By Liturgical Element
Prayer: Easter 2017
Below are two prayers written for an Easter 2017 worship service. They can be used as is or adapted for your needs. TAKE THIS STORY AS OUR OWN Risen Christ, our soul’s spring, our heart’s desire, our dance of life, our song of joy, like a gardener, you turn over the dark soil of death, and coax up green, abundant life! Your empty tomb, once the sad end of a hopeless story, is now the place where a new story begins. Draw us close, in wonder, fear and hope, and let us take this story as our own. Amen. ALLELUIA’S RING OUT Lord...
read moreMT Communion Liturgy
Below is a simple Communion Liturgy to be used on Maundy Thursday. It was written for an “upper room” service that begins with a light potluck supper and ends with a service of Tenebrae. In between is an “unforgetting” of the Last Supper and a celebration of Holy Communion around the dinner table. It was written for two celebrants but could be easily adapted for one. Invitation – For the first time, or for the 1,000th time, we gather tonight around Christ’s table. The chairs at this table are not for some,...
read moreLazarus to Life: A Reading
Below is a retelling of the story of the resurrection of Lazarus from John 11:1-45. It has been designed for 2 readers and congregational responses. It could easily be adapted for 1, 3, or 4 readers. Please note that the response and prayer of confession were inspired by a poem by Robin E. Van Cleef, titled, “Call Forth Life” which was published in the March/April 2017 edition of “Alive Now” magazine (Upper Room Ministries). READER 1: Voices from the Wilderness. As we hear this morning’s Gospel story from John, let us...
read moreWilderness in a Bag
I am always looking for ways to “extend the sanctuary”…always looking for ways to extend worship for individuals and families into Sunday afternoon and the rest of the week. Fortunately, Lent is such a rich season and provides many symbols and opportunities to do just this! On the first Sunday in Lent 2017 I planned the following for our Children’s message: I took some all purpose sand (about $2.50 for 50# lb bag) and: 1) I poured one whole 50 bag onto a tarp at the front of the church to make a small wilderness area;...
read more