While Thanksgiving is a national holiday, the tradition of giving thanks at the end of the harvest is a religious event celebrated in most cultures. The national practice of giving thanks in November is therefore quite biblical.
Scripture abounds with thanksgiving to God, for thanksgiving is part of the Christian way of life, no matter what the circumstances. These are just a few scriptures you may wish to use for a Thanksgiving liturgy.
For a church service Col. 1 is particularly appropriate, bridging the liturgy between Christ the King Sunday and the First Sunday in Advent. In lean years, other …
Since World AIDS Day occurs during the first week of Advent in the Christian year, it is appropriate (particularly in the sermon or prayers of the people) to make connections to the biblical and theological themes of the liturgical season. Advent is a time of waiting in hope and faith for the coming of Christ’s realm — a new creation in which God’s promises of justice, wholeness, and reconciliation are fulfilled. In this season of longing and anticipation, we give thanks for the light of life in Christ, which can never be extinguished (John 1:5).
This All-Saints Sunday communion service includes a naming of the honored dead and an easy all-saints ribbon banner.
This litany for Reformation Sunday is composed of excerpts from the Creeds, Catechisms and Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
This hymn text by David Gambrell, set to the familiar tune Leoni (“The God of Abraham Praise”), seeks to illustrate the various dimensions of the “Word of God” in the Reformed tradition: “Scripture – the Word written, preaching – the Word proclaimed, and the Sacraments – the Word enacted and sealed, bear testimony to Jesus Christ, the living Word.” (Directory for Worship, W-1.1004). Permission is granted for congregational use in worship or educational settings.
November 14, 2010, is Caregiver Sunday. Get suggestions for caregiving and resources for people who provide care.
Reading and studying large sections of Scripture in sequence – a time-honored practice in the Reformed tradition – provides a way to hear and understand the words and stories of the Bible in their broader theological, historical, cultural and literary contexts.
Reading or hearing these passages aloud has a number of benefits: Scripture takes on a whole new dimension when you can hear its rhythms, its cadences and its poetry, features often overlooked when only read silently; the oral / aural presentation of these texts is probably closer to the way their intended audiences received them, in most cases, and …
This Eucharistic prayer can be used as part of a service with the Annunciation text (Luke 1:26-38) featured prominently.
See related pages: Season of Advent, Great Thanksgiving, Presbyterian Worship
This service weaves the traditional lessons in a service with other liturgy into a full worship service that includes communion. Sermon notes are also included for a brief homily.
Related pages: Season of Advent, Nativity of the Lord, Presbyterian Worship
As an intergenerational event early in Advent, consider making advent wreaths for home devotional use. Here are instructions for a simple, inexpensive one.
Related pages: Season of Advent, Presbyterian Worship