Mother's Day Worship and Sermon Resources


A PRAYER OF SUSANNA WESLEY

You, O Lord, have called us to watch and pray.
Therefore, whatever may be the sin against which we pray,
make us careful to watch against it,
and so have reason to expect that our prayers will be answered.
In order to perform this duty aright,
grant us grace to preserve a sober, equal temper,
and sincerity to pray for your assistance. Amen.
[more about this prayer]
 

Mother's Day Video:
 

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In Honor of Mom

Mother's Day Anecdotes shared by DPSers

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank you for my mother For her love, her counsel and for those brilliant auburn curls. You called her home a long time ago, I pray that I may show her patience and wisdom with my own children and I long for the day when we shall stand together with you in glory. I ask all things in and through your precious Son Jesus. Amen sandy uk.

Poem

MOTHER... Her heart is our companion all through life... Her faith, our quiet partner in success... Her strength, our constant anchor in the storm... Her love, our greatest joy throughout the years. B.J. Hoff

Story

A few months ago, when I was picking up the children at school, another mother I knew well, rushed up to me. Emily was fuming with indignation.

"Do you know what you and I are?" she demanded.

Before I could answer - and I didn't really have one handy - she blurted out the reason for her question. It seemed she had just returned from renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office.

Asked by the woman recorder to state her "occupation," Emily had hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

What I mean is," explained the recorder, "Do you have a job, or are you just a ......?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a mother."

"We don't list "mother" as an occupation..."housewife" covers it," said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high-sounding title, like "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"And what is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it, I do not know. The words simply popped out. "I'm....a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in mid-air, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pompous pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Cooly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said indoors and out).

I'm working for my Masters (the whole darned family) and already have four credits (all daughters).

Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are in satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants---age 13, 7, and 3. And upstairs, I could hear our new experimental model (six months) in the child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt triumphant. I had scored a beat on bureaucracy. And I had gone down on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another......"

(author unknown)

Reflection

The author, Erma Bombeck, described the complex task God had in creating mothers. Afterall, He had to create a creature who would "run on black coffeeand leftovers; have a lap that disappears when she stands up; a kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair; six pair of hands and three pairs of eyes." It went somethink like this: An angel pleaded with God not to work so hard. "Lord," said the angel gently, "Come to bed." "I can't," said the Lord, "I'm so close to creating something so close to Myself." The angel circled the model of a mother slowly and said with a sigh, "It is too soft." "But tough!" said the Lord excitedly. "You can't imagine what this mother can do or endure." Finally bending over and running her finger agross the cheek, the angel pronounced: "There's a leak. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model." "It is not a leak," Said the Lord, "It is a tear." "What is it for?" asked the angel. The Lord answered, "It is for joy, sadness, loneliness, pain, disappointment and pride." "You are a Genius," the angel replied. The Lord looked somber, "I didn't put it there." Toni in WV

Hormones

I saw a friend of mine, a widowed mother of three teenage daughters, and her mother, a challenging 83 year old. Her mother had gone on into a store, and I could see that my friend was really stressed. I thought I should give her a chance to vent if she needed too. I said, "Shirley, you look a bit harried." She said, "I would be just fine if it wasn't for having to deal with the girl's young hormones, Mom's old ones, and my lack of them!"

Christian Education 101: A Child Learns to Trust by Laurie Hays Coffman <><

My mom is my shepherd; I shall not want. She makes me lie down under cool, downy comforts. She watches me play beside still waters. She restores my soul.

She leads me in paths of respect, responsibility, and goodness, for I am her namesake!

Yea, even though I walk past monsters in the dark, I will not be ascared, because my mom is always near me. Her hands and her voice, they comfort me.

Mama sets the table and cheerfully calls me to dinner even in front of big, mean bullies.

She anoints my skinned knees and broken heart with kisses. She smiles and throws me a towel when my cup runneth over.

