Song for Sunrise — Joy Cowley, New Zealand

Hey, beautiful morning, we’re singing your God song, a psalm of seas and mountains, of empty roads and houses yawning under a new blue bowl of sky. It’s the song of the bellbird, of steaming cows in sheds, of freckled trout quivering in deep dark pools, and dew on cobwebs lacing trees. Hey, beautiful morning, […]

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Who is Jesus? — Eleanor Hubbard, Colorado USA

For Emalyn whom Eleanor mentored… Who is Jesus?  A little boy born in a barn in a small village to poor parents. Two thousand, sixteen years ago. I wish I understood how and why he came still influencing billions of people today.   What I do know is that Jesus healed people. Jesus taught, prayed, […]

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A slow dawning — R S Thomas, UK

The first king was on horseback. The second a pillion rider. The third came by plane. Where was the god-child? He was in the manger with the beasts, all looking the other way where fourth was a slow dawning because wisdom must come on foot.   R. S. Thomas, Counterpoint (1990) Shared by Sarum College, […]

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Blessing for the new year — unknown author

May God make your year a joy-filled one! Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain, But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes; Not by making your path easy, But by making you sturdy to travel any path; Not by taking hardships from you, But by taking fear from your heart; […]

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Las Posadas, Seeking room in the inn — Mexico

Las Posadas, a Mexican Advent tradition stretches from 16 December through Christmas, during which actors depict Mary and Joseph looking for lodging.  They travel throughout the town or city, followed by a procession of  children and other members of the community carrying candles.  A song is traditionally sung at each ‘inn’ along the way.  Jim Burklo has written new […]

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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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F – Prayers for Friday

Prayers for Friday Solidarity with Creation From A Daily Prayer Series by Lawrence Moore, UK   Preparation: a candle or tea light. Suggestion: say the prayers aloud Reflecting on the universe You promised us the earth and you delivered. You gave us a home – a dwelling of delight; a good place to be. You gave […]

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Solidarity with Creation — Lawrence Moore, UK

The earth needs saving. This service has been created for worship focused on creation, perhaps on Earth Day, Trinity Sunday (Year A of the Common Lectionary) when Genesis 1 is read, or during Season of Creation (Creation Time).

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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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Christmas Carols with Justice — SimpleLiving, USA

Simple Living provides lyrics for Christmas Carols with Justice. The verses blend traditional and bold progressive language.  They are easy to use and bring the real world into Christmas. “Jesus’ birth has taken on much cultural significance as a celebration of good will, warm feelings and excessive consumerism. These new stanzas help to connect his birth […]

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