Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May 1/61

Contributor - Anne J. Van Oostveen

Title - Youth Service

Topic - Youth

What do we mean by Youth Service? Is it a service for youth? Do they take part? If so, what part? Is this right? Should a young person who has not studied for the ministry nor decided to be something other than a minister, stand up on the pulpit and take such an active part in a worship service?

First I would like to begin by explaining what a Youth service is specifically meant for. It is t have a special worship service for young people. In such a service Hymns are sung which are especially liked by young persons, the message is directed at us in a special way. Usually, it is a challenge to us to come to the Lord and follow Him. Youth have many problems when growing up, our eyes are opened to the reality of life and we need special help. When we are young we need a guiding light upon life's pathway. God is calling us through all of our lives but especially so through a youth service. We as young people have a place in the church and our leaders recognize this and let us know it by having special worship services.

My opinion is that we should take an active part in a youth service. This makes us more attentive and for others we may be an example so that they may say or think, 'If he sees so much in this there must be something in it.' Not only for that reason but we may be a true servant of God even through a youth service. Because of that we must make our reading and prayers to God's glory. We will never be perfect but in our congregational prayer we must bring out the needs of our young people in the first place because it is their service. Also the needs of the sick and the needy and others with special needs in our church. We should pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and for young people outside of our church. For the consistory of the church and the minister, for Sunday School teachers and world leaders that they may ask for God's guidance in their responsible lives. There are many things to pray for and these are a few pointers which you may follow if you wish.

In our offertory prayer we should acknowledge God as the owner of all, our lives and our material blessings. We give of what God has entrusted to us. A wonderful thing, is it not? That God wants to use our gifts for His work. We must remember though that God does not ask us only for our tithes but for our lives, this may be brought out in the offertory prayer.

As for reading, let us read the scripture over several times before reading it to the congregation. We are nervous when in front of the people and still every one should be able to hear and understand us. When we are used by God in His worship service let us give of our' best to the Master.

With the responsive reading and the reading of the creed, be sure you read it over so that you know what is coming ahead.

Those who are sitting in the congregation may not have an active part but their passive part is just as important. As we sit in church let our conduct be worshipful in any service. Let us not shine by our absence but by our presence. When we truly worship what a blessing it becomes. Let us not throw our hats at these things but let us put our heart into the hands of God land ask Him to lead us in Worship that is worthy of a Christian and to God's honor.

The silent prayer at the beginning of a service is for asking God's guidance in Worship. So as we worship in His Holy temple ,et all the earth be silent before Him.

With this I would like to explain shortly what is expected at our Cooksville Y. F. when a turn comes up. When you have the announcing of Hymns you have to pick four Hymns and phone the minister before Saturday or early Saturday morning so he can put them in the bulletin. Be sure to find out at the same time if the Creed is to be read and what number is to be read responsively. You might ask him at the same time if anything special should be mentioned in the congregational prayer. He may give some valuable pointers and who could give better advise?

If you have the Scripture reading, find out the passage before Sunday morning and read it several times before you go to church at night. You also have the offertory prayer so be sure you listen closely to the minister and get an idea of what it really is.

Those of you who are taking the offering be sure you know where to walk and go try to figure out where to go before you stand up. The main thing is when you are prepared, half the battle is over. We all get nervous at these times but when we have built up a little self confidence by preparing we are doing God a greater honor, and what more do we wish to do than give the best to our Lord and Saviour?

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