celebrating st. valentine's day

Group, Jan/Feb 2005 by Case, Steve

Have your kids pass out the paper hearts and pencils. Play your closing song during this time, or have your group sing a short hymn that focuses on the theme of God's love. When the song ends, have kids collect the hearts in a basket and carry it to the back of the sanctuary.

Then have a teenager say something like: Let us pray. God, your servant St. Valentine knew what it was to love. He honored you in his work and died for love. You are love, God. You are the very thing that brings us together, holds us together, and sends us into the world with the good news of your redemption. We honor you. And we'll show our gratitude for the love you've given us by loving each other the same way. Without condition. Without judgment. Without ego. Without expectation of anything in return. We will love each other as your Son, our Savior, loves us. Amen.

Dismiss your congregation and remind them to pick up a paper heart on their way out of the worship area.

STEVE CASE is a veteran youth minister and a contributing editor for group. He recently authored the book The Youth Worker's Big Book of Case Studies (Youth Specialties/Zondervan).