Prayers of Intercession in a time of fear It is so good to trust in God. This world is scary and I remind myself over and over again that we can trust in God to never leave us, to be with us no matter what. We come to this community prayer, trusting that God hears […]
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I am a child of God – As you are. In my face is reflected the likeness of God – As in yours. Why then do you despise the colour of my skin, The shape of my features, Or the texture of my hair? Why do you think that I must think Like you, Act […]
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This prayer comes from Christian Aid UK, written by Ramani Leathard, Christian Aid’s Head of Region for South East Asia and Afghanistan. Pray for Afghanistan O God of mercy and of peace, We hold before you the peoples of Afghanistan. Be living bread to those who are hungry each day Be healing and wholeness to […]
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Tune: In my life Lord be glorified, by Bob Kilpatrick Stand among us Pour out your hope, let your grace flow Take our burdens Hold us in your great love Come and rescue Save us from fear, make your Word clear Come and heal us Hold us in your great love Lighten darkness Shine down […]
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Materials: a seashell — ideally with twists and hollow spaces If used in summer, take advantage of any connection available to the seaside. What’s this? [a shell] What words might we use to describe it? – pointy, smooth, hollow, full of air, hard, When we look at the shell from different angles, we learn more […]
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If the night sky wasn’t inky Could the stars shine so bright? And if there wasn’t darkness, Tell me, how could light be light? No dark depths of earth – How would the flora grow? Black is essential, don’t you know. You tell me black is no good – The shade of evil, shade of […]
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O Love, Unfold me anew; For my spirit easily tightens Around yesterday’s too much Sadness and loss and worry. Stretch me open With an energy not my own But given as the gift of Life Revealing beauty within Already formed by You Before I even knew to notice. Yes, Love, ground me In Your forming […]
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For Pentecost 13, Year B May be read responsively or by a single voice. Guardian over all the nations, how we love your dwelling place. Here, even the sparrow may find a home and the swallow make her nest, raising her brood beside your altars. Happy are those who are at home in your house. […]
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The Phenomenon of Prayer I’d love to say that I pray without ceasing, but I do, cease that is. I would love to say that I pray with understanding, but I often pray from a place of not-knowing. I would love to say that I pray with a deep sense of connection to the Spirit, […]
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Pentecost (5 Aug 2012) Year B Materials: Loaf of bread (unsliced) Travel communion set Bag in which the above items are held (out of which they are drawn) Script: Pull out bread and ask: What is this? When do you eat bread? When do we eat bread in church? Bread is important. Pull out communion […]
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My heart swells as I think of all God has done… The brilliance of humanity – diverse and creative The majesty of mountains offering iron and diamonds The towering trees of ancient forests The delight of the ladybird and grasshopper The power of water falling, falling The justice of food for all – abundant crops […]
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For Pentecost 11, Year B Supplies: bag (cloth is best, less noise) Welcome sign Script I have something in my bag…. (Take out a welcome sign or the word ‘Welcome’ printed on a piece of paper.) ‘WELCOME.’ What does ‘welcome’ mean? … take responses Safe Part of the group How do you make someone feel WELCOME? […]
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Questions for the teacher By Gerardo Oberman, Argentina Re-interpretation of Matthew 25:1-13 (the foolish maidens), lection for Proper 27 (usually 23rd Sunday after Pentecost), Year A Translated from Spanish by Katie Fiegenbaum Ready-to-download: Questions for the teacher PDF Questions for the teacher WORD Perhaps you are asking me, teacher to be numb to the needs […]
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A prayer for healing after trauma Easily adapted for a group, e.g. using ‘our’ and ‘us’ God of all time, this time is difficult. My memories rush at me. My memories have disappeared as my mind manages each day. I am aware that others have had times like mine or worse. But God it feels […]
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So dark, so cold, so alone. God, where are you? Can you hear me? Where are you? My cries seem to vanish into the air. Do any reach you? I feel the waiting stretch so long. Then like the sun that shines before the dawn, Like the sun that shines below my horizon, Your presence […]
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Worship High Church Low Church In-between church A window into wisdom A portal into presence A receiving A giving A sharing Gathering to be fed by the Word Gathering to feast upon colour, flame, Gathering to feel the power of community Gathering to free the spirit
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What starts this week? — the Olympics Many people are gathering from all around the world to compete in sports. And they all will try their best to win a medal. What colour medals can they win? Gold, silver and bronze Which colour means that athlete has performed the best in their sport? Gold […]
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This interactive activity has been created for use at baptism services. Leader: I need some children to help me out, 6 to be exact. You will not need to say anything. (Provide as much explanation as necessary until the required number of volunteers stand at the front.) Give each child/volunteer a giant letter to hold, […]
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Grant us, O Lord, The royalty of inward happiness And the serenity which comes from living close to Thee. Do Thou daily renew in us The sense of Joy so that by Thy Spirit, We may bear about us The infection of good courage. – Thomas More 1478-1535
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Supplies: Bubble-making paraphernalia Inside, individual small bubble liquid containers with wands suffice, as sold for weddings. Outside, any size bubble containers and wands will do. An especially large wand might be used for a ‘big’ group prayer. Think about your week. What questions, worries or confessions do you have? What positives, joys and hopes do […]
