Christmas 1B

2023 O little town of Bethlehem, carol — SimpleLivingWorks

O little town of Bethlehem – lyrics for today Carols with Justice, Simple Living Works Verse 1: Phillips Brooks, 1868 Verse 2: John Becker Verse 3: Rae E. Whitney There will be no Christmas tree or traditional festivities in the place of Jesus Christ’s birth this year in response to the thousands killed in the […]

Read full text

Stars of Christmas, poem — Bob Hill, USA

A poem for Christmas and Epiphany This night we steer our paths By lights in holy skies. Like eyes of old, we stare Aloft at certain stars. Pressed hard by cruel tones And ugly, unseemly times, We linger at a star of beauty, A gleaming, affirming fire. To homes and naves we go With children […]

Read full text

Psalm 147 renewed — Duncan Wilson, UK

Epiphany 5, Year B How good it is to sing God’s praise! How right to voice our acclaim. For God rebuilds and gathers the scattered peoples, healing those who are broken in spirit binding up their injuries. It is the same God who numbers the stars and calls each one by name. How mighty is […]

Read full text

There 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 text

Season of thin spaces — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

This is indeed a holy season. This is a season of light shining in the shadows. And the shadows will not overcome it. This is a season where we allow God to light hope, peace, joy and love on the wicks of our lives. This is a season of thin spaces where the distance between […]

Read full text

Psalm for Christmas — Zach Ford, UK

Making use of John 1:5 I am cast adrift, O God, I am cut off from your face. A thick darkness surrounds me, I am enmeshed in a mist of confusion. And it seems all creation must mourn, Must mourn and lament, must weep, For we are alone and apart, The light has gone out […]

Read full text

Sing in the New Year with children

Tune: Ba Ba Black Sheep When a New Year comes our way, When we work and when we play, When we fail or succeed, God will meet us in our need. God is love; we know that’s true; God loves me and God loves you. Adapted from a children’s song by George Stuart, Australia  

Read full text

Keeping promises,Children’s message, Luke 2:22-40 — Tod Gobledale, UK

Luke 2:22-40, Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Readings for First Sunday after Christmas, Revised Common Lectionary Year B This is intended to be used with a group of children gathered together around the worship leader.  One or two children will suffice; more is delightful. Preparation: small child-size chair, for worship leader soft cloth bag large enough to hold […]

Read full text

Luke 2:22-40, Anna & Simeon drama

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 […]

Read full text

Cafe Church, Open Table service — New Year

Theme:  Welcoming the New Year This ready-to-use Café Church New Year service weaves together scripture, reflection, conversation, communion and rituals of light and gathering.  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 […]

Read full text