Overview

The theme of the lesson on the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, centered around 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, is "Gathering for Worship." The icebreaker involves a "Conversation Starters Jar," where students discuss questions related to worship and faith. This is designed to foster engagement and reflection. During the discussion, students explore David's emotional worship experience and discuss the significance of communal worship and routines in worship services. The activity prompts students to design their ideal worship space in small groups, encouraging them to consider elements such as accessibility, seating arrangements, and ambiance to enhance inclusivity and worship engagement.

Icebreaker: Conversation Starters Jar

Before the session, prepare slips of paper with unique and thought-provoking questions related to worship and faith (e.g., "What does worship mean to you?" "Describe a time when you felt God's presence during worship." "How can we make worship more inclusive?"). Place the slips of paper in a jar. During the icebreaker, pass the jar around and have each student draw a slip and answer the question. After answering, they choose another student to share their thoughts on the same question.

Read: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19.

Discuss:

What were the emotions David displayed as the Ark of the Covenant entered the City of David?
How does the passage illustrate the significance of gathering for worship?
How can the way David worshiped inspire us to approach our own worship services?
When was the last time you were in a worship service? What do you remember about it?
Think about the importance of routines in worship. How can they be both beneficial and potentially limiting?
What are some ways you can help make newcomers feel more welcomed and included in our worship gatherings?

Activity:

Begin by discussing the importance of the physical worship space and how it can make people feel welcomed and ready to worship. Talk about accessibility, signs, volunteers, and the overall ambiance of the worship space.

Divide the students into small groups. Each group will design an ideal worship space using the provided materials. They should consider elements such as:

Entry ways and accessibility
Seating arrangements that encourage interaction
Decorations, colors, and art that inspire worship
Areas for music, prayer, and fellowship

After they have had time to finish, invite each group to present its design to the class, explaining the choices students made and how those choices contribute to a welcoming worship environment. Remember, this activity is about the elements that contribute to creating a sacred space, making opportunities for meaningful worship easier to access and experience…not planning a worship service. Encourage youth to use their meeting space – or perhaps the sanctuary-- as a template. If creative freedom is your norm, consider using outside or public spaces as well.

After the presentations, facilitate a discussion on what they learned about creating worship spaces and how these ideas can be applied to their own church or worship experiences.

Close in a manner appropriate to your group.