Mar 15
I wrote about Passion Sunday last year (Year B), and you will want to see those notes – especially since the Isaiah, Psalm, and Philippians readings are the same as they were last year. You can read those notes by clicking here. Isaiah 50:4-9a Common English Bible and NRSV For a dramatic presentation of this …
Mar 03
Joshua 5:9-12 Common English Bible and NRSV The imagery of God “rolling away” the disgrace could be fun to explore. Label a large workout/exercise ball or a large beach ball with the word “Disgrace” (or “sin” or “shame”, etc). Invite people (kids would like this) to help God roll it out of the worship space. …
Feb 12
Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Common English Bible and NRSV I’m not sure that people think about stewardship during Lent, but this scripture certainly lends itself to having the conversation. We are told to take some of our “first fruits” and offer them to the Lord. It doesn’t matter how much “fruit” has been produced — it matters …
Dec 17
Micah 5:2-5a In a world that often seems to be so lacking in “peace”, it is a hopeful message to hear God’s promise of ”the one of peace”. How does God feed us (the flock) “in the strength of the Lord”? You may want to decorate your worship space with peace symbols. You could create a collage …
Aug 13
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Without much fanfare, we transition from the life and reign of David to the life and reign of Solomon. This is a really interesting story that is not familiar to most folks. Solomon is given the opportunity of a lifetime when God says, “Ask what I should give you.” This rare …
May 09
Call to Worship (adapted from Psalm 98) Sing to the Lord! Sing out with a song that has never before been heard! Sing a song of thanksgiving to the God who surprises us with marvelous creations everyday. Let us worship the Lord together with songs and shouts of joyous praise! John 15:9-17 - A Creative Reading (This …
Mar 19
Isaiah 50:4-9a These words may have been said by the prophet, but they could have been said by Jesus. Of course, these words could have been said by a multitude of civil rights activists and other revolutionaries in the history of the world, too. Can you imagine people like Martin Luther King, Jr. saying these …
Mar 05
Numbers 21:4-9 Ok. Let’s face it. This is a weird text. It usually leaves people (including pastors) scratching their heads and wondering why we have such a bizarre story in our Bible (though, I would argue that it isn’t the strangest tale found in our scriptures). And yet, it is referenced in the text which contains (perhaps) the …
Oct 26
A Dramatic Reading of Psalm 107:1-9, 35-37 (NRSV) **Please note: words in italics are to be read expressively, letting the meaning of the word dictate how it is to be read. Directions/suggestions regarding action or pacing are provided in brackets and not meant to be read aloud.** O give thanks to the LORD, for he …
