with Dr. Marcia McFee Marcia’s Doorway Lent

Worship Design Studio © 2009 Marcia McFee

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I promised to post this series of services for the folks who were at my sessions at the School for Congregational Development in Evanston. This was originally a

resource download for Lent 2008 in my online subscription service called

The Worship Design Studio This is a gift to you and a preview as well! Become a part of this online community that has access to audio and video podcasts throughout the year for education, inspiration and resources for every season!! This is one of the downloads that comes with every season in additional to other downloads about the theology, history and themes of each season, a “more resources” document to build your worship library, and of course, the audio podcasts with brainstorming session with nationally-known biblical scholars/preachers, music directors and visual artists!

Check it out at: www.marciamcfee.com/studio.htm

with Dr. Marcia McFee

Marcia’s Doorway

Lent


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Note: Key to music book abbreviations and links are at the end of the document.

Marcia’s “ Doo rway” fo r Lent Overa rching Theme:

“Holy Vessels: Healing and Wholeness”

Sub-Themes:

Ash Wednesday “Shattered”

First Sunday of Lent

“Treasure”

Second Sunday of Lent “Safekeeping”

Third Sunday of Lent

“Stories”

Fourth Sunday of Lent “Different Pictures”

Fifth Sunday of Lent

“Restoration”

Palm Sunday “Holy, Holy, Holy”


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Marcia’s “ Doo rway” fo r Lent

“Ho ly Ve s sel s: Heal in g an d W hole ness” Overarching direction: The starting point for this idea came from the more Eastern way of understanding “penance”–more about healing what has been hurt. From this perspective, the journey to Easter is more about learning and preparing to “live the Easter life”–living as if death has no hold on us. Each of us is created a precious vessel of God’s love. Each of us has experienced hurt in some way, bringing a sense of brokenness. To move toward healing is to offer the gift of live and wholeness (or wholi-ness), not only for ourselves but also for others as we come to see each person as a Holy Vessel and as we come to desire that wholeness for all of creation. The image of a vessel in the form of a beautiful glass container and the image of broken glass in the form of tumbled beach glass is a visual metaphor upon which the message of healing out of brokenness is developed.

Ash Wednesday: “Shattered ”

We begin the work of naming brokenness in this moment. Glass vessels on the worship center are shattered. Lament is uttered. Remnants. Pieces. We lay our broken world, broken lives before us as participants receive pieces of tumbled beach glass for their journey of Lent. Ashes are distributed. In the tradition of lament, we end in affirmation of trust in God.

Ideas: [see also the ideas offered on the PODcast call] Place to buy beach glass (tumbled recycled glass): http://www.crystalrivergems.com/products/glass/beachseaglass/seaglass.html Check out this liturgy related to “Building an Altar of the Fragments” http://www.seekerschurch.org/liturgies/200103.htm

“Ordinary pieces of tableware or beer or soda bottles are flung into the ocean. Years pass, or decades, and then one day, there it is upon the shore: a small shard from one of those long ago discarded objects. Shifting currents have rounded its edges; abrasion has polished its surface; exposure to the sun has altered its hue. And so, when we happen upon it, here amidst the shells and seaweed, we can’t help but laugh with joy at what seems a miracle: this ordinary fragment of silica that time and adversity have transformed into something beautiful.”

- http://www.writersatthebeach.com/


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• Consider creating the sound of glass shattering. Wrap an empty glass bottle in fabric and take a hammer to it then open the fabric so that the whole vessel is now seen broken (this is a very “visceral” experience for the congregation). Or you can use recorded sound effects: go to iTunes store online and search “sound effects glass breaking.” There is even one of broken glass being swept up (type in search “sound effects broken glass”). • What about having the ashes for distribution in a beautiful glass bowl? Or perhaps you could find one with hairline cracks, a symbol of our need for healing. Music:

“We Lay Our Broken World” © GIA Publications (tune: 66.86D) [you can find this in URW #156 or Common Ground songbook, #143]

[the beach glass could be taken to the worship center during the singing; you could also pause

between verses for people name brokenness in the world and in their lives]

We lay our broken world in sorrow at your feet, Haunted by hunger, war and fear, oppressed by power and hate.

Here human life seems less than profit, might and pride,

Though to unite us all in you, you lived and loved and died.

We bring our broken towns, our neighbors hurt and bruised; You show us how old pain and wounds for new life can be used.

We bring our broken loves, friends parted, families torn;

Then in your life and death we see that love must be reborn.

