Ash Wednesday Prayer Stations:

Lint or Lent?

When you hear the word lent what comes to mind?

Many people don’t know the difference…LINT OR LENT?

Is it something in your belly button or your dryer?

What about a season of the church year designed to bring you closer to Jesus?

Use this lint brush as a prayer of confession…

God removes the “lint, -

The junk that is stuck to us…

The sin that so easily entangles us…

As you roll the lint brush over your clothes talk to God about the Lint, the junk, in your life you need him to remove.

Ask God to show you any lint that is blocking your relationship with him as you roll the lint brush on your shirt/ jeans, picture the junk being removed.

And know that God loves you and forgives you.

Locked Away

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

(Isaiah 61:1)

Moments after the very beginning, we locked ourselves away. We were not fooled or tricked, no one pushed us in and slammed the door behind us, nor were we forced. By our own accord we entered the cell, locked the bars and threw the keys far beyond our own reach. In search of what we thought was freedom, we entered captivity. Another day, another lock, as hope and life slip away together and we realize that under our own strength there is no possibility of escape.

Write down your personal burdens on a slip of paper and place your that paper into a jar with others and close it back off, a reminder of how we keep these things locked away, but also a reminder that we are one among many, in a community able to share our burdens

A Desert Place

As you begin your Lenten journey, wash your hands in the bowl of sand as an act of repentance.  This is a reminder of the wilderness where Jesus spent his forty days of fasting and prayer.

Talk to God about where you are and where you want to be in the next few weeks before Easter.

Now wash your hands in the bowl of water and allow God to refresh you and allow the Living Water to encourage you as you journey with Jesus during the days before Easter.

YOU ARE CLEAN…YOU ARE LOVED…YOU ARE FORGIVEN

Letting Go
Take a Nail and write on it your initials or name.
Consider the things that you have done that may have hurt God or others over the past year. 
Place the nail into the loaf of bread as a reminder of these things, but also be at peace, for Jesus himself has already said “It Is Finished” 
Repent, Turn Away, Let Go, and Be at Peace in God’s Grace.

Words of Lent

We are called to bring Christ to all the world. Think about words that describe how you can bring the things of God to the world and add them to the puzzle, If you can't find a place your words will fit, start a new puzzle, and see if someone later can make a connection between them.

Read over the puzzles before you leave and pray over the things that we as a community hope for.

Light of the World

Jesus knew what it was like to be an outcast, to be at risk, to be an outsider, to struggle in a world where powers rage. These struggles are all over the world. Take a sticker and place it on the map in a place where you know people need peace and prayer.

Offer prayers for all the places and people of the world.

Ash Wednesday Service

WELCOME/INVITATION TO A HOLY LENT

Leader: Peace be with you.

People: And also with you.

From our book of common worship:

Friends in Christ, every year at the time of the Christian Passover we celebrate our redemption through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lent is a time to prepare for this celebration and to renew our life in the paschal mystery. We begin this holy season by acknowledging our need for repentance, and for the mercy and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I invite you, therefore, in the name of Christ, to observe a holy Lent by self-examination and penitence, by prayer and fasting, by works of love, and by reading and meditating on the Word of God.

OPENING PRAYER

Almighty and merciful God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all who are desire it; create in us new and humble hearts, so that when we turn to you we may receive your full and perfect forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.                  

TIME OF REFLECTIVE SILENCE (with selections from Joel 2) **Spoken by unseen voice**

(Silence)

Joel 2:1

(Silence)

Joel 2:12-13

(Silence)

Joel 2:15-16

(Silence)

Joel 2:17

LITANY OF CONFESSION

Leader: We have not loved you with all our heart, and soul, and mind, and strength. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We have not forgiven others as we have been forgiven. Lord have mercy.
People: Lord have mercy.

Leader: We have been deaf to your call to serve. We have been unfaithful, proud, and hypocritical. Christ have mercy.
People: Christ have mercy.

Leader: We have been self-centered, and have taken advantage of others. Lord have mercy.
People: Lord have mercy.

