Year A

Psalm 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 […]

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Jonah & 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 […]

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Psalm 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 […]

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First 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 […]

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Matthew 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 […]

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Pastoral 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 […]

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Communion 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 […]

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Psalm 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 […]

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Psalm 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 […]

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Beauty 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 […]

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Genesis 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 […]

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Exodus 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 […]

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Psalm 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 […]

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Psalm 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 […]

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Matthew 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 […]

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Psalm 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 […]

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Ezekiel 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!   […]

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Breath 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. […]

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Samuel (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 […]

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Genesis 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:  […]

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Isaiah 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 […]

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John 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 […]

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Spirit 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 […]

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Season 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 […]

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Advent, 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 […]

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Psalm 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.

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Psalm 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 […]

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Exodus 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 […]

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Supreme Court, United Kingdom

Micah 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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