Try This For a Change

This article is from Issue 21 of “On The Move,” a publication of new learning possibilities for churches, at one time published by The Joint Board of Christian Education of Australia and New Zealand.
Although some ideas and liturgies may appear somewhat “dated” in style, concept, imagery or language, they may nevertheless offer a spring-board for new ideas among people who find themselves leading worship, perhaps in a new context, and with some trepidation.
Reproduced by permission. May be reprinted for use in local congregations only.

Try This For A Change
Rob Evans 

Just Imagine…
Part of the congregation has accepted the ministers invitation to join in two special events to explore the meaning of Jesus death and resurrection. On the Sunday before and the Sunday following Easter, children, youth and adults together spend an hour before the usual worship time in a variety of activities planned by a team of leaders specially recruited for these two events.On the first Sunday they plan a procession. After time for planning in small groups, all move together to each group location in turn where the group presents an important event from Jesus life in the week leading up to the crucifixion. One small group has a dramatic reading of a scripture passage, another presents a tableau. You may even imagine another group displaying a banner and another teaching everyone a new song. When they go to the worship service for the whole congregation afterwards, the minister usess the same theme, indeed, some can even envisage the minister arranging for the procession and the various small group presentations to be used as part of the worship.On the Sunday following Easter, the children, youth and adults share together Easter eggs while telling about their own Easter joys. Then, through a short play and through singing Easter songs, all explore the joy of the first disciples as they discovered the Easter good news. Almost everyone then makes egg-shaped Easter cards to give away. An enthusiastic group prepares an Easter cheer! When they go to the usual worship service that follows, the same theme is used. In their imagination some can even hear the worship beginning with the group Easter cheer and see people giving the Easter cards to one another.

In spending the time together with all ages in learning and then joining together with the same people and others in worship, they have experienced Easter as a memorable festival of joy celebrating the new life we enjoy through our risen Lord.

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