For our new congregation in Scottsdale meeting on Thursday nights, we had some loose leaf paper & the following: The book for this church has yet to be written… Take a sheet of paper and begin to write down your vision for this church. Take it home & spend some time thinking about where you see us going… Bring it back next week or send an email with your thoughts to Aaron. [the pastor]
Have some ideas you'd like to share? Please email me & let me know!
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Lots of stuff for Advent
Here are a number of stations that we did for Advent:
One station had an electric lamp, a candle, an oil lamp, a flashlight, etc. Then we included the following text on several signs on the table:
In the beginning the Word already existed… He was with God, and He was God… He created everything that is… Life itself was in Him, and this life gives light to everyone. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it… But although the world was made through Him, the world didn’t recognize Him when He came… But to all who believed Him accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. –John 1
Lord, you have brought light to my life; My God, you light up my darkness. –Psalm 18:28
For God who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made us understand that this light is the brightness of the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 4:6
Look at all these different sources of light…
Think about areas of your life that may still be in darkness…
Ask God to shine His light, the light that gives life, on those areas of your life.
----------------------------
One of the stations had a green tall candle and the following sign along with an open Bible.
Advent is a period for reflection and self-examination in preparation for Christmas.
Advent means “coming” in at least three senses:
1) the coming of the Messiah n the flesh, to be celebrated at Christmas;
2) the coming of Christ in Word and Spirit, to be pondered throughout the Church year;
3) the coming of Christ in glory at the end of time.
This green candle signifies faith and reminds us of the faith we have that God will keep his promise to send his son.
Read Isaiah 9:6-7
God kept his promise to send the Messiah.
What other promises does God makes?
Does he keep them?
-----------------------------
One of the stations dealt with the issue of waiting & had the following sheet with space in the middle for folks to write what they are waiting for…
What are you waiting for?
Sarah … 40 years… for a son to fulfill God’s promise
Moses… 40 years… in the desert being prepared by God to lead his people
Israel… 40 years… for the promised land
The Prophets… 1000 years… the promised Savior
Mary… 9 months… for the child of God
[lots of empty space on the page]
Us… 27 days… Christmas
Us… 27 days… To Celebrate Christ’s Birth
-----------------------
One of the ideas we used last Advent was from the book “Innovative Worship” put out by Group Publishing & it was to have small soft strips of cotton cloth covered in baby powder & have folks take one as they come in to the service. Then during the service, a comment was made directing folks to feel how soft the fabric was – to imagine what it must have been like to be near the baby Jesus – to really contemplate that part of his coming.
---------------------------
One of the weeks we had a tall blue candle with the following sign:
What is Advent?
Advent is a period of time for reflection and self-examination before Christmas. Advent means “coming” in at least three senses:
1) the coming of the Messiah in the flesh, to be celebrated at Christmas;
2) the coming of Christ in Word and Spirit, to be pondered throughout the Church year;
3) the coming of Christ in glory at the end of time.
It is a time for fasting, prayer, and Scripture reading – all intended to help us understand the full meaning of Christ’s coming.
The blue candle signifies hope. The blue candle reminds us of the hope we have that Christ will come again to bring new joy into our lives.
Read Luke 1:5-31
Christ came to bring joy and make our joy complete. Think about how he brings joy into our hearts today. Why should Christians be joyful?
-------------------------------
We had a gift-wrapped box with a slot at the top, a few pens, and a bunch of scrap paper. Then we put up this sign:
Have you ever given a gift to Jesus? Think about what you might give to Jesus this year.
When you’re ready, write down what you’d like to give to Jesus and place it in the box.
--------------------------------
We put out a Nativity set & a piece of paper with a few pens & the following questions:
Which of these nativity characters do you most identify with
and why?
-------------------------------
We put out a figurine of Santa kneeling before the baby Jesus & asked folks what thoughts & feelings they had about that & left a sheet of paper where they could write their ideas.
--------------------------------
We had a Jack in the Box with the following sign:
Anticipation. Expectancy. Everyone was waiting for the Messiah to come. They knew he was coming, but they didn’t know when. They didn’t know how. They didn’t know what he would look like.
Pick up the Jack in the Box and turn the handle. As you wait for Jack to jump out remember what it feels like to wait, knowing what’s to come…
One station had an electric lamp, a candle, an oil lamp, a flashlight, etc. Then we included the following text on several signs on the table:
In the beginning the Word already existed… He was with God, and He was God… He created everything that is… Life itself was in Him, and this life gives light to everyone. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it… But although the world was made through Him, the world didn’t recognize Him when He came… But to all who believed Him accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. –John 1
Lord, you have brought light to my life; My God, you light up my darkness. –Psalm 18:28
For God who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made us understand that this light is the brightness of the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 4:6
Look at all these different sources of light…
Think about areas of your life that may still be in darkness…
Ask God to shine His light, the light that gives life, on those areas of your life.
