Looking for something fresh and creative for the Advent season? Here's a charming set of five lighthearted plays that's sure to engage audiences and set the holiday spirit while remaining focused on the scriptural message. Written in whimsical rhyming verse, the scenes detail the prophecies of the Messiah and the story of the Incarnation through the interaction of three angels (Gabriel, Wonderful, and, Marvelous) with several biblical characters. Congregations of any size will find these sketches easy to use -- only a small cast is needed, and the readers? theater format means no extensive...

Imagine that it's Christmas Eve and you're on your way to the store before the annual candlelight service. Suddenly you find yourself transported back in time to the night of the birth of the Messiah The places you're used to seeing are all gone; the usual trappings of modern society don't work. And, to top it off, you're placed in a situation where you have to help a young couple deal with having a baby -- with no hospital Yikes
This imaginative chancel drama for Advent or Christmas will make the members of your congregation think about the night of Jesus' birth in a new way. A...

Appropriate for Maundy Thursday or any time throughout the year, this resource contains several sermons and a full-blown service of Holy Communion, Feetwashing, and Agape Meal (or Love Feast). Detailed bread recipes and instructions for all the preparations are included along with bulletin texts.Examination Service And Feetwashing Service Meditation: "Broken For You" Service: The Lords Supper Sermons Include: "Seeing A Familiar Friend All Over Again For The First Time" "Peter Asks A Question" "No Forks Or Napkins" Frank Ramirez is pastor of the Elkhart Valley Church of the Brethren in...

Drama can be a wonderful tool for presenting spiritual truths in a fresh and creative way. Come All Ye Faithful is a valuable resource for churches seeking new methods for presenting the joyous message of Advent and Christmas. From an insightful allegory illuminating the symbolism of the Advent wreath to mice depicting the nativity scene in whimsical verse, this resource will appeal to any dramatic preference. These plays can be used by congregations of almost any size, with only minimal props and costuming required. Copy privileges are included. The plays featured in this volume are: * The...

At twelve the muse gave me a tap. These lines for my life are a map. A few are just verse And a couple are worse, But the ones that are left are effusive.

"The Christmas Star"is a potpourri of holiday gifts for those planning worship -- this charming collection includes three plays and five brief meditations suitable for reading during services or for use in bulletins and newsletters. The play"The Gifts Of Christmas"is a humorous take on the traditional Christmas pageant in which three teenagers try to decide what to get their grandmother for Christmas, only to discover that the gift she really desires is the Christmas story (enacted in the customary fashion)."The "Did Someone Forget To Plan" The Christmas Pageant "provides you with the...

The practice of anointing for healing appears countless times in the Bible ? yet in many Christian traditions, anointing is seldom practiced today. But it is an essential rite that reminds us that God is firmly in control of all aspects of our lives. Anointing affirms and symbolizes our partnership with God, who is the true source of restoration and healing. Through the practice of anointing, we invite God to be part of the healing process for anyone who is sick physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Partners In Healing is a complete guide with all the resources you need to revive this...

Frank Ramirez believes that youth and children are the church of today and should be invited to participate regularly in worship as scripture readers, musicians, speakers, and worship leaders. Drama is an especially great way to keep young people speaking, performing, and sharing in front of the congregation -- not only is it fun and inspirational, but drama is also an effective method for making God's word take on flesh and dwell in our midst. This set of six delightful plays puts Christ at the forefront while entertaining all ages and teaching deep truths. The flexible pieces can be...

How does someone obtain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding? How do they apply them to their lives?

This volume of Immersion Bible Studies focuses on touchstone Scriptures that reveal the essence of wisdom as found in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Written in a conversational tone, this study engages readers in the virtues shared while deepening their love of the Bible. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step suggestions for leading a group are provided, as well as questions to facilitate class discussion.

Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the...