The question that puzzles many is how you came to be And what method is used to create this world. Indeed your ways are mysterious. -taken from a longer prayer
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News
Beauty Becoming — Ana Gobledale, Zambia
‘The realm of God is like a treasure hidden in a field….like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When one is found of great value, the merchant goes away, and sells all their belongings and buys it.’ –Matthew 13:44-46 Beauty Becoming The cutter eyes the stone A stalk of translucent green tourmaline Its essence shines […]
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August words
Worship Words resources for special days and events in August:
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Confession and Pardon — United Methodist Church, USA
God, the keeper of the atoms and stars: You made us collaborators in creation, but we have pilfered the secrets of ordered existence and justified their immoral use in the name of “security” and “peace.” We could say then that we didn’t know the consequences. Now we do know, but we are complacent and silent. […]
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Help us share our abundance, a prayer — Christian Concern for One World, UK
Based on Proverbs 13:23 God, In the fields of the poor Even when abundant fruits ripen, Injustice sweeps them away, And families hunger. Help us to share The fruits of your bounty So that all your family may benefit From your gracious gifts. Christian Concern for One World UK provides free bookmarks including […]
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Sending forth — Iona Community, Scotland
Now we take our worship into our work. From a morning service written by the Iona Community. The Wild Goose Resource Group, a project of the Iona Community, exists to ‘enable and equip congregations and clergy in the shaping and creation of new forms of relevant, participative worship.’
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July words
Worship Words resources for special days and events in July:
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Luke 9:51-62 dramatised
Luke 9:51-62 – a drama to use in worship For Third Sunday after Pentecost Year C Translation by Rex Hunt, Australia (Read more about Rex Hunt at end of post.) Actors: Jesus, Narrator, James/John, Followers 1,2,3 Script ready-to-use — download here: Luke 9,51-62 drama 6 readers PDF Luke 9,51-62 drama 6 readers WORD Script Narrator: […]
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Psalm 133 redux — Carla Grosch-Miller, UK
Oh how wonderful, how joyous it is when we dwell together in peace and unity. It is like a good meal, the satisfaction of a full belly. It is like hearty laughter, cleansing tears, knowing looks. It is like the freshness of the morning. It is like the comfort of nightfall. […]
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Offering/Stewardship words
What words accompany our gifts? Words about our finances? Our talents? Our lives? Why we give? Words that call us to generosity and selflessness? Giver of all things, provide the words we need.
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Psalm 104 for Today — Operation Noah, UK
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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June words
Worship Words resources for special days and events in June:
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Silent Flight — Chris Roe, UK
In the silence The clarity of your voice, Climbs high Upon the eagle’s wings. The chains of doubt That imprison my soul, Fall away beneath my feet. In the freedom and majesty Of the sentinel’s gaze, Faith is strengthened And hope returned To a weary heart, Upon the silent flight Of eagle’s wings. Chris posts […]
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For gay and for straight, a place at the table, hymn — Shirley Erena Murray, New Zealand
This song, entitled ‘For everyone born,’ is copyrighted, but the words soar with truth and beauty so I’m sharing them via links. For the complete lyrics click here. Hear a rendition on Youtube by the First-Plymouth Church choir in Lincoln, Nebraska USA. For everyone born, a place at the table… For gay and for straight, a […]
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Memorial Day (USA)
What words do we use to express our grief over those lost in war? How do we honour those who served their country by giving their lives? How do we speak of those killed by those we love? What words might we use to grant meaning to deaths due to violence and war which often, […]
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Words to open a Church Anniversary service — Ana Gobledale, UK
We gather, celebrating our life together With gratitude to those who have gone before. We gather, looking ahead to our life together With anticipation as we step into the future. We gather to worship and serve the living God the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Whoever you are and wherever […]
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Easter
What words express the mystery of the unknowable? the beliefs that defy the rules of nature? our faith? our doubt? What words enable the wordless to speak? the deaf to understand? Dare we speak truth into this mystery? exasperation? doubt? solid faith? Explore these Worship Words resources to find words for your worship experience on […]
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Holy Week
What words express the anguish, the grief, the horror? The surprise, the joy, the ecstacy? What words connect us today to eye witnesses, to friends, to family? What words explain the collision of earth and divine? What words express the Passion journey through Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and into Resurrection Day? Worship Words […]
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A Prayer for World Health Day — Catholic Health Association, USA
World Health Day is observed on 7 April. For the many children, women, and men whose lives have been saved through global cooperation, God, we praise You. For the many who needlessly suffer around the world because of indifference or malice, God, we beg Your blessing. For the progress in people’s health made possible by […]
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Mothering Sunday (4th Sunday of Lent)
31 March 2019 22 March 2020 14 March 2021 27 March 2022 There are all types of mothers. There are people who are not biological mothers who provide nurture and love. What words do we use to describe mothers and those who mother? What words to describe our relationships with our mothers? Newest ‘Mothering […]
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Faith of Metaphor and Mystery, hymn — Bronwyn Angela White, Aotearoa New Zealand
tune: Regent Square by Henry Thomas Smart A wedding version of this hymn, adapted for Bronwyn’s daughter’s marriage and suitable for same-sex partners weddings can be found on Bronwyn’s website. Faith of metaphor and mystery Christ of paradox and pun Sure foundation, revelation Many facets of the One Sacred found in the familiar: phase of […]
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Lent