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For Pentecost 9, Year B You, our Holy One, are gracious and compassionate, long suffering and ever faithful. You are good to all; And your compassion rests upon all you have made. You keep faith with us and are consistent in all you do, supporting all who stumble and raising those brought low. All your […]
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Invitation The Eternal One has given us all that is good, right and true. What a joy to share these gifts with one another in the life of this community and far beyond our own reach. In this offering, we return to God a token of our wealth in gratitude for all we have received. […]
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Arising from the story of Joseph from Genesis 37 – 42. Proper 14 & 15, Year A (Usually 10th & 11th week after Pentecost) Invitation to Give Jacob gave Joseph a special coat because he loved him. Joseph gave his brothers food because he loved them. We give gifts to our church/es because we love […]
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Lectionary: Lent 4A, Easter 4 ABC, Proper 23 A, Proper 11 B God is my personal consultant. I have it made. She lets me kick back and relax, knowing that with her guidance, everything will go smoothly. She gives me a much-needed boost. She tells me the right way to handle things — and let’s […]
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So how do I know what you intend for me? What can I draw on to find the strength that I need? What word can comfort, what arms can embrace So I hear your words calling and look at your face? So how do I go from where I find myself now? How do you […]
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Walking through the valley of the shadow of death… Death accompanies us all. Waiting silently for acceptance. Not frightening, except for those who fear shadows. Peaceful. I’m grateful for those who show me how to transition from the life we know into this unknowable mystery. So many names and angles of understanding: eternity, resurrection, dust-to-dust, […]
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Text: Mark 6:1-13 (Pentecost 6, Year B) Title: Like a noodle! Theme: Resilience Supplies: Dry spaghetti noodles and cooked spaghetti noodles Works well for InPerson or Zoom (online) service. Script with actions: Good morning. Today we’re thinking about resilience. I wonder what ‘resilient’ means? Any ideas? [Wait for any responses.] If a person is resilient, […]
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A Prayer of adoration God of mountains and mustard seed, skylarks and cattle; We give you thanks for all that you have made. As we look at your world in all its beauty and diversity we are reminded of your creative hand that brings all things into being. Jesus story teller and teacher, friend of […]
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Inspired by Psalm 48 Pentecost 7, Year B Our God, we come to you in longing. We have a deep desire for justice: in our international policies, in our local politics, and in our personal relationships. We long for leaders with vision, leaders who place common good above political gain, who look beyond the next […]
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God, in whose likeness all are made, teach us to see each other as you see us – each individual, nation and people – beautiful. Beloved. Valued beyond measure. Enable us to see as you see. God, who is love, teach us to love each other as you love us – from the very heart […]
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Let me hear what God the Sovereign will speak, for God will speak peace to the people, God will speak to the faithful, to those who turn to God in their hearts. Surely God’s salvation is at hand for those who fear God, that God’s glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness […]
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Zoom (online) version Parts: Narrator (Storyteller), Jew, Jesus, Disciple Ready-to-print: Mark 6, 1-13 – a drama Script Narrator: In Mark’s gospel, chapter six, we hear a familiar story about Jesus starting out on his ministry. Hear and see Mark’s words come to life. Mark writes: Jesus left that place and came to his home town, […]
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We look to you Trusting in your guiding hand Sure in your care for us Assured of your kindness. Even as we face disdain from others and scorn from the proud, we are filled with your mercy. In your fullness we rest. Lectionary reading 6th Sunday of Pentecost, Year B, and 21st Sunday of Pentecost, […]
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What words for Independence Day? We’re free! Alleluia! Free from what? Free for what? Independence at what price? What words express our fears when we see ourselves becoming those from whom we rebelled? What words hold the power of our confession as the oppressors from whom others have sought freedom? What words express our desire […]
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The prayer Tune: Crüger, Hail to the Lord’s anointed In tenderness enfold us, engage with us in prayer And as you gently hold us, remind us that you’re there Send light into our darkness Breathe love into our lives Send blessings down upon us Let hope and mercy thrive Be in the prayer we offer, […]
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The Holy One is great and is worthy of generous praise- -here in this sacred place, the dwelling of our God. The city of God brings joy to all the world. God it is who will keep us safe. We have heard what God has done and we have seen it for ourselves that God […]
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‘We stand for…’, a Litany of Love We do not stand against, We stand for: Love, inclusion, life, and dignity, Offering a hand to those in need, Or a shoulder to those who weep. We do not stand against, We stand with: The fearful, the oppressed, The rebels and truth-tellers, Those who take action. We […]
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All: God makes peace within us. Let us claim it. God makes peace between us. Let us share it (nwi). One: Let us greet another as a sign of God’s peace. The peace of God is here… to stay. (Iona) All: Thanks be to God. From the Pentecost Service, “Gathering for the Celebration of Life” […]
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Thomas Long writes: ‘Take the issue of inclusive language. Why should I be bothered with inclusive language in worship? Some people say that you should use inclusive language because otherwise, feelings will get hurt. That is true but not very persuasive. Others say that you must use inclusive language because kids in school are using […]
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A picture says a thousand words. Thanks to all the photographers and artists for sharing your work. Photos posted here may be used for worship and devotional purposes. Please acknowledge the photographer/artist.
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