Surely God's peace, power, and mercy shall uphold me all the days of my life, for my Mother taught me to dwell in the house of God forever.

It's In the Valley I Grow

Sometimes life seems hard to bear, Full of sorrow, trouble, and woe It's then I have to remember That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top And never experienced pain, I would never appreciate God's love And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn And my growth is very slow, Sometimes I need the mountain tops, But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand Why things happen as they do, But I am very sure of one thing. My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing When I picture Christ on the cross He went through the valley of death; His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining When I'm feeling so very low. Just give me a gentle reminder That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord And use my life each day To share your love with others And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord For this one thing I know The mountain tops are glorious But it's in the valleys I grow!

Mother's Love

"A Mother's love will go with her sons whether he goes to the governor's chair or the electric chair."I remember my dear friend the revered president of Lancaster Theological Seminary saying that to my Class of Seminarians. I have never forgotten those words of Dr. Meck. They have been confirmed in my experience.

MOTHER I FOUND IT JUST THE OTHER DAY

by Pastor Marylea

Mother I want you to know that I have it But I found it just the other day. Hidden behind all of my busyness, yet right in plain view. Everyone around me could see it But I found it just the other day. After I found it, I realized it had been there all the time. Alwways growing, taking new shapes, yet never really canging But I found it just the other day. That's when I stopped all of my busyness, And took a really good look at it. Then I realized it was yours, oh mine too, you gave it to me But I found it just the other day. Sometimes you gave it to me knowingly, Othertimes by God's divine plan. I know you haven't missed it, you kept as much as you gave away, But Mother, I found it just the other day. That's it, that's right, that's exactly what I found I FOUND YOUR BEST, THE VERY BEST OF YOU MOTHER, I FOUND IT, I FOUND IT IN ME.

THANK YOU

Thank you, dear Lord, for our mothers

Who were brave enough to give birth

Who loved through many growing-up years

Who taught about God and love and being good

Who often got no thanks

Whose ears could hear the slightest cry

Whose eyes didn't miss much either

Whose hands held and bathed and picked up

Whose heart was often broken

Who always forgave and forgot

Who encouraged when things went bad

Who always had time to listen

Who worked so hard to make things go

Who make the world so much better

Who deserve our love on Mother's Day

And Every day

Even for eternity. Amen.

Mother's Day in Worship

It is difficult sometimes to reflect on Mother's Day in worship as I know there are those women sitting there who have chosen to remain single; there are those who are married but cannot bear children; and there are those who are single and alone by circumstance such as death and divorce. and yet, in one of my resource materials I found some thoughts relating to 1 Samuel 1:1-20, and will adapt the sermon title to be 'FAITHFUL MOTHERHOOD - THE STEWARDSHIP OF LIFE." Ella Pearson Mitchell writes: "When one preaches every Mother's Day, what is new for one to say?" And then she comments that we might call Hannah a faithful mother, a steward of life. I like that. It is fresh and provides me with a different direction from other years. I belong to a denomination that calls this Sunday Christian Family Sunday because of the many pitfalls in our society that just might alienate some women. However, I feel that Mitchell has provided me with an opportunity of celebrating motherhood in the story of Hannah so desparately wanting a child that she will give "him" to the Lord. Her story I believe also can celebrate family within the context of motherhood, thus honouring our mother's even as we honour God by giving all our children back to God, hoping and praying that the faith of their mother's will be a faith that is their's as they grow and journey from the nest. I may be rambling here but I find that it isn't always easy to celebrate Mother's Day in the church without the sappiness. I thank the above contributers for some illustrations that underline the direction of the message I have yet to prepare. God bless you all and a Happy Mother's Day to you stewards of life. Rev. Tim, somewhere in Southern Ontario.

Phoning Mom

Last year we had a priest who was on assignment from India. Like all new clergy, I took him out to lunch to get acquainted. We talked about out families. I said I wrote my mom once amonth and called her onthe phone maybe once or twice a month. Then he told me that ge telephoned his mother in INdia every week because "she had put herself through great danger just to bring life into the world." His care and expression of emotion for his mother put me to shame.