----------------------------
One of the stations had a green tall candle and the following sign along with an open Bible.
Advent is a period for reflection and self-examination in preparation for Christmas.
Advent means “coming” in at least three senses:
1) the coming of the Messiah n the flesh, to be celebrated at Christmas;
2) the coming of Christ in Word and Spirit, to be pondered throughout the Church year;
3) the coming of Christ in glory at the end of time.
This green candle signifies faith and reminds us of the faith we have that God will keep his promise to send his son.
Read Isaiah 9:6-7
God kept his promise to send the Messiah.
What other promises does God makes?
Does he keep them?
-----------------------------
One of the stations dealt with the issue of waiting & had the following sheet with space in the middle for folks to write what they are waiting for…
What are you waiting for?
Sarah … 40 years… for a son to fulfill God’s promise
Moses… 40 years… in the desert being prepared by God to lead his people
Israel… 40 years… for the promised land
The Prophets… 1000 years… the promised Savior
Mary… 9 months… for the child of God
[lots of empty space on the page]
Us… 27 days… Christmas
Us… 27 days… To Celebrate Christ’s Birth
-----------------------
One of the ideas we used last Advent was from the book “Innovative Worship” put out by Group Publishing & it was to have small soft strips of cotton cloth covered in baby powder & have folks take one as they come in to the service. Then during the service, a comment was made directing folks to feel how soft the fabric was – to imagine what it must have been like to be near the baby Jesus – to really contemplate that part of his coming.
---------------------------
One of the weeks we had a tall blue candle with the following sign:
What is Advent?
Advent is a period of time for reflection and self-examination before Christmas. Advent means “coming” in at least three senses:
1) the coming of the Messiah in the flesh, to be celebrated at Christmas;
2) the coming of Christ in Word and Spirit, to be pondered throughout the Church year;
3) the coming of Christ in glory at the end of time.
It is a time for fasting, prayer, and Scripture reading – all intended to help us understand the full meaning of Christ’s coming.
The blue candle signifies hope. The blue candle reminds us of the hope we have that Christ will come again to bring new joy into our lives.
Read Luke 1:5-31
Christ came to bring joy and make our joy complete. Think about how he brings joy into our hearts today. Why should Christians be joyful?
-------------------------------
We had a gift-wrapped box with a slot at the top, a few pens, and a bunch of scrap paper. Then we put up this sign:
Have you ever given a gift to Jesus? Think about what you might give to Jesus this year.
When you’re ready, write down what you’d like to give to Jesus and place it in the box.
--------------------------------
We put out a Nativity set & a piece of paper with a few pens & the following questions:
Which of these nativity characters do you most identify with
and why?
-------------------------------
We put out a figurine of Santa kneeling before the baby Jesus & asked folks what thoughts & feelings they had about that & left a sheet of paper where they could write their ideas.
--------------------------------
We had a Jack in the Box with the following sign:
Anticipation. Expectancy. Everyone was waiting for the Messiah to come. They knew he was coming, but they didn’t know when. They didn’t know how. They didn’t know what he would look like.
Pick up the Jack in the Box and turn the handle. As you wait for Jack to jump out remember what it feels like to wait, knowing what’s to come…
New Year's Day - Clean Slate
For New Years we had a station with a chalkboard some chalk, a whiteboard, a doodle board & the following:
Write something on the chalkboard, whiteboard, or doodle board.
Now erase it & see that you have a clean slate.
People typically think of New Year’s as a chance to start over fresh.
Now write something that you regret and ask god to erase it, give you a clean start, and empower you to live.
Wipe the board clean and imagine god giving you a fresh start.
Write something on the chalkboard, whiteboard, or doodle board.
Now erase it & see that you have a clean slate.
People typically think of New Year’s as a chance to start over fresh.
Now write something that you regret and ask god to erase it, give you a clean start, and empower you to live.
Wipe the board clean and imagine god giving you a fresh start.