We bring our broken selves, confused and closed and tired; Then through your gift of healing grace new purpose is inspired.

O Spirit, on us breathe, with life and strength anew;

Find in us love, and hope, and trust, and lift us up to you. “God Weeps” FWS #2048 [this is a beautiful song, I have found it is better done as a solo rather than congregational. I used this and had people walk among the people, sprinkling water from branches dipped in a bowl (like a baptismal remembrance) on the people, as if God’s tears are falling on us. “Nobody Knows the Trouble I See”, UMH #520


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First Sunday of Lent: “Treasure” (Communion Sunday for many churches)

This Sunday introduces the theme further (a large number of people may not have been at Ash Wednesday worship), offering the image of Holy Vessels broken. Beach glass begins as something discarded. After it is tossed about by sand and sea, it becomes (and is literally considered) a mineral gem. We acknowledge that suffering is not necessary… we are created whole gems, daughters and sons fashioned and treasured by God. But when pain comes and something sacred is tossed aside, or finds itself lost in a [ship]“wreck,” this is not the end of the story. There is healing in our communion with the One who gathered up all people at the table of love and forgiveness.

• A scripture and song affirming that God intends wholeness for us: Psalm 139 “Sacred the Body” FWS # 2228 [excerpt]

Sacred the body God has created, temple of Spirit that dwells deep inside. Cherish each person; nurture creation. Treat flesh as holy, that love may abide.

Bodies are varied, made in all sizes, pale, full of color, both fragile and strong.

Holy the difference, gift of the Maker, so let us honor each story and song.

Possible “theme song” for the season: “Make Us Holy, Make Us Whole” URW # 160

This songs is a new favorite of mine. In fact, this song probably was what convinced me to look at healing as a theme for Lent. Here is the chorus: In your love, make us whole. May we rest in your compassion. Calm the lost, weary soul in the warmth of your love. May your peace fill our hearts. May we know the love of Jesus. By your grace, you console. Make us holy, make us whole. I think it is important to stress that a focus on healing is not to shy away from the concept of repentance, but rather to reframe this concept this year in an understanding that in order to heal, we must “turn away” from the things that do not give life. We must learn to live our baptismal vow… as persons who have already died to the old and the things of death cannot hold us. In healing we choose to “turn toward” life.


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• Here is a communion liturgy that is adapted for use with themes of healing and peace. If you use this material, please include the citations of credit at the end.

Invitation to the Table

“On Shalom”

“Shalom” means “peace,” But it means so much more as well:

Wholeness, fullness, and completion; Integrity and perfection;

Healing, health, and harmony; Utter tranquility,

Loving and being loved; Consummation;

Forgiveness and reconciliation; Totality of well-being.

And even all of these together Do not spell out sufficiently

The meanings of shalom. But even though we cannot accurately understand

Or adequately define Shalom, We can experience it.

We can readily taste

The sweetness of its presence, The bitterness of its absence,

And the double blessing of shalom restored.

Let us pray: All-merciful, tender God, You created each one of us a treasure. We come to you aware that often we are careless–

casting away that which is precious in your sight. We ask you to forgive us. Let your gentle waves of love gather us to your shores

to live in true shalom and community with all.

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Glory to God! Amen!

The Peace [participants are invited to take a piece of beach glass and “pass the pieces” as the following

song is sung, perhaps by the choir or ensemble or have the congregation sing it and do a musical interlude between verses 3 and 4 as a time to pass the peace]


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“Put Peace Into Each Other’s Hands”

Common Ground, #103 [adapted] [this might need another tune - more singable (8.7.8.7)]

Put peace into each other’s hands and like a treasure hold it,

protect it like a precious gem, with tenderness enfold it.

Put peace into each other’s hands with loving expectation; be gentle in your words and ways, in touch with God’s creation.

Put peace into each other’s hands like bread we break for sharing;

look people warmly in the eye: our life is meant for caring.

As at communion, shape your hands into a waiting cradle; the gift of grace receive, revere, united round the table.

See Jesus Christ in other’s hands, he is love’s deepest measure;

in love make peace, give peace a chance, and share it like a treasure.

The Great Thanksgiving

God be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up as one. Let us offer God our thanks and praise.

It is a good and joyful thing to praise the living God. Come with open hearts to this table of resurrection!

God of necessary endings and new beginnings,

You who speak and shape new worlds, You who bless and multiply life,

Receive our deep and joyful thanks for all your gifts.

