Alternative Worship
Iconostasis
Ash Wednesday

Our Ash Wednesday Iconostasis included stations and a service with the imposition of ashes.

Our sanctuary was decorated in black and white. The theme was Darkness to Light.

We had a photo exhibit hung around the sanctuary. The photos were of kids with ash crosses on foreheads.

Invitations were mirrored cards with “Is this who you are?” and Iconostasis info printed on them. We hung them in trees outside.

Narthex and beyond
Station One
After the Party
We decorated like a Mardi Gras party, the day after.

After passing through the party ruins folks were invited to make a mask. To meditate on what kind of mask they have out on to keep them from reflecting the glory of God.

Station Two
What is Sin?
Romans 3:23 “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”

We had definitions, scriptures and quotes regarding sin. There was a video playing (Worship House Media), interviews with folks on the nature of sin.

There was butcher paper affixed to the wall. Folks were encouraged to write or draw their definition of sin.

Station Three
Hearts of Ice
Ezekiel 36:25-37
We made heart shaped ice cubes. Folks were encouraged to take an ice cube in their hand and as it melts to let God melt their hearts. This was very powerful.

Station Four
“Is this who you are?”
1 Corinthians 13:12
Mirrors and scripture with the words, “Is this who you are?” people reflected on their image and that they were created in the image of God.

We also had two confessional booths set up. Folks could go in alone or be prayed for by a volunteer.

Alternative Worship
Epiphany
Iconostasis
Journey of the Magi

Our January 2008 Iconostasis followed the journey of the wise men to Jesus.

Our sacred space was decorated in white, purple and gold. We had light up stars (like for the top of Christmas trees), candles and cut out stars on the floor leading toward the cross.

Station One
John 1:14 Darkness to Light
The room was draped in white fabric and filled with white candles. Folks were invited to light a candle and pray that the light of God would come into their lives (or another’s life)

Narthex
Station Two
Matthew 2:1-10
Follow the star

We had directions inviting folks to journey with the wise men to seek the Savior. Over one entrance we had “Follow in Faith” with a poem by Maria Byars Then We Shall Know Fully. And over the other entrance “Follow in Doubt” with a poem by Jeanne Murray Walker Staying Power. We also had scripture to read. And, of course, a star.

Station Three-Five
The Gifts of the Magi
Matthew 2:11-12
Each station had scripture, poetry, art and wise men from various nativities.

Station Three
Gold-representing Christ’s role as King.
Folks were invited to take a pinch of gold (glitter) and offer it to Christ as they offer themselves

Station Four
Myrrh-representing Christ’s role as Savior.
Folks were invited to take myrrh (a spice used in burial) and rub it on their hand or take some, to remind them of Christ’s sacrifice for them.

Station Five
Frankincense-representing Christ’s role as Priest.
Folks were invited to take a pinch of frankincense and pray.

Alternative worship
Christmas
Iconostasis
The Nativity

For our Christmas Iconostasis we focused on the nativity. We had several nativity's throughout the worship space and one at each station.

The week prior we hung glass ornaments with invitations printed on them in the trees outside (we only found ONE broken!)


We also left a basket of invite ornaments in the church for folks to take.

Our gathering time was a traditional Lessons and Carols

Our colors were pine and cranberry (we had real pine boughs and cranberries decorating the sanctuary through advent (until the fire department made us remove all the greenery!)

Outside, the night of, we lined the steps with luminaries.

Our stations were based on the Nativity story from Matthew and Luke.
Each station had a nativity, scripture and poetry. After folks went through the stations we had paper nativity sets from www.shackman.com


Station One
Mary
Luke 1:26-38

Station Two
Joseph
Matthew 1:18-25

Joseph seems to have fallen over in his excitement! Sorry, I don't know how to fix!
Station Three
Stable and Animals
Luke 2:1-8
with a great poem called Room for Christ by Dorothy Day

Station Four
Angels and Shepherds
Luke 2:8-20

Station Five
The Magi
Matthew 2:1-12

Apparently these guys couldn't handle the journey!

The Nativity
We set up long tables, with craft supplies, served tea, cocoa and cookies and we made our nativity sets together. Some folks chose to take them home.

We cut the baby Jesus out of each set and gave it to folks separately in an envelope with The Gift by Kevin Hart printed on it. People then waited until Christmas to add Jesus to their set