Worship Planning Tools

WORSHIP RESOURCES First Sunday after the Epiphany Acts 8:14-17 Baptized of Water and Spirit   Additional Scriptures Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22   Preparation For the Focus Moment, prior to today’s worship, inflate several balloons and place them toward the front of your worship space. Alternatively, you can have a deflated balloon nearby and inflate during the activity. Any kind of balloon is acceptable. Be mindful of potential allergens and proper disposing of balloons after the service. You will need a bell for the Prayer for Peace. Today’s theme lends itself to the sacraments of baptism and confirmation....

WORSHIP RESOURCES Epiphany of The Lord Matthew 2:1-12 (A,B,C) A Star!   Additional Scriptures Isaiah 60: 1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12                         Worship Preparation Prior to today’s worship, using construction paper, cutout stars of all colors—the more colors, the better! (See below for a star template.) Place your pre-cut stars on a table toward the front of your worship space. Provide markers/pens for each participant. These will be used for the Focus Moment in the service. Prepare enough for all to have one.   We Praise Prelude   Songs of Presence and Praise                         Choose two.                Encourage participants to sing...

Second Sunday after Christmas John 1:1-18 (A,B,C) Receive Grace upon Grace   Additional Scriptures Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14; Moroni 10:29   Preparation For the Call to Worship, coordinate with the presider from December 29 to collect the Psalm phrases people wrote. If they weren’t compiled, prepare to do that, editing them by combining similar phrases. Arrange for printed copies of the completed work to be inserted in the worship bulletins, arranged as a congregational responsive reading, or project the words on a screen. Categorize participants in any of these ways: high/low voices; birthdays in January-June/birthdays in July-December, or...

WORSHIP RESOURCES First Sunday after Christmas Luke 2:41-52 Listen and Ask Questions   Additional Scriptures 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Psalm 148; Colossians 3:12-17; Doctrine and Covenants 162:7c-d   Preparations Invite two readers, any age, to be prepared to read Psalm 148, alternating verses between them. This will be used in the section labeled “Looking Back.” If using printed worship bulletins, place a square self-stick note inside each one. Alternatively, hand them out during the service. Have pencils/pens on hand. Place a poster board or flip chart where people can access it. Prepare five note cards or pieces of paper with...

WORSHIP RESOURCES   Christmas Day Luke 2:1-20 (A,B,C) Good News of Great Joy   Additional Scriptures Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm, 96; Titus 2:11-14   Preparation During the preceding week, invite people to bring a special financial or food pantry Christmas offering. If using a selection for Handel’s Messiah later in the service, invite someone to manage the audio or video recording. If you use an Advent wreath, light the four candles on the perimeter before the service begins, saving the center Christ candle for later in the service. Prior to the service, set up a craft area with cards (3x5) and...