God wants to refresh you
Worship brings us together. It helps us focus on God and reminds us of what really matters. When we worship, we’re not just singing songs or saying prayers—we’re joining in with something bigger: a movement of love that stretches beyond our own lives, connecting us with God, with the world, and with generations past, present, and yet to come. We praise, we learn, we pause, we listen. And we’re changed.
This week, we’ll think about why gathering with others matters so much. Worship gives us strength and hope. It’s one of the ways we stay connected—to God, to each other, and to the journey we’re all on together.
Mini-adventures
Pick one of these challenges to try out this week. As you do it, pay attention to the ways in which God might show up.
- Attend a worship service and notice which part speaks to you most. Notice which part doesn’t. Why?
- Try attending a form of worship that’s completely new to you—this could be a more formal service, a café church, a youth-led or intergenerational gathering, or something experimental or creative.
Get talking
Worship is how we respond to God’s presence, both as individuals and together. It’s not just about ceremonies, songs, or rituals—it’s a way of noticing, receiving, and participating in God’s love. In worship, God meets us through simple, everyday things. In baptism, ordinary water becomes a sign of God’s welcome and new life. In communion, ordinary bread and wine becomes a sign of God's presence and grace, and Christ is recognised among us. These stories remind us that worship isn’t about grand gestures or getting everything right, but about opening ourselves to God’s grace, presence, and love in ways that are familiar, real, and life-giving.
Acts 8:26–39 - Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch
Luke 24:13–35 - The Road to Emmaus
- Why do you think Christians use water in baptism? What does water make you think of?
- In Luke 24, the friends of Jesus recognise him when he breaks bread. Why do you think that moment was so special?
- How do baptism and communion help us feel part of God’s family?
- How might God be inviting you to respond to this passage?
Get inspired
- What do you notice in this artwork?
- How does it make you feel?
Church song
Come, now is the time to worship (StF 24)
Secular song
Get deeper
So, you’ve experienced worship, and explored two Bible passages that paved the way for why we use water, bread and wine in some worship services. So, let’s explore some of these ideas a little more.
- Worship is often stronger together. How does joining with others help your faith grow compared with doing it alone?
- Baptism symbolises new life. Where in your life do you want renewal, and what small action could symbolise that?
- The Lord’s Supper helps us remember Jesus’ sacrifice. How does remembering important stories or events help you stay grounded?
Prayer
Loving God,
You are the Father who runs to meet us,
the Mother who embraces us with open arms.
Thank you for your boundless love and forgiveness,
even when we wander far from you.
Holy Spirit, guide us home.
Help us to return to you with open hearts,
and to celebrate when others do the same.
Teach us to love without judgment,
to forgive as we have been forgiven,
and to welcome all into your grace.
May we reflect your mercy in our lives,
and share the joy of your reign with everyone we meet.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.