Leader: We have been envious of those more fortunate than ourselves. Christ have mercy.
People: Christ have mercy.

Leader: We have loved worldly goods and comforts too much. We have been dishonest in daily life and work. Lord have mercy.
People: Lord have mercy.

Leader: We have neglected prayer and worship, and have failed to commend the faith that is in us. Christ have mercy.
People: Christ have mercy.

Leader: We have been blind to human need and suffering, and indifferent to injustice and cruelty. Lord have mercy.
People: Lord have mercy.

Leader: We have thought uncharitably about others, and we have been prejudiced towards those who differ from us. Christ have mercy.
People: Christ have mercy.

Leader: We have wasted and polluted your creation, and lacked concern for those who come after us. Lord have mercy.
People: Lord have mercy.

ALL: Merciful God, we have sinned in what we have thought and said, in the wrong we have done and in the good we have not done. Our sin is found in ignorance, in weakness, in our own deliberate fault. We are filled with sorrow so we repent and turn to you. Forgive us and renew our call to work for the glory of your grace. Amen.  

NOTHING CAN TROUBLE (Hymn 820, Acapella)

IMPOSITION OF ASHES

Loving God, you create us from the dust of the earth; may these ashes be for us a sign of our penitence and our mortality, and a reminder that our life is lived eternally only in living for Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

Please come forward and receive the ashes.

Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

LITANY OF ASSURANCE AND SIGNS OF GRACE

Leader: In our deepest darkness, God beckons us, calling us to peace, to quietness, to wholeness.

People: The world around us is filled with coldness, fear and restlessness.

Leader: It is of our creation, via greed, hatred, envy, all things broken and selfish.

People: Take us and heal us of every evil. Bring us back into the closeness of your embrace, O God.

Leader: Your cleansing love, O God, purifies, restores us with warmth and rest

People: In our night we hear God call, offering love and strength and forgiveness.

Leader: With God we need not fear, hate, nor control. Let us walk in the light of God.

ALL: Amen.

REMEMBERENCE OF BAPTISM

The grace of god that overcomes all things and is symbolized in our baptism.  So you are now invited to come forward and remember your baptism and receive the water of grace.

Repent and believe the Good News: God is making all things whole.

LITANY OF FAITH

Leader: The end is God’s and the beginning is God’s.

People: The storm is God’s and the peace is God’s.

Leader: The depths are God’s and the heights are God’s.

People: The dark is God’s and the light is God’s.

Leader: For all times, all things and all creation belong to God.

People: Travel with God towards the end from the beginning.

Leader: Walk with the God who is your salvation.

People: Continue with God through the storm and the peace.

Leader: Walk with the God who is your deliverance.

People: Wander with God across the depths and the heights.

Leader: Walk with the God who is your restoration.

People: Tarry with God in the dark and the light.

Leader: Walk with the God who is your assurance;

People: For all times, all things and all creation belong to God.

ALL: Amen.

BENEDICTION

Go with God’s grace, in the name of Christ, with the power of the spirit to observe a holy Lent by self-examination and penitence, by prayer and fasting, by works of love, and by reading and meditating on the Word of God.

Advent Prayer Station Thoughts

Some thoughts for Advent Prayer Stations:

Advent Prayer Stations:

Station 1 – Toys

Dump Truck, Melting Paper, Markers, Water, Instructions

Instructions: The joy of a child unwrapping a Christmas toy is often a highlight of the season, but we are often too wrapped up in our “toys” and things of this world to hear God calling out to us or too see God acting in the world. What “toys” keep you from fully hearing God? Write them on the translucent film and then place them in the dump truck, when done, you may drive the truck over to the water and dump your load into the water where it will melt away.

Station 2 – Music

Strips From Old Hymnal, Stapler, Instructions

Instructions: Look through the strips of music and lyrics from our seasonal songs, find one that touches you and add it to the paper link chain. Read over the choices of others and consider the meaning of the season in the life of the church and the world.

