sustain:if:able kiwi

leading worship, in 6 minutes, with communion

A creationary: a space to be creative with the lectionary. For more resources go here.

One of my tasks today is to lead worship. I have been allocated 6 minutes and this includes communion. Can’t be done right? Well watch this video.

A few months ago Maggi Dawn blogged about this. I thought it was a fabulous idea. I loved the mission dimension created by being outdoors; I loved the end, when the passerby pausing with coffee, attracted by the sound of singing.

I thought it would be a great resource for my church, ministry, sacraments class. Often those new in ministry can get worried about getting the words right, and so they tend to get quite slavish when it comes to words. So showing a church service that in 6 minutes that has all the major liturgical moments could be a good way to encourage freedom to focus on the essentials.

I mentioned this in the staff meeting and was met by some disbelieving looks. 6 minutes!

So when it came time to plan our end of year staff day, which will include some team building at local wineries, someone suggested we end with communion. And the request was made – Steve, what about the 6 minute communion.

So that is my task today. To lead worship, in about 6 minutes, including communion. Updated: It was timed at 6 minutes, 20 seconds and that included Bible reading, preaching, prayer, confession, passing the peace, communion, Lords Prayer and singing . For those interested, here is my run sheet/transcription of the 6 minute communion. I have slightly adapted it to include the lectionary text for today (being 9 December 2010).

God is with you
All: And you

Bible Reading: Isaiah 7
 1 When Ahaz … was king of Judah, King Rezin of Aram and Pekah king of Israel marched up to fight against Jerusalem .. the hearts of Ahaz, the king of Judah and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.
 3 Then the LORD said to Isaiah, Say … ‘Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart …. 9If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.’”

ALL: The word
Stop breathe stand firm love serve

Let us pray
for the world
for the people
for the church
for life, death, for joy, for sorrow
for the world to come

We confess
All: we have wandered, bring us home

Grace, peace and purpose be upon you

Greet your neighbours with the sign of peace (without touch in COVID19 season)

Let us pray
Lift up your hearts, give thanks and sing
ALL: Hosanna, Hosanna

Father thanks for making us
thanks for taking us
thanks for showing us the way
Really

And thankyou especially for you Son Jesus Christ
who said, take, eat this is my body, which is given for you

And take, drink, this is my blood shed for you
for many, for the forgiveness of sins

Spirit, bless it, bless us and bless all creation

All: As it was, as it is, as it will be

By human God, through abundant God, to the glory of Almighty God.

All: Amen

We believe this to be the body and blood of Christ
Not to be taken lightly
Let anyone who feels called is welcome to this table
These are the gifts of God, for the people of God.

Serve bread and wine (bread only, individually prepared with gloves in COVID 19 season; no cup)

Say together the Lord’s prayer

Thankyou Lord
for being with us

Sing: Amazing Grace

Seize the day, Serve the Lord, Alleluia.