Inspired by Genesis 32: 22-32 God, thank you for your love which perseveres, touching our lives, not just in an hour of worship but every day. Your persistent love attends the world, day in and day out, year in and year out. Grant us perseverance, like Jacob, to stand steadfast in our convictions, to hold on […]
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God does not…, Matthew 10.29 — Steve Garnaas-Holmes, USA
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without God. —Matthew 10.29 God does not go around pulling birds out of the air. God is not sitting at a control panel. God does not “plan” your victory or defeat, cancer, your accident, the moment of […]
Read full textPsalm 78 Call to Worship — Graeme Blair, Australia
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 […]
Read full textJonah & the plant, drama for on-line — Ana Gobledale, UK
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 […]
Read full textMatthew 20, Labourers in the Vineyard, hymn — George Stuart, Australia
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 […]
Read full textPsalm 67, responsive reading — Duncan Wilson, UK
Praise from the heart: psalms framed and phrased for church worship Psalm 67, Proper 15 (usually 11th Sunday after Pentecost), Year A God be gracious to us and bless us that your face may shine upon us and your purpose may be known on earth and your saving power throughout the nations. May every country […]
Read full textFirst Kings 19.9-18 dramatic reading
Proper 14A (usually 10th Sunday after Pentecost), Year A 1 Kings 19.9-18 This has been prepared for two readers, e.g. on a single Zoom screen, but might be easily altered for three readers, separating the voices of the Storyteller or Narrator and that of Elijah. Voice 1: This is a reading from the first book […]
Read full textMatthew 13: 31-33, Christianity Incubated — Jim Burklo, USA
Pentecost 8, Year A Matthew 13: 31-33 Let us prepare our souls to receive the sacred myth of scripture. Breathe deep, keep a moment of silence; release any preconceptions you might have about the meaning of the passage, open your heart to new revelations that may arise. Then read the text aloud: Jesus put before […]
Read full textPastoral Prayer, Matthew 11 — Ana Gobledale, UK
Matthew 11:16-30 5th Sunday of Pentecost, Year A Almighty, creator God, we have gathered to praise you, giving thanks that you have given us life and breath, that you do daily attend us with goodness and mercy.* May this time together in worship strengthen us that we might transcend our current state of social isolation […]
Read full textCommunion prayer of thanksgiving — Ana Gobledale, UK
Matthew 11 Proper 9, (usually 5th Sunday after Pentecost), Year A God of gentleness, thank you for relieving our burdens and for filling our emptiness with the Bread of Life. Create of us the living Body of Christ, that in these challenging times we might witness the power and possibility of your love and peace […]
Read full textJohn 3.1-9, Born again, hymn, Lent 2A — George Stuart, Australia
Second Sunday of Lent, Year A John 3:1-17 (particularly verses 1-9) & Matthew 17:1-9 Tune: Leoni For the lyrics, music and a power point, Click here. In darkness he had lived: he journeyed in the night; Came Nicodemus to be taught some new insight; And Jesus said to him, ‘To live in God’s domain, In […]
Read full textPsalm 32 for today, Lent 1 — Duncan Wilson, UK
Lection for first Sunday in Lent, Year A To be read responsively, by two voices or by a solo voice Happy are the people whose misdeeds are forgiven; whose failures are totally blotted out! Happy are the people in whom God finds no fault, who prove to be straightforward and honest. When we own up […]
Read full textPsalm 40 Praise – Duncan Wilson, UK
Originally written as a responsive reading for the Second Sunday of Epiphany, Year A. Ready-to-download and print: Praise Psalm 40 — Duncan Wilson, UK WORD Praise Psalm 40 — Duncan Wilson, UK PDF We wait patiently for the Holy One who hears our cry for help. lifting us out of the quick sands […]
Read full textBeauty Becoming — Ana Gobledale, Zambia
‘The realm of God is like a treasure hidden in a field….like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When one is found of great value, the merchant goes away, and sells all their belongings and buys it.’ –Matthew 13:44-46 Beauty Becoming The cutter eyes the stone A stalk of translucent green tourmaline Its essence shines […]
Read full textGenesis 45.1-15, Joseph in Egypt, drama
