What is included in the Worship for Life Resource Collection?
Worship for Life is a resource collection of 14 books, including a Leader’s
Guide; 13 units, each a separate book focused on worship and its elements; and
one CD of original music – one song for each unit. A songbook is available
separately. For a
detailed brochure click here. The
brochure requires Abobe Reader which is a free download. Please
click here
if you need to download Reader.
Units
Unit 1: Worship -
Psalm 84:1-2, 4; Psalm 96:2-4a; John 4:23-24
Unit 2: Call to Worship -
Psalm 95:6-7a
Unit 3: Invocation -
Psalm 145:18
Unit 4: Music -
Psalm 150; Isaiah 42:10
Unit 5: Confession/Assurance -
Isaiah 55:6-7; 1 John 1:8-9
Unit 6: Creeds -
Acts 5:20; Romans 10:6-10
Unit 7: Prayer -
Matthew 7:7-8; Philippians 4:6; Hebrews 4:16
Unit 8: Scripture -
Psalm 119:105
Unit 9: Proclamation -
Romans 10:14,17
Unit 10: Sacrament of Baptism -
Matthew 28:18-19
Unit 11: Sacrament of Communion -
Luke 22:17-20
Unit 12: Offering -
Deuteronomy 16:17; Proverbs 3:9; Luke 6:38; Romans 12:6-8
Unit 13: Benediction -
Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 67:1-2
Leader's Guide
This introductory guidebook offers the person responsible for oversight an at-a-glance understanding of the historical context that led to the resource collection; the structure of each unit; ideas for applying the resource in a variety of programs; comprehensive indices of learning activities, music, Scripture, and themes; historical and theological background materials; and a biography of the writers.
Music CD
The music CD provides original compositions designed to use with the Music: Song lessons in each unit, suitable for children’s choir and worship presentations as well as for classroom use.
Songbook
Although each unit of Worship for Life contains printed words and music for the unit’s theme song, found in the Music: Song lesson of the book, a composite songbook may be purchased separately from the resource collection. While this songbook is not needed for classroom teachers, it might be helpful to music coordinators who wish to have copies of the music from all 13 units in a single source. The Worship for Life Songbook includes three versions of each song: words and music, melody line only, and words only. A convenient set of indices is also provided.
What is included in each unit?
Each of the 13 units in the Worship for Life Resource Collection is developed
with the same overall plan. The theme of each unit is determined by the element
of worship being taught and the scriptural background selected to develop the
topic. The structure of Unit 1 through Unit 13 follows the same format:
Contents
In addition to outlining the specific sections of the unit and providing their
associated page numbers, the table of contents also lists the lessons and the
learning activities used to teach them.
Introduction
The introduction begins with an overview of the resource collection and the
content of the unit. Readers are instructed how to prepare to use the unit as
well as how to teach each lesson. In addition, the introduction provides the
specific framework for the unit, including an outline of the theme, scripture,
and goals. The framework also identifies how the goals of the unit are achieved
through the filter of the Shema, Deuteronomy 6:5, and the Greatest Commandment,
Matthew 22:37-39 - loving God with all one’s heart, soul, might, and mind. Also
in the introduction to each unit there is an overview of the biblical and
historical basis for the topic of the unit.
Lessons
There are 19 lessons based on different methods that reflect the multiple
intelligences. The 19 methods include:
Architecture -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Architecture. For example: baptismal fonts and pools, foundations, and stained
glass windows.
Art - This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Art. For example: chalk drawings, clay sculpture, and wall murals.
Banners/Textiles -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Banners/Textiles. For example: baptismal towels, rubbings, and weavings.
Clown/Mime -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the methods of
Clown and Mime. For example: popcorn prayers, mime props, and tug-of-war skits.
Computer -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Computer. For example: at home worship bulletins, newspapers, and power point
slide presentations.
Creative Writing -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Creative Writing. For example: graffiti wall, interview journals, and invisible
writing.
Creative Writing: Poetry -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Creative Writing: Poetry. For example: diamond pattern, litany, and skinny poem.
