Then Isaiah said, ‘Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore God will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.’ – Isaiah 7: 13-14 Here we are […]
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Tune: Annie’s Song – You fill up my senses, by John Denver – lyrics and sheet music Hear the prophets foretelling a promised Messiah A hope for the future, a shepherd will come A spirit indwelling a lowly born mother God chose above others to carry God’s own. Hear the angels proclaiming Good News to […]
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This was originally written to be used as the opening prayer on Reign of Christ Sunday (traditional Christ the King Sunday). In spite of its language, I have included this prayer because Cara uses it to creatively critique the language of masculine power traditionally used to describe Jesus. Jesus, this morning we hail you as […]
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Jesus said, “My realm is not of this world.” And yet, we confess, sometimes we still get seduced by the values of empire: wealth and power and glory. Loving God, you see us as we are. You know our secret battles and all the ways in which we fail to live out your call upon […]
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Originally written for Reign of Christ Sunday*, the last Sunday of the Church Year. To be read responsively or by a single voice. Holy is the Creator of the heavens and the earth Of sunlight and starlight, forest and ocean. Holy is the composer of birdsong and thunderstorm. Let all creation sing praise! Holy is […]
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We believe in divine tenderness, which is no stranger to our anxieties, which is generously supportive in Jesus of Nazareth, a tireless walker to the directions that herald Life. We affirm our faith and renew our hopes in times of uncertainty, isolation, sickness and death, because we have heard the proclamation of those who have […]
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The world is full of good things As well as things which could be better We are full of good things As well as things which could be better Today , whether we feel full of good things Or full of things which could be better God’s open arms Sweep us up again in a […]
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For the lyrics, music and a power point, click here. Tune: Repton AHB 519(ii) TiS 598 Title: The Unexpected Proper 27, Year A The stories of the long ago Can lead to rich insight; The unexpectedness of life Can lead to happiness or strife, To sadness or delight; To sadness or delight. The opportunities that […]
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Re-interpretation of Matthew 25:1-13 Translated from Spanish by Katie Fiegenbaum Perhaps you are asking me, teacher to be numb to the needs of those who have been mistaken in life? Perhaps you expect me to continue on my path without consideration for who is by my side, who asks me for something that I can […]
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We come to worship and remember you. We come to hear and to learn more of your word. Your word is unchanging. From earliest time, to now, you have spoken things into being, and they are good. You are mindful of your people. Teach us to be similarly mindful of you. Give us the message […]
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God of the past, the present and the future, Thank you for Grandparents who help us remember, And grandchildren who give us reason to remember. Today we remember, even when there is peace in our land. For Peace is a fragile thing. How often it has hung by only a thread May we, followers of […]
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Prayers to Help Counter Fear ‘Perfect love casts out fear.’ — 1 John 4:18 Pastoral Prayer (adapted) Holy One, We live in fearful times. A world swept by pandemic, racism, climate change, economic crises— these are overwhelming realities. Hold us in our fears. When candidates in elections prey on these fears, painting pictures of disaster,. […]
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On this day we remember all who suffer as a result of war including the injured and the disabled, the mentally distressed and those whose faith in God and humanity has been weakened or destroyed. We pray for the peace of the world and for those in power, that they may have wisdom to know […]
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A picture is worth a thousand words. Sadness and grief can create powerful images. Included here are images for: Remembrance Day Transgender Day of Remembrance Hiroshima Day remembrance rituals These images and photos are available for you to use free of charge. Please acknowledge the photographers and artists.
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For lives cut short, no time or space to grieve; for saints and servants you have now received; for all who still bear witness and believe: O Love, have mercy. O Love, have mercy. For those oppressed and trampled by the state; for systems built by centuries of hate; for justice now — no longer […]
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A picture says a thousand words. Thanks to all the photographers and artists for sharing your work. All photos posted on the Worship Words website may be used for worship and devotional purposes. Please acknowledge the photographer/artist. Images are listed by theme, season and by photographer (scroll down). Photographs arranged by themes throughout the Church […]
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In this place We open to the creative heartbeat of this morning, The divine urging which is within, around and beyond us. Dispel our stupor. Energise our bodies. Enthuse our passion. Centre us So this day is worthy of the name holy.
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Tune: O Waly Waly (Welsh folk tune) — also known as The Water Is Wide (listen to James Taylor’s performance of it) Use freely, with attribution. For deeper love we spread the bread I won’t be full till all are fed Till every soul has home and bed The rest of us can’t move ahead […]
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Pray with me. God of joy, thank you for all that we have. Receive these gifts, given with joy and thanksgiving. May they support the work of the faithful to bring justice and joy to all people.
