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

Iconostasis

Fire

Continuing our series, Elemental, our final gathering was Fire.

The theme was "Fan into flame the gift of God." 2Timothy 1:6

Outside, the week prior, we placed a "burning bush" with flame invitations. Unfortunately, we put it out on Halloween and someone stole the whole bush!













Night of, outside, we had a fire going in a portable fire pit and red luminaries lining the steps.










Station One: Exodus 13 (the pillar of fire)

Outside near the fire we placed a basket of votive candles with a Jesus icon on it in a basket for folks to take. Directions read, "Whenever you light this candle remember that God is light and will lead you in the light."

Outside looking in to sanctuary

Station Two Exodus 3:1-14 The Burning Bush

Signs inviting people to enter this holy place and remove their shoes.

We also had the scripture for folks to read.

The sanctuary and narthex were done on red and orange fabric. Lots and lots of candles. We also had a video of fire playing on the wall.

Station Three

Zecheriah 2:1-5 The wall of fire "5 And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,' declares the LORD, 'and I will be its glory within.'"

In our cry room (a lovely space off the narthex) we used fabric and candles to create a circular wall of fire. We invited people to enter the circle and sit (on cushions or the floor) We had directions: God desires to replace our walls of self protection with God's protection Sit and rest, let God’s goodness surround and protect you

Station Four Ezekiel 1:4-14 and Ezekiel 8:1-4. The awesomeness of our God. We had drawings of the beings descriped in the scripture (by local artist Heidi Estey), scripture and poetry. A red light shone on the images. We simply asked folks to meditate on the hugeness of God.


Station Five Jeremiah 9:9...his word is in my heart like a fire. 2 Corinthians 4:6 6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ.














We made paper mache hearts and let folks design their own "heart for God"

Station Six Revelation 8:4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God's people, went up before God from the angel's hand

We had censors with charcoal burning, folks added incense as they prayed.

I don't know why there is so much space after each post. I am still figuring this out.