Scripture
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Forgiveness (Matt 18)
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” (Matthew 18.21-22) Below are ideas for interactive prayer stations focusing on that parable of the unforgiving servant. You can…
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Summer Worship Packets for Kids
During the summer, my church does not provide Sunday school programs for children. In the past, we have done the typical worship bags and have had varying interest in their use. I have also provided more guided activities, but often that feels like more work than having Sunday school programs. This summer, I’m experimenting with…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Easter
20 On Sunday morning while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. (John 20.1) Typically, the Sunday after Easter, my church sets up interactive prayer stations. After the hoopla of Easter service with trumpets and all the festivities, we center this…
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Rainsticks, Pentecost, & Lent
Here’s an idea to incorporate into worship. I’ve used this idea for Lent and Pentecost, but it can be adapted to any theme. Here are the materials you need: . . . a mailing tube spray painted whatever color you prefer. Drill at least 100 holes throughout the length of the mailing tube. The size…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Micah 6 & Stewardship
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6.8) For the past month, we have been focusing on stewardship and creating a new vision statement. For the past four Sundays, worshippers were invited to fill out the following, which said, “St. John’s is . . . Why we follow Jesus –…
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The Golden Calf and Letting Go
They gathered around Aaron and said to him, “Come on! Make us gods who can lead us. As for this man Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we don’t have a clue what has happened to him.” (Exodus 32.1) I’ve preached and led a few workshops that loosely encompass the theme of…
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Prayer Stations on Deuteronomy 6.5-9
5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength. 6 These words that I am commanding you today must always be on your minds. 7 Recite them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting around your house and when you are out and about, when you are lying down and when…
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Interactive Prayer Stations for Installations, Ordinations, & Advent
Speak Lord, for your servant is listening. (1 Samuel 3.9) For the past year, my church has been in a discernment process to change the call of me and my Head of Staff to co-pastors. Our installation service will be during the season of Advent, so I thought it was a great opportunity to reflect…
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Going from A to C in Pastor
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Have no regard for his appearance or stature, because I haven’t selected him. God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the Lord sees into the heart.” (1 Samuel 16.7) I recently wrote a post about my personal journey in discerning my call. A…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Prayer
“Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” (Luke 11.1) The topic and practice of prayer is a great opportunity to explore different types of prayer. The week leading up to this Sunday on Prayer, I left chalk in front of the church, inviting passersby to chalk their prayers and blessings on the…
