Click on downloadables for the complete list of Advent resources.
Dear Ones:
This week, get ready for Advent in new ways. Here’s a list of downloadable, free Advent resources designed specifically for small-congregation worship.
They are simple. Many elements are hand-off ready for lay leadership. None requires detailed collaboration or rehearsal. They’re adaptable for your community. And most importantly: They heighten participation, invite local gifts, and include (or prepare for) children in worship.
And this hands-on, all-in model of worship not only fits your gifts. It’s also deeply forming. And not available in big settings.
So click here or on the downloadables tab at the top of this page.
Then review them. Try something new. Save, adapt, and print what works for your congregation. Hand off resources to lay leaders. And encourage this new-ancient way of every-worshiper-matters.
Here’s the list of resources with a brief description of each. Downloading instructions are included in the tab.
ADVENT: OVERVIEW & WEEKLY THEMES A basic guide to engage this year’s Advent scriptures. Hand off to worship lay leaders to deepen their work.
ADVENT: CHILDREN'S WORSHIP Hand-off-Ready Resource for Lay Leadership. A 4-week series in which children lead worshipers in remembering essential Advent feelings that prepare us for the good news. Practice this even if you don’t have children.
ADVENT: ALTAR ARTS Hand-Off-Ready Resource for Lay Leadership. Simple ideas for an Advent wreath, a traditional practice, and a Blue Christmas prayer station.
ADVENT: WEEKLY SCRIPTURE FOR LAY LITURGISTS Hand-Off-Ready Resource for Lay Leadership. Weekly gospel and prophetic scriptures. With some helpful context to share.
ADVENT: CANDLE LIGHTING & HOLY CONVERSATION STARTS Calls to worship that invite four people to light Advent candles. And guide the whole congregation to explore the mystery of God-with-us in our own words. Plus a surprise for Christmas Eve.
ADVENT: CONFESSION Pastor-Led or a Hand-Off-Ready Resource for Lay Leadership. A weekly prayer of honesty and assurance for our real lives.
ADVENT: SPIRITUAL PRACTICE This send-it-home guide is for all worshipers to practice between Sundays in Advent.
Problems with downloading? Contact Admin@SmallChurch.org. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
Other questions? Contact me directly: Teresa@SmallChurch.org. I cherish the conversations. Next week will include more, gentle Advent guidance.
Thanks for your ministry,
Teresa
