Loving God who summoned the world into being, moulded the mountains, bathed the earth in colour and light, and breathed into us the Spirit of life we bring you our praise. We adore you, the God who first loved us – who knew us in the womb made each of us unique and who tends […]
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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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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 […]
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Tune: Gonfalon Royal Originally written for Stephen’s ordination service. We find ourselves between two worlds, In one we live, for one we hope To risk their fusion is our call, Achieved through love, which welcomes all. Achieved through love, which welcomes all, Which bends and breaks and mends again, The source of all; and yet […]
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At the end of each section, pause to allow participants time to reflect and fill in the names of places and people as appropriate, silently or aloud, as appropriate for the group. I cannot take bread and forget those who are hungry…. I cannot take wine and forget those who thirst for justice…. I cannot […]
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Baptism services often include several children in the congregation, and I want them to be involved and interested. So, I often incorporate into the service a reflection/activity which includes group participation. I ask a group of volunteers, ideally children and youth, to come forward. (The number of volunteers corresponds to the number of letters in […]
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Ready-to-print copy: WORD Prayer for the New Year, Sandy Messick God of all times and seasons, On this threshold of a new year, we turn and return again to you. The year spreads before us with possibilities and challenges, joys and concerns. There is beauty all around: in the smiles of children, in the […]
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For Emalyn (a youth being mentored by Eleanor) I see God skiing in the snow-capped mountains. I see God suffering with the ragged guy begging for help. I see God sharing in the worship services at our church. I see God playing in graphic artistry. I see God enjoying diverse cultures: how they live, work, and […]
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Gabriel’s Greeting This dramatic monologue provides a possible perspective of Mary following Gabriel’s visit. I’m a virgin and I’m pregnant. I’m shunned by my family and friends, and I’m engaged to Joseph, who may divorce me. Then some weird guy, tells me I’m favoured. Really, I can do without these favours, thank you very much. […]
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Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, Year C Luke 4:21-30 and 1 Corinthians 13 God whose love is vast and measureless, wider than the universe, unlimited and infinite: In wonder WE WORSHIP YOU. God whose love will never run dry, will never fall short, will never fail: In wonder WE WORSHIP YOU. God whose love knows […]
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Loving, embracing Spirit We strive and we fall often, straight into the safety net of your compassionate embrace. We pick ourselves up and try again, secure in the knowledge that you will always be there for us, and that we are so much more than our successes and failures. Help us to learn from our […]
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Why 6 December? On 6 December 1989 fourteen women were murdered and nine women and four men were wounded at the École Polytechnique in Montreal, Canada. The man responsible specifically targeted women, separating them from their male colleagues. The violence ended when he shot and killed himself. Since that day, 6 December has been set […]
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Songs of praise Hymns of lament Words from the very depths of our being Newest posts . . . (images link to posts) Psalms — old and new: an alphabetical listing
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Bring your seeds, your trowels, your overalls! Welcome spring with an act of worship celebrating creation, life and growth. In British tradition, Plough (Plow) Sunday is held on the Sunday after Epiphany, the Sunday between 7-13 January. Sometimes arriving in their farm carts or tractors, farmers bring a ploughshare (a section of the plough’s blade) […]
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Tune: “For All the Saints” Sine Nomine 10.10.10.A Words by Jim Burklo (use freely with attribution) Appropriate for Church Anniversaries For all the ways we help each other grow As we share stories, moments high and low The face of Christ among us now will show We sing allelujia, allelujia. For all the people […]
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Mark 10:17–31 Twenty-first Sunday of Pentecost, Year B A modern adaptation by Tod & Ana Gobledale, UK Click here to download the complete script in Word. Click here for complete script in pdf. PREPARATION: Keys and wallet placed about for Rich Man to find. CAST: Rich Man (starts at front with hand-held microphone) Jesus: starts […]
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For weddings and Valentine’s Day… Yes, we have become partners. I have become yours. Hereafter, I cannot live without you. Do not live without me. Let us share the joys. We are word and meaning, unite. You are thought and I am sound. May the nights be honey-sweet for us. May the plants be honey-sweet […]
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How do we speak of love? What words hold the essence of the feeling, the experience, the action of loving? Newest ‘Valentine’s Day’ posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Valentine’s Day’ resources . . .
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for a wedding and Valentine’s Day… You have become mine forever. I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off. I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul. I love you as the plant […]
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Praying for others… Praying for our world… What words do we use to express the pain of our world? How do we meaningfully express our concerns, fears and anger? How do we verbalize the pain and suffering of creation — the people, the creatures, the land? How do we respond to both natural disasters and […]
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Words seeking the deepest places Words for rigorous honesty Words to cleanse the spirit, mind and soul Newest posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Words of Confession’ resources . . . Featured image: Holocaust Memorial, San Francisco, California USA
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What words reach out to a gathered congregation? Do they bring comfort? Challenge? A call for renewal and re-commitment? Are we free or stuck in a formula? What words enable God to speak through us? Newest related posts . . . (images link to posts) Alphabetical archive of all ‘Pastoral Prayers’ resources . . .
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Time for worship has arrived. Worship leaders gather for prayer. What words will inspire us? guide us? ground us? What words will remind us of the need for both humility and authority? What words will connect us to our common purpose, faith and God? This quiet time for gathering and invoking the presence of the […]
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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.
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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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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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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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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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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, 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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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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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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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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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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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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Advent 1 voice 1: Spontaneous sun voice 2: Generous giver of light, voice 3: Heat and energy… Light first Advent candle voice 4: We give thanks that throughout this season of hope we are warmed by the signs of hope we see in our world and in our own lives. . OR Advent 1: ‘Earth’ […]
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Thank you for my eyes that help me see the world. Thank you for my ears that bring music to my soul. Thank you for my feet that keep me on the ground. Thank you for my hands that I can wave around. For fingers and toes, Mouth and nose, Chin and hair, And even […]
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Tune: Rivaulx For the lyrics, music and a power point, click here. These lyrics work well on Mother’s Day. With the simple substitution of ‘father’ for ‘mother’ in the last verse, it fits in well on Father’s Day. For all the blessings in our life, For peace and calm amidst the strife, A thankful hymn […]
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National days set aside for thanksgiving offer wonderful opportunities to express our gratitude, often in an interfaith setting. How do we say “Thanks”? Thanksgiving & Harvest Resources
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Joy and a bit-of-chaos sum up a Blessing of the Animals service! Sometimes held outside, sometimes inside, with care and safety measures in place (e.g. animals kept on leash or in carrier) an animal blessing service can provide meaning and relevance for children and anyone with a pet. Photos or soft toys (stuffed toy animals) may be brought […]
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