitrick Haddon, and Marcus Hodge

(b) So Many Things to Be Thankful For. By Daryl Otis Smith

(d) We’ve Got a Great Big Wonderful God. By Tim Spencer

9. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
Prayer music
(a) Holy Father, Send Thy Blessing. Author unknown. Tune, (AUSTRIAN HYMN), by Francis J. Haydn

(b) Nearer My God to Thee. By Sarah F. Adams

(c) Pray. By Mary Alessi

Prayer activity
(d) Have the youths come forward for prayer and consecration. Connect the prayer with the lection Scripture and Black history.

10. Sermonic Selection
(a) I Will Sing Hallelujah. By Donnie Harper
This song can also be performed as a solo.

(b) Imagine Me. By Kirk Franklin

11. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Footprints of Jesus. By Lucie E. Campbell

(b) I Love the Lord. By Richard Smallwood

12. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) Let the Words of My Mouth. Based on Psalm 19:14 and The Lord’s Prayer. Tune by C. E. Leslie. Adapt. By Nolan Williams, Jr.

(b) Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us. By Dorothy A. Throp. Tune by William B. Bradbury

13. Audio Visual Suggestions
(a) Find pictures of your congregation’s youth (youth choir, youth Sunday school, praise team, drama ministry, ushers, deacons, children’s church, etc.). Enlarge them and post them around the sanctuary and foyer as a way of celebrating and affirming youth involvement in ministry.

(b) Project on screens photos of youth engaged in various civil rights activities as a way of connecting our history with the key lection Scripture. Some examples:

PICTURE: Youth in School
TITLE: God gives youth PURPOSE
SUB-CAPTION: “Before you were formed I knew you…before you were born I consecrated you.” Jeremiah 1:5

PICTURE: Boy in Selma march
TITLE: God gives youth BOLDNESS
SUB-CAPTION: “Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you.” Jeremiah 1:7

PICTURE: Youth at Lunch Counters during civil rights sit-ins
TITLE: God gives youth COURAGE
SUB-CAPTION: “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.” Jeremiah 1:8

PICTURE: Jackson, MS Youth Meeting 1963
TITLE: God gives youth A MESSAGE
SUB-CAPTION: “Now I have put my words in your mouth.” Jeremiah 1:9

PICTURE: Little Rock Nine
TITLE: God gives youth AUTHORITY
SUB-CAPTION: “See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms.” Jeremiah 1:10

“Spirited worship flows from the heart of a people that know they are loved by God and freed by God’s grace. Unfortunately many African American young people are cut off from their historical roots. Appropriate liturgical worship guides them to appreciate and embrace the richness and wonder of their Black identity, reinforcing the knowledge of who they are: ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people’ (1 Pet. 2:9). This is an important goal to keep in mind when planning liturgies in which African American youth are present.” —Valerie Shields

14. Other Recommendations
Suggested resources:

Calderone-Stewart, Lisa-Marie. Vibrant Worship with Youth: Keys for Implementing from Age to Age : the Challenge of Worship with Adolescents.

Bass, Dorothy C., and Don C. Richter. Way to Live: Christian Practices for Teens.
Kimball, Dan. The Emerging Church: Vintage Christianity for New Generations.
White, Daniel S. Worship Feast: 50 Complete Multisensory Services for Youth.

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed

1. Invocation or Litany
(a) Call to Worship – “God of All Ages.” By T. Arthur Daniel
Location:

Davis, Valerie Bridgeman, and Abena Safiyah Fosua. The Africana Worship Book. Nashville, TN: Discipleship Resources, 2006. Used with permission.

(b) Choral Litany – “You Can Use Me – A Litany for Youth.” By Michelle Riley Jones. Based on Jeremiah 1:4-10, 18-19 and the song “Use Me” by Dewit Jones and Kim Jones
Location:

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Favorite Song of All. New York, NY: Warner, 1996.

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) We’re Growing. By Evelyn Reynolds
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #618

(b) When He Cometh. By William Cushing. Tune by George F. Root
Location:

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The A.M.E. Zion Hymnal Official Hymnal of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Charlotte, NC: A.M.E. Zion Pub. House, 1996. #535

(c) From Age to Age They Gather. By Frederick L. Hosmer. Tune, (BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC), by William Steffe
Location:

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #537

(d) Children of the Heavenly Father. By Lina Sandell
Location:

Church of God in Christ. Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. Memphis, TN: Church of God in Christ Pub. Board in association with the Benson Co., 1982. #141

(e) Dare to Be a Daniel. By Philip P. Bliss
Location:

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #392

(f) Greater Is He That Is in Me. By Lanny Wolfe
Location:

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. Nashville, TN: Triad Publications, 2005. #311

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #196

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Shut ‘De Do. By Randy Stonehill. Arr. By Mark Hayes
Location:

Published by Chancel Music/Word Entertainment
Available from J. W. Pepper & Sons, Inc.
2480 Industrial Boulevard
Paoli, PA 19301
Phone: 1-800-345-6296

Online location: www.jwpepper.com

(b) I Know the Lord’s Laid His Hands on Me.
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #360

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #243

African American Heritage Hymnal. #556

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #262

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) God Gave Me a Song. By Edwin Hawkins
Location:

Interdenominational Youth Choir of Washington DC & Maryland, and Various artists. Soul & Inspiration. New York, NY: Rhino Handmade, 2007.

Summers, Myrna and the Reid Temple Mass Choir. Mountain, Get Out of My Way. Glenn Dale, MD: Reid Temple AME Church, 2007.

