Let me stand before enemies with love prepared to break soil, to prune branches to do the hard work of growing peace For I will need stout tools to work this rough land well, to bring fruits of justice out of rocky earth, to tend the muscular trees of mercy. Steve Garnaas-Holmes serves in ministry […]
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There are all types of mothers. There are people who are not biological mothers who provide nurture and love. What words do we use to describe mothers and those who mother? What words to describe our relationships with our mothers? Newest ‘Mother’s Day’ posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all […]
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Written and compiled by Ana & Tod Gobledale, UK Universal Wedding Service (ready-to-print) PDF Universal Wedding Service (ready-to-print) WORD Weddings are for everyone! Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, straight, queer, intersex, heterosexual, women, men, non-church goers, people blending religious traditions, infertile people… weddings are for everyone in love and ready to commit! Wedding services/celebrations can provide a […]
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God loves a try-er or so ‘they’ say. And God, you know that I’m trying. But somehow I never feel good enough. There’s always something just beyond my reach; something I can’t get right. And somehow I always seem to let me – and you – down. Living Spirit uplift me, I pray. Breathe a […]
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What do we believe? How do we verbalise our faith? What words do we use to express our core values and beliefs? How do we articulate that which cannot be explained yet is known intimately? Affirmations or Statements of Faith are created when we bring our faith into words. They may be used in acts […]
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Prayer for a Church Anniversary celebration source unknown We give thanks for this church’s witness to your love in this place [name of town/location] for the past [number] years. Strengthen us to continue this noble task.
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Tune: “Fairest Lord Jesus” (Crusaders’ Hymn: 5.6.8.5.5.8) Seeker of justice, turner of the tables One who made sure that the poor were fed Land for the landless, home for the homeless And baskets filled with fish and bread. Friend of the friendless, lover of the enemy, Love that conventions cannot contain, Boundless compassion, put into […]
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Tune: Nicaea (Holy, Holy, Holy) Words by Jim Burklo (use freely with attribution) Holy, holy, holy, love now ascending Early in the morning our song shall rise to you Holy, holy, holy, joy that has no ending Giving, forgiving, breathing life anew. Holy, holy, holy, love without a limit Care that binds creation in sacred […]
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This ready-to-use Café Church worship service weaves together scripture, drama, reflection, conversation & communion. It has been designed for worship around tables, but is easily adaptable to a more traditional setting. This service includes everything you need — an Order of Service to handout, leader script sheets, reader printouts, song suggestions, a list of supplies, […]
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These Café Church worship services weave together scripture, drama, reflection, conversation & communion. They have been designed for worship around tables, but are easily adaptable to a more traditional setting. Each service includes everything you need — an Order of Service to handout, leader script sheets, reader printouts, song suggestions, a list of supplies, a […]
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Wirtten by Ana Gobledale, UK This ‘live’ interview of Peter and Andrew might be used as the sermon or message. Parts: Andreas, Petros, Thaddeus, Reporter Copies of script ready to download and print: Pentecost Drama Sermon Word download Pentecost Drama Sermon PDF download Leader: Let us imagine ourselves transported through time and space to Jerusalem, two […]
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Everyone is invited to bring their pet (or a photo) to this celebration of thanksgiving for pets. Children and youth are involved as readers. The service was first held at Woodland Hills Community Church, Woodland Hills, California. Opening Bless our God, all you creatures. Bless God in heaven and earth. Readings Genesis 1:23-28, 31a (read by […]
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This might be included in a Blessing of the Gardeners service, or used any time during the planting and tending season. Preparation Put several items into a bag: Bible, flower bulbs, gardening gloves, small gardening tools, e.g. trowel. Take items out as they are mentioned in the script. Method I invite the children forward to […]
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Individual candles may be distributed to be used at the close of the prayer. Hope of all hopes, God of new life, of resurrection, we come before you this Easter season, our hearts rejoicing in you. And yet, despite our joy and hope, we feel the darkness around us. God, may we know your healing […]
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The encounter on the Emmaus Road — recognizing Jesus Adapted from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Reader 1: Narrator Disciple: Cleopas, standing in for all those who met Jesus along the road Jesus: the resurrected Reader 1: Our Gospel reading comes from Luke’s account of the encounter on the road to Emmaus. […]
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Day of Action and Prayer for Syria & Peace 21 September What words can express the horror, the sadness, the hope, the truth? Newest ‘Day for Syria’ posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Day for Syria’ resources . . . Words to help us face the situation in Syria…
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Prayers of confession and repentence for Earth day (22 April) and Season of Creation (1 Sept-7 Oct) Prayer of confession God of all Creation, we come to you in a moment of personal and corporate confession. We participate in a system which is exploitative and violent, which separates humanity from the rest of Creation. By […]
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Let us tell the Good News: this world is not God-forsaken, abandoned to futility and destruction. God has not failed: This world will become the Realm of God. Let us live the Good News: care for the sick and suffering, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, struggle against injustice, care for the earth, so that […]
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Animal focus I speak of penguins. Choose an animal you like and have a special connection to, perhaps an adopted animal at a zoo or rescue centre, or a pet. Adapt to fit your animal scenario. Keep it simple. Materials: Bag large enough to hold all other items stuffed toy of focus animal photo of […]
