Worship Alternatives ART 1 |
Thematic ART Index |
Worship Alternatives MAIN |
Worship Alternatives ITEMS |
Worship Alternatives SERMONS |
Also helpful: Quotes and Art
Index of Publications by Theme/Season
WORSHIP ITEMS
Worship Alternatives - ART 2
To find your choice, click on the title or key the item number into your "find" function (usually control-F). Or simply scroll down to browse.NOTE: Some graphics are screened, so they look light. That allows you to overlay text on them.
For How to Use This Resource and Helpful Hints, go to MAIN page above. Some items also have a PDF version, which shows a design of text and graphic together.
This collection is a continuation of Spirit of Simplicity: Quotes & Art.
Table of Contents
ART INDEX2827
God's Praise Has Many Sounds
The praise of God is one of the primary tasks of the church. God's praises are now sung in all the major languages of the world, accompanied by musical instruments from all the different cultures. Through it, the Christian culture has become the richest of all cultures in the world.
2830
Youth Choir
Now that our "old" youth choir is just about ready to retire, we are looking for members for a "new" one. Our congregation just wouldn't know how to get by without hearing younger voices praising God, too! They add so much to our worship.
2890
For when peaceful stillness compassed everything
and the night in its swift course was half spent,
Your all-powerful word from heaven's royal throne bounded.
Wisdom 18:14-15
2911
Luke 2:10-11
The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.
2940
Youth Lead in Advent Meditations
Advent is not the time to prepare for a wild party. What we are getting ready for in this season is the unimpressive birth of a little baby.
To help prepare ourselves as a congregation, the youth are offering to lead us in a series of meditations. Please come. You'll be better for it. We will all be better for it.
2967
Those whom the Lord leads don't need to do anything but to be led.
And the Lord does lead those who completely give themselves over to Him.
For he is the true leader.
People sin when they want to lead themselves; or, as blind people, to allow other blind people to lead them.
2970
Everybody was counting on John. "He is the messiah." But John declined the honor and pointed to someone else. As that person came forward, no one knew him - except God the Father, who said, "My beloved Son." God certainly does like to surprise his people!
2971
He stretched his arms out
in the Jordan river
and on the cross.
In the Jordan
Jesus received his commission.
On the cross
he completed it.
3026
Epiphany
3141
Divinity, mysterious and wonderful, with prayer I come to you.
I look to the bread and wine, and I see your presence true.
The miracle shows me I am but small,
So I gladly give myself to you, my heart, my all.
St. Thomas Aquinas
3147
Beautiful Crucifixion
A story is told about the contemporary sculptor, Franz Gutmann, who received a commission to create a crucifix for a particular church. He fashioned the Crucified One as a marionette with his head hanging down, wearing a crown of barbed wire. The effect was so disconcerting to the congregation that they asked to remove this work of art and replace it with the old, "more beautiful," crucifix.
3151
Easter
We have seen Christ's resurrection. So let us fall down before the holy Lord, before Jesus, who alone is without sin. Christ, we adore your cross. At your holy resurrection we sing hymns and give glory to you, for you are our God.
From the Orthodox Easter Liturgy '83
3154
If you have ever been confronted by the immutability of death, the empty stare of the eyes, the silence of a dead mouth, then you can perhaps understand what the women and disciples experienced when they saw the one who had died a torturous death on the cross standing, fully alive, in front of them.
At first, shock. Then astonishment. Then slowly it begins to dawn on them what has happened. Joy. Silence. Stammering words, through which a stronger and stronger conviction grows. Tears, flowing out of joy. Victory. Hallelujah. God is great!
3155
Open Grave
Open grave,
Revealed mystery.
Nothing can be shut out anymore -
especially life before, after, in and through death.
3199
What Is Wrong With This Picture?
3209
Never Kill God By Silence
The Jews were instructed to remember the wonderful deeds of God in freeing them from Egyptian slavery by observing the Passover meal (the Seder) and reciting the story with all of its symbolism. (Our observation of Jesus' last supper, death and resurrection are closely involved with this same meal.) The most important task a Jewish father had was to recite the powerful acts of God each year to his family, so they would never forget the God of their salvation.
That is probably still the most important job any father will ever have.
