Family Ministry Series
August 3 - 31, 2025
Overview
The Cross: Christ at the Center
The Line: God's Big Story
The Circle: Knowing God
The Smile: Embodying Joy
The Music Note: Singing the Faith
Family-Friendly Prayers of the People
Week 1 - August 3
The Cross: Christ at the Center
Birthday blessing, bread
Scripture Readings
Old Testament: Isaiah 53:1-6
Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him...
Gospel: Mark 8:31-35
And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again...
Hymns
- Processional: Lift High the Cross
- Before Gospel: Love So Great
- Before Communion: Jesus Paid It All
- During Communion: Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast
Collect
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Family Reflection
- Explore: What points you to Christ's cross today?
- Discover: Where is God calling you to follow Him?
- Pray: For courage to follow Jesus.
Week 2 - August 10
The Line: God's Big Story
Scripture Readings
Old Testament: Genesis 12:1-3
Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing..."
Gospel: Luke 24:25-27
And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"
Collect
Faithful God, who called Abram to journey by your word: Help us to trust your promises and to find our place in your great story of redemption; through Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of your covenant. Amen.
Family Reflection
- Explore: Where do you see God's faithfulness?
- Discover: How is your family part of His story?
- Pray: Thank Him for His covenant love.
Week 3 - August 17
The Circle: Knowing God
Scripture Readings
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might..."
Gospel: John 14:6-11
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me..."
Hymns
- Processional: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
- Before Gospel: Speak, O Lord
- Before Communion: Be Thou My Vision
- During Communion: Jesus, All for Jesus
- Additional: Lord I Need You, Goodness of God
Collect
Living God, who speaks and reveals yourself: Open the eyes of our hearts by your Spirit, that we may know you more fully, love you more deeply, and follow you more faithfully; through Jesus Christ your Son, who shows us the Father. Amen.
Family Reflection
- Explore: How is God revealing Himself?
- Discover: What does knowing Him look like?
- Pray: For deeper love and knowledge.
Week 4 - August 24
The Smile: Embodying Joy
Vestry announcement
Scripture Readings
Old Testament: Numbers 6:22-27
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you..."
Gospel: Mark 10:13-16
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God..."
Hymns
- Processional: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
- Before Gospel: Rejoice, the Lord Is King
- Before Communion: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
- During Communion: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
- Additional: House of the Lord, King of My Heart
Collect
God of joy, who makes all things new: Fill our hearts with the delight of your presence, that we may overflow with praise and hope in every circumstance; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.
Family Reflection
- Explore: What brings true joy?
- Discover: How can your family share it?
- Pray: For peace and gladness in your home.
Week 5 - August 31
The Music Note: Singing the Faith
Labor Day
Scripture Readings
Old Testament: Exodus 15:1-3, 11, 18
Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying, "I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea..."
Gospel: Matthew 21:15-16
But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant...
Hymns
- Processional: All Creatures of Our God and King
- Before Gospel: Sing to the King
- Before Communion: Holy, Holy, Holy
- During Communion: Doxology
- Additional: Come People of the Risen King, Living Hope
Family Reflection
- Explore: What songs express your gratitude?
- Discover: How can music shape your faith this week?
- Pray: Giving thanks for the gift of song.
Prayers of the People - Family-Friendly Form
Leader: Let us pray to our gracious God for the Church and the world. After each prayer, we respond, "Lord, hear our prayer."
For your Church around the world, that we may love and follow Jesus faithfully.
For our leaders in faith, that they may guide us with wisdom and gentleness.
For our neighbors and those who don't yet know you, that they may hear your good news.
For those who are sick, lonely, or in need, that your comfort and healing would meet them.
For those who have died in the faith, giving thanks for their lives and witness.
For our families, that our homes may be filled with prayer, kindness, and joy.
Week-Specific Petition: (See weekly themes above)
Celebrant: Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask, receive these prayers and fulfill them according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.