Some time ago my wife recorded a CD with 12 tracks of improvised piano music titled "A MOMENT IN TIME". Each track was composed (while she was playing) and all the tracks were recorded in the one session. I think it's an amazingly inspired collection for personal reflection, contemplation, healing or worship. Some people who have been ill in hospital have found this music very soothing. I have recently posted this on YouTube and added some of my photos.
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My Advent Leaf Lowly leaf, still, beside the bush track so scarred, deformed, and common place – Yet your hollows and hues draw me to kneel and look at you. Now lifted, I notice a deeper design in this delicate gum. As Advent begins, I’m reminded of Mary and Joseph labouring along the Galilee trail to Bethlehem. – Two humble souls, though sidelined and shamed remain resolute, faithful, and grateful. God’s plan may seem so flawed to some but this devoted pair soon delight to hold the perfect “Promised One”! As I cradle my fragile “Advent Leaf” I’m reminded I need to stop; to welcome and worship the “Creator King” who has come and who has seen my sin -stained life and still loves me… truly, completely, forever. (c) Don Stott Dec 3 2022  Pentecost Hallelujah!
‘Hallelujah’ - written by Leonard Cohen@Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC Pentecost Hallelujah! words by Don Stott don@eliab.com May 1. 2022 Based on Acts 1&2 He’d suffered on a cross and died But rose again all were surprised Now Jesus is alive, his friends bore witness For forty days Christ taught them all Prepare yourselves ‘await God’s call Get ready for the gift my father promised.’ Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Will God’s kingdom be restored? The crowd round Jesus now implored “It’s not for you to know the times and seasons But wait and see his authority The powerful Spirit will set you free And you will share God’s news to many nations. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah The day of Pentecost had come In a crowded house, an expectant hum The believers prayed and gave God all the glory Suddenly a deafening sound Wind and fire, tongues all around Cries of praise and shouts of Hallelujah! Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Pentecost pilgrims gathered nigh Heard strange sounds and wondered why? Confounding chatter, dazed and seeking reason Peter stood and told them all ‘It’s not from wine, they’ve heard God’s call God’s Holy Spirit gift has come to you!’ Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Three thousand found their hearts were stirred Baptised, rejoiced at what they’ve heard Full on awe with many signs and wonders Holy Spirit light life’s flame Let love spread, now all proclaim Praise and glory, worship hallelujah! Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hot Cross Buns
Hold up a hot cross bun and ask the group if they like to eat these buns at Easter. Say that many people all around the world like to eat these buns at Easter time and those that are Christians are reminded of Jesus death on a cross by the cross we find on the top of the bun. “Let’s think about the ingredients needed to make these buns. What are some of the things you think might be used? Flour? Water? Fruit? One thing that’s very important in making hot cross buns is yeast. What do we use yeast for? It helps the bun to rise otherwise they might be called “flat cross buns”. The yeast also might remind us that Jesus rose from the grave. He didn’t stay dead after he was crucified and put in to the tomb – he rose again. Dried fruits are also added to the mixture in making hot cross buns. These might remind us of the good things that come from Jesus’ death. Without his death on the cross we wouldn’t be able to enjoy new life. As you pass around some buttered hot cross buns for the children to eat. Invite everyone just to pause for a few moments and silently thank Jesus for being willing to die a slow and painful death so that we might have eternal life with him. Just in case you wondered about the history of the hot cross bun : We get the word “bun” from the Teutonic equivalent, “boun”, which was an archaic description of a sacrificial ox. The practice of offering animal sacrifices at the vernal equinox became frowned upon. Instead, the goddess in question was honoured with a cake, a sacred ox bun. Imprinted on the cake were the crossed horns of a ox. Christians reinterpreted this as the cross of Christ. Puppet script from Eliab.com “Hot Cross Buns“ Colours for Easter
An All- Age Worship Activity You need : Green, Red,Black, White and Yellow balloon bunches or streamers or flags. Call forward any of the congregation or children’s group who are wearing a green top (t-shirt, jumper, sweater…). Give them the green props and ask them to stand in a group on the far left side of your stage or up-front area. Talk about how the colour green may remind us that Jesus came… and on the way he was welcomed into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Ask the green group to practice their phrase. Continue this process with the following colours and phrases. “Jesus came- and suffered- and died- but came alive again- to bring new life… GREEN —- RED —- BLACK — WHITE — YELLOW Finally invite all those remaining in the congregation wearing other colours to add “for everyone” to finish the phrase. Those holding the balloons can form a rolling Mexican wave of colour as they circle the balloons in front of them as they say their phrase.
Psalm 121 from the Good News Bible set to music |
AuthorDon Stott- 'Aussie' teacher, pastor and children's worker. Archives
July 2023
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