SOAP
One week we had a really cool picture that had a pair of faucets & sink & soap. It was kind of sepia-tone looking. Anyway, we had that picture up, and a table full of props: a bar of soap, a pump with orange grit hand cleaner, a bottle of body wash, foam soap, & I think several other things & the following sign:
Think of all the ways you try to clean yourself
I John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
Psalm 51
...Have mercy upon me, Oh God, according to your loving kindness; according to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin...
create in me a clean heart, oh god, and renew a steadfast spirit in me
Think of all the ways you try to clean yourself
I John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
Psalm 51
...Have mercy upon me, Oh God, according to your loving kindness; according to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin...
create in me a clean heart, oh god, and renew a steadfast spirit in me
As I Am (The Violet Burning)
We had a couple portable CD players & had the song “As I Am” by The Violet Burning & had people read the lyrics & think about what it means for them.
AS I AM
Mary, she knows
In a world that’s dark, torn apart at the seams
She lifts up her eyes, up to the skies and sings,
“I am my beloved’s and he loves me as I am.”
Sometimes I cry
‘Cause the world, it’s dark – torn apart at the seams
I lift up my eyes, up the skies and sing,
“I am my beloved’s and he loves me as I am.”
Sometimes it’s hard
Though patiently, you wait for the time to see
Whose are you? (tell me) whose are you?
“I am my beloved’s and he loves me as I am.”
Light of the world, please come shine on me
My beloved
Sometimes I cry
‘Cause the world that’s dark, torn apart at the seams
Sometimes I cry for I am weak
“I am my beloved’s and he loves me as I am.”
Light of the world, please come shine on me
--------------------
We also had the following sheet up & paper to write on: How do you see yourself? How do you think others see you? How do you think God sees you?
AS I AM
Mary, she knows
In a world that’s dark, torn apart at the seams
She lifts up her eyes, up to the skies and sings,
“I am my beloved’s and he loves me as I am.”
Sometimes I cry
‘Cause the world, it’s dark – torn apart at the seams
I lift up my eyes, up the skies and sing,
“I am my beloved’s and he loves me as I am.”
Sometimes it’s hard
Though patiently, you wait for the time to see
Whose are you? (tell me) whose are you?
“I am my beloved’s and he loves me as I am.”
Light of the world, please come shine on me
My beloved
Sometimes I cry
‘Cause the world that’s dark, torn apart at the seams
Sometimes I cry for I am weak
“I am my beloved’s and he loves me as I am.”
Light of the world, please come shine on me
--------------------
We also had the following sheet up & paper to write on: How do you see yourself? How do you think others see you? How do you think God sees you?
Taboo
We had one week that brought up the question of what is considered taboo. We had a sign up with the following:
Taboo:
When the belief exists that saying a certain word or speaking of a certain topic is unacceptable, either
1) because it might evoke that thing,
2) it might be considered too sacred, or
3) perhaps it is too profane
What topics are taboo at church?
What things do we never talk about at church?
Why?
Should we have taboo subjects at church?
Taboo:
When the belief exists that saying a certain word or speaking of a certain topic is unacceptable, either
1) because it might evoke that thing,
2) it might be considered too sacred, or
3) perhaps it is too profane
What topics are taboo at church?
What things do we never talk about at church?
Why?
Should we have taboo subjects at church?
Drawing days of creation
We had a bunch of blank paper & colored markers & had people draw a picture of one of the days of creation (we had the days listed)
Pre Service Activity: PRAY
One week we had a large sign with the following and a bowl with some slips of paper – each slip had a different thing to pray for.
Pre-Service Activity…
PRAY
Take a slip of paper from the bowl & pray.
These were the slips that we had available:
Pray for the Bridge congregations: Rio Vista, Minder-Binders, & Scottsdale
Pray for the pastor
Pray for the worship leader
Pray for the children’s ministry
Pray for the youth group
Pray for your neighborhood
Pray for the walls of racial discrimination to fall down
Pray for healing in relationships
Pray for physical healing of people in the congregation
Pray for Rio Vista Center
Pray for a willingness to serve others
Pre-Service Activity…
PRAY
Take a slip of paper from the bowl & pray.
These were the slips that we had available:
Pray for the Bridge congregations: Rio Vista, Minder-Binders, & Scottsdale
Pray for the pastor
Pray for the worship leader
Pray for the children’s ministry
Pray for the youth group
Pray for your neighborhood
Pray for the walls of racial discrimination to fall down
Pray for healing in relationships
Pray for physical healing of people in the congregation
Pray for Rio Vista Center
Pray for a willingness to serve others
Write a way God has blessed you
We had a big red piece of felt-type cloth pegged to the wall & a few Sharpie pens. People wrote on the fabric based on the following instructions:
Write one way God has blessed you. Allow this cloth to serve as a reminder of God’s goodness.