Gift from God

My mother is a precious gift from God that I will always be thankful for!

I knew that she was the best mother ever since the moment of birth.

I believe God gave her something that no other mother had.

Even now when I look at her I can see god smiling through her!

And forever will I be thankful that out of all the kids in the world I was blessed with an not just a mother but an angel!

Happy Mother's Day! :)

They Do Their Job

The Lord had created humans but after a while he realized there was something missing.Everyone was crying,unhappy,and stressed,and there was nothing to help them.Finally he sent a few angels doown there to straighten things out,to be there when a knee was scraped,to be there when people were sorrowful,to be there when a bully is picking on them.They did their job well and today we call them mothers.( : eVE

Only One Regret

Dear Mother, although we began life in the wrong lane, and our firstnumber of years were awful, I am thankful to God for saving me and allowing me to forgive you, love you, and be a good daughter in my later years. we had some very precious times in the last 20 years together I am only sorry you never came to accept my God. Love your daughter maj

My Mother

by Diane Hill

How loaded that word is! Dirty diapers, running noses, And late night upchucks, Background for bedtime stories And Christmas cookies. I think of her often--- Red hair, light lines around her vision, Remnants of laughter and tears.

In my voice I hear a catch--- The deja vu of hearing this throat clearing before. But it was long ago and lost in a sea of legs When I had to find that familiar sound My mother made while thinking. I do not understand, but she grows younger And sometimes the closeness is confining. I can feel her pain as I did in her womb. The consiousness remains; woman of woman born.

I wish applause and recognition For this carer of spirits. Here's one who obeyed the rules, Who has given, loved and tended And I want the same for her. But there is no justice. Is it only the daughter who knows A mother deserves mothering the most?

So I close my eyes---many thanks, many thanks. "Hallmark" doesn't know the depths, "Good Housekeeping" forgets the terror. But the richness within began long, long ago And I appreciate being tended carefully.

Saying

She, who rocks the cradle, rules the world. --Anonymous

Contribution

We made this Mothers and Fathers Day. During our time for prayer, I'll be asking our folks to share some action a parent (or a parent-like adult) took that made them each feel cherished. I don't expect a lot of sermon time after that. This is set up by a unison prayer: "Lord, you who are our creator, move us to se ourselves as we all are here - family pieces, walking histories of hugs and fears, nights awake and days flying by. FAMILY is in our bones. Like everyone on earth, it's in our prayers, our arguments, our minds. May it draw us together in worship this morning."

Contribution

In honor of all who nurture our minds, bodies, spirits:

Her name was "Mom" Mundell. Her first name was Emily, but everyone on post called her Mom. She single-handedly ran the Christian Serviceman's Center in the small town outside the boundaries of Ft. Dix, and McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. She was in her 80s when I knew her, spry, bright-eyed, and sharp. Although she had once been engaged, she had never married. She was far from alone, however; she had a large and ever expanding family of young soldiers and members of the air force.

The Center was run on a shoe string, dependent upon the contributions of those who received its ministry. I remember it as a place in need of a good coat of paint. What it lacked in funding, however, was abundantly compensated for by the gifts of Mom Mundell. Mom was the Center's mainstay and sole minister. Like most mothers, Mom did it all; she cooked and served meals to service members, presided at worship, and led in the fellowship over jigsaw puzzles and game boards. Mom always had time: time to listen, time to talk, time to pray. She was the first woman preacher I ever met. Her low-keyed ministry gave spiritual birth to many, and spiritual nurture to many more. She may not have been anyone's mother, but she was truly everyone's Mom.

