Candles
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Ash Wednesday: Praying in the Wilderness
Here a simple intergenerational worship service for Ash Wednesday that focuses on the theme of sand, ashes, and wilderness. Welcome Song Lord Have Mercy by Christ Church East Bay (V1) Ever begotten and only SonTeach us, dear Shepherd, our lives to dwellDeep in your shadows, we pass through hell (Chorus) Lord, have mercyChrist, have mercyOnly…
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Mary Advent “Wreath”
For the Advent season, we did a worship series focusing on Mary. Using the Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55), we looked at the different roles Mary had in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ: Mother, Witness, Revolutionary, and Disciple. Each Sunday, the choir sang a different version of Ave Maria. The youth had an…
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The Faces of Christmas
While we are still not worshiping in person, we have opened the sanctuary for people to walk through and reflect on the story of Christ’s birth through art and prayer. Below are pictures of images that people are invited to meditate and view as they pray. Mary Joseph Shepherds Angels
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At-Home Advent Ritual Set
During the pandemic, this Advent and Christmas season will be difficult for many as we are unable to gather together and participate in rituals that give us meaning. This Advent, Sam Lundquist, pastoral assistant, put together an at-home liturgy booklet that will align with Advent worship. We also made Advent candles and a Christmas ornament…
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A Labyrinth: Pandemic-friendly
While faith communities in San Francisco are still not worshiping in person, I recognize that people are carrying a lot of anxiety leading up to Election Day. Since St. John’s is a polling site, we are opening our sanctuary on selected days for people to walk a makeshift lighted labyrinth and receive a brief moment…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Epiphany, Wilderness, & the Wise Men
These prayer stations focus on Epiphany, using different art of the Three Wise Men. As people participated in the different prayer stations, they were invited to look at different interpretations of the Three Wise Men. Interactive Prayer Station #1: Follow the Star Materials: Paper Stars, Markers Interactive Prayer Station #2: Symbol Materials: Sticks, Sand,…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Advent, Refugees, & Immigration
These prayer stations focus on Advent focusing on Jesus as a refugee. There is opportunity to not only reflect on refugee stories, but support refugee/immigrants as well. Interactive Prayer Station #1: Treasure Materials: Markers, Copies of Treasure Chests Interactive Prayer Station #2: Symbol Materials: Scissors, Glue, Glitter, Felt, Fabric Pens, Ribbon Interactive Prayer Station #3:…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Cleansing the Temple & Epiphany (John 2)
Jesus cleansing the temple is usually told during Lent. However, I’ve been going through the gospel of John at the beginning of Epiphany starting with Jesus calling the disciples. So the prayer stations are a combination of John 1 when Jesus calls Nathanael, John 2 when Jesus cleanses the temple, and the season of Epiphany.…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Psalm 150 and Praise
The suggested prayer stations are inspired by Psalm 150: Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary! Praise God in his fortress, the sky! Praise God in his mighty acts! Praise God as suits his incredible greatness! Praise God with the blast of the ram’s horn! Praise God with lute and lyre! Praise God with drum…
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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,…
Still Waters 