God of new beginnings

Written By:
Sharon Tedford
Bible Refs: Phil 3:13-14, Lam 3:22-23

Our tradition of making New Year's resolutions can be a useful tool to help us with all kinds of things in our lives. Why not harness that desire for 'newness' with this activity as part of a service in January, and lead people towards 'newness' for God's glory this year.

Set two tables (or lines of tables, depending on what size group you're catering for) opposite to each other. On one table, place the 1st instruction sheet along with pens, paper and bins. On the other table place the 2nd instruction sheet together with the bookmarks (preferably print these out on card) and pens. The tables need to be set in such a way so that as people write down their 'things to leave behind' they have their back on the the table with the bookmarks on. They will therefore 'turn their backs' on the things they wish to leave behind in a symbolic act as they move to the second table.

Alternative ending: If your premises allow you may like to put all the pieces of paper into a large metal dustbin and burn them in a safe place that people will see as they leave.

Sharon is a worship leader, singer songwriter, wife and mother to 3 busy (!) children . She loves to creatively worship our creative God

Comments / Responses

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Previous Comments:

Simon
02 Jan 2010 14:05
There is no way of changing the date from 2009 to 2010 on the downloads, which would be helpful.

anna
15 Dec 2011 14:34
thank you for sharing this one! this is a great help. Godblessyou!
Heather Wilson
03 Jan 2012 10:42
How can we change 2009 to 2012 on the bookmarks
Sara Hargreaves
03 Jan 2012 11:21
I've now changed these bookmarks to say '2012' instead of '2009'. Thanks!
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