Special Sundays/Services
From Summer
In September, many congregations regather to begin a new program year (e.g. “Rally Sunday,” “Gathering Sunday,” etc.). To mark this change of congregational rhythm in the context of worship, below is a call to worship and opening prayer that can be adapted for use in your setting. Supplies Needed: 1) Map (any kind will do), 2) bed pillow, 3) Bible, 4) something to symbolize the spirit (dove, blowing fan, etc.), 5) cross Personnel: 5 people, 1 to carry each of the above items (inter-generational mix would work nicely)....
read moreThanksgiving in July/August
In many of our churches the summer months include the vacations of pastors and other worship leaders. This can make worship planning in general and pulpit supply in particular difficult. Is it possible to provide your congregation with an inspiring and educational worship experience without a sermon? YES! One simple approach is to pick a theme, select Scripture verses and hymns based upon this theme, and weave them together. Done well, your congregation might not even notice there wasn’t a sermon! Below is a sample service outline...
read morePrayer: Fathers & Fathering
Below is a pastoral prayer written for Sunday morning worship on Father’s Day 2017. It seeks to acknowledge the richness and complexities of this day while inviting God into it all. Use or adapt away! Female and male, feminine and masculine, mothering and fathering, God, Scripture bears witness to this richness in your being, and in the world through you. One month ago we spoke and prayed of you in the language of female, and feminine and mothering. And today, on this day in our culture that we call Father’s Day, we use the language...
read moreMemorial Day Parade
Below are two prayers (opening and closing) written for a short service at the terminus of a small town Memorial Day Parade. It could easily be adapted for a congregational worship service or other settings. OPENING PRAYER Life moves at a fast pace. News headlines and social media feeds constantly fill our minds with new information that squeezes out the old. Our memories are short and getting shorter. But there is need to remember…to unforget…the people and events that came before. And look, here we are today, gathered on this Memorial Day,...
read moreA Birthing Prayer
Below is a short prayer written for use in worship on Mother’s Day/Festival of the Christian Home 2017. It was *inspired by 2 Timothy 1:5: “I’m reminded of your authentic faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice. I’m sure that this faith is also inside you.” (Common English Bible Translation). It could be used as a pastoral prayer, adapted for us as a litany, etc. *Note: I am indebted to the Annual Meeting Planning Team of the 222nd Annual Meeting of the Vermont Conference, UCC which was...
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 moreKeep Calm, See God: Ash Wed. 2017
Below is an order of worship for an ecumenical Ash Wednesday service for 2017. This service was conceived by Rev. John H.D. Lucy (Jericho United Methodist Church), Rev. Steve Anderson (Covenant Community Church) & Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen (United Church of Underhill), and designed by Rev. Lucy. “Keep Calm and See God “- Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service, 2017 ~ DEATH WITH GOD Welcome Unison Prayer Scripture Reading: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Hymn: “Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesday’s Ashes,” words, E. E. Whitney, music,...
read moreTransfiguration: Holy Ground
Below you will find a Call to Worship and a Prayer for Illumination for Transfiguration Sunday. The Call to Worship weaves in Matthew 17:1-9 and is most appropriate for Lectionary Year A. The Prayer for Illumination is appropriate any year. (Note: the Bible translation used below the Common English Bible but any could be used). CALL TO WORSHIP (Matthew 17:1-9) One: Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain. He was transformed, transfigured, in front of...
read moreMLK 2017: Resources
Below are some resources written for Martin Luther King Sunday, 2017. For your service, you may want to consider interspersing readings from the writings of MLK throughout your service and/or adding a video projection of an excerpt of MLK speaking/preaching. Call to Worship One: It is good that there are fire extinguishers in this place. MANY: Worship. One: It is good that there is water close by. MANY: Worship. One: It is good that God’s Word burns, God’s Spirit blows, and God’s prophets speak. MANY: Worship. Prayer of Confession (unison)...
read moreLight the Candle!!!
Below is an Advent wreath liturgy written for a Christmas Eve family/early service using Isaiah 9:2-7. It gives children and adults alike a chance to shout in church and celebrate the birth of the Christ-child. Fun, simple and meaningful. One: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. RESPONSE: [SHOUT] Light the candle!! One: [LIGHT PURPLE CANDLE #1] A light has shined on those living in deep darkness. RESPONSE: Light the candle!! One: [LIGHT PURPLE CANDLE #2] You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy....
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