What words accompany us through the Lenten journey? How do we cry out? How do we express the cravings of our deepest being? What words comfort and challenge us in the wilderness of life? Ash Wednesday resources: Lent resources:
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O god whose face changes– Bronwyn Angela White, Aotearoa New Zealand
O god whose face changes as we move and learn and change, whose image becomes less like ours, and more like that of the stranger we treat as a friend; O god who we create from the sum of all we know that is wonderful, generous, true and wise, may we see ourselves in the god-ness of others, and […]
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Eternal Journey — Chris Roe, UK
As the crimson flame of life Breaks slowly Above the horizon, The white, frosted meadows, With trees and hedgerows Of sculptured ice, Speak loudly Of your presence. Once more Upon this journey, As another day begins, Without effort Or intrusion, Through the peace And tranquillity Of your silent voice, The moment becomes eternal, And the […]
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Baptism, Christening, Naming, Dedication
Baptism – Christening – Naming – Dedication What words do we use to present our children to God? To affirm their welcome by God? To welcome them into the family of God? Hymns and songs to use at a baptism, christening, naming or dedication: Worship resources for baptisms, christenings, namings and dedications:
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Laughing Bird, lectionary-based liturgical resources — Nathan Nettleton, Australia
Laughing Bird is a well-known lectionary-based liturgical website amongst church folk in Australia. Nathan Nettleton has made his resources available for many years, and his archives contain it all. While not all Nathan’s liturgical language is gender-inclusive, the imagery and wording bring the vividness and unique expression of Australia into the worship setting. *featured image: […]
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Original Weekly Liturgies — New Kilpatrick Parish Church, UK
New Kilpatrick Parish Church posts original liturgical works written by church members. They provide a plethora of gems ‘freshly written for each Sunday.’ Click the button to access the archives and current week’s resources: New Kilpatrick Parish Church Bearsden G61 3RT
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A Brexit prayer for peace and unity — Martin Johnstone, Scotland
From the Church of Scotland… Legislators are voting on Prime Minister Theresa May’s plans on Tuesday with less than three months to go before the UK is scheduled to leave the European Union. This evening’s vote in the House of Commons is a key moment in UK modern history and the consequences of the result […]
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We were wrong, a confession — Lauren Mallaby, Australia
We were wrong: We were wrong when we closed the door and you needed us most. The people who claimed to follow a man who never closed doors appeared to slam ours when you were despairing confused hurt hopeless broken hungry thirsty for more. We were wrong when we pretended we couldn’t see didn’t know […]
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New Year, a hymn — George Stuart, Australia
Tune: Bishopgarth Click here for printable lyrics and musical score. The New Year brings another time To practise some reflection, To contemplate priorities; What past ways need rejection; The call of Jesus comes again To strengthen our connection To his inspiring way of life, And maybe change direction. The past is gone; cannot be changed; […]
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Advent reflection from a young mother — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA
Eternal One, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever you had formed the earth and the world, From everlasting to everlasting You are God. — Psalm 90:1-2 Bright eyes take in all the world. Tiny hands wave and reach and hold. Feet kick and push. […]
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Miscarriage in Advent — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA
How easy it is to get caught up in the busy-ness, the doing, the decorating, the cooking, the sending, the buying, the eating of Christmas. Now don’t get me wrong, I love each of these parts of Christmas – setting up the Christmas tree and hanging decorations, the home-made Christmas cookies and egg nog, writing […]
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Mysterious Paradoxes, a Christmas reflection — Lauren Mallaby, Australia
Mysterious paradoxes collide in this story. A story of a baby, Born into nothing, Yet born into everything. Born in a shed, But born in love, And is love And brings love. The paradox of a young woman, Not yet wedded, Blessed to bring life, Into this world that needs life Needs hope Requires love. […]
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Blue Christmas
The Christmas season is not always a happy time. — Mary Oliver (from Thirst, Beacon Press, Boston, 2006) The Advent and Christmas seasons can remind us of loved ones or relationships we have lost. The sights and smells of the weeks approaching Christmas, rather than bring joy and delight, can bring sadness and grief. A “Blue […]
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Christmas
What words share the meaning and mystery of Christmas? What words do we sing? What dramas and skits bring the words of Christmas to life? Christmas Songs Nativity and Christmas pageants Christmas prayers and worship resources Worship resources:
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December words
What words move us through Advent, from World AIDS Day into the New Year? Summer in the South — Winter in the North — words of warmth for the cold nights, words that cool the hot sun. 1st – World AIDS Day 6th – Day of Remembrance, Canada Resources to explore and use during this […]
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World AIDS Day – 1 December
What words express the grief? the devastation? the despair? What words express the hope of a cure? Worship resources
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Angel Intercessions — Ana Gobledale, UK
‘Do not be afraid’ — words of the angels Prayers of Intercession This was originally written for a worship service marking the opening of a week-long Angel Festival. It might be used during Advent, particularly at a Blue Christmas or Longest Night service. The word ‘angel’ is not always popular, or sometimes over-popular! How can […]
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Gathering Prayer, Mark 13
Written in response to Mark 13:1-2, using elements of a prayer by Louise Gough. For The 26th Week of Pentecost (Proper 28) 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 gather in your church, your temple, […]
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November words
Worship Words resources for special days and events in November: 1st – All Saints Day 11th – Remembrance Day 20th – Transgender Day of Remembrance 4th Thursday – Thanksgiving, USA 30th – St Andrew’s Day November worship resources A-Z: Additional days of interest in November: mid-Oct – mid-Nov — Diwali (date fluctuates) Hindu Festival of Lights […]
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