Genesis 45:1-15 (adapted from NRSV) Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers Full script, ready-to-print: Genesis 45,1-15 Joseph in Egypt – 2 readers PDF Genesis 45,1-15 Joseph in Egypt – 2 readers WORD Narrator: Today’s Hebrew Bible reading is taken from the book of Genesis presenting the last chapter in the saga of Joseph and his […]
Read full textExodus 20, God’s Angel drama — Ana Gobledale
Proper 22, Year A Exodus 20:20-22a & 23:20 What do we think about ‘angels’? What words express the phenomenon called ‘angel’ in the Bible? This drama, in which God promises to send an ‘angel’, might be used to open up reflection and discussion on the subject. Drama, Exodus 20 PDF Drama, Exodus 20 WORD […]
Read full textPsalm 100, Words of Gathering- Ana Gobledale, UK
Proper 29 (usually Pentecost 25), Year A Responsive reading inspired by Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth. We will worship God with gladness; Come into God’s presence with singing. We sing, for God made us, and we are God’s people. Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving and praise. We give […]
Read full textPsalm 138, Call to Worship — Ana Gobledale, UK
Give thanks to God! Celebrate God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Sing of the ways of God, for God is magnificent! (or select a more traditional last line: for great is the glory of God!) Psalm 138 is a Common Lectionary reading on the 12th Sunday of Pentecost (Proper 16) in Year A, and 3rd Sunday […]
Read full textMatthew 15:21-18, Canaanite woman Drama, Proper 15A
Storyteller (narrator): Today’s New Testament reading is a story of Jesus being moved from judgment to mercy. We are reading from Matthew chapter 15, beginning with verse 21. Mathew writes: Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region, came out and […]
Read full textGenesis 32:22-32, Angel wrestling, Proper 13A — Steve Garnaas-Holmes, USA
Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak… Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day is breaking.’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go, unless you bless me.’ —Genesis 32.24, 26 The angels you’ll have to wrestle with most often are no strangers: they’re your anger, fear, […]
Read full textPrayer of Praise & Confession, Genesis 32, Proper 13A — Ana Gobledale, UK
Based on Genesis 32.22-31 God, we come with praise and gratitude. Thank you for your word, for speaking to us anew today. In faith and trust, we open our ears and minds to you. We know you are with us in the rush of life. God, you see us as we truly are, with our […]
Read full textPsalm 105 prayer, Australia
Inspired by Psalm 105 Lectionary for Year A: Proper 12, 14, 17 and 20 We remember your wonderful works and we give thanks We sing praises, we tell of your strength, your faithfulness, your holiness, and we ask, how do we bring glory to you? Your judgements are over all the earth. You are mindful […]
Read full textCan these bones live? Prayer for Lent 5 Year A — Ana Gobledale, UK
Ezekiel 37:1-14 Breathe on me, breath of God, till I am wholly thine, until this earthly part of me, glows with thy fire divine. Breath of Life, can these bones live? Valleys of dry bones confront us, threatening to separate us from you. Each day, our newspapers highlight the numerous and extensive dry-bone-valleys […]
Read full textEzekiel 37, Dry bones, a prayer — Ana Gobledale, UK
Ezekiel 37:1-14 Fifth Sunday in Lent – Year A 2 April 2017 God of life, hear my prayer. Withered, cracked, pale Sometimes I feel like a pile of old bones Dry, brittle, broken Sometimes I feel as though all hope is lost. Dry bones, hear the word of the Divine! […]
Read full textBreath of Life, hear our prayer: intercessions (Lent 5 Year A)
Prayers of Intercession arising from Ezekiel 37:1–14 Valley of dry bones John 11:1-45 Resurrection of Lazarus Click here for a ready-to-print Word document: Breath of Life – Prayers of Intercession, Lent 5 Year A Join me in a moment of silence to reflect on those things in your life that feel lifeless. […]
Read full textSamuel (1) 16:1-3 drama, Jesse’s sons — Lent 4 Year A
This script is ready to download and print: 1 Samuel 16, 1-13 dramatised – full script ready-to-print Samuel: Our Hebrew Bible reading this morning is the story of the priest, Samuel, that’s me. I am busy searching for the King of Israel, and am not sure what to look for. Finally, God, Yahweh, sends me […]
Read full textGenesis 12:1-4a & John 3:1-21 drama, Abram & Nicodemus interview