3210
The Receptive One
I would like just once to be as open and accepting as Mary was when she heard God's call. Even if it were only one single time, I would like to be able to forget about myself so completely, to be able to hear so keenly, to be as fully receptive as she was.
If I were to succeed, I wouldn't say, as I always seem to, "I! I!," but rather I would be able to say, "Let it happen just as you say, God."
3243
If Pentecost hadn't happened...
Christ would have disappeared into the past, Christians would still be standing scared in the corners, and the church would have no future.
3244
Pentecost Brings People Together
When the Holy Spirit blows, people's hearts begin to warm up and move. People are able to get out of their ruts and break through barriers.
3245
Sent Out
If the church is going to be full,
Christians need to leave it.
3246
The Voice of God
The Holy Spirit is neither a heavenly natural phenomenon nor a spirit from the netherworld. The Holy Spirit is God's voice to us and among us.
3247
Pentecost is like:
a wake-up alarm
3248
a gate that opens
3249
a clear view in the rain
3250
a hair wash
3251
a storm that cleans
3252
Those who have ever been to Africa never forget the way that many Christian groups enthusiastically participate in the working of the Holy Spirit. This is the God who shows them the way. They don't just believe in him, they talk to him and follow him.
3253
The Spirit's breaking into the world makes possible our breaking out.
New times are dawning with inspired people on the loose, unable to be contained!
3254
Joyful Pentecost!
That the spirit of Jesus grab hold of you so that you are able to approach your duties in your family, your job, and your congregation with enthusiasm - that, dear people, is my Pentecost wish for you!
3255
Removes calcium deposits and stubborn left-overs!
Even the church has its gunk and stains, hidden in "Yes, but," "We can't do that," "It's never been done before." At Pentecost the Holy Spirit cleans house.
3260
God, the Father.
God, the Son.
God, the Holy Spirit.
Among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is perfect unity, and they are one.
Look into the triune face of God and you will see all that God needs to tell his people. Follow Jesus' example, and you will understand how important all three persons of God are for you.
3261
The flaming, dynamic circles creating the shape of a dove, which depicts the Spirit, form the outlines of an eye, a symbol of the center of God's divine being. The crucified Son appears as a reflection out of the depths of this eternal and all-knowing motion.
We worship one God in trinity and the Trinity in unity, neither confusing the persons nor dividing the divine being. For the Father is one person, the Son is another, and the Spirit is still another. But the deity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is one, equal in glory, coeternal in majesty.
Athanasian Creed
3262
The power of the media
The power of money
The power of wanting to know the future
This unholy trinity places a lot of pressure on us to worship it.
3263
This is what Christians believe:
The infinite and holy God has been merciful to us by sending his only Son. As Jesus, God became man among people and sent us his Holy Spirit in order to lead us through all the confusion of our lives safely into his eternal fellowship.
3266
Typically Jesus Christ
His goal: to nourish people. In the produce of creation we see his hand.
3267
His characteristic: to satisfy people. Thousands experienced the miraculous power of this preacher. The eleven disciples recognized him as resurrected by the bread and the fish.
3268
His desire: to be close to his people. He offers himself as food during communion in our worship services.
3269
His life purpose: to help people. Jesus gave the wine at a wedding. The resurrected one makes everything clear at Emmaus.
3270
The Eucharistic Meal-Centerpoint of our Lives
Food for the hungry
so we remain strong
Drink for the thirsty
so we don't become parched
3319
Holy Healing Service
baptize
3320
encourage
3321
consecrate
3322
reconcile
3323
strengthen
3396
Only Take a Peek!
It may seem paradoxical, but the festival of the Transfiguration, which transports us into heavenly realms, is intended to plant our feet firmly on the earth. We are allowed only a glimpse of the mysteries of eternity. Peter found this out the hard way. Caught up by the glory that surrounded him, feeling the warmth in his heart, and experiencing goodness and peace, he said, "This is really good. Let's stay here!" But Jesus would only let him take a peek. Then the cold shower. Jesus told him that before he can sit back and enjoy this kind of peace, he has to live out his life on earth and pass through the dark valley of suffering and death. Jesus is also saying the same thing to us. If we get caught up on the mountain top, our everyday life with its doubts and weaknesses will always pull us back-because we need to finish with them first.
