Today was the last day that children’s sermons take up space in worship. Beginning next Sunday, worship will move to being more intergenerational. These next two months,… Read more “A Sunday (35) in Life of a Pastor/Mother: RIP”
Category: Worship
How to Integrate Worship in Meetings
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah… Read more “How to Integrate Worship in Meetings”
Interactive Use of Candles and Meaning of Names
The following interactive activity can be used when exploring different names for God or stories about the meaning of names in the Bible, baptism, or names that… Read more “Interactive Use of Candles and Meaning of Names”
Interactive Prayer Stations on Pentecost III
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled… Read more “Interactive Prayer Stations on Pentecost III”
Interactive Prayer Stations on Easter & Empty Tomb
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… Read more “Interactive Prayer Stations on Easter & Empty Tomb”
Intergenerational Palm Sunday Worship
36And as he rode along, the people spread clothes on the road in front of him. 37When Jesus was starting down the Mount of Olives, his large crowd… Read more “Intergenerational Palm Sunday Worship”
No Stress, No Fuss Holy Week Pageant & Worship
A few years ago, this worship was one of my beginning attempts to integrate children in worship. At the time, we were just starting to get a… Read more “No Stress, No Fuss Holy Week Pageant & Worship”
Interactive Prayer Stations for Lent II
1 Jesus returned from the Jordan River full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. (Luke 4.1) Lent is a wonderful opportunity… Read more “Interactive Prayer Stations for Lent II”
Interactive Prayer Stations on Lent
1 Jesus returned from the Jordan River full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. (Luke 4.1) Lent is a wonderful opportunity… Read more “Interactive Prayer Stations on Lent”
Interactive Prayer Stations on Stewardship & Commitment
Stewardship and commitment to the church are wonderful opportunities for people to explore on their own personal commitment. Below are ideas of interactive prayer stations that focus on these themes. (For more specific instructions on layout, purpose, design, and more ideas, you can view previous posts tagged under “Interactive Prayer Stations.”) To view pictures of the Interactive Prayer Stations, click here.
Interactive Prayer Station #1: Journey into Celebration
Materials: Markers, Pledge Card, Basket, Candle
Although I’m tempted to approach God as a consumer, seeking to be served, these days am I using God or letting God use me. Authentic worship means God being present to me and me being present to God who penetrates our whole life, regardless of how we feel in the moment.
How authentic do I find myself to be in worship? (draw a symbol of self)
How is it dangerous for me? (draw a symbol of that feeling)
How do I offer up to God? (draw a symbol of your gift)
For whom am I God’s presence? (draw a symbol of your capacity)
Interactive Prayer Station #2: Journey into Community
Materials: Bucket of sand, Tealights, Pencils, Candle, Pledge Card
Why in the world would I want to be part of a church, or St. John’s – what difference does it make in the lives of others? I really am taking a risk to be among others with whom I have little, if any, history! Living in community within God’s household can get messy. A church is a way of living deeply and fully with people here and now, in the place we find ourselves – a collection of storied, fractured folks.
What 3 words speak of my story?
What do I offer to others in this community?
Who is God’s presence for me?
Light a candle to symbolize your light in this community.
Interactive Prayer Station #3: Journey into Compassion
Materials: Basket, Candle, Pledge Card
Imagine yourself moving into a house with a huge picture window. . . keeping the window clean develops into an obsessive-compulsive neurosis. You accumulate ladders and buckets and squeegees. You construct a scaffolding both inside and out to make it possible to get at all the difficult corners and heights. You’re very pleased with yourself. You have the cleanest window in the country – but it’s now been years since you looked through it. You’ve lost your vision.
If I want to follow Jesus, it is less about making my life better and more about serving, giving up, letting go for others.
Reflect upon your desire and offer a prayer that speaks of that desire.
Still Waters 