Rolf Bouma

This series of services based on the parable of the prodigal son was developed by Rolf Bouma when he was copastor of Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was influenced by Henri Nouwen's The Return of the Prodigal Son and Robert Farrar Capon's The Parables of Grace. Bouma also acknowledges contributions by others in churches where he preached this series, including copastors Leonard Vander Zee and Roy Berkenbosch at Eastern Avenue and Paul Brink and Charlotte Larsen of the Ann Arbor (Michigan) Christian Reformed Church.

God Gathers Us for Worship

Opening is structured as congregation is accustomed, with emphasis on praise for God's gracious-ness. Suggested hymns include "I Will Sing of My Redeemer" (PsH 479), "Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" (PsH 501, PH 466, RL 362, 363, TH 164).

God Embraces Us in Grace

Drama: The Wayward, Wanton, and Wasteful Daughter (see p. 24)

God Gathers Us for Worship

Opening is structured as congregation is accustomed.

God Embraces Us in Grace

Reading: From Madeleine L'Engle's And It Was Good:

Reflections on Beginnings

God Gathers Us for Worship

Opening is structured as congregation is accustomed.

God Embraces Us in Grace

Drama: The Wayward, Wanton, and Wasteful
Daughter (Modified—see box, pp. 24-25.)

Hymn: Sung to the tune of MORNING SONG, PsH 615, PH 60O, RL 48O, TWL 277

[Sing stanzas 1 and 2.]

God Gathers Us for Worship

Opening is structured as congregation is accustomed. Songs should be celebrative. Include the song "And Jesus Said," by Gloria Grindall and Joy Paterson (see RW 41, p. 32). Include prayers of the people in this section.

God Invites Us to a Party

Prayer for Illumination

Scripture: Luke 15:1-32

Sermon: "It's Party Time!"

Characters: Younger Daughter, Elder Daughter, Mother, Bartender/Diner, Neighbors, Interrupter

Props: Textbooks, apron, bottles and glass, table settings, food scraps, bar stool, desk, knapsack, suitcase

Note: In week one, use the script as printed below. In week three, add the two shaded portions of script included at the end of the drama and indicated in the script.

[Mother and two daughters go to center platform, one on each side, mother's arms on their shoulders.]

These four services celebrating God's creation have been designed to fit into the liturgical calendar on the Sundays between Ascension Day and the first Sunday in Ordinary Time. The services would be equally appropriate as a freestanding series on creation sometime during the summer months.