3418
Multi-Cultural Jesus
Where church membership, doctrinal points, and ethnic prejudices keep people separated from each other, Jesus invites all people to him - out of the East and West, North and South.
3490
Baptisms
3491
Weddings
3492
Deaths
3553
Unbelievably Strong
It is unbelievable how strong belief can be when people, trusting God, pray together.
3565
Praying for God's Will
Many people often have the impression that God isn't listening to their earnest prayers, and they feel like giving up. When this happens, there are no easy answers.
However, one thing a person can do is to look to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prayed, but still had to suffer through the night and endure crucifixion. On the cross he even cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!" God seemed far away and not listening, yet Jesus prayed that his Father's will be done. And his Father was there. Easter proves it.
3633
Giving
3634
Brass Choir
3635
Choir
3636
Acolytes
3637
Lector
3650
Climb High
All Saints is not a celebration of heroes who have made it on their own strength. One's own strength isn't even enough to get through life very well! The strength of the saints is that Christ has brought them high. The way to the peak of wholeness, completeness, and goodness leads over Christ. All Saints says: you have not yet made it over the mountain as your brothers and sisters have, but here is the way!
3651
All Saints
Death swallowed up in victory.
Fear turned upside down.
All Saints placed before All Souls.
3657
Get going, brother! Come home, sister! Take a deep breath of the fresh air in the country to which I'm bringing you. Come running with joy!
Those who can't see, look at death. You are now standing in the light that I will be pouring over you every new day.
Come and be with me always. With overwhelming love I have longed to be with you.
I, your God.
3660
Fire
This God is different from the gods of the stone temples and cast iron statues. This God showed himself to Moses in the form of fire. In fire is life, glowing embers, and constant change. This God of fire stands in sharp contrast to the stone-like coldness and the stark immutability of death.
3674
Advent
Advent means waiting. The door out of which the light glimmers can only be opened from the inside. It can only be opened by the one who invites us to his incarnation.
3675
Advent
opening eyes
focusing views
paying attention
keeping perspective on
God's presence in the world.
3676
Advent
Just like a security alarm wakes up a homeowner, Advent wakes up Christians who are in danger of sleeping through their lives.
If you are no longer asking the hard questions and if you are no longer getting your answers from God through his Scriptures, then it is high time to wake up!
3692
"'Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,' which means 'God is with us.'"
Matthew 1:23
3719
Crucifixion
3724
Nativity
3725
Flight
3785
Immersing himself in the joys and concerns of our lives each day, God's Spirit carries us to the crossroads where we can find true happiness.
3814
This One Here!
God has unmistakable ways of showing his favor and choosing. Voices come out of clouds, nights become as light as day, faces become bright with heavenly glory.
Today it is the same - only quieter. When God's hand rests on a person, people around him notice that somehow this person is important. Instinctively they know, "This one here!"
3816
There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3:1,4
Did the Preacher already know about Ash Wednesday? The abrupt transition from Shrove Tuesday to Ash Wednesday reminds us of the difference between time and eternity. It also reminds us that at some point our own clock will stop.
3817
Ash Wednesday
In the Old Testament ashes were a sign of penitence and sorrow. The cross, on the other hand, is a sign of God's mercy. The cross of ashes "marks" us with both symbols; and, at the same time, points out the meaning of Lent: Yes, there is sorrow and death, but we know that's not the end. Easter gives hope and reminds us of God's fulfilled promises of mercy.
3818
Unexpected Meeting
The paten which carries the ashes carries the remains of last year's palm branches from Palm Sunday. It carries both the joy of the hosannas and the sorrow of the ashen cross. Jesus himself already traversed that path which ends in Easter jubilation. He knows that without the cross, the path leads nowhere.
3819
Joy - Sadness - Repentance - Easter -
The circle of the Church Year corresponds to the circle of life.
3820
Marked with a cross of ashes a man sits on the bus. Time: 8:15 am. Next stop: Research Park. People stealing looks out of the corners of their eyes. A few hidden smirks. Much reflection.
3829
Perfectly Clear
We can see Jesus clearly on the Mount of Transfiguration, illuminated by his glory.
However, he is heading toward another mountain - toward rejection and darkness.
