Jim Huffaker, Interim Associate Presbyter for Flint River Presbytery, sent us an interesting pre-Easter idea that uses the service “The Lenten Candles” by Paul Dyck (Contemporary Drama Service, Colorado Springs, Colorado). He explained, “The idea is to do the opposite of what we do in Advent. On the first Sunday of Lent, the service begins with all six purple candles and the Christ candle lit. Following the reading each week a candle is snuffed out, representing Jesus’ death. The effect is that of a serial Tenebrae service. Easter is an even more joyous celebration as two white-robed persons relight the Christ candle and we sing a triumphant hymn. Each week’s service can be done with the help of two to five readers.

For more information, contact Jim Huffaker at jhuffaker@flintriverpresbytery.org.

This idea was used at Ottawa Presbyterian Church a few years back, and folks still talk about it. As part of our prayer vigil that starts after Maundy Thursday service, we transformed a corner of the sanctuary into a garden. We borrowed large potted plants from a greenhouse. Church members brought other plants from their homes; we put in place a small bench; and we tucked a water recycling fountain into a corner. We played a CD of bird and nature sounds and subdued the lighting to give the impression of dawn. Prayer resources were available on a nearby bench, along with a basket of prayer requests for worshipers to use during the vigil. This garden was open until the morning of Good Friday.

Contact Andee Parker, Ottawa Presbyterian Church,
Ottawa, OH, at (419) 423-2112, ext. 25, or by
e-mail at aipdce@findlayfpc.org.

On page 11 of this issue you will find an overview of the new PC(USA)-specific curriculum We Believe. How fortuitous that Linda LeBron chose this time to honor teachers with new words to a favorite hymn.

Hymn: Here I Am, Lord (new verses for teachers)

Chorus:
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling me this day.
I will teach, Lord, if you lead me;
I will hold your children in my heart.

1. I, the Lord of life and birth, value every age’s worth.
Nurture all I send your way; My hand will help.
Families are gifts I give. Show them holy ways to live.
Open minds and eyes to me. Who’ll teach my ways?

Chorus

2. I, the Lord of young and old, want my stories to be told.
Teach them in your church and homes; I will be there.
Fill their hearts with songs to sing; let them bring their offerings.
Listen to the doubts and prayers. Who’ll teach my ways?

Chorus

3. I, the Lord of font and cup, covenant to lift you up.
Splash the water, break the bread; pour out your lives.
Faithfully my love you’ll show, so their hearts will always know,
They are mine eternally. Who’ll teach my ways?

Chorus

© Linda LeBron, 2002. Used by permission.

We want to hear from you. Has your church done something recently that might work for another congregation? Tell about it. Send your story to IDEAS! For Church Leaders, Attention: Scott Dowd, 100 Witherspoon Street, Room 1415, Louisville, KY 40202. Or send an e-mail to sadowd@ctr.pcusa.org.