Church
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Pentecost and Immigrants/Refugees (Deut 6)
The suggested prayer stations are not overtly Pentecost in theme. However, it is during Pentecost that the Spirit made it possible for all to speak and understand one another’s native languages. At the beginning of the early church, diversity was honored and a part of the church’s identity. St. John’s is beginning a discernment process…
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Good Friday Interactive Ideas
With so much going on in the news and in our world, I tried to find various ways worshippers could approach the cross. Good Friday gives us an opportunity to not rush into hope, but sit with what weighs heavy on our heart. In addition to giving time to kneel and pray at the cross,…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Advent and Daniel (Daniel 6)
It is unusual to connect the story of Daniel in the lion’s den to the season of Advent. I have been following the Narrative Lectionary instead of the Revised Common Lectionary, which lists Daniel 6 as the scripture reading on the first Sunday of Advent. While it seems like a stretch, Daniel 6 was appropriate…
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Theme: Community and Silk Painting
“They are like a tree replanted by streams of water, which bears fruit at just the right time and whose leaves don’t fade. Whatever they do succeeds.” (Psalm 1.3) I was designing worship for a conference where the theme was about community. I used the image of Pando Trees and the Honey Mushroom as a way to reflect…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Easter & Ascension (Acts 1)
“Galileans, why are you standing here, looking toward heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1.11) Below are ideas for interactive prayer stations focusing on themes surrounding Christ’s resurrection and ascension. You can view more photos here.…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Lent (Mark 10)
38 Jesus replied, “You don’t know what you’re asking! Can you drink the cup I drink or receive the baptism I receive?” (Mark 10.38) These particular Lenten prayer stations focus on Mark 10.32-52. The interactive prayer stations are meant to be intergenerational. Interactive Prayer Station #1: Misstep Materials: Pens, Basket, Slips of Paper Where have you found yourself enjoying…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Healing (Mark 5)
“He responded, “Daughter, your faith has healed you; go in peace, healed from your disease.” (Mark 5.34) I’ve been experimenting with the layout of prayer stations from the usual format of previous services. We had been doing a series on the healing stories, so this particular worship focused on the healing story of two women: the…
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Advent Candle Lighting
Here are two alternatives to lighting candles during advent that are interactive. Option One: Materials: Mirrors to cover the table, tea light candles, 5 pillar candles, long matches. Spell out the different letters of advent like hope, love, joy, and peace (or whatever words you desire). Invite those in the congregation to come up and…
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Advent Light Box
What came into being through the Word was life, and the life was the light for all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. (John 1.3-5) During advent season, usually we set up the advent wreath and each Sunday light the appropriate candle. As an alternative, I created a light box, where each…
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Stackable Pews & Flexible Seating
Needless to say that any change made in a church is difficult, which is why it is understandable that the process to replace 100-year-old pews took five years. The decision to get new pews was a mixture of need, desire, and hope. Background The church I serve, St. John’s Presbyterian Church, is over 140 years…