3831
Hunger of Love
How great God's love for us is! He shows that love in his Son - and in the Eucharist. He himself has become the bread of life in order to satisfy our hunger for love. He even made himself to be one of the hungry in order to satisfy his love for us.
3852
Fasting Works Miracles
It is with fasting as it is with a barren, stony plot of earth. Out of the ground of restraint grow the most beautiful and colorful plants.
3853
Learning from the Deserts of Life
It is in the desert that we can see life's realities more clearly. Far away from people, we realize that even life itself isn't to be taken for granted.
The barrenness of the desert teaches that everything is precious. The desert is no place to live, but it gives us the opportunity to withdraw and think about how we will be living tomorrow and to be thankful for the good gifts we have already received.
3854
Lent, a Time of Trust
Lent is a time to learn about trust. During it we learn to trust that God has stretched out his hand toward us from the opposite end of the dark tunnel.
3855
Lenten Still Life
Lent is a time to reflect on what is essential in life. Bread and water are the basic nutrients for the physical body. They remind us of Jesus' actions as he shared what little he had - even his body - and satisfied the needs of many. In this way bread and water also become basic materials for the soul.
3856
As You Think
Lent - falsely understood:
"You shouldn't eat candy."
"You shouldn't watch TV."
Lent - correctly understood:
"You have the opportunity to lose weight because you are eating less."
"You have the chance to reflect because your mind isn't occupied with the latest show."
3883
Christ,
today
tomorrow
and
forever
Ever since in Christ, God took on human form, people have been able to introduce him to others as a person.
3915
Snap-shot
In that moment of history we were given a brief glimpse of a future transformation that would change the world.
3917
Sensational!
If Christ came today, riding into the city on a donkey, it would certainly be a sensation. You can just see all the action: lights, cameras, the whole blitz. Sensation, according to its original meaning is "feeling and perceiving with the senses." With or without the media, wouldn't it be great if we "felt and perceived with our senses" what it means for the Lord of the world to come riding on a donkey into the city in order to die for all?
3918
Some needed a king; others a scapegoat. Some needed a person to look up to; others a person to hate. Some needed an occasion to celebrate; others an excuse.
What do you need of him?
3919
Palm Sunday:
enthusiasm and lies
3920
Holy Saturday:
time and eternity
3921
Maundy Thursday:
sacrifice and finality
3922
Easter:
life and hope
3923
Good Friday:
Death and salvation
3924
Emmaus:
questions and answers
3925
Behold, the Man
What is a person really made of? This question isn't answered at the peak of success, nor in moments of jubilation, nor in the tumult of joy. A person's real character is found out at the point of his deepest humiliation. It is discovered when everybody else has abandoned him. He is only trash in their eyes.
To him, at this point, the Gospel says, I see you-even though you may not appear to be much more than trash-God still thinks you are worth enough to make him willing to share his own fate with you.
When you are at the bottom, you find yourself in divine company.
3926
Holy Journey
Given a jubilant reception, but led into Death's nothingness and the grave's emptiness, to be greeted by sunlight as he forges the path which brings new life.
3927
Judged
3928
Seized
3929
Bent
3930
Comforted
3931
Helped
3932
Soothed
3933
Stumbled
3934
Ridiculed
3935
Fallen
3936
Shamed
3937
Nailed
3938
Killed
3939
Carried
3940
Buried
3941
Saved
3944
In a novel by Solzhenitsyn, patients in a cancer ward discuss why they want to keep on living. The answers cover the entire spectrum: money, fresh air, water, good food, and so on. Only one of them says, "for love."
3949
Why?
Take a child who hasn't been spoiled by empty talk and who hasn't been made to memorize, "Christ was crucified." Place a picture of the Crucified One in front of him. The child will ask, "Who is that?" Say to the child, "That was the most loving person who ever lived." Then the child will ask, "But who killed him, and why did he have to die?"
S�ren Kierkegaard
3950
Ecce homo
Behold the man!
3953
Resurrection
"You don't really expect me to believe it! The idea is an insult to the intelligence of any thinking person." 40-year-old contractor
"God wants us to live, not to die. Death is only a way station on the road to true life. That is what the resurrection of Christ means to me."
