Need a fresh idea to honor moms at your church this Sunday?
Diana Davis“Mom & Me” video – Ask the youth group to prepare a two-minute video to honor mothers. How about a montage of testimony clips by children explaining “My mom’s the greatest because -“? Or gather photos of members with their mothers for a slide show set to music.
Preschool parade – Prepare signs for all preschoolers, i.e., “I thank God for my mom,” “Honor your mother and father.” While worshippers sing a song, the joyful Mother’s Day parade marches in.
Senior adult BYKTSS – Plan “Bring Your Kid to Sunday school” for senior adults. The oldest adult Bible class invites their adult offspring to join them for class, arriving early for snacks and studying God’s word together.
Children’s scripture shout – Choose an appropriate Scripture to teach elementary-age children. Kids march into worship during a congregational song, spread out around the worship center, then quote the scripture in unison.
Here’s your daisy – If your church presents gifts on Mother’s Day, it’s a good idea to give one to each woman present. (Many childless women have been like a mother to other children.) Each year’s gift can be unique and meaningful, such as: a single flower; book; CD; pin; pen; multi-ribbon bookmarks for her Bible; corsages made by children in your church; laminated copy of an original Mother’s Day poem; scripture bookmarks with original art by a church youth.
“Old women, please stand” – Not to be a fuddy-duddy, but pointing out the oldest, youngest and most prolific mothers is not always flattering. As an alternative, consider recognizing mothers with a new baby since last year, great-grandmothers, mothers of teenagers, or mothers of military. Then include all mothers in a thanksgiving prayer.
“I was born” – One pastor announced a special prayer time for mothers, asking everyone in the congregation who had been born to a mother to stand. That’s everyone!
Mom’s brunch – Youth pamper their moms by planning and serving brunch. Guys carry a towel draped across their arms and wear eyebrow-pencil-drawn curly mustaches. Plan a program of poetry readings, serenading and prayers.
No cooking – How about a catered picnic at a local park for a church-wide Mother’s Day lunch? The pastor of a Filipino church in New Jersey excitedly told us about their top-secret plan for Mother’s Day. The men of the church reserved an entire local restaurant for lunch. They’ll surprise their mothers and families with a special meal.
Worship Him, not her – Many unchurched family members will attend worship with their moms today. Tell them how Jesus can change their lives! It’s a great day for a baptism, baby dedication or children’s choir song. Joyfully honor mom on Mother’s Day, but focus on the only One worthy of worship – our God.