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Thirty after Allen wrote for Christian Century, with the majority of our churches continuing to use male-dominated language in worship, a fresh read of Allen’s article can raise the persistent and critical ‘cry in the wilderness’ as she provides important concerns and suggestions for worship leaders committed to inclusive language in worship. Allen’s article opens with […]
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The nights are closing in, And darkness descends. Sometimes I feel lost in the dark, Wondering where you are; If you’ve left me. At times like these, Remind me of your presence and love And help me, Gently, to educate my feelings To fall in line with the truth of your promises. Enable me to […]
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Hold us and heal us with your love Alternative phrases for both American and British English are provided. Ow! That hurts! Mama! Grandma! Daddy! [Mummy! Nana! Daddy!] A whimper. A wail. A wound. Oh God, Hold us and heal us with your love. Silent. Withdrawn. Pain visible only in our eyes. Or perhaps hidden […]
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A Call to Worship written for young readers — The lines in bold might be given to very young children to say. Inspired by ‘Retelling of Mark’ 10 in Children of God Storybook Bible. All: Hey God! Wanna play? Voice 1: God’s too busy taking care of the world, listening to our troubles […]
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I’m a progressive Christian who: keeps the faith and drops the dogma experiences God more than I believe in any definition of God thinks that my faith is about deeds, not creeds takes the Bible seriously because I don’t take it literally thinks spiritual questions are more important than religious answers cares more about […]
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A Call to Worship for young readers The bold sections may be said by a very young child. Use two or many voices. Let’s praise God! Let’s sing! Let’s laugh! Praise God! God, you mend our broken hearts when we feel sad, when we are hurt, when friendships end, when things change, when beloved people […]
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For All the Ways Tune: For All the Saints, Sine Nomine 10.10.10.A New words for an old tune — words of commitment for a Church Anniversary or other service reflecting on the life of a congregation For all the ways we help each other grow As we share stories, moments high and low The […]
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A Call to Worship written for young readers The bold lines might be said by a very young child. I have so many questions, God! Who are you? What are you? How did you make the universe? How did you make me? Whales, moose and bears? Why do bad things happen Even when we try […]
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A new copyright-free song and video from poet Lucy Berry. A song written in Covid-19 lockdown offering comfort for times of trouble. Piano music and guitar chords for down-load: ‘Lean on me’ music Click here for the video and soundtrack, ready to use for on-line worship. And God said: “Lean On Me” 1. It seems […]
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Jim writes, ‘Use freely. All I ask is attribution!’ Breaking Free – a flower becomes a butterfly – and learns to appreciate flowers The Clay Bird (an interfaith message – Christian/Muslim) Elephant Eggs – pure silliness! punch line: what you need is probably already here. Of Seeds and Stardust – a poetic science-based creation story […]
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Gathering words inspired by Psalm 25 God, Elohim, Yahweh, Allah, God, by any name, is good, steadfast and true. Trust that which brought you here. Gather in hope and anticipation, ready to be fed and nourished, ready to be guided and taught. Open yourself to this oasis on the path of your life journey. Be […]
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Year A, Proper 21 (usually Pentecost 16) Reading: Matthew 21:23-32, particularly verses 28-32. Tune: St Paul Adapted using inclusive language. For the lyrics, music and a power point, click here. Recorded stories Jesus told Were told for his own day; But still their message nurtures those Who wish to walk his way. A vineyard owner […]
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A children’s message for World Communion Sunday. Greetings from other cultures can be used. This message connects to the theme that everyone is part of God’s family.. Materials: a world map or globe Who can find where we live on the globe/map? What do we do and say in English [substitute local language] to greet […]
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World Communion Sunday is usually observed on the first Sunday of October Several helpful resources for World Communion Sunday, including a complete communion service and message, are available on the website of Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ USA.
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Jonah 3:10–4:11 dramatised for on-line, on-screen, use Proper 20 (usually 16th Sunday after Pentecost), Year A Preparation: Keep it simple; line drawings will work fine. house plant or photo or drawing of a plant Worm – cut out, photo, soft toy or just a tube of some sort Sun – photo or drawing of a […]
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Power of Wholeness, sweep through each nation on the face of this globe. Fill us with the will and conviction to work towards reconciliation. Unite us as indigenous and invader settled in a new home, As settled colonizers and more recent immigrants and refugees seeking a new home, As Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Hindus — […]
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Year A, Pentecost 15 Reading: Matthew 20:1-16 The Labourers in the Vineyard Tune: Wir Pflugen For the lyrics, music and a power point, click here. George shares his lyrics copyright free. 1. God’s kin-dom was the focus Whenever Jesus taught. The people heard of freedom, The message they all sought. He used familiar customs, The […]
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This might be used as a Call to Worship or Call to Communion. It works as a responsive reading involving the entire congregation or read by 2-3 readers. It has been written with young readers in mind. If you’re worshipping on-line, parents might video their children reading this, or audio-record it and play as the […]
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Dedication of Crumpacker Gallery at St Paul’s Secondary School, Concord, New Hampshire (adapted for inclusivity) The Invitatory Officiant: Creative God, open our lips. People: And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Psalm 112:1-7 (adapted) One: Happy are they who fear God All: and have great delight in God’s commandments! One: Their descendants will be […]
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Benedictions, words of commissioning, blessing, dismissal, sending forth… What transitional words do we use to move from corporate worship into the world? Newest related posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Sending forth’ resources . . .
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My golden ball hangs by a golden yarn From my wood-gold curtain rail; It is half-obscured by the golden drape With its pattern of golden sun-rays. Behind it the fading golden sky Is streaked with the grey of evening clouds. And then I recall that my golden globe Was formed from the glowing white-gold ash […]
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