48-year-old teacher
3954
A Wonderful Beginning
The day of resurrection-a wonderful beginning. Let our lights shine brightly during this festival. Let us hug each other. Let us say, "brother" even to those who hate us. Let us forgive each other, for yesterday we were killed with him, and today we have been called together with him to life. Let us be like Christ, since he has become like us.
Chrysostom
3955
Preparation for Birth
Resurrection is the birth of life. So baptism is the first step toward this birth, the preparation for birth. What more appropriate time can there be for this step than during the celebration of the Easter Vigil?
3957
True life has two faces: one of death, and one of the resurrection. The resurrection face lifts its eyes toward heaven.
3959
On The Way to Emmaus
The Sneak Way: Having lost their courage, the two disciples sneak away from Jerusalem.
The Meandering Way: Bent and defeated, they didn't know their direction any more.
The Sign Posts: They describe to their companion their doubts and bewilderment.
The Inn: The disciples go into an inn, and there recognize that their guest is really their host.
3972
Modern Pied Pipers
Was Jesus also thinking about the present day when he said that his sheep would not follow a false shepherd because they wouldn't recognize the voice? Only too willingly do many sheep seem to follow the misleading melodies of modern Pied Pipers - all the way to the butcher shops of financial, spiritual, and physical ruin.
3973
I am the Good Shepherd
4000
Don't miss it. It's a wonderful opportunity!
4013
Empty Hands - an Empty House
Set yourself the goal of standing at Easter with empty hands. Let greed, pride, and self-centeredness be removed out of your hands. With empty hands be ready to receive God's gift of resurrection. Only when you are emptied of yourself can you receive eternal life.
4018
What's faster than a screaming jet?
What's stronger than a locomotive at full steam? What's harder to figure out than the most complex algebraic formula? What's more effective than Rolaids after Thanksgiving dinner? What's more satisfying than going to Pizza Hut and getting all you can eat?
Answer: Prayer
4020
As Soon As You Agree...
The angel is waiting for your answer,
and we are also waiting.
As soon as you agree, we are free.
The whole world, down on its knees is waiting.
On your word depends the salvation of every generation.
Look, the one for whom all people have been longing is knocking at the door.
Get up. Hurry! Open the door.
Bernard of Clairvaux
4026
Venezuela once was one of the richest countries in South America. Since the recent world economic crisis, approximately 85% of its population now lives in poverty. The women and children are particularly hard hit.
4035
Jesus says,
"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
The truth is the way that leads us into life.
4044
very close
You don't have to cross oceans,
or break through the clouds, or cross the Alps.
The way which is being shown to you is not distant. As you approach your God, you only need to go as far as yourself. For the Word of God is very close to you. It is on your lips and in your heart (Romans 10:8).
Bernard of Clairvaux
4047
Jesus' ascension is not a trip into the wild blue yonder.
On the contrary, it is a meeting of the most intimate nature.
For Jesus' going has given him a heart to heart relationship with us.
4052
Christians live in this world, yet they don't belong to this world, it is a way to God.
4054
Pentecost: As if a mighty storm were unleashed.
God's Spirit gives strength to our backbones, so that we can stand upright in both the church and the world.
4055
We Accept
God, we are prepared to become infinitely more than simply people: children of God, inheritors of the promise, your brothers and sisters, the temple of your Spirit, workers in your vineyard, witnesses to your truth.
4058
Dare to Get Moving
When the church says Yes to the Holy Spirit, and trusts him as he is bursting forth among them, then the church can say Yes to itself and gather the courage needed to dare to get moving.
For it is the Spirit who makes the church effective.
4059
Gifts of the Spirit
...to wash clean that which is stained
4060
...to pour life into the parched
4061
...to heal where sickness plagues
4062
...to warm that which is cold
4063
...to thaw that which has become hard
4064
...to guide those who are on the wrong track
4069
Faith has Two Wings
Only through the Son could the Father reveal himself. And only through the Spirit does he live among Christians.
The witness of the Son and the power of the Spirit give wings to faith in the triune God.
4073
The Bread of Life
It's not the bread that feeds you; it's God's eternal Word;
And when you eat the bread, the gift is Life and Spirit.
4076
How Can He Eat With Sinners?
Those whom God invites can be themselves. Masks just don't work with God. He can see right through them.