Beloved Maker, In the beginning

Your creative hands and heart Revealed your wondrous powers, And all of creation bowed in awe.

Created female and male in your image, Your earth creatures delighted in Eden’s possibilities.

All things seemed good, All things seemed holy.

And yet like so much in life

It all seemed too much too soon.


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We quickly learned the price of freedom, The risk of reaching beyond our grasp,

The meaning of sin.

You have made covenant to be our God But we so often turn away from you.

Together or alone We hunger for your goodness,

Your deep communion, Your lasting forgiveness,

Your amazing grace.

Your sweetness lingers on our tongues, Holy One, Your faithfulness beckons us to start anew.

As deep calls to deep with gratitude and grace, We join with all of creation to sing your praise:

[sung in a round… URW #380]

“Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, Gloria, alleluia, alleluia!”

In word and story,

In poem and prayer, In the rhythm of waves and time,

Your hope comes.

Again and again Jesus reveals your loving ways,

your righteous judgments, your tender mercies.

He touches us with love, healing us,

restoring us. Fully human, fully divine,

beyond our reach, yet near at hand.

As he gathered his friends at table,

He gathers us in one faith, one baptism, one hope.

We remember how he took bread, And having blessed and broken it,

Gave it in the tenderest of manners, saying

This is my life, given for you. Do this faithfully in remembrance of me.


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In the same manner, he took the cup,

And having given thanks, gave it to them, saying

This cup is the new covenant Joining our life’s blood as one. May you find forgiveness here.

In eating and drinking together we receive Jesus’ love,

Transform our hearts, and imagine new futures.

[sung as a round, same tune from URW #380] Christ has died, Christ has risen, glory alleluia! Christ will come once again, Alleluia, alleluia!

Come now, Holy Spirit; bless these prayers, this food and our lives

That we might be a blessing to one another and to your greater glory.

Brooding Spirit, life-giving Truth, Send us forth to the places we have feared to go.

Create in us the treasure of resurrected life. And dwell with us now and forever.

[sung as a round, same tune from URW #380]

Amen! Amen! Glory alleluia! Amen! Amen! Alleluia, alleluia!

The Prayer of Jesus [please pray in your first language, using names for God that speak wholeness for you]

Breaking and Pouring

[bread is broken] My friends, the bread, which we break, symbolizes our communion in the body of Christ.

In eating this bread you and I become whole. We become one.

[cup is poured] The cup, which we pour, symbolizes our communion in the risen life.

In drinking this cup our lives overflow with grace. Come, for all things are ready.

Sharing Bread and Cup

“Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands” words by Fred Kaan © Hope Publishing Co.

Source - Common Ground: Songs for All the Churches, #103. [use CCLI License for this] Great Thanksgiving and Prayer of Thanksgiving adapted from June Christine Goudey, The Feast of Our

Lives, The Pilgrim Press. “Gloria 3” [responses, adapted] Source - URW, 380. [use OneLicense for this]


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Second Sunday of Lent: “Safekeeping” We praise God for “gathering” us as a Beachcomber gathers and marvels at each precious surviving piece of beach glass she finds. We are never alone, the lost is found and healing can be a real possibility in the hands of the Body of Christ. We pray that this Lenten journey will become a time of healing–personal, communal and global–and we pray that the church will be the true Body of Christ, a place of “safekeeping,” a safe space for all. • Gathering Hymn: “Gather Us In” FWS # 2236

[excerpt]

Here in this place new light is streaming, now is the darkness vanished away,

See in this space our fears and our dreamings, brought here to you in the light of this day.

Gather us in–the lost and forsaken, gather us in [and love all the same];

Call to us now, and we shall awaken, we shall arise at the sound of our name.

I like the hopeful nature of this hymn, that God gathers us all and gives light and hope. The Sundays in Lent are not counted in the 40 day calculation because every Sunday is “a little Easter.” Even in the midst of brokenness, Jesus is our hope and the church is to be a safe place for all. • Song of confession: “Sanctuary” FWS # 2164 You could invite people to reflect silently in the midst of this song about how their personal lives creates wholeness or brokenness for others. • Psalm of prayer: “The Cry of the Poor” [from verse 3: “Every spirit crushed, God will save; will be ransom for their lives; will be safe shelter for their fears, and will hear the cry of the poor.”] You could have a ritual action of people going to stations and placing pieces of beach glass that are lying on tables into small bowls or jars, praying for those who are not safe in this world. • Closing song: “Amazing Grace” Certainly praise for the one who “saves a soul like me!”