“Bucket Lists” Genesis 12:1-4a, John 3:1-21 Lent 1, Year A Adapted by Tod & Ana Gobledale, UK Related hymn: Abide with me Interviewer, Abram and Nicodemus sit in a row facing the congregation. Three tall bar stools serve well. Remember to speak to the congregation, not to one another. Use your hands! Big gestures! Minister/Interviewer: […]
Read full textIsaiah 58:1-12, Why fast? — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson
Isaiah 58:1-12 For 2-4 Voices: Isaiah (might be divided between 2 readers), People 1 & 2 This readings might be used to explore the Lent theme: “Hineni: Here I Am” – looking at the idea of spiritually showing up and saying ‘Yes’ to God’s call and invitation. Isaiah: Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up […]
Read full textMatthew 5:21-37 for two readers, 6th Sunday of Epiphany, Year A
Sixth Sunday of Epiphany, Year A A reading for two voices An attempt has been made to make the language inclusive. READER 1: Hear the teachings of Jesus as recorded by Matthew. We are reading from chapter 5. READER 2: ‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You […]
Read full textPsalm 40, Gathering words — Ana Gobledale, UK
Second Sunday of Epiphany, Year A Happy are those who are patient and trust God, for God has performed wondrous deeds, too many to count. God is steadfast and faithful, the solid rock upon which we stand.
Read full textJohn 1:29-42 Dramatised, Tod Gobledale, UK
for Second Sunday of Epiphany, Year A Characters: (and starting positions) Narrator (pulpit or lecturn) John the Baptist (to side) _____________________________ Andrew, Disciple of John (to side) ___________________ Disciple of John 2 (to side)__________________ Jesus (at back) _____________________________ Simon Peter (to a wing) _____________________________ Script NARRATOR [at pulpit or […]
Read full textSpirit of Unity, hear our prayer — Ana Gobledale, UK
A prayer for our church, community and world, originally written for Trinity Sunday Spirit of Unity, hear our prayer. We pray for your Church in all its many forms and manifestations: for the churches in our neighbourhood; For [church name], [church name] and our own church, [church name], We pray for those […]
Read full textSeason of Giving (in rhyme), for Advent — Jack Ouston, UK
A delightful reminder of the meaning of Advent and Christmas traditions for use in a Sunday morning worship service or a special Advent service. Written for 3-12 readers, with Scrooge-type voices (3, 5, 7 and 9) grumbling about traditions and other voices offering meaning. Easily read by adults without any rehearsal — just distribute a […]
Read full textAdvent, time to pray and prune — Angie Brock, USA
Peace be within your walls and quietness within your towers. Psalm 122:7 I think of Advent as a “pray and prune” time –a whole liturgical season in which to weed and prune in order to reset our hearts and souls as we prepare for and make the pilgrimage to the manger. Advent is here. As […]
Read full textPsalm 95, Call to Worship — Ana Gobledale, UK
Inspired by Psalm 95, verses 1-2 Reading for Third Sunday of Lent, Year A, and 25th Sunday of Pentecost, Year A Sing for joy! Shout aloud in thanksgiving for the permanence of the Eternal One. Stand firm in faith, grateful for our unshakable foundation. Give thanks with music and song.
Read full textPsalm 121 Prayer — Ana Gobledale, UK
2nd Sunday of Lent, Year A I lift up my eyes to the hills… We lift up our hearts To you, Spirit of the Universe God will not let your foot be moved… Trusting you to hold us securely When we feel caught in the mire of indecision When we hesitate to step forward […]
Read full textExodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95, a prayer — Ana Gobledale, UK
3rd Sunday of Lent, Year A 19 March 2017 God, are you with us? We seek assurance. Like the Israelites at Massah we desire proof. Like the people of Meribah we ache for assurance beyond words, Something we can see and touch. Forgive our testiness and fickle faith. Renew our commitment to […]
Read full textMicah 6:1-8 drama — Ana Gobledale, UK
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, Year A Narrator: Today’s reading is from the Prophet Micah, chapter 6, beginning with verse 1. Micah places us in a court room drama. First the judge speaks, ordering the complainant to rise, and introducing the case. Then God brings charges against Israel, God’s own people. Then Micah responds on behalf […]
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