4084
A song of disappointed love says, "Give me my heart back before it completely breaks."
Jesus is different. He never demands his heart back-even when we disappoint him again and again.
4097
Lord, give us faith, so that when we die, no matter what the circumstances, your name will be on our lips.
4103
Interruption
"Prophet" means a "man or woman of God." Someone who has a different perspective. Someone who swims against the stream-and the trends. A person who brings others to stop what they are doing. Someone who disturbs the peace.
4128
"Jesus will take care of my guilt when I pray," is an argument frequently heard against practicing confession. That's true, but it's not the whole picture. If you are sick, healing often begins when you identify the symptoms and begin doing something about them. Confession before a priest has a different quality than when you just think about your sins. When you name your sins in the presence of another person, there is a certain raw reality that you have to face. In the process of your repentance, the other person can help you with spiritual guidance. And finally there is nothing like hearing Christ's words spoken aloud, to you in person, "You are forgiven."
4131
In confession God reaches out his hand to restore the relationship.
4141
Christ has freed us to live. That's reason to celebrate. The Eucharist is the Sacrament of life. That is why today we will be celebrating the Eucharist under the open skies. It will be a joyful symbol of our freedom.
4143
As you gather for the first time at the table of Our Lord, know that it is not because you studied a bunch or had good church attendance.
This gift that God is giving you is simply because he loves you, and he wants to keep giving it to you your entire life.
4147
Only 30 Minutes
I have a friend who runs a small business. In his office once a week he comes to work thirty minutes early for a devotional. To this he invites any employee who wishes to come. During this time they pray for the business and for their own personal needs. It's an interesting fact that he's rarely alone.
4148
i am with you
i am with you
every work day just as on sundays
in school and at the workplace
between the finances and the machines
among the workers and the bosses
with the sick and those without jobs
near both the losers and the winners
by those who always spell bad news
and those in the kitchen
i am with you
and you are with me
4149
Prayer of the Sick
Missionaries all over the world are able to carry out very difficult tasks as they depend on the prayers of others. Delicate and thorny domestic situations have been turned around with love because of the prayers of faithful people.
Among the forefront of these essential support personnel are people who are confined to bed, or can't make it out of their front door because of their age or health situation. Thank God for these people who are faithful to their calling!
4150
Prayer Time
To pray a person needs time. Or is it that people need prayer in order to deal with their time well? And not only "their" time, but with time in general. What do I do with my time? Who does my time belong to? How much of my time do I give to God? to other people? to myself?
Let us take advantage of this year's National Day of Prayer, not only to pray for our nation, but also to reflect on the way we use our time and the way we pray. That may ultimately go a long way in helping the nation.
4185
It just doesn't work to have God's Word seen through glassy eyes, heard while the mind's a hundred miles off, or spoken glibly. Before it can begin to grow in our hearts and provide the nourishment we so desperately need, God's Word must implant itself behind all the barriers that we set up.
4202
Doubt
We are building a bridge. We can only build it from one side, up into the air, out into open space, away into the darkness.
We don't know what's on the other side, or even if there is another side...
4204
Life Buoy
In the storms of life the cross, which once appeared so heavy and hard, becomes a buoy to keep us from going under.
4206
"Taken up body and soul into heavenly glory" means that the antitheses spirit and flesh, male and female, and over and under have been dissolved. The world is returning home to its creator.
4209
Come As You Are
Jesus does not pay attention to the walls that people build. He approaches all people without fear of being tainted. It isn't important to him what a person wears or what religion is indicated in his passport. He doesn't make a difference in the way he approaches Jews or Greeks, Hindus or Buddhists, or even men or women. Jesus looks through all the external facades. He is interested in the person underneath.
4224
When I take what the world gives to me, I can no longer take up the cross. When I haven't taken up the cross, then that which the world cannot give is taken from me, my self.
4248
Collect Yourself
People are...deceitful creatures, and the deceit of the heart becomes most apparent in religious matters. When a person begins to pray, something will always crop up-called up out of an inner restlessness-and demand to be taken care of immediately. Everything under the sun-work, a meeting, shopping, a date that needs to be checked, a newspaper, a book-appears to be more important than the prayer time, which now looks more and more like a waste of time. And as soon as he breaks off his prayer time, the moment needed to do the "little job" expands into hours, and he squanders all of them staying busy with superfluous things.
