When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem They found there was no room. We confess that in the midst of all our anxieties We have not made room in our hearts for others. We confess that, paralysed by fear, prejudice or apathy We have not made room in our homes for the stranger. We confess […]
Read full textAdvent 2A
Sing a new song, Psalm 96 – Ana Gobledale, UK
Inspired by Psalm 96 Sing a new song, Sing all the earth, Sing praises to God
Read full textThere you are — Sam Goodman, UK
There you are In quieter moments In fragile sunrises In delicate tapestries There you are In words of encouragement In the tenderest touch In a subtle embrace There you are In sweeping majesty In roaring oceans In crashing thunder There you are In a stable On a cross In hope you are there
Read full textPsalm 72 Praise — Duncan Wilson, UK
A contemporary rendition of Psalm 72. 1-8, 18,19 Teach your rulers, dear God, to know what is right and share with them what you consider just so that they rule fairly, especially in favour of people who are oppressed. May our lands also enjoy prosperity and also be awake to your righteousness. As long as […]
Read full textBlue Christmas Prayer — Fiona Hulbert, UK
Our God, we gather together in the bleak midwinter. Those who have much to thank you for, who rejoice in your goodness, and those who look out on a landscape of broken dreams and hardly dare to hope for Good News. Those whose hearts and homes are full of Christmas joy, and those whose Christmas […]
Read full textTeenage Mary calls home, an Advent monologue — Ana & Tod Gobledale, UK
Title: I have good news…and bad news… Readings: Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:39-55 This dramatic monologue, a phone conversation between pregnant teenage Mary and her Mum, was originally written as the sermon accompanying the lighting of the Advent Candle of Love. It can be used effectively anytime during Advent. Notes: Mary pauses throughout the conversation when […]
Read full textHope Haiku — Loey Powell, USA
Hope when pressed to earth Will find nourishment and life In truths long buried.
Read full textCafe Church, Open Table service — Are Angels still speaking?
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, […]
Read full textCafe Church, Open Table service – Advent
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, […]
Read full textAngels from the realms…new words for an old tune — Christine & Ted Haines, UK
Written on the occasion of an Angel Festival in Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK Angels from the realms of glory Wing your flight around this place, You who sang creations story, Bless our festival / [worship here] with grace Gloria…. In excelsis deo All who seek communication With humanity that cares, Turn your mobiles off […]
Read full textGabriel’s Greeting, Mary’s monologue — Eleanor Hubbard, USA
Gabriel’s Greeting This dramatic monologue provides a possible perspective of Mary after 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. […]
Read full textSeason 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 […]
Read full textChristmas 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 […]
Read full textEquity Prayer, Isaiah 11 — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA
Inspired by Isaiah 11:3-4a Second Sunday of Advent, Year A Holy One, open our spirits to your righteousness – a righteousness that helps us understand the power innate in all humanity. Grant us the righteousness to recognize the gifts, resources, resiliency, strength and wisdom present in ourselves and in others. Empower us, O […]
Read full textAdvent/Christmas Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Grace — Cara Heavey, UK
This prayer might be used on the 4th Sunday of Advent, Christmas Day or for a Lessons and Carols service. When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem They found there was no room. We confess that in the midst of all our anxieties We have not made room in our hearts for others. […]
Read full textAdvent/Christmas Prayer of Approach — Cara Heafey, UK
This morning we have come to tell again The story of angels and shepherds Of disbelieving fathers and unlikely mothers This morning we have come to hear again The good, good news Of love born among us Of God here with us This morning we prepare to receive the gift Of a child born in […]
Read full textPrayer for the Beginning of Advent — Mary Luti, USA
You give us Advent, Lord, and we are grateful and glad to abide in your time, urgent, yet measured, imagining life. You give us Advent, Lord, and we are grateful and glad to watch by your light, candid, yet hidden, sharp as a truth. You give us Advent, Lord, and we are grateful and glad […]
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