A theme interpretation by Rachel Johnson for National Youth Sunday 2025
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” ~ Romans 12:4-8
As the National Youth Cabinet was brainstorming themes during our planning weekend, quite a few ideas were brought up for our 2025 National Youth Sunday theme. Throughout the weekend we often noticed that each of us brought different gifts and skills to the table. Some members of the Youth Cabinet bring a lot of energy and many ideas to the table, while others bring a quieter, thoughtful presence. Many different skills and gifts are needed in a group of people so that there can be diverse thought, and you can receive many different types of Youth Sunday materials. Plus, it would have likely not been a successful planning weekend if everyone brought the same skills and gifts.
Our National Youth Sunday theme for 2025 is “Embodying Our Gifts,” referencing Romans 12:4-8. This passage from Romans mentions that “we have gifts that differ.” Each of the youth in your congregation bring different gifts to Youth Sunday: some of them will want to be leading in front of the congregation, some will want to lead parts of the service more geared towards children, and some will want to help lead behind the scenes – each being an important and vital part of the church service. The youth will be working together “as one body in Christ” on Youth Sunday to lead the church service. Through their actions and words on Youth Sunday, we will also be reminding the congregation of our different gifts that come together to form the body of Christ.
Learn more and find worship resources for National Youth Sunday (suggested date: May 4) at www.brethren.org/yya/national-youth-sunday.
Church of the Brethren blog
