Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson

Call to Journey together — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

Come, people of God, Let us journey together! Through the uncertainty of the wilderness, Through the uncertainty of our questions, God goes with us: Around us, among us, and within us. Come, people of God: With our doubts, With our questions, With your apprehension and fears. Come, people of God! Let us seek, not a […]

Commitment Litany — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

A Responsive litany of commitment God calls each of us according to our gifts, to serve those in need, to seek justice for the oppressed and disenfranchised, to care for the earth and all the creatures that inhabit it, and through our words and action to bring God’s love and peace to all creation. Will […]

Blessing a kiln — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

This service was written as a blessing for a home-made wood-fired kiln on the day of its first firing. It might be adapted for other items used in the creative process, e.g. a loom or studio. This service was originally written for the blessing of a kiln designed and built by Daniel Gardner of Loveland, […]

Interim Minister Covenant (short-term)

Worship Covenant with Interim Minister for a time of Leave – for leaving and returning Prepared by Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson in preparation for her maternity leave. Introduction This covenant may be used for a Parental Leave, Sabbatical or any other type of extended leave that is not an end of a settled ministry. It is a […]

Communion by Hans Mayr, 1870, Kingston Lacey, UK

Maundy Thursday at-home service, complete — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson

Helpful for those still looking for a template for Maundy Thursday for families to use at home. Thandiwe gives full permission for the use of the service and Maren Tirabasi gives permission for all that is adapted from Gifts in Open Hands. Maundy Thursday: A Feast of Love Though we are separated in body, nothing […]

Mother’s Day is complicated — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

When using this reflection, ‘Mothering Sunday’ may replace ‘Mother’s Day’ throughout. Mother’s Day is complicated. Mother’s Day brings with it many varied emotions. Hallmark [greeting card manufacturers] would have us believe that it is all roses, breakfast-in-bed and hand-drawn cards. But we know and acknowledge that it is much more complicated than that. Some of […]

Come to the mountaintop, Transfiguration Call to Worship — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

Come to the mountaintop. What will we find? Jesus, the disciples’ teacher. The prophets who have gone before. God’s voice. We want to worship. We want to hide. Instead, give us the courage to rest in the mystery, To reach toward the thin places Where the in-breaking of the divine shakes us to the core. […]

Transfiguration Call to Worship — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

We follow you O Christ, Up the mountain to pray, not knowing what you have in store. We witness you O Christ, Your face transformed with light, Moses and Elijah beside you. We worship you O Christ, For we are awed by the power of your love. Emmanuel, God with us Jesus, our brother, Christ […]

MLK Day, Call to Worship — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

Martin Luther King Day is observed in the USA on the third Monday of January. This morning we remember dreams and dreamers. Joseph, Jesus’ father, dreamt about uncertainty. We, too, know the uncertainty of dreaming. May we, like Joseph, respond in faith. Mary, Jesus’ mother, dreamt about a child, a new beginning. We, too, dream […]

Ritual of Blessing & Litany of Commitment – Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

This ritual draws together a faith community in a renewal and affirmation of gifts and talents. It includes readings, a litany and the laying on of hands. Romans 12:4-8, First Peter 4:8-11, Matthew 20:25-28 Opening words Jesus came among us as a servant and calls us to faith and a life of loving service to […]

Call to Worship, Responsive — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson

Adapted from Ana Gobledale’s “Call to Worship” inspired by Psalm 16:9 and Gerardo Oberman’s “Opening Prayer” – both found on Worship Words. Come! Rejoice! For the Holy One is here. We stand on holy ground. Come, children of God! Just as you are. Receive God’s grace, hope, courage and sustaining love. We come to […]

Temptation Lent Drama — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

This is one of three readings used to explore the Lent theme: “Hineni: Here I Am” – looking at the idea of spiritually showing up and saying ‘Yes’ to God’s call and invitation. Matthew 4:1-11 (slightly altered text) 3 Voices: Narrator, Tempter, Jesus Narrator: Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness […]

Samuel (1) 3:1-10, Called — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

Called: reading for 4 voices, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 — arranged by Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson This reading can be used to explore the theme: “Hineni: Here I Am” – looking at the idea of spiritually showing up and saying ‘Yes’ to God’s call and invitation. 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Four Voices: Narrator, Eli, God, Samuel Narrator: Now the […]

Transitioning from Grieving to Celebrating — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

These words opened a Sunday church service recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance in Lafayette, Colorado. Today there is much to grieve in our world. I would be remiss not to mention [mention of current events of violence in the news]. Today, on our Transgender Day of Awareness Sunday, we grieve in particular the murders of […]

Isaiah 58:1-12, Why fast? — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson

Isaiah 58:1-12 For 2-4 Voices: Isaiah (might be divided between 2 readers), People 1 & 2 This readings might be used to explore the Lent theme: “Hineni: Here I Am” – looking at the idea of spiritually showing up and saying ‘Yes’ to God’s call and invitation. Isaiah: Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up […]

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