Write one way God has blessed you. Allow this cloth to serve as a reminder of God’s goodness.
Ask God to speak to you
We have a game from Discovery Toys that has foam shapes that you can use to make patterns or designs. We put out that game & the following instructions:
Spend some time making a design or pattern and ask God to speak to you…
Spend some time making a design or pattern and ask God to speak to you…
What do you value?
We had an introspective work-sheet we gave out with the following:
Values
Whether you recognize it or not, you’ve got governing values.
Everyone does. Your values influence how you make decisions.
Your governing values reflect:
What is important to you
How you see the world
What you believe in
Ask
Imagine that you have an afternoon to spend as you like. Do you go to a park with your family? To lunch with friends? Finish up some work? Or maybe just go wherever the day takes you?
These decisions reflect values. Some are easy to define: I love my family. Some are more abstract: I enjoy being spontaneous. How you spend your time is often a good indicator of you values.
Make a list of things you value:
Activity
Pick an activity that helps you focus on one thing you value. Choose a day when you can do that activity.
For one day, keep a close record of how you spend your time. Record the details of your day. Do you spend most of your time on the things that are most important to you? Or do you spend most of your time on things that aren’t very important to you?
Values
Whether you recognize it or not, you’ve got governing values.
Everyone does. Your values influence how you make decisions.
Your governing values reflect:
What is important to you
How you see the world
What you believe in
Ask
Imagine that you have an afternoon to spend as you like. Do you go to a park with your family? To lunch with friends? Finish up some work? Or maybe just go wherever the day takes you?
These decisions reflect values. Some are easy to define: I love my family. Some are more abstract: I enjoy being spontaneous. How you spend your time is often a good indicator of you values.
Make a list of things you value:
Activity
Pick an activity that helps you focus on one thing you value. Choose a day when you can do that activity.
For one day, keep a close record of how you spend your time. Record the details of your day. Do you spend most of your time on the things that are most important to you? Or do you spend most of your time on things that aren’t very important to you?
Sin
On one table, we had a pile of envelopes & slips of paper & pens & the following sign:
Think of something bad you’ve done that you would like to make right. How could you right the wrong? Write it down on a slip of paper and seal it in an envelope. This is yours to keep as a reminder until you right the wrong.
On another table, we had a small bucket filled about a third of the way full with rocks. It was filled to the brim with water. We had a pile of rocks and the following sign:
Think of this bucket as representing your life. Think of the stones as deliberate acts of sin. Drop a stone in the bucket. Think about the cumulative effect of your choices. If the water in the bucket is the working of God in your life, how does a life of willful sin affect that?
Think of something bad you’ve done that you would like to make right. How could you right the wrong? Write it down on a slip of paper and seal it in an envelope. This is yours to keep as a reminder until you right the wrong.
On another table, we had a small bucket filled about a third of the way full with rocks. It was filled to the brim with water. We had a pile of rocks and the following sign:
Think of this bucket as representing your life. Think of the stones as deliberate acts of sin. Drop a stone in the bucket. Think about the cumulative effect of your choices. If the water in the bucket is the working of God in your life, how does a life of willful sin affect that?
Listen to God
We had a table with some lit candles & the following signs:
”So often when we speak with God, we do all the talking; take time now to listen, and see what God has to say to you.”
and
“…speak Lord, for your servant is listening. (I Samuel 3:9)”
”So often when we speak with God, we do all the talking; take time now to listen, and see what God has to say to you.”
and
“…speak Lord, for your servant is listening. (I Samuel 3:9)”
Share God's leading
We had a sign with the following:
SHARE with this group… (Hint, Hint… Invite a few people over)
WHAT is ONE direction, task, movement, or step you felt strongly that God gave you?
Did you do it? YES or NO
SHARE with this group… (Hint, Hint… Invite a few people over)
WHAT is ONE direction, task, movement, or step you felt strongly that God gave you?
Did you do it? YES or NO
Share one thing with a group of people
We had a circle of empty chairs and a sign with the following:
Sit down.
Look around the room.
Specifically invite people into this circle until all the chairs are full.
Get everyone’s name. Tell each other ONE SPECIFIC THING about your day.
After that, answer this… (everyone)
Would you rather recite poetry in a crowded theatre, or dance alone on an empty rooftop?
Now GO.
Sit down.
Look around the room.
Specifically invite people into this circle until all the chairs are full.
Get everyone’s name. Tell each other ONE SPECIFIC THING about your day.
After that, answer this… (everyone)
Would you rather recite poetry in a crowded theatre, or dance alone on an empty rooftop?
Now GO.
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