21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources for The Second Sunday of Easter, Year B

Gathering Meditation:
"Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common" (Acts 4:32, NRSV).

In a culture that prefers garnering to giving, it is difficult to imagine living such a radical form of discipleship. Teach us, O God, how to "wear this world loosely" so that we might care and share more with the human family.

Call to Worship for Youth, Young Adults, or the Young at Heart: "Testify"

Optional Call To Worship:
It's the Sunday after Easter; the lilies are gone.
And we are alone with our faith

Thomas said: "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe" (John 20:25b, NRSV).
Easter is past, and we are alone with our faith.

On this Sunday after Easter, help us grow into the faith that we confessed and celebrated last week. Reveal evidence of your resurrection for the days when we feel that we are alone with our faith.

Collect:
We know that we are often like doubting Thomas; but we too are able to experience peace. Just as Jesus was with Thomas, Jesus is with us. Amen!!
(Stephon Williams)

Offertory Prayer
There are so many reasons to thank God. We thank God for being patient and for loving us. We know that God also loves those who are having a tough time. God uses us to help them. Thank you this morning for remembering their needs in this offering. Amen!
(Stephon Williams)

About the Authors: Stephon Williams lives in Baltimore, Maryland, where he is currently a college student at The Community College of Baltimore County. He is a member of Christ United Methodist Church of the Deaf and is involved in the Deaf Sign Choir and the Deaf Youth Group.

Safiyah Fosua is a former staff member of Discipleship Ministries.