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Third Sunday of Lent: “Stories”

Those who collect beach glass often become “archeologists.” Each precious piece has a story. Often the glass is very old and one must take time and care to find the truth behind it. Tonight we acknowledge the power of truth-telling–of claiming and telling one’s own story as a path to healing. We hear one woman’s story - the Samaritan Woman - and how she came to understand that her own worth relied on no one but her own well of living water inside, given by God. Beach glass has a frosty finish that clears and shines when it comes into contact with water. What becomes clear for us as we dare to claim our stories and when our brokenness is met with living water?

• Song: “Water, River, Spirit, Grace” FWS # 2253 This gentle chorus invites God to “recarve the depths your fingers traced in sculpting me…”

• The story of the Samaritan Woman at the well is a healing story. Jesus’ radical act of even talking to this woman liberated her and gave her courage to proclaim the life-giving waters that Jesus offered her to the whole town! She was seen by so many as one thing, but her encounter with Jesus empowered her to become something else. Perhaps this story can then inspire other stories and testimonies in the congregation about times when their encounter with a Christ-like person helped, healed and liberated them. • A wonderful song of response to the story of life-giving water is “Healing River” (perhaps sung as a solo), URW #162. • A ritual action could be to invite people to place a piece of beach glass in a large vase filled with water on the altar. • A benediction song: “The Peace of the Earth Be With You” URW, 446. (In fact, consider this as a benediction song for the whole season.)

The peace of the earth be with you, the peace of the heavens too; The peace of the rivers be with you, the peace of the oceans too.

Deep peace falling over you. God’s peace growing in you.


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Fourth Sunday of Lent: “Different Pictures” Beach glass is often used in mosaic work. On this morning we celebrate that what sometimes feels “stained” can become “stained glass” and, together with the gift of community, can create new and different pictures of our lives–different than the ones drawn for us or imprinted upon us without our permission. What is the whole picture of ourselves that we can claim? What stereotypes do we have of others that rob us of the image of God in them–their worth as holy vessels?

• Opening Hymn idea: “Sing for God’s Glory” URW # 62 I especially love the second stanza:

Sing for God’s power that shatters the chains that would bind us, Searing the [bleakness] of fear and despair that could [hold] us,

touching our shame with love that will not lay blame, Reaching out gently to find us.

• ritual action idea: after a sermon leaves us with a message of “transformation through Christ,” have prayer stations where people can make mosaics of pieces of beach glass • Song of response: “I Will Change Your Name” from Renew # 225

I will change your name, you shall no longer be called

wounded, outcast, lonely or afraid.

I will change your name, your new name shall be

confidence, joyfulness, overcoming one, faithfulness, friend of God,

one who seeks my face. • Closing Song idea: “Goodness is Stronger than Evil” FWS # 2219


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Fifth Sunday of Lent: “Restoration” How do we make something beautiful out of the process of healing and the difficult work of accountability and binding together that which has been torn apart? How do we claim the promises of God for reconciliation and restoration, and make signs of that promise to each other? Pieces of fine copper wire are often used by artists to make a pendant out of beach glass. The youth (or other group) give each person a pendant that they have made. Then congregants are invited to exchange this creation with others–letting go of the treasure, gifting others. It isn’t easy–this act of trusting another with a sacred gem once again–but it is part of the healing.

This project will be fun, fun, fun for a youth group, discipleship group, Christian Education, etc. Fine copper wire is really easy to use to wrap around pieces of beach glass and twist to make a pendant loop for a chain. If you are a small congregation, why not have people make their own at some point during the service or on their way into the service? Get copper wire at:

The Whimsie Studio http://www.whimsie.com/craftwire.html

• Song ideas (the Upper Room Worshipbook has a wonderful section on “Hope and Healing in God’s Shalom):

“Your Song of Love” URW #149 This song’s chorus says “Your love within my heart, Lord, holds me, heals me, brings me to myself, life the North Star in the sky brings me home into your light, into your love.” “When from Bondage We are Summoned” URW #153 I like the imagery of the last verse for this Sunday, “See the prize our God has promised: endless life with Christ the Lord!” “Healer of Our Every Ill” URW #161 This could really be considered for any one of the Sundays in this season. I especially like the 3rd verse because it keeps our focus not just on our own healing, but that of others: “Give us strength to love each other, every sister, every brother, Spirit of all kindness: Be our guide.” • Ritual action idea: people come forward to kneel (if possible) for extended prayer this day. When they come, they are given a pendant, a sign that something beautiful can be made from that which was broken. • Song of response: “Something beautiful” UMH # 394

Something beautiful, something good; all my confusion you understood;

all I had to offer you was brokenness and strife, but you made something beautiful of my life.

