“Like a shepherd you feed your flock,
gathering the lambs and holding them close,
and leading mother ewes with gentleness.”
— Isaiah 40:11, The Inclusive Bible
Advent can be filled with worry about finding the perfect Christmas gifts. Deep down we want people in our lives to know they are special and that we love them. But sometimes we overlook the greatest gift of all… our very presence. Our spiritual ancestors were also worried — often about survival in the midst of political occupation. And the response of the scriptures is “the Holy Living One is with you.” Like a shepherd who never leaves the flock, we are held close. This season, we are invited to be the gift of presence for our loved ones, for our communities, for those who need it most.
“Like a shepherd you feed your flock,
gathering the lambs and holding them close,
and leading mother ewes with gentleness.”
— Isaiah 40:11, The Inclusive Bible
Advent can be filled with worry about finding the perfect Christmas gifts. Deep down we want people in our lives to know they are special and that we love them. But sometimes we overlook the greatest gift of all… our very presence. Our spiritual ancestors were also worried — often about survival in the midst of political occupation. And the response of the scriptures is “the Holy Living One is with you.” Like a shepherd who never leaves the flock, we are held close. This season, we are invited to be the gift of presence for our loved ones, for our communities, for those who need it most.
About the Series Theme from Dr. Marcia McFee
As the series trailer says, “beyond the wrappings and bows lies an emptiness, a loneliness.” The statistics on despair right now are sobering, much less the personal experience you or your loved ones may have with this “phenomenon” we are experiencing. And so I decided to practice what I teach — one of the best ways to address a topic in community is through our community worship. This is because when we talk out loud about it, when we realize we are not alone, and when we search for the intersections of our faith narrative, transformation is possible. And then the fast-track to transformation is “practice.” We put our actions into play outside of worship, inspired by what we have experienced in worship. So this season we will be more “present” in order to work to dispel loneliness, emptiness, and despair. We will discover that our own presence is a present to others — and this is better than any gift money can buy.
Watch the get-ready webinar!
Unwrap the series early by watching the get-ready webinar! Dr. Marcia shows you everything that's included and how to use the materials in your unique context. This is a great way to learn more about the series and discern whether this theme is right for your community.
Watch a 5-minute message from Dr. Marcia about the contents of the series and the series trailer below:
What's included in the series materials?
Full worship scripts adaptable for your context that include all liturgy and leader parts, scripture readings, and a sung communion liturgy. Includes Advent 1-4, Christmas Eve, the Sunday after Christmas, AND a script for a combined experience of Advent 4 and Christmas Eve (which fall on the same Sunday in 2023)
Downloadable music and recordings for the theme song and original prayer song. Includes a threshold moment song excerpt by choral composer and arranger, Mark Hayes
More music ideas, including choral anthem and band selections, along with hymn and song suggestions for traditional and contemporary styles
Visual and media arts ideas, including sanctuary visual ideas, multi-generational craft ideas, a series trailer, and social media posts
Children's time scripts for engaging children and youth during the series
Sermon fodder to inspire your preaching and small group study suggestions PLUS a ready-made devotional journal
Yes, And... Rhythm-Flexible Ideas to engage with your onsite and online participants in many different ways that fit your congregants' busy schedules and individual needs
Praise for Worship Design Studio Series
"As a busy pastor WDS materials are invaluable! They are easily adaptable to my context, and always a source of inspiration for brainstorming and planning ahead."
- B.K.
"WDS is the best investment in worship planning and creation I have ever made in all my years of ministry. I’m so grateful for all of you!"
- L.P.
"YOU ARE AMAZING and I AM SO THANKFUL for the bazillion ways this community and these resources have helped me lead beautiful worship with deep integrity!" - A.G.
Purchase the series now!
Click the button above to check out. If you would like to become an all-access yearly subscriber, there will be a chance to upgrade, giving you access to all our resources, all year long (including next year's Advent)!
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]).
Purchase the series now!
Click the button above to check out. If you would like to become an all-access yearly subscriber, there will be a chance to upgrade, giving you access to all our resources, all year long (including next year's Advent)!
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]).
Dr. Marcia McFee is a professor, worship designer, author, preacher, and ritual artist. Drawing on a first career in professional dance and musical theater and equipped with a Master's in Theology and a PhD in Liturgical Studies and Ethics, she understands the role of any worship artist in the church as that of creating extraordinary portals through which communities journey with the Spirit.
Dr. Marcia McFee has been known for creating deeply meaningful and memorable worship for over 30 years. In her Worship Design Studio online coaching website, subscribers have access to years of worship series with ideas for every Sunday, designed specifically for mainline Protestant churches with a variety of worship styles!
