By Liturgical Element
Show the Way
Here are hymn lyrics by Rev. Thomas Cary Kinder set to the hymn tune: Aberystwyth (composed by Joseph Parry) which is found in many common hymnals. The lyrics call upon the biblical texts, Mark 6 and Ezekiel 33 and were written to be used in Sunday morning worship at the United Church of Strafford, VT in July of 2018. You can also find the music and lyrics here formatted to print as a bulletin insert TOM REQUESTS THAT YOU CREDIT HIM AND THAT YOU LET HIM KNOW WHEN YOU USE IT AT: rev.thomas.cary.kinder@gmail.com Someone needs to show the way,...
read moreIf the World Has a Heartbeat
The following could be used as a brief Greeting & Welcome or a Call to Worship. It was written in June 2018 as the United States Government, citing Scripture as justification, was separating children from their parents and guardians at the southern border. This is a reminder that we are compelled by our faith in Christ to offer radical hospitality and to welcome the stranger. (Biblical citations below are from the New Revised Standard Version). If the world has a heartbeat it’s this: welcome the stranger. None of us know the mind of...
read moreBlessing of the Graduates
In June, many congregations take time in worship to celebrate those who have reached academic milestones. Here is a short prayer that can be used or adapted for use in your setting. God of knowledge and reason, we pause at the end of this academic year to recognize and to celebrate those who have graduated from various programs and institutions. The names on our bulletin inserts, and on our tongues, represent a tremendous amount of commitment, dedication and hard work. [Invite congregation to call out names of graduates] Thank you for...
read moreReading Scripture So They Can Hear
At the 223rd Annual Meeting of the Vermont Conference, United Church of Christ, 16 of us gathered for a workshop about reading Scripture in worship. Here are the notes from this workshop which may be helpful in your congregation. If you have questions about any of the details, please email us at: worshipwell.church@gmail.com INTRODUCTION Acts 2 – “Peter stood with the other eleven apostles. He raised his voice and declared, “Judeans and everyone living in Jerusalem! Know this! Listen carefully to my words! These people aren’t...
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