• the “kicker” at the Benediction: invite people to exchange their pieces of jewelry with each other–a sign of the connection of healing and trust.


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Sixth Sunday of Lent (Palm Sunday): “Holy, Holy, Holy” The culmination of this journey of healing and wholeness is celebration. We sing with the ancients, “Holy, holy, holy… blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” The entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem reminds us that power comes not with status and money but with an “undying” love for the Holy Vessels that are God’s people. God’s reign includes all in the parade of joy and reconciliation. To live in the wholeness of the love of Christ is to live as if death has no hold on us. Indeed, Jesus knows he is headed for trouble as he enters the gates of this city. But the message of hope and liberation is what spurs us on this life journey–not brokenness, not fear, not death.

A CALL TO WORSHIP for Palm Sunday (based on Luke 19:28-40 and Psalm 118:1, 19-29 Needed: 6 readers who can read with dramatic intonation, 2 acolytes, 1 gong & player, 10 youth, many children with palms. The “People” should be prompted by a liturgist in a call and response method for their parts so that all eyes and ears are on the action and the people need no “script”) The Story Teller: As Jesus approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’” People: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. The Story Teller: They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. The gong sounds Reader #1: (from the back) Open the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to God.


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Reader #2: (from the back) This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. Readers #1 &2: I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. Choir sings the Choral Introit (for example, “The Gates of the City”) (as cloths are brought down the aisle and billowed at the front end of the center aisle and laid on the ground - we need 10 youth for this who can practice on Saturday) The gong sounds Reader #3: (from the altar as the cloths are brought forward and placed on the altar) The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. All Readers: (from around the congregation, randomly, overlapping each other) This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! The gong sounds Reader #4: (from the baptismal font) O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success. The Story Teller: When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: (acolytes come forward with light) People: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. Reader #5: (from the front center aisle, indicating to acolytes as they pass) The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. (pause as the candles are lit, then turn to indicate children in doorway) With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.


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The Story Teller: Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” All Readers: You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God and I will exalt you. People: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Processional Hymn “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” UMH # 278 (the children process with palms, led by banners, ribbons on sticks, whatever makes a colorful and festive entrance. Beautiful whole glass vases of varying sizes could also be brought in and set on the table. The communion cups could be small glass bowls with beach glass glued on the outside of them, recalling the symbol of the Lenten journey just finished.) Prayer of Confession O God, we stand at the gate, hesitant and uncertain. At times we are unwilling to answer your invitation; slow to take steps into the journey toward your Kin-dom. Forgive us, we pray. Help us to embrace the joy and the pain which comes of following you, of loving others, of accepting ourselves. Grant us the courage to join you in the procession; the selflessness to lay our cloaks before you; the freedom to lift our palms to your glory; and the knowledge that by your grace we are forgiven. Amen. Leader: Hear this good news! The procession is ever moving forward.

We can join at any moment. The invitation still stands! In the name of Jesus Christ you are forgiven!

People: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

Glory to God! Amen! [sing an Alleluia of some kind… possibly “Halle, Halle”… if you can, a wonderful embodied response would be for all the congregation to process around the sanctuary during the alleluia!]


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“FWS” = The Faith We Sing songbook http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=442471

“ZSS” = Zion Still Sings songbook

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/search.aspx?ddlSearchScope=&txtSearchQuery=zion%20still%20sings

“URW” = The Upper Room Worshipbook

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=506355

“FEB” = For Everyone Born: Global Songs for the Emerging Church http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=682240

“UMH” = United Methodist Hymnal

(many of these suggestions are hymns that can also be found in other denominational hymnals)

Common Ground: Songs for all the Churches http://www.amazon.com/Common-Ground-Song-Book-

Churches/dp/0715207547/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231287283&sr=8-1

Renew: Songs and Hymns for Blended Worship http://www.amazon.com/Renew-Songs-Hymns-Blended-

Worship/dp/0005152054/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231290939&sr=1-1

Documents

with Dr. Marcia McFee Marcia’s Doorway Lent