This coming Sunday is week 5 in our Narrative Lectionary worship series. I am really enjoying this journey through the Bible. This week we’re looking at Deuteronomy 5 & 6; the call to worship I wrote reflects a bit of the story so far. Call to Worship Leader: We gather to worship God: Side 1:…
Here’s a brief piece–a benediction we will use this week as we reflect on the story of the Exodus: Go out into the world to join God in the work of love, of peace, of justice. Take in the breath of life. Take off your shoes. Know that you are ever in the presence of…
Last week I took a couple of sick days off of work. This may sound like sad news, but I was actually quite thrilled. Because in my five years of being a pastor, I’ve never been able to take an actual sick day. Sure, I’ve been sick. And my kids have been sick (though thankfully,…
At Peace Mennonite, we are using the Narrative Lectionary right now. Of course, being the non-conformists that we are, we aren’t on the actual Narrative Lectionary schedule. Which means that the worship pieces I’m writing for the next several weeks may not have any relation to what you are doing in worship at your church.…
Here in Lawrence, Kansas, our local homeless shelter recently signed a contract to buy property in anticipation of building a much needed new facility. In an effort to raise necessary funds for a matching grant, several local churches are designating either the first or second Sunday in November as “Shelter Sunday.” I wrote the prayer…
A sermon on Luke 14:15-24 (adapted from a sermon preached in 2007)Joanna Harader We have listened this morning to a familiar parable, often called the parable of the great banquet. The traditional interpretation of this parable is pretty straight forward. God is the host. God is always the host, or the landowner, or whoever has…
Here is some bulletin cover art I did awhile back. I love this quote from Simone Weil: And here’s a Call to Worship: Leader: We gather around the Table in places far and near Side 1: Eating Sourdough, Rye, Tortillas Side 2: Crackers, Wafers, and Wonderbread– All: The body of Christ. Leader: Drinking the wine…
This is an adaptation of the traditional Great Thanksgiving liturgy that we used on World Communion Sunday a couple of years ago–and may use again this year. The plain text is read by the leader and the bold is read by the congregation. The hymn numbers given refer to Hymnal: A Worship Book. Great Thanksgiving…
Today’s worship piece was not written for the context of corporate worship. Rather it is a prayer I wrote for myself at then end of what has been two long days of pastor work and parenting work and simply trying to do what needs done. Earlier today I read through the sermon that one of…
Here is a call to worship we will be using this Sunday. It is based on Psalm 133. (And yes, I know that it is Thursday . . . again. But “Thursday Worship Piece does not have that nice ring to it.) Though we may be inclined to brag, let us come together with…
Spacious Faith 