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A worship resource from Christian Aid UK for the Third Sunday of Easter, Year A ‘And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.’ —Luke 24:17 Walk beside us, risen Jesus On the Emmaus road of life On the journey of confusion On the road […]
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Tune: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”, Coronation C.M. Words by Jim Burklo (use freely with attribution) We praise you, God, with rousing song, we answer at your call Your Word creates the universe, We praise you, God of all Your Word creates the universe, We praise you, God of all […]
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The Empire Feeds Cold and dark clamp down on us. The Empire feeds itself, human bodies as fuel, boots tracking blood. Rachel weeping for her children, we’ve heard it before. The person with the megaphone doesn’t care. The emperor has spoken. Only the most fragile voice cries out for hope. The gentle bear it, weeping […]
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For it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. – Luke 6:45 (Lection Epiphany 8, Year C) There’s a popular wisdom that says words don’t matter. It’s actions that are important. You hear it in expressions like, “It’s not what you say, but what you do that counts,” or “Your actions […]
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Used with permission, from Nicola’s book, Seeking the Risen Christa (SPCK, 2011) which can be purchased at Amazon. Such a fast one You came running towards us Over the morning grass Then off, off forth on swing Sweeping smooth on a big wind Out of our sight I want to come with you Fly with […]
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First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a […]
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A dramatic litany for Easter morning At the Tomb — A litany for 5+ voices 1st voice: Woman, why are you weeping? 1st woman: We mourn these dark days of death and denial. Abandoned, betrayed, forsaken. Left alone. Jesus gone. Where have they laid him? 1st voice: Woman, why are you weeping? 2nd woman: We […]
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This communion liturgy seeks to be worshipful, educational and inspirational. Children and youth might be used as servers and/or readers. Welcome & Invitation Here is the table set for our special meal. The bread, the juice, prepared and presented. Ready to be served and shared. We remember Jesus sharing a meal like this with […]
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A worship resource from Christian Aid UK Invite worshippers to name situations and places of concern either silently to themselves, or aloud. Footwashing God, We have named those names on our hearts We have spoken those situations out loud And we look forward To the time when all will know the shelter Of your coming Kin-dom. […]
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How do we remember those slain in war? What words hold the pain and sorrow of the bereaved? The dream and hope of the peacemaker? The promise of light and life after the devastation? How do we avoid glorifying war and death, yet remember those killed and wounded, sometimes for meaningless quarrels of others? How do […]
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A worship resource from Christian Aid UK Christ our life, You are alive in the beauty of the earth, In the rhythm of the seasons, In the mystery of time and space, Alleluia. Christ our life, You are alive in the tenderness of touch, In the heartbeat of intimacy, In the insights of solitude, Alleluia. Christ […]
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God, we give you thanks for sending Jesus to give us life. In the midst of wealth we are crushed by poverty, and while we are offered Christ-life in all its fullness, we are surrounded by disease, death and destruction. We are tempted to despair, and yet keep hoping, knowing that you care. At times we […]
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WORD Good Friday Confession, Lawrence Moore Pause before the prayer, allowing God’s Spirit to search your heart. Make your own confession. Pause after the prayer to experience the reality of God’s forgiveness. I want to keep my hands smooth, my skin unbroken, my feet unscarred. I don’t want the imprint of the cross on my […]
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When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’ — Matthew 21:10-11 God of the palms, God of the passion, we arrive at this Palm Sunday remembering and celebrating the story. We, too, need to ask ‘Who is this?’ […]
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Written specifically for sharing during a re-enactment of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, this prayer might be used at other communion services throughout the year. Out of the chaos, O God, you spoke and order came. Out of the nothingness, your hand touched dirt and water and we were formed. Out of your creative […]
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Prayed at Saint Andrews Scots Memorial Church in Jerusalem Setting the scene When Jesus came into Jerusalem for that last supper the crowds were singing and dancing. Palms were waved and coats were tossed on the ground—all for the victorious One. Hosanna in the highest. No matter that he came on a donkey instead of […]
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The clear pain, the death has brought me back, Submitted to your arms, almost a child. You don’t know whether to be thankful Or to cry For such happiness, Mother. My body, stripped of the mystery Is yours alone. Sweet your tears drip onto my shoulder And gather obediently near the blade. How good it […]
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Mark 15:25-39 Response I didn’t sign up for this. Not whips and nails, splinters and thorns, blood and stink and agony. I didn’t sign up for this. Not failure and despair, discouragement and derision, ignominy and ridicule. If it comes to this, I want to walk away too – flee; deny having ever known you. […]
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A worship resource from Christian Aid UK The lyrics are a bit of a stretch, but relay an important message. Little donkey, little donkey On the palm strewn road Got to keep on plodding onwards With robes and coats under hoof. Little donkey, little donkey Not a stallion, mule or mare Got to keep on plodding […]
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WORDS Ready-to-print – Prayer for Good Friday, Lawrence Moore O God, you are rich in mercy. For when I was nothing, you made me something. When I wanted nothing to do with you, you came looking for me to bring me home as a lost child, rejoicing. When I swore I never knew you, […]
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A Prayer of Confession inspired by John 11:1-45 We confess that we do not always want our lives restored or renewed. Speaking truth to the things and the people who bind us is very scary. Our ‘burial bandages’ not only bind us tightly, but they also keep us thinking we are secure, hidden away in […]
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