By Liturgical Element
Blessing of the Palms 2019
A simple blessing of the palms for Palm Sunday 2019. Blessing of the Palms Christ, a very long time ago you mounted a colt, road over coats, and entered Jerusalem, as fickle crowds waved palm branches, and shouted, “Hosanna” and “blessed is he.” This morning we reenact the story: we reenact to deepen; we reenact to understand; we reenact to connect; we reenact to lament; and we reenact for reasons all our own. Christ, bless our reenactment, and bless our palms that they might be for us: a doorway into Holy Week; a portal...
read moreFinger Labyrinth
Here is a procedure outline for using a finger labyrinth in a service of worship. It could be adapted to fit into a variety of places during a special service or on a Sunday morning. Length is approximately 2-3 minutes. I usually print the labyrinth graphic on the front cover of the service bulletin for easy access but it could also be printed as an insert. Scripture reading can be changed according to service theme and season of the year. Introduction: (Say something like this) – “I invite us all now into a time of...
read moreAn Ash Wednesday Reading for 2 Voices
Here is an Ash Wednesday reading based on Psalm, 51, verses 1-17 that is meant for two readers. The text of the Psalm is interspersed with commentary by an imaginary person reading and reflecting on the text. The commentary itself may be useful, but it’s also there to give permission to worshipers to engage in their own honest dialogue with this ancient text. Of course, the commentary can be changed as you see fit for use in your particular setting. (Note: the Psalm text is from the New Revised Standard Version but most translations...
read moreLENT 2019: Create in Me
Lent can be an especially good time to preach a sermon series as attendance (in my experience) is consistent and increases as Easter approaches. This year I was inspired by the Ash Wednesday reading from Psalm 51: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” Commentators tell us that “create” is a translation of the Hebrew bara’, and is usually used to describe God’s actions. God is the one who creates. The psalmist’s prayer, is an appeal for God to act by...
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