2024 has drawn to a close and 2025 is here. As we embark upon this new year, we feel inspired, daunted, impatient, tired, comforted and more. Just as the Wise Ones went on a journey to Bethlehem, we too are beginning the next stage of our journey. Using several different worship stations, our congregation chose to contemplate the road ahead for us as individuals and as a Christian community.
Free printable handouts of these stations are available for download (see below each section). You are welcome to use these with the following credit: © Marianne Musgrove, locustsandwildhoney.net. I have also used and credited a couple of other people's resources. Please credit them accordingly. Thank you.
Worship station 1: Discerning a Word with Clay
You will need:
Air-dried clay. I recommend pre-rolling the clay into 70g balls.
Cookies cutters in a variety of shapes
Straws for making a hole
Plastic lids - one for each person to make their shape on and then take home
Wipes for cleaning hands
Container for used wipes
Covering for table
Skewers for writing words in clay
Optional: letter press set
Handouts with list of words and instructions (see below).
Worship station 2: Visio Divina - contemplating the road we walk with Jesus
You will need:
A painting or photograph of a road or path
Handouts with instructions and reflection prompts (see below).
Worship station 3: labyrinth walk - releasing hopes & fears for 2025
You will need:
A labyrinth!
Tokens or stones
A bowl in the centre
Slips of paper, each with a different Bible verse for people to take from the bowl (see below for the verses we used)
Handout with instructions (see below)
Worship station 4: light a candle on the world map
(inspired by Kara K Root https://kara-root.blogspot.com/)
You will need:
World map
Tea lights
Matches
Discussion Questions
The Bible is full of characters going on a journey, e.g. Three Wise Ones, Jonah, Moses and the Israelites, Ruth & Naomi, Cleopas (Road to Emmaus), Jesus etc. Each character experiences a range of emotions and traits: faithfulness, fear, doubt, hope, impatience, reluctance, joy, defiance, love etc. Which Biblical character’s journey do you relate to most at the moment and why?
What hopes and fears did/do you have about the journey right now?
Which biblical story do you think speaks to us as a congregation as we step into the unknown?
What attitude is God calling us to embrace as we cross that threshold?
Where do you see God moving among us right now?
What gifts, like the Wise Ones, has God given you/us to take on the journey?
You are welcome to use these materials with the following credit: © Marianne Musgrove, locustsandwildhoney.net. Thank you.
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