Station 3 – Trimming

Glass Ornaments, Construction Paper Scraps, Tinsel, Pens, Instructions

Instructions: This is the season where we trim our trees, but it's also a good time to consider trimming our lives. We can do that by trimming off the things we don't want in our life, or by trimming our life with the beauty of things we want more of. Think about how you'd like to trim your life, write down your desires on a scrap of paper and place it in a glass Ornament and offer it up to God.

Station 4 – Coloring

Crayons, Print Outs Of Christmas Story Pictures, Instructions

Instructions: We often think of Christ as the light of the world, but light doesn't just bring illumination, but also the brilliance of colour. Find a picture that touches you and sit for a moment and add colour to it.

Station 5 – Hope to the Poor

Basket of Pennies, Money Box, Instructions

Instructions: Many cannot afford the kind of Christmas we may be able to afford. Many do not have enough to even eat or have shelter. Take a coin from the basket and hold it. Consider how we may be able to share what we have with others. Pray that God will give you strength and wisdom to find ways to give freely and generously, then place your coin into the giving box.

Station 6 – Watching and Waiting

Candle Lit, Prayer, Instructions

Instructions: Sit and watch the flickering of the light, think about how God coming to light the world through Christ is a flickering light in the world today, the places where the light is bright, and the places where it seems a bit less likely to stay lit. Read the prayer below and think about how you watch for God in the world today:

The advent of our Lord is near and we long for his coming

We long for new light to shine where there has been darkness.

The advent of our Lord is near and we long for him to call us home

We long for new hope to reign where there has been death and despair.

The advent of our Lord is near and we long for him to appear

We wait on tiptoe attentive to all the signs of his coming

God we have caught a glimpse of your Messiah healed world

And we long for its coming

We long for the place where all beauty comes from

The place where all life is renewed

God we live in anticipation of Messiah’s birth and the world’s rebirth

And we long for its coming

God we long to come home to your world of wholeness and peace

Home to your eternal world where love reigns over all. - (Prayer by Theresa Cho)

Station 7 – Words of Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy

Scrabble Tiles, Instructions

Instructions: We are called to bring the Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy of Christ to all the world. Think about ways you can bring these things to the world and add them to the puzzle, If you can't find a place your words will fit, start a new puzzle, and see if someone later can make a connection between them.

Station 8 – Christmas Cards

Christmas Cards, Pens, Instructions, Marked Directory

Instructions: Think about someone who may be lonely this time of year (if you need help, check the directory) and write them a Christmas Card and address the envelope. Place your sealed envelopes in the sleigh and we will make sure they get delivered!

Station 9 – Light of the World

World Map, Stickers/Stick Pins, Instructions

Instructions: Jesus knew what it was like to be an outcast, to be at risk, to be an outsider, to struggle in a world where powers rage. These struggles are all over the world. Take a sticker and place it on the map in a place where you know people need peace and prayer.

Station 10 - Kingdom Thoughts
Air Dry Clay, Instructions
Instructions: Part of the waiting of Advent is not just historical, but ongoing today as we wait for God's Reign here on earth.  Use the clay and the creative abilities God has given us to create an item, or symbol, or word that represents part of what God's Reign looks like and add it to the scene on the table.

Station 11 - Memories
Christmas Smells (Peppermint, Gingerbread, Potpourri, Pine, etc.), Instructions, Markers, Paper covering Table
Instructions: Take in the various smells around the table and write down what memories they bring about,  As you look over your memories, see what prayers they inspire, maybe for yourself, maybe for others, and take a moment to share those prayers with God.

Station 12 - Prepare ye the way
Soil, Gutter, Spade, Seeds, Instructions
Instructions: We are called, as John the Baptizer was, to prepare the way of God, to make the ground fertile, and to plant the seeds of faith.  Take a moment to till some soil and add a seed and as you do so consider the places in your life where you can help prepare the soil and plant the seeds for others to find justice, peace, love, joy, and thus find God.

Station 13 – Walking in the light

Electric Candles, Garland set up as a spiral on the ground, Instructions, Small Table, Space

Instructions: Take a couple of deep breaths before beginning. Step into the spiral, and walk quietly to the middle thinking about the year gone by. Think about places you felt close to God and places God felt further away. Once you get to the middle pick up and turn on a candle, as you walk back out, find a place where it seems appropriate to set your candle along the garland and leave your candle there.

