I need Ideas for a Father's day service @ church. Needs to last around 10 minutes. 
I also need a gift to give to each Father that goes with the theme -
Gifts should only cost $5 or less.

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Clarification of Question by joshthebum-ga on 11 May 2005 01:25 PDT

I am looking for something specific. Almost a transcript of what to do.

What about testimonials from a range of fathers in the parish, the
oldest father you can find down in age to the youngest "expectant"
father (well, maybe the youngest married one - but then again, if a
unintended teenager one comes to church and wants to say how he feels,
if it's positive, why not.  Respect to him if wants to speak up, and
it will be good for him to make a commitment by doing so).

I am thinking of maybe three sentences by each on:  What being a
father means to me, either in the first or third person, what/how a
good father should be, and so on.
Instead of "testimonials" these could be in the form of prayers of
intercession, if that is more appropriate in your church.

You could (I was going to say "gain mileage") increase interest and
anticipation by calling for volunteers at the coming service.  If you
get too many?  Congratulations for the good response in your parish, 
might have to hold a meeting with them and vote, but that will let
them all say their piece and provide interesting discussion.

Gifts to them?  Maybe there is a little book of aphorisms about fathers ...
Or you could call all the children in church or in from Sunday school
up to the front and say a few words about how they are a gift to their
fathers...

I could add what occurs to me for the sermon, but, luckily, you didn't
ask about that.  :-)

Thanks for the idea. If you have any thoughts on a very short
sermon/story - that would be welcomed. It is a very small church - so
I may be limeted on volunteers.

Thanks for your reply.  (Before you ask, no, I am not a preacher.)  

I am sure the theme must be used many time many places (Won't be so
appropriate if you are Unitarians.), but I have never heard it used.

That there is only one God Father (i.e., that men are not little gods
in their families); that Joseph should be the role model, respecting
his wife as the mother of his children and respecting them as
creatures made in the image of God, by His grace (i.e., not made in
their dad's image); and so on.

(But I did grow up in the Bible Belt...)  
Well, that may not be your style or belief.  Please don't come back
and embarrass me by saying you think it is a great idea or by
explaining why it is not so good.
All the best,
Myoarin

Thanks - 

I have never heard that used - at least not quite that way. Intersesting thoughts. 
I grew up in middle TN. You?

Gulf Coast