Developing a Theme

Decorations

Have several kinds of vases, vessels, jars, and pots on the stage and on the tabletops. Check if anyone in the church has a potter’s wheel to use as a decoration on the stage or as you enter the room.

Giveaways

Fill miniature terra cotta pots with candy, wrap them in colorful cellophane, tie off with ribbon, and use as giveaways. Tie a Bible tract or church brochure to each pot so visitors have more information about the church.

Other Title Variations

Filled to Overflowing; Fit for the Master; Prepared for His Use; Vessels for Him; Vessels for Honor; Vessels for the Master’s Use

Refreshments

Serve foods from different variations of vessels. See the poem “Vessels Unto Honor” for different types of vessels that may be used.

Games/Stunts/Icebreakers

Buy clay or terra cotta pots and break each one into large and small pieces; keep the pieces for each pot in a gallon-size bag; divide up the ladies and have them work together in small groups piecing and gluing the pot back together; give them discussion questions to talk about while they repair the pot together. Or, you can do all of the above, but make the activity competitive with a time limit.

Devotional

One can go in several different directions for a devotional with this theme: the potter and the clay; the purging of dross; the vessel unto honor or dishonor; purposes of vessels; earthen vessels; what it means to be the weaker vessel; etc.

The context (the verses surrounding the main text) of 2 Timothy 2:20-21 has much to say about studying, purging, fleeing, and following. Studying these verses shows how we can be vessels unto honor, fit for God’s use.

The Chosen Vessel

The Master was searching for a vessel to use;
On the shelf there were many – which one would He choose?
“Take me,” cried the gold one. “I’m shiny and bright.
I’m of great value and I do things just right.
My beauty and luster will outshine the rest
And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!”

The Master passed on with no word at all;
He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall;
“I’ll serve You, dear Master, I’ll pour out Your wine
And I’ll be at Your table whenever You dine,
My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,
And my silver will always compliment You.”

Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass,
It was wide mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.
“Here! Here!” cried the vessel, “I know I will do.
Place me on Your table for all men to view.”

“Look at me,” called the goblet of crystal so clear.
“My transparency shows my contents so dear,
Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride,
And I’m sure I’ll be happy in Your house to abide.”

The Master came next to a vessel of wood,
Polished and carved, it solidly stood.
“You may use me, dear Master,” the wooden bowl said,
“But I’d rather You used me for fruit, not for bread!”

Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.
Empty and broken it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,
To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.

“Ah! This is the vessel I’ve been hoping to find,
I will mend and use it and make it all Mine.
I need not the vessel with pride of its self;
Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;

Nor the one who is bigmouthed and shallow and loud;
Nor one who displays his contents so proud;
Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right;
But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might.”

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.
Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.
Spoke to it kindly. “There’s work you must do,
Just pour out to others as I pour into you.”

–Unknown Author