Love
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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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Love Stories
This preaching series is on telling stories. We move onto LOVE Stories. For the Call to Worship, I was inspired by the song, “Let You Love Me” by Blake McGrath. I wrote a Call to Worship the weaves in scripture and verses from this song. Call to Worship: one: For God so loved the world;…
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What Is Your Story?
St. John’s is in the midst of pastoral transition. After 28 years of total ministry at St. John’s, my colleague who I pastored with for the past 16 of those 28 years retired. So this month, my call changes from co-pastor to solo pastor. Many pastors have been through the life of St. John’s for…
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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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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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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 on Good Samaritan & Love
But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. (Luke 10.33-34) I was asked to design interactive prayer stations at my seminary around the story the Good Samaritan, love, and issues of power.…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Hunger Awareness
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21.17) Our Missions Team declared October to…
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Interactive Way to Pray in Worship
At a presbytery-wide worship service (In the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. denomination, churches are geographically grouped into presbyteries), the theme of worship was around the concept of love. The Rabbi Judy Shanks from Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, CA, was the guest preacher. She preached a beautiful sermon that wove in verses from the song, Seasons of Love from…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Love
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3.1) I borrowed a sermon. Yep, I said it! I borrowed a sermon . . . actually, I adapted a sermon from Rabbi Judy Shanks at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, CA. She wove in her sermon with the musical…
Still Waters 