I'm delighted to announce the publication of my book of creative worship resources, Deeper Water, published through Mediacom Education - available here. (You can download the Contents page and Introduction.) The 180 page book contains gathering words, seasonal prayers and liturgies, creative prayer stations, guided meditations, drama scripts, all-age blessings, and 11 original songs, most co-authored with Tim Beale, David MacGregor, Allan Hoare and Leigh Newton.
The wonderful cover illustration was made by our daughter Grace Mitchell.
While much of the material could be used or adapted for Sunday morning worship, it also lends itself to more varied settings - worship in the round, retreats, camps/conferences, 'alternative' settings.
Several years ago I started putting worship words of mine into a folder with the idea of possible publication. These go back to North Ringwoon UC where I started a drama group in the 1990s. While at The Joint Board of Christian Education and Uniting Education I edited a book of guided meditations and started writing prayer resources for The Upper Room's Devo'Zine. Later when we moved to Adelaide from Horsham, I had the opportunity to lead worship at Rosefield UC, and at the College Chapel services for Parkin-Wesley and later Uniting College. At rosefield we started Alive@5, a monthly all age worship and learning time, and Interactive Christmas and Easter events. Material from those programs is also included here. During this time I started attending the Uniting Church's national Songwrite event and was encouraged to work on some songs. A year of supply ministry at Blackwood Uniting Church gave me the opportunity to write regularly for worship and to curate some epic worship services.
Finally, during the challenges of 2020 I found myself with the time and need to reflect and write. Three new songs were completed.
So the collection is something of a journey and hence an eclectic collection. I'm grateful for the individuals and communities who have been part of that journey.
Next week we're doing an online launch with the help of a bunch of friends. Come join us on my Facebook page. It's a public event so you don't need to be a Facebook member.
And thanks to Mediacom for being part of this!
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