At-Home Family Worship for the Second Sunday of Easter

 
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Every other week we are offering a simple family service for children and families to follow together at home. We hope this can act as another spiritual formation resource for families during this time we cannot meet in-person for worship.

1. GATHER TOGETHER

Gather all of your household participants in one place. Find somewhere in your home that feels comfortable and inviting! You can sit in a circle, perhaps around the dinner table or in the living room. You could even get pillows and sit on the floor! Wherever you are, take a moment to pause and breathe together, maybe light a candle. Then, invite one person to lead the opening prayer.

2. OPENING PRAYER

Prayer leader: The Lord be with You
All: And also with you.
Prayer leader: Let us pray.

Through Jesus,
God’s love claimed victory over death,
and opened for us the gate of new life forever.
Lead us, risen Christ, into the mystery of Easter
and fill us with your Holy Spirit
so we can join you
in building your kingdom of justice and love. Amen.

From Common Prayer for Children and Families by Seamans & Gamber

3. READING

This week the reading forms part of the reflection. Follow along with Shannon in the video below.

4. REFLECTION

Watch this reflection on the story of Thomas from Godly Play teacher Shannon!

5. CLOSING PRAYER

Take a moment to pause. Invite a member of the household to be the prayer leader to lead these or similar prayers:

Prayer leader: Let’s pray together silently or out loud. First, let’s say thank you to God for the good things in our lives. Are there specific things you’d like to say thank you for? (Give time for others to share out loud or silently.) For all these things, let’s say together: Thank you so much, Lord!

All: Thank you so much, Lord!

Prayer leader: Now, let’s pray for the people or animals who are sick or need help. We also pray for the things that worry us. Are there specific people, animals, or worries you’d like to pray for? (Give time for others to share out loud or silently.) Let us say: Please God, help us!

All: Please God, help us!

Prayer leader: Repeat after me

All: Dear God,
Thank you for this time together
Stay with us
This week and always. 
Help us to be like Jesus. 
Amen.

These family services are inspired by and adapted from the Family Worship: Home Edition services at Trinity Wall Street in New York City.



 
Services, Family WorshipBrooke ParkerCathedral of Saint MarkFormation, Children's Formation, Easter