There is a lot that we hope for in this new year. There is so much we hope for that I dared to tag this worship service with the audacious claim that this worship might end the pandemic.
It won’t. Of course, it won’t.
Here in Germany we are seeing things tighten. Restrictions are increasing and it feels like we are back to where we were. Travel is discouraged and lockdown seems to be on the horizon. It is not over yet.
It won’t be like last year. We won’t be so naive to think that a simple flip of the calendar page will change everything. It is not just saying goodbye to this year but searching for how we might enter into the year that dawns.
This worship experience is designed for Zoom but could certainly be used in any other configuration of worship. It seeks to connect the worshipping community in new ways with a special no-prep Passing of the Peace and meditates on scripture with pen and paper — and it does all of this with simple, gentle ritual that makes space for every lover of words and wonder.
I didn’t want to do anything overly complicated. There are no special props beyond the communion elements, pen, paper and tea light candles — and even these things could be substituted for whatever is available at home that day. For you, dear pastor, there are words that you don't have to create to lead your beautiful people into the hope of the new year through all of those weird low-attendance Sundays after Christmas Eve.
It is written to be used before Epiphany Sunday — whenever you might celebrate that occasion — but I hope that this leaves at least two Sundays where this might be an option for your worship. This complete worship service is now available for purchase for $10. It can be purchased it here.
Whether or not this worship service fits into your worship plans, I’m praying for your ministry, dear pastor. You are doing amazing work.
And though you may well have Advent and Christmas planned, I do have some other goodies to offer you in my kitchen — and I’m always available to cook up something special just for your congregation. Shoot me a note and let’s see what we can cook up together. Blessings to you, dear pastor.