CD available
Reid Temple AME Church
11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard
Glenn Dale, MD 20769
Phone: 301-352-1773

Online location: bookstore@reidtemple.org

(b) Can’t Nobody. By Niyoki and Floyd Thomas
Location:

Niyoki. My Everything. Nashville, TN: D2G Records, 2006.

Boys & Girls Choir of Harlem. God’s by Design. New York, NY: Comin Atcha Dist GRP, 2005.

(d) I’m Walking (in Authority). By Donnie McClurkin
Location:

Donnie McClurkin Again. New York, NY: Verity, 2003.

(e) Appointed Time. By Michael A. Brooks
Location:

Witness. An Appointed Time. Boston, MA: PGE/Axiom Records, 2003.

5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Identity. By Neville Diedericks and Israel Houghton
Location:

Israel & New Breed. A Deeper Level (Live). Mobile, AL: Integrity Media, Inc. 2007.

(b) Stand Out. By George McCurdy III and Tye Tribbett
Location:

Tribbett, Tye & G.A. Stand Out. New York, NY: Sony BMG Music Entertainment, 2008.

Voices of Unity and Deitrick Haddon. SuperNatural. Indianapolis, IN: Tyscot, 2001.

(d) I Like Me. By Kirk Franklin and Emmanuel Lambert
Location:

Franklin, Kirk and Da T.R.U.T.H. The Fight of My Life. New York, NY: Zomba Gospel, 2007.

6. Anthems
(a) I Am a Promise. By Gloria and William Gaither. Tune by William Gaither
Location:

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #358

(b) I Opened My Mouth to the Lord. Arr. By Raymond Wise
Location:

Wise, Raymond and the Raise Chorale. 21 Spirituals for the 21st Century. Columbus,
OH: Raise Records, 2005.

CD, Songbook and Octavo scores available at:
Raise Productions
890 Oakland Park Avenue
Columbus, OH 43224
Phone: 614-268-5056

Online location: www.raiseonline.com

7. Modern Songs
(a) In Your Favor. By J. J. Hairston
Location:

Youthful Praise and James Hairston. Best of Youthful Praise. Nashville, TN. Light Records, 2008.

(b) Anyone Is Possible. By Keith Crouch, Sherree Ford-Payne, and John H. Smith
Location:

Anointed. New York, NY: Word Entertainment, 1999.

8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Watch Me Praise Him. By Damita Haddon, Deitrick Haddon, and Marcus Hodge
Location:

Voices of Unity and Deitrick Haddon. Together in Worship. Indianapolis, IN: Tyscot, 2007.

(b) So Many Things to Be Thankful For. By Daryl Otis Smith
Location:

Boys & Girls Choir of Harlem. God’s By Design. New York, NY: Comin Atcha Dist GRP, 2005.

Niyoki. My Everything. Nashville, TN: D2G Records, 2006.

(d) We’ve Got a Great Big Wonderful God. By Tim Spencer
Location:

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #513

9. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
Prayer music
(a) Holy Father, Send Thy Blessing. Author unknown. Tune, (AUSTRIAN HYMN), by Francis J. Haydn
Location:

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #536

(b) Nearer My God to Thee. By Sarah F. Adams
Location:

Sheard, Kierra and various artists. Amazing Grace Music Inspired by the Motion Picture. Brentwood, TN: Sparrow Records, 2007.

More. Miami, FL: Miami Life Sounds, 2005.

Prayer activity
(d) Have youth come forward for prayer and consecration. Connect the prayer with the lection Scripture and Black history.

10. Sermonic Selection
(a) I Will Sing Hallelujah. By Donnie Harper
Location:

Various/New Jersey Mass Choir of the GMWA. Greatest Gospel Choirs. Orlando, FL: Universal Special Projects, 1996.

(b) Imagine Me. By Kirk Franklin
Location:

Hero. New York, NY: Zomba Gospel, 2005.

11. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Footprints of Jesus. By Lucie E. Campbell
Location:

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #230

(b) I Love the Lord. By Richard Smallwood
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #395

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #238

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #53

12. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) Let the Words of My Mouth. Based on Psalm 19:14 and The Lord’s Prayer. Tune by C. E. Leslie. Adapt. By Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #665

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #347

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #306

(b) Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us. By Dorothy A. Throp. Tune by William B. Bradbury
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #424

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #278

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #47

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #54

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #385

13. Audio Visual Suggestions
(b) A great source for photos of youth involved in civil rights activities is www.takestockphotos.com.

Quotation from Valerie Shields, “Youth and Liturgy: An African American Perspective.” Excerpted from Calderone-Stewart, Lisa-Marie. Vibrant Worship with Youth: Keys for Implementing from Age to Age: The Challenge of Worship with Adolescents. Winona, MN: Saint Mary's Press, 2000.

14. Other Recommendations
Suggested resources:
(a) Calderone-Stewart, Lisa-Marie. Vibrant Worship with Youth: Keys for Implementing from Age to Age: The Challenge of Worship with Adolescents. Winona, MN: Saint Mary's Press, 2000.
Online location: www.smp.org

(b) Bass, Dorothy C., and Don C. Richter. Way to Live: Christian Practices for Teens. Nashville, TN: Upper Room Books, 2002.

(c) Kimball, Dan. The Emerging Church: Vintage Christianity for New Generations. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003.

(d) White, Daniel S. Worship Feast: 50 Complete Multisensory Services for Youth. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2003.