January 18, 2026
Youth Sunday
Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday
ORDER OF SERVICE
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Welcome
Ringing of the Bell
Gathering Music – “I Have a Dream,” West Los Angeles Children’s Choir
Centering Music “Sanctuary”
Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true; with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for You.
Moment of Silence
*Call to Worship
One: Please stand as you are able and join us for the call to worship.
One: We come here to worship God,
All: who creates us and loves us;
One: who gives us Jesus to show us how to live;
All: who inspires all of us,
One: to look for justice and share power,
All: and live together in love and equality.
*Opening Hymn #472 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” vs. 1 & 3
*Opening Prayer (Unison)
One: Please join us for the opening prayer.
All: Holy God, may we hear your voice in the stillness of nighttime and in the noise of daytime. You call us and we answer, “Here I am.” May we follow you and may we love as you love. Amen.
Invitation to Give and Share
One: God of abundance, you provide all we need each day to live our lives for you. Make us good stewards of your gifts, that with humble hearts we might continue to offer them, as we do today, for your work of justice in the world. Amen.
Gathering of Gifts – “What the World Needs Now,” Karen Chapin
*Song of Praise “We Give You but Your Own” #785
We give you but your own, what e’er the gift may be; all that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully.
Litany of Commitment (unison)
One: Please join us for the Litany of Commitment.
One: May we dream of a world made new,
All: where together we shout for justice.
One: May we dream of a world made new,
All: where together we fight against oppression.
Children’s Time – Edda Williams
Sunday School Song – “Sing About Martin,” Webster Youth, accompanied by Karen Chapin and Emily Ball
One: People of God, what is your prayer for our youth?
All: Our prayer is that they grow up to be like Jesus – strong and brave, full of grace and truth! And, we pray that we will help them. Amen.
Shared Prayer – (unison) Prayer of Jesus (sins)
One: Please join me in the Prayer of Jesus
This Little Light of Mine
Silent Prayer of Confession
Words of Encouragement
One: Your God hears and answers, beloved children, and with love and tenderness washes away all your sins. Know that you are always whole, always loved, and always held, even in your doubts and failings. Go forth with joy in this knowledge.
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
One: Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of a world filled with fairness and kindness.
All: We dream of a world with fairness and kindness!
One: He believed we should judge people by their character, not their skin color.
All: We want to be judged by our good hearts!
One: He taught us to show love, not hate, even when things are hard.
All: We choose love, not hate!
One: He said everyone can serve and help others.
All: We can all serve and help!
One: Let’s ask God to help us make that dream come true.
All: Help us make the dream come true!
Congregational Response “Be Still and Know” #743
MLK Youth Message with Scripture
Scripture: Amos 5:24
Introduction & Audio: “Blackbird,” by The Beatles
Scripture: Isaiah 40:4-5
Video: “The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.” by Kid President
Scripture: Luke 10:30-37
Youth Presentation, “Dream Like Martin” recording
*Closing Hymn #593 “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” vs. 1 & 3
*Blessing
One: As Jesus taught us, go now and overcome. Overcome hatred, meanness and suffering by sharing the love of Jesus with your neighbors. Amen.
*Blessing Response #809 “God Be with You”
Sending Music – “Let ‘Em In,” Billy Paul recording