Matthew 28:1-18 Do not be afraid. Allow time for the children to answer each question. When are you afraid? What helps you be brave? The Easter message for us, from God, is ‘Do not be afraid. No matter how scary things are, I am with you.’ Pray with me. God, thank you for […]
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What words do we use to describe the mystery of Easter? Bodily resurrection? Spiritual continuum? Risen? Risen indeed? What words might Jesus’s friends have used to explain their experiences that day? This drama presents words Mary Magdalene might have shared. Ready-to-print downloads of full script: Easter drama – I, Mary Magdalene PDF Easter drama – I, […]
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[names of couple], we rejoice to celebrate with you the reaffirmation of your marriage covenant, as you re-commit yourselves as /wife and husband / partners/ wives / husbands/ in marriage. [Use the terminolopgy chosen by the couple.] This year you celebrate ____ years of marriage, your anniversary coming up on [date]. In this post-modern world, […]
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2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 Dramatised for 3 readers The parts may be portrayed by women, men or youth. They need not memorise but may hold and read their scripts. Microphones will be needed by all three. If there is a high lectern or pulpit, that is a good spot for the Storyteller; a great opportunity […]
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Epiphany 2, Year C This prayer is inspired by Psalm 36:5-10 It’s like standing beneath a street lamp On a misty evening. In the light, I see light, But objects appear blurry and obscured, half lit. God, standing in your light, I see light, But the path ahead appears blurry and obscured, seemingly […]
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Prayer inspired by 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Second Sunday of Epiphany, Year C Note: this prayer can be written either in the singular (me/I) or the plural (us/we). In this bleak midwinter Gifts abound Given in the same spirit, a spirit of love. When words of wisdom we cannot bring to utterance, Thank you for the […]
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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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(compiled from various resources) Click here for a Blue Christmas full service pdf download A one-hour reflective service for a December afternoon or evening 16 readers (or double-up if fewer readers are available) Order of Service Welcome “Why are we here?” Gathering Words Lighting the Christ candle Call to Worship (from Isaiah 9) Opening Prayer Reading […]
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Invite a bagpiper to join the congregation for worship on St Andrew’s Sunday. They might play a traditional Scottish hymn or other songs agreed upon. Ideally, they will dress in full Scottish regalia. Invite the children to come forward to join the worship leader and to meet the bagpiper, look closely at the instrument, and […]
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The Holy Spirit propels Philip to the Ethiopian – a dramatisation Acts 8:26-40 (Year B, Easter 4) This might be incorporated into a celebration of baptism or the renewal of baptismal vows. Actors/readers: Philip, Ethiopian, Storyteller (Narrator), Angel, Spirit Complete scripts — ready to download and print (2-sided): Drama, Acts 8, Philip & Ethiopian PDF Drama, […]
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How do we mark the passing of time after a death? What words do we share when we gather to install, place or unveil a gravestone or marker? This service has been used when unveiling a gravestone or placing a plaque at a grave. Complete Service ready to download and print PDF Gravestone unveiling – full […]
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Written April 2018 during a time of personal reflection in the Lady Chapel, Ely Cathedral, UK, following the bombing of Syria by the US and the UK. Broken Bombed Darkness descends How did it come to this? God groans The world whimpers. We cower Fearfully crying out, ‘Which way?’ What about our grandchildren? […]
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This is a round, easy to learn, fun for all ages. For Harvest Time and daily food, we give our thanks today! (Tune: For health and strength and daily bread, we praise thy name…)
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“Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness….’” Genesis 1.26 Lesson: Looking at skin colour to learn more about God. What colour are you? Listen to this poem by Kathleen McGinnis, and see if you can find a colour that matches your skin. Some people are black like ebony […]
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Living, loving God, thank you for the world around us, your splendid garden creation entrusted into our hands. Please grant us the wisdom to be faithful stewards of your earth: • Keeping air and water clean • Being mindful of energy consumption • Growing foods to share with all your people, our sisters and brothers […]
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22nd Sunday of Pentecost, Year A Exodus 20:20-22a & 23:20 What do we think about ‘angels’? What words express the phenomenon called ‘angel’ in the Bible? This dramatisation in which God promises to send an ‘angel’ can be used to open up reflection and discussion on the subject. Drama, Exodus 20 PDF Drama, Exodus […]
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Call to prayer Each of us can do our little part to restore God’s creation to a place of health and wholeness. Where can you make a difference? How can you help fix the “damage done”? Let us confess our sins, knowing that God is listening. Prayer of Confession Pray with me. God, often, […]
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Colours of the rainbow Originally used to illustrate ‘sharing’ as presented in John 6:1-15 (Jesus feeds many) and 2 Kings 4:42-44 (Tenth Week of Pentecost, Year B). Preparation: In a bag: (I use the same cloth bag each week, so children anticipate that there will be something inside it when they gather.) a selection of […]
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These communion prayers focus on creation. They might be used to celebrate Earth Day or during the Season of Creation. Genesis 1:1-19 Order of Service Words of invitation Words of confession & assurance Words of remembering: the communion story Words of gratitude God of creation and transformation, for this time together around this table, […]
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God of the prophets, we lift our prayers to you. Prayers of intercession for Eighth Sunday of Pentecost, Year B Amos 7:7-15 Ready-to-print copy: PDF Prayers of Intercession – Amos 7,7-15 WORD Prayers of Intercession – Amos 7,7-15 A different responsive line might be chosen, e.g. God of the prophets, we lift our prayers to […]
