For Your Planning Team

In the Series

While the last series was a continuing celebration of the ministry of the Risen Jesus and in his name, this series, launching today, is intended to be more than celebration. It is also intended as challenge and support. It challenges us to let the Holy Spirit do the Spirit’s unique work in and through us. And it support us, primarily through formation groups that meet each week as convenient for members and leaders, in helping people discern their Spiritual gifts and callings for ministry in Christ’s name and the Spirit’s power. DIY Tools for Discernment of Spiritual Gifts and Ministry Deployment provides for 4 such sessions for small group work over the coming weeks. This series culminates on Pentecost in an act of commissioning of persons who have discerned their ministry into the ministries they have discerned, and a celebration of both the birthday of the whole church, and the 50th anniversary of the founding of The United Methodist Church.

The basic structure for the services in this series is not substantially changed from those of the previous series. The intent is to give a general cohesive feel to the whole of Easter Season, which is one season.

What does change is the base Eucharistic Prayer and the form of intercessions at the epiclesis we are using. The Great Thanksgiving for this series is focused a bit more on the work of the Holy Spirit, and characterized by more use of expansive language for God in recognition of the diversity of gifts of the Spirit and the diversity of peoples among whom the Spirit sends and empowers us to serve. Once again, it will be important for the pastor and deacon (or other intercessor in the absence of a deacon) to rehearse this prayer and set of intercessions together so they are ready to lead it confidently, smoothly, and powerfully from the very first time in today’s service.

As with all series openings, be sure to provide the series outline and call attention to where you’re going as part of what you do in today’s service, whether in the bulletin, in announcement loops on screens, or through social media.

Planning for This Service

Today’s service provides you a unique opportunity to invite persons with whom you are in ministry as a congregation, but who may not attend your congregation or any other congregation, to be recognized with those who connect with them through your church’s ministries, as part of the very opening of the service. This requires advance planning, careful attention to invitation, and even more careful attention to hospitality. Be ready for folks you may not see on Sunday morning to be with you today, expect them, welcome them, and make them feel at home, not on display.

The very best way to invite newcomers is for someone who already knows them to invite them. Work with your ministry and outreach leaders to identify who knows these persons best because of their work with them over time, and have these people issue a personal invitation to worship today, making it clear they’ll get a special welcome from the whole congregation.

Hospitality doesn’t end with the sending forth! Also make plans for a big reception or dinner after worship to continue to extend the welcome to your guests and their families.