Bringing children and youth to the heart of worship.
Call & Response for Young People, a companion to Call & Response, is designed to nurture vibrant worship experiences that resonate with all ages, with a special emphasis on involving children and youth. Drawing from the lectionary-based sermon and worship plans for Year B, this resource provides creative, practical ideas for integrating young voices, energy, and perspectives into every part of the service.
Throughout the year, this guidebook offers specific suggestions on how to:
- Incorporate Children and Youth in Readings and Prayers: From age-appropriate scripture readings to interactive prayers, young participants are given a meaningful role in sharing the word and offering prayers for the community.
- Create Interactive Sermon Moments: Engage children and youth through sermon reflections, hands-on activities, and discussion prompts that connect the lectionary readings to their everyday lives. Ideas for group participation, visual storytelling, and multimedia presentations keep young worshippers attentive and involved.
- Active Worship Participation: The resource provides tips for involving children and youth in liturgical roles like leading songs, assisting with communion, or even helping to guide the congregation in responsive readings. These roles promote a sense of ownership and belonging within the worship service.
- Inspires Creativity and Movement: Through dramatizations, music, and movement, children and youth are encouraged to express their faith in creative ways. Special attention is given to including children in the worship experience through activities like processions, handbell choirs, or group art projects that reflect the themes of the lectionary texts.
- Family-Focused Worship: Emphasizes worship as a communal experience that includes children, youth, and adults. Ideas for multi-generational participation foster a sense of connection between all members of the congregation, helping to bridge the generational gap and strengthen the worshipping community.
By weaving children and youth into the fabric of worship, Call & Response for Young People invites the next generation to participate in the life of the church actively, ensuring that they not only hear the message but live it out alongside the congregation.