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Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10) Roles: God, Amos, Amaziah (priest), Jeroboam (king) Each role may be filled by any age or gender. Ready-to-print downloads of the script: PDF Amos 7, 7-15 – drama – Amos, God, King, Priest WORD Amos 7, 7-15 – drama – Amos, God, King, Priest Script Amos: I am the […]
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Mark 5:21-43 dramatised — adapted by Ana Gobledale, UK A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed adapted from the New Revised Standard Version These copies of the drama are ready to download and print. Each features a role highlighted. DRAMA – Mark 5, 21-43 – Disciple DRAMA – Mark 5, 21-43 – […]
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Prayers for our World (Intercession) In response to Mark 5:21-43 We turn to God, reaching out through our prayers of intercession, lifting up those near and far, known and stranger, trusting that even if our entreaties but touch the hem of the divine garment, they will be heard. Pray with me. God, thank you for […]
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Stilling the storms of life, a guided reflection Text: Mark 4:35-41 NRSV (Lection 5th Sunday of Pentecost, Year B) Prior to reading the passage, set the scene: Jesus’s days, filled with healing and teaching by the lakeside, have tired him and the disciples out. In chapter 3 he asks for a boat to stand […]
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Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13 Mark 4:26-34 God, your ways continue to surprise and delight us. Thank you for the seeds you have sown in us. Encourage us to nurture them as they grow and develop in our inner being, rather than spend so much time and energy on […]
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Do we reaffirm? Renew? Re-charge? Re-ignite? Re-commit? What words can contain gratitude for years of commitment past? What words express our hope of continued love and fidelity for years to come? This service, created by Ana Gobledale for use in London,weaves together words from numerous sources. The phrase ‘reaffirmation of wedding vows’ is used throughout. […]
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A Prayer for Pentecost (Replace prayer concerns as relevant for the gathered congregation.) Come, Holy Spirit, come, Breathe into the hearts of your people, like a dove, like a wind, like a flame. Like a dove, find a resting place in our land and around the world, bringing hope and peace. We pray for […]
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A responsive reading to use at a Blessing of the Gardens & Gardeners service, on Earth Day, or any day in springtime. LEADER: Seeds we bring PEOPLE: for God’s blessing and use; LEADER: Hoes and trowels we bring PEOPLE: for God’s blessing and use; LEADER: Hands and gloves we […]
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Call to Confession Face the music. Jesus calls us to follow him, not just to another party of praise, but to the hard work of bringing God’s love and justice into this world of violence and fear. Let us prepare ourselves for this task by confessing our sin. Prayer of Confession One: Source of all […]
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Theme: Pentecost A complete worship service weaving together scripture, drama, reflection & conversation Compiled & written by Ana Gobledale for Open Table This service is designed for a congregation gathered around tables. It can easily be adapted for a more traditional setting. The Leader’s Sheet includes the entire service, with […]
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Gathering words inspired by Psalm 25 God is good, steadfast and true. Trust that which brought you here. Enter in hope and anticipation. Be ready to be fed and nourished. Open yourself to this oasis on the path of your life journey. Come! Be in this moment, this place. Shed the world at the […]
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Open Table Worship uses inclusive language and imagery for intimate worship settings at which everyone is welcome and valued. Theme: Mothering Sunday: an excuse to talk about God This complete worship service . . . weaves together story and verse inspired by scripture & conversation on the topic of Mothering and Caring. is designed for […]
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Inspired by Psalm 147 Written for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany in Year B of the Common Lectionary. To be read responsively, with enthusiasm! Celebrate God’s grace! How comforting it is to know God always accompanies us. Approach God in awe! How amazing it is to consider that God has created each of us […]
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This responsive Call to Worship might be used at a special New Year’s Day service or on the first Sunday of the new year. Ready-to-print downloads: New Year, Call to Worship PDF New Year, Call to Worship WORD People of the world, it is time to celebrate new beginnings. We step into the new year […]
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Luke 2:22-40 First week after Christmas, Year B A drama for 2-voices — inspired by the New Revised Standard Version Readers: Storyteller & Simeon Click here to download a ready-to-print copy of the complete script: PDF Luke 2, 22-40 drama for 2 readers.doc WORD Luke 2, 22-40 drama for 2 readers Script (also found in […]
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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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Open Table Worship uses inclusive language and imagery for intimate worship settings at which everyone is welcome and valued Theme: Welcoming the New Year A complete worship service weaving together scripture, drama, reflection & conversation Compiled & written by Ana Gobledale for Open Table This service is designed for a congregation gathered around tables. It can easily […]
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Pentecost 25, Year A Responsive reading inspired by Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth. We will worship God with gladness; Come into God’s presence with singing. We sing, for God made us, and we are God’s people. Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving and praise. We give thanks to […]
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Standing up to bullies: Anna & Martin make change (reform) happen I have something in my bag. What’s this? … DVD – Frozen Who has seen Frozen? Who are the characters? Who do you see here? …(on the cover): Kristof, Svens (deer), Elsa (ice), Anna (red hair), Olaf (snowman), Prince Hans Who’s the bad guy? […]
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