Culinary -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
cooking/food. For example: graham cracker cathedral, pretzels, and resurrection
rolls.
Dance/Gesture/Movement -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Dance/Gesture/Movement. For example: choreography, motions, and sign language.
Drama -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Drama. For example: choral reading, first person, and role-play.
Drama: Script -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Drama and includes a specific script for children to use to illustrate the
topic. For example: frozen pictures, newscast, and reader’s theater.
Games -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Games. For example: bingo, concentration, and tic-tac-toe.
Music -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Music. For example: bottle scale, lummi sticks, and piggyback songs.
Music: Hymn Story -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Music. For example: children's message that explores the background of the hymn,
teaching tool, and practical application.
Music: Song -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Music. For example: a new song written for the unit, gestures, and movements.
Photography -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Photography. For example: film, storyboarding, and tableau.
Puppetry -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Puppetry. For example: bottle puppet, object theater, and shadow puppet.
Storytelling -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Storytelling. For example: children’s books, guided meditation, and literary
circles.
Storytelling: Children’s Message -
This lesson teaches an aspect of the theme of the unit through the method of
Storytelling. For example: a children’s message, an object lesson, and a
practical application.
Enhancements
Each unit provides reproducible pages for distribution to congregants, parents,
pastors, and teachers.
Congregation’s Page -
This Enhancement Page can be used as a bulletin insert, a newsletter article, or
a pew rack supplement, to inform members of the congregation about the theme.
Parent’s Page -
This Enhancement Page helps parents reinforce the theme at home with suggestions
to continue the learning throughout the week.
Pastor’s Page -
This Enhancement Page helps pastors as they prepare worship services that
include and welcome children.
Teacher’s Page -
This Enhancement Page helps leaders prepare to teach and includes a printed
prayer.
Historical Overview of Worship
This overview presents background of Old Testament worship: Creation through
Flood, Patriarchal Period, Egypt to David, David to Solomon to the Exile, Exile,
Post Exile; New Testament worship: Pre-crucifixion, Crucifixion through
Resurrection, Post-resurrection through Pentecost; Christian Worship through the
Ages: Early Church, Ancient (100-600), Medieval (600-1500), Reformation
(1500-1750), Modern (1750-1960), Post-modern (1960-present).
Theological Background/Reflection on Worship
This theological reflection provides background on five areas of worship:
Children in Worship, Church Year, Components of Worship, Pattern of Worship, and
Worship Word Study.
Indices
At the conclusion of each unit are three indices that coordinate the references
for that specific unit.
Music -
This index provides a listing for each song title found in the unit.
Scripture -
This index provides a listing for both Old Testament and New Testament
references in the unit.
Themes -
This index provides a thematic listing of topics found in the lessons of the
unit.
Lesson Format
Lessons in each unit of Worship for Life provide hands-on learning in 19 unique areas - architecture, art, banners/textiles, clown/mime, computer, creative writing, creative writing: poetry, culinary, dance/gesture/movement, drama, drama: script, games, music, music: hymn story, music: song, photography, puppetry, storytelling, and storytelling: children's message.
Each unit's lessons use a consistent format:
- Passage - provides the scripture that serves as the basis for the lesson
- Purpose - states the theme for the lesson and the techniques employed
- Preparation - lists all the materials needed for the lesson as well as guidelines for advance preparation
- Procedure - outlines the three parts of the lesson
- Engage - supplies the leader with the context for the lesson and a way to engage the participants in the learning experience
- Explore - presents the instruction, activities, and practice for the lesson
- Empower - concludes the lesson and challenges the participants to apply their learning to life
- Possibilities - gives possible adaptations for children younger than kindergarten and older than fifth grade
- Participation - suggests ways to apply the outcome of the learning to an actual service of worship
In addition to the lessons, each unit provides a comprehensive index and enhancement pages to help extend the learning to teachers, pastors, parents, and the wider congregation. Learn, experience, and celebrate together!
