Preparing the Way: Worship at Five in Advent

This Sunday evening at Worship at Five, we invited all to “prepare the way of the Lord.” A team of creative folks from the Worship at Five community spent several weeks dreaming this service into being by reflecting on the assigned scriptural texts for Sunday, Dec. 9 (Luke 1: 48-79, Luke 3:1-6, and Malachi 3:1-4), all of which repeat the phrase, “prepare the way.” 

Dreaming led to the creation of eight unique and engaging prayer stations that invited worshipers to prepare the way for Christ’s coming by:

• Letting go of baggage and regret from the year in anticipation of Christ’s refining fire
• Testifying to glimpses of hope, peace, love and joy in our lives and the world
• Spending time in silence
• Recognizing God’s acceptance and love for all people
• Praying for those on a journey, especially the lonely, the oppressed, and refugees

Founders Hall was rearranged so that the communion table sat in the center of the space, with all the worshippers and musicians “in the round” circling the table. As we lifted our voices to sing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” I saw people smiling at one another across the circle, and eyes filling with tears at the joy of singing together. After a beautiful evening of worship, we all gathered around a campfire and roasted marshmallows for s’mores, and the spirit of expectation and wonder followed us into the world.

What a gift it is to be able to worship together in this holy season of expectation. I give thanks for the creativity and the vision of our community, and the ways in which these experiences allow all of us to prepare for the in breaking of God in the world. If you haven’t had the chance to experience the wonder and joy of Worship at Five, please know that you are always welcome- we would love to see you!

 See photos below!