To collect oneself means to slow down and overcome this deception brought about by restlessness, to free oneself from everything that doesn't belong, and to make oneself accessible to that which alone is important, namely, God.
4250
The holy people of God participate in the prophetical office of Christ, in the spreading of his living Word.
4251
It's not only clergy who are called to spread God's Word. Each follower of Christ is called to bring God's Word into the lives of the people around him or her. This can be simply through living the Word, through bringing God's wisdom into everyday events, through praying with friends, through being there in Christ's name when you are needed.
4255
The Lord bless you
and keep you,
The Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you,
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you
and give you peace.
Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:24-27)
4258
Bless, O Lord, your whole creation!
4295
Our congregation is always looking to the future.
We put off everything until tomorrow.
4305
Cut Completely Away
To forgive someone means to cut through the iron band wrapped around our own hearts. We will no longer expect the other person to be hurtful. We will suspend our judgment. We will be able to admit to those areas where we contributed to the problem. We will free ourselves from resentment.
4306
Chain Reaction
Not eye for eye and tooth for tooth, but forgiveness for forgiveness. When a person removes the burden of guilt from the shoulders of another person, many people will live in greater freedom.
4311
A Good Combination
As long as suffering is rooted in our earthly experience, there will always be a larger cross, the cross of Jesus Christ. It is his cross which gives all of our little crosses meaning.
4317
Envy and Selflessness
An envious person is not satisfied as long as someone else has something better than he has.
A unselfish person is not satisfied as long as other people are worse off than he is.
People naturally want to be admired. They want first place. They naturally want to be above someone else.
God, on the other hand, is equally good to all.
4326
Outsiders
When you point your finger at someone, there are three pointing back at you.
We in the church often worry a lot about the way people who aren't Christians live. We see our society changing. We see laws being changed in scary directions. And we worry.
Judging by what Jesus did in his day, if he were here, he probably wouldn't be sitting around in our churches worrying. He'd be out making friends with the "outsiders."
4334
Loneliness
Together
"Cocooning" is a phenomenon which has been taking place in the '90s, as married couples have withdrawn into themselves. As they have enjoyed the peace and satisfaction of being together alone, they have also seen it turn into loneliness together. No children to share life with. No friends. For them the parable of the banquet, as compared to their own silver anniversary, becomes a bitter reality.
4335
The Next to the Last Supper
Imagine if Jesus had invited his disciples to eat the Last Supper with him-and no one came! Imagine if he wanted to celebrate it with us each Sunday-and we declined his invitation! Then the Last Supper would for us really be the last. Jesus knows other guests who gladly-and for ever-would take our places.
4344
Give him hands which help the suffering.
Give him feet which go out to others.
If you love God,
you love your neighbor
and only those who love their neighbor
can love God.
4350
Followers of Christ Sought
Looking for people who can work well in a team, are prepared to give up opportunities for advancement, can live responsibly without a boss, and don't need to boss others around.
4370
Over There
The mystery of Christ's nature becomes a little clearer in today's Gospel about the Great Judgement. Christ may often be found in apparently insignificant events and everyday decisions. How we react to the stranger we meet tomorrow may be a good indication of where we are headed for eternity.
4371
The chain on my door is a part of the chain around my heart.
It ties me to my own possessions.
It ties me to this world. Lord, loose me from it!
4373
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
© Creative Commons
(originally ©2005 Alternatives for Simple Living)
Worship Alternatives collection compiled, edited and prepared by Katie Cook from Seed of Hope and Gerald Iversen.
The collection contains sermons, worship items and art. It is part of the CD-ROM Simply the Best: Over 35 Years of Alternatives, available in the future from the ELCA Archives.Worship Alternatives ART 1 | Archives Index | Home | Key Free Resources
Page updated 2 July 2014
Simple Living Works! * SimpleLivingWorks@Yahoo.com
BLOG: SimpleLivingWorks.WordPress.com
| Blog INDEX
PODCAST |
Podcast INDEX
VIDEOS: YouTube.com/SimpleLivingWorks
MISSION: Equipping people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly and celebrate responsibly // An all volunteer educational organization.