With the approach of Mother's Day, I find myself remembering not only my mother, but also those godly women, like Mom Mundell, who have nourished and sustained my faith life. In their faces, in their voices, in their presence, I was given a glimpse of life as it might be, a glimpse of something – Someone – higher. In their company I experienced the nurture of the Divine. I give thanks for each and everyone of them.

txrev

Contribution

Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you: you are gentle with us like a mother with her children. In your love and tenderness, remake us. Often you weep over our sins and our pride: tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgment. In your love and tenderness, remake us. You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds: in sickness you nurse us and with pure milk you feed us. In your love and tenderness, remake us. Jesus, by your dying we are born to new life: by your anguish and labour we come forth in joy. In your love and tenderness, remake us. Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness: through your gentleness we find comfort in fear. In your love and tenderness, remake us. Your warmth gives life to the dead; your touch makes sinners righteous. In your love and tenderness, remake us. In compassion bring grace and forgiveness: for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us. In your love and tenderness, remake us.

– Fulbert of Chartres ©. 960-1028), in _2000 Years of Prayer_, comp. by Michael Counsell.

Contribution

Something close to my heart

There is something close to my heart That everyone also has No one can ever know how much i love this little something It meens the world to me. It has been there since day one Ond will stay for ever more But one day it will wear out of this helpless place But never out of my heart. Everyone wants this little something Everyone needs it sometime in there lives Thats why i'm Thankfull that i have a little something So close to my heart. Everyone wants me to chare my Big brother and dont forget the little sister This is my little something now and forever My little something called my loving mother!! I Love U

Contribution

Something close to my heart (Ruzelle Byleveld)

There is something close to my heart That everyone also has No one can ever know how much i love this little something It meens the world to me. It has been there since day one Ond will stay for ever more But one day it will wear out of this helpless place But never out of my heart. Everyone wants this little something Everyone needs it sometime in there lives Thats why i'm Thankfull that i have a little something So close to my heart. Everyone wants me to chare my Big brother and dont forget the little sister This is my little something now and forever My little something called my loving mother!! I Love U

Contribution

Something close to my heart (Ruzelle Byleveld)

There is something close to my heart That everyone also has No one can ever know how much i love this little something It meens the world to me. It has been there since day one And will stay for ever more But one day it will wear out of this helpless place But never out of my heart. Everyone wants this little something Everyone needs it sometime in there lives Thats why i'm Thankfull that i have a little something So close to my heart. Everyone wants me to chare my Big brother and dont forget the little sister This is my little something now and forever My little something called my loving mother!! I Love U

Contribution

Something close to my heart (Ruzelle Byleveld)

There is something close to my heart That everyone also has No one can ever know how much i love this little something It meens the world to me. It has been there since day one And will stay for ever more But one day it will wear out of this helpless place But never out of my heart. Everyone wants this little something Everyone needs it sometime in there lives Thats why i'm Thankfull that i have a little something So close to my heart. Everyone wants me to chare, my Big brother and dont forget the little sister This is my little something now and forever My little something called my loving mother!! I Love U

Contribution

my mother is so special to me with out her who would i be. she taught me to love all of gods children he sent from above, my mother is sick on a breathing machine but that doesnt stop her she the loving queen. she knows when to hold me when im really in need she knows what to say when im filled with greave, she tells me all the time god is with you baby that you can believe. your my first daughter you look like me so when im gone to heaven take over for me, love every one like i always did god will bless you like he did me, when the angels come to take me home please dont cry you wont be alone,i'll be there by your side still holding your hand and letting you know i understand you wont ever forget me for this i know your just like me and i want you to know you can look in the mirro each day and night when you see you your really seeing me so know in your heart it was meant to be. i love you mom with all my heart your daughter hazel ewing

Contribution

your not born a women u earn the name and thats what mothers do.

Contribution

The mom I love through life and death The mom how gave me my first breath, Through all my life she was always there Not only a mom but the one who'd care Through right and wrong through good and bad The mom the friend I always had! Not only and mom a wife a friend She'll always be there though life may end! She'll be in my heart through life and death Till i take my very last breath!