I frequently hear pastors say that while their congregations love sermon series, they themselves love the rich resources–preaching helps, liturgy, podcasts, commentaries, and more–curated around the Revised Common Lectionary. The great news for those pastors is that you don’t have to choose between the lectionary and sermon series. With a little pastoral attention and creativity,Continue reading “How to Create Your Own Sermon Series from the Revised Common Lectionary”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
The Creed Tablescape
Since the Apostles’ Creed is so heady and often abstract, creating a tablescape of object prompts can help learners (especially young learners) connect with the material. Here are a few suggestions: God–a globe to represent God’s role as maker of heaven and earth. Jesus–a cross to remind us of Jesus’ distinguishing act for us. HolyContinue reading “The Creed Tablescape”
Communion Liturgy for John 12:1-8
Invitation to the Table Jesus was often found at the dinner table. Eating with friends, eating with sinners, eating with hypocrites and holy men, eating with disciples and traitors. And now he joins us here, at this table, to eat with us. All are welcome at this table, because Jesus welcomes all. The Great PrayerContinue reading “Communion Liturgy for John 12:1-8”
Litany of Dedication: Generations
This responsive litany of dedication is appropriate to the blessing of financial pledges, offerings, or simply recommitting our energies to the church for a new year. From generation to generation, you are the Lord. For the faithful of the ages, we give you thanks and praise: For the disciples and apostles of the early church,Continue reading “Litany of Dedication: Generations”
Dramatic Monologue: James at the Transfiguration
This monologue imagines James’ experience of the Transfiguration as recorded in the Gospel of Mark. If your congregation is unfamiliar with first-person monologue preaching, it may help to introduce it as an imaginative exercise that helps us more more deeply into scripture. Take a pause before you begin the monologue, allowing a visible and audibleContinue reading “Dramatic Monologue: James at the Transfiguration”
Prayer of Adoration: We Sing Your Praises
Holy God, We sing your praises because you have carried us through the years, through storm and trial, through joy and celebration, through small sorrows and daily kindnesses. We remember that you were there, every step of the way. We sing your praises because you are here today, in this moment, in this place, whereContinue reading “Prayer of Adoration: We Sing Your Praises”
Prayer of Adoration: Welcomed Home
God of Grace, We give thanks today that we belong to you, that you welcome us home each time we come to your gates. We want to be your holy temple on this earth, building on the foundation you laid down for us in Christ. May your Spirit dwell among us here today as weContinue reading “Prayer of Adoration: Welcomed Home”
Prayer of Adoration: Sabbath Day
Holy God, To feel your presence is like rain falling on a parched land; it is like the warmth of the sun after too many days of rain. When you created the world, you set the Sabbath day aside for rest, calling your creation good. On this holy Sabbath day, we praise you that youContinue reading “Prayer of Adoration: Sabbath Day”
Prayer of Adoration: Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer
God of All, You are Lord, we profess it: Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer. You have knit us together and filled us with your spirit, and you see us as we are: your precious, broken, sinful children. Inviting us to participate in something bigger than ourselves, you have called women and men from the beginning of timeContinue reading “Prayer of Adoration: Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer”
Prayer of Adoration: At Work in Our Lives
Nurturing God, You are the Planter of Every Good Seed, the Fount of Every Blessing, the Bread of Life, the Good Physician, the Good Shepherd. You work in every part of our lives, encouraging us to grow and flourish so that we may have the strength to work for good in the lives of others.Continue reading “Prayer of Adoration: At Work in Our Lives”
Prayer of Adoration: It Was You
Eternal God, We praise you today for all you have done. It was your Spirit that hovered over the waters at the dawning of creation, and your voice echoing through the darkness that brought forth light. It was your love that birthed humankind and placed them in a garden, and it was your hand thatContinue reading “Prayer of Adoration: It Was You”
Prayer of Adoration: Accept Our Prayers
Living Lord, We come this morning to worship you with our lips, rejoicing in the peace of your house and the fellowship of your people. Accept the prayers of our lips. May we strive to worship you with our hands, working to preserve your earth and ease the suffering of our neighbors. Accept the prayersContinue reading “Prayer of Adoration: Accept Our Prayers”
Prayer of Adoration: More Than the Sum of Our Parts
Perfect God, we thank you this morning for the gifts you have given us, which we in turn may give to others: for eyes to see their needs, for feet to walk with them in faith, for ears to listen to their stories, for tongues to tell them of your love, for arms to holdContinue reading “Prayer of Adoration: More Than the Sum of Our Parts”
Deep Well Worship 