"Rules" for School

There is a blog floating around talking about a seemingly college age female who is giving some high school freshmen a list of rules (suggestions) for life in high school based on her experience.  I really struggle with it, in large part because the parent writing the blog refers to them as rules, and in part because much of it feels like the church rules we put in place because we want to protect "ours" from "that" culture.  So instead here are my suggestions ("Rules") for students (in the school of life):

1. Surround yourself with people who you can trust and who want the best for you.
2. Think before you act, every actions has consequences
3. Don't let anyone make you feel damaged, you are in the image of God
4. Set boundaries you are comfortable with, and make others stick to them no matter what.
5. Always have a person who you can tell EVERYTHING to
6. Be careful how you let someone into your life, but make sure to risk yourself when you feel it could be worth it.
7. If you think someone may be putting you at risk in any way, step away from them.
8. If someone hurts another person, go out of your way to take care of them and show them love
9. Communicate with God, do this via words, art, music, whatever.  And listen for responses in the world.
10. Take time away from all of the distractions of the world, it will help you hear truth.
11. Be nice to those who seem concerned about you. Listen to them, and sometimes trust them even when you disagree.
12. If you find yourself lying to those in #1 or #11, you may be in a place you really don't want to be.  Step away.
13. Say No when in doubt. If your Yes can't be enthusiastic, take time to think about what's really going on before moving forward.
14. Don't stop just because you feel like you failed or are stuck, keep swimming, stuff happens, figure out what you're going to do next and do it.
15. Write.  Tell you story and put it down in words or art regularly. We are not just in a moment, we are our stories.
16. Find community.  Not just like minded people, not just people your age, gender, race, orientation, politics, etc.  Find diverse people you can trust and who will push you to change.
17. If it doesn't build up others, don't do it.
18. Don't think you have all the answers or the right way to do something. When you feel this way you can devalue and judge others, and make it easier for others to do that too.
19. Wait, think, dialogue before forming opinions. Your immediate reaction may be right, but the emotions involved in that moment may cause more problems
20. Think before you post.  Nothing is private, all we do is shared, see #2.  Also not everyone may understand context they are distant from.

As I wrote these, I realized how defensive the initial list seemed to me.  Some of these are still a bit more defensive than I'd like them to be, but I hope they read more proactive and connected to the wholeness of who we are as humans created in the image of Love.

Bohemia's Six Word Story of Faith

So a friend of mine posted to the #SixWordStoryOfFaith thread happening on Twitter a variation on the first two line of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody and it made me think of the great testimonies in the song.  I can think of at least one person in my life that could use almost all of these lines (except a couple as noted) to describe their faith. So here it is:

Is this real of just fantasy?
Caught in landslide no escaping reality
Open eyes, look to the skies
A poor boy, needing no sympathy
Because I'm Easy come, Easy go,
Little high, low, anyway wind blows
It doesn't Really matter to me

Killed a man, with a gun
Pulled my trigger, now he's dead
(okay admittedly those last 2 lines have little to no way I can make them connect alone)

Life just begun, now thrown away

Didn't mean to make you cry
If I'm not back by tomorrow
Carry on as if nothing matters

My time has come, sending shivers
Body aches, good bye, good bye.
Got to leave you, face truth

I do not want to die
I've never been born at all
See a silhouette of the man
Buffoons, will you do your dance (Scaramouche will you do the Fandango)
Thunder and lightning are very frightening
Falsely accused just like Galileo, magnificent... (Context of Galileo Galileo)

Just a poor boy, nobody loves me
A poor boy from a poor family
Spare my life from this monstrosity

Easy Come Easy Go . . . Let Go
It will not let me go
Let me go, No don't go
A devil's set aside for me
You think you can stone me?
Think you can spit on me?
Love then leave me to die
You can't do this to me
Gotta get out of here now

Nothing really matters, anyone can see
Nothing matters anyway the wind blows