Originally posted on Spacious Faith:
Holy Week tends to be pretty hard on pastors–or at least on me. There is, of course, the practical aspect of organizing and leading extra worship services. (Between today and next Sunday there are seven worship services in which I have a significant part.) More worship services means more sermons…
Creative Prayer Experience based on John 12:20-33 Create a drawing or collage of a growing plant–possibly a wheat stalk. Show the “dead” seed within the earth and the living plant above. If you would like, you can add words to your collage. Within the earth, write words that represent “deaths” you have experienced–deep disappointments, things…
So we’re not exactly using the Lectionary right now. This Sunday’s theme is “sacrifice,” and here is our call to worship based on Micah 6:6-8. With what shall we come before our God? How shall we approach the Almighty? Should we write large checks? Should we empty our wallets? Should we promise to fast and…
You will need: a piece of paper glue or Modge Podge foam brush collage materials (magazines, pictures, patterned paper, etc.) scissors colored pencils The Hebrew Scripture readings for Ash Wednesday have a lot of “heart” language. Joel tells us to rend our hearts and not our clothing. The psalmist writes: “teach me wisdom in my…
Somehow I managed to preach on the magi story twice last year, so this year I went with Isaiah 60 for Epiphany. This is an excerpt. You can also hear the audio and read the full manuscript. – – – – – – – – – I imagine the captured Israelites expected their return home…
For those following the Lectionary, here is a call to worship for this Sunday inspired by the Exodus reading: In this act of worshipwe lay down our fears;we refuse our oppressors;we deny the forces of death.In this act of worshipwe know God’s protection;we receive Divine power;we are embraced by the Giver of life.Let us worship…
One more brown bodyshotand I think of all the lessons I nevertaughtmy son likeavoid the police at all costsdress niceand don’t wear red or blue or any color that they might think means you’re in a gangkeep your hands at your sides in the storeso they know you’re not stealingor packingor preparing to throw a…
Last year my teenage son got in trouble for playing Pokemon with a friend before school instead of attending a meeting he was supposed to be at. He informed me that it was my fault he was playing Pokemon because I would not let him be in Pokemon club. So he had to play before…
From Romans 8: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through God who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither…
This reflection is excerpted from a sermon on Mark 11:1-11. As you prepare for Palm Sunday, you might also appreciate this prayer of confession and offertory prayer. For more Lent and Easter worship material, check the “Lent/Easter” category on the right side bar or go to the Index and scroll down to “The Year” section.…
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