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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Hope when pressed to earth Will find nourishment and life In truths long buried.
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Open Table Worship uses inclusive language and imagery for intimate worship settings at which everyone is welcome and valued. Compiled and written by Ana Gobledale, UK Theme: Are Angels still speaking? What does the Bible say about angels? What do you think about angels? This complete worship service . . . weaves together scripture, song, reflection […]
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Open Table Worship uses inclusive language and imagery for intimate worship settings at which everyone is welcome and valued Advent Theme: Hope: Light in the darkness A complete worship service weaving together scripture, song, reflection & conversation Compiled & written by Ana Gobledale for Open Table This service is designed for a congregation gathered around tables. It […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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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Led by the children and leaders of Sunday Club 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 […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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This prayer might be used on the 4th Sunday of Advent, Christmas Day or for a Lessons and Carols service. 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 […]
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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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