“Change is good… you go first!” Our brains were designed to be suspicious of change, and for good reason–homeostasis in good measure helps us thrive, protecting us from danger. But if we look closely at what the Creator set in motion, we find that change is actually the most constant part of life and necessary for animating our spirits as we find renewed purpose throughout life. Jesus advocated for changes that would keep us moving toward greater goodness!
But oh my, the evolutionary resistance to change can be debilitating. We have inherited this natural tendency to feel apprehension about change from our ancestors who had to be suspicious of difference in order to survive. But this part of our psyche can cause us, and others, no end of frustration and fear. And it can keep our communities stuck in a way that prevents us from our joy and our passion for ministry.
Certainly we are in the midst of big changes after the disruptions of the pandemics of our era. Embracing change and letting it “animate us” toward new possibilities is the work we must do in our day. This worship series will help your congregation gain a scriptural and theological foundation for facing change and help start important conversations about the "what's next" in life and ministry while also providing a light-hearted approach to being stretched into new possibilities!
Materials Included in the Series
Here's what comes with the purchase of the "Re-Shaped" worship series:
- 4 worship scripts that can be used as a series anytime of year
- Original theme music and prayer song (included), and music suggestions for hymns, songs, anthems and ensembles
- Visual and Media Arts ideas
- Children's time scripts and children/youth activity and book suggestions
- Sermon fodder
- Individual and Small group study guide, featuring a special series of interviews with Rev. Lillie Brock on The Change Cycle™ - also great for leadership teams
- Special training on creating rites of passage in times of change
- Logo and video trailer to get the word out
- A community of churches working together and sharing resources
This 30-minute video provides an overview of all the materials included in this series. You'll hear from Chuck Bell about the original theme song, Jason Moore about the series trailer and stop-motion video techniques, and from Dr. Marcia McFee about the worship scripts and supplemental materials. Great way to get a big picture view of how all the pieces fit together!
Scriptures and Synopses for Each Week
Non-Lectionary
Week One: We Were Made for This
God told Jeremiah, “Up on your feet! Go to the potter’s house. When you get there, I’ll tell you what I have to say.” So I went to the potter’s house, and sure enough, the potter was there, working away at his wheel. Whenever the pot the potter was working on turned out badly, as sometimes happens when you are working with clay, the potter would simply start over and use the same clay to make another pot. Then God’s Message came to me: “Can’t I do just as this potter does, people of Israel?” God’s Decree! “Watch this potter. In the same way that this potter works his clay, I work on you, people of Israel. - Jeremiah 18: 1-6 (The Message)
God’s creative activity is described as an ongoing active force for good. Rather than fashioning us of something that could not change, the biblical metaphor is that we are fashioned of clay, a malleable substance that can be reshaped again and again. When life requires change of us, let us embrace our ability to roll with it, for we were made for this!
Week Two: Inside Out
John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of sins. People thronged to him from Judea and Jerusalem and, as they confessed their sins, were baptized by him in the Jordan River into a changed life. John wore a camel-hair habit, tied at the waist with a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild field honey. As he preached he said, “The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will change your life. I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out.” - Mark 1: 1-15 (The Message)
Our Scripture this week invites us to remember the baptism of Jesus and the message that we, as followers of Jesus, are changed constantly “from the inside out.” Transformation does not start with the action of change itself, but a willingness within our own spirits to “lean into” the life path that is calling to us.
Week Three: Everything Changes
“Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal. If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Holy One, Parent of Us All, will honor and reward anyone who serves me.” - John 12: 20-26 (The Message)
In our scripture today, Jesus asks us to let go of life “as it is” in order to create and multiply the love that is eternal. What feels like the chaos, or recklessness, of change is the breaking-open of possibility and the sprouting of new life. This is what it means to follow the change-maker Jesus and serve his purpose of more love in the world.
Week Four: Be En-Couraged
…the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared to death. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. - Matthew 14: 22-31a (The Message)
It takes courage to change, to break out of whatever narrow paths we might find ourselves in. Just like Peter, if we are going to change, we have to take the first uncertain steps out of the boat onto the water and into the unknown. Luckily, we too have Jesus’ redeeming help and support, his hand reaching out to us, if we start to sink or lose our way.
Purchase the series now!
Click the button below to purchase the series. If you would like to become an all-access yearly subscriber, there will be a chance to upgrade for a deep discount of just $199, giving you access to all our resources, all year long (including Advent and Lent)!
***After purchasing, you will immediately get an e-mail receipt and "thank you for purchasing" e-mail with a VERY important link and instructions to get access to the materials. If you do not see that e-mail, PLEASE CHECK YOUR JUNK OR SPAM FOLDERS (and if you don't see it there, contact us at [email protected]).
Please feel free to contact us with any questions at [email protected].